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



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                                    LIGNUMVITAE KEY


                                        I                 RVE         MANAGEMENT PLAN





















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                90.75                                            1991
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                                         DEPARTMENT OF NMURAL RESOURCES















                         LIGNUMVITAE KEY AQUATIC PRESERVE


                                  MANAGEMENT PLAN


                                      ADOPTED


                                 DECEMBER 17, 1991











                                 VIRGINIA WETHERELL


                                 Executive Director

                      Florida Department of Natural  Resources









                           This plan was prepared by the
                      Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves
                              Division of State Lands





                                        ATMOS











        Funds for this management plan were provided by the Department.of
        Environmental Regulation, Office of Coastal Management using funds
        made available through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
        ,Administration under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as
        amended.                          4V)" '


                            This document was prin ted an recyclece paper.












                                   EXECUTIVE SUMMARY




           Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve is recognized as an
           exceptional water resource of the state. The preserve
           encompasses 7,500 acres of seagrass meadows, deep water
           channels and hard bottom communities that provide nursery and
           settlement habitat for a wide variety of marine species. The
           three navigable channels that traverse the preserve f rom north
           to south are a transitional zone between Florida Bay and the
           Atlantic Ocean. The channels are f lanked on either side by
           broad seagrass flats that may be partially exposed during low
           tide. The shallow water flats are prime feeding areas for many
           wading birds and a valuable nursery area for juvenile fish and
           invertebrates, including many of commercial interest. Hard
           bottom areas exhibit soft and hard corals, marine algae and a
           host of colorful invertebrates and tropical fish.

           The nearby islands are remnants of ancient coral patch reefs
           that emerged from the sea 10,000 years ago. The islands
           support lush growths of tropical hardwood hammocks, saltmarsh,
           buttonwood, and mangrove forests on their undisturbed
           shorelines. The Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve was
           established for the purpose of maintaining this rich mosaic of
           natural resources    so that their aesthetic, biological and
           scientif ic value,s  may endure f or the enjoyment of future
           generations..

           The preserve lies   between the urban settlement of Islamorada
           on Upper Matecumbe  Key and the primarily residential community
           on Lower Matecumbe Key. The Overseas Highway traverses the
           center of the preserve of f ering scenic vistas of the nearby
           islands and access to the preserve. The Florida Park Service
           also offers boat tours to Indian Key State Historic Site and
           Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site. Shell Key State
           Preserve, a mangrove island that serves as a valuable rookery
           habitat is also within the preserve boundary. Other activities
           within the preserve include boating, snorkeling, diving,
           commercial fishing, marine life collecting, charter sport
           fishing and recreational fishing for finfish and lobster.
           There are f ive commercial marinas in close proximity to the
           preserve. Two immediately adjacent to the preserve offer
           rental boats to the public.

           The main objective of the resource management program for the
           preserve is to protect natural resources for the benef it of
           future generations. on site management will be directed toward
           the maintenance of existing or essentially natural conditions
           and restoring damaged or degraded areas. Management activities
           include gathering data on resources and protection of existing
           conditions through review of proposed and existing projects,
           input into.local government planning efforts, and cooperative
           efforts with the Florida Park Service field staff.









           To protect natural resources and allow traditional uses, the
           preserve has been divided into several management areas. The
           management area designation is based upon the existing
           shoreline use and the quality of the adjacent submerged
           resources. The upland areas within the preserve consist of
           state-owned lands managed by the Division of Recreation and
           Parks and the Department of Transportation. Lands adjacent to
           the preserve are developed with commercial and residential
           uses. Wetlands and currently vacant lands include many
           sensitive natural and cultural resource features that may
           degenerate or be destroyed by development. Acquisition of
           environmentally sensitive lands adjacent to the preserve is an
           additional management strategy to protect the preserve's
           resources.

           Primary impacts to the preserve's resources     include boating
           and fishing activities and poorly planned development. Major
           marina facilities and private docks outside the preserve
           account for the majority of recreational boats in the area.
           The three navigation channels in the vicinity provide the most
           convenient access between Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean
           for several miles on either side of the Matecumbe Keys.
           Boating related impacts involve prop dredging, siltation and
           groundings. Most of these impacts could be prevented or
           minimized with improved channel marking, land acquisition,
           public education, restricted ai@easf and an enforcement
           presencd.   This management plan establishes         goals * and
           objiBctives to address these and other management issues.

           The management plan also outlines the responsibilities of
           various different agencies and their subdivisions as provided
           for through     statutory direction     and other applicable
           authorities. Management of certain aspects of the preserves
           resources can be enhanced through application of these
           programs. Whenever possible, existing programs and resources
           will be integrated into the management of the preserve. The
           statutory management authority for public and privates uses
           of the preserve, as well as specific criteria for those uses
           are also provided. These uses are subject to the approval of
           the Board of Trustees or their designee. Approval is normally
           predicated upon demonstration that the proposed use is
           environmentally sound, and in the opinion of the Board, in the
           public interest.

           Management and protection of the aquatic preserve can be
           enhanced through research and education programs. Research is
           critical to determining the status of existing resources and
           to provide a standard for future reference.         Environmental
           education programs will coordinate with and be      complimentary
           to existing programs whenever possible.









          Funding and staffing levels to initiate the identified goals
          and objectives for resource management, protection, education
          and research are the minimum practicable for the identified
          areas. Continual monitoring of the accomplishments of this
          management plan will provide a standard for evaluating whether
          present budgetary and staffing estimates are adequate to
          manage and protect the preserve's resources for future
          generations.











                               TABLE OF CHAPTER CONTENTS




          ChaRter                                                          Page



                I.  INTRODUCTION                                            1



               II.  MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
                    A.  Statutory Authority                                 9
                    B.  Administrative Rules
                        Governing Aquatic Preserves                         9
                    C.  Relationship to Other Plans    and Programs         12
                    D.  Other Management Authorities                        13



              III.  RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
                    A.  Location and Boundaries                             17
                    B.  Geology                                             18
                    C.  Physiography                                        19
                    D.  Hydrology                                           25
                    E.  Water Quality                                       25
                    F.  Climate                                             26
                    G.  Biological Communities                              28
                          1. Mangrove .                                     28
                          2. Marine Grassbeds                               45
                          3. Hardbottom                                     55
                    H.  Designated Species                                  57
                    I.  Archaeological & Historical Resources               66
                    J.  Uses of the Preserve                                67
                    K.  Regional Land Use, Development
                        and Associated Impacts                              70
                          1. Regional Land Use and Development              70
                          2. Local Land Use and Development                 72
                          3. Associated Impacts                             73



               IV.  MANAGEMENT AREAS
                    A.  Introduction                                        77
                    B.  Management Area Classifications                     77
                    C.  Minimum Criteria for Allowable Uses                 79
                    D.  Management Areas                                    85
                        (Boundary, Resource Description,
                        Allowable Uses and Criteria)



              V.  SITE  SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES
                    A.  Management Issues and Special Needs                 91
                    B.  Policy Guidelines                                   96











              VI.  MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
                   A. Resource Management                                 100
                   B. Resource Protection                                 105
                   C. Research                                            ill
                   D. Environmental Education                             114



             VII.  MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK
                   A.  Federal Agencies                                   117
                   B.  State Agencies                                     119
                   C.  Regional Agencies                                  123
                   D.  Local Governments/Agencies                         124


            VIII.  STAFFING AND FISCAL NEEDS                              129



              IX.  RESOURCE AND ACTIVITY MONITORING PROGRAM
                   A. Resource Monitoring                                 133@'
                   B. Activity Monitoring                                 133
                   C. Progress Monitoring                                 134


                   REFERENCES                                             135











                                LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES





               Figure 1. Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve Boundary .. 5

               Figure 2.    Florida Aquatic Preserves     ..................     7

               Figure  3.   Holocene Sediment Facies     ......  ............  23
               Figure  4.   Map of Resources     ...........................   29
               Figure  5.   Existing Land Uses     .........................   75

               Figure  6.   Management Areas     ..........................    89



               Table   1.   Partial List of Mangrove Flora       ............  34

               Table   2.   Partial List of Non-vascular Flora        ........ 35

               Table   3.   Monroe County Fish Landings      ...............   39

               Table   4.   Partial List of Mangrove Fauna       ............  40

               Table   5.   Partial List of Marine Grassbed Fauna        ..... 50

               Table   6.   Partial List of Protected Flora       ...........  64


               Table   7.   Partial List of Protected Fauna       ............ 65

               Table   8.   Management Coordination Network      ..........    126

               Table   9.   Anticipated Two-year Budget     ..............     131











                               LIST OF APPENDICES



             Appendix A.    Administrative Codes
                            Chapter 18-20, F.A.C . ................ 147








































        Copies of the legal description of the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic
        Preserve, as well as copies of Chapter 253 and 258, F.S. , and
        Chapter 18-21, F.A.C., may be obtained from:

                     Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves
                         Department of Natural Resources
                             3900 Commonwealth Blvd.
                                  Mail Box 125
                           Tallahassee, Florida 32399











                                      CHAPTER I


                                     INTRODUCTION



           Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve is located in the upper half
           of the Florida Keys in Monroe County.      The aquatic preserve
           includes approximately 7500 acres of submerged lands lying
           north and south of U.S. Highway 1 (Overseas Highway), between
           Upper Maitecumbe Key (Islamorada) and Lower Matecumbe Key
           (Figure 1). Lignumvitae Key is one of three that are located
           in the Keys. (Coupon Bight Key Aquatic Preserve is in the
           lower Keys and the Card Sound portion of Biscayne Bay Aquatic
           Preserve is located between north Key Largo and the Florida
           mainland.) Lignumvitae Key is unique within the state system
           because it encompasses expansive marine grassbeds, bisected by
           channels that exchange waters between Florida Bay and the
           Atlantic Ocean. It also surrounds Lignumvitae Key State
           Botanical Site and Shell Key State Preserve. The southern
           boundary lies immediately   north of Indian Key State Historic
           Site. There are currently   42 aquatic preserves throughout the
           state (Figure 2).

           The role of the Aquatic     Preserve Program is to manage and
           protect the natural resources within the boundaries of a
           preserve through staff programs and    coordination with other
           state and federal resource management  programs. An integrated
           management plan encompassing all the legislatively delegated
           resource management and protection laws is essential in
           preserving the resource values of the preserve.             Local
           government will also be encouraged to   incorporate this plan's
           policy guidelines into the local government comprehensive
           plan.

           The rich mosaic of resource types within Lignumvitae Key
           Aquatic Preserve contributes to the biological diversity and
           productivity of marine systems and enhances man's enjoyment of
           the area. The aquatic preserve was designated by the Florida
           Legislature in 1969 to conserve and protect these values.
           This plan is intended to be used as the primary tool f or
           management of the preserve to attain these goals.          It is
           designed to be site-specif ic, in addressing resource management
           issues relative.to lands within the preserve.

           The process of developing this management plan involved
           compiling an inventory of resource information, coordinating
           with other plans that have been developed f or the area and
           state, and identifying resource and management issues related
           to present and future uses of the preserve and adjacent
            plands.    Various management areas will be identified or
           delineated.    Supporting goals, objectives and policies were
           u

           developed to be consistent with statutory authority and the
           overall intent of the Aquatic Preserve Program for helping


                                           1









           ensure that the resources of Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
           will remain for future generations to enjoy.      As additional
           resource information becomes available or as laws are
           implemented or revised, changes may have to be made to the
           plan to reflect those events.

           The Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of
           the Internal Improvement Trust Fund has been legislatively
           delegated statutory authority (Section 253.03, F.S.) to
           exercise proprietary control over state-owned lands and may
           assign management responsibilities for those lands to
           appropriate    governmental   agencies.       Development     and
           implementation of this management plan will be through the
           administrative support and the field staff of the Department
           of Natural Resources (DNR) , Division of State Lands, Bureau of
           Submerged Lands and Preserves. Input from and cooperation with
           the Division of Recreation and Parks will also play a vital
           role in developing and implementing this plan.

           More specifically, this plan is divided Anto chapters
           according to their management application:

           Chapter II cites the statutory authorities' upon which this
           resource management program and plan are built.

           Chapter III provides a description of the aquatic preserve and
           details the physical, biological and cultural components of
           the preserve. It also contains an overview of regional and
           local land use and associated impacts.

           Chapter IV delineates the management areas within the
           preserve. These-areas are defined by taking into account the
           quantity and the quality of the biological resources in
           conjunction with the use of the adjacent lands

           Chapter V presents specific needs and issues that are unique
           to the preserve that are not addressed through statute. or
           code.

           Chapter VI outlines the program's goals, objectives, and the
           tasks required to fulfill those needs within the preserve for
           resource management, resource protection, research, and
           environmental education.
                                              . .                                   I
           Chapter VII identifies local, regional, state, and federal
           agencies, their authorities and programs, and how they relate
           and assist in protection and management of the preserve. It
           also identifies non-governmental organizations, interest
           groups, and individuals that have interests in or may assist
           in management objectives.





                                          2









           Chapter VIII projects future staffing and fiscal needs
           necessary for providing effective management and protection of
           the preserve, as well as supporting research and environmental
           education.

           Chapter IX outlines a monitoring program for recording and
           reporting resource changes and establishes a tracking system
           for detailing the progress and accomplishments in resource
           management.

















































                                         3







                            Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
                                                                                                                         !* . ..........
                                                                                                              ....... . .
                                          -1. Boundary Map
                            FIGURE                                                                             ......


                                        Aquatic Preserve
                                                                                                                          ..........
                                                                                      N                         :::e.: X..
                                          DNR-DRP

                                        Paved Road - High Type

                                         U.S. Numbered Highway                                                .......
                               C3                                                                         ... .............

                                                                       0                                    ......     ..

                                                                                                                              . .. ........
                                                                                  MILES




                                                                                                                ..............
                                                                                                                 % .. ..........
                                                                                                                              ...................... .
                                                                                                                                  ............... %
                                        01                                                                                      .... .
                                                              ...........                                                                           -0. %
                                                            .............

                                                                                                 .........       ... .......  X-le

                                                                      .. .. ...............

                                                                           ................                     ... ...
                                                                                . ......... ..............
                                                                                                                                     .......       .......

                                                      o  ....x-i-i-i-x...... .. ........ ...                                           .....
                                                                          ..............
                                                                          . ............                                                   . . .........

                                                                               .. ... .. .
                                                                                                                     SHELL
                                                                               .............                          KEY
                                                                          ................

                                                                                                                                    .. . .......
                                                                          ....................
                                                                          ............


                                            .. ........                      X
                         ................. ..


                                                                                                                                               P
                                                                                                                                     ...........
                                                  ..........
                       :.*-*.:...:.*-*-* ...........
                                                                      . ......... ....
                                                                                             ...........
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                                                              ..... .........
                                                              ..... ........
                                                                                           . .. .....         . .....        %
                                                                                                      .....   . ........
                                                                                 ... ..................
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                                                                    ....... ....  ..........   . ...........
                                                                                                                  . ........ .
                                                                                 .......   ... ... . ..
                                         ..... ..                                   ...
                          ...... . . .
                                     ..........                     .....
                                                                                                                                                           UPPER
                                                LIGNUMVI
                                .... .......
                                                              TA
                                                                                                                                                     MATECUMBE
                                                      KEY
                                                                                                          ............
                                                                                                      .............                                        KEY

                                                                                                    ..............
                                                                          .... .. .......

                                                                                           . ..... ..
                                                           .....          .... .
                                                                                                     .....                              TEATABLE
                                                            . .........
                                                                                                                                            KEY
                                                             ......C  ...........         z  .......... . XV          X)
                                                                                    ... . ...........
                                                                                        . ...........
                                                                                              ..........

                                                                                                          ....... ....

                                                                                                                      z
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                                                                                                                     %
                                                                                      .......... ...      ....... ......
                                                                                         ........ ...     ......
                                                                                              .... ..     .... ::%-.
                               LOWER
                             MATECUMB
                                                                                                                ................ . ...
                                 KEY                                              INDIAN
                                                                                           KEY







                                                                                           5










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                                PRESERVES

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            AQUATIC PRESERVES ARE ESTABLISHED
              BY THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE AND
                INCLUDE ONLY STATE OWNED                                                                        e
               SOVEREIGNTY SUBMERGED LAND&
            THE GOVERNOR AND CABINET SITTING                                                                           4.1
               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 STATE LANDS                                                                                                Llr@Am
               BUREAU OF A13LIATIC PRESERVES


                  3900 COMMONWEALTH BLVD
                 TALLAHASSEE,FLORIDA 32303                                                                             tv
                     c"ATIVIN CAROL A. KNDX




            FIGURE 2. Florida Aquatic Preserves











                                     CHAPTER 11


                                MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY



           A. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

           The primary statutory authorities available to the staff for
           the management of aquatic preserves are found in Chapters 253
           and 258, Florida Statute (F.S'.) .    In particular, Sections
          -258.35-258.46 enacted in 1975 by the Florida Legislature
           represent the Florida Aquatic Preserves Act. These statutes
           set forth a standardized management criteria for all
           designated aquatic preserves and represent the primary laws
           governing the use of sovereignty submerged lands.         These
           authorities also clearly establish the proprietary management
           role of the Governor and Cabinet in their capacity as the
           Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. All
           management responsibilities assigned to the Trustees may be
           fulfilled directly by the Governor and Cabinet or indirectly
           via staff through delegations of authority, management
           agreements, or other legal mechanisms.. All references to the
           "Board" or the "Trustees" in this plan potentially include
           staff in addition to the Governor and Cabinet themselves.

           Aquatic Preserve staf f may be designated to review requests
           for use of state-owned lands and provide comments to the Board
           of Trustees, via the Division of State Lands and Department of
           Natural Resources administrative staff, relevant to the
           environmental impacts of a proposed use. The staff review is
           conducted within the confines of Section 258.42, F.S., and in
           conjunction with other governmental bodies, comments -and
           recommendations are presented to the Board as an agenda item
           for their deliberations.



           B. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES GOVERNING AQUATIC PRESERVES

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

           1. CHAPTER 18-20, F.A.C.

           Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., addresses the aquatic preserves and
           derives its authority from Sections 258.35, 258.36, 258.37 and
           258.38, F.S., and is found in Appendix 1. The intent of this
           rule is contained in Section 18-20.001, F.A.C., which states:

              11(j)  All sovereignty lands within a preserve shall be
                     managed primarily for the maintenance of essentially
                      natural conditions, the propagation of fish and


                                          9









                      wildlife, and public recreation, including hunting
                      and f ishing where deemed appropriate by the Board
                      and the managing agency.

               (2)    The aquatic preserves which are described in 73-534,
                      Laws of Florida, Sections 258.39, 258.392 and
                      258.393 Florida Statutes, future aquatic preserves
                      established pursuant to general or special acts of
                      the legislature, and An Rule 18-20.002, Florida
                      Administrative Code, 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)    To 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;

                   (c)    To coordinate with federal, state, and local
                          agencies to aid in carrying out 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;




                                         10









                    M      To preserve, promote, and utilize indigenous
                           life forms and habitats, including but not
                           limited to: sponges, soft coral, hard corals,
                           submerged grasses, mud flats, estuarine,
                           aquatic and marine reptiles, game and non-game
                           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 and enhance the biological aesthetic,
                           or scientific values of the preserves;

                    (h)    To maintain those beneficial hydrologic and
                           geologic functions, the benefits of which
                           accrue to the public at large."

                (4)   Nothing in these rules shall serve to eliminate or
                      alter the requirements or authority of other
                      governmental agencies, including counties and
                      municipalities, to protect or enhance the preserves
                      provided that such requirements or authority are not
                      inconsistent with the act and this chapter.

           Chapter 18-20.004, F.A.C. outlines policies, standards and
           criteria for approval of projects and activities within
           aquatic preserves, evaluates the public interest merits of a
           project, establishes resource management criteria, standards
           for docking facilities and the board's authority to enter into
           management   agreements    with   local    agencies   for    the
           administration and enforcement of standards and criteria for
           single family docks.

           Among other resource management directives, Chapter 18-21.004
           (3), specifically states that:

                (a) All proposed activities in aquatic preserves having
                management plans adopted by the Board must demonstrate
                consistency with the management plan.


           2. CHAPTER 18-21, F*A,C*

           Chapter 18-21, F.A.C., controls activities conducted on state-
           owned submerged lands and is predicated upon the provisions of
           Sections 253.12 and 253.03, F.S.     The stated intent of this
           administrative rules is:

              11(l)   To aid in fulfilling     the trust and fiduciary
                      responsibilities of the   Board of Trustees of the
                      Internal   Improvement    Trust    Fund    for    the



                                          11









                     administration, management and disposition of
                     sovereignty lands;

               (2)   To insure maximum benef it 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 swimming;

               (4)   To manage and provide maximum protection for all
                     sovereignty lands, especially those important to
                     public drinking water supply, shellfish harvesting,
                     public recreation, 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
                     Management Plan."

          Chapter 18-21.0041 provides more specific statements regarding
          multi-slip docking facilities in the Florida Keys Marina and
          Dock Siting Policies And Criteria. This section of the F.A.C.
          requires consistency and conformity with the "Principles for
          Guiding Development in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State
          Concern" designation (Chapters 27F-8, -9, -10, -11, -12, -13,
          and -15, F.A.C.).     In summary, this rule is intended to
          protect endangered, threatened and species of special concern,
          the Florida Reef Tract, other corals, wetland and submerged
          vegetation, and benthic communities. Additionally, this rule
          requires that facilities be located in areas with adequate
          tidal flushing and adequate water depths to avoid dredging and
          other bottom disturbance.    More specific criteria require a
          minimum depth of -4 f eet and that depth be adequate in the
          mooring, turning and access channel areas, with greater depth
          requirements for those facilities intended for mooring of
          boats with drafts greater than 3 feet.      Specific structure
          design criteria are also contained in Chapter 18-21.



          C. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMS

          As mandated in 18-20.001, 3 (a), F.A.C., this plan, as well as
          plans for other aquatic preserves have and are being developed
          as funding is made available. Presently,   14 management plans
          have been approved by the Trustees, which cover 21 of the
          State's 42 aquatic preserves. Former plans were designed to
          be generic in nature, with policies and management guidance


                                        12









            generally applicable to all aquatic preserves. However, this
            plan and all future plans will be more site-specif ic and
            contain policy guidance applicable    to an individual preserve.
            The f ormer management plans were incorporated into rule in
            1988 (18-20.004(7), F.A.C) .     This and future plans will be
            similarly incorporated. As such, these plans carry the same
            authority as do Chapters 18-20 and 18-21, F.A.C.
            The Conceptual State Lands Management Plan, adopted on March
            17, 1981, and amended by the Trustees on July 7, 1981 and
            March 15, 1983, contain specific policies concerning spoil
            islands, submerged land leases, "Outstanding Native Florida
            Landscapes",    unique   natural    features,    seagrass     beds,
            archaeological and historical resources, and endangered
            species. These policies also provide management direction for
            the Aquatic Preserve Program.

            The State Comprehensive Plan, established by Chapter 1187,
            F.S., provides broad policy guidance for the development of
            management plans for the statewide system of aquatic
            preserves. Therefore, the goals, objectives and policies set
            forth in this aquatic preserve management plan are designed to
            be consistent with the goals and policies of the State
            Comprehensive Plan pertaining to the water resources, coastal
            and marine resources and natural systems.* .

            The Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act of 1975
            (Section 163.3163, F.A.C..) (as amended by Chapter 85-55, Laws
            of Florida, to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and
            Land Development Regulation Act) requires that all counties in
            Florida have a Local Government Comprehensiv.e Plan (LGCP) by
            1990.    Monroe County government is required to provide
            planning for various elements including: housing, physical
            facilities, land use, conservation, and coastal zone
            protection.    This plan has been developed to be consistent
            with present  conservation and coastal management elements of
            the local government plan and will endeavor to provide
            criteria and standards that will be used in local plan
            revision. Monroe County's LGCP was submitted to DCA in August
            of 1990.   When the LGCP plan is adopted, applicable policy
            statements will be incorporated into this management plan.


            D. OTHER MANAGEXENT AUTHORITIES


            Other Department of Natural Resources management authorities
            applicable to aquatic preserves include management and
            protection of fisheries and marine mammals as well as beach
            and shore preservation programs outlined in Chapters 370 and
            161, F.S., respectively. Land acquisition programs conducted
            under the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) authorities
            of Chapter 259, F.S., and the Conservation and Recreation
            Lands (CARL) program, authorized by Chapter 253, F.S., will


                                            13









          enhance management and protection of the natural resources
          adjacent to or within the aquatic preserves.

          Chapter 403, F.S., which is an important adjunct to Chapters
          253 and 258, F.S., governs, in part, the State's regulatory
          programs affecting water quality and biological resources.
          The Department of Environmental Regulation (DER), through a
          permitting and certification process, administers 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 to 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 the potential
          environmental impacts of projects in aquatic preserves through
          the DER permitting process.       Additionally, the DER has
          designated   through   administrative   rule,   a  series    of
          waterbodies as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs) .@ The DER has
          adopted stringent use criteria for these OFWs. The inclusion
          of all aquatic preserve waters within this classification
          greatly enhances the protective provisions of Chapter 258,
          F.S. As the designated 1130611 Coastal Zone Management Agency,
          the DER also provides a source of funding matched by federal
          monies for data collection and. planning in various areas.
          Funding for this plan was provided, in part, from these
          sources.


          The DER's administrative rules of primary significance to the
          aquatic preserve management program are based upon the
          authorities contained in Chapter 403, F.S. Chapter 17-3,
          F.A.C., addresses water quality standards and establishes the
          OFW category.      Chapter 17-4, F.A.C. addresses permit
          requirements.

          Other opportunities for environmental review and input into
          activities potentially affecting aquatic preserves are
          afforded by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) .     The
          DCA   is  statutorily responsible     for administering the
          Development of Regional Impact (DRI) and Area of Critical
          State Concern (ACSC) designation. The DRI program, authorized
          by Section 380.06, F.S., was established by the Legislature to
          provide a review and monitoring procedure for those
          development projects potentially affecting more than one
          county. The Governor and Cabinet designated the Florida Keys
          as an Area of Critical State Concern on April 15, 1975.       A
          prime objective of the designation and regulations (or
          "Principles for Guiding Development" established for the Keys
          in 1984) was to strengthen local land use management
          capabilities. DCA has been working with the local governments
          in a cooperative intergovernmental effort to meet this
          objective. DCA also has the authority to approve or amend the
          local comprehensive growth management plan and implement land
          use regulation within the ACSC.


                                        14









            The Department of State's Division of Historical Resources
            (DHR) is legislatively assigned to preserve and manage
            Florida's archaeological and historical resources. DHR holds
            title to the cultural resources located on state-owned lands,
            including state-owned submerged lands, pursuant to Chapter
            267, F.S.

            The Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS),
            under their public mandate, administers two programs directly
            affecting the aquatic preserve management program.                The
            regulation of septic tanks is typically administered by the
            county health department.      The arthropod (mosquito) control
            program is implemented through the local Mosquito Control
            District (MCD).        Administration of these programs may
            potentially have significant impacts upon the aquatic
            preserve. Although there is no legislatively created vehicle,
            establishment of close working relationships between the.
            aquatic preserve staff and HRS is a necessary element of the
            aquatic preserve management program.

            The   South    Florida    Water   Management    District      (SFWMD)
            administers permitting programs for the local potable water
            supply, stormwater discharges, and some dredge and fill
            activities. Stormwater discharges in the area of the aquatic
            preserve may potentially affect certain management objectives.
            Close coordination with SFWMD permitting review is indicated
            when a particular project could pose threats to the quality or
            quantity of water introduced into the preserve.

            Additional agencies and organizations that have interests or
            regulatory authority within the aquatic preserve or the
            adjacent uplands are listed in Chapter VII (Management
            Coordination Network) of this plan.





















                                             15












                                    CHAPTER III


                                RESOURCE DESCRIPTION


           The geology, climate, and hydrology of the Florida Keys have
           combined to create a unique environment suitable for
           colonization by tropical plants and animals that are highly
           specialized and limited to a relatively small geographic area
           on this continent.        Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
           encompasses a variety of habitats or communities that support
           many of these species.

           Detailed information on the resources (e.g., species lists,
           water quality data, archaeological and historical site
           information, life histories, supporting maps, cultural
           resource information, etc.) is listed in the following
           sections. The resourte information presented in this chapter
           is intended to be generally descriptive of major management
           functions and resources in the area of the preserve.



           A* LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES

           Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve is located in the upper half
           of the Florida Keys archipelago. Lying between the inhabited
           islands of Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys,. the preserve is
           traversed from east to west by the U. S. 1 roadway with a
           series of three bridges and a causeway, referred to locally as
           Indian Key Fill. Approximately four-fifths of the preserve
           area lies north of the roadway. This area, encompasses
           submerged lands with expansive grass 'flats', deep water
           channels and two state-owned islands managed by the Division
           of Recreation and Parks, Florida Park Service. Shell Key State
           Preserve is a mangrove island that is managed for colonial
           nesting birds and other wildlife. Lignumvitae Key State
           Botanical Site is managed for botanical and historic resources
           and is open to the public. To the south of the U.S. 1 roadway,
           the preserve includes portions of two large grass flats and
           three deep water channels. South of the boundary, lies Indian
           Key State Historic Site, a small island managed by the Florida
           Park Service.

           It should be noted that on previous boundary maps for the
           preserve, the southern boundary extended to the south of
           Indian Key out to Hawk Channel. Subsequent research of the
           legal description revealed that the previous boundary map was
           not reflective of the legally recorded description. copies of
           the original boundary maps adopted by the Governor and Cabinet
           indicate that this was their intended boundary, however the
           recorded legal description supersedes the maps. This issue
           will be discussed further in Chapter V (Site Specific
           Management Issues) of this plan. The area described and


                                          17








           discussed in this management plan will otherwise conf orm to
           the boundaries depicted in Figure 1 and more generally
           described below. The preserve encompasses approximately 7,500
           acres of sovereignty submerged lands.

           From the northeastern edge of the Tea Table Bridge, the
           preserve boundary jogs north along the edge of Tea Table
           Channel then northeast immediately north of Yellow Shark
           Channel to near Little Basin on the east. The line then
           extends north of Shell Key, turns west for a short distance
           then runs due north again across Steamboat Channel and along
           the eastern edge of Shell Key Bank to Ironwood Channel at its
           northernmost limit. The boundary then turns west for a short
           distance and then runs due south along the western edge of
           Shell Key Bank, across Steamboat Channel to a point northwest
           of Shell Key, then runs due west to a point north of
           Lignumvitae Key, then runs west to the east side of Peterson
           Key Bank. The line then runs due south for a short distance,
           then east to the center of Lignumvitae Key Channel, following
           the channel to the south of U.S. 1, then angles southeast to
           Tea Table Channel, then turns again to the north to the point
           of beginning at Tea Table Bridge.

           That portion of the preserve north of Steamboat Channel also
           lies within the boundary of Everglades National Park (ENP).
           The ENP boundary includes all waters of Florida Bay north of
           the Intercoastal Waterway in this vicinity and special federal
           provisions apply to activities in that area.


           B. GEOLOGY

           Both the ancient and modern geology of the Florida Keys is
           reflective of the biological communities and the marine
           environment that have shaped and continue to influence the
           configuration of these islands and adjacent marine areas. In
           geological time, the area is still very young and the present
           period heralds further change as sea levels rise with the
           retreat of glacial ice fields.

           The present geological formations began 100,000 years ago
           during the Pleistocene Era when sea level was approximately 25
           feet above present level (Hoffmeister and Multer, 1968).
           Corals and other marine organisms - assimilated calcium
           carbonate from marine waters and constructed reef formations
           very similar to the living reefs of today. As the plants and
           animals died, their skeletal remains became part of the
          @fossilized patch reefs and sea floor that were exposed as sea
           level receded during the Wisconsin glaciation period.

           The glacial fields bound up large volumes of the earth's water
           and sea level dropped to approximately 325 feet below present
           levels approximately 10,000 years ago.    The limestone reefs


                                         18









           became exposed islands. The islands were subjected to the
           erosive forces of wind, rain, and plants and began to take on
           their present appearance. During the recent Holocene period,
           sea level rose to its present level and is continuing a slow
           rise of about two inches every 100 years (Hoffmeister, 1974,
           Wanless, 1969). More recent calculations by Wanless (1989)
           estimate that sea level in Florida may be rising at 8-16
           inches per 100 years.

           The geological formations of the Keys may be. further
           subdivided into two distinct physiographic and geologic
           regions. The Upper Keys (from Soldier Key to the eastern edge
           of Big Pine Key) are distinguished by the elongate dome and
           linear configurations that are the remains of the ancient
           coral reefs. This porous aggregate of fossil skeletal remains
           is referred to as the Key Largo limestone.        Many of the
           fossilized remains are recognizable as the progenitors of
           species that inhabit the reef today (Multer, 1977; Hoffmeister
           and Multer, 1964). Lignumvitae Key is an excellent prototype
           of the ancient domed patch reef formation. Elevations at the
           center of the island are approximately 16.5 feet above sea
           level.

           In the Lower Keys (Big Pine Key to Key West) , the Key Largo
           limestone is overlain by the Miami limestone. The Miami
           limestone was formed in a high energy, shallow water
           environment with low silt content and high levels of calcium
           carbonate.   Spherical ooid f ilms were cemented together in
           dense layers around a core material, usually a grain of sand
           (Multer, 1977). This geological formation is less porous than
           the Key Largo limestone and shallow depressions on larger
           islands may retain freshwater pools or subsurface lenses.



           C. PHYSIOGRAPHY

           Based upon biogeography and physical characteristics, the
           modern geologic environments of the preserve may be divided
           into f our regions: lagoon, transitional, emergent islands and
           disturbed areas. Each environment or region is significantly
           influenced by existing basement geology, as well, as tidal
           circulation patterns and the biological communities that occur
           in each.


           1. Lagoon

           The complex lagoonal systems of Florida Bay are characterized
           by limestone and oolite basement rock, overlain by serpentine
           chains of mud banks that encompass shallow basins. The network
           of mud banks are composed of primarily calcareous sediments of
           a molluscan and foraminiferan origin. Minor constituents of
           quartzous sand and colloidal clays are also introduced from
           remote regions via littoral drift and tidal import. Mangrove


                                          19








           peats are also a minor constituent of the sediment layers
           (Scholl, 1966; Ginsburg, 1953).

           The present configuration of these mud banks may be attributed
           to several factors. Prevailing winds, irregular rises on the
           bottom and converging currents may have initiated formation of
           the banks over 4,000 years ago, as sea level rose and flooded
           Florida Bay. Subsequent sediments continued to accumulate
           aided by the stabilizing effects of marine grassbeds and
           mangrove colonization. Still more sediments are deposited
           during storms and stabilized-by algal mats in the supratidal
           areas. Ginsburg (1953) describes the importance and the
           process of algal matting in the formation of the marine
           sediments.

           Lignumvitae Basin is representative of this geophysical
           region. Water depths in the basin average seven feet. The
           sediment mantle is thin near the center of the basin and
           gradually increases in depth moving toward the surrounding
           banks. The basin is encompassed by calcarious mud banks on all
           sides. Shell Key Bank lies to the east, an unnamed bank
           between Crab and Panhandle Keys on the north, Twin Key Bank on
           the northwest, Buchanon and Peterson Key Bank on the
           southwest, with Lignumvitae Key and Lignumvitae Bank to the
           south.


           Currents and drainage patterns have carved numerous small
           channels across the northern banks in a north/south
           orientation. Larger channels, such as Steamboat and Ironwood
           Channels, bisect Shell Key Bank in an east/west direction.
           Bowlegs Cut crosses the Peterson Key Bank in a northeast to
           southwest orientation on the west side of the basin. The
           orientation and configuration (width and depth) of the
           individual channels of the basin are due in large part to the
           influence of currents and tidal movement across Lignumvitae
           Bank and through the deeper channels to the south.

           The biological environment of the lagoon is typically
           determined by varying depths of sediments over bedrock. More
           exposed portions of the basement rock are colonized by
           sponges, small corals or algae. Areas of deeper sediments are
           colonized by marine grasses and algae.      Areas of thinner
           sediments are dominated by algae and sponges with sparse
           colonies of grasses.

           2. Transitional

           The north to south channels across Lignumvitae Bank and the
           southern portion of Shell Key Bank (described collectively by
           Ebanks and Bubb (1975) as the Matecumbe Keys Tidal Bank) are
           major tidal passages between Florida Bay and the Atlantic
           Ocean. Lignumvitae, Indian Key, Teatable, and to a lesser
           extent Race and Shell Key Channels are the transitional area


                                        20









            between these 'different water bodies. The ebb and flood of
            tidal currents cuts through the sediment layers to the
            underlying bedrock in several locations. The dynamic forces of
            wind, tide and currents continually shape and reshape the
            configuration and depths of these channels as sediments are
            eroded and redeposited. This process is readily visible east
            of Indian Key where waters from Indian Key Channel are
            scouring a new channel across the bank to the southwest.

            The transition from Bay waters to the open waters of the
            Atlantic is also evident in the sediment composition and
            particle size. Finer, molluscan sediments and a greater
            percentage of living mollusks on the Bay side give way to
            courser coral/algal sediments and increasing density and
            diversity of corals as one progresses seaward through the
            channels (Multer, 1977). Figure 3 (adapted from Ebanks and
            Bubb, 1975) illustrates the transition from molluscan to
            coral/algal sediment facies and channel depths-in the area.

            Other physical parameters, such as, salinity, turbidity levels,
            temperature and chemistry also play an important role in the
            biological   make--@up of   the transitional     areas.     Later
            discussions of community associations will expand upon these
            important effects and their relationship to the organisms that
            inhabit these areas.


            3. Emergent Islands

            The emergent islands  within the aquatic preserve boundary are
            of two distinctly different geological origins. Lignumvitae
            Key is an ancient patch reef composed of Key Largo limestone.
            The raised, rocky platform is several feet above sea level and
            supports upland plant communities similar to the larger
            emergent islands of the Upper Keys. Lignumvitae Bank flanks
            the southern one third of the island, This low wave energy
            environment is ideal for the accumulation of additional
            sediments where an extensive mangrove fringe has developed.

            Interior platform elevations on Lignumvitae Key support lush
            growths of tropical hardwood hammock vegetation that has laid
            down organically rich top soils over the parent material.
            Acids leached from the humus soil attack the porous limerock
            creating solution holes and sinks. Close examination of the
            exposed limerock on the north side of the island reveals
            subaerially formed crusts of geologically recent origin.
            Evidence suggests that the laminated crust is formed from the
            dissolution of carbonate materials from the upland soils which
            is then deposited by aqueous migration over the limestone
            bedrock. This laminate crust gives a fairly smooth appearance
            to the protrusions and cavities of the exposed limerock
            creating a knobby effect (Multer and Hoffmeister, 1968). The
            crust may range in color from light brown to red, while, the



                                           21








           underlying fossilized coral is white or pale orange-yellow in
           color.

           Intertidal areas near the rocky shoreline exhibit a crenalate
           appearance with spherical voids and sharp projections. In this
           zone the parent limestone and the subaerial crust are
           subjected to the erosive forces of marine waters and
           biological agents. As it is being eroded, crustose and
           filamentous algae bind sediments and as they are alternately
           wetted and dried, form a karst-like layer over the underlying
           limestone in the intertidal zone (Ginsburg, 1953; Neuman,
           1966; Robertson,    1963). Subtidal     areas are typically
           hardbottom strewn with rock rubble that has been eroded from
           the shoreline interface.

