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







                                                                                                                                                                               FT PICKENS


                                                                                                   AQUATIC PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PUN





















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


                                                       QH                                                                                                                                                                                  1992
                                                       90.75
                                                       T6
                                                       M37
                                                       1992                                                                                       DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES














                                          FORT PICKENS


                            AQUATIC PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN


                                            ADOPTED


                                        JANUARY 22, 1992











                                      VIRGINIA WETHERELL


                                         Executive Director


                              Florida Department of Natural Resources





                              This plan was prepared by Elaine Martin
                                       Division of State Lands
                             Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves
                            Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserve Field Office








                                               NT O@t,


          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.






                                 This document was printed on recycled poper.














































            The ship illustrated on the cover is the USS Preble. The Preble was a square
            rigged sloop, 117 feet in length with a beam of 32 feet. She was originally used as
            a practice ship for midshipman before being attached to.the Mississippi blockade
            during the Civil War. The ship was accidentally burned and sunk on April 27, 1863,
            and is only one of many historical shipwrecks which can be found at the bottom of
            the Pen5acola Bay.











                                            EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



               The Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is recognized as an exceptional water resource
               of the state. The preserve is fringed by white sandy beaches, sea oats and salt
               marsh. Both sandy bottoms and seagrass beds occur below the mean high water
               line. This aquatic preserve provides food and habitat for numerous fish, reptiles,
               marine mammals, birds, and benthic invertebrates. Several designated species are
               known to occur in the preserve. Submerged resources of this beautiful preserve
               include not only productive seagrass meadows but also the remains of unlucky
               ships that once traveled these waters. Other historical artifacts such as the ruins
               of Ft. McRee and armaments have been found or are known to occur in the
               preserve.

               Uplands adjacent to the aquatic preserve are known as Gulf Islands National
               Seashore and are federally owned. The National Park Service, which manages the
               seashore, has no plans for shoreline development. Consequently, the upland
               boundary of the preserve should remain in a natural state for years to come.

               Even with minimal adjacent upland development, the preserve is impacted by
               human activities. Commercial shrimping impacts grassbeds and juvenile fish, while
               recreational fishermen have severely depleted the native scallop population. Water
               quality has deteriorated in recent years from sewage discharge, stormwater runoff
               and bilge wastes from boat traffic. Pensacola Naval Air Station, directly across from
               the preserve, is home to 17 "superfund" sites. The Navy also plans to keep the
               USS Forrestal at Pensacola NAS and recently deepened the ship channel to
               accommodate this ship. The preserve supports some of the heaviest boating traffic
               in northern Florida, not only from the