           In contrast, Shell Key is a supratidal mud bank island typical
           of other Florida Bay keys. Initial sediment deposits may have
          .began over a raised ridge on the lagoon floor. The present
           configuration of the island is the result of the stabilizing
           influence of marine grasses, algal mats and mangrove
           colonization. A large supratidal pond occupies approximately
           one third of the interior of the island. Tidal exchange with
           open water is partially obstructed by a low storm berm.
           Conversations with long-term residents.of the area, indicate
           that the northwest side of the pond was open to waters of the
           Bay less than 30 years ago, when the area was used as a fish
          .camp (Cotheran, E., personal communication, 1983)-.     Current
           observations from waterward of the island reveal a substantial
           mangrove fringe that completely screens the interior pond.

           4. Disturbed Areas

           Large scale alteration of the natural features of the marine
           environment were initiated during the construction of
           Flagler's railroad in the early, 1900's. As the railway
           advanced south, it became apparent that a system of tressels
           and causeways would be needed to traverse the expanse of
           channels and banks between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys.
           Tressels were built over the channels and spur lines were
           built over the banks to provide access for a large clam
           dredge. Box cars with collapsible sides were then loaded with
           limestone and sediments dredged from the marine bottom. The
           cars were then rerouted to the main tressel and the fill was
           dumped to form a causeway between the channels. Most of these
           deep dredged areas lie parallel to and north of the existing
           roadway between Teatable and Indian Key Channels. One area is
           perpendicular to the roadway, east of Teatable Channel and
           extends to Horseshoe Key, a small spoil island. Additional
           fill was dredged from either side of the roadway across the
           entire length of the tidal bank for later road improvements
           (Cotheran, E., personal communication, 1983).D.




                                         22







                   -n                                        A                                                                                                                                                      A'
                                                              43                       33               34                  38                    67                   66         36       62                   64
                   0                                          T                                                                                                                                                          S.L.
                   M                                                                                                                                      N  ...         ........... ..

                                                                                                                    .............                                                               .. ....                 -.10
                   0

                                                                                                                                    DIP SECTION
                   (D
                   (D                                                           73       77       78                       65 74        69      36 37               61                               60
                   Q)                                                                     T                                              T       T T                 T                                T        S.L.
                   (D
                                                                                                                                                          . .... . ....... .



                   (D


                   "n
                   Q
                   0                                                                                                      SEAWARD STRIKE SECTION
                   F            C                                                                                                                                                                                                                 C,
                                    40            41            42                                 45                     47                         68          38 39              57               58         53        49                    48
                                                                                  T                T                       T                          T           T 7                T                T          T         T                    T S.L.









                                                                                                                           LEEWARD STRIKE SECTION

                                                                                                                                                                                      0      1 S@W     3000
                                                                                                                        C,                                                                   FEET
                                                                         `E TRAVE FISE
                                                                            LOCATIONS        A
                                                                                                      0;
                                                                                                                                                                                  CORALGAL-LIME MUD FACIES


                                                                                                                                                                                  LIME MUD-MOLLUSCAN FACIES

                                                                                                                                                                                  LIME MUD-FORAMINIFERAL FACIES


                                                                                                                                                                                  PEAT FACIES


                                                                                                                                                                                  KEY LARGO LIMESTONE
                                                                        C
                                                                                                                 A'
                                                                                 LOW11 R MAY ECUMVIE KI! y                                                              w         CORE LOCATION
                                                                                                                                                                         T



                                                                                                               Holocene Sediment Facies
                                                                                                                (from Eubanks and Bubb, 1975)












           D. HYDROLOGY

           The present geological landforms and the hydrological regime
           interact to influence the distribution of biological
           communities and the ongoing processes of deposition and
           erosion that sculpture the appearance of the area. The slope
           of the continental shelf to the depths of the Florida Straits
           created a gradient for the drainage of run-off from the
           uplands during earlier periods of lower sea level. These
           drowned rivers or stream beds are now marine channels. Silt
           and sediments are transported by tidal ebb and flood through
           the main channels. As current velocity diminishes, sediments
           fall to the bottom forming bars or filling in depressions in
           the bedrock. Obstructions to tidal f low and/or storm surge
           alter these normal patterns and may cause rechannel ization.
           Tidal direction, stage and cycle are instrumental in the
           movement and deposition of both waters and sediments.

           The channels facilitate mixing of the less saline waters of
           Florida Bay with the Atlantic Ocean and conversely, the more
           thermally stable waters of the Atlantic moderate temperature
           extremes in the immediate vicinity of the preserve.

           Wind plays a secondary role in the hydrological patterns in
           the lagoonal basins. The shallow waters are easily agitated
           and fine sediments are easily suspended by wind-driven
           currents, especially during winter cold fronts that pass over
           the area. Flood tides entering the basin may be pushed back by
           strong winds and 'pile up' in the channels or along the
           shorelines of adjacent islands. Out going tides may be
           propelled in a similar fashion and push additional waters out
           .of the basin and leave the adjacent banks completely exposed
           during low tide. Seasonal low tides will have a similar
           effect.

           Tide cycles are semidiurnal, having two highs and two lows
           within each lunar period. Average tidal range is approximately
           1.8 feet, with slightly higher and lower levels during full
           moon.


           Freshwater resources were historically recorded for the area
           of Lower Matecumbe Key as early as 1775. Gauld (in Jutro,
           1975) reported five natural wells "constantly full of
           excellent water". Since these 'wells' were "about four feet
           deep", they may have been large solution holes or sinks. These
           natural features typically retain water throughout the rainy
           season but may dry up completely during the winter dry season.


           E. WATER QUALITY

           The Florida Department      of Environmental Regulation has
           designated waters of the preserve as Outstanding Florida


                                          25









           Waters (OFW) (17-3.041, F.A.C.). As such, these waters are to
           be afforded the highest protection possible. To qualify for
           this designation, water quality must be maintained within the
           established standards.    All activities that may potentially
           alter these standards are evaluated accordingly.

           Water quality data is limited in the area of the preserve. A
           summary of conditions for both ambient and impacted stations
           was published in the "Report to the Environmental Regulation
           Commission on the Proposed Designation of the Florida Keys as
           an Outstanding Florida Water" (DER, 1984). Initial sampling
           from one station in the preserve and one near Teatable Key
           indicates that chemistry, temperature, clarity and nutrient
           content were quite similar at both the inshore and off shore
           locations during that sampling period.

           other water quality research in the Keys has centered on the
           effects of septic tank effluent on ground and surface waters
           in the Big Pine Key area. This study has determined that
           septic effluent increases contamination in ground waters
           during the dry (winter) season and that horizontal subsurface
           transport introduces these effluents to contiguous (marine)
           surface waters during the wet (summer) period.         Nutrient
           loading of surface waters is also indicated with the use of
           aerobic treatment units with shallow injection wells.        The
           non-saline wastewater effluent is buoyant and rises within the
           rock strata to mix with surface waters. continued increases
           in land use density and use of on-site sewage disposal systems
           (OSDS)  are predicted to increase nutrient contamination of
           marine  waters (Lapointe, 1989). Similar research and water
           quality monitoring are needed for the preserve area.



           F. CLIMATE

           The nearly  tropical climate is characterized by mild, dry
           winters and warm, humid summers. Prevailing trade winds     from
           the east and southeast are frequently interrupted by winter
           cold fronts that move over the area from the northern
           quadrants from December until March. Infrequent tropical
           storms and depressions in the summer months may also shift
           wind directions (Warzeski, 1976).    The-average rainfall (at
           Key West) is 39.8 inches per year with large peaks occurring
           in June and September (NOAA, 1965, 1979).      Slightly higher
           amounts fall in the Upper Keys, due to the closer proximity of
           the mainland land mass. Average annual rainfall may vary
           considerably from year to year and. from one location to
           another. Summer thunderstorms and the occasional tropical
           storm provide the bulk of the rainfall, with minor amounts
           associated with.the winter cold fronts.

           Annual average air temperature (measured at Key West) is 77.5
           degrees Fahrenheit (F). Seasonal mean highs of 84.7 degrees


                                         26










            F occur in July and August. Mean lows of 69. 0 degrees F occur
            during December and January (NOAA, 1965, 1979).           Ambient
            temperatures are a direct influence of the Gulf Stream
            (Jordan, 1973). Neither frost nor freeze have been recorded
            for the area.     As with most maritime climates, average
            humidity is typically high.

            The tropical storms and hurricanes that visit this area
            deserve more than a casual mention. They tend to have major
            ef fects on the biology and natural features of a large area
            and on the activities of the human populations that visit and
            inhabit those areas. The long term benefits and deficits to
            the natural environment are poorly understood. Ball et al.,
            (1967) and Craighead and Gilbert (1962) reported extensive
            biological and geological rearrangement and destructio  'n of the
            coastal zone in South Florida and the Keys after the passage
            of Hurricane Donna in 1960.       The greatest destruction or
            erosion of shorelines occurred where shoreline vegetation or
            shallow water marine grassbeds had been previously damaged or
            destroyed.   Recovery of these areas was hindered by these
            alterations, as erosion often continued after the initial
            onslaught of the storm (Multer, 1977).

            It is necessary to understand a hurricane I s potential as a
            dynamic agent and to be prepared f or its occurrence.      It is
            also necessary to plan development that will minimize
            destruction of natural coastal communities. Although natural
            communities may be severely altered by hurricanes, the coral
            reef s, marine grassbeds and mangroves provide a natural buf f er
            that can reduce the severity of impacts on coastal areas.
            They demonstrate a capacity to recover when functional
            integrity has not been undermined by manmade alterations to
            biological and geological features.

            Some of the devastation to portions of Upper and Lower
            Matecumbe Key during the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane is
            attributed to the poor design of Flagler's railroad between
            the two islands. Newspaper reports from that era postulate the
            theory that the length of the two islands created a barrier to
            the 15 foot storm surge that made landfall before the storm.
            The large expanses of filled causeway between the two islands
            further restricted the only 'safety valve' for the passage of
            storm waters. The fill created a dam that backed storm waters
            even higher along both shorelines until it overwashed portions
            of both islands causing great loss of life and property. Large
            sections of Flagler's Overseas Railroad were also lost, never
            to be rebuilt.









                                           27











           G.   BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

           This section will discuss some of the plant and animal
           associations within the preserve.        Individual species are
           grouped in representative community types based upon dominance
           or absence of certain floral and faunal constituents. General
           descriptions and species lists are intended to be reflective
           of the community being discussed under each subheading. The
           listing of a species in one community does not limit its
           occurrence to only that community. Each community association
           is presented separately, but in - reality they display an
           infinite variety of mixed and interdependent associations.
           Major community associations in the preserve are mangroves,
           marine grassbeds and hardbottom. Figure 4 represents the
           relative distribution of these resources in the preserve. The
           tropical hardwood hammock resources of Lignumvitae Key State
           Botanical Site will not be discussed in the plan, as
           descriptions and management of those resources are provided by
           the Division of Recreation and Parks, Florida Park Service.

           Subtle differences in geology, topography, microclimate and
           other physical parameters may determine the initial dominance
           of a particular 'association in.an area, or the particular area
           may be modified by the existing biota and thus evolve or
           succeed into an entirely different association. The natural
           components of the environment are never static and usually
           progress in an orderly sequence of change from one sere to the
           next.    Each succeeding sere is generally more complex and
           diverse than the previous association. Those communities that
           have reached a climax or balanced condition are usually most
           productive in terms of biomass and species diversity.

           Catastrophic events,      such as hurricanes and man-made
           alteration of natural features disrupt orderly progression and
           may set back the sere to an earlier stage that is less
           productive.     Many of the man-made disturbances will be
           discussed in the text.      These changes not only inhibit or
           reverse succession but may replace entire associations with
           other less productive environments. The affected environment
           or community is not the only one to be diminished. All marine
           systems are interrelated and thus changes to one association
           will directly or indirectly affect a number of other related
           and interdependent associations.      The importance of marine
           productivity has been expounded upon since ancient times yet
           only recently has modern man begun to appreciate the intricate
           and vital role that these communities play in the larger
           ecological profile of our region and our planet.

           1. Mangrove

           Mangrove communities contribute substantially to the health
           and productivity of marine systems in the preserve, although
           much of this community association lies outside the preserve


                                           28







             Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
             FIGURE 4. Map of Resources

             4b.
                   Seagrass - sparse

                   Seagrass - dense

                   Hard Bottom


                   Mixed - hard bottoM & sand
                   silt, sparse seagrasses

                   mangrove/Saltmarsh
                                     0
                   DNR-DRP
                                             MILES





                                             -V  7-z-
                     0






                                                                       X\
                                                                                   j
                                         7Z      \\\\\    \\           "      \\\\\N 0
                                                              S   L

                                                      0,0C.\            9S
          \,Via                7.
                   17!@@ 77:7=-











                                                                                   UPPER
                          LIGNUMVITA
                                                                               MATECUMBE
                                                                                   KEY


                                                                        TEATABLE
                                                                           KEY







                 LOWER
               MATECUMB
                  KEY                       INDIAN
                                                 KE
                             _K-75
                                  L




























                                                 29










            boundary.    Shoreline    stabilization,    storm     protection,
            filtration and stabilization of sediments, nutrient cycling
            and habitat diversity are only a f ew of the many functions
            that this community performs.

            Mangroves are a pan-tropical group, occurring on seventy-five
            percent of the world's tropical coastline (McGill, 1959). Of
            the 72 species recognized by Chapman (1976), only three
            species occur in Florida.     Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
            and white mangrove (Languncularia racemosa) grow along low
            energy shorelines from the Florida Keys to near Cedar Key on
            the west coast (Rehm, 1976) and north to Ponce de Leon Inlet
            on the east coast (Teas, 1977) .      Black mangrove    (Avicennia
            germinans) extends farther north on the east coast    to near 30
            degrees north latitude and along the Gulf coast to Louisiana
            and Texas (McMillan, 1971).         These tropical trees are
            sensitive to fluctuating temperatures and prolonged periods of
            cold or frost (Davis, 1940). Prolonged temperatures below 66
            degrees F may be lethal or cause stunted growth forms (Waisel,
            1972).    Accordingly, the largest mangrove forests (90%
            according to estimates by the Coastal Coordinating Council,
            1974) are located in the more southern areas of the state,
            primarily  in Lee, Collier, Dade, and Monroe Counties. Monroe
            County encompasses approximately 234,000 acres (95,000 ha.) of
            mangroves, the majority lying within the boundaries of
            Everglades National Park and the small islands in Florida Bay.

            Of the six mangrove forest types described by Lugo and
            Snedaker (1974), only the fringing forest and overwash forest
            are well represented in the area of the preserve. Fringing
            mangroves occur along the intertidal shoreline surrounding the
            southern half of Lignumvitae Key and extensive areas of the
            bayside shorelines of Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. A
            narrow, disjunct fringe is also present along the filled areas
            of the U.S. I roadway.

            The mangroves of, Shell    Key may be considered an overwash
            forest type. This low     island may be partially overwashed
            during high tides or      completely averwashed during storm
            events. This situation    affords flushing of the accumulated
            detritus and export to marine systems on a regular basis. The
            island serves as a'major bird rookery. Additional nutrients,
            in the f orm of avian f eces would also be exported during
            overwash periods.

            Local distribution of mangroves is affected by several
            physical parameters. Wave energy and substrate are probably
            most signif icant within the area of the preserve.        Mangrove
            forests reach optimum development on low energy shorelines
            with adequate sediment depths. This environment is typical in
            the more protected areas of Florida Bay and along the Bayside
            shoreline of the two Matecumbe Keys. Other areas lack
            sufficient sediment depths or are buffeted by waves or swift


                                            31









           currents that would bury seedlings or sweep them away. This
           type of environment is especially prevalent along the Atlantic
           shoreline of Indian Key. The north shoreline of Lignumvitae
           Key, although usually protected from prevailing wind and
           waves, is a rocky outcrop that offers few areas with adequate
           soil depths for mangroves to become rooted.

           Tidal regime in coastal areas also plays an important part in
           mangrove dominance of the shoreline. The advance and retreat
           of marine waters facilitates import of necessary nutrients
           into the community and exports organic carbons and other
           compounds-to marine systems. Tides are also instrumental in
           dispersing the buoyant seeds and propagules.

           Ambient marine salinities benefit mangroves in several ways.
           Competition from less tolerant terrestrial plants is minimized
           and soil salinities are moderated by daily flushing. Unlike
           their   terrestrial    counterparts   mangroves    have    evolved
           mechanisms to exclude or excrete salt from plant tissues. The
           red mangrove can exclude salt at the root surface (Scholander,
           1968).     Black and white mangroves secrete salt through
           modified glands on the leaf or trunk and by storing salt in
           succulent leaves and fruit that fall from the tree.           Most
           halophytic plants are believed to use these mechanisms or a
           combination of them to dispose of excess salt (Teas, 1979).

           Excessive soil or water salinity, however, can stress
           mangroves. Salinities above 65 parts per thousand (ppt) can
           kill red mangroves (Cintron et al., 1978). Salinities at or
           above 80 ppt may stunt white and black mangroves, especially
           in combination with high water temperatures (Lugo and Zucca,
           1977). Impounded mangroves are frequently subjected.to this
           type of stress. As normal tidal circulation is interrupted,
           water temperatures may exceed 100 degrees F and evaporation
           increases salinity to debilitating levels. Highly fluctuating
           temperatures and salinities combined with low sediment
           deposition, and low nutrient import create an extremely
           inhospitable environment.     Impoundment may be the result of
           natural topographic features (e.g., coastal berms) or caused
           by ditching and other ma'nmade alterations to drainage
           patterns.

           Excessive temperatures and salinities (greater than 100 ppt)
           are also thought to be responsible for the relatively barren
           salt ponds or salinas that persist in many areas (Teas, 1979).
           Although these hypersaline areas may be inhospitable for most
           vascular plants, they perform other functions and should not
           necessarily be considered wasteland. They serve as valuable
           repositories for storm water runoff and sediments.           These
           shallow water environments also support a broad range of algae
           that serve as a food source and provide cover for an equally
           diverse faunal community.       Large numbers of larval fish
           species, gastropods, and crustaceans utilize this environment


                                           32









            and are in turn valuable food reserves for many of the wading
            birds when other f eeding areas may be flooded during high
            tides or inaccessible during periods of unfavorable winter
            weather (Sprunt, personal communication, 1988). The small
            lagoon on Shell Key exemplifies the condition and use of the
            salinas.

            The mangrove association is a major compliment to the
            preserves resources, both in distribution and ecological
            value.  This community is the most common natural interface
            between the upland and the marine environment in Florida Bay.
            major contributions from this community involve the complex
            and often poorly understood detrital food webs that are an
            integral part of tropical and temperate marine systems.
            Nutrients from both marine and terrestrial sources are
            assimilated and recycled in the vegetative. tissues of the
            mangroves and everpresent root and mud algae.            Primary
            productivity is'difficult to partition because all levels of
            the community have not been thoroughly researched.       It is,
            however, a widely accepted hypothesis that the organic carbons
            exported by mangrove systems are a major source of energy for
            many biologically and economically important species of
            invertebrates and fishes.

            Carbon and other nutrients from terrestrial sources (Carter et
            al., 1973), rainfall (Lugo et al., 1980), and from marine
            sources are assimilated and recycled in the form of plant
            material that is fed upon by a host of arboreal, epiphytic,
            infaunal, and pelagic life forms.        Energy pathways may
            originate from several different sources within the community.
            Seagrasses and benthic algae are trapped and broken down into
            particulate matter that is used by large numbers of consumers
            (Brook, 1975). Senecsed mangrove leaves are attacked by fungi
            (Fell et al., 1975) and bacteria (Casagrande and Given, 1975)
            that colonize the leaf surface.      As the leaf surface is
            fragmented, plant starches and proteins are broken down or
            converted to other compounds that are more easily consumed and
            assimilated by other microscopic life forms that break down
            the plantmaterial to even smaller fragments. As more surface
            area is actually made available, the biotic community expands,
            thus increasing the net available energy. As these smaller,
            protein rich particles are consumed, the resulting energy is
            passed on to higher order consumers (Odum, 1970 and 1971; Odum
            and Heald, 1972; Odum and Heald, 1975; and Odum et al., 1982).

            Epiphytic and benthic algae that live on and near the mangrove
            roots also contribute substantially to the energy transfer to
            higher trophic levels.    Rehm (1974) recorded 74 species of
            red, brown, green and blue-green algae associated with
            mangrove areas. This abundant resource is actively grazed by
            numerous faunal species on site or may die to become part of
            the detrital food web.    The net primary production of prop- -



                                          33








           root epiphytes and     mud algae may equal emergent leaf
           production in some areas (Lugo et al., 1975).

           The contributions of plankton to local marine energy budgets
           are difficult to evaluate. This dynamic group is subject to
           abrupt changes in density depending upon season, currents and
           nutrient levels.   Although quantitive research has not been
           done specifically for mangrove estuaries, the importance of
           planktonic food chains has been well documented for other
           regions and it may be assumed that there are large numbers of
           invertebrate grazers that benefit from this community
           component.   The abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton
           within the immediate area of mangroves would indicate that
           this energy source is important to many larval food webs
           (Odum, 1970). Table 2 contains a partial list of non-vascular
           plants and Phytoplankton of the mangrove association.


                                      TA13LE 1


                       A PARTIAL LIST OF THE MANGROVE FLORA



        Black mangrove                            Avicinnia germinans
        Saltwort                                  Batis maritima
        Sea oxeye daisy                           Borrichia spp.
        Saltgrass                                 Distichlis spicata
        Barbed-wire cactus                        Cereus Rentag6nus
        Buttonwood                                Conocarpu8 erectus
        Clamshell orchid                          Encyclia cochleata
        Butterfly orchid                          Encyclia tamRensis
        Sedge                                     Fimbristylis castanea
        Seaside heliotrope                        Heloiotropium
                                                     curassavicum
        White mangrove                            Languncularia racemosa
        Herbaceus sea lavender                    Limonium carolinianum
        Christmas berry                           Lyciu carolinianum
        Gutta percha mayten                       Maytenus phllanthoides
        Poisonwood                                Metopium toxiferum
        Key grass                                 Monanthochloe littoralis
        Prickly pear cactus                       Opuntia stricta
        Knot grass                                Paspalum distichum
        Purslanes                                 Portulaca spp.
        Red mangrove                              Rhizophora ma ngle
        Rouge berry                               Riving humilis
        Glasswort                                 Salicornia spp.
        Sea purslane                              Sesuvium Dortulacastrum
        Virginia dropweed                         Sporobolus virginicus
        Sea blight                                Suaeda linearis
        Bay cedar                                 Suriana maritima
        Air plants                                Tillandsia spp.



                                         34














                                           TABLE 2


                   A PARTIAL LIST OF THE NON-VASCULAR MANGROVE FLORA


           FUNGI Genera                   Location                   Reference

                Nigrospora                Leaf                       Fell, et
                Phyllostica                of                        al, 1975,
                Pestalotica                go                        1980
                Phytophora-                of                          to
                Drechslera                 go                          if
                Gloeosporium               go                          it
                Lulworthia

           ALGAIt

                Monostroma                High water                 Taylor,
                Rhizoclonium              mark on red                1960
                                         .and black mangrove

                Bostrychia                Just below high
                Catenella                 water mark on red
                Caloglossa                prop roots

                Acanthorphora             Submerged on               Almodovar
                Caulerpa                  red prop roots             and Biebl
                Hypnea                          of                      1962
                Laurencia                       if                     if
                Spyrida                         of                     it I
                Valonia                         If                     it
                Wrangelia                       It                     if
                .Centroceras                    it                     it
                Dasya                           it             -     Taylor,
                Dictyota                                              1960
                Halimeda
                Murrayella
                Polysiphonia
                Wurdemaniia
                Boodleopsis               Mud near roots            Taylor, 1960
                Cladophoropsis                                         it
                Enteromorpha                                           of
                Vaucheria


           PHYTOPLANKTON


                Chaetocerus               Water column               Mattox,
                Thalassothrix                                         1949
                Nitzschia                                            Wood, 1965
                Skeletonema                                          Walsh, 1965
                Rhizosolenis                                         Bacon, 1970


                                               35








              Disploneis                Benthic                   Wood, 1965
              Mastogloia                sediments                   11
              Pluerosigma                     11                    of
              Peridinium               Water column               Odum. et al.,
                                                                  1982
              Gymnodinium                     of

         (From Odum et al., 1982)


            Faunal components of the mangrove community are as diverse as
            the floral counterpart. This community provides food, cover,
            spawning, nesting and resting habitat f or many species of
            mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.
            Many species are dependent upon this community during all of
            their life cycle.     This interdependency may be critical f or
            several endangered and threatened species that will be
            discussed in subsequent sections.

            Animal life that graze directly upon arboreal leaf material
            include large numbers of insects including the olethrautid
            moth (Ecdytolopha sp.) and beetles (principally, Poecilips
            rhizophorae) (Onuf et al., 1977). Simberloff and Wilson (1969)
            list 200 species of insects that are associated with mangrove
            communities. The mangrove tree crab (Aratus Disonii) is also
            a primary consumer of mangrove leaves (Beever et al., 1979).
            Other invertebrate fauna of the emergent mangrove/ saltmarsh
            include large numbers of gastropods.       The snails (Littorina
            sp., Cerithidea sp. and Melampus sp.), isopods (Ligea spp.),
            and fiddler crabs (Uca spp.) are especially plentiful on the
            forest floor (Odum et al., 1982). These invertebrates are in
            turn a staple food for many species of birds.

            The striking avifauna is often the -most noticeable in the
            mangrove association. many species depend upon the community
            for feeding, nesting and resting sites. Large wading birds,
            such as the egrets, ibis, spoonbill, herons and the open-water
            piscivorous birds, such as the osprey and pelican are
            especially dependent upon mangrove areas for both food sources
            and resting or nesting habitat. Others are only occasional or
            seasonal visitors. Odum et al., (1982) list 181 species that
            may be expected to use the mangrove community.

            Other macrofauna that utilize mangroves include a number of
            terrestrial and aquatic reptiles, amphibians and mammals.
            Among the marine turtles, only the Atlantic loggerhead
            (Caretta caretta caretta) is relatively common in the
            preserve.   This species may-use mangroves as nursery areas
            (Odum et al., 1982).      The Atlantic hawksbill (Eretmochelys
            imbricata) and the Atlantic green turtle (Chelonia mydas) are
            known to feed upon mangrove roots and leaves (Ernst and
            Barbour, 1972; Carr and Goin, 1955) and may occasionally
            frequent mangrove edges in the preserve area.        The Atlantic


                                            36









            ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) is an occasional visitor to
            shallow coastal areas of south Florida (Carr and Goin, 1955).
            Green turtles were once plentiful in the Keys and were an
            important commercial fishery until populations were nearly
            extirpated from overharvesting and egg collecting. Current
            research is investigating the high incidence and cause of
            fibropapilloma in green sea turtles. These often debilitating
            tumors form primarily on soft tissues in grotesque clusters.
            Large growths can interfere with locomotion and feeding.

            other reptiles include several species of snakes and anoles,
            and- the Mangrove terrapin. Of the snakes, only one, the
            mangrove water snake (Nerodia fasciata compressicauda) is
            entirely dependent upon mangrove areas.        The others are
            transitory in habit and may utilize a variety of environments.

            Amphibians are generally not well represented due to the
            shortage of freshwater areas that are usually necessary for
            reproduction.     Those listed are suitably adapted to
            reproducing during the brief rainy period and may utilize
            brackish water pools for this purpose. The giant toad (Bufo
            marinus) and the Cuban treefrog (Hyla septentrionalis) are
            introduced   species   that   have   expanded   their    ranges
            considerably in the last several decades (King and Krakauer,
            1966; King and Krakauer, 1968; and Krakauer, 1970).

            The more common mammals of the mangrove include the Virginia
            opossum (Didelphis. virginiana) and the Raccoon (Procyon
            lotor) . The opossum is generally confined to small populations
            in close proximity to human habitations on the adjacent
            inhabited Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys.     Recent signs of
            range expansion in other areas of the Keys may also be
            duplicated on islands in the preserve. The raccoon is now
            reported on Shell Key where it may present an imminent threat
            to the future of the wading bird nesting colony on the island
            (Wells, personal communication, 1990). The marsupial and the
            raccoon are extremely versatile omnivores and are known to
            forage in mangrove habitats (Layne, 1974).

            The mar sh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustis paludicola) and several
            rodents, both naturally occurring and introduced species may
            also frequent mangrove areas.

            The Eastern white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was
            introduced on Lignumvitae Key and still persists. Signs of the
            deer have been observed in the mangrove saltmarsh areas and it
            is believed that there are 3 deer still on the island (P.
            Wells, pers. comm. 1990). The deer use a variety of habitats
            and the mangrove fringe offers excellent cover for foraging.

            The marine life of the mangrove association is by far the most
            diverse group of organisms in this association. Detritus and
            plankton are primary food sources for a large number of


                                          37









            invertebrate fauna that attach themselves to prop roots, live
            in adjacent muds, or swim in the water. Courtney (1975), Tabb
            et al., (1962), and Odum and Heald (1972) reported extensive
            lists of invertebrates that are associated with mangroves.

            The prop root complex is also important to many species of
            fish.   Ample food and close proximity to cover that offers
            protection from predators is essential for large numbers of
            juvenile and adult fish.       Many complete their life cycle
            within the mangrove community.        Others are dependent upon
            mangroves during juvenile stages and migrate to grassbeds
            and/or coral     reefs when mature.           Still   others     are
            opportunistic vagabonds that utilize a variety of habitats and
            may be only seasonally or locally abundant. The proximity of
            other habitat types greatly increases the overlap of species
            from the other communities.

            Many species of invertebrates and fishes that utilize the
            mangrove are important to the region's recreational and
            commercial fisheries.        Important species of commercial
            fisheries include; pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum), stone crab
            (Menippe mercenaria), spiny lobster (Panulirus argus),'jacks
            (family Caranigadae) , grunts (family Pomadasyidae) , grouper
            (Eginevelus spp.), seabass (family Serranidae), snapper
            (Lutlanus spp.), mullet        (family Mugilidae),      red drum
            (Sciaenoys ocellata) F ladyf ish (Elops saurus) , spotted sea
            trout    (Cynoscion   nebulsus),    and    menhaden,, (Brevoortia
            patronus). Jewfish (Ep nepel@s itaiara) were once important to
            local fisheries but overharvesting and poorly understood
            reproductive potential have required protected status for this
            species.

            The above species represent a major portion of the annual
            seafood landings in Monroe County and are an integral part of
            the local economy, Finfish from the above-groups represented
            an estimated $ 5,541,086 of the landings value for the county
            in 1989. Shrimp, spiny lobster and stone crabs represented an
            estimated $ 30,454,687 of the total value of all species
            taken.      Total   landings    for   all   species     represented
            approximately 38 million dollars to the local economy (FDNR,
            1989).    These figures reflect commercial dockside landing
            prices and do not include income derived from local support
            facilities (fuel, repair, dockage, tackle, etc.). Table 3
            provides commercial data for finfish, crustaceans and sponges
            landed at local docks in 1989.

            Many of the commercial species are also important to local
            recreational fisherman.        Additionally, tarpon (Megalops
            'atlanti6a),   snook    (Centropomus   undecimalis),      barracuda
            (Sphyraena barracuda) and bonefish (Albula vulpes) are avidly
            pursued by local enthusiasts as well as thousands of annual
            visitors.     Unfortunately, statistics are not currently
            available for recreational landings and income. Although the


                                            38









           pounds landed would not approach the commercial statistics,
           conservative estimates would indicate that local income from
           hook and line enthusiasts is probably in excess of 50 million
           dollars a year.     once again, the total value of support
           services cannot be separated from local income statistics.

           The statistics themselves do not and cannot reflect the many
           values of this important resource. They cannot, for example,
           assign a dollar figure to the aesthetic and ecological values
           associated with mangrove habitats.    Nor can they relate the
           cost or efficiency of the intricate transfer of energy from
           one organism to the other. They can, however, provide some
           rudimentary knowledge of the importance of this habitat to the
           many species that enrich our culinary pleasure and our local
           economy. They also reaffirm man's close association with and
           dependency on the vital marine food web that emanates from
           mangrove and saltmarsh estuaries.



                                       TABLE 3


                       MONROE COUNTY 1989 FISHERIES LANDINGS



         Category                  Pounds               Estimated
                                                        Value

         -------                    ---------            ---------
         Finfish                    8,148,656            5,541,086

         Stone crabs                1,617,860            8,202,550

         Spiny lobster              5,535,309           16,827,339

         Pink shrimp                2,885,531            5,424,798

         Bait shrimp                    45,051              158,129

         Sponges                       298,550           5,424,798

         Totals                     18,530,957          37,739,202

         * Values are estimated using the     average price per pound paid
         statewide.

         FDNR/Marine Fisheries Information Service (1989)


           Table 4 includes a partial list of the major invertebrate
           groups and the vertebrate fauna of the mangrove association.
           For additional information on specific species, the reader is
           directed to the noted references. Odum et al. (1982) provide
           comprehensive lists of habitat types and diet preferences for
           fish and birds from published literature.


                                          39












                                       TABLE 4


                         PARTIAL LIST OF THE MANGROVE FAUNA


        INVERTEBRATES


        Zooplankton
        This extensive group includes single-celled protozoans and the
        larvae and eggs of the invertebrates and fish listed below.

        Jellyfish (Scyphozoa)
              Upside-down jellyfish            Cassiopeia xamachana
        Marine worms (Annelida)
                                               Armandia agilis
                                               Cirratulus sp.
                                               Lumbrineries maculata
        Mollusks
              Blackhorn snail                  Batillaria minima
              Ladderhorn snail                 Cerithidea scalariformis
              Periwinkle                       Littorina spp.
              Saltmarsh snail                  Melampus coffeus
              Bleeding tooth                   Nerita spp.
              Predatory snail                  Pisania tincta

        Crustaceans (may comprise 70%    of zooplankton)
              Barnacle                         Chthamalus.stellatus
                                               Lithortrya dorsalis
              Copepod                          Acartia spp.
              Searoach                         Ligia spp.
              Wood borer                       Sphaerom. terebans
              Pistol shrimp                    Alipheus spp-
              Pink shrimp                      Penaeus duorarum
              Shore shrimp                     Palaemonetes spp.
              Cleaning shrimp                  Periclimenes spp.
              Shrimp    -                      Syfialpheus fritzmuelleri
              Spiny Lobster                    Panulirus argus
              Hermit crab                      Pagurus spp.
              Hermit crab                      Clibanarius sp.
              Blue crab                        Callinectes sapidus
              Crab                             Cycloqrapsus sp.
              Shore crab                       Pachygrapsus spp.
              Mangrove tree crab               Aratus visonni
              Marsh crab                       Sesarma sp.
              Fiddler crab                     Uca spp.
              Stone crab                       Menippe mercenaria


        Holothurians
              Sea cucumber                     Holothuria floridana

        (References: odum et al., 1982)
        See Simberloff, 1976; Simberloff and Wilson, 1969 for comprehensive
        list of insects-



                                          40












         VERTEBRATES


         Fishes .


              Nurse shark                      Ginglymostoma curratum
              Blacktip shark                   Carcharhinus limbatus
              Lemon shark                      Negaprion brevirostris
              Bonnethead                       Sphyrna tiburo
              Smalltooth sawfish               Pristis Pectinata
              Guitarfish                       Rhinobatos letiginosus
              Lesser electric ray              Narcine brasiliensis
              Southern stingray                Dasvatis american
              Yellow ray                       Urolophus jamaicensis
              Spotted eagle ray                Aetobatus narinari
              Ladyfish                         Elops saurus
              Tarpon                           Megalops atlantica
              Bonefish                         Albula vulpes
              Scaled sardine                   Harengula Pensacolae
              Atlantic thread herring          Opisthonema oglinu
              Bigeye anchovy                   Anchoa lamprotaenia
              Bay anchovy                      Anchoa mitchilli
              Inshore lizardfish               Synodus foetens
              Sea catfish                      Aruis felis
              Gulf toadfish                    Opsanus beta
              Skilletfish                      Gobiesox strumosus
              Shortnose batfish                Ogcocephalus nagutus
              Key brotula                      Oqilbia cavorum
              Halfbeak                         Hyporhamphus unifasciatus
              Redfin needle fish               Strongylura notata
              Timucu .                         Strongylura timucu
              Houndfish                        Tylosurus crocodulus
              Sheepshead minnow                Cyprinodon variegatus
              Rainwater killifish              Lucania Parva
              Rivulus,                         Rivulus marmoratus
              Mosquitofish-                    Gambusia affinis
              Mangrove mosquitofish            Bamvusia rhizophorae
              Sailfin molly                    Poecilia lativinna
              Reef silverside                  Allanetta harringtonensis
              Rough silverside                 Membras marinica
              Tidewater siverside              Menidia beryllina
              Lined seahorse                   Hippocampus erectus
              Dwarf seahorse                   Hippocampus zosterae
              Pipefish                         Syngnathys spp.
              Snook                            Centorpomus undecimalis
              Black seabass                    Centropristis striata
              Sand perch                       Diplectrum formosum
              Jewfish                          Evinephelus itaiara
              Red grouper                      EvineDhelus morio
              Nassua grouper                   ERinephelus Striatus
              Barred hamlet                    Hypolectrus Ruella
              Gag                              Mycteroperca microlepis
              Bronze cardinalfish              Astrapogon alutus
              Conchfish                        Astrapogon stellatus


                                          41










             Bluefish                        Pomatomus saltatrix
             Cobia                           Rachycentron canadum
             Whitefin sharksucker            Echeneis neucratoides
             Blue runner                     Caranx crysos
             Jack crevalle                   Caranx hippos
             Bar jack                        Caranx ruber
             Atlantic bumper                 Chloroscombrus chrysurus
             Leatherjacket                   Oligoglites saurus
             Florida pompano                 Trachinotus carolinus
             Permit                          Trachinotus falcatus
             Lookdown                        Selene vomer
             Mutton snapper                  Lutjanus apodus
             Schoolmaster                    Lutianus apodus
             Gray snapper                    Lutianus griseus
             Dog snapper                     Lutlanus jgcu
             Lane snapper                    Lutjanus synagris
             Striped mojarra                 Diapterus plumieri
             Mojarras                        Eucinostomus spp.
             Grunts                          Haemulon spp.
             Pigfish                         Orthopristis chrysoptera
             Sheepshead                      Archosargus probatocephlus
             Sea bream                       Archosargus rhomboidalis
             Grass porgy                     Calamus arctifrons
             Saucereye porgy                 Calamus calamus
             Pinfish                         Lagadon rhomboides
             Blue croaker                    Bairdiella batabana
             Silver perch                    Bairdiella chrysura
             Spotted seatrout                Cynoscion nebulosus
             Southern kingfish               Menticirrhus americanus
            .Gulf kingfish                   Menticirrhus littoralis
             Atlantic croaker                Micropogon undulatus
             Black drum                      Pogonias cromis
             Red drum                        Sciaenoys ocellata
             High hat                        Eguetus acuminatus
             Atlantic spadefish              Chaetodipterus faber
             Sergeant major                  Abudefduf saxatillis
             Slippery dick                   Halichoeres bivittatus
             Parrotfishes                    sparisoma spp.
             Mullet                          Mugil spp.
             Great barracuda                 Sphyraena barracuda
             Mottled jawfish                 Opistognathus maxillosus
             Bluethroat pikeblenny           Chaenopsis ocellata
             Marbled blenny                  Paraclinus marmoratus
             Banded blenny                   Paraclinus fasciatus
             Blackbelly blenny               Stathmonotus hemphilli
             Florida blenny                  Chasmodes saburrae
             Seaweed blenny                  Blennuis marmoreus
             Spotted dragonet                Callionymus pauciradiatus
             Gobys                           Gobionellus spp.
                                             Gobiosoma spp.
                                             Lophogogius sp.
                                             Microqobius spp.
             Spanish Mackerel                Scomberomorusmaculatus


                                        42









              King Mackerel                    Scomeromorus cavalla
              Barfish                          Scorpaena brasiliensis
              Plumed scorpionfish              Scorpaena grandicornis
              Searobins                        Prionotus spp.
              Eyed flounder                    Bothus ocellatus
              Spotted whiff                    Citharichthys macrops
              Fringed flounder                 Etropus crossotus
              Gulf flounder                    Paralichthys albigutta
              Southern flounder                Paralichthys lethostiama
              Dusky flounder                   Syacium papillosum
              Lined sole                       Achirus lineatus
              Scrawled sole                    Trinectes inscriptus
              Hogchoker                        Trinectes maculatus
              Blackcheek tonguefish            Symphurus plagiusa
              Orange filefish                  Aluterus schoepfi
              Fringed filefish                 Monacanthus ciliatus
              Planehead filefish               Monacanthus hispidus
              Gray triggerfish                 Balistes capriscus
              Queen triggerfish                Balistes vetula
              Scrawled cowfish                 Lactophrys cruadracornis
              Trunkfish                        Lactor)hrys triqueter
              Puffers                          Sphoeroides spp.
              Burrfish                         Chilomycterus spp.

         (List modified from Odum et al., 1982)
         * = Locally important species of commercial, sport and bait
         fisheries.

         Amphibians and Reptiles
              Giant toad                      Bufo marinus
              Southern toad                   Bufo terrestris
              Treefrog                        Hyla sguirella
              Cuban treefrog                  Hyla septentrionalis

              Mangrove terrapin               Malaclemys  terrepin
                                              rhizophorarum
              Keys mud  turtle                Kinosternon baurii baurii
              Atlantic  loggerhead            Caretta caretta caretta
              Atlantic  green turtle          Chelonia mydas mydas
              Atlantic  hawksbill             Eretmo@-helys imbricata
                                              imbricata
              Atlantic  ridley                Lepidochelys kempii
              American  anole                 Anolis carolinensis
              Cuban anole                     Anolis sagrei
              Southern black  racer           Columber constrictor
              Red ratsnake                    Elaphe guttata guttata
              Mangrove water  snake           Nerodia fasciata
                                              compressicauda
              Rough green snake               Opheodrys aestivus carinatus


         (References:   Carr and Goin,   1955; Duellman and Schwartz, 1958;
         Ernst and Barbour, 1972; Paulson, 1968; Lazell, 1989)


                                          43






          Birds Great egret                 Casmerodius albus
              Snowyegret                    Egretta thula
              Cattle egret                  Bubulcus ibis
              Great white heron             Ardea herodia occidentalis
              Great blue heron              Ardea herodias
              Little blue heron             Egretta caerulea
              Reddish egret                 Egretta rufescens
              Louisiana heron               Egretta tricolor
              Green heron                   Butorides striatus
              Black-crowned night heron     Nvcticorax nvcticorax
              Yellow-crowned night heron    Nyctanassa violacea
              white ibis                    Eudocimus albus
              Roseate spoonbill             Ajaia ajaja
              Semiplamated plover           Charadrius semipalmatus
              Black-bellied plover          Pluvialis squatarola
              Ruddy turnstone               Arenaria interpres
              Spotted sandpiper             Actitis macularia
              Solitary sandpiper            Tringa solitaria
              Greater yellowlegs            Tringa melanoleucas
              Lesser yellowlegs             Tringa flavipes
              Dunlin                        Calidris alpina
              Western sandpiper             Calidris mauri
              Least sandpiper               Calidris minutilla
              Semipalmated sandpiper        Calidris pusilla
              Short-billed dowitcher        Limnodromus griseus
              Black-necked stilt            Himantopus mexicanus
              Brown pelican                 Pelecanus occidentalis
              Double-crested cormorant      Phalacrocorax auritus
              Mallard                       Anas platyrhynchos
              Blue-winged teal              Anas crecca carolinensis
              Red-breasted merganser        Mergus serrator
              Herring gull                  Larus argentatus
              Laughing gull                 Larus atricilla
              Ring-billed gull              Larus delawarensis
              Least tern                    Sterna albifrons
              Royal tern                    Sterna maxima
              Belted kingfisher             Megacervie alcyon
              Magnificent friqatebird       Fregata magnificens
              Red-shouldered hawk           Buteo lineatus
              Osprey                        Pandion haliaetus
              American kestrel              Falco sparverius
              White-crowned pigeon          Eolumba leucocephala
              Mangrove cuckoo               Coccyzus minor
              Red-bellied woodpecker        Melanerpes carolinus
              Gray kingbird                 Tyrannus domincensis
              Great crested flycatcher      Myriarchus crinitus
              Eastern phoebe                Savornis Phoebe
              Mockingbird                   Mimus R0lVql0tt0s
              Catbird                       Dumetella carolinensis
              Brown thrasher                Toxostoma rufum
              White-eyed vireo              Vireo griseus
              Black-whiskered vireo         717reo altiloguus

                                           44









               Red-eyed vireo                  Vireo olivaceus
               Black-and-white-warbler         Mniotilta  varia
               Yellow-throated warbler         Dendroica  dominica
               Yellow warbler                  Dendroica  Petechia
               Yellow-rumped warbler           Dendroica  coronata
               Prairie warbler                 Dendroica  discolor
               Palm warbler                    Dendroica  Palmarum
               Yellowthroat                    Geothlypus trichas
               American redstart               Setophaaa ruticilla
               Northern parula                 Parula americana
               Red-winged blackbird            Agelajus phoeniceus
               Boat-tailed grackle             Ouiscalus major
               Cardinal                        Cardinalis cardinalis

          (References:    Robertson   and Kushlan, 1974; Sprunt, 1954; Bent,
          1932)

          Mammals

               Virginia opossum                Didelphis virginiana
               Raccoon                         Procyon lotor
               White-tailed deer               Odocoileus virginianus
               Marsh rabbit                    Sylvilagus Palustris paludicola
               Key cotton rat                  SiqModon hispidus exsputus
               Black rat                       Rattus rattus
               Key Largo   woodrat             Neotoma floridana smalli
               Key Largo  cottonmouse          Peromyscus gossypinus
                                                 allapaticola

          (References: Layne, 1974; Humphrey and Barbour, 1979; Spitzer and
          Lazell, 1978; Lazell, 1984)


             2. Marine Grassbeds

             Marine gras sbeds are the most important feature in the aquatic
             resources of the preserve.      Seagrasses stabilize sediments,
             baffle wave energy, cycle nutrients, and provide substrate for
             a complex floral and faunal community.         Abundant food and
             cover make this an important resource for invertebrates and a
             nursery area for many fish species.          However, biological
             productivity is not limited to the area of distribution.
             marine energy cycling is enhanced as detrital material and
             nursery species are dispersed to other areas.         Species from
             geographically and physiologically isolated habitats, such as,
             the patch reef and the mangrove communities also forage in the
             seagrass community.     Thus marine grassbeds function as an
             interface between other communities and enrich the ecological
             diversity and productivity of all marine systems.

             Dominant marine grasses in the preserve are turtle grass
             (Thalassia testudium), Manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme),
             and Cuban shoalweed (Halodule wrightii).             Shoalweed is


                                             45









           typically a pioneer species that colonizes disturbed sites and
           areas where water depth (too shallow or too deep) or substrate
           is less favorable for turtle grass. Turtle grass is a climax
           species (Phillips, 1960), and as such is usually considered to
           be the primary producer in this community.        Turtle grass
           meadows are most expansive where sediments are deepest over
           the bedrock. Manatee grass and several species     of Halophila
           may also be present within the turtle grass beds.

           Seagrasses are flowering plants that have evolved to a totally
           aquatic existence.     They have adapted physiological and
           chemical mechanisms that facilitate photosynthesis, growth,
           maintenance and reproduction while completely submerged.
           Unlike their terrestrial counterparts seagrasses lack stomata
           on the leaf surfaces, thus gases are slowly diffused through
           the leaf tissue. oxygen is stored in interstitial cell spaces
           and passed to root structures and rhizomes when needed. Stored
           gases provide buoyancy to the leaf blade, keeping it vertical
           to the substrate and allowing a much larger surface area to be
           exposed to solar radiation. (Zieman and Wetzel, 1980).       The
           release of gaseous bubbles from leaf surfaces is often the
           source of the faint popping sounds heard when grass flats-are
           exposed at low tide.

           Certain plant nutrients are derived from the sediments, while
           others are taken from the water column. Nitrogen fixation can
           occur in the rhizomes, on the leaf surface and in some cases
           may be transferred between the leaf surfa6e and epiphytes on
           the leaf (Harlin, 1971).      Nitrogeri and carbons are also
           derived from the particulate organic matter from dead plant
           material and animal excretion. This highly efficient use of
           relatively limited nutrients and sunlight are the basis for a
           level of productivity often compared to the coral reefs and
           mangroves.

           The study of seagrass reproduction has evolved primarily as a
           means to restore or mitigate those areas that have been
           adversely   impacted    by   man's   activities    or    natural
           disturbances. Marine grasses may reproduce both sexually and
           vegetatively.   Vegetative reproduction originates from the
           root or rhizome of the plant.      Vegetative starts (plug or
           turion) are usually preferred for transplanting as they become
           established more quickly and survive longer.            However,
           relative cost of this type of restoration may be prohibitive
           for large areas.    Cost ranged from $27,000 to 86,500/ha to
           revegetate one area in the Upper Keys (Lewis et al., 1981).
           This technique has also caused much controversy, as many
           scientists and environmentalists have questioned the possibly
           negative impacts to donor (source) areas.      Donor areas are
           slow to recolonize and large scale removal may cause a more
           serious disturbance than it is intended to remedy.



                                          46









           Sexual reproduction in marine grasses is less clearly
           understood. orpurt and Boral (1964) observed flowering turtle
           grass in the Keys during April and fruiting until September.
           Seed production and seedling survival, however, may vary
           considerably f rom year to year.   Lewis and Phillips (1980)
           while monitoring a revegetation project near Craig Key,
           reported a "prodigious" seed crop in the intertidal area of
           Lower Matecumbe Key during 1979.     Previous observations by
           Moffler (from Lewis and Phillips, 1980) indicated little
           fruiting occurred in 1975 and Phillips reported large numbers
           of seedlings in the same area in 1960. Periods of high seed
           production certainly offer the opportunity to harvest and
           propagate seedlings for revegetation of disturbed areas but
           cost may again be prohibitive.    Thorhaug and Austin (1976)
           reported costs of $42,000-$280,000/ha (depending on desired
           plant cover) for collection, propagation, planting and
           overhead for restoration efforts.        Survival rates     for
           transplanted seedlings are also very low, less than         30%
           (Zieman, 1982).                                             -

           Marine grassbed distribution is influenced by physical      and
           chemical factors similar to those described for mangroves.
           Temperatures and salinities are usually well within the
           tolerance limits of the species listed. Optimum temperatures
           (68-86 degrees F) and salinities (24 ppt to 35 ppt) for turtle
           grass (Phillips, 1960), occur throughout the aquatic preserve
           waters.

           The three most important parameters determining grassbed
           distribution in the preserve are photic zone access, current
           velocity, and substrate.   Like their emergent counterparts,
           marine plants must have access to sunlight to carry on the
           photosynthetic process. Unlike terrestrial plants, the water
           column lies between the source and recipient. Water depth and
           clarity affect the amount of sunlight that reaches the leaf
           surface. Shading from docks and bridges and turbidity in the
           water column inhibit photic zone access. Propeller (prop) wash
           or dredging is also a source of excessive turbidity. Prop
           dredging is usually localized and not normally of a duration
           or intensity to cause extensive light reduction but has other
           more severe consequences that will be discussed later.

           Current velocities in larger channels continually erode and
           redeposit sediments at sporadic intervals and may scour
           sediments to bedrock in some locations. These dynamic
           processes are not conducive to seagrass colonization. Prop
           wash or prop dredging in shallow channels or 'wheel channels
           or ditches' may also inhibit seagrasses even when sediment
           depths are adequate for colonization.

           Turtle grass require s sediment depths from 3 inches (Scoffin,
           1970) to 20 inches (Zieman, 1972) for optimum growth. These
           conditions are exemplified in the expansive tidal banks or


                                         47








           'flats' in the preserve. Estimated depths for these sand/mud
           banks are f rom, several inches to more than 5 f eet in areas
           adjacent to the channels and dredged areas. Shallow
           depressions in typically hardbottom communities and shallow
           channels also support lush colonies of turtle grass
           (Unpublished field notes, 1985).

           In addition to the previously noted marine grasses, several
           species of algae are also commonly found in this community.
           Benthic   algae    include   Halimeda.   Penicillus,     Caulerpa,
           Rhipocephalus, and Udotea species. These calcareous algae are
           instrumental in producing organic carbons and calcium
           carbonate that are incorporated into the sediments (Zieman,
           1982).    Benthic algae are also early colonizers of fine
           sediments and their rhizoid holdfasts may stabilize these
           sediments so that seagrasses may become established on
           otherwise  unoccupied areas (Williams, 1981).       Drift@ algae,
           primarily Laurencia, is also a common component of the
           grassbeds.

           Seagrass leaves provide substrate for a wide range of
           epiphytic algae.      Some 66 species have been recorded to
           utilize seagrasses for attachment (Ballantine and Humm, 1975).
           While access to the photic zone is enhanced by this
           arrangement, the encrusting of the leaf surface may
           effectively reduce photosynthesis in the host plant (Sand-
           Jensen, 1977). The overall loss of photosynthetic production
           may be off-set by the increased habitat for marine fauna and
           a corresponding increase in animal and plant protein.

           The fauna 1 constituents of the marine grassbeds range from the
           microscopic zooplankton that drift with the currents,
           epiphytic biota that live upon the grasses and the pelagic
           invertebrates, fishes and mammals that utilize these areas.
           Trophic structure presents ample food for a variety of
           specialized feeders. Herbivores that feed directly upon the
           algae or seagrasses include a wide variety of invertebrates.
           Most notable are the crabs, queen conch, and sea urchins.
           Vertebrate herbivores include the green, loggerhead, and
           hawksbill turtlesf and a wide variety of fishes.            Zieman
           (1982) lists 63 species that utilize seagrass in their diet.
           Many of these species also consume varying amounts of detritus
           and epifauna as they forage.

           Detrital -feeders make up a large percentage of the grassbed
           fauna and may well represent the primary pathway of energy
           transfer to higher tropic levels (Zieman, 1982). This group
           is composed of many small organisms that feed upon the
           decomposing plant and animal material in the vicinity of the
           grassbeds.  ' Corals, sponges, tube worms and shrimp filter
           detritus and plankton from the water column.        others glean
           material from the sediments and leaf surfaces.            Exported
           detritus becomes available to an even wider range of consumers


                                           48









            in more remote areas.    Carr and Adams (1973) found detrital
            feeders to be a major food source for at least one feeding
            stage  in 15 of 21 juvenile marine            fishes studied.
            Commercially important detrital feeders include the pink
            shrimp (Penaeua duorarum), spiny lobster (Panulirus argus),
            and mullet (Mugil curema)-

            Higher order consumers include the myriads of fishes usually
            associated with grassbeds, as well as many that are more
            commonly associated with coral reef s and mangrove areas. Some
            spend early development stages in the shelter of the sea
            grasses and move to other habitats when mature. Still others,
            by alternating periods of diurnal and nocturnal activity, may
            utilize grassbeds for foraging at night and seek shelter in
            mangroves or coral reefs during the day. This partitioning of
            time and resources serves to eliminate competition between
            similar species and affords a much greater number of niches in
            the ecological structure of the community.           Fishes of
            recreational and commercial interest include most of those
            from the annotated list for the mangroves in Table 4.

            Marine grassbeds are heavily utilized by several bird species.
            The abundant marine fauna of this community are the staple
            food for most of these birds (Kushlan, 1978). Heron, egrets,
            and spoonbills exploit fish, crustaceans and other marine
            organisms in shallow water grassbeds and upon exposed grass
            flats during low tides. open water pisciVorous birds include
            the cormorant,"osprey, pelican, and gulls.

            Mammals that utilize marine grassbeds include the manatee and
            the bottle-nosed dolphin. The manatee, although not formerly
            recorded as a resident species in the preserve, may well
            frequent the area on. occasion and is well known for its
            predilection for aquatic plant life. It is assumed that the
            abundant seagrasses would provide a welcome repast for this
            nomad.  Bottle-nosed dolphin are occasional visitors of the
            aquatic preserve and undoubtedly take quantities of schooling
            fish as opportunity permits. Consult Table 5 for a list of
            animal species commonly associated with the marine grassbed
            community.

            Major impacts to the marine grassbed community in Lignumvitae
            Key Aquatic Preserve are associated with human activities.
            Direct removal of grassbeds by prop scouring and dredging are
            most noticeable.     Although the single prop scar may be
            comparatively insignificant, the cumulative impact from
            repeated scaring, which is evident on the tidal banks is of
            eminent concern. Zieman (1976) estimated recovery for these
            areas may take from      2-5 years and the natural recovery
            process may be further inhibited by rechanneling and increased
            erosion.




                                           49








           Dredging (and the spoiling of material) permanently eliminates
           grassbeds in most cases. The U.S. 1 roadway in the preserve
           was constructed with dredged fill. It is anticipated that
           future repairs and improvements will potentially affect
           adjacent grassbeds. These activities are integral to the
           safety and welfare of the general public and thus must be
           considered in the public interest.

           Docks interrupt light penetration and "shade out" vegetation.
           Since submerged lands of the preserve do not abut private
           riparian lands docks are not a major impact to resources of
           the preserve. @he existing docks at Lignumvitae Key and Indian
           Key Fill are to facilitate access to public lands.

           The effects of septic effluent and upland run-off in marine
           communities is often difficult to detect given the highly
           variable physical and chemical parameters of both the effluent
           and the community being studied.       But recent and future
           technological improvements and additional research (and
           monitoring) may well scientifically validate the general
           assumption that all nearshore environments are subjected to
           measurable amounts of pollution from these sources when in
           close proximity to poorly planned development. Remedial and
           corrective actions will be time consuming and will require
           coordination with the appropriate agencies to insure that
           continued urbanization does not undermine the functional
           integrity of marine resources.

           The value of marine grassbeds cannot be evaluated by any
           monetary formula presently available.         In the opening
           paragraphs of this section, the comparatively high cost (and
           relatively low success) of restoring or mitigating damaged
           grassbeds   were    discussed;       Further    research     and
           experimentation are to be encouraged in hopes of discovering
           more successful and cost efficient methods of replanting and
           encouraging expansion of marine grassbeds.        However, the
           preferable alternative to costly and often futile restoration
           is to protect this dynamic and productive resource from
           further damage.     To achieve that goal, preservation and
           protection of marine grassbed communities shall be a priority
           in the designation of management areas and the management
           procedure and policies in Chapters IV and V of this plan.


                                       TABLE 5


                      A PARTIAL LIST OF MARINE GRASSBED FAUNA


           INVERTEBRATES


             Corals
             Golfball coral               Favia fraau
             Rose coral                   Manicinia areolata


                                         50









              Small finger coral           Porites furcata

              Sponges
              Variable sponge              Anthosicmella varians
              Chicken liver sponge         Chondrilla nucula
                                           Chondrosia collectrix
              Boring sponges               Cliona spp.
              Vase sponges                 Ircinia campana
                                           Ircinia fasciculata
                                           Ircinia strobilina
              Loggerhead sponge            Spheciospongia vesRariu
              Fire sponge                  Tedania ignis

              Anemones
              Pale anemone                 Aiptasia Dallida
              Ringed anemone               Bartholomea annulata
              Giant anemone                Condylactis gigantea
              Sun anemone                  Stdichactis helianthus


              Annelids
                                           Ammatrypane fimbriata
              Lugworm                      Arenicola cristata
                                           Eurythoe sp
              Green bristle worm           Hermodice caruculata
                                           Eunice longicerrata
                                           Lysidice sp.
                                           Nereis sp.
                                           Phascolion sp.
              Tube worm                    Onuphis magna
                                           Sthenelais sp.
                                           Terebellides stroemi



              Mollusks
              Gastropods
                                           Anachis sp.
              Sea slug                     Aplysis dactylomela
                                           Astrea sp.
                                           Bittium varium
                                           Caecum sp.
                                           Cardita floridana
              Cerith                       Cerithium sp.
              Slipper                      CreRidula sp.
                                           Cymatum sp.
              Tulip                        Fasiolaria tulipa
                                           Mitrella lunata
              Horse  conch                 Modulus modulus
                                           PlurORloca gigantea
                                           Rissoina,sp.
              Queen  conch                 Strombus gigas
                                           Tegula sp.
                                           Tridachia sp.
              Caribbean vase               Vasum sp.


                                          51









              Pelecypods
              Cockle                        Americardia sp.
              Arks                          Anadara sp.
              Venus                         Antigona sp.
                                            Atrina sp.
                                            Cardita floridana
              Barred venus                  Chione cancellata
              Tiger lucine                  Codakia orbicularis
              Cockle                        Laevicarduim laevigatum
              Lucine                        Lucina Pennsylvanica
              Radiant tellin                Tellina radiata

              Amphipods
                                            Cvmadus compta
                                            Gammarus mucronatus
                                            Melita nitida
                                            Grandidierella sp.
              Cephalopods
                                            Octopus briareus
              C rustaceans
              shrimp and lobster
              Snapping shrimp               Alpheus normanni
                                            Hyppolyte pleuracantha
                                            Latreutus focorum.
              Shore shrimp                  Palaemonetes spp.
              Spiny lobster                 Penulirug argus
              Pink shrimp                   Penaeus duorarum
              Cleaning shrimp               Periclimenes spp.
                                            Thor floridanus
                                            Tozeuma sp.

              Crabs
              Box crab                      Calappa sp.
              Blue crabs                    Callinectus sp.
              Stiped hermit'crab-           Clibanarius sp.
              Bar-eyed hermit crab          Dardanus sp.
                                            Glyptoxanthus sp-
              Spider crab                   Libinia sp.
              Decorator crab                Macrocoeloma sp.
              Spider crab                   microphrys sp.
              Spider crabs                  Mithrax spp.
              Hermit crabs                  Paggrus spp.
              Giant hermit  crab            Petrochirus sp.
                                            Pilumnus sp.
              Pitho crab                    Pithos sp.

              Mantis shrimp
              False squilla                 Pseudosguilla ciliata

              Echinoderms
              Starfish
              Thorny starfishes             Echinaster spp.
              Cushion starfish              Oreaster reticulata


                                          52










              Sea urchins
              Long-spined black urchin       Diadema antillarium
                                             Echinometria sp.
              Varigated urchin               Lytechinus variegatus
              Sea egg                        Tripneustes ventricosus
              Sea biscuit                    Clypeaster rosaceus


              Holothurians
              Sea cucumber                   Actinopyga agassizi
              Florida sea cucumber           Holothura floridana



            (From Bock, 1971 and Zieman, 1982)
           * = Species of commercial interest

           VERTEBRATES


              Fishes
              Nurse shark                    Ginglymostoma curratum
              Lemon shark                    Negeprion brevirostris
              Bonnethead                     Sphyrna tiburo
              Smalltooth sawfish             Pristis pectinata
              Southern stingrayf             Dasyatis americana
              Ladyfish                       Elops saurus
              Tarpon                         Megalops atlantica
              Bonefish                       Albula vulpes
              Scaled sardine                 ii-areniula pensacolae
              Atlantic thread herring        Opisthonema oglinum
              Anchovies                      Anchoa spp.
              Inshore lizardfish             Synodus foetens
              Sea catfish                    Arius felis
              Gulf toadfish                  Opsanus beta
              Skilletfish                    Gobiesox strumosus
             -Hardhead halfbeak              Chridorus atherinoides
              Needlefish                     Hyporhamphus unfasciatus
              Goldspotted killifish          Flordichthys carpio
              Rainwater killifish            Lucania parva
              Sheepshead minnow              Cyprinodon variegatus
              Rivulus                        Rivulus marmoratus
              Sailfin molly                  Poecilia latipinna
              Reef silverside                Allanetta harringonenesis
              Hardhead silverside            Atherinomorus stipes
              Dwarf seahorses                Hippocampus zosterae
              Dusky pipefish                 Syngnathus floridae
              Fringed pipefish               Micrognathus crinigerus
              Snook                          Centropomus undecimalis
              Gag                            Mycteroperca microlepis
              Jewfish                        Eninephalus itajara
              Cobia                          Rachycentron canadum
              Jacks                          Caranx spp.
              Permit                         Trachinotus falcatus
              Florida pompano                Trachinotus  carolinus


                                            53









              Leatherjacket                   Oligoplites zaurus
              Lookdown                        Selene vomer
              Snappers                        Lutianus spp.
              Silver blenny                   Eucinostomus gula
              Grunts                          Haemulon spp.
              Pigfish                         orthopristis chrysoptera
              Porgies                         Archosaraus spp.
              Pinfish                         Lagodon rhomboides
              Red drum                        Sciaenops ocellata
              Silver perch                    Bairdiella chrysura
              Spotted seatrout                Cynoscion nibulosu
              Southern kingfish               Menticirrhus americanus
              Atlantic spadefish              Chaetodipterus faber
              Sergeant major                  Abudefduf saxatilis
              Slippery dick                   Halichoeres bivittatus
              Hogfish                         Lachnolaimus maximus
              Parrotfishes                    Scarus spp.
                                              Sparisoma spp.
              Mullet                          Muqil spp.
              Barracuda                       Sphyraena barracuda
              Blennies                        Paraclinus spp.
                                              Chaenopsis spp.
                                              Blennius sp.
              Dragonet                        Callionvmus parciradiatus
              Gobies                          Bathygobius sp.
                                              Gobiosoma spp.
                                              Microqobius spp.
              Scorpionfishes                  Scorpaena ' spp.
              Searobin                        Prionotus, spp.
              Lined sole                      Achirus lineatus
              Tonguefish                      Symphurus Rlagiusa
              Filefish                        Monocanthus ciliatus
              Cowfish                         Lactophrys quadricornis
              Trunkfish                       Lactophrys trigonus
              Southern puffer                 Sphoeroides nephalus
              Burfish                         Chilomycterus schoepfi

            (Adapted from Zieman, 1982)
              = Important sport, commercial and bait species

              Reptiles

              Green sea turtle                Chelonia. mvdas
              Loggerhead sea turtle           Caretta carretta carretta
              American crocodile              Crocodylus acutus

              Birds

              Roseate spoonbill               Ajaia alala
              Great blue heron                Ardea herrodias
              Great white heron               Ardea occidentalis
              Great egret                     Casmerodius albus
              Little blue    heron            Florida caerulea


                                            54









             Reddish egret                Dichromanassa rufescens
             Louisiana heron              Hydranassa tricolor
             Bald eagle                   Halieaeetus leucocephalus
             Red-breasted merganser       Mergis serrator
             osprey                       Pandion haliaetus
             Brown pelican                Pelecanus occidentalis
             Double-crested cormorant     Phalacrocorax auritus


             Mammals

             Bottle-nosed dolphin         TursiORs truncatus
             West Indian or Florida       Trichechus manatus latirostris
             manatee

           (From Kushlan, 1976, 1978)


           3. Hardbottom

           This community association is referred    to as live bottom
           (Jaap, 1984) or hard bottom (Voss, 1982; Marzalak et al.,
           1977; Marzalak, 1982: and others). It is generally included
           as a subcategory of the coral reef habitats, as described by
           these authors. Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve does not
           encompass coral reef habitats but does exhibit suitable
           substrate and many of the species described by these authors,
           and thus will be treated as a separate community association
           within this plan and in the resource maps. Portions of the
           Atlantic sea floor, channel bottoms and lagoonal basin are
           representative of this community association. Artificial
           hardbottom substrate is also provided by rock rubble and
           concrete associated with the bridges and abutments of U.S. 1.
           Marine grassbeds, sand, and mud bars are usually intermixed
           with the naturally occurring hard bottom communities.
           Distribution of macrofauna is generally scattered in random
           patterns and is never as compact or diverse as are grassbeds
           or coral reefs.   Never the less, this community association
           supports a diverse invertebrate and vertebrate fauna and is a
           valuable nursery area for many   .sport and commercial fish
           s
            pecies (Jaap, 1984).

           The flora and fauna of this association are highly variable
           and may contain species of the patch reef, mangrove and
           seagrass associations but species composition is usually
           dominated by algae and invertebrate species such as soft
           corals, sponges, and small stony corals.    The algal species
           are well represented by the calcareous greens, Acetabularia,
           Batophora, Halimeda, and Udotea spp.       These species are
           instrumental in binding sediments and the formation of
           calcareous sands that are the byproducts of their skeletal
           remains. They are also a food source for herbivorous fish and
           invertebrates. The brown Sargassum supports a relatively



                                         55









           complex microcommunity within it's delicate leaves and
           nodules.

           The soft corals (octocorals or gorgonians), such as sea whips
           (Pterogorgia spp. ) , sea fan Gorgonia ventalina) , sea rods
           (Plexaura spp.), and the sea plumes (Pseudopterogorgia spp.)
           are more common in the Atlantic portion of the preserve.
           Stony corals found in the live bottom communities include
           clubbed finger coral (Porites porites) , porous coral (1!.
           asteroides), starlet coral (Siderastrea radians), rose coral
           (Manicina areolata) , lobed star coral (Solenastrea hyades) ,            I
           and smooth star coral (a. bournoni). These species vary from
           a few inches to a foot in height.    Colonies of finger corals
           may cover several square meters in the clear, shallow waters
           near protected banks.

           The sponges are well represented in the hardbottom community.
           Dominance of this group in areas of the lagoonal basin is
           typical where sediments are thin or basement rock is exposed.
           The delicate holdfast is attached to the bare rock. The most
           prevalent species are the chicken liver sponge (Chondrilla
           nucula) , vase sponge (Ircinia campana) , cake sponge (1.
           etherea) , stinking sponge (I. felix) , the little blue heavenly
           sponge (Dysidea etherea), the large loggerhead sponge
           (Spheciospongia vesparia), and the tube sponges (Aplysina
           cauliformis and Callispongia spp.).          Both sponges and
           octocorals are host or@ prey to a wide variety of organisms
           that live on or in their framework. Both groups glean
           sustenance from the surrounding water and in doing so act as
           filtering mechanisms to remove minute particles and nutrients
           from the water.

           Lesser numbers of the sheepswool (Hippiospongia lachne),
           yellow sponge (Spongia barbara), and keys grass sponge
           (Spongia graminea) are found mixed in both hardbottom and
           marine grassbeds. Sparse  numbers of these once common sponges
           may be due to harvesting pressure. There were 298,550 pounds
           of sponges harvested in   Monroe County in 1989 (FDNR, 1989).
           This represents an increase of 275,533 pounds over 1984
           figures (NMFS/SEFC, 1986).

           Motile fauna of the hardbottom. include many invertebrates and
           fishes of mangrove and seagrass communities.          This area
           provides microhabitats for many juvenile fishes as well as
           infaunal organisms that tunnel the shallow sediments. Marine
           turtles are also quite frequently observed feeding or resting
           in these areas. The hawksbill turtle is especially fond of
           sponges which may comprise as much as 95 percent of it's diet
           (Meylan, 1988).

           The reader is referred to previous sections on mangroves and
           marine grassbeds for additional information and species lists.



                                          56












           H. DESIGNATED SPECIES

           The many resource types within the preserve support a rich and
           varied population of plants and animals.     Previous sections
           have enumerated the many material and aesthetic values accrued
           to man in conserving and protecting these resources.        This
           section will discuss the often critical importance of these
           resources to other species of plants and animals that are
           endangered or threatened with extinction throughout part or
           all of their geographic range.         In most cases, their
           endangerment is the direct result of man's exploitation of the
           natural resources of an area.           Excessive harvesting,
           collecting, landclearing, construction, dredging, treasure
           salvage, ditching, the use of pesticides, and the introduction
           of exotic plants and animals have contributed to the decline
           of many of these species and will continue to stress recovery
           capabilities for most of them.

           It shall be a major objective of this plan's management policy
           to identify, map, and protect the endangered and threatened
           species habitat within the preserve boundary and provide input
           in decisions that would affect known habitat of these species
           on adjacent lands and in marine areas. To the maximum extent
           possible (where biologically and economically feasible),
           disturbed habitats will be restored to benefit endangered and
           threatened species.,   Educational programs for the general
           public, organizations, and governmental agencies shall be
           prepared and disseminated in hopes of informing and enliiting
           support for the conservation and protection of vital habitats.

           The small islands in and adjacent to the preserve are host to
           a large number of endangered and threatened plant species.
           Most are tropical species of West Indies origin. A
           preponderance of the listed species occur within the mangrove,
           saltmarsh and tropical hardwood hammock communities. The
           numbers and degree of endangerment may well reflect the stress
           imposed by development on Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, as
           well as other areas of the Keys. Equally devastating pressure
           is exerted by plant collectors and poachers whose primary
           objectives are the epiphytic orchids (Encyclia spp.) , air
           plants (Tillandsia spp.), cacti (Cereus spp., Opuntia spp.),
           and palms (Thrinax spp.).     Entire areas may be stripped of
           these plants. Displacement by exotic (introduced) plants is
           also a problem where soils have been disturbed.

           The often maligned manchineel .(Hippomane mancinella), a
           threatened species, has been totally eliminated from much of
           its former range in the Upper Keys. The often exaggerated
           toxic properties of this once abundant tree were reason enough
           to exclude it from inhabited areas. Several specimens still
           survive in the more remote wetland areas of Upper Matecumbe
           Key. Other less threatening or less conspicuous plants include



                                          57









            the endangered geiger tree (Cordia sebestena    '   wild cotton
            (Gossypium hirsutum), and bay cedar (Suriana maritima).

            Endangered and threatened hardwood hammock species, or small
            coloni'es of these species are generally dispersed randomly
            throughout a hammock. This 'clumping' is often overlooked by
            those who clear land for development. This practice may
            eliminate an individual or an entire colony of an already
            limited species. The endangered Lignumvitae trees (Guaiacum
            sanctum), for which the island and preserve were named, have
            all but disappeared in the wild on the Upper Keys.

            (The reader is referred to the Florida Park Service at
            Lignumvitae   Key   State   Botanical    site   for    additional
            information on tropical hardwood hammock species.)

            Table 6 provides a partial species list of plants considered
            to be endangered or threatened by 1) Florida Department of
            Agriculture and Consumer Services, the official State list
            (Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act, Florida
            Statutes, Section 581.185, 1978) ; 2) rare (R) , endangered (E) ,
            threatened (T), and species of special concern (SSC) from the
            Florida Committee on Rare and Endangered Plants and Animals
            (FCREPA) list: and 3) Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida
            series (P.C.H. Pritchard, ed.). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
            Service is currently rev  iewing several of these plants for
            federal listing.

            The plant communities within and adjacent to the preserve      are
            host to an equally diverse number of endangered and threatened
            animals. These areas provide food,   cover, and nesting habitat
            for a broad range of resident animals and are equally
            important to several transitory      species.    Table 7 . lists
            species that could be expected to utilize various habitats
            within or adjacent to the preserve.

            The threatened Eastern indigo (Drymarchon corais couperi) will
            utilize a variety of habitats including mangroves and
            saltmarsh areas (Weaver, 1978 (a)J. Loss of suitable habitat
            is probably the single most important influence on their
            survival. Public education may be beneficial in erasing the
            age old prejudice towards snakes in general. These snakes are
            non-poisonous and are beneficial to man, in that they feed
            upon insects and rodents that are considered vermin. Yet most
            of them are systematically eliminated from the environs of man
            out of fear or ignorance and the introduction of domestic
            pets. If this species still exists in the area of the
            preserve, it would most probably be on Lower Matecumbe Key.

            The Key mud turtle (Kinosternon bauri bauri)     utilizes fresh
            and brackish wetlands for feeding, resting and raising their
            young. The endangered mud turtle is an elusive creature that
            is often difficult to find even in its known habitat. Bottoms


                                           58









           of ponds and solution holes are often carpeted with thick
           layers of mud and leaf litter that offer excellent cover for
           this small turtle (Weaver, 1978 (b)).        During periods of
           drought the turtle may burrow into crevices or tunnel under
           rocks to conserve body moisture and await the rains that
           replenish the pond (Dunson, 1981).

           The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) would most probably
           be an infrequent visitor in the preserve. However, sitings in
           the Upper Keys have become more common and the crocodile may
           traverse large expanses of open water (Moler, personal
           communication, 1987).

           The avifauna of the area represents the largest group of
           listed species.     All except two species on Table 7 are
           dependent upon wetlands for their survival. The Little blue
           heron (Egretta caerulea) , Snowy egret (Egretta thula) , Reddish
           egret (Egretta rufescens) , Tricolored (or Louisiana) heron
           (Egretta tricolor) , and the Roseate spoonbill (Ajaja ajaja)
           are currently listed as species of special concern.         These
           colonial nesters were easy prey for the plume hunters of the
           early part of the century. Entire rookeries were annihilated
           as plume hunters killed the adult birds in breeding plumage
           and left chicks to die -or f ed them to their hogs.      As the
           demand for plumes declined, the real estate boom began in
           south Florida.    Thousands of acres of wetlands were drained
           for agriculture and residential development.             Depleted
           breeding stocks and ever vanishing habitat brought these
           species and others to the brink of extinction.          Loss of
           habitat, water management practices on the mainland, and the
           introduction of pesticides into the food web may still imperil
           the survival of many.

           The modest colony on Shell Key accommodates breeding pairs of
           Snowy egrets'. Brown pelicans, Great blue, Great white and
           Little blue herons, Roseate spoonbills and White ibis. other
           wading birds may also be observed there.

           The Southeastern snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus
           tenuirostris) is a summer visitor to our shorelines and
           shallow-water wetlands but does not nest here (Wofenden,
           .1978). This species has been decimated by excessive hunting
           and destruction of habitat in many of the Caribbean countries.
           It is currently listed as a threatened species (Arendt et al.,
           1979; Wiley, 1979).

           The White-crowned pigeon (Columba leucocephala), a threatened
           species, is also hunted for sport and food in many of the
           Caribbean countries.       Excessive hunting pressures, egg
           collecting and removal     of tropical hardwood forests have
           seriously depleted resident populations in at least two
           countries.     Cooperative agreements, closed seasons and
           complete protection in several areas have slowed the decline


                                          59








           of this species.       Resident populations in the Keys are
           protected from hunting but efforts must continue to stem the
           loss of tropical hardwood trees that the pigeon depends on f or
           food.    Poisonwood (Metopiu      toxiferum) is a favored food
           during the fruiting period. As the name implies, this tree
           has certain toxic properties that irritate sensitive human
           skin    (and   may   cause    more   severe   complications      for
           hypersensitive persons) and it is frequently eradicated from
           human environs.     Other less objectionable hammock trees and
           shrubs, such as, Pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia),
           Snowberry (Chiococca alba), stoppers (Eucrenia spp.), Wild
           coffee (Psychotria nervosa) and wild figs (Ficus spp.) are
           also staple foods.     However, few of these plant species are
           given explicit protection under local landclearing ordinances
           (personal observations) . The pigeon feeds in the hammocks and
           nests in the more remote mangroves. It is shy and sensitiye
           to human habitation or disturbance in both areas (Robertson
           and Kushlan, 1978; Sprunt, personal communication).

           The endangered Peregrin falcon (Falco Deregrinus) is a winter
           visitor to the Keys.        Pesticides in the food chain were
          .instrumental in the decline of this raptor.        Elimination of
           certain insecticides and reintroduction of       the peregrin are
           proving successful in reestablishing this species in the
           former range.     Perched upon utility wires     or hovering over
           open areas, it can overtake and capture other birds in
           midflight. It may be encountered in variety of habitats from
           September to May (Snyder, 1978).

           open-water piscivorous birds include the endangered Bald eagle
           (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the threatened Eastern brown
           pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis).          The eagle
           population has suffered a 50% decline over the last 30 years.
           Florida populations have dropped from 1,000 to less that 350
           breeding pairs (Robertson, 1978).            Eagles have        been
           documented for the preserve area.

           The Eastern brown pelican has suffered       a similar f ate on a
           national level.     A massive die-off in     Texas and Louisiana
           during the 1960's prompted    'the federal government to list the
           pelican as an endangered species until 1984. It appears that
           local populations have remained fairly stable and the pelican
           has been deleted from the endangered category and it is now
           considered to be a species of special concern in Florida.
           There are 19 breeding colonies of brown pelicans in the Keys.
           This represents 38% of the Florida population (Schreiber,
           1978).    The pelican prefers more remote mangrove areas for
           nesting and will often join other colonial species.

           The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) , which is not currently listed,
           may well reach threatened status if present populations
           continue to decline. The locally limiting factors are thought
           to be availability of suitable nesting habitat and adequate


                                            60









           f ood during the nesting season.    The osprey is tolerant of
           human occupation but like the eagle, prefers large, dead trees'
           that rise above the surrounding canopy for nesting.
           Hurricanes and landclearing have removed many of these
           suitable trees and the osprey has opted for nesting on utility
           poles and elevated platforms.    Artificial nesting platforms
           have been successful in attracting breeding pairs in the
           vicinity of the preserve.

           Continued   protection    of   mangrove   rookeries   and    the
           mangrove/detritus food chain are vital for the eagle, pelican,
           osprey and the many wading birds that depend upon fish and
           marine invertebrates for food.

           Qualitative information on marine fishes and invertebrates are
           conspicuously absent from the literature.     Of those listed,
           only the Common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) has been
           extensively studied. This species is a prized sport and food
           fish and much controversy currently rages regarding the
           reasons for it's decline and the appropriate measures for
           ensuring a return to former abundance.     Pesticides spraying
           (EPA, 1981), habitat destruction and overharvesting are the
           primary concerns.     Egg and larval stages of most marine
           species are adversely affected by insecticides. Removal of
           larger fish, through uncontrolled commercial or sport fishing,
           depletes brood stock.      The effects of both. were quickly
           evident.   Destruction of mangroves and marine grassbeds are
           additional stresses that   have negatively affected the snook
           statewide.

           Discontinued spraying for mosquitos over aquatic preserves and
           federal refuge and park lands may have  Ialready contributed to
           higher hatch success for snook.      The long term data will
           undoubtedly prove this policy beneficial.      Closing certain
           areas to commercial net boats and imposing closed seasons and
           strict size limits for both commercial and sport fisheries may
           also reverse the previous trend.         Current reports from
           professional guides and sportfisherman indicate that this is
           the case and that more f ish are being taken in the Keys.
           Those over or under the size and over the bag limits should be
           returned to the water, uninjured.

           This and other listed fish species are adversely affected by
           modification or loss of habitat. Alteration of mangroves and
           marine grassbeds eliminates habitat and often creates
           turbidity that smothers eggs and clogs gills. Preservation of
           these and other species requires that disturbances in marine
           wetlands be kept to a minimum and that these areas be
           protected from upland drainage that introduces silt and
           pollution into nearshore habitats.

           The marine turtles have suffered depredation similar to t    'hat
           described for the wading birds.     The Atlantic green turtle


                                          61









           (Chelonia mydas mydas) was once a mainstay to Keys fisherman.
           Shortly after the turn of the century, most of these turtles
           had been eliminated from local waters. Overharvesting and egg
           collecting, and entanglement in other parts of the Caribbean
           and Gulf of Mexico have continued to stress survival for all
           marine turtles. Suitable habitat f or nesting does not exist in
           the preserve but all three species may be encountered in the
           area, the Loggerhead (Caretta caretta caretta) being the most
           common.


           The endangered West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus
           latirostris) is an occasional visitor to the preserve area.
           Individual animals or small groups are often reported to
           appear in marinas and residential boat basins or canals during
           the winter months and occasionally during summer. Cool water
           temperatures farther north may prompt this migration out of
           the usual winter range.     Well meant offerings of food and
           fresh water will often entice the manatee to linger in these.
           areas for longer periods.    This practice should be strongly
           discouraged, as it increases the manatee's exposure to danger
           from boats. Although there  are no designated "manatee areas",
           boaters should be cautious and reduce speed when manatees are
           in an area.    Heavy penalties are imposed for harassing or
           negligently injuring or killing this highly endangered
           species.

           The endangered Key Largo woodrat (Neotoma floridana smalli)
           and   Key   Largo   cotton    mouse   (Peromyscus   gossyDinus'
           allapaticola) were introduced to Lignumvitae Key from north
           Key Largo when populations on the later island were threatened
           by impending development. It was felt that since Lignumvitae
           was protected from urban development that the introduced
           stocks would preserve the gene pool of the rodents. The
           woodrat has survived on the island but recent trapping efforts
           did not produce any cotton milde (Wells, pers. comm., 1990).
           Additional surveys are needed to confirm presence/absence of
           the cotton mouse. State acquisition of critical habitat on
           north Key Largo will hopefully insure their continued
           survival. Both rodents use a variety of habitats with a
           preference for tropical hardwood hammocks for feeding and
           nesting.

           Although state law (F.S. 370.110) prohibits the taking of hard
           corals (Millepora spp. and the Scleractinia) and a few species
           of sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina and G. flabellum) from State
           waters, many of the octocorals (gorgonians) , tropical fish,
           mollusks, crustaceans, anemones, and other invertebrates are
           less stringently regulated.    Permits are required for these
           activities but monitoring and regulating collectors is
           difficult, if not impossible, given the broad geographic
           extent of the State's marine waters.      Local collecting is
           still conducted by both professional and amateur aquarists,



                                         62









           often with little regard for non-target species when pursuing
           specimens.

           overharvesting is also a potential problem. Intensive
           collecting of a single species may eliminate that species from
           an area. The ecological repercussions are problematic but each
           organism fills a particular biological niche and mass
           alteration of community structure would affect other organisms
           that interact with the target species (e.g. predator/prey,
           parasitic, symbiotic, and mutualistic relationships).

           The concern for an individual endangered species may prompt a
           concerted effort for preservation and has proved successful in
           a limited number of cases.        The Peregrin falcon and the
           Alligator are such examples. Other efforts have proved only
           marginally successful. The Florida manatee has benef itted from
           designated sanctuaries and captive breeding efforts but the
           steady growth of recreational power boats still imperils this
           slow moving siren throughout-much of it's already diminished
           range.   The most recent population estimate indicates that
           there may be less than 1,500 individuals statewide.

           The onslaught of human populations and development leave
           little hope for many of these animals. Designated refuges and
           preserves, stringent laws and a "conservation ethic" are
           possibly all that separate them from extinction.




























                                           63












                                       TABLE 6


           FLORAL SPECIES OF THE LIGNUMVITAE   KEY AQUATIC PRESERVE AREA
                  THAT ARE CLASSIFIED AS ENDANGERED,   THREATENED
                             OR COMMERCIALLY EXPLOITED



        Scientific Name                  Common Name                Status


                                                                  FDA   USFWS
        Acrostichmu danaeifolium       Giant leather fern          T
        cereus gracilis                Prickly apple cactus        E     UR
        Cereus pentagonus              Barbed-wire cactus          T
        ChrysORhyll    olivaeforme     Satinleaf                   E
        Cocos nucifera                 Coconut palm                T
        Cordia sebestena               Geiger tree                 E
        Encyclia boothiana             Dollar orchid               E      UR
        Encyclia cochleata             Clamshell orchid            T
        Encyclia tampensis             Butterfly orchid            T
        Gossypium hirsutum             Wild cotton                 E
        Guaiacum sanctum               Lignumvitate                E
        Hippomane mancinella           Manchineel                  _T
        Hymenocallis latifolia         Spider lily                        UR
        Jacauinia keyensis             Joewood                     T
        Limonium carolinianum          Narrow-leaved sea                  UR
           var.anaustatum                    lavender
        Opuntia compressa              Prickly pear cactus         T
        Opuntia stricta                Prickly pear cactus         T
        Suriana maritima               Bay cedar                   E
        Swietenia mahogani             West Indian mahogany        T
        Thrinax floridana              Florida thatch palm         C
        Thrinax microcaMa              Brittle thatch palm         C
        Tillandsia balbisiana          Reflexed wild pine          T,
        Tillandsia circinata           Twisted air plant           T
         (= T.Paucifolia)
        Tillandsia fasciculata         Wild pine or Air plant      C
        Tillandsia flexuosa            Banded wild pine            T
        Tillandsia setacea             Needle-leaved air plant     T
        Vanilla barbellata             Wormvine orchid             E


        Note:
        FDA==Florida Department of Agriculture and consumer services
             (list published in Preservation of Native Flora of Florida
             Act, Section 581.185-187, Florida Statutes).
             E = Endangered
             T = Threatened
             C = Commercially Exploited

        USFWS==United States Fish and Wildlife Service (list published in
               List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, 50
               DFR 17.11-12).
               E   Endangered
               UR   Under review  for federal listing


                                         64












                                      TABLE 7


              FAUNAL SPECIES OF THE LIGNUMVITAE KEY AQUATIC PRESERVE
              AREA THAT ARE CLASSIFIED AS ENDANGERED# THREATENED, OR
                                OF SPECIAL CONCERN


         Scientific Name            Common Name                   Status


                                                             FGFWFC   USFWS
         Centropomus undecimalis     Common snook              SSC
         Rivulus marmoratus          Rivulus                   SSC
         Starksia starcki            Key Blenny                SSC

         Caretta caretta caretta     Atlantic loggerhead
                                        turtle                 T         T
         Chelonia mydas mydas        Atlantic green turtle     E         E
         Crocodylus acutus           American  crocodile       E         E
         Dermochelys coriacea        Leatherback turtle        E         E
         Drymachon corais couperi    Eastern indigo snake      T         T
         Eretmochelys i. imbricata   Atlantic hawksbill
                                        turtle                 E         E
         Eumeces egregius egregius   Florida Keys mole skink   SSC       UR
         Kinosternon bauri bauri     Key mud turtle            E         UR
         Lipidochelys kempi          Atlantic ridley turtle    E         E

         Ajaja ajaja .               Roseate spoonbill         SSC
         Columba leucocephala        White-crowned pigeon       T        UR
         Egretta caerulea            Little biue heron         SSC
         Egretta rufescens           Reddish egret             SSC       UR
         Earetta thula               Snowy egret               SSC
         Egretta tricolor            Louisiana or Tricolor
                                       heron                   SSC
         Falco peregrinus            Peregrine falcon          E         T
         Falco  sRarverius  Paulus   Southeastern Kestrel      T         UR
         Haliaeetus leucocephalus    Bald eagle                T         E
         Pelecanus occidentalis      Brown pelican             SSC

         Neotoma floridana smalli    Key Largo wood rat        E         E
         Peromyscus gossyRinus       Key Largo cotton mouse    E         E
          allipaticola
         Trichechus m. latirostris   West Indian manatee       E         E


         Note:
         FGFWFC==Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
                 (list published in Section 39-27.03-05, Florida
                 Administrative Code) E = Endangered, T = Threatened,
                 SSC = Species of Special Concern

         USFWS===United States Fish and Wildlife Service (list published
                 in-List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants,
                 50 CFR 17.11-12) E = Endangered, T = Threatened,
                 UR = Under review for federal listing



                                         65











           I. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES

           The early native Indians and Bahamian fisherman exploited the
           abundant fish and turtles and salvaged the cargos of
           unfortunate sailing ships that were dashed upon the
           treacherous reefs offshore. The somewhat sketchy but colorful
           exploits of the pirates who plundered the treasure laden ships
           of the Spanish f leets were also to become an indelible page in
           the Keys' history.       Later, the descendants of these
           enterprising sailors and the immigrants from the Bahamas and
           Cuba were to become permanent colonizers of this chain of
           islands. The ever present threat to navigation, the tropical
           growing climate and the rich bounty of the sea were the
           mainstay of a culture devoted to ship salvage (or "wreckers") ,
           citrus and pineapple plantations, and the sponge, turtle and
           fishing industries (Carter, 1976) (Eyster, 1987).

           To the south of Indian Key in 18 feet of water    lies the San
           Pedro wreck that sank in 1733. A fleet of Spanish merchant and
           military ships had sailed from Havana in route to Europe
           heavily laden with trade goods and precious metals. A
           hurricane scattered the fleet and all but one were sank. The
           wreck site was rediscovered in the 19601s. Most of the
           artifacts and treasure were plundered prior to this time. On
           April 2, 1989, the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Site
           was established by the Florida Department of State for
           interpretation of Florida's rich maritime history.

           Indian Key, the small island to the south of the preserve
           boundary, has been occupied by various cultures from pre-
           historic times. During the 1830's this 10 acre island served
           as the county seat for Dade County and was a prosperous
           wrecking village. Jacob Housman, the owner and developer of
           the island, gained some notoriety for his wrecking exploits
           and treatment of the native Indians in the area. Dr. Henry
           Perrine was also a prominent resident on the island. Dr.
           Perrine   gathered and cultivated tropical food and fiber
           plants from around the world in hopes of developing products
           for local markets. The sisal plants (Agave spp.) that Perrine
           introduced still persist on the island today.

           In 1840, the island was attacked by a band of 100 Indians. Dr.
           Perrine was killed in the attack and all the buildings and
           supplies on the island were pillaged or burned. Housman had
           escaped prior to the attack but died the following year in a
           wrecking accident. The island was sold and has not been
           inhabited since the 1930s. The state purchased the island in
         .1970. The remaining streets and foundations have been
           reclaimed from the prolific vegetation and the island is open
           to the public for tours conducted by Florida Park Service
           personnel. The Indian Key Festival is held in the spring and
           attracts thousands of visitors during the two day event. Other



                                         66









           historic memorials and/or events are also held on the island
           each year.

           The Spanish are believed to have been the first post-Columbian
           visitors to Lignumvitae Key in the early 1700's. Later,
           Bahamian fishermen and wreckers probably visited the island
           but no permanent settlement was established there, even during
           Housman and Perrine's time. Exposure to prevailing sea breezes
           that drove away the swarms of mosquitos most probably favored
           Indian Key f or settlement. The island has been occupied by
           various owners since the early 1900's, most notable of these
           were the Matheson f amily of Miami during the early part of
           this century. Their home and the surrounding grounds are
           maintained as they were during that time period. Guided tours
           of both the cultural and natural history of the island are
           conducted by the Florida Park Service.

           The twentieth century brought many changes to both the culture
           and utilization of the areas natural resources. A chain of
           lighthouses on the reef edge guided vessels on a safer course.
           Blight and more productive ports in Cuba usurped the
           agricultural markets and    declining numbers of turtles and
           sponging grounds eliminated those industries as sources of
           subsistence. Motorized vessels and improved fishing methods
           were to become the basis for an ever expanding fishery.
           Flagler's railroad and a developing tourist industry on the
           mainland soon lured hundreds and then thousands to the
           tranquil splendor of the Keys.     The railroad was eventually
           replaced with a roadway and bridges after the Labor Day
           @urricane of 1935. The Overseas Highway would accommodate ever
           increasing numbers of sightseers and fisherman. Coupled with
           the tropical climate and year round abundance, both the
           commercial and sport fisheries flourished (Martin, 1949; Dean,
           1982).



           J. USES OF THE PRESERVE

           In the last half of this century, improved snorkel and scuba
           equipment has added an exciting dimension to the local tourist
           industry.     A short, comfortable boat ride will deposit
           visitors in the clear, warm waters to observe the natural
           wonders of the marine environment first hand. Commercial dive
           operations, tour boats, and other tourist accommodations cater
           to several million visitors a year. The dive industry
           contributes substantially to the local economy and employs a
           substantial  number of the local and seasonal residents.

           Pleasure boat registrations for Dade County doubled in the
           period between 1964 and 1978. Registrations for Monroe County
           quadrupled during the same time period (Mathis et al., 1979).
           Currently (1989-1990) Dade County residents have registered
           49,360 vessels and Monroe has registered 19,053 (FDNR, 1990).


                                          67








            Many of the boats registered in Dade County are used in Monroe
            County waters. This pattern is. expected to continue as
            regional population increases.

            Numerous hotels, motels and private residences offer dockage
            in the vicinity of   the aquatic preserve. Additionally, there
            are 5 commercial     marinas on the western end of Upper
            Matecumbe. Four of   these are on the bayside of the island.
            Ingress and egress   to these marinas are through areas with
            extremely   shallow waters, expansive banks          and marine
            grassbeds. Traf f ic f rom these marinas and the Intercoastal
            Waterway access the Atlantic Ocean via Teatable and Indian Key
            Channels in the preserve. The other marina on Upper Matecumbe
            is located on the Atlantic side of the island with a privately
            maintained channel to deeper waters. one commercial marina on
            the northeast tip of Lower Matecumbe is located immediately
            adjacent to the aquatic preserve boundary and their vessels
            must traverse waters of the preserve to access Florida Bay or
            the Atlantic Ocean. This marina and two on Upper Matecumbe
            offer rental boats to the general public.

            Personal individual watercraft (jet skis, jet boats, water
            taxis) have increased in popularity throughout Florida and
            have recently become more frequently observed in the preserve.
            Most enter the preserve from the U.S. 1 road shoulder or from
            nearby marinas. They are extremely portable (up to 6 per
            trailer) and convenient to launch from a sloped shoreline or
            skid board, without the need for a boat ramp.

            Income from sport       (recreational)   fishing is a major
            contributor the local economy. Guide services, charter boats,
            boat rentals, bait, fuel, food, ice and taxidermy services are
            procured from local businesses.       This income is generally
            lumped with the tourist industry data and it is therefore
            difficult to assign a dollar amount to these services.
            Conservative estimates for 1986-87 indicated that more than
            145 million dollars were spent by recreational fishermen in
            the Keys (NMFS, 1988).

            The commercial fishery is probably the third most important
            industry in the county4 Commercial harvest of lobster, stone
            crab, shrimp and finfish represented an estimated $36,000,000
            to Monroe County in 1989 (FDNR, 1990). Boat yards, fuel, ice,
            transportation and processing facilities are accessory
            industries that employ additional workers who are indirectly
            dependent upon the fishery.

            Commercial harvesting of tropical fish, invertebrates and
            sponges are also expanding industries. Current data for the
            local tropical marine life fishery are not available but the
            popularity of display aquariums and the proliferation of shops
            and-businesses dedicated to procurement and shipping has
            increased considerably. There are approximately 60 firms in


                                           68









           south Florida that are involved in the marine life harvesting
           industry and it is predicted to expand by 10-15% each year
           (Young, 1989) .

           The harvesting of 'live rock', although currently banned in
           state waters, has been a thriving industry in the Keys for the
           past decade. 'Live rock' (or reef rock, mat rock, etc.) are
           fragments of limestone with the living organisms attached that
           are highly prized by the aquarium trade.          These 'mini
           environments' support algae, soft and hard corals, as well as,
           many of the epifaunal and infaunal species associated with the
           coral reef and hardbottom communities.      The live rock is
           typically harvested in shallow waters. one firm in Monroe
           County estimated that their annual export of 'live rock' was
           80,000 pounds per year (Young, 1989). There is currently a
           total ban on live rock harvesting in state waters. Live rock
           from federal waters is still landed in the county. The long-
           term impacts to local resources was a primary concern in
           imposing the ban in state waters (Wheaton, 1989).

           Aquaculture offers. an alternative to harvesting 'wild'
           products from the natural environment. Culturing live rock is
           being explored by a few of the those in the industry, as well
           as by other scientists. Algae and reef fishes are being
           successfully cultured in tanks and abandoned barrow pits in
           @he Keys. The success of culturing Pacific reef tropical fish
           is a case in point for further exploration of this
           alternative.

           Commercial sponge harvesting has seen a resurgence throughout
           southern Florida in the last few years. Stevely, et al.,
           (1978) reported that the sponge harvest for Monroe County in
           1976 was approximately 5,000 pounds. Figures from NMFS for
           1984 indicate that more than 23,000 pounds were harvested in
           Monroe County. Landings value of the 1984 catch is estimated
           at $228,844 (NMFS, 1986). Recent data indicate that more than
           298,000 pounds with an estimated value of $ 1,585,300 were
           landed in Monroe County in 1989 (FDNR, 1990). Small flotillas
           of skiffs and a 'mother boat' ply both the bay and ocean
           nearshore waters. Spongers must hook sponges from the boat
           rather than having divers clip the sponges. The hook or rake
           must have a 5 inch tooth spread to prevent taking of smaller
           sponges (Chapter 370.17, F.S.). Harvested species include;
           Sheepswool sponge (Hippiospongia lachne), Yellow sponge
           (Spongia barbara) and grass sponge (Spongia graminea).

           Impacts Associated with Resource Use

           The financial interests of both the fisheries and tourist
           industries are inextricably linked to the presence and
           products of the marine environment.      Yet many scientists,
           fisherman, divers, and environmentalists have expressed
           concern for the past and present pressures and stresses


                                         69









           exerted upon this unique environment.    Some areas have been
           seriously damaged from negligent or accidental vessel
           groundings.     Still others have been impoverished by
           overharvesting, coral and tropical fish collecting and
           spearfishing.

           Careless boat operation in shallow water is a major source of
           damage to the preserve's resources. Many new arrivals and
           visitors to the area are novice operators or new boat owners
           and most are ill equipped for navigation in the shallow waters
           around the barely submerged grassbeds. Without major efforts
           to educate the boating public and improved navigational aids,
           damage from boat groundings and prop dredging will undoubtedly
           increase in proportion to the number of boats utilizing the
           area.


           Personal individual watercraft have been observed to impact
           the feeding activities of wading birds and are disruptive to
           nesting activities. Operation on shallow banks can damage or
           destroy seedling mangroves and may damage marine grassbeds.
           Irresponsible operation is also hazardous to other boaters,
           swimmers, divers, and snorkelers in the preserve.

           These and other   impacts to preserve's resources will be
           discussed further in Chapters V and VI.


           K. REGIONAL LAND  USE, DEVELOPMENT AND ASSO CIATED IMPACTS

           1. Regional Land  Use and Development

           The south Florida region may be interpreted to include a
           variety of locations or features depending upon:      political
           subdivision, county lines, geological formations, climate,
           watershed or any number of other natural or artificial
           boundaries.   For purposes of this discussion, the south
           Florida region will include Monroe, Dade, Broward, Palm Beach,
           Hendry, Glades, Charlotte, Lee, Collier and the southern
           portion of Martin counties.   This delineation is based upon
           their proximity to the Aquatic Preserve. All counties except
           Glades and Hendry, which are principally agricultural lands,
           are coastal areas with substantial population densities. All
           are within a five hour driving time of the preserve.

           As an ecological unit the south Florida region is often
           characterized as the Kissimmee-Okeechobee, Everglades-Florida
           Bay-Coral Reef system. Water quality, accumulation, aquifer
           recharge, retention, dispersal and use are the common elements
           that unit this region. Water needs of agricultural and urban
           development must be balanced with the need to maintain or
           restore quality, quantity and periodicity of water flow to the
           larger environmental complex and for aquifer recharge.
           Pollution, depletion, flooding, drought, salt water intrusion,


                                         70









           alteration or loss of environmentally sensitive wetlands, and
           priority of use are ongoing issues that must be addressed by
           the public and various management entities.

           Potable water f or the Florida Keys is provided by pipeline
           from well fields in the Biscayne Aquifer in south Dade.County.
           overland water flow moves south from the Kissimmee River
           basin, Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades to enter Florida Bay
           and eventually waters of the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic
           Ocean. Because these systems are interconnected, the impacts
           to one part of the system will eventually impact all of the
           system, depending upon severity and/or duration. The aquatic
           preserve lies 'down stream' of this complex system in the
           Coral Reef zone.    It is linked to the larger region both
           environmentally and economically.

           The Keys have historically been a haven for respite from the
           heavily developed urban areasalong the east coast of Florida
           and the northeastern states. From the early days of Flagler's
           railroad to the present, a large proportion of the visitors to
           Keys are from the neighboring counties to the north. Many are
           seasonal visitors-or part time residents.      Interstate road
           system and international airports connect the islands with the
           region and the world.

           U.S. Highway 1 links the Florida Keys with    the mainland of
           Florida with a series of 43 bridges and several causeways.
           This is the only arterial roadway into or out of the Keys.
           Miami International Airport is, approximately 80 miles
           northeast via U.S. 1 and the Florida Turnpike.         Marathon
           Airport on Key Vaca and Key West International offer local
           commuter service to Miami and several other cities in the
           region.

           From earliest recorded history, the Keys have been an
           important maritime area. European trade routes and Caribbean
           basin traffic have linked the islands with the rest of the
           world. Ports in Miami and Key West continue that tradition.
           They are major points of cultural and economic exchange.
           Cruise ships and tour boats provide additional access for the
           millions of tourists who visit the area annually.

           Fisheries were probably one of the primary enticements to the
           early explorers and settlers.of the Keys. Sponges, turtles,
           finfish, conch, shrimp, and spiny      lobster supported many
           families and entire villages in some   areas. All but the now
           protected turtles and queen conch are  still a mainstay to the
           local commercial fisheries. Although   this industry employees
           a relatively small proportion' of     the population, it is
           probably the third most important industry in the Keys.
           Economies are also stimulated by the   facilities and services
           related to recreational and commercial fishing.



                                         71








           Geographically. and historically, the region has been a
           strategic location for national security interests. The U.S.
           Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force staf f and maintain several
           facilities throughout the Keys.        Local populations and
           economies are affected by the presence of these facilities.
           Many of the retired staff have remained as. residents after
           service.

           The combination af climate, clear clean waters, coral reefs,
           abundant fish and wildlife and accessibility are the main
           attractions to both visitors and residents of the Florida
           Keys. The Keys are the most popular diving destination in the
           region and state and possibly, the continent.     Millions of
           visitors generate billions of dollars to the local economies
           of the Keys and the region.      Dive shops, schools, boats,
           lodging, apparel, restaurants, marinas, car rentals, airlines,
           photography and sundry other shops and businesses are geared
           to the needs and services for this industry.

           2. Local Land Use and Development

           A major portion of the land area adjacent to Lignumvitae Key
           Aquatic Preserve is undeveloped or is developed with low
           density commercial and residential use. Commercial development
           has proliferated along the U.S. 1 corridor through the center
           of Upper Matecumbe. Residential development is typically
           relegated to the side streets. Most of the commercial,.
           development is composed of hotel/motels, marinas and other
           resident and visitor services. Lower Matecumbe is devoted to
           primarily residential use with a single motel and marina
           adjacent to the preserve.

           It should be noted that most development is serviced by septic
           tanks rather than central sewage in the Lignumvitae Key
           vicinity.    Several commercial- facilities have secondary
           treatment plants. Some new development is being required to
           install secondary treatment plants which incorporate boreholes
           for injection of effluents.

           For purposes of this management plan, immediately adjacent
           uplands will be limited to four categories based upon type and
           intensity of existing use. These designations do not reflect
           any particular zoning or planning area districts as applied by
           Monroe County government. Residential will include properties
           and facilities developed with multi-family and single family
           homes. Commercial uses are typically hotel/motel, restaurants
           and marinas. Public lands include the U.S.1 right-of-way
           (including adjoining utility easements) and those facilities
           or areas administered or managed by the Florida Park Service.
           The Undeveloped areas category will include those lands that
           are primarily mangrove wetlands and adjacent sovereignty
           submerged lands. Figure 5 illustrates the various land use
           categories adjoining or adjacent to the preserve.


                                         72









           3. Associated Impacts

           on a regional level, impacts to the preserve may be evaluated
           both from the economic and environmental perspectives.
           Visitors and part time residents contribute substantially to
           the local economy and tax base. Monies distributed for goods
           and services support existing businesses and foster new
           development of businesses and residences.           The natural
           resource and aesthetic values of the preserve are more
           difficult to define but are none the less important to -the
           local economy.

           Environmentally, the inf lux of visitors and new residents.
           place added potential for increasing use and development that
           directly affect the aquatic preserve.         Increased use by
           boaters, fisherman, and snorkelers may stress certain
           resources of the preserve and-in some cases will require new
           or revised evaluations of the compatibility of these
           activities with the long term conservation of biological and
           aesthetic values for which the preserve was established.
           Maintenance of water quality, listed species habitat, viable
           fisheries,   healthy benthic communities and a quality
           recreational experience may be adversely affected by excessive
           numbers or types of activities in the relatively small area of
           the preserve.    At the minimum, a system of monitoring the
           types and intensity of use must be established to anticipate
           some of these impacts.

           Commercial and residential development also impacts the
           quality and utility of the preserve.       Excessive or poorly
           planned development may negatively impact water quality,
           vegetation, listed species, and the biological and aesthetic
           qualities for which the preserve was established. As thousands
           of new residents and tourists come to south Florida and the
           Keys, so does new construction of homes, resorts, roads,
           marinas, and facilities for disposal of the tons of solid and
           liquid wastes of an expanding population.        Upland run-of f
           contains heavy metals, petroleum, pesticides and other
           chemicals that pollute nearshore waters and are dispersed to
           other areas either by waves and currents or through the food
           chain.    Heavy metal (mercury, zinc, lead, and cobalt)
           concentrations in sediments and corals have been reported off
           southeast Florida byManker (1975). Evidence from studies on
           the effects of petroleum hyrocarbons has determined that these
           substances are detrimental to corals and that massive or
           chronic concentrations would also be harmful to other
           organisms (Japp, 1984).       Other chemicals may be quickly
           diluted and dispersed, therefore more difficult to detect and
           the long-term effects more difficult to predict.

           Septic effluent is also transported well away from the point
           of origin and this customary method of sewage disposal has
           caused much controversy and concern for the health of


                                          73









           nearshore marine environments and the reef tract. The porous
           limestones of the Keys do not retain the effluent long enough'
           for adequate decomposition to occur (Bight et al., 1981).
           Tidal activity, currents, and wind easily transport seepage
           from surface water drainage and contaminated sediments to
           nearshore and offshore areas. Likewisef the deep and shallow
           well injection of inadequately treated sewage has proliferated
           without sufficient knowledge of the particular geological
           features of the injection site (Lapointe, 1989). Deep strata
           test boring has been primarily limited to the -mainland of
           Florida and little testing has been done in the Keys.
           Information on the vertical and lateral movement of injected
           materials and the final disposition of these substances and
           their mutant byproducts is speculative without further
           research.

           The geologic strata, tidal regime,         currents,    thermal
           stratification, chemistry and marine flora and fauna all
           interact with human occupation of the coastal zone.          The
           ultimate effect upon the biological resources are at best
           poorly understood and long-term research and monitoring will
           reveal the foresight or folly of present activities, trends
           and attitudes towards the protection and conservation of water
           quality and the productivity of all marine systems. The true
           value,of this unique resource cannot be fully appreciated by
           its many benefactors without some knowledge of the delicate
           balances and natural processes, and relationships that exist
           within and between various community associations.      Neither
           can the long term survival of marine systems, as we know them,
           be guaranteed without adequate research to determine the point
           at which the system can realistically recover from natural
           catastrophe and the cumulative impacts of man.

           As control of regional or local populations, economies, and
           politics are beyond the scope of this management plan,
           monitoring of activities   and active participation in local
           planning efforts are seen as one avenue of addressing these
           concerns. However, many    of the existing and anticipated
           impacts to the preserve's  resources will be addressed by the
           legislated statutes and rules and within the following
           chapters of the plan.














                                         74








           Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
           FIGURE 5. Existing Land Uses
           M Commercial

                  Public Lands


                  Residential
           FTR Undeveloped

                  DNR-DRP
                                    0


                                           MILES


                         P,                   -,eo-00,







                                                                                  0Llo@-




                                                                                      IER
                        &kqNAMV, TA
           L                                                                   MATECUMBE
                                                                                   KEY


                                                                        TEATABLE
                                                                           KEY
                                                z              Z






                LOWER
              MATECUMB
                 KEY                       INDIAN   VIA
                                                K E Y







                                                 75












                                    CHAPTER IV


                                 MANAGEMENT AREAS



           A. INTRODUCTION

           This chapter of the plan divides Lignumvitae Key Aquatic
           Preserve into separate management areas and establishes the
           general or special rule criteria for allowable uses associated
           with each management area. Since the statute and rule
           specifically addresses docks, marinas, shoreline stabilization
           and dredging, the primary focus of allowable uses will be
           directed toward structures and construction activities. Non-
           structural activities are addressed in Chapter V under
           management issues and policy guidelines.

           The intent of establishing management areas is four-fold: 1)
           to provide a better understanding of the general and special
           criteria designed to preserve and protect biological resources
           and habitat through the management of activities and structure
           design, 2) to identify the types of allowable uses on state-
           owned lands within a preserve, 3) to provide both the Bureau
           of Submerged Lands and Preserves' staff and other agencies a
           continuity of direction in the management of the preserve, and
           4) to provide local planners with a guide for land use
           decisions.

           Section B of this chapter will establish management area
           categories based upon upland land use and relative values of
           adjacent aquatic preserve resources. Section C delineates
           minimum criteria for allowable uses. in the preserve, as
           established by statute and rule.Section D delineates each
           management area as to boundaries, description of resources and
           allowable uses, specific criteria and the rationale for each
           designation.



           B. MANAGEMENT AREA CLASSIFICATIONS


           The management areas are determined by identifying and
           delineating relatively homogenous areas of (1) adjacent upland
               , and 2) natural resources in the aquatic preserve. The
           upland use classifications acknowledge the local government's
           uses


           decision as to how a specific upland area can be used or
           developed. By necessity, the classification of management
           areas in this system is broader than county zoning or planning
           areas (e.g., Commercial (C) compared to the Monroe County
           Urban Commercial (UC) and Suburban Commercial (SC) Planning
           Districts). The land use categories employed in this
           management plan are intended to group similar uses relative to
           the types of structures and activities that may be associated
           with each and to establish the types of uses and activities


                                         77








           that may be authorized on state-owned submerged lands within
           the preserve. Specific land uses to be incorporated in the
           classification of management areas include:

                Commercial (C):    This broad category represents state-
                owned lands adjacent to lands designated for these uses
                in the local Land Use Plan. It is also intended to
                incorporate structures or facilities on or over state-
                owned lands whose use involves the charging of f ees or
                generation of revenue. Exceptions to this are federal,
                state or county owned properties that may charge a
                nominal fee, these facilities are considered a public
                use. Examples of Commercial uses are marinas that charge
                fees, business concerns, such as, dive shops, guide
                services, boat rentals, industry, and private educational
                facilities, that depend heavily on their direct access to
                the aquatic preserve in order to function, and
                establishments such as hotel/motels and restaurants, that
                use their direct access to the aquatic preserve as an
                economic enhancement.    The structures associated with
                this category are many and diverse, including docks,
                marinas, ship stores, fishing piers, boat ramps, mooring
                buoys, utilities and pilings. No structures associated
                with this type of use are located within the preserve
                boundary.   However,   uses   associated   with    existing
                Commercial facilities access and impact resources of the
                preserve.

                Public Lands (PL)       This category includes aquatic
                preserve areas adjacent or adjoining: facilities owned
                and/or operated by state, federal or local agencies for
                use by the general public at no charge or for a minimal
                fee; and public services, such as roadways and utilities.
                Certain lands within this category may have restricted or
                limited access depending upon season and/or management
                objectives and existing resources.          Examples are
                identified rookeries, critical habitat of endangered
                species, controlled research areas, and areas being
                restored.

           The natural resources portion of the classification system is
           established by evaluating the quality of a particular
           submerged or emergent resource within the preserve. Resources
           will be identified either as a Primary Resource Protection
           Area (PRPA) or a Secondary Resource Protection Area (SRPA).
           The methodology used to determine this resource value shall be
           consistent with the latest methodology approved by the Bureau
           of Submerged Lands and Preserves. Discrepancies in Management
           Area Maps and actual resources on a site will be decided by
           onsite surveys and evaluation by preserve staff.

           The Primary Resource Protection Areas are those areas
           recognized as having the greatest value to         the overall


                                         78









           biological integrity and diversity of the pre    serve. They are
           assigned a value of still. A PRPA essentially combines Resource
           Protection Areas 1 and 2, as defined in Sections 18-
           20.003(31), and 18-20.003(32), F.A.C. Resource attributes
           which determine a PRPA include:

           1.    non-exotic and non-invasive aquatic/wetland vegetation
                 (e.g., marine grasses, attached algae, mangroves, marsh
                 vegetation) that covers more than 1% of the surveyed
                 area;

           2.    unvegetated soft-bottom communities (i.e., infaunal
                 invertebrates) with a Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index
                 greater than 1.00;

           3.    hard-bottom communities (e.g., corals, soft corals,
                 sponges, algal beds) that have a frequency greater than
                 5% within the survey area;

           4.    species designated as endangered, threatened, or of
                 special concern (as contained in the most recent updates
                 of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and
                 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) that occupy or use
                 the area for habitat (e.g., feeding, breeding, refuge or
                 nesting); and

           ,,5.  nesting or feeding sites for solitary or colonial birds.

           State-owned submerged lands that are characterized by thei
           absence of the above resource attributes will be identified as
           a Secondary Resource Protection Area (SRPA) and assigned a
           .resource value of 99211. A SRPA is a Resource Protection Area 3,
           as,defined by Section 18-20.003(33), F.A.C.

           As stated previously, resource values are to be incorporated
           into the classification of management areas. For instance, if
           an area within the preserve is determined to be a Primary
           Resource Protection Area with a value of 1 and the adjacent
           upland is classified as Public Lands, then this management
           area would be classified as PL/1.



           Co MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ALLOWABLE USES


           Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., provides the minimum standards with
           regard to the utilization of state-owned submerged lands
           within an aquatic preserve. The minimum standards for each
           allowable use are detailed below.

           All Dock Structures: Section 18-20.004(5)(a), F.A.C., states
           that all docking facilities within an aquatic preserve shall
           meet the following standards and criteria:



                                           79









            1.   no dock shall extend waterward of the mean or ordinary
                 high water line more than 500 feet or 20% of the width of
                 the waterbody at that particular location, whichever is
                 less;

            2.   areas of significant biological, scientific, historic,
                 and/or aesthetic value require special management
                 considerations. Modifications to docks in these areas may
                 be more restrictive and shall be determined on a case-by-
                 case basis;

            3.   the number, lengths, drafts, and types of vessels allowed
                 to utilize the proposed facility may 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;

            Boundaries of the preserve do not adjoin any upland property
            that is currently zoned for single-family or multi-family use.
            Therefore, the criteria for single-family and multi-family
            docks, as outlined in Sections 18-20.004(5)(b) and (c),
            F.A.C., respectively, are not included within this plan but
            may be consulted in Appendix A.

            Commercial-Industrial Docking Facilities and Marinas: Section
            18-20.004(5)(d), F.A.C., states that commercial, industrial,
            and   other    revenue    generating/income      related' docking
            f acilities, as def ined by Section 18-20.003 (10) , F.A. C. , shall
            conform to the following specific design criteria and
            standards:

            1    docking facilities shall only be located in or near areas
                 with good circulation, flushing, and adequate water
                 depths;

            2.   docking facilities shall not be located in Resource
                 Protection Areas 1 and 2 (= PRPA); however, main access
                 piers may be allowed to pass through Resource Protection
                 Area 1 or 2 that are located along the shoreline to reach
                 an acceptable Resource Protection Area 3 (=SRPA),
                 provided that such crossing will generate minimal
                 environmental impact;

            3.   the siting of docking facilities shall take into account
                 the access of boat traffic to avoid marine seagrass beds
                 or other aquatic resources in the surrounding area;

            4.   the siting of new facilities within the preserve shall be
                 secondary to the expansion of existing facilities when
                 such expansion is consistent with other standards;



                                             80









           5.   the location of new facilities and expansion of existing
                facilities shall consider the use of upland dry storage
                as an alternative to multiple wet slip docking;

           6.   marina siting will be coordinated with local governments
                to ensure consistency with local plans and ordinances;

           7.   marinas shall not be sited within state designated
                manatee sanctuaries;

           8.   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.

           Exceptions to the standards and criteria f or any dockIng
           facility may be considered, but only upon demonstration that
           such exceptions are necessary to ensure reasonable riparian
           ingress and egress. The following special criteria and
           standards are also applicable for use of state-owned submerged
           lands in the Keys.

           Florida Keys marina and Dock, Sitings Criteria: Section 18-
           21.0041(l) establishes general policies and specific criteria
           for applications for leases, easements or consent to use
           sovereignty submerged lands in Monroe County for multi-slip
           docking facilities. Section 18-21.9941(l)(a) provides that
           special attention and consideration shall be given to the
           following:

           1.   the proximity to and potential adverse impacts on any
                rare, threatened or endangered species, or species of
                special concern, or their habitat, or on any portion of
                the entire Florida Reef Tract and other corals;

           2.   eliminating any adverse impacts on wetland or submerged
                vegetation or benthic communities; and

           3.   requiring adequate tidal flushing and/or circulation; and

           4.   maintaining or enhancing water quality at levels within
                or above State water quality standards; and

           5    requiring adequate water depths to avoid dredging and
                other bottom disturbance; and

           6.   requiring    consistency   and   conformity   with     local
                government land use plans, zoning and other land use or
                development regulations; and

           7.   requiring consistency and conformity with Chapters 27F-8,
                27F-9, 27F-10, 27F-11, 27F-12, 27F-13, and 27F-15,



                                          81








                F *A.C., as amended, "Principles for Guiding Development
                in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern."

           Section 18-21.0041(l)(b)

           1.   provides f or a moratorium on all leases in the upper Keys
                until such time as rules are adopted for a Keys-wide
                aquatic preserve or until the Monroe County Comprehensive
                Plan with marina sitings policy is adopted, whichever
                occurs first.

           Section 18-21.0041(l)(b) further requires that:

           2.   no docking facilities shall be approved which require
                either dredging or filling to provide access by canal,
                channel, road, or any other means, except for'maintenance
                dredging of existing canals, basins, or channels,
                providing such maintenance does not exceed currently
                acceptable water depths;

           3.   docking facilities shall only be approved in locations
                having adequate water depths in the boat mooring, turning
                basin,   access , channels and other such areas to
                accommodate the proposed boat use;

                a. a minimum depth of -4 feet MLW shall be required;

                b. greater depths for those facilities designed for or
                capable of accommodating boats having greater than a 3
                f oot draft, so that a minimum of one f oot of clearance is
                provided between the deepest draft of a vessel and the
                bottom;

                c. depth requirements shall also apply to the area
                between the proposed facility and any natural or other
                navigation channel, inlet or deep water. Where necessary,
                marking of navigational channels may be required. At the
                Board's discretion, the conditions of the lease may
                stipulate the number, lengths, drafts and types of
                vessels to be moored in a facility.

           4.   Requirements for the size of the dock:

                a. no. dock shall be shall exceed 500 feet in length,
                unless the Board determines that it is not contrary to
                the public interest;

                b. no dock shall preempt more than 20% of the affected
                waterbody;

                c. a dock intended for the use of a private residence,
                which is not subject to obtaining a lease, shall not
                exceed 4 feet in width, terminal platform shall not


                                          82









                exceed 160 square feet, the width of which shall not
                exceed 8 feet;

            5.  Special conditions for new or expanded docking facilities
                for 10 or more boats require that water quality standards
                be maintained, monitored, and that violations of same are
                to be corrected and establishes penalties for failure to
                do so;

            6.  New or expanded docking facilities will identify ways to
                improve, mitigate or restore adverse environmental
                impacts caused by previous activities and encourages
                marina development to locate in already developed or
                disturbed areas;

            7.  Docking facilities for 10 or more boats shall be required
                to have a lease;

            8.  All applicants will be required to provide documentation
                to show that there is an economic demand for the number
                of boat slips requested, if the number is not consistent
                with the Department's Projections of Marina Needs for
                Monroe County;

            9.  multi-slip docking facilities shall not be considered for
                approval if located over a benthic community, except main
                access docks that may cross benthic communities to*reach
                acceptable areas. This 'shall not preclude applications
                for consent of use for the purpose of using the minimum
                amount to obtain reasonable ingress and egress; and

            10. the Board may grant special considerations to the
                approval of leases or other consent to use state lands
                for projects which are approved by the Department of
                Community Affairs which are for the purpose of furthering
                the commercial fishing village or commercial fishing
                enterprise zone concept.


            Lease or Transfer of Lands: Section 18-20.004(l)(b), F.A.C..
            states that there shall be no further lease or transfer of
            sovereignty lands within an aquatic preserve unless such
            transaction is in the public interest. Section 18-20.004(2),
            F.A.C., specifically defines the public interest test (see
            Appendix A for a copy of Chapter 18-20, F.A.C.). Section 18-
            20.004(l)(e), F.A.C., states that a lease, easement, or
            consent of use may be authorized for only the following
            activities: (1) a public navigation project; (2) maintenance
            of an existing navigation channel; (3) installation or
            maintenance of approved navigational aids; (4) creation or
            maintenance of a commercial/industrial dock, pier, or marina;
            (5) creation or maintenance of private docks; (6) minimum
            dredging of navigation channels attendant to docking


                                          83









           facilities; (7) creation or maintenance of oil and gas
           transportation    facilities;    (9)   creation,     maintenance,.
           replacement, or expansion of facilities required for the
           provision of public utilities; and (10) other activities which
           are a public necessity or which are necessary to enhance the
           quality or utility of the preserve and which are consistent
           with the Florida Aquatic Preserves Act (Sections 258.35 and
           258.46, F.S.). Section 18-20.004(l)(f), F.A.C., states that
           structures to be built in, on, or over sovereignty lands are
           limited to those necessary to conduct water-dependent
           activities.

           Utility Basements: Section 18-20.004(3)(c), F.A.C., states
           that utility cables, pipes, and other such structures shall be
           constructed and located in a manner that will cause minimal
           disturbance to submerged resources (e.g., seagrass beds,
           corals) and do not interfere with traditional uses. It will be
           policy to place additional utilities within designated
           corridors or existing easements unless no other reasonable
           alternative exists.

           Spoil Disiposal: Section 18-20.004(3)(d). F.A.C., states that
           spoil disposal within an aquatic preserve shall be strongly
           discouraged and may be approved only where the applicant has
           demonstrated that there is no other reasonable alternative and
           that the spoiling activity may be beneficial to, or at a
           minimum, not harmful to the quality or utility of the
           preserve. It will be the policy to prohibit spoil disposal
           onto a PRPA within the aquatic preserve.

           Boardwalks: Boardwalks shall be limited to the riparian
           upland, with the exception of sovereignty submerged lands
           adjacent to public lands, in which case they shall meet the
           minimum design criteria for single family docks and be
           constructed in such a manner as to allow maximum light
           penetration, natural flow of waters and have hand rails to
           prevent pedestrian access to traversed wetlands. Boat docking
           or mooring within 500 feet of a boardwalk is prohibited and
           "Docking Prohibited" signs will be displayed on the waterward
           face(s) of the structure. The only exception to the 4 feet
           width shall be to accommodate public access for documented
           handicapped use.     If a public boardwalk is intended for
           handicapped use, it will be allowed to have 3 feet wide by 6
           feet long by-pass(es) at 300 feet interval(s) on one or the
           other side of the main four feet wide walkway.

           RAaRs: Boat ramps will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
           Factors to be evaluated will include: (1) the extent of
           alteration or elimination of natural resources or habitat
           (e.g., seagrasses, shoreline vegetation, ne   'sting areas), and
           (2) accessibility to the ramp from water and land routes
           (e.g., adequate water depths over sovereignty submerged



                                          84









           lands). In no event shall dredging or filling of sovereignty
           lands in a PRPA be authorized.

           Additional criteria for the repair, replacement, and expansion
           of existing structures are provided for in Chapter 18-21,
           F.A.C. Replacement and expansion of structures must comply
           with the minimum criteria provided for in Chapter 18-20,
           F.A.C.

           Criteria more restrictive than those listed in Chapter 18-20,
           F.A.C., will.be used if the biological and physical conditions
           of an area warrant it. As an example, docks may be limited in
           size to protect seagrasses and corals. Areas requiring more
           stringent criteria will be referred to as special management
           areas and such areas will be labeled with the additional
           letter "all on resouirce maps. Again, as an example, if
           management area PL/l requires more restrictive criteria, then
           this special management area would be classified as PL/la.


           D. MANAGEMENT AREAS

           In this section, each management area is delineated with
           boundaries, descriptions, and allowable uses. Specific
           criteria and supporting rationale for each special management
           area is also provided. Final determination of allowable uses
           will be made by the Bureau of Submerged   Lands and Preserves
           staff on a case-by-case basis. Figure     6 is a map of the
           management areas within the preserve. The purpose of providing
           this map is to give some general guidance and an understanding
           of where the management areas lie within  the preserve.

           Some of the management areas reflect specific upland uses in
           association with differing boundaries. As an example, two or
           more upland parcels may have a similar use, yet the adjoining
           submerged lands may have different resource types, and thus
           have a different designated use. Other management areas may
           have a' specific activity occurring within that is not
           reflective of the overall upland use.

           It should be noted that the following described boundaries
           include only state-owned submerged lands. Privately held
           submerged lands and privately owned riparian uplands are
           excluded from the boundaries, as provided for in Section 18-
           21.0041(3). Likewise, those submerged lands north of the
           Intercoastal Waterway and contained within the boundaries of
           Everglades National Park are specifically excluded from the
           established management areas and criteria for state-owned
           submerged lands. All activities, structures and uses within
           the park boundary are dictated at the discretion of the
           National Park Service.





                                         85










                                MANAGEMENT AREA PLZI a
                   (public lands/primary resource protection area)
                               special management area

           Boundaries: The Public Lands (Primary Resource Protection Area
           with specific criteria)       management area includes         all
           sovereignty submerged lands within the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic
           Preserve not previously conveyed or leased to the Division of
           Recreation and Parks, Florida Department of Transportation,
           Everglades National Park, private entities or as described for
           PL/2 and C/1 below.

           Description: The area is characterized by fringing mangroves,
           mangrove islands, hardbottom and marine grassbed associations.
           The shallow grassbeds and mangrove areas provide feeding and
           refuge habitat for wading and diving birds. State owned lands
           adjoining the area exhibit salt marsh, mangrove, buttonwood,
           and tropical hardwood hammock associations and are habitat for
           endangered, threatened, and species of special concern.

           Present development adjoining or within the area includes the
           U.S.   roadway and associated structures, the docks at
           Lignumvitae Key, and navigational markers. Existing county
           land use classification on Upper Matecumbe Key (that adjoins
           the management area) is Native Area and consists of a wide,
           undisturbed mangrove fringe. Water depths are typically
           shallow near shore.

           Allowable Uses: Public docks; utility easements; navigation
           aids; highway maintenance/improvements; boardwalks; boat
           ramps, preserve signage and normal repair and maintenance of
           existing state facilities.

           specific Criteria: The dock shall be the minimum size for safe
           loading and off loading of passengers and mooring of the
           attendant vessel (s) . Trimming or removal of fringing mangroves
           shall be limited to the minimum required for the access pier
           of the dock or boardwalk to reach open water. Handrails and/or
           signage may be required to discourage docking at the access
           pier or other portions of the dock or boardwalk that traverse
           waters of less than -4 feet MLW.

           Off shore structures will be limited to navigational aids that
           may be established in the vicinity of the channels to
           discourage boat groundings and prop dredging and/or approved
           signs or buoys to mark the boundaries of the preserve, to mark
           research areas, to display environmental education messages or
           to identify limited or restricted access areas.

           Rationale: The dock criteria are designed to limit impacts to
           important marine resources, such as mangroves, corals and
           marine grasses. Minimum depths are necessary to prevent
           scouring of bottom features and to prevent excessive


                                          86









           suspension of sediments by prop wash. Public access elevated
           board walks are preferable to use-of foot trails that compact
           soils, create erosion channels and destroy vegetation in
           wetland areas. Heights and widths of boardwalks are intended
           to reduce shading and to eliminate obstructions to natural
           water flow.



                                MANAGEMENT AREA PL12
                 (public land/secondary resource protection area)

           Boundary: This Public Lands (within Secondary Resource
           Protection Area) management area includes all sovereignty
           submerged lands parallel and north of the U.S. 1 roadway
           between Teatable and Lignumvitae Channels to a distance of 300
           feet from the roadway edge.

           Description: Submerged lands have been dredged and filled over
           much of this area. The two natural channels traverse the
           preserve in this location. This area adjoins the boat basin,
           landing and staging areas for the Park Service tour boat and
           a make-shift boat ramp and parking area. The west end of the
           boat basin was originally used as a designated ramp but poor
           design and subsequent filling-in has preempted use of this
           area. Poor orientation   and flushing capabilities create a
           catchment for nutrient rich detrital sediments that are
           anaerobic in the western  one-third of.the basin. The eastern
           portion exhibits a mix    of unconsolidated rock rubble and
           marine grassbeds. Other  areas along the shoreline exhibit a
           mix of patchy grassbeds, hardbottom, rock rubble and sand/mud
           bars.

           Currents in the 'vicinity of the three channels may exceed 5
           knots during flood and ebb tides, making these hazardous areas
           for small boats, swimmers and divers.

           Allowable uses: Public docks; boat ramps; utility easements;
           highway   maintenance/improvements;    normal    repairs    and
           maintenance of existing state facilities; approved preserve
           and state park signage; and navigational aids.

           specific criteria: The existing aerial utility  lines shall be
           maintained in a safe condition to prevent accident or injury
           to the public and resources of the preserve. Any application
           to replace or substantially repair all or portions of the line
           or poles shall be evaluated by the anticipated impacts to
           marine grassbeds. In no event shall dredging be authorized to
           access, repair or replace the line.      Tug, barge or other
           equipment to access or operate in the area shall be of a draft
           that does not substantially disturb or prop dredge the bottom.
           Applications for such work shall be required to contain a
           description of the types, draft and numbers of vessels or



                                         87









           equipment to be used and a detailed plan and time f rame f or
           restoring and replanting*areas that may be damaged.

           Rationale:    The line and poles traverse extremely shallow
           waters adjacent to lush grassbeds. Conventional marine
           construction equipment could inflict serious damage to marine
           grassbeds in the area.


                                MANAGEMENT AREA CZ1 a
                    (commercial/primary resource protection area)
                                special management area

           Boundary:      The Commercial (within a Primary Resource
           Protection Area with specific criteria) management area will
           include all sovereignty submerged 1    'ands within the preserve
           adjacent to the southeast shoreline of Lower Matecumbe Key
           south of the U.S. 1 right-of-way, except for privately held.
           submerged lands.

           Description: Adjoining uplands are composed of saltmarsh,
           buttonwood, beach/berm and disturbed vegetation. Submerged
           lands are typically hardbottom, marine grassbeds and mud/sand
           flats.    Water depth is less than three f eet on high tide
           except in Lignumvitae Channel. This area provides access to
           waters of the Atlantic and Florida Bay. The two adjoining
           parcels of privately held submerged lands are similar in depth*
           and biological components and have a privately maintained
           channel that accesses the preserve boundary in Lignumvitae
           Channel.

           Allowable    Use:      Highway   maintenance/improvements;      and
           navigational aids.

           Specific Criteria: Activities in this management area will be
           limited to improvements or repairs to U.S.1 right-of-way and
           navigational aids. No new dredging or filling will be
           authorized on submerged lands in the preserve, except in
           connection with highway projects.

           Rationale: Present use adjoining this    area is for a motel and
           related amenities, including a boat basin and privately
           maintained channel. The channel was dredged on privately held
           submerged lands and accesses the boundary of the preserve at
           Lignumvitae Channel. The present access is considered to be
           adequate for riparian use.








                                           88








                           Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
                           FIGURE 6. Management Areas

                                         PL/la

                                         PL/2

                                         C/10

                                         Evergilades
                                         National Park

                                         DNR-DRP                            0


                                                                                         MILES



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                                           0

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                                                                              .......                 ..........................



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                                                                               ::: ...... ............................                                                 KEY
                                                          KEY

                                                                           ......... ..                  ...................
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                                                                ...........
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                                                                                                               ............


                                   LOWER

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                                MATECUMB
                                     KEY                                                WN 61-A N
                                                                                                      KEY






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                                       CHAPTER V


                           SITE SPECIFIC KANAGEMENT ISSUES


            The f irst part of this chapter deals with management issues
            involving specific activities, as opposed to permitted
            structures, that directly affect the biological integrity of
            the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve.      The issues that are
            specific to this area include, but are not limited to:
            conflicting uses, increasing watercraft traffic, damage to
            marine resources, the protection of designated species and
            their habitat, the protection of bird feeding and resting
            areas,  research    needs,   acquisition   of environmentally
            sensitive lands, boundary extension, and enforcement. Other
            issues may arise as future use intensifies and these will be
            identified as they develop. ,

            The second part 'of this chapter establishes policy guidelines
            for these issues.    These policy guidelines are intended to
            provide additional management direction and supplement those
            set forth by Chapter 258, F.S., Chapters 18-20 and 18-21,
            F.A.C., and Chapter IV of this plan.


            A. MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

            1*.' CONFLICTING USES

            To some extent many of the issues identified in this section
            are directly related to uses that may fulfill one individual
            or groups needs but are in conflict with another's activities
            (or safety) and/or the legislative intent for establishing the
            preserve. Activities that compromise or damage resources may
            not always seem significant unless cumulative impacts are
            taken into account. 'Any of the following activities should be
            evaluated for the long-term cumulative impacts.

            Vessel mooring for extended periods shades submerged grasses
            and may create hazards to navigation.        Liveaboard vessels
            often compound impacts with wastes and sewage that are
            introduced to surrounding waters, whether intentional or
            accidental.   Boat operation and anchorage in shallow water
            disturbs bottom communities and resuspends sediments that
            affect light penetration to vegetation and coral. Anchoring in
            grassbeds causes damage when anchors are dragged across the
            bottom. (Policy Guidelines 1 and 11)

            Both commercial and amateur collectors remove tropical fish
            and marine invertebrates from the preserve. Chapter 46-42.001,
            F.A.C., states that recreational collectors may take up to 25
            individuals from the restricted species lists per day (fish,
            invertebrates and algae). Commercial collectors are generally


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           licensed and have established daily bag and size limits for
           some (but not all) fishes and invertebrates and four species
           of algae. Commercial harvest limits may exceed recreational
           limits for angelfish (75 per person/150 per boat/per day) and
           butterflyfish (75 per vessel/per day). There are no limits on
           commercial collecting of gorgonians (except Gorgonia ventalina
           and Gorgonia flabellum, which are totally protected) , until
           the Himits in federal waters have been met. There are 7 or 8
           commercial collectors working either seasonally or annually in
           the preserve. The number of amateur collectors is unknown.

           Uncontrolled or excessive collecting pressure on tropical
           fishes and other marine life may seriously alter species, age
           and size class distribution in the preserve. Selective removal
           of the 'aquarium size' fish and invertebrates alters food webs
           and ecological partitioning in various communities. Diversity
           and the long term stability of these environments may be
           compromised. Collectors also detract from others' enjoyment of
           the area by removing many of the more colorful fish and
           invertebrates. Most of the collectors have been observed near
           the bridges and thus may create navigational and safety
           hazards for other preserve visitors. (Policy Guidelines 1, 6
           and 16)



           2. INCREASED AIR AND WATER CRAFT USE

           The use of aircraft in and over the preserve area has given
           rise to heated outrage by many of local fishermen and
           residents and is extremely disruptive to bird life. The
           northern most portion of Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
           (within the boundary of Everglades National Park) is federally
           restricted air space. There is no locally specified air port
           district which allows this type of activity, nor is there a
           designated federal landing area in the vicinity. The use of
           commercial or private seaplanes and ultra light air craft are
           not compatible with the traditional uses  'recognized for the
           preserve.   Nor are these uses compatible with the resource
           management goals outlined in Chapter VI of this plan. (Policy
           Guideline 12 and 16)

           Logically, the numbers and types of watercraft within any
           given body of water must be compatible with the available
           space and existing water depths. Most boat traffic utilizes
           the channels in the preserve for access to the Atlantic Ocean
           and Florida Bay and thus are only passing through the area. As
           previously noted, a large number of sport fisherman also
           frequent the grass flats in the preserve.      As populations
           increase, so do the numbers and types of watercraft in the
           preserve. increased pressure on limited resources and space
           invariably generates conflicts with other visitors and public
           safety.



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           Increasing use of the areas adjoining U.S. 1 for swimming and
           snorkeling is a paramount concern. Boaters use the parallel
           channels between Upper and Lower Matecumbe to circumnavigate
           the large grassbeds and to access deeper waters in Indian Key
           Channel. South of U.S. 1, the channel is narrow and shallow.
           This area attracts many swimmers and snorklers. The boaters
           may also use the channel to the north of the highway. To
           alleviate the potential danger to swimmers and snorklers, the
           area between Lignumvitae Channel and Indian Key Channels needs
           to be designated as an idle speed zone and all swimmers and
           snorklers should be required to       display a divers down
           flag.(Policy Guideline 15 and 16)

           Additionally, one must consider the  purposes for designating
           the preserve; to manage primarily for the maintenance of
           essentially natural conditions, the propagation of fish and
           wildlife and public recreation.      Preservation of natural
           conditions is critical to maintaining fish and wildlife
           habitats. If preserve visitors are to experience safe areas
           for swimming and snorkeling, quiet areas for fishing and
           wildlife observation, some regulation of boating traffic is
           essential. (Policy Guidelines 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 and 16)


           3. PROTECTION OF DESIGNATED SPECIES AND THEIR HABITAT

           The Florida Keys are host to a variety of marine life@and
           other species that have been designated as endangered,
           threatened or species of special concern. Designated animal
           species are not sedentary but traverse and utilize a wide
           variety of habitats.    Many designated species are frequent
           visitors to or 'residents' of the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic
           Preserve.

           Listed Bird Species: Colonial wading and diving birds nest in
           close proximity to the preserve and use the area extensively
           for feeding and resting. The shallow grassbeds, mangroves and
           -saltmarsh buttonwood areas are especially attractive to them.
           Destruction of grassbeds and mangroves, boat traffic in
           shallow waters and vehicular traffic in the saltmarsh
           buttonwood areas disrupts or destroys vital habitat and
           inhibits expansion of nesting areas. Ground nesting birds are
           equally subject to disturbance from foot and vehicular
           traffic.

           Other Listed Wildlife Species:. As new species are listed or
           as more information becomes available about the life histories
           and habitat needs 'of presently listed species, certain
           activities and management policies may need to be established
           or revised to reflect these changes.     For the present, all
           state owned lands will be maintained in their 'essentially
           natural condition,' as listed species' affinity for these
           types of areas has been demonstrated.


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           Listed Plant Species: To the greatest extent possible, state
           owned lands within the preserve should be protected from land
           cl,earing, mangrove trimming and topographic alterations that
           would   negatively    impact   habitats   for   these    plants.
           Collecting, vehicular and foot traffic, altered water flow and
           herbicides represent serious impacts to the plants themselves
           and the habitat required for their survival. Restoration of
           historic plant communities and eradication of invasive exotic
           plants would also enhance habitat for these species and
           wildlife. (Policy Guidelines 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 and
           16)



           4. DAMAGE TO SUBMERGED RESOURCES

           Damage may be due to natural events, such as hurricanes or
           disease but is most often the direct result of man's
           activities in or adjacent to the preserve.      Tropical storms
           may erode or bury grassbeds, alter channels and blanket corals
           and hardbottom communities with sediments. These are natural
           cyclic events that have occurred for thousands of years. As
           previously -noted, the capabilities for recovery of these
           communities may be inhibited by the activities of,man.

           Inexperienced boaters and careless boat operation in shallow
           waters are responsible for extensive propeller scouring or
           dredging of marine grassbeds in the preserve. Bottom scouring
           removes valuable habitat, resuspends sediments creating
           turbidity plumes that blanket        adjacent grassbeds       and
           hardbottom. areas. These prop scars are slow to revegetate and
           may be subject to additional erosion on channel edges. (Policy
           Guidelines 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 15)



           5. RESEARCH NEEDS

           Current research being    conducted will hopefully provide a
           better understanding of the origins, processes, extent and
           severity of mortality of marine grassbeds in Florida Bay.
           Since this phenomena (and others) are a regional concern, and
           since the grassbed communities are habitat for a broad range
           of commercially and biologically significant species, all
           efforts to identify affected areas and garner funding support
           for research are considered a major priority.

           Sediment and water quality research and monitoring are also a
           priority. Nutrients, metals, pesticides, and other organic
           compounds associated with septic and sewage treatment, farming
           activities on the mainland and run-off from poorly planned
           development are potential sources of pollution. Knowledge of
           the sources, concentrations and long term effects of
           pollutants that enter waters and sediments of the preserve are
           needed. (Policy Guideline 7)


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           6. ACQUISITION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS

           Extensive areas of saltmarsh and mangrove wetlands lies to the
           east and west of the preserve. A large parcel on Lower
           Matecumbe has been purchased by the state and the submerged
           portions of that tract should be included within the preserve
           or otherwise managed to prohibit prop dredging of the narrow,
           shallow channel that parallels this shoreline. Persistent
           scouring in this area resuspends sediments and damages marine
           grassbeds and fringing mangroves. Poor visibility and
           dangerous passing conditions in this channel have caused some
           boaters to prop dredge a second channel across the shallow
           flat to the north. Development of the presently vacant lands
           in this area would serve to exacerbate boating related
           impacts. (Policy Guidelines 3, 9 and 16)


           7. BOUNDARY EXTENSION

           Large corals, significant hardbottom and grassbeds lie seaward
           of the present Atlantic boundary. These areas are in waters
           f rom -4 to -18 f oot depths and include the San Pedro wreck
           site and waters around Indian Key. As discussed in earlier
           sections of this plan, the original boundary map of the
           preserve would have included most of this area and it is
           believed that this was the intent of the Governor and Cabinet
           in designating the preserve. (Policy Guideline 10)


           8. DEVELOP A MOSQUITO CONTROL PLAN

           Past and present mosquito control activities have and will
           continue to impact resources within the aquatic preserve.
           Aerial or ground application of insecticides and carrier
           substances may introduce toxic substances into waters of the
           preserve.     Coordination and cooperation with the local
           mosquito control district to develop a mutually acceptable
           management plan is imperative to protect human health and
           welfare and the aquatic resources of the preserve. (Policy
           Guideline 13)



           9. DEVELOP AN ENFORCEMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

           The Florida Park Service (Division of Recreation and Parks)
           has on-site law enforcement certified staff to protect and
           enforce laws applicable to the administration of park lands.
           However, jurisdictional boundaries for their authority do not
           include water areas of the preserve. Present activities are
           limited to observation and reporting violations and damages to
           the aquatic preserve staff and Florida Marine Patrol. Since
           many of the violations are resource related and are of a
           misdemeanor nature, observation by the arresting officer is


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           required. Therefore, infractions of marine fisheries, diving,
           spearf ishing and boating laws are often not cited, even though
           observed. Cooperative management of the area cannot be
           effective unless laws and rules can be enforced. (Policy
           Guideline 14)



           10. PUBLIC SAFETY

           High speed boating through the channel that parallels . the
           south side of U.S. 1 between Lignumvitae and Indian Key
           Channels has resulted in a near f atal accident when a snorkler
           was run down. Boaters have the option of using the channel to
           the north of the roadway or circumnavigating the grass f lat to
           the north or south. Swimming and snorkeling should not to be
           encouraged to the north of the roadway because of deeper
           waters, the existing boat ramp and heavier boating traffic.
           Vessel mooring in the previous area obstructs safe passage by
           other vessels and represents a hazard to swimmers and
           snorklers. Since boating and swimming activities              are
           considered traditional uses of the preserve, some compromise
           must be made in this area. Limiting boat traf f ic to idle speed
           in the south channel would not preclude use but would increase
           safety for swimmers and snorklers. Conversely, all swimmers
           and snorklers should be required to display divers flags to
           alert boaters to their activity. (Policy Guideline 15)



           B. POLICY GUIDELINES

           This section of the plan contains a number of management
           policies guidelines that address the site specific management
           issues identified as being particular to Lignumvitae Key
           Aquatic Preserve.    Adoption of these policy guidelines will
           provide specific direction for managing those issues not
           addressed directly by statute or rule.        The major policy
           guidelines for these issues include:

           1.   Promote recognition and appreciation of the fact that
                marine grassbeds provide essential habitat and food
                sources for a variety of organisms essential to the
                biological integrity of the preserve.      This biological
                integrity translates into significant economic value to
                this region, especially in terms of recreation, tourism
                and fisheries.

           2.   Reduce the impacts to marine grassbeds f rom. prop dredging
                and grounding damage by establishing a uniform system of
                channel marking in the preserve.

           3.   Promote the acquisition of privately owned mangrove
                wetlands, submerged lands and uplands adjacent to and in
                close proximity of the preserve in order to enhance the


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                available habitat for endangered, threatened and species
                of special concern.

           4.   Protect valuable feeding and resting areas for birds and
                other wildlife by prohibiting jet skis and (motor) boat
                operation    in  shallow   waters,    through    supporting
                appropriate rule changes or encouraging local ordinances.

           5.   Protect all biological resources by providing public
                information displays, brochures and other programs to
                increase awareness of the preserves resources.

           6.   Monitor and protect the biological diversity and
                ecological balance of the hardbottom and marine grassbed
                communities by seeking legislation that would require all
                collectors of ornamental, aquarium marine life species
                (including those regulated by Chapter 46-42, F.A.C.) to
                provide detailed-species and quarterly landings data for
                all species harvested in the preserve to the Division of
                State Lands Field Office.

           7.   identify specific research needs and        actively seek
                support on a Division level for research funding.

           8.   Promote the protection of marine and upland resources by
                disseminating literature and conducting environmental
                education activities, both on and off site.

           9.   Promote acquisition of privately held, environmentally
                sensitive lands to protect upland and marine resources,
                and to maintain scenic vistas and aesthetic qualities of
                the preserve.

           10.  Support extension of the Atlantic preserve boundary to
                the -18 foot contour to protect larger corals, hardbottom
                and marine grassbeds.

           11.  Protect water quality, aesthetic values and benthic
                communities by seeking appropriate legislation to
                prohibit liveaboard vessels and restrict transient
                mooring in the preserve.

           12.  Reduce impacts to feeding and nesting birds, as well as
                aesthetic appreciation of the preserve by seeking
                appropriate federal, local and/or state code, statute or
                rule changes to prohibit commercial and private aircraft
                from flying less than 500 feet over or landing in the
                preserve.

           13.  Reduce or eliminate adverse impacts to biological
                resources of the preserve by coordination and cooperation
                with Monroe County Mosquito Control District and the
                Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services to


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                develop   a   mutually   acceptable   arthropod    control
                management plan for the preserve area, pursuant to
                Chapter 388.411, F.S.

           14,  Pursue formulation of a management agreement that would
                authorize on-site Division of Recreation and Parks staff
                to enforce relevant laws regarding marine pollution,
                fisheries violations, trespass and the destruction of
                natural features.

           15.  Reduce potential conflicts between user groups and
                protect public safety by establishing an idle speed zone
                between Lignumvitae and Indian Key Channels, south of
                U.S. 1 and prohibit mooring in that area.


           16.  Encourage activities within the preserve which are
                compatible with the purposes of protecting biological
                diversity and productivity. Examples would be the use of
                non-motorized shallow draft watercraft, such as canoes
                and kayaks, and activities such as photography and nature
                study.


































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                                      CHAPTER VI


                               MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN


            The purpose of this chapter is to establish guidelines that
            allow for the sound management and protection of the aquatic
            preserves natural resources for the benefit of future
            generations (Section 258.35, F.S.)

            Before an effective program can be designed to manage and
            protect natural resources, one must complete an inventory of
            the resources, establish what their functions are, decide the
            importance of these functions, and where these resources are
            located. Additional efforts will consist of identifying those
            activities or parameters that affect these resources, either
            positively or negatively.    This information will form the
            foundation from which action will be initiated to manage and
            protect these resources.    The management strategies for an
            aquatic preserve program must consist of a variety of
            components such as resource management, resource protection,
            research, and environmental education.

            In general, the role of the program in management of the
            aquatic preserve includes: 1) providing information on the
            ecological functions and economic importance of resources
            within the  preserve, 2) overseeing those activities that
            affect the natural resources, 3) ensuring that accurate
            biological  and physical information is considered in
            permitting  and planning decisions, 4) ensuring that all
            statutes and rules regarding the preserve's natural resources
            are complied with and that violations of these provisions are
            investigated   and  corrected by     appropriate    enforcement
            agencies,  5)   conducting on site surveys for specific
            activities, 6) coordinating with other resource management and
            enforcement agencies, 7) educating the public on the inherent
            values associated with natural resources, 8) conducting or
            cooperating with a comprehensive management program that can
            be periodically updated to reflect the dynamics of natural
            systems and the changing needs of man and the resources. To
            achieve those ends this section of the plan establishes goals
            and identifies the supportive objectives and develops tasks to
            accomplish those goals.

            For all of the following goals, objectives     and tasks, the
            Department of Natural Resources will, when appropriate and
            practical, participate with other agencies and organizations
            dedicated to protecting the local resources.      In order to
            avoid duplication of effort the Department will initiate
            programs only when they do not overlap or compete with
            programs operated by other governmental agencies or non-prof it
            corporations.



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           A. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

           The overall goals of resource management within aquatic
           preserves are:      1) conducting and maintaining resource
           inventories, 2) assessing the impact of human activities on
           the resources, 3) establishing habitat restoration programs,
           and 4) cooperating with other agencies in assessing, improving
           and/or maintaining conditions that are conducive to preserving
           the resources and water quality.


        GOAL A.l:    CONDUCT.AND  MAINTAIN RESOURCE INVENTORIES

        Obiective A.1.1: To conduct and maintain a resource inventory of
        submerged resources for the aquatic preserve.

              Task A. 1. 1. 1: Conduct an inventory of marine grassbeds, algal
              beds, coral banks, and hardbottom. areas by using LANDSAT
              imagery, aerial photography, and groundtruthing efforts every
              three years, or more often if warranted.

              Task A.1.1.2: The data base generated from these inventories
              will be used to create and maintain biological resource maps
              that will be consulted when assessing a proposed activity or
              evaluating potential impacts from manmade or natural events.

              Task A.1.1.3: All additional sources of data such as marine
              life landings statistics, marine mammal strandings, die-offs,
              or other unusual events will be recorded.

              Task A.1.1.4: These inventories will be available to public
              agencies involved in resource management and land planning.

        Oblective A.1.2: To conduct and maintain a resource inventory of
        emergent vegetation and habitats for the preserve lands.

              Task A.1.2.1: Conduct and maintain an inventory of mangroves
              and buttonwood/saltmarsh, other shoreline vegetation and
              associated organisms in and adjacent to the preserve by using
              LANDSAT imagery aerial photography and groundtruthing efforts
              every three years, or more often if necessary.
              Task A.1.2.2: The database generated from these inventories
              will be used to create and maintain biological resource maps
              that will be consulted when assessing a proposed activity or
              evaluating potential impacts from manmade or natural events.

              Task A.1.2.3: These inventories will be available to public
              agencies involved in resource management and land planning.

        Obiective A.1.3: Conduct and maintain inventories of designated
        species and their habitats for the preserve.



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              Task A. 1. 3. 1: Conduct and maintain inventories of designated
              species and their habitats by using data from existing
              literature, managing agencies, f ield observations and current
              research studies every three years, or more often if deemed
              necessary.

              Task A. 1. 3. 2: Coordinate with appropriate management and
              enforcement agencies to ensure that preserve management
              decisions and public actions or activities are compatible with
              the viability and management of a species or habitat.

         Ob! ective A. 1. 4: To conduct and maintain inventories of wading and
         diving birds and their habitats in the preserve.

              Task A.1.4.1:    Conduct and maintain inventories of coastal
              waterfowl and migratory bird species that feed, nest, roost
              and loaf in the preserve and adjacent areas by using existing
              literature, bird counts, field observations, and current
              research studies every three years, or more often if deemed
              necessary.

              Task A.1.4.2:      Coordinate with appropriate management,
              enforcement and research agencies to ensure that preserve
              management decisions and public actions or activities are
              compatible with the viability and management of a species or
              habitat.

              Task A. 1. 4. 3: Coordinate with public or conservation agencies
              that may be conducting similar inventories of species,
              populations., life histories, migration patterns and habitat
              needs where mutual benefits in knowledge and management
              objectives are to be gained.


         GOAL A.2: ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES/ CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

         Oblective A.2.1: To inventory and assess the effects of structures
         and human activities on the natural resources of the preserve.

              Task A. 2. 1. 1: Survey and inventory structures in the preserve
              every three years or more often if necessary.       This survey
              shall contain at a minimum:

              a) types of structures (dock, pier, seawall, rip-rap, piling,
              mooring buoy, utility pole, etc.);

              b) design of structures (width, length, height above MHW,
              square footage of access pier and   terminal platform, number
              of pilings, number and size of finger piers,        construction
              material (wood, boulder or concrete), deck spacing, material
              treatment (pressure and/or chemical treated), type of
              anchorage for buoys or pilings, etc.);



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             c) the water depth at the terminus of the structure and/or
             relation to MHW line for shoreline stabilization;

             d) number of boats using a structure;

             e) functional condition of the structure;
             f) any accessory facilities and ancillary uses associated with
             the structure;

             g) the structure's use category (e.g., single family,
             commercial, etc.);

             h) an inventory of the biological resources within the
             preempted area and within 25 feet of the structure or
             activity;

             i) the distance, depth and width of the primary access
             channel;

             j) a survey of all dredged areas including:
                  1) the location, length, width, and depth of the dredged
                  area;
                  2) depth of profiles of the surrounding area;
                  3) traditional use of the area;
                  4) biological resources in the dredged and surrounding
                  area;
                  5) whether the dredged area     is a private or public
                  project;
                  6) review of information on pre-existing resource
                  conditions;
                  7) potential alternatives to alleviate the need for
                  maintenance dredging (shoreline stabilization, wave
                  baffles, etc.); and
                  8) whether channel markers may be needed to direct traffic
                  away from adjacent submerged resources.

             k)   a survey of all shoreline stabilization projects,
             including:
                  1) location and total length of riparian shoreline;
                  2) length of the shoreline stabilization;
                  3) design of project;
                  4) review of existing and pre-existing biological
                  resources in the vicinity of the structure;
                  5) whether the project is effective in stabilizing the
                  shoreline; and
                  6) whether toe rip-rap or mangrove plantings may improve
                  upon the effectiveness of the structure.

             1) a determination as to whether the structure or activity
             complies with the applicable statute or rule and with leasel
             easement or consent of use conditions, where appropriate;




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              Task A.2.1.2.: Survey and inventory human activities within
              the preserve annually. This inventory will include at the
              minimum:

              a) numbers of individuals or groups involved in activities by
              category (consumptive/nonconsumptive; water dependent/non-
              water dependent, commercial/ recreational, etc.) from weekly
              patrol logs, reports, or expanded visitor surveys and
              monitoring;

              b) illegal, unsafe or ecologically disruptive activities; and

              c) activities that require additional monitoring to evaluate
              intensity or trends in use of the preserve or its resources.

        Oblective A.2.2:   To assess cumulative impacts of structures and
        activities on the resources of the preserve.

              Task A.2.2.1: All activities and structures will be surveyed
              as outlined in Task A.2.1.1 and appropriate files kept and
              updated every three years to establish net loss or gain of
              resources   as  related   to structures     and    construction
              activities. Files shall contain at the minimum:

              a) size, configuration and preempted area of the structure and
              related use;

              b) a survey of the biological resources within the preempted
              area and within 50 feet of the preempted area;

              c) condition and extent of those resources as related to
              previous, surveys (grassbeds expanding or declining, prop
              scouring, establishment of different type of community, etc.);

              d) whether existing use is consistent with the type of use or
              activity authorized.

              Task A.2.2.2: Survey major access and use areas for impacts to
              natural resources associated with human activities. This file
              shall contain but is not limited to the following information:

              a) assessments of areas or resources damaged by visitors or
              transient traffic in the preserve (erosion, pollution,
              destruction of vegetation@ interruption of wildlife habitat
              or behavior, vessel groundings, prop dredging, turbidity,
              trash dumping, etc.);

              b) illegal or unauthorized activities that require assistance
              from other agencies or enforcement authorities to resolve;

              c) management alternatives to alleviate impact; and

              d) recommendations for management.


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         GOAL A.3:   HABITAT RESTORATION

         Ob! ective A. 3. 1: Restore or enhance suitable habitats or resources
         where feasible.

              Task A. 3. 1. 1: Using resource inventories generated f rom A. 1.
              identify those resource areas that have been or are being
              negatively impacted by external influences. These influences
              may include, but are not limited to; prop scars, spoil banks,
              dredged areas, boat grounding areas, clearings, dumping,
              mosquito ditches, erosion, abandoned traps or vessels, exotic
              vegetation, and roads.

              Task A.3.1.2:       Prioritize potential restoration areas
              according to severity of impact to the immediate resources and
              to the overall functional integrity of the preserve.

              Task A.3.1.3:       Develop procedures and guidelines for
              addressing the priority areas for restoration, such as exotic
              plant removal, beach clean-up, removal or planting of spoil
              banks, revegetating grassbed or mangrove areas, enhancing
              listed species habitats, removal of derelict vessels and
              abandoned traps, filling in mosquito ditches, reestablishing
              historic water flows, etc.

              Task A. 3.1.4: Investigate and contact other agencies, groupst
              institutions, and individuals who may be available to provide
              scientific, logistic, financial, enforcement, manpower or
              other support in accomplishing the habitat restoration or
              enhancement.


              -Task A.3.1.5:   Monitor and review progress on restoration
              projects.

              a) Monitor restoration procedures while in progress and
              restored areas on at least an annual basis.

              b) Maintain accurate records of the project including but not
              limited to:
                  1) type of project;
                  2) anticipated results;
                  3) benefits to the resource;
                  4) location, date, parties involved, duration of project;
                  5) completion date;
                  6) monitoring schedule;
                  7) results or changes observed;
                  8) additional maintenance or monitoring required;
                  9) estimated cost of project in time and funding;
                  10) an assessment of the success of the * project or an
                  explanation of why anticipated results were not achieved;
                  11) recommendations as to how the project could or should
                  be improved upon; and



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                  12) if the procedure could or should be used f or future or
                  similar projects.


         GOAL A.4.:    RESTORE, ENHANCE OR MAINTAIN WATER QUALITY

         Oblective A.4.1.: Coordinate with appropriate agencies to improve
         and/or maintain water quality in the preserve.

              Task A.4.1.1:    Acquire, maintain and review all records of
              water quality data for the preserve area.

              Task A.4.1.2:     Coordinate with regulatory and management
              agencies in identifying and managing areas within the preserve
              that may be contributing to sedimentation or other undesirable
              impacts to waters of the preserve (mosquito ditches,
              compaction of soils and channelization of run-off from roads,
              previous land clearing, etc.).

              Task A.4.1.3:    Report suspected or identified instances of
              violations to appropriate regulatory and enforcement agencies.



         B. RESOURCE PROTECTION

         In order to maintain the biological, integrity of the aquatic
         preserve, it is imperative to protect the resources that comprise
         the system.     In most cases, it is not feasible, nor is it
         desirable, to provide protection for individual species that are a
         part of the various habitats that make up the preserve. Therefore,
         the goals of resource protection outlined in this element will be
         directed toward protecting the habitats that are vital to the
         survival of the species and in conjunction with other habitat types
         are the functional basis of biological integrity and stability
         within 'the preserve.     These goals include: 1) protection of
         submerged resources (patch reefs, coral banks and heads, grassbeds
         and hardbottom habitats) , 2) protection of emergent vegetation
         (mangroves, saltmarsh/butt 'onwood, beach/berm and tropical hardwood
         hammock habitats), and 3) protection of designated species
         habitats.


         GOAL B.1.:    PROTECTION OF SUBMERGED RESOURCES

         Ob! ective B. 1. 1. : Minimize potential damage to submerged resources
         through the review of applications for use of state-owned lands in
         the aquatic preserve.

              Task B.1.1.1.:        Develop a written description of a
              scientifically based, standardized method to inventory the
              minimum, this method will contain the following information:

              a) The area to be surveyed will be described:
                   1) as a polygon, and'


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                  2) 'it will include a buffer zone surrounding the project
                  of sufficient size to include a majority of the
                  potentially affected area.

             b) How the survey is to be performed:
                  1) The submerged bottom, including:
                      i.   a description of all communities/habitats,
                      ii. a description of the bottom type,
                      iii. depth profiles,
                      iv.  tidal amplitude and stage,
                      V.     a physical description of the surrounding
                      waterbody,
                      vi. adjacent and adjoining uses, and
                      vii. distance to navigation channels:
                  2)  The shoreline, including:
                      i.   a description of the vegetation,
                      ii. a description of the  shoreline type,
                      iii.. a description of existing structures,
                      iv.  a description of adjoining and adjacent uses,
                      V.    presence/ absence of listed animal species or
                      their-habitat or whether known to occur in the area;
                      and
                      vi.  presence/ absence of other wildlife or their
                      signs.

             c) A definition of a Primary Resource Protection Area (PRPA) .
             This definition will be used to determine if significant
             resources or habitats exist within the area of expected
             impact. A PRPA will include, but is not limited to:
                  1)  Marine grassbeds,
                  2)  algal beds,
                  3)  mangroves,
                  4)  hardbottom. communities,
                  5)  coral banks or heads,
                  6)  saltmarsh/buttonwood associations,
                  7)  listed species or their habitat, and
                  8)  nesting sites for solitary or colonial birds.

             Task B.1.1.2.: Coordinate with the appropriate regional DNR
             staff to process field staff comments to applications for use
             in a timely manner.

             Task B.1.1.3.:      Coordinate, when possible, with other
             appropriate agencies that have regulatory authority for
             these projects.

        Oblective B.1.2.: Ensure that projects and activities that have
       .been built or are occurring have been authorized.

             Task B.1.2.1.: Report activities that do not appear to have
             been authorized to the appropriate DNR enforcement agent.



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              Task B.1.2.2.: Coordinate and cooperate, when possible, with
              other appropriate agencies that have regulatory or enforcement
              authority for these projects or activities.

              Task B.1.2.3.:    Maintain records of reports and subsequent
              actions taken by regulatory and enforcement agencies. At a
              minimum, these records will contain:

              1) Date, location first observed and observers name;
              2) Date reported to appropriate agency, agency name, and
              reporters name;
              3) Action taken by agency; and
              4) Resolution of report, if known.

         Obiective B.1.3.:     Ensure that projects and activities are in
         compliance with the authorization granted.

              Task B.1.3.1.: Coordinate with the appropriate regional DNR
              staff to receive copies of all letters of consent, easement
              agreements,    lease    agreements,    and   other    forms    of,
              authorization.

              Task B.1.3.2.:      Report variations from the authorized
              conditions to the appropriate DNR enforcement agent.

              Task B.1.3.3.: Coordinate and cooperate, when possible, with
              other appropriate agencies that have regulatory or enforcement
              authority for these projects or activities.

         Objective B.1.4.:     Ensure that projects and activities do not
         degrade submerged resources of the preserve.

              Task B.1.4.1.: Seek authorizations to establish no      motorized
              vessels or personal watercraft zones in areas of shallow
              water.

              Task B.1.4.2.:     Require that all dredge projects in and
              adjacent to the preserve use current turbidity control
              practices.

              Task B. 1. 4. 3.: Inventory and report all abandoned vessels and
              traps to the Florida Marine Patrol and encourage removal in a
              timely manner.

              Task B. 1. 4.4.:   Encourage or require the establishment of
              channel markers, where appropriate, to protect marine
              grassbeds and corals from boating damage.

              Task B.I.4.5.: Seek appropriate legislation and rule changes
              to prohibit (as opposed to ban) the harvesting of live rock in
              the preserve.




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              Task B. 1. 4. 6.: Using available data f rom resource inventories,
              research and landings statistics, monitor the effects of
              commercial and amateur marine life collecting on target
              populations within the preserve.

              Task B.1.4.7.: Should biological inventories or research
              indicate declines in formerly abundant marine life species,
              seek appropriate legislation and rule changes for immediate
              closure or substantial restrictions on marine life collecting
              in the preserve until a management. and/or recovery plan is
              developed for the depleted species.

              Task B.1.4.8.: Promote public acquisition of privately held
              submerged    lands,    mangroves    and    Uplands    within     and
              adjacent to the preserve.



         GOAL B.2.:    PROTECTION OF EMERGENT VEGETATION AND HABITATS

         Ob! ective B. 2. 1.: Minimize potential damage to emergent vegetation
         through the review of all applications for use of state-owned land
         in the preserve.

              Task B. 2. 1. 1.:  Field staff will develop a written format
              describing a scientifically based, standardized method to
              inventory the emergent vegetation and characteristics of a
              project site and it shall include, at a minimum, the following
              information:
              a) Description of the area to be surveyed:
                   1) legal description of the subject property;
                   2) as a polygon; and
                   3) with a buffer zone surrounding the project of
                   sufficient size so as to include a majority* of the
                   potentially affected area.

              b) Detailing how the survey is to be performed:
                   1) a description of the vegetation with notations as
                   listed plant species within the project site and buffer
                   zone;
                   2) a description of geological features or formations,
                   including the following, if beach/berm is present:
                       i.    length and width of beach/berm on riparian
                       shoreline;
                       ii. approximate height of the ridge crest; and
                       iii. distance from MHW to the ridge crest:
                   3) a description of existing structures or uses;
                   4) a description of adjoining or adjacent uses;
                   5) presence/absence of listed animal species, their
                   habitat, or whether known to occur on the site;
                   6) presence/ absence of other wildlife species or their
                   sign.




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               Task B.2.1.2.: Coordinate with other DNR staff in order to
               process surveys and related comments in a timely manner.

               Task B. 2. 1. 3. :Coordinate with other appropriate agencies
               that have regulatory authority for these projects.

               Task B.2.1.4.: Coordinate and cooperate, whenever possible,
               with other agencies or conservation organizations that have
               specific management objectives, research projects or other
               interests in the area of a project, or that may own lands
               adjacent to the project site, including but not limited to:

                  a)  Division of Recreation and Parks (Park Service)
                  b)  U.S. Department of the Interior (Everglades N.P.)
                  c)  Florida Department of State (DHARM);
                  d)  Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
                  e)  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
                  f)  National Audubon Society;
                  g)  Trust for Public Lands; and
                  h)  The Nature Conservancy.

          Oblective B.2.2.: Ensure that structures and activities that have
          been built or are occurring have been authorized.
               Task B.2-.-2-.*l.: Report activities that do not appear to have
               been authorized to the appropriate DNR enforcement agent.

               Task B.2.2.2.:    Coordinate and cooperate, whenever feasible
               and appropriate, with other agencies that have regulatory or
               enforcement authority for the project or activity.

          Obiective B.2.3.: Ensure that structures and activities that have
          been authorized are in compliance with the conditions of the
          authorization.

               Task B.2.3.1.: Coordinate with the appropriate regional DNR
               staff to receive copies of all letters of consent, easement
               agreements, lease agreements and other authorizations for the
               use of state lands.

               Task B.2.3.2..:      Report variations from the authorized
               conditions to the appropriate DNR enforcement agent.

               Task B.2.3.3.: Coordinate and cooperate, when feasible and
               appropriate with other agencies that have regulatory or
               enforcement authority for these projects or activities.


          GOAL B.3.:    PROTECT LISTED SPECIES AND THEIR HABITAT

          Objective B.3.1.: Determine which portions of the aquatic preserve
          serve as habitat for listed species.



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              Task B.3.1.1.:     Assimilate a working library of relevant
              literature and information on listed species expected to occur
              in the preserve.

              Task B.3.1.2.:    Coordinate with the Florida Game and Fresh
              Water Fish Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the
              Audubon Society, and any other relevant group or agency to
              determine which listed species use what portion of the aquatic
              preserve for various aspects of their life cycle.

              Task B.3.1.3.: Coordinate and cooperate, whenever possible,
              with appropriate agencies and groups to conduct monitoring,
              inventories, habitat evaluations or other activities that
              relate to the status or distribution of listed species or
              their habitat.

              Task B.3.1.4.: During the course of routine field work and
              patrols, preserve staff will observe and record, whenever
              practical,    sightings,   locations,    activity   and     other
              information relevant to a listed species.

              Task B.3.1.5.: Report all manatee sightings to the Marathon
              office of the Division of Marine Resources.

         Oblective B.3.2.-:    Protect all listed species of plants and
         animals.

              Task   B.3.2.1.:       Be   familiar   with   listed    species,
              identification, status and relevant laws pertaining to listed
              species.

              Task B.3.2.2.:     Report, without delay, any incidence of
              harassment, poaching, killing, taking or other unlawful
              activity, including unleashed dogs and artificial feeding
              stations, to the appropriate enforcement agencies.

              Task B.3.2.3.:     Maintain a current list of agencies and
              individuals who enforce relevant laws and those who are
              permitted  -or otherwise authorized to rescue, attend, hold,
              rehabilitate or salvage listed species or their remains.

              Task B.3.2.4.:    Coordinate and cooperate with appropriate
              management     and enforcement agencies in identifying any
              activity or project that may potentially affect a listed
              species.

         Obiective B.3.3.: Protect habitat of listed species.

              Task B.3.3.1.:     Ensure that potential impacts to listed
              species habitats are identified in the review of projects or
              activities. such potential impacts may include, but are not
              limited to:
                 1) Modification or obstruction of nesting areas;


                                          110
                                                              . -                   I









                .2) Dock or marina siting;
                 3) Disruption of feeding activities; and
                 4) Removal of vegetation, except invasive exotics.

              Task B.3.3.2.: Coordinate and cooperate, whenever possible,
              with appropriate management and enforcement agencies to
              evaluate potential impacts to listed species as a result of a
              proposed project or activity.

              Task B.3.3.3.: Recommend, where appropriate, modifications to
              a proposed project or activity that would eliminate or
              minimize encroachment upon the habitat of listed species.

              Task B.3.3.4.:     Seek appropriate state statute and rule
              changes and/or local ordinances to prohibit operation of
              personal/individual, motor powered watercraft within listed
              species habitat.
              Task B.i.3.5.: Seek appropriate federal statute, state rule
              and/or local ordinance changes to prohibit operators of ultra-
              light, private and commercial aircraft from flying less than
              500 feet over or landing in the aquatic preserve.

              Task B.3.3.6.: Coordinate and cooperate with appropriate DNR
              and other enforcement agencies in the investigation of
              potential violations of federal, state or local laws that
              impact listed species or their habitats.


         Co REBEARCH

         Effective management of a biological system relies almost entirely
         on information as to how that system functions. Research is the
         progenitor of this information. Great strides have been made in
         marine grassbed and mangrove    ecology, yet large gaps remain in
         understanding the functions of the various components of these
         systems and how they interact with one another.        The goals for
         research in the aquatic preserve will be directed toward primarily
         applied research programs, rather than basic, or theoretical
         research.


         The goals of the research program are (1) to gain a better
         understanding of what factors are essential to the functional,
         biological integrity of the major habitats within the aquatic
         preserve and (2) to gain a better understanding of the factors that
         govern the continued survival and propagation of designated species
         that use the v arious habitats of the preserve.


         GOAL C. 1. : MAINTAIN OR ENHANCE THE FUNCTIONAL INTEGRITY OF HABITATS

         Objective C.l.l.: Determin   'e the primary factors that influence
         the survival of marine grassbeds and algae.









              Task C.1.1.1.:   Pursue and support research directed toward
              identifying physical, chemical and/or pathogenic sources of
              marine grassbed damage.

              Task C.1.1.2.:     Pursue,  at the bureau level, funding to
              conduct research on the effects of dock/pier shading on the
              various species of marine grasses and algae of the preserve.

              Task C.1.1.3.:     Pursue, review and support, where deemed
              practical, research directed toward protecting or restoring
              marine grassbeds.

        Objective C.1.2.: Determine the primary factors that influence the
        distribution, survival and productivity of mangrove habitats.

              Task C.1.2.1.: Promote and support research on the physical,
              chemical, and pathogenic factors that influence mangroves.

              Task C.1.2.2.: Pursue funding and support research projects
              directed toward restoration of artificially altered mangrove
              systems.

              Task C.1.2.3.: Promote and support research on the effects of
              mangrove trimming.

        Oblective C.1.3.: Determine the primary and    'secondary factors that
        affect species of the hardbottom communities.

              Task C.1.3.1.: Promote and support research that identifies
              the physical, chemical and pathogenic factors that influence
              invertebrate growth, recruitment and mortality in hardbottom
              communities.

              Task C.1.3.2.: Compile a complete inventory of the benthic
              fauna in the hardbottom communities in the preserve.

              Task C.1.3.3.:     Seek, at a Department level, funding for
              research on the effects of fish and invertebrate collecting on
              the species, size range, distribution, density, and diversity
              of populations in marine grassbeds and hardbottom communities.

              Task C.1.3.4.:     Seek,, at a Department level, funding for
              research on the effects of sponge harvesting on hardbottom
              communities.

              Task C.1.3.5.:     Seek, at a Department level, funding for
              research on the effects of trap placement and retrieval
              methods on the submerged resources of the preserve.

              Task C.1.3.6.:      Review and accept, where appropriate,
              experimental, Department supervised research proposals for the
                  culture of sponges in the preserve.



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        Oblective C.1.4.: Monitor water quality data.

              Task C.1.4.1.: Compile records of historic water quality data
              for locations in or adjacent to the preserve.

              Task C.1.4.2.: Seek funding for establishment of a permanent
              DER sampling program in the preserve.

              Task C.1.4.3.: Monitor available data for trends or marked
              changes in suspended sediments, nutrients, pollutants,
              salinity,- temperature, and dissolved oxygen.

              Task C.1.4.4.: Report incidents of pollution and epidemic
              marine life mortality to the Marathon DER office.


        GOAL  C.2.:   SURVIVAL AND PROPAGATION OF LISTED SPECIES

        Objective C.2.1.: Determine those factors or habitat requirements
        that are critical to listed species survival.

              Task C.2.1.1.: Maintain a data base of listed species
              sightings, condition, habitat, etc.

              Task C.2.1.2.:   Pursue, at a Department level, funding for
              research on the distribution, life histories and habitat
              requirements of listed species of plants and animals.

              Task C.2.1.3.:     Coordinate with appropriate agencies,
              organizations and universities/colleges to promote applied
              research projects for listed species.

              1.  Review current literature for relevant information and
              determine those fields and species that may benefit from
              additional research.

              2.  Prepare a priority list for those identified research
              needs that would be most beneficial to effectively manage for
              listed species.

              Task C.2.1.4.:    Continue collecting and reporting marine
              turtle and mammal- sitings,      strandings and/or salvage
              activities.

              Task C.2.1.5.: Ensure that preserve staff are cognizant of
                         7-
              listed species laws and procedures for dealing with reports
              and handling distressed wildlife.

              1. Preserve staff or volunteers who participate in strandings
              and salvage activities shall be properly trained and permitted
              and shall maintain accurate records and make timely reports of
              all activities in the preserve.



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              Task C.2.1.6.: Encourage the propagation and utilization of
              native listed plant species for revegetation and landscaping
              within and adjacent to the aquatic preserve.

              Task C.2.1.7.: Encourage research and monitoring of nesting
              success in birds, especially with relation to frequency of
              nest flushing events and the factors causing the behavior.



        D. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

        Public awareness and involvement is potentially the most valuable
        tool a resource management program may utilize.        The public is
        often not aware of the resources of the preserve nor of the various
        impacts that human activities have upon those resources.           'The
        'public' may be students, property owners, user groups (e.g.,
        divers, fishing enthusiasts,     boaters, etc.), special interest
        groups (realtors, developers and contractors), conservation or
        preservation organizations,      and local, regional and state
        government agencies that are involved in making planning or
        regulatory decisions affecting   the preserve.

        The many values derived from      marine habitats, including water
        quality, viable fisheries, recreation and open space, attract many
        visitors and residents to the preserve area. These same values may
        be irreparably harmed, if the public is not environmentally
        sensitive or informed. Therefore, one of the primary aims of th
        aquatic preserve program will be to educate the public as to th:
        importance of the resources and to enlist public support and
        participation in the protection and conservation of those resources
        for present and future generations to enjoy.


        GOAL D.l.:    PUBLIC EDUCATION TO PROMOTE WISE RESOURCE US   E

        Oblective D.1.1.:    Coordinate and provide assistance to existing
        environmental education programs at public and private schools.

              Task D.1.1.1.:   Notify the county school board and private
              schools of the preserves programs and the availability of its
              staff to assist or provide guidance for their existing
              environmental educational programs.

              Task D. 1. 1. 2.: Participate in the development and utilization
              of the Monroe County Environmental Story teaching aids for
              public and private schools in the county.

              Task D.1.1.3.: Seek funding to develop an educational display
              and literature for the preserve.

              Task D.1.1.4.:   Seek funding and staffing to establish and
              conduct classroom programs and field trips in the preserve.



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              Task D. 1. 1. 5.: Encourage development of community college and
              university Tevel field classes which offer a detailed course
              or seminar on the preserve resources and/or ecology.

        Obiective D.1.2.: Produce environmental educational literature and
        materials that inform the adult public of the preserve's natural
        resources and the importance of preserving and protecting those
        resources.


              Task D.1.2.1.:      Seek funding for the development of
              educational   literature,    materials   and    staffing    for
              presentations to:
              1) Homeowners' associations;
              2) Civic and church groups;
              3) Special interests (realtors, consultants, developers,
              contractors, fishermen, divers, utilities, etc.);
              4) Boating/sport shows and special events;
              5) Camping facilities and tourist resorts;
              6) Marinas, tackle shops and boat ramps;
              7) Agency and local government staffs;
              8) Environmental educators; and
              9) Conservation, preservation, conference, and research
              groups.

              Task D.1.2.2.: Develop media articles and presentations for
              local radio, television and publications to inform the general
              public of the preserve, its resources, protection needs,
              programs, research findings, as well as to encourage
              compatible uses within the preserve.

              Task D. 1. 2. 3. :Coordinate with other resource management
              agencies and, where appropriate, co-sponsor exhibits, programs
              or other public contact activities.

              Task D.1.2.4.: Coordinate with commercial and recreational
              fishing interests in order to educate and disseminate
              information regarding environmentally safe fishing methods,
              the importance of habitat preservation and the positive
              contributions to made at the individual level for helping to
              ensure sustained yields.

        Obiective D.1.3.:     Pursue coordination with organizations and
        agencies and, where appropriate, assist in the development of
        special programs for physically and mentally challenged adults and
        children.

              Task D.1.3.1.: Contact appropriate agencies to determine the
              need for special programs.

              Task D.1.3.2.: Seek funding for development and staffing of
              needed programs.




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        Oblective D.1.4.: Seek funding for development and staffing of a
        permanent environmental education facility for the preserve.

              Task D. 1. 4. 1.: Seek funding for development, maintenance, and
              staffing for permanent displays, specimen collections, a
              reference library and interpretive programs.

        Oblective D.1.5.:    Provide environmental education workshops to
        instruct other environmental educators.

              Task D.1.5.1.:   Pursue development and funding for biannual
              instructional workshops for environmental, science, and other
              interested teachers and instructors.

              Task D.1.5.2.:      Encourage aquatic preserve staff and
              volunteers to attend conferences and seminars to further
              teaching skills and become familiar with other education
              programs.
















































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                                     CELAPTER VII


                           MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK



           This chapter   presents a general overview of the various
           federal, state, regional, and local agencies that regulate or
           hold any interests in the management or use of Lignumvitae Key
           Aquatic Preserve. The success of the aquatic preserve
           management plan is dependent upon coordination with these
           agencies to achieve many of the goals and objectives of
           resource management and protection. A breakdown of the
           specific jurisdictions is presented in Table 8.


           A. FEDERAL AGENCIES

           A number of federal agencies have property interests, land and
           wildlife    management     programs!    research     activities,
           construction activities, and regulation programs that deal
           either directly or indirectly with the aquatic preserve.

           In accordance with the federal consistency review process, the
           Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves reviews many of the
           f ederal programs and activities as to their af f ect on the
           management objectives of the aquatic preserve programs. This
                                     through the Florida' Department of
           review is coordinated
           Environmental Regulation's office of Coastal Management in
           order to enforce the provisions of the Federal Coastal Zone
           Management Act of 1972, as amended.

           U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service (ENP)
           As noted in chapter III, . Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve
           extends into the boundary of Everglades National Park north of
           the ICW. Special fisheries and other regulations apply to all
           lands and resources within the park. Enforcement of those
           regulations are vested solely with the park. Any proposals for
           use or activities within that boundary should be coordinated
           with the office at Flamingo.

           U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
           The USFWS has responsibility for fish and wildlife as
           authorized in the Coastal Resources Barrier Act, National
           Environmental Protection Act, Migratory Bird Act, Endangered
           Species Act, and Fish and Wildlife coordination Act. Locally,
           their personnel administer and manage wildlife refuge and
           preserved lands, review dredge and fill projects, and are
           charged with the protection and recovery of endangered species
           and bird rookeries.

           U.S. Army Corps of Eng  @neers (COE)
           The COE has jurisdiction over the navigable waters of the
           United States under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. A


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          revision of the Rivers and Harbors Act in 1968 extended the
          COE jurisdiction, allowing them to consider impacts to the
          fish and wildlife, conservation, pollution, aesthetics,
          ecological and other relevant factors of a proposed project.
          The COE regulatory programs were expanded in 1972 with the
          Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments, also known as
          the Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 404 of this act controls
          dredge and fill activities and has since been extended to
          wetlands from Amendments to the CWA in 1977.

          U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
          The USGS performs surveys and research pertaining to
          topography, geology, mineral and water resources of the United
          States. USGS also collects and publishes water resources data.

          U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
          The EPA has jurisdiction over surface water of the state.
          Enforcement authority was given under the Clean Water Act of
          1972 and broadened under the 1977 revision. In general, EPA is
          responsible for pollution control and abatement, including:
          air, water, noise, solid waste, toxic waste, and radiation.
          Under Section 104 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
          Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended
          by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
          (SARA), EPA may initiate studies, clean-up, and pursue
          restitution of incurred expenses for.pollution violations and
          damages. Authority is divided between EPA and the U.S.-Coast
          Guard *regarding the management of oil or hazardous sub'stances
          d'ischarged into surface waters. They also review permits
          issued by DER for the treatment, disposal and storage of
          hazardous wastes.


          U.S. Coast Guard (USGS)
          The USGS regulates boating safety, enforces maritime law,
          operates search and rescue missions, and surveillance and
          interdiction of contraband importation. USGS also regulates
          construction of bridges, causeways, and aerial utilities that
          may pose navigation hazards and the placement and maintenance
          of public navigation aids. Joint responsibility for response
          to the discharge or spillage of oil or other hazardous
          substances into surface waters is shared with EPA.


          National Marine Fisheries Service (NMF)
          The NMF is under the U.S. Department of Commerce and records
          commercial fish landing, enforces national fishery laws, and
          protects vital fishery habitats. Under the Endangered Species
          Act, this agency may also regulate activities and enforce
          marine turtle and mammal protection legislation.

          National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
          Under the Department of Commerce, Office of Coastal Zone
          Management, NOAA administers two programs of local interest.
          The National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS) program oversees the


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           management of Looe Key and Key Largo National Marine
           Sanctuaries, as well a several National Marine Estuaries in
           the region. A management plan is currently being developed for
           the newly created Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
           Scoping and planning meetings involve citizen and agency
           input. NOAA in cooperation with the Department of Natural
           Resources' Division of Marine Resources, Bureau of Sanctuaries
           and Research Reserves and the Office of Marine Programs and
           Planning will evaluate and coordinate or incorporate existing
           state -management programs were mutual goal-s are to be
           achieved.

           NOAA also administers the Hurricane Center in Mi   'ami, which
           monitors and issues bulletins on tropical weather for the
           north and south Atlantic and the Caribbean Basin.



           B. STATE AGENCIES

           Many state agencies have property interests, land and wildlife
           management programs, research activities, regulatory authority
           and construction activities with the preserve. Additionally,
           DNR administers programs which may affect the. resources and
           watersheds of the preserve.

           DeRartment of Natural Resources (DNR)
           Several Divisions within the Department perform' various
           functions of administration, regulation and enforcement of
           laws and programs related to natural resources and/or their
           use.


           The Division of Marine Resources has several programs
           beneficial to the management of aquatic preserves. The Marine
           Research Laboratory in St. Petersburg  and the Marathon Field
           Office have several projects which include resource protection
           area mapping, fishery habitat utilization studies, conch
           reintroduction programs and spiny lobster research. The
           Division is instrumental in administering manatee protection
           programs and marine turtle data gathering. They also
           administer a permitting program for the collection of certain
           marine species and the use of certain chemicals. As previously
           noted, this Division's Bureau of Sanctuaries and Research
           Reserves, in conjunction with the Office of Marine Programs
           and Planning will assume lead positions in coordinating with
           NOAA to plan and manage the Florida Keys National Marine
           Sanctuary.

           The Division of Law Enforcement's Marine Patrol, whose legal
           authority is granted under Chapter 370, F.S., enforces Florida
           laws relating to marine -resources, fishery laws, boating
           safety, vessel titling/registration, contraband interdiction,
           and the protection of endangered and threatened species.



                                         119









           The Division of State Lands, under the provisions of chapters
           253 and 258, F.S., performs the staff duties related to the
           acquisition, administration and disposition of public lands on
           behalf of and with the approval of the Governor and Cabinet,
           sitting as the Board of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.
           Staff duties include review and recommendations to the Board
           regarding applications for the use, sale, lease or transfers
           of all state-owned lands and enforcement of the provisions for
           unauthorized use of those lands. Under Chapter 18-21, F.A.C.,
           the Division is charged with management of sovereignty
           submerged lands and spoil islands.

           Aquatic preserves were established under Chapter 258, F.S.
           originally administered by the Division of Recreation and
           Parks, the administration of aquatic preserves 'was transferred
           to the Division of State Lands in 1988. Specific management
           policy, standards and criteria for most aquatic preserves are
           contained within Chapter 18-20, F.A.C.

           The authority for the Conservation and Recreational Lands
           program (CARL) is also derived from Chapter 253, F.S. This
           program is the primary vehicle for the acquisition of private
           lands that are deemed to be environmentally sensitive or that
           may serve as potential lands for future recreational needs.
           Recent passage of the Conservation 2000 legislation will
           greatly enhance funding for targeted purchases-.

           The Division of Resource Management is responsible for       the
           management of aquatic plants, mineral resources, oil and    gas
           exploration, and geologic studies. It also supervises state
           Navigation Districts and the Canal Authority.

           The Division of Beaches and Shores is charged  with developing
           inventories and management plans for beaches   in Florida. The
           inventory of Monroe County beaches was completed in 1990.

           Department of Environmental Regulation (DER)
           The DER administers programs regulating air, water, noise,
           wastewater, stormwater, and hazardous waste pollution through
           a permitting and certification process. Chapter 376, F.S.
           directs DER to cooperate with DNR in offering consultation,
           enforcement, prosecution, and technical advise in pollutant
           discharge, control and removal.

           Chapter 403, F.S. enumerates the DER responsibilities in the
           areas of water. and air quality, facilities siting, resource
           recovery and management, pollution control and wetland
           permitting. This chapter serves as the authority for the
           initiation of dredge and fill applications in conjunction with
           COE and DNR. The Authority to regulate activities and protect
           water quality granted in Chapter 403 is facilitated by the
           Water Quality Standards established in Chapter 17w_-3, F.A.C.
           This chapter of the administrative code sets forth specific


                                         120









           criteria for surface water classifications and permitting
           criteria for those classifications. The Special Protection,
           Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW) classification is assigned to
           waters of the aquatic preserve and most waters of the Florida
           Keys. The OFW classification affords the highest protection
           for state waters.

           Chapter 17, F.A.C. also contains sections governing permitting
           procedure and criteria for facilities, dredge and fill
           projects, stormwater discharge, and deepwater ports.

           The DER Office of Coastal Management is charged with
           coordinating activities related to coastal management and
           reviewing federal actions for consistency with the State
           Coastal Management Program. The Office of Coastal Management
           also awards grants for research and management planning. .

           Chapter 253.77, F.S., as amended by the Warren S. Henderson
           Wetlands Protection Act of 1984, requires that any request for
           the use of state-owned lands shall have prior approval-of the
           Trustees. An interagency agreement between DNR and DER
           provides for DNR staff comments into the DER permitting
           process for identifying environmental impacts to the resources
           of the aquatic preserve.

           Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
           DCA reviews Developments of Regional Impact (DRI), designates
           Areas of Critical State Concern (ACSC), and approves
           comprehensive    plans.   The   DRI   process   involves    major
           @evelopment projects that have impacts on a larger area than
           is covered by just one county and involves a regional review
           from neighboring local governments and from state agencies.

           The ACSC program is intended to protect the areas of the state
           where development has endangered or may endanger resources of
           regional or statewide significance. Under an ACSC designation,
           the local governments are required to notify the DCA of any
           application for a development permit. The Florida Keys portion
           of Monroe County were designated as an ACSC in 1979. In 1984,
           under authority granted in Chapter 380, F.S. and defined in
           Administrative Rule 27F-8, the Boundary and Principles for
           Guiding Development for the Florida Keys Area of Critical
           State Concern were adopted to conserve and protect the
           natural, environmental, historic and economic resources, and
           other values of the lands and waters of the Florida Keys. The
           Florida Keys ACSC designation and the Principles for Guiding
           Development are intended to remain in place until such time as
           Monroe County shall have developed a comprehensive growth
           management plan and future development regulations as required
           by Chapter 163, F.S. Such plan shall be consistent w     'ith the
           State Comprehensive Plan, State Statutes, Codes and rules.
           Conformance to the minimum criteria established in Chapter 9J-
           5, F.A.C. is also required.


                                          121









           Monroe County is currently involved in this planning process.
           Their submitted plan is currently undergoing review by DCA f or
           compliance with Chapter 9J-5, F.A.C. The Coastal Management
           and Conservation Elements of the future plan are the most
           significant to the management goals and objectives of the
           aquatic preserve. These elements should establish goals and
           objectives that are consistent with those of this plan.
           Cooperation and coordination in developing the plans is
           critical to the successful development and implementation of
           either plan.

           DeRartment of Transportation (DOT)
           The DOT is involved with aquatic preserves where they maintain
           the U.S. 1 or Overseas Highway and the bridges and causeways
           that traverse the preserve boundary. Leases or permits for the
           use of state-owned rights-of-way are coordinated through the
           DOT. Applications for these uses are not generally circulated
           for field review. Local cooperation is vital to establish
           lines of communication regarding projects that may affect the
           preserve. The DOT also administers funding for environmental
           restoration projects, which has in the past been available for
           aquatic preserve projects.

           Department of State/Division of Historical Resources (DHR)
           Under Chapter 267, F.S. DHR is granted responsibility for the
           preservation and management of the state's archaeological and
           historical resources. This responsibility includes those
           cultural  resources located on state-owned         lands. All
           activities that may potentially affect a known or suspected
           resource must be coordinated with and/or approved by the DHR.

           Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS)
           HRS administers numerous programs to protect public health by
           overseeing functions that involve water supplies, sewage
           disposal and solid waste control. Authority for these
           responsibilities are found in Chapters 154, 381, and 386, F.S.
           and in the 10D series of F.A.C., known as the Sanitary Code.
           HRS is also responsible for mosquito control activities under
           Chapter 388, F.S. and may delegate that authority to a local
           mosquito controldistrict (MSD).

           Mosquito control and septic tank permitting are of immediate
           concern to the management of the aquatic preserve. The Monroe
           County MSD administers the local program through ground and
           aerial application of larvicides and adulticides. Chapter 1OD-
           54, F.A.C. requires that any arthropod (mosquito) control
           activities conducted by local MSDs on environmentally
           sensitive public lands, such as parks, aquatic preserves and
           similar properties be coordinated in advance by the
           responsible mosquito control agency with. the Executive
           Directory of DNR, GFC, and the regional director of the USFWS.
           This chapter also establishes areas, types, rates, timing and
           equipment standards for control activities.


                                         122









           HRS administers the permitting and placement of septic tanks
           under Chapter 1OD-6, F.A.C. This chapter establishes standards
           for onsite sewage disposal systems (OSDS) . Part II of that
           chapter establishes specific standards for OSDS installation,
           operation and monitoring in the Key Largo Limestone or Miami
           (Oolite) rock formations.

           Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC)
           The MFC manages marine life by regulating the harvesting of
           all marine life, except listed species. Their authority covers
           gear specifications, bag limits, size limits, species that may
           not be sold, protected species, closed seasons or areas,
           quality control codes, special'considerations related to egg
           bearing females, and the harvest and relaying of oyster and
           clams. The MFC makes annual recommendations to the Governor
           and Cabinet regarding marine fisheries research priorities and
           changes to existing laws.

           Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC)
           The GFC, authorized under Chapters 39.101 and 39.102, F.A.C.
           implements and enforces specific regulations to protect all
           wildlife and their habitats. As such, the GFC is the state
           coordinator for species designated for protection in Florida.



           C. REGIONAL AGENCIES
           In addition to federal and     state   agencies, two" regional
           agencies have 'functions and programs that may affect the
           aquatic preserve. These organizations conduct activities that
           are on a broader scale than are those of the local
           governments.

           South Florida Water Management District (WMD)
           The WMD was established by-Chapter 61-69, Laws.of Florida, as
           a public corporation for carrying out Chapter 378, F.S> and
           operates under and is governed by provisions of Chapter 373,
           F.S. Chapters 40D-4 and 40D-40 were adopted to ensure
           continued protection of the water resources of the district
           including wetlands and other natural resources. The statutes
           resulted from passage of Chapter 84-79, Laws of Florida, also
           known as the Warren G. Henderson Wetlands Protection of 1984.

           The WMD administers permitting programs for consumptive water
           use, management, storm water discharge, storage of surface
           water, well drilling and operation, water level control,
           regulation of artificial recharge facilities, and works of the
           district. The WMD is also responsible for developing Surface
           Water Improvement Management (SWIM) plans as authorized by
           Chapter 87-97, Laws of Florida and Chapter 373, F.S. The SWIM
           plans are designed to improve, restore and manage surface
           waters.




                                         123









           South Florida Regional Planning Council (RPQ
           The RPC serves as a regional planning body f or the local
           government of Monroe County, as well as incorporated areas in
           the Keys and other south Florida counties and municipal areas.
           The RPC duties include: aid to local government planning
           efforts; regional representative for the DRI process; regional
           clearing house for state' and federal projects and programs;
           providing information from the local governments to the state
           and federal levels; assisting local governments in securing
           grants in aid; and preparing and administering the Regional
           Policy Plan.

           The DRI review of projects which affect the preserve will be
           reviewed by both the field staff and central office personnel.
           DRIs for marinas, major developments, subdivisions, and
           commercial or industrial developments adjacent to the preserve
           and will be reviewed closely for their potential impact on the
           preserve.



           D.- LOCAL GOVERNMENT/AGENCIES (LGT)

           Local government consists of unincorporated Monroe County and
           the incorporated, areas of Key Colony Beach, Layton and the
           City of Key West. The incorporated areas are governed by a
           city commission and the unincorporated areas are governed by
           a five member County Commission.

           As previously noted, the Florida Keys portion of Monroe County
           has been designated as an Area of Critical State Concern and
           both incorporated and unincorporated areas are in the process
           of formulating Comprehensive Growth Management Plans.

           Relationship to Local Management Plans
           The Florida- Keys Comprehensive Plan of 1986 (Volume II,
           Analysis and Policy Element) established several Areas of
           Particular Concern (APC), including Lignumvitae Key Aquatic
           Preserve. specific management policies for Lignumvitae Key
           include:

               "a.   Management and recreational usage for the State
                     Parks on the Keys in the aquatic preserve must be
                     consistent   with  preservation   of the      Aquatic
                     Preserve.


                b.   Development activity on Upper and Lower Matecumbe
                     Keys, including dredging and filling will be
                     prohibited- so as not to degrade the waters of the
                     Preserve."

           Generic Marine Resource Areas of Particular Concern (APC)
           include marine ' grassbeds, coral formations and fringing
           mangroves, including associated vegetation within 50 feet of


                                        124









           the landward edge of those mangroves. Management policies
           mandate that these biotic communities be preserved to the
           fullest extent possible and that creation and restoration of
           these communities will be encouraged whenever feasible and
           necessary.

           Local governments are required by the Local Government
           Comprehensive Planning Act of 1975 (Section 163.3163, F.S.),
           as amended by Chapter 85-55, Laws of Florida, to the Local
           Government Comprehensive Planning and -Land Development
           Regulation Act (LGCP), to have a management plan with elements
           relating to different governmental functions (i.e., housing,
           physical facilities, conservation, land use, coastal zone
           protection, etc.). Recent statutory amendments require these
           plans to be updated and for counties to adopt land development
           regulations and improve coastal management protection. The
           coastal management element of the LGCP, along with the land
           use and conservation elements, establishes 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 government jurisdiction.

           Monroe County is currently revising and formulating new goals,
           objectives and policies that are intended to fulfill the
           requirements for the LGCP act and the criteria of 9J-5, F.A.C.
           The intent of the aquatic preserve management program, and
           this plan, is to guide county efforts during the planning
           process towards developing local plan criteria and standards
           that will be consistent with and complementary to the
           objectives of the aquatic preserve program.





















                                         125






                                TABLE8             MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK





          LOCAL AGENCIES                                               REGIONAL AGENCIES


             LGT   Local Governments (Cities, Towns,                       RPC   Regional Pianning Council
                   Municipalities) '                                       WMD   Water Management Districts
             CGT   County Governments                                      FIN   Florida Inland Navigation District
             LDD   Local Drainage Districts
             MCD   Mosquito Control Districts
             ICD   Inlet Commissions/Districts
             SWC   Soil and Water Conservation Districts





          STATE AGENCIES                                               FEDERAL AGENCIES



             DCA   Florida Department of  Community Affairs                CG    United States Coast Guard
             DER   Florida Department of  Environmental Regulation         COE   United States Army Corps of Engineers
             DNR   Florida Department of  Natural Resources                EPA   United States Environmental Protection Agency
             GFC   Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission             FWS,  United States Fish and Wildlife Service
             DOS   Florida Department of State                             NMF   National Marine Fisheries
             DOT   Florida Department of Transportation                    GS    United States Geological Survey
             FMP   Florida Marine Patrol
             FSG   Florida Sea Grant
             MFC   Marine Fisheries Commission
             DAC   Florida Departmentof Consumer and Agricultural
                   Services
             HRS   Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative
                   Services



                     Source: modified from the Indian River Lagoon Joint Reconnaissance Report, 1987









                                                                                                                             Local                         Regional                                            State                                                               Federal
                                                                                                          ix7r IcG-r JLDD MCD 1CD SWC IRPC IVNID                             FIN JDAC DCA DEk I DNRIGFC 11RS DOS D(yr FMP FSG IMFC                                CG COE EPA FWS                 NN4 GS
                                 Dredge and Fill Permitting                                               0       0                                                 .. .. ...
                                                                                                                                                      I;:-..        -
                                                                                                                                                                . ..... ........                                                                                           .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                :.. x
                                     Docks, Fishing fliers, Seawalls                                                                                                                          0      0

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Xx@
                                     Marinas                                                              0       0
                                 Submerged Lands Management                                                                                                                                                                                                       ........ ........  ....... ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  q***i*:*i i:r'          ......
                                                                                                                                                                             ed
                                 Habitat Protection                                                       01      61                                                         . ...... 0       0      0       0                              0                                      ......

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ]IM
                                 Mangroves/Wetlands                        Protection                     0       40                                                                  0       0      0       0
                                 Seagrass Protection                                                      0       0
                                                                                                                                                                             "A       0              0
                                 Habitat Restoration                                                              0                                                                   0       0140           0                      0
                                 Mangroves/Wetlands                        Restoration                            0                                                                   0       010
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ....... .. ....

                                                                                                                                                       .....                 ....
                                 Seagrass Restoration                                                                                                                                 0       0      0
                                                                                                                                                      .......                                                                                                                 . ......
                                 Resource Inventory                                                                                                                                   0       0      0 0                                           010
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 . .. .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   .....   ..... . . ....
                                 Manatees/Porpoises                                                               0
                                                                                                                                                                             x....,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ..........
                                 Endangered Species                                                       0       0                                                                   0              0       0                      0 0            0 0
                                                                                                                                                                ....... ......
                                 Shellfish/Aguaculture                                                            0               40                                                          0      0'
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ..... ........ ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ....                  ...... ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Xx
                                 Public Awareness/Education                                                       0                                                                                  0       0                              010 0                                  .... ........       ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 x:;"; X
                                 Research                                                                                                                                                     0      0       0                                     0
                                                                                                                                                                .....        ....
                                 Fisheries           Research                                                                     0                             ......                0              Ole                  I
      N)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ... .... .
                                 Fisheries          Management                                                                    0                                 x.                0              0                                             19 9
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ... ........
                                     Recreational Fishing                                                                                              ::5                            0              0       0                              0      0 0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .... ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ......   ... ...
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           M.
                                     Commercial Fishing                                                                                                                               0              0                                      0      0 0

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       q
                                 Wildlife Management                                                                                                                         ..........                                                     0               0

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ..... . .......    .......
                                 Mosquito Impoundments                                                            0               0                                                                  01
                                                                                                                              7
                                                                                                                                                                                                     0
                                 Ifistorical/Archeological Sites                                          0       0
                                                                                                                                                                ..... ......
                                                                                                                                  0                    .. ...... . ...
                                 Water Quality                                                                    0
                                                                                                                                                       .i J.                          0       0      0
                                     Nonpoint Source Pollution                                            0       0.                                  -0:                             0       010
                                                                                                                                                                    ... ........
                                                                                                          0
                                     Point Source Pollution                                                                                                                           0       el     0               0
                                                                                                                                                                             .......                                                                              ....... ..........
                                                                                                                                                                                              01     0,
                                     Oil/Chemical Spills                                                          0                                             ....... .......      .0
                                 Drainage/Freshwater Control                                              0       0       0                     0                             0       0       0      0
                                                                                                                                                             W
                                 Emergency Response                                                       0       0                                                                   0       0      0 0                                    0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           .. . ........ .
                                 Upland Development                                                       0       0                                                                   0

                                                                                                                                                                .....        ........
                                 Land Use Planning                                                                                                                                    0
                                                                                                                                                                             :IX7
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  . . . . . . . . . . .
                                 Navigational/Boating                                                                                                                                              101010                                          0
                                                                                                                                                      .. . ........ ..       0.                                                                                                       . ....           ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              .. ........ .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           .ib
                                 Recreational Areas                                                       0101
                                 Bridges and Roads                                                                                                                           :N-                     0
                                                                                                                101            L                     V*.: I::       F:











                                    CHAPTER VIII


                             STAFFING AND FISCAL NEEDS



           Historically, the  Aquatic Preserves Program has been largely
           dependent on federal coastal zone grant funds for its
           operation, and as a result, the funding of both field
           positions and central office positions has been limited.

           In order for the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve to be
           managed in accordance with the goals, objectives and policies,
           set forth in this plan, adequate funding, staffing and
           equipment is essential. It is anticipated that the management
           and administration of the three aquatic preserves in the Keys
           (Lignumvitae Key, Coupon Bight and Biscayne Bay-Card Sound
           portion) could be accomplished with one field office staffed
           with five full time employees. An annual review of the
           accomplishments of the program relative to the tasks listed in
           Chapter VI will help to determine if the initial staffing
           estimate is adequate to meet the    legislative intent of the
           program.

           A budget covering projected staff time, equipment, travel and
           other expenses for this area, which would include Lignumvitae
           Key Aquatic Preserve, is found in Table 9. The budget is
           required to fulfill the short range needs of'the preserve as
           described in this*' management plan, and to accomplish the
           Department goal of on-site management for all aquatic
           preserves by 1991, as expressed in th e Agency Functional Plan.
























                                         129












                                        TABLE 9


           ANTICIPATED TWO-YEAR BUDGET FOR LIGNUMVITAE KEY, COUPON BIGHT
           AND THE CARD SOUND PORTION OF BISCAYNE BAY AQUATIC PRESERVES




           SALARY                                1ST YEAR        2ND YEAR
                 ES III (with benefits)          $ 38,424        $ 39,577
                 ES II (with benefits)             33,836          34,851
                 ES I (with benefits)              28,224          29,071
                 Secretary (with benefits)         17,255          17,773
                 Environmental educator            22,391          23,063

                 Subtotal                        $140,130        $144,335




           OPERATING CAPITAL OUTLAY
                 Vehicles (3 @ $12,000 each)     $ 36,000
                 Office equipment                  11,500
                 Computer                            5,000
                 Education materials                 2,500

                 Subtotal                        $ 55,000




           OPERATING EXPENSES
                 Rent/Gas/Phone/Supplies         $ 28,000        $ 32,000
                 Education supplies                  1,500           1,600

                 Subtotal                          29,500        $ 33,600






           TOTAL COST                            $246#630        $177,935


















                                          131











                                     CHAPTER IX


                     RESOURCE AND ACTIVITY MONITORING PROGRAM



           To  ensure   that   this management     plan   is   effectively
           implemented, on-site staffing is imperative. Additional
           staffing will be necessary in order to institute programs
           targeted at 1) monitoring changes in the natural resources, 2)
           recording   use   activities,   3)   tracking   progress     and
           accomplishments that are directed at retaining the original
           integrity and value of the preserve, and 4) preparing and
           conducting environmental education activities.

           A. RESOURCE MONITORING

           To monitor changes in the natural resources , a geographic
           information system (GIS) will be necessary. A GIS is a
           computer based system that is used to capture, edit, display,
           and analyze geographic information. The first GIS programs
           were developed about 20 years ago to manage large collections
           of   natural resource and environmental information. Since
           their development, they have been used in other areas, such as
           utilities mapping, inventory management, and land use
           planning. However, their most important application continues
           to be natural resource monitoring and management.

           Future use of a GIS system would include the periodic
           inventory, compilation, and analysis of temporal and spatial
           data concerning the present state of the natural resources
           within the preserve. Historical aerial photography could be
           computerized for comparison with later data to conduct a
           temporal analysis of resource abundance. Detailed monitoring
           of revegetation/ restoration efforts could also be computer
           analyzed. The on-line access to these natural resource data
           bases will facilitate informed management decisions concerning
           the use and protection of lands and their resources.
           Cooperation and file sharing is possible with other agencies
           handling such data with identical and similar systems. Similar
           environments and relationships between various resources may
           be compared and analyzed to gain a more integrated approach to
           protection and management.

           B. ACTIVITY XONITORING

           As human interaction in and around the preserve increases,
           additional pressures are to be expected in the form of
           recreational and development activities. Monitoring the types
           of use and their compatibility, their frequency of occurrence,
           as well as, proven and expected detrimental effects. on the
           preserve's natural resources, will provide a foundation for
           developing any additional future plan amendments and
           restrictions required to protect these resources. Periodic


                                         133









           boat counts, user questionnaires and structure inventories are
           various methods that may be employed to gather relevant data
           on activities and user group profiles.

           C. PROGRESS MONITORING

           For this management plan to be effectively implemented and
           evaluated, it is necessary to monitor the accomplishments and
           progress on a regular basis. Sharing this information with
           other units and agencies, will help develop a team approach to
           problem solving and implementing management strategies.

           The compilation of the monitoring program will be directed to
           the central office in Tallahassee in the form of a field
           office annual report. This information will then go into the
           development of a state-wide status report on. the Aquatic
           Preserve   Management    Program    focusing    on     resource
           restoration/deterioration, compatible and non-compatible use
           activities, and will aid in developing more appropriate
           management strategies system wide.

           The field office annual report should detail the following:

        1. The.state of the natural environment of the aquatic preserve.

             a.  Through the use of the resource inventories-and the
                 GIS system, document the status of biological resources
                 (e.g., seagrass loss or gain).

             b.  Identify the current number of structures/activities
                 either started, occurring or completed in the preserve.
                 These structures/activities will be categorized as
                 follows:
                 1) authorized projects,
                 2) unauthorized projects, and
                 3) projects not in compliance  with the original
                    authorization

        2. A list of accomplishments of those policies and tasks outlined
           in Chapter VII.

             a.  Each task will be listed and the activities required to
                 complete that task will be detailed. If the task was not
                 done or not completed, an explanation will be given. If
                 the explanation was due to insufficient funding/staff,
                 then this fact will be detailed so that an update of
                 Chapter IX can be made.

        3. Any new goals and/or objectives will be reflected in an update
           of Chapter VII.





                                        134











                                      REFERENCES

         Adey, W. 1977. Shallow Water Holocene.Bioherms of the Caribbean
              Sea and West Indies. PP. Xxi-xxiv, Vol. 2 IN Proceedings:
              Third International Coral Reef Symposium. University of Miami,
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                                        145




                                                                               APPENDIX A                                                  (R. 3197)
                                 V. 9, p 69220                         Admin     istrative Codes                                         1920.002

                                                   CHAPTER 1q8-20                                q(c) To coordinate with federal. state. and local
                                       FLORIDA AQUATIC PRESERVES                             agencies to aid in carrying Out the intent (of the
                                                                                             Legislature in creating the preserves;
                                 1q9-20-001         Intent.                                      (d) To use applicable federal, state. and qincaql
                                 1q9-20.0q02         Boundaries and Scope or the               management programs, which are compatible with
                                                   Preserves.                                the intent and provisions of the act and these ruqics,
                                 18-20-003         Definitions.                              and to assist in managing the preserves;
                                 18-20.004         2qManarement Policies, Standards
                                                                                                (c) To encourage the protection, enhancement
                                                   and Criteria.                       or    or restoration of the biological, aesthetic, or
                                 18-20.005         Uscs, Sales, Leases, or Transfer
                                                   Interests in Lands, or Materials,         scientific values of the preserves, including but not
                                                   Held by the Board. (Rcpcaled)             limited to the modification of existing manqmaqde
                                 18-20.006         Cumulative Impacts.                       conditions toward their natural condition, and
                                 18-20.007         Protection of Riparian Rights.            discourage activities which would degrade the
                                                   (Repealed)                                aesthetic, biological, or scientific values, or tqhe
                                 18-20.008         Inclusion of Lands, Title to Which        quality, or utility of a preserve, when reviewing
                                                   Is Not Vested in the Board, in a          applications, or when developing and implementing
                                                   Preserve.                                 management plans for the preserves-,
                                 1q9-20.009         Establishment or Expansion of                (r) To preserve, promote. and utilize indigenous
                                                   Aquatic Preserves.                        life forms and habitats. including but not limited to:
                                 18-20.01q0         Exchange of Lands.                        sponges, soft coral, hard corals, submerged grasscs.
                                 18-20.011         Gifts of Lands.                           mangroves. sail water marshes, fresh water
                                 18-20.012         Protection oqf Indigenous Life             marshes. mud nats, estuarine. aquatic, and marine
                                                   Forms.                                    reptiles, game and non-game fish species. estuarine,
                                 18-20.013         Development         of       Resource     aquatic and marine invertebrates, estuarine.
                                                   Inventories and         Management        aquatic and marine mammals, birds, shellfish and
                                                   Plans for Prcscqfvqa.                       mollusks;
                                 1 2q&20.014         Enforcement.                                 (g) TO acquire additional title interests in lands
                                 1q8-20.015         Application Form. (Repealed)              wherever such acquisitions would serve to protect or
                                 18-20.016         Coordination        with        Other     enhance the biological, aesthetic, or scientific values
                                                   Governmental Agencies.                    of the preserves;          .   .
                                                                                                (h) To maintain those beneficial hvdrologic and
                                 18-20.017         Lake Jackson Aquatic Preservc.            biologic functions, the bencqrits' of wh   'ich acc-ruc to
                                 qLO-DrAtqY Acqle"emccq= qRiP"rqian ro-ch"s 80 Amvq@4qPi)ic w2lq--    tqhe public at Large.
                                 L Henry rican. q5q3 2qFqLL Barqj. 247. qZSO (Mar- 19q8tq).              (4) Nothing in these rules shall serve to
                                   1q9-20.001 Intent.                                         eliminate or alter the requirements or authority or
                                   (q1) All sovercigntv lands within a preserve shall         other governmental agencies, including countics
                                 be managed primarily for the maintenance              or    and municipalities, to protect or enhance the
                                 essentially natural conditions, the propagation       oqf    preserves provided that such requirements or
                                 fish and wildlife, and public          Lion, including      authority are not inconsistent with the act and this
                                 hunting and fishing where deemed appropriate by             chapter.
                                 the board@ and the managing agency.                         Specific Auihariq@y 120-5q3. q25q8.4q3(1) 4qF.qS. qL.7w
                                                                                             Jmpicqmensed q25q84qJ5.25q8.36.25q8.371. qZ5qS-q39.q25q8.39.3 4qFqS,
                                   (2) The aquatic prcserves which are described in          4qC-hapoci-8q0-q24qM Laws 4qW4qFIrwid2. Hqisicir.yq-qNew 2-qZ3-81.
                                 7q3-534, Laws oqf Florida, Sections 258.39, q258.39 1,         Amended 8-7-8q5, Farmcri,v 16Q-20.01, 4qTransierred frrorn
                                 25q9.392 and 258-393, Florida Statutes, future               16Q.2q0.001.
                                 aquatic preserves established pursuant to general or
                                 special acts of the legislature, and in qRuqie                   1q&-20.qDqO2 Boundaries and scope or the
                                 1q9-20.002, Florida Administrative Code, were                Prcscrvqm
                                 established for the purpose of being preserved in an           (1) These rules shall only apply to those
                                 essentially natural or existing condition so that their     sovereignty lands within a preserve, title 10 which is
                                 aesthetic, biological and sciqenqtqiq6c values may              Vested in the board, and those other lands for which
                                 endure for qt8qhqe qeqn6qjo mqenqt or future generations.             the board has an appropriate instrument in writing,
                                                                                                                                      qth
                                   (3) The preserves shall be administered and               cxqcqLuted by the owner, auqthorizinz cinc4qiusiqnnqo2qf
                                 managed in acqeq-qordanqcqc with the following goals:            specific lands in an aquatic preserve pursuant to
                                   (a) To preserve- protectq., and enhance these              Section 20q(2) of Chapter 76qaq-2q534, Laws or Florida,
                                 qcxqcqepqLiqona4qi areas of sovereignty submerged lands by         2qSqeqcLiqons 26q52q6.40(!) and 20q52q8.44q]2q(5), Florida Statutes,
                                 rqc2sonabiqc rqe2qgqu8qla4qdon or human activity within the           future aquatic preserves qesqtqabiiqshqe2qd through
                                 4q? reserves    through     the     development       aqnd     general or special acts of the legislature, and
                                 implementation or a comprehensive management                pursuant       to     Rule      18q6-20q-008.        Florida
                                 pqrqoqgqrqanqtq;                                                   Administrative Code. Any publicly owned and
                                   88q& To protect and enhance the waters or the                maintained navigation channel authorized by the
                                 preserves so that the public may continue to enjoy          United States 56qdqonqgrqeqss, or other public works
                                 t2qhqe traditional recreational uses of those waters such      prqo6qiqeqLql authorized by the United States Congress,
                                 zs swimming, 8qbqnaqtinq'2qgq, and 2qfis4qhin00qC                          qdqesiqrqnqe8qd to qimqoqrovqe or maintain commerce and
                                                                                             navigation shall be deemed to be excluded from the


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                             (R 31S)
                             1920.002                         IqNqMERNAL IqMPROVEMEqNTqMUST FUND                                    V. 9 P. 6922P

                             Pisins of this chapter, pursuant In Subsection          181. pages 363-366nd in the Orriil Records of
                             2qS8.40(2), Florida Statutes. Furthermore. all lands         Fqiagqier County in Book 33, pages 131-134.
                             lost by avu2qWan or by artificially induced erosion              4.     Toqmoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve, as
                             shall be deemed excluded from the provisions of this        qdeqxribed in the Official qRecurqns of Flaqgqier County
                             chapter pursuant to Subsection 2qSq8.40(3), Florida           in Book 33, pages 13q5-1q38, 2nd in the Official
                             Statutes.                                                   Records oqf Voiusia County in Book 1244. pages
                                (2) These rules do not apply to Boca Cleqga Bay.          61q5-618.
                             Pinellas County or Biscayne Bay Aquatic                        q5. Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve. as described
                             Preseqmqm                                                     in Section 2qSq8.q39(30). F.S.
                                (3) Thew rules are promulgated to clarify tqhe               6.     qIvqiosquoko Laqgoi)n Aquatic Preserve. as
                             responsi bili tics of the board in carrying out its land    described in the Official Records or Voqlusia County
                             management functions as those functions apply               in Book 1244. pages 619-623, and in the Official
                             within     the   preserveL     Implementation        and    Records (if Brevard County in Book 1143. pages
                             respeinsibilqitqy for environmental permitting of             q190-q194.
                             activities and water quality protection within the             7. Banana River Aquatic Preserve. as described
                             prvscrvqa are vested in          the Department of           in the Official Records of qBrevard County In Book
                             Environmental qRcg2qWaLiOn.        Since these rules are       1143. pages 195-198. less thosc lands dediunted it)
                             considered cumulative with      other rules, a person       the U. S. A. prior its the enactment of the act, until
                             planning an activity within the preserves should            such time as the U. qS. A. no qloriger wishes it)
                             also consult the other applicable depaqnment rules           maintain such lands for the purpose qiqor which they
                             (Chapter 18-21. Florida Administrative Code, fnr            were dedicated, ;it which time such lands would
                             example) as well as the rules of the Department of          reven it) the qLxwrd. and be managed as pan oqf the
                             Environmental Regulation.                                   preserve.
                                (4) These rules shall not affect previous actions           q8.     Indian River - Maqla0qWr to Sebastian
                             of the board concerning the issuance of any                 Aquatic Preserve, as qdescribcd in the Ofqricial
                             casement or qlcasc; or any disclaimer concerning             Records (Iq( qBrevarqd County in q1q14mik q1q143, pages
                             sovereignty lands.                                          q18q"-202, and in the Ofqrqicial qRccurds of Indian
                                (q5) The intent and specific provisions cxprcssed         River County in Book .q168. qImiqges 5-8.
                             in 1q8-20.001(c) and (qf) apply geneqmqlqlqy to all                  9. Indian River - Vero Beach to Fort Pierce
                             existing or qfutuqm aquatic przserves within the scope        Aquatic Preserve. as 'dcqwriqbeqd in the 4qOqrqricial
                             of this chapter. Upon completion of a resource              Records of Indian River County in Book 368. pages
                             inventory and approval or a management plan for a           9-12. and in - the Official Records or qSL. Lucie
                             prescrve, pursuant to 18-20.013, the type                   County in Book 187, pages 1083-1086. )
                             designation and the resource sought to be preserved            10. Jensen qBcaLh its Jupiter Inlet Aquatic
                             may be readdressed by the Board.                            Preserve. as described in the Official Records oqf qSt.
                                (6) For the purpose of cqhuiqfication and                  Lucie County in Book 218, pages 2865-2869.
                             interpretation, tqhe legal description set forth as             11. North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve, as
                             follows do not include any land which is expressly          described in the Ofqricial Recorqds'or Martin County
                             recogniq=d as privately owned upland in a                    in Btiok 337, pages 2159-2162, and in the oqrqricqial
                             qpqml-qMqisting recorded mean high water line                   Records or SL Lucie  County in Book 20 1, pages
                             sqatlement agreement between the board and a                 1676-1679.
                             private owner or owncqm Provided, however, in                   12. LoxahaLchec River - Lake Wnrth Creek
                             thaw instances wherein a settlement agreement was           Aquatic Preserve, as cicscriqiieqd in the 0qOqfqricial
                             executed suqb2q"ucnt to the passage aql' the Florida            Records of Manin County in qBot)k 320, pages
                             Coast.al Mapping Act, the determination oqf the              193-196, and in the Official Records or Paim Beach
                             mean high water line shall be in accordance with the        County in Volume 1860. pares 806-809.
                             provisions of such acL                                         13. Biscayne Bay - Cape Florida to Monroe
                                (7) Persons interested in obtaining details of           County Lincq@ Aquatic Preserve, as described in the
                             particular preserves should contact the Bureau of           Ofqlicial Records of Dade County in Book 7055,
                             State Lands Management, Deqpaqnincrit of NaLUMI               pages 852-856, less. however. those lands and
                             0qRcsourccs@      3900      Commonwealth            Blvd.,    waters as described in Section 258.165, F. S.,
                             Tallahasseeq- FL 3q2303 (teiqenqshonc 900q"88q-21-97).             (Biscavnc Bay Aquatic Preserve Act of 1974), and
                                (a) The preserves am dqcq's6qmqi8qbqe2qd as follows:               those 'lands and waters within the Biscayne
                                1. Fort Clinch State Park Aquatic Preserve, as           National Park.
                             described in qt8qhqe Ofrqiciqal Records or Nassau County             14. 2qLiqznumviqtaqc Key Aquatic Preserve, as
                             in Book 100q8, pages 343q-346, and in Book I 11, page          described in the O6qf6qrqiciqal 8qkqecqurqas qo2qr 08qN6qionmqe County
                             409.                                                        in 6qBqiqxqsk 502, pages 139q-1q42.
                                2q. Nassau River - SL 2qJqnhns River Marshes                    15. 6qCoupqon Eight Aqouqaqtic Preserve, as
                             Aquatic Pqrqcscrvqe, as described in the Official              described in the O8qr8qr4qiciqal Records qof Monqroqc County
                             Records or Duval 16qCqounqtv in Volume 3183q, pages               in Book 502, pages 1q43-146.
                             547-6q552, and in the Of-q5ciqa4ql Records or Naq'ssqau                16. Cqaqtqiqc Romano - Ten 8q-houqsand Islands
                             County in Book 108q8q,q-pa2qgqes 232-237.                          Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Or8ql'iqcial
                                0q3. 2qfqic8qilicqer Creek Aquatic Preserve, as described        Records of Collier County in Book 381, paces
                             in the 20qOM16q621 Records Or SL Johns County in Book             298q-301.




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                             V. 9, p. 6922qQ                      LORMA AQU-qnC PRESERVES                                           1920.003
                                17. Rookery Bav Aquatic Preerv.as described            negotiate an arrangement with     any such pr
                             in Section q25q8-q39(31), FS.                                  upland owner by which such land may be included
                                1q8. qEstern Bay Aquatic Preserveasqdeqwriqbed in             in the preserve-
                             Section q258.39(28). Florida statute&.                          33. Terra 6qCeia Aquatic Preserve. as described in
                                19. Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve, as               Section 25q9.393, Florida Statute&.
                             described in the Official Records of Lee County in             q34. Future    aquatic    preserves      established
                             Book 64q8, pages 732-736.                                    pursuant to wencral or special acts of the legislature.
                                20. MaLqlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, as                   Specific A8q;thlwity 120.q5q3, 258-43(tq) F.qT. Lew
                             described in the Official Records of Lee County in          Implemented qZ58.q39, 258.391. 258.39Z q238.39.3, q258.40,
                             Book q800. pages 725-728.                                    258.41. 2q58.48qZ 258.4q3. 258-44. 2q58.45 qFqS. Histror.vq_
                                21. 6qCaspariqlqla Sound - Charlotte Harbor                  New 2.qZq3-81. Amerm ed 8-7-8q5. Formerly 16Q.20.0q2.
                             Aquatic Preserve, as described in Section q258.39q7,          Trnsqferred from )60qQ.q20.OOqZ
                             F.S.                                                           18-20.003 '2qDeqrumqitqions. When used in these
                                =. Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve. as described in           rules, the following words shall have the indicated
                             Section q25q8.q3'9q(29), F.S.                                   meaning unless , the context clearly inqdqioites
                                23. Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, as                   otherwise:
                             described in Section 25q9.391, F.S.                             (1) "Act" means the provisions of Section 258.35
                                24. St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve, as               through q258.46, F.S., the Florida Aquatic Preserve
                             described in the Official Records of Citrus County          ACL
                             in Book 276, pages q23q9-241. '                                  (2) "Activity" means any project and such tither
                                25. Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve, as                human action within the preserve requiring board
                             described in the 4qOqrqrqicial Records of Franklin               approval for the use, sale, Ica       or transfer (iqf
                             County in Volume 9q8, pages 82-85.                           interes in sovereignty lands or materials, or which
                                26. Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve, as                may require a license from the 0qD2q"rtment of
                             described in the Official 4qkecords of Gulf County in         Environmental Regulation.
                             Book 46. pages 77-8 1. and in the Official Records of          (3)    -Aesthetic     values"     means       scenic
                             Franklin County in Volume 9q8, pages 102-106.                characteristics or amenities or the preserve in its
                                27. SL. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve, as                  essentially natural state or condition, and the
                             described in the 4qOfqlocial Records or Gulf County in         maintenance thereor.
                             Book 46, pages 73-76.                                          (4) "Applicant" means any person making
                                2q9. SL Andrews State Park Aquatic Prescryt, as           application for a permit, license, conveyance oqr an
                             described in he Official Records oqr Baqy Coun,y in           interest in state owned lands or anvother necessary
                             Book 3q79, pages 54q7-q550.                                    form of governmental approval in order to perform
                                29. Rocky Bayou State Park AqqU2Lq;C Preserve,             an activity within the preserve-
                             as described in the Orqricial Records of Oqkaionsa               q(q5q) -Beneficial biological functions" means
                             County in Book 593, pages q742-745.                          qintcracLions between flora, fauna and phvslcal or
                                30. Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve, as              chemical attributes of the environment, which
                             described in the Official Records of Santa Rosa             provide benefits that accruc to the public at large,
                             County in Book 206, pages q56q8-571.                          including, bqut not limited to: nutrient, pesticide and
                                31. Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve. as         heavy metal uptakc; sediment retention; nutrient
                             described in the Official Records of Santa Rosa             conversion to biomass; nutrient recycling and
                             County in Book Z2q0. pages 60-63, in the Official            oxygcnatqion.
                             Records or qEscaqmbia County in Book 518 pages                   (6) "Beneficial hydrological functions" means
                             659-662, less the lands dedicated to the U. 0qi A. for        interacLions between nora., fauna and physical
                             thc'csqubqlishmcnL oqf the Gulf Islands National               geological or geographical attributes oqf the
                             Seashore prior to the enactment of the act, until such      cnvironmenL, which provide benctits that accrue to
                             Lime as the U. S. A- no longer wishes to mainLain           the public at large, inctudinqg, but not limited to:
                             such lands for the purpose for which they were              retardation of storm water flow; storm water
                             dedicated, at which Lime such lands would revert to         rctcnLiorL-. and water storage, and periodical release;
                             the board and be managed as part of the preserve.              (7) -Biological values" means the preserVALion
                                32. For the purpose of this secLion the                  and promotion of indigenous life forms and habitats
                             boundaries or the Lake Jackson AcuaLic Preserveq,            including, but not limited to: sponges, soft corals,
                             shall bqe the body of water in Lcon County known as          hard qeDra2qiqs, submerged grasses, mangroves,
                             Lake Jackson in Sections 1, 6q2q. 3, 0q5q. 10, 11 and 14,         saltwater marshes, fresh water marshes, mud flats,
                             Township I North. Panqzc I West and Sections 11,             marine, estuarine_ and qaquaLiC reptiles, games and
                             12q. 13, 14, 10q5, 21, =q. 6q22q:84q@ 26, 28q7q7q, 2Bq, 29q. 32, 33, 34,     noqn-ga6qmqes fish spqe6qoqcs, marine, estuarine, and
                             and 35, Township 2 North. Range I West lying                aquatic mammals, marine. eqSqLU2rinqt, and aquatic
                             below the ordinary high water line- Such lands shall        invertebrates,* birds and shc8ql2ql8qrish.
                             include qthqe submqerqvqed bottom lands and thqe water               (2q8) -Board" means the Governor and Cabinet
                             column upon such lands, as well as all publicly             sitting as the Board qo2qf Trustees of thqe Internal
                             owned islands, within the boundaries of the                 Improvement Trust Fund.
                             preserve. Any privately held upland within qthqe                 (9) "Channel" means a trench, the bottom or
                             boundaries (if qt0qhqe preserve shall be deemed to be           which is normally covered entirely by wqaqtC-q.q, With
                             excluded therefrom; provided that the Board may             the upper edges or its sides normally below water.




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                              OL 5/97)
                              1320.003                          UTERNAL IMPROVEMET TRUST rND                                   V. 9, P. 692R

                                 (10) -Commercial, industrial and o her revenue                (22) Prmcmnsnliinsrcs
                              qgencrating/Inenme related docks" means docking                 which are enveptional arcas to[ sqm-cretirniv Lend%
                              facilities for an activity whqich,produces income,              ;Ind the Asuiciated water bootiv set designated in
                              through rental or any other means, or which serves             Section 258.39, 258.391. and q2q5q8 q3q9q2. F.qs..
                              as an accessory facility to other rental, commercial           including all sovereigniqv lands. title tit which is
                              or industrial operations. It shall include. but not he         vested in the board. Ind such tither lands as the
                              limited to docking for. marinas, restaurants, hOICiS,          ipitarri iiiavacquire oraqpprove for int-itision,and the
                              qmoteqis, commercial qrishinqg. shopping, Now Or ship              water cqlunin 4,ver such lands, which have been set
                              construction, repair, and sales.                               aside it) be maintained in in essentially natural or
                                 (1q1) "Department" means (he State of Florida                existing condition of qindiqgentous qnomand fauna and
                              Department oq(Natural Resources. as admi nistraitir             their supponinqg habitat ;Ind the natural scenic
                              for the board.                                                 qualities ;Ind amenities therettf.
                                 (12) "Division" means the Division Oqf State                    (23) "Private residcritial single qdoe-qle- means I
                              Lands, which performs all start duties and functions           (qfock which is used for private. recreational Or
                                                                                                                                             residericc.
                              related to the administration of lands title to which          leisure purposes. qfor ;I s reqgie farniqh
                              is. or will be, vested in the board. pursuant to section       cottage or tither such single dwelling unit ;Ind which
                              2q53.002- F.S.                                                  is designed tit motor rut more than two Looms.
                                 (13) -Dock" means a fixed or floating structure.               (24) "Priv:itcresqicientiilniuqlti-sqlipqdcK:qL-'*ntc;ins
                              including moorings. used for the purpose tiqt                   ;I dOt-kqinqg facility which is used- qfOr private
                              beqnhing buoyant vessels either temporarily Or                  recreational (or leisure purqTooscs for M1,1q1q6-unit
                              indefinitely.                                                  residential dwellings which shall include but is not
                                 (14) "Essentially natural candition" mcavis                 limited tit condominiums, townhouses. suqbqdivisitilis
                              those functions which support the continued                    ;Ind tither such dwellings or residential areas and
                              existence or encourage the restoration of the diverse          which is designed to moor three Or more boats.
                              population of indigenous life forms and habitats it)           Yacht     clubs     associated      with       residential
                              tqhe extent they existed prior to the siqgniqfqicini               developments. whose memberships (or utilization or
                              development adjacent to and within the preserve.               the dOt-qLinqg rqm-qaltqy requires some real property
                                 (15) -Extreme hardship" means a signiqfqic-.int               interest in the rc%qidcnii;il area, shall also be
                              burden, unique to the applicant and not shared by              included.
                              property owners in the area. qSelqf-qimposetql                        (q2.qS) -qPuhlqic interest" means qdcrnonstrabic
                              circumstances caused toany degree by actions tiqt any           environmental, social, and economic bencqrits which
                              person subsequent to the enactment q@qf the Act shall            would accrue tit the public at large as 2 result (if a
                              not be consuucqd as an exuen c hardship. Extreme                proposeqdactqion. and which would clearly exceed all
                              hardship under this act shall not be construed to              demonstrable environmental, social. and cLonomic
                              include any hardship which arises in whole or in               costs Of the proqrooseqd action. In determining the
                              part from the cqiTcqa or other federal. state or qloqmql            public interest in a request for use, sale, lease, or
                              Iaws@ ordinances. rules or regulations. The term               transfer or interest in sovereignty lands nr severance
                              may be inherent in public projects which are shown             tit materials from sovereignty lands, the board shall
                              to be a public necessity.                                      consider the ultimate project and purqIxisc to be
                                 (16) -Fill" means maLcrqLaqls from any source,                served by said use, sale, lease. or transfer oqr lands or
                              CqPO$qiLcqd qby any means onto sovereignty lands,                  materials.
                              either for the purpose of creating new uplands or qfor             (26) -Public navigation priqoJect" means a proqjett
                              any other purpose, including spoiling of dredged               primarily for the p4qirpse of navigation which is
                              materials. For the purpose of this rule. the                   authnrized and funded by the United States
                                     ent of pilings or riprap shall not be                   Congress or by pon authorities as defined by
                              considered to be filling.                                      Section 315.02(2). F.qS.
                                 (17) -Lcasc" means a conveyance or interest in                 (27) "Public necessity" means the works or
                              Iancis, title to which is Vested in the board, granted iqn      improvements required qfor the protection Of tqhe
                              accordance with specific terms set forth in writing.           health and safety oqf the public, consistent with the
                                 (18) "Marina" means a small craft harbor                    Act and these rules, for which 'no other reasonable
                              complex used primarily for recreation.                         alternative exists.
                                 (19) -Oil and gas transportation facilities"                   (28) "Public utilities" means those services,
                              means those structures necessary for the movement              provided by persons regulated by the Public Service
                              of oil and gas from the production site it) the                Commission, or whql4q@h are 'provided by rural
                              consumer.                                                      cooperatives. munici0qp2liqtiqCS, qor Other governmental
                                 (20) "Person" means individuals, minors,                    agencies, including cie6qcricqiqt8qy. telephone, public
                              pqa6qmnqcqrshi6qm corporations, joint ventures, qcqsqiqaqtqeqsq,              water and wastewater services, and structures
                              trusts, syndicates. 2qr2qi8qduciarics, 8qtirms. and all either         nqeqvqesqsqaqrqy for the provision (if these services.
                                  q.aqLions and combinations, whether pu4qb8qiic or                   4q(24q9) "Quality Of the preserve" means the dqe8qrrqeqcqe
                              private, including 6qlqovqeqrnmqenqtal entities.                      (if the biqo0qloqtqzqlqe6qml. aesthetic and sciqenti8qriqc values qo2qf thqe
                                 (2q28q1) -Pier" means a structure in, qOn, or Over               preserve nqe8qm-qsqviry 8qfqoqr prqesqe6qm and future enjoyment
                              sovereignty lands, which is used by the public                 qtqi2qt It in an essentially natural condition.
                              primarily for fishing, swimming, or viewing the                   (30) q"8qR8qmqcq)urqtq-qemanq;qigqemqenqtqu2qarqeqcqiqTqicnqtq'q- means
                              preserve. A pier shall not include a dock.                     a contractual aqvrqeqeq.mqenqt 0q@qctwcqcn qzhqe board and one



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                              V. 9 p. 692-2S                           FLORIDA AQA7C PRESERVES                                                6R. 3/97)
                                                                                                                                                 1820.DO4

                              for more qWrs whh does not create an interest in            water and where th use (if the wrr sovereignty
                              real property but mereqiv authorizes conduct of                   lands is an integral part oqf (he act1%,11%.
                              certain management activities on lands held by the               qSqMqiqfqioc Authiq-ty 258.4.3q(1q) r.q5. qLssv inipqmiented
                              lie1p2pp                                                       q258.37, qZ8qM.4q3(1q) qFqS. Hisum-
                                  (31) -Rcsouqmc Protection Area (6qRPA) I" -                     8-7-q8q5. qFfwyneriy 16Q-20.0.7,           Transierred Iqmqm
                              .Nrcas wAq1qtq!qn _6qtq@ouatlc Preserves which have                     16Q-20.OOJ.
                              rqmiurrs it( the hie        t qu-tqh8qrqlqild condition for               18-20.004 Management Policies, Standari:q6
                                                               2
                              that Area. These resources M2V include, but are not              and Cqxitcria. The following management q@xilqicics.
                              limited to corals; marine grassqbCqdS; manqginve                    standards and criteria are supplemental io Chapter
                              swamps;        salt-water      marsh;      oyster       bars;    1q9-21, Florida Administrative qC-siqde (Sovereignty
                              archaeological and historical sites; endangered or               Submerged Lands Management) and shall be
                              threatened species habitat; and. colonial water bird             utifized in determining whether to approve.
                              nesting sites.                                                   apqp. ove with conditions or mtkqiiqfqiait lons or deny all
                                  (q32) -qRcsourte Protection Area                     Atq=       requests for activities tin sovereignty lands' in
                              within the aquatic preserves which are in transition             aquatic preserves.    ;
                              with either declining resource protection area 1                     (1) GENERAL PROPRIETARY
                              resources or new pioneering resources within                         (a) In determining whether to ap1)rovc or deny
                              resource protection arca 3.                                      any request the Board will evaluate cach on a
                                  (33) *'Resource Protection Area q3" - Areas                   case-by-case basis and weigh any factors relevant
                              within the aquatic preserve that art charactcrqiq=qd                under Chapter 253 and/nr 2q58.'Fqlorida Statutes.
                              by the absence oqf any significant natural rcsourcc               Tqhe Board, acting as Trustees for all state.-owned
                              aq;Lributes.                                                     lands, reserves the right in appnsvc, qm(xqiifqy or reject
                                  (34) "Riparian rights" means those rights                    any proposal.
                              incident it) lands bordering upon navigable waters,                               shall be no further sale. lease or
                                                                                                   6qW Them
                              as recognized by the courts of this state and common             transfer of sovereignty lands except when such -.q0c.
                              law.                                                             qlc2se or transfer is in the qpuhqlic interest (see Section
                                  (35) "Sale" means a conveyance of` interest in               1q8-20.qOqD4q(2) Public Interest Assessment Criteria).
                              lands. qbv the q1xiard, qfor considervition.                            (c) Them shall be no Lonstruction of seawalls
                                  (36) -qScientiqric values" means the preservation              waterward qoqf the mean or ordinary hich water line,
                              and promotion of ceqnain qualities or features which              or filling watcrward of the mean or ordinary hivqii
                              have stritntiqric siqgnificamcc.                                                                                        'qd and
                                                  g                                            water line except in the qmsc of public roa
                                  (37) "Shore protection structure" means a type               bridge projects where no reasonabic alicrn.3tivc
                              of coastal connq@uction designed to minimize the rate             CqisLt
                              or crosion. 6qCoast.21 construction includes any work                  (d) Them shall, in no case, he any circtqiqginqg
                              or activity which is likely to have a material physical          waterwarqd of the mean or ordinary hich water line
                              effect an existing coastal conditions or natural q@hOrc           for the soic oqr primary purpose oqf'qProq;idinqg qlilql for
                              qP. IX C&                                                         any area landward of the mean (or ordinary high
                                  (38) -Sovereignty lands" means those lands                   water line. 
                              including, but not limited to: Lidal lands, islands,                 (c) A lease, casement or consent or use qmay be
                              sand4qbars, shallow banks, and lands waterwarqd Of                  authorized only for the following activities:
                              the ordinarv or mean highwater line, to which the                    1. a public navigation project;
                              State (if qFlorida. acquired title on March 3, 1qq4q5, by              2.                   of an existing navigational                                                                                                       maintenance
                              virtue oqf statehood, and of which it has not since               channel;
                              divested its title iqmcres;L For the purposes or this                 3. installation or maintenance or approved
                              rule sovereignty lands shall include all submerged               navigational aids;
                              lands within the boundaries of the preserve, title to                4. creation       or       maintenance          of        a
                              which is held     by tqhe board.                                  commerciaql/indusLrial clock, pier or a marina;
                                  (39) "Spoil" means matcrials dreqdzed from                        5. creation or maintenance of private docks for
                              sovertizntv lands which are redeposited Or                       rqmsonaqbqic ineress and ceress oqf riDarian owners;
                              discarded by any means, onto either sovcrciqgnty                      6. minimum dredging for navigation Lqhanneis
                              lands or uoiands_                                                attendant to docking facilities;
                                  (40) "'transfer- means the aqcqt of the board by                   7. creation or maintenance qo6qr a shore protection
                              which any interest in lands, including qc2qsqcmqentqsq.                sqt2qmcqLurqc;
                              other than sale or lease. is conveyed.                               2q8. installation or maintenance of oil and 2qgqas
                                  (41) "Utility of qthqe preserve"       means rqiqtrqiqcss or       transportation faqc8qii2qiticqz;
                              the preserve for the p. went and future enjoyment of                 9. creation,      mainqicnqanqcqeq-q,      replacement        or
                              its 0qbq*iqo4qlqoqeical, aesthetic and scientific values, in an          expansion of facilities required 2qfqor qthqe provision of
                              qessenqtia0qfly natural condition.                                   public utilities; and
                                  0q(q4q-28q) -Water dependent activity" means an                        10. qOLhqer activities which are a public n
                                                                                                             qrqt
                              activity which qcqan only be conducted on, in, over, or            or which a       necessary qiqn enhance qthqr 8qqUqa4qi4qiLV or
                              adJaqcqenqt to, water 'areas bemuse thqe activity                    utility of thqe preserve and which are consistent 'with
                              requires direct access qiqn qt0qhqe water body or                      qthqe qacqi and this chapter.
                              sovereignty lands for transportation, recreation,                    (2qf) For      activities    listed     in     paragraphs
                              energy production or transmission, or source of                  12q8q-20.004(4ql)(c2q)4qL-0q12q0. above, thqe activity. shall be



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                               (A. 3187)
                               1620.004                        INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND                                qV. 9 P. 692ZT

                               designed so that the structure r structures  b         2 lwd iing and marina services (repair,
                               built in, on or over stiverceirrity lands are limited to  pumqpouL, etc.);
                               structures necessary to conduct water dependent              3 improve and enhance public health. safety,
                               activities.                                               welfare, and qlaw enforcement;
                                  (g) For     activities  listed     in   paragraphs        4. improved public land manacement;
                               1q8-20.0q04(qiq)q(cq)7., q8.. 9. and 10. aqkxrve. it must be         qS. improve and enhance puqbiqiqj navigation,
                               demonstrated that no other reasdqmable aqliernative            6. improve and enhance water oualitqy;
                               exisu which would allow the proposed activity ko be          7. enhanceqmenL/restorat ion of n    aturaql habitat
                               constructed or undertaken outside the preserve.           and functions; and
                                  (h) 6qThe use of state-owned lands for the purpose          q8. qiqmqprovcq/qpqmteci
                               of providing private or public rvind access to islands    endangered /threatened/uniq uc species.
                               where such access did not prevqiamusqly exist shall be         (cq) COSTS:
                               prohibited. The use of state-owneiqi lands for the            1. reduced /degraded water quality;
                               put pose of providing private or public water supply         q2. reduced/deqgraded       natural    habitat    and
                               to islands where such water suqpqpqly@, qdiqd not              function;
                               previously exist shall be prohibited.                        3. destruction,    harm     or    harassment       cir
                                  (i) Except for public navqiqg2lion pro     *jecis and    endangered or threatened species and habitat;
                               maintenance dredging for existing channels and               4. preemption of public use;
                               basins, any areas dredeed to impripvc or             te      q5. increasing     navigational . hazards        and
                               navigational access shall be inctirporated into the       congestion;
                               preempted area (if any required lease or be suqbJect to       6. reduced /degraded aesthetics, and
                               the payment of a negotiated private casement qfec.            7. adverse cumulative impacts.
                                  q0) Private residential       multi-slip dew-kinqg          (d) EXAM PL6qES OF SPECIFIC BENEFITS:
                               facilities shall require a lease.                            1. donatinn of land, conservation casements,
                                  (k) Aqquaculture and beach renourishment                restrictive covenants or other title interests in (or
                               activities which comply with the standards of this        contiguous to the aquatic preserve which will
                               rule chapter and Chapter            1q8-21, Florida        protect or enhance the aquatic preserve;
                               Administrative Code, may qbe approved by the                  2. providing a-, - or facilities for public land
                               board, but only subsequent to a formal qrindinqg itq(        management activities;
                               compatibility with the purposes or Chapter 2q58.              3. providing public access casemenu and/4)r
                               Florida SLaLUILCZ, and this rule chapter.                 facilities, such as beach access, boat ramps, etr-;
                                  (1) Other uses of the preserve, or human activity         4. ricstoration/enhanLement of altered habitat or
                               within the 'preserve, although not originally             natural functions, such as conversion or vcrti(.-il
                               contemplated, may be approveqj by the board, but           bulkheads to riprap and/or vegetation for shoreline
                               only subsequent to a formal finding of compatibility      stailoilization or rc-cstablishment of shoreline or
                               with the purposes or Chapter 258, Florida qSLatutes,       submerged vegetation;
                               and t'his rule chapter.                                      qS. improving fishery habitat through the
                                 (2) PUBLIC INTEREST ASSESSMENT                         establishment of artificial reefs or other such
                               CRITERIA                                                  pqmqjcq=, where appropriatc;
                                  In evaluating requests qfor the sale, lease or.            6. providing seware pumpout qfaLqiqlqitics where
                               transfer of interest- a balancing test will be' utilized  normally not required, in particular, facilities open
                               to determine whether the social   'ernnnmic and/or        to the qgencral public;
                               environmental bencists clearly exceed the costs.             7. improvements to water quality such as
                                  (a) GENERAL                    BENEFIT/COST            removal of toxic seqdimenqu, increased flushing and
                               Cp
                                  .qj0qTrqp,qI4qA:                                              circulation, etc.;
                                  1. any benefits that are balanced against the             q8. providing upland dry storagcasan alternative
                               costs of a particular proqiect. shall be related to the    to wetsqlit); and
                               aqfTeqmed aquatic prq=rvt;                                      9. maq@rqitinqg navigation channeis to avoid
                                  qZ. in evaluating the qbcnc:'its and cqmqu or each         disruption of shallow water habitats.
                               requcst.specific consideration and qwctzht shall be           (3) RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
                               given to the quality and nature of the specific              (a) All proposed activities in aquatic preserves
                               aqquaLic preserve. Fraqiects in the less developed,         having management plans adopted by tqi-ic          Board
                               more    pqrisqLinqe   aquatic    preserves    such      as   must demonstrate that such activities are consistent
                               Apalachicola Bay shall be su0qb2qi6q= to a higher               with the management plan.
                               s0quqndar8qd than thqe more dqevqe0qlqop8q;6qd urban aquatic                (b) No drilling of oil, 0qg4qw or other such wells
                               preserves such as Boca Ciqc0qga Bay; and,                    shall be allowed.
                                  3. for pqrqn8qjqt0q= in aquatic preserves with adopted           4q(qc2q) Utility cables, pipes and other such
                               management      plans,     consistency    with      the   structures shall be constructed and i2qmqnqitqed in a
                               management plan will be weighed heavily when              manner that will cause minimal disturbance qLqo
                               determining whether the pqrqo2qjqe0qz is in thqe pubiic           submerged land resources such as oyster bars and
                               interest.                                                 submerged grass beds and do nqcq)qt interfere with
                                  (b) BENEFIT CATEGORIES:                                traditional public usqcqu
                                  1. public access (public boat ramps, bqtq)aqts8qlipsq,          (d) Spoil disposal within qthqe preserves shall be
                               2qmc.2q)q;                                                     strongly discouraged and may be approved only




                                                                               152
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                              V. 9, p. 6922U                          FOMA AqQUAC LqUVS                                              120.004

                              structures shall be constructed and located in it                  3. h dock will extend out from the shoreline 
                              manner that will cause minimal disturbance to                   further than to a maximum depth of minus four
                              submerged land resources such as oyster bars and                 - 4q) ice% (mean low water);
                              subqmerqreqd grass beds and do not interfere with                     4. when the water depth is minus four            4) feet
                              traditional public uses.                                        (mean Jaw water) at an existing bulkhead the
                                 (d) Spoil disposal within the preserves shall qbe             maximum clock length frnm the bulkhead shall be
                              strongly discouraged and maqj, be approved only                  2q5 q(qm, suqbqJect it, modifications acrnqmrrindatinqg
                              where the applicant has demonstrated that there is              shoreline vegetation overhang;
                              no other rcasnnaqbqic alternative and that aqnqivitqy                   qS. wave break devices, when necessary, shall be
                              may be beneficial to, or at a minimum. not harmful              designed to allow for maximum water circulation
                              to the quality and utility of the preserve.                     and shall be built in such a manner as to be pan or
                                 (4) RIPARIAN RIGHTS                                          the dock struckurc;
                                 (a) None oqf the provisions or this rule shall be                q6. terminal platform size shall be no more than
                              implemented in a manner that would unrcasnnaqblqy                 160 square feet; and
                              infringe upon the traditional, common law and                      q7. dredging to obtain navigable water depths in
                              statutory riparian rights of upland riparian                    evinqjunctqion with private residential, single dock
                              property owners adjacent It, sovereignty lands.                 applications is strongly discouraged.
                                 (b) The evaluation and determination of the                     (c) Private residential multq;-sqlip docks shall
                              rcasnnabqic riparian rights of ingress and cqgrrss q(or            conform to the following specific dr-sign standards
                              private. residential mulkqi-sqlip docks shall be based            and criteria:
                              uponthcnumberof linear feet of riparian shoreline.                 q1. the area toq( sovereignty. submerged land
                                 (c) For the purposes of this rule. a private.                preempted by the docking facility shall not exceed
                              residential. single docking facility which mects all            the square qiontage amounting in ten times the
                              the requirements of Rule 1q9-20.0q04q(5q) shall be                  riparian waterfront q(nntagc of the affected
                              deemed to meet the public interest requirements of              waterqbody of the applicant. or the square footage
                              Rule 19-20.0q04(ql)(b), Florida Administrative                    attendant to providing a single dock in accordance
                              0qCAide. However. the applicants for such docking                 with the criteria for private residential single docks,
                              facilities must apply for such consent and must meet            whichever is greater. A conservation casement or
                              all of the requiremcnts and standards of this rule              othcr such use restriction acceptable to the Board
                              chapter.                                                        must be placed an the riparian sqhorclinc, used for
                                 (q5) STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR                               the calculation of the 10: 1 threshold. to conserve and
                              DOCKING FACILM0qES                                                protect shoreline resources and subordinate/waive
                                 (a) All docking facilities, whether for a single or          any qfuriher riparian riqgq@ts or inqgrrss and egress for
                              qmuhi-slip residential or cq6mmercial, shall be                   additional docking facilities;
                              subject to the following standards and criteria:                   q2. docking facilities and access channels shall be
                                 1. no dock shall extend waterward or the mean                prnhqibited in Resource Protection Area I or 2,
                              or ordinary high water line more than q500 feet or 20            except     as    allowed      pursuant       to    qSqMinn
                              percent or the width or the waterqbody at that                   2q58.4q2q(3)(cq)ql., Florida Statutes, while dredging in
                              panicuqiar location whichever is qlequ;                            Resource Protection Area 3 shall be strongly
                                 q2. certain docks qmay fall within areas of special            discouraged;
                              or unique qimponance. T'hese areas may be nr                        3. docking facilities shall only be approved in
                              significant biological, scientific, historic and/or             qIcKatqions having adequate existing water depths in
                              aesthetic value and require special management                  the boat mooring, turning basin, access channels,
                              considerations. Modifications may be more                       and other such areas which will accommodate the
                              restrictive than the normally accepted criteria. Such           proposed boat use in order to insure that a minimum
                              modific2tions shall be determined on a c2se-bqy-case             of one foot clearance is provided between the deepest
                              analysis. and may include, but shall not be limited to          draft of a vessel and the bottom at mean low watc-,
                              changes in location, configuration, length, width                  A. main access docks and connecting or cross
                              and height;                                                     walks shall not exceed six (6) fectin width;
                                 3. the number, lengths, drafts and types of                     qS. terminal platforms shall not exceed eight (q8)
                              vessels allowed to utilize tht proposed facility may            feet in width;
                              also be stipulated; and                                            6. finger picrs shall not exceed three (3) feet in
                                 q4. where local governments have more stringent               width. and 25 feet in length;
                              standards and criteria for docking facilities, qthqe                 8q7. pilings 8qMqay be Utilized as required to provide
                              more stringent standards 8qfqor the protection and                 adequate mooring capabilities; and
                              enhancement of the aquatic preserve shall prevail.                 8q8. the      following       provisions      or      Rule
                                 (b) Private residential single docks shall                   18q9q-20.04q0q40q(58q)2q(d) shall also apply to private
                              conform to the following specific design sqtqandar4qdq5              residential mu8qiqti-s8qlip docks.
                              and criteria:                                                      (d) Commercial, industrial and nqthqcr revenue
                                 1. qan4qy main qaqr8qmqess dock shall be limited to a                genqeraqtin4qg/incqa4qmqe related docking facilities shall
                              maximum width of four (4) feet;                                 conform in the fqo0qhqowqin4qg specific design standards
                                 8q2. the dock- decking design and construction will            and criteria:
                              insure maximum light penetration, with full                        1. docking facilities shall only be located in or
                              consideration of safety and practicality;                       near areas with good circulation, 8qrqiushin2qg and
                                                                                              adequate water depths;




                                                                                          153
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                                    Ot. 0138)
                                    1-20.006                          MmatNA. mRoVEmrMUST FUND                                    qV. 9 p. 6922V

                                       q2. docking facilities and acc       channels shall be         Cockroach 2qBay                April 21, 19q87
                                    prohibited in Resource Protection Area I or 2.                   Esquqm Bay                     September q6. 19q93
                                    except     as    allowed     pursuant      to Sections           Charlqootte Harbor
                                    q2q5q8.42q(3q)q(0q01.. Florida Statutes; while dredging in               (Cape Haze,
                                    Resource Protection Area 3 shall be sircongqlqy                    0qGasqpariqlqla
                                    discouraged;                                                     Sound-Charlotte
                                       3. the docking facilities shall not be kocaieqd in             Harbor, Matqiacha
                                    Resource Protection Area I or q2; however. main                   Pan and Pine Island
                                    arrP.-C docks may be allowed to pass through                     Sound)                       May 1q9, 19q83
                                    Resource Protection Area I or 2. that art located                Indian 4qKivcr-Maqlaqbar
                                    along the shoreline. to reach an acceptable Resource             to Vcqm Beach                 January 21, 1986
                                    Protection Area 3. provided that such crossing will              Indi n River Lagoon
                                    generate minimal environmental impact;                           q(qVq:8q! Beach to Fort
                                       4. beginning July 1. 1986 new docking facilities              Picrcc and qjenum
                                    may obtain a lease only where the local governments              Beach to Jupiter
                                    have an adopted marina plan and/or policies                      Inlet)                       January qZ2, 1985
                                    dealing with the siting of coinmerrial /industrial               Loxahatchee
                                    and private. residential. multi-slip docking facilities          River-Lake Worth
                                    in their local government comprehensive plan;                    Creek                        June   12, 19q84
                                       qS. the siting of the docking facilities shall also,           Nassau 6qRiver-SL
                                    take into acccount the access of the qbnat trafqric so             Johns  River Marshes
                                    awoid marine qgrassqbeds or other aquatic rcsources in             and Fort Clinch
                                    tqhe surrounding areas;                                           State Park                   April q2q2, 19q86
                                       6. the siting of new facilities within the preserve           North Fork of the SL.
                                    shall be senndarqy to the expansions or existing                 Lucie River                  May qZ2. 1984
                                    facilities within the preserve when -such expansion              SL Joseph Bay                June q2, 1987
                                    is consistent with the other standards;                          SL Martins Marsh             September 9. q19q97
                                       7. the location of new facilities and expansion or            Tcrra C-cia                  April q21, 19q87
                                    existing facilities shall consider the use of upland             Wckiva River                 Auqguqz 25, q19q8q7
                                    dry storage as an alternative to multiple qwet-sqlip               qSpecqiqrse AuLborqity Zq58.43q(1) qFqS. qL.Aw qjqMqplaqmenteqd
                                    docking-,                                                        0qZq58.41. 8qZqSqS..(6q4 25q8.4q3q(qj). 2q58.44 qFqS. 4qKistor@oq@4qNew
                                                                                                     Z
                                       qE. marina siting will be coordinated with q10q=q1                !q2q5.8q1. qAnxweqd q6.7-85, 8qFkoronerqtr )60qQ-q20.00(.
                                    govern .ments to insure consistency with all local               8qTraa4qdqareqd qIqmno 16Q-20.0q04, qAnoco?d4q& 9-d-0qU..
                                    plans and ordinances;                                            1q8-20.00q5 2qUncr, Sales, I -scs or Transfer or
                                       9. n%arinas shall not be sited within state                   qInteesqu in Land&, or 2qMatcrqials@ Held by the
                                    designated manatee sanctuaries; and                              Board-
                                       10. in any areas with known manatee                           qSpecUar Ausimorisy 2q38-4q3q(f) 4qFqS. qLaw Jonpctioented
                                    concentrations, manatee waminqg/notice andq/or                     q2q54q1q0qZ qZq53.12. q2q38.42 FqS. Hisioryq-qNew 2-Zq5-81.
                                    speed limit signs shall be crected at the marina                 RcpcaicdF_7_8q3. ForoncrJy 16Q-20.05, 0qTransferredirtorn
                                    and/or ingrcss and egress channcis, according to                 160qQ-20-005-
                                    Florida Marine Patrol specifications.                            1q8-20.006 Cumulative Impacu. In evaluating
                                       (c) Exceptions to the standards and criterta                  applications for activities within the preservcs or
                                    listed in Rule 1q8-20.004q(q5q), Florida Administrative              which qmay impact the preservcs, the qd8q"rLqmcnt
                                    Code, may be considered, but only upon                           recognizes that, while a particular alteration of the
                                    demonstration qby the applicant that such exceptions
                                                                                                     preserve may constitute a minor change, the
                                    are necessary to insure reasonable riparian ingress              cumulative cq(Teci of numerous such changes often
                                    and egress.                                                      results in maq?ir impairments to the resources, of the
                                       (6) MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS                                     preserve. Therefore, the department shall evaluate'
                                       The board may enter into manaqgemeqm
                                    agreements      with     local    agencies     for    the        2 particular site for which the activity is proposed
                                                                                                     with the recognition that the activity may, in
                                    administration and     corn t-ce. ent of standards and           qcqeqsn4qjun8qnqiqon with other activities adversely affect the
                                    criteria for private  rqcsidqenqtiqal single docks.                                   part o2qfa complete and interrelated
                                       (7) 6qIn addition    to the policies, standards and             Preserve which 2qis
                                                                                                     system. The impact of 2 proposed activity shall be
                                    criteria delineated   in subs0q=ions (2q1) through (6),
                                                                                                     considered in light or its cumulative impact an the
                                    the provisions or thqe following management plans                 preserve's natural systemq. The depart       q.mqenqt shall
                                    apply to specific aquatic pqrqcqsqcqrqv6qm and are                       include aqs 2 pan Wits evaluation or an activity:
                                    incorporated hqcrqcin by 0q;qc8qfcrqenqcqr- Where regulatory
                                                                                                     (1) T0qhqe number and extent or similar human
                                    criteria in 12q6q-20, F. A. C., may di2qrqlqiqer with specific           qcqtqiqons within the prqe2qwrq%q-qt which have previously
                                    policies in the management plans listed hqertinq, the                                                                       I
                                                                                                     48q2qeqnqed or are likely 10 affect qt0qhqe prqesqervqcq, whether
                                    2qg2qmqeqrqa2ql rule criteria shall prqrvqail.                              considered 4qb4qy the  q.department under its current
                                                                   Date Adopted                      authority or which existed prior to or since the
                                    04qA2qf2qli12qpqtqor Harbor                September 23,      1986           cqnacqtmqc2q@qt of the Aqcqiqtq; and
                                    Banana River                  September 17,       1985           (2) The similar activities within the preserve



                                                                                       154
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                                                                                                                                                      (JL 9/88)
                                      V. 9, p. 692-2W                          FLORMA AQUA= PRERVILS                                                S20.012

                                      which are currently under consideration by the                  aquatic preserve system. ul:iJc to confirmation by
                                      department. and                                                 the legislature.
                                         (3) Direct and indirect effects upon the preserve               (2) T'he board qmay, after public notice and
                                      and adjacent preserves. if applicable, which may                public hearing in the county or counties in which the
                                      reasonably be expected in result from the activity;             propqmeqd expanded or new preserve is to be located,
                                      and                                                             adopt a resolution formally setting aside such areas
                                         (4) The extent in which the activity is consistent           to be included in the system.
                                      with management plans for the preserve, when                       (3) The resolution setting aside an aquatic
                                      developed; and                                                  preserve area %hall include:
                                         q(q5) The extent to which the activity is                         (a) A legal description of the area to be included.
                                      permissible within the preserve in accordance with              A map depicting the legal description shall also qbe
                                      comprehensive plans adopted by affected local                   attached.
                                      governments, pursuant to section 16q1.3161, F-qS..                   (b) The designation or the type of aquatic
                                      and other applicable plans adopted by local, state.             preserve.
                                      and federal governmental agencies;                                 (c) A general statement oqr what is sought to be
                                         (6) The extent in which he loss or beneficial                preserved.
                                      hqyqdroqlitaic and biologic functions would aciversely                (d) A statement that the area established as a
                                      impact the quality or utility or the preserve. and              preserve shall be suqbjqjeci in the management criteria
                                         q(q7) The extent to which mitigation measures                  and directives of this chapter. -
                                      may compensate for adverse impacts.                                (c) A directive to develop a natural rtsiourec
                                      spruiric Autimprity- 0qlifi.43q(tq) 1:q5. Lvov inifornornied         inventory and a management plan for the area being
                                      q238.q36' q2qU.43' q158-44 0qFS. qHisqm.-qNew q2.qzr.81.                   established as an aquatic preserve.
                                      qFisrnwriy 16Q-20.06. Transferred qfriiiii )6Q-q20-1XX-               (4) Within 30 days or the designation and
                                         18-20.007 Protection of Riparian Right&                     establishment of an aquatic preserve. the board
                                      qSqMifqic Authrorie), 238.43q(1) qFqS. Low inifoeqmented               shall record in the public .        rqds of the county or
                                      238.tq2q3.q238.124q(g).q2q58-44 4qFqS. Hisinqfqt-0qNewq2-23-81.               counties in which the preserve is located a legal
                                      qkepeaJed S- 7-85, qForivicHy 16Q.20.07. Transferred firom        description of the prcscrvc-
                                      16Q.20.007.                                                     Spe4qdric Authority 258.4q3q(t) qFqS. qLaw qimpieniented
                                                                                                      q2q58.41 qFqS. 0qHistory-0qNew2-2q5q41, Forrnerly)6qQ-20.09.
                                         18-20.00q8 Inclusion of 2qUn4qk Title to Which                    Transfqerqmd qfrrim 166qQ-20.009.
                                      Is Not Vested in the Board, in a Preservc.                         1q9-20.010 ExcqiuinqgeorqlAniis.. The board in its
                                         (1) Lands and water bottoms which aqm within
                                      designated aquatic preserve boundaries, or adjacent             di$q=Lqion may exchange Lands qf       .or the benefit of the
                                      thereto and which are owned by other governmental               preserve, provided that:
                                      agencies, may be included in an aquatic preserve                   (1) In no case shall an exchange qmsult in any
                                      upon specific authorization for inclusion by an                 land or water arca being withdrawn from the
                                      appropriate instrument in writing executed by the               preserve; and
                                      agency.                                                            (2) Exchanges shall be in the public interest and
                                         (2) Lands and water bottoms which are within                 shall maintain or enhance the quality or utility of
                                      designated aquatic preserve boundaries or adjacent              the preserve.
                                      therein. and which am in private owncqmhip, may be               Specqiqlqir Autharist, q258-43(t) qFqS. qLaw Jinpiernerited
                                                                                                      q2q58.41q(q5q), 23q8-42q(l) qFqS. Hissor-0qHem- 2.2q3-81,
                                      included in an aquatic preserve upon specific
                                      authorization for inclusion by an appropriate                   qFaqmierly 16A-20.10, Transferred from 16Q-20.010.
                                      instrument in writing executed by the owner.                       1q9-20.011 Gifu or Land& The board in its
                                         (3) The appropriate instrument shall be either 2             discretion may accept any qFiqlts or lands or interests
                                      dedication in perpetuity. or a lease. Such lease shall          in lands within or Contiguous 10 the preserve to
                                      contain the following conditions:                               maintain or enhance the quality and utility of the
                                         (a) The term oqf the lease shall be for a minimum             prescrt.
                                      perqiad or ten years.                                            SAmeciiie- Audqwrity, q258.430q0) qFqS. qLaw Implemented
                                         (b) The buard shall have the power and duty to               q2q38.42q(q5q) qFqS. Hisinry-New q".2q5-91, qForqmeHy
                                      enforce the provisions of each lease agreement. q;nd             16Q.20.1t, Transferred'i".r, 16Q--'0.011.
                                      shall additionally have the power to terminate any                 1q8-20.012 Protection of Indigenous Life
                                      lease if the termination is in the best interest of the
                                                                                                      Forrqm 2qThe taking or Indigenous life forms for sale
                                      aquatic Preserve system. and shall have the power to            or commercial usqe is pqi-qohibiqtqedq, except that this
                                      include such lands in any agreement for                         prohibition shall not extend in qthqe commercial
                                      manqaqrqemqenqi of such lands.                                       taking of fin fish. crusqtaqcqeqz or mollusks, except as
                                         (c) The board shall pay no more than I I per year            prohibited under applicable laws, rules or
                                      for any such lease.                                             regulations. Members of the public may exercise
                                      qSqpqcqriqfqiqr Authority 00qZqSq8.q4q.q34q(18q) 0qF4qS. Law qinqtrqiqlqe0qmqi-nqiqed
                                      238.40. q2q3q8.41 6qFqSq. Hqssqiqrq#rqv0q-2qNqrq"q- q2q-q23-q5q1q,       q. Formerly      their rights qtqo fish, so long as not contrary to other
                                      q16Q-20.0q8. Tqrqaqnsqfqerqrqrd qfrqiqsm q16Q-2qUq.q(qK4q)qSq.                       statutory and regulatory provisions controlling such
                                                                                                      activities.
                                         18q-20.009 Establishment or Expansion of                      qSqfqx-qrq4qrq#q(q- Auqtqhqaqrqitq'qiq, 0q23q9.q43(ql) 0qF4qS. 0qLq-q-qoq- qimpqiqrmqenqiqed
                                      A8qcuqaqt2qic Preservesq.                                              23q8.q43q(ql) 00qF0qS. Hqisqtqar      q*qv4q-q/qVqrq-q- 0q2q-0q1q5-q8q1. 4qFqiqormqcqrqiq.qy
                                         (1) The board may expand existing preserves or               q16Qq-20.q10q2. Transferred qImm q16Q-20.0q10q2.
                                      establish additional 0q@mas to bqe included in qthqe




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                                  M 9q/88)
                                  192.017                          WqTNL IMPROVMNqTMLSqT FqVND                                     V. 9, P. 6922X

                                     1320.013 qDekl             of        Resource         120.017 Lk JLo Aquatic Preserve. In
                                  qLnvqmtorqies and Manaqrernent Plans for                           addition to the proq"soons of Rules 18q&q20.00q1
                                  Preppierves.                                                   through 1q9-20.016, the following requirements
                                     (1) The board authorizes and directs the division           shall also apply to all proposed activities within the
                                  to develop a resource inventory and management                 qJqAqkcqJacqkson Aquatic Preserve. If any provisions of
                                  plan for each preserve.                                        this Rule are in conniawith any provisions or Rules
                                     (2) The division may Perform the work to                    1q9-20.001 through 1q9-20.016 or Chapter 7q3-5-0qU.
                                  develop the inventories and plans. or qmay enter inic,          Laws of Florida, the stronger provision for the
                                  agreements with other persons in perform the work.             protection or enhancement of the aquatic preserve
                                  In either case. alql work performed shall be subject it,        shall prevail.
                                  board approval.                                                   (1) No further sale. transfer or lease or
                                  Speriqlqic Authority 238.438q0) F*qS. Law iqmpirwnled                sovereignty lands in she preserve shall be approved
                                  q2q5q3.03(7). 2q5J.03q(qg) 4qFqS. Hisioqn-New- 2-23@Nl.                  or consummated by the Board. except upon a
                                  Affieqwletf 5- 7-8q5. qFarmeqHy 160qQ-20. 1q3, Transferrrd irinn      showing of extreme hardship on the part of tqhe
                                  16Q.20-01q3.                                                    applicant or when the board shall determine such
                                     1q9-20.014 2qEnqforeemenL The rules shall be                    sale. transfer or lease to be in the public interest.
                                  enforced as prtivided in Section 258.46.                          (2) No further dredging or filling of scwertqiqgntqy
                                  Speciqror Authority 238.43(f) 4qn. Low impinwnielf               lands of the preserve shall be apprcq!vcqd or tolerated
                                  q238.46 0qFqS. Hosenryq-qSe.-q2.25-81. ForqmqMy 16Q-20.14.              by the Board of Trustees except:
                                  Transferrew qf"wn 16Q-20.014.                                      (a) Such minimum dredging and sqFxsi ling as may
                                     0qM-20.015 Application Form.                                  Lie authorized qfor public navigation priq!qjects or for
                                  SAwriqrse Authority 25q3.43(t) 4qFqS. qLsw- lop2qMe"wnerd              qFreservation of the lake according to the expressed
                                  q238-4.1 4qFqS. qIiijuarv-qSeqw 2.25-81. KcpcakqW .7.R.J.             intent of Chapter 73-q5.0qU. Laws of Florida; and
                                  Fornperiy 16Q-20.15. Transferrvif Inwip 166qQ-20.013.               (q6) Such other alteration tif physqiq"l -gind4ions
                                                                                                 as may be nctxqwary tip enhance the quality tor utility
                                     q18q&20.016 Coordination               with         Other      or the preserve.
                                  Govirrisincutal Agencies. Where a Department or                   (3) Them shall be no drilling or wells,
                                  Environmental Regulation permit is required for                excavation for shell or minerals, and no crection or
                                  activities on sovereignty lands the department will            structures (other than docks), within the preqwrvt.
                                  coordinate with the Department of Environmental                unless such activity is associated with activity
                                  Regulation to obtain a copy of thcqjoinL Department             authorized by Chapter 73-534. qiaqws or Florida.
                                  of Army/Florida Department or Environmental                       (4) The Board shall not approve the relocations
                                  Regulation permit application and the biological               or bulkhead lines within the preqwrve.
                                  survey. 0qTqhc information contained in the joint                    (q5) Notwithstanding other provisions of this act,
                                  permit application and biological assessment shall             the board may. respecting lands lying within the
                                  be considered bqy the department in preparing its               Lake Jack,,, basin:
                                  staff recommendations to the board. The board may                 (a) Enter into agreements for and establish lines
                                  also consider the reports of other governmental                delineating sovereignty and privately owned lands;
                                  agencies that have related management or
                                                                                                    (b) Enter into agreements for the exchange and
                                  pe .. ittinqg responsibq4itics reprqding the proposed             exchange sovereignty lands for privately owned
                                  activity.                                                      lands;
                                  -oq-iqfic Authority 0qMq3.43q(1q) FqS. 0qLv@ iqmpienensed                   (c) Accept gifts or land within or contiguous to
                                  q2q5B-43qFqS-Hisror', qhiew 2-q2q5-81. qFormerY 16qQ. --Po.) 6.
                                  qTraosqlqerred from i6Q2qoqm.                                      the preserve.
                                                                                                 qSIxeiror Authority q2qS0qL39q(26) 4qFqS. Law qIqmpienicased
                                                                                                 25q8.39q(26). 238.4.3 8qn. 0qHqisiorp,q-0qNew q6-7-q95, Forqmcriy
                                                                                                 16Q-q20.01q7, Transferred qimm 16Q.20.017.























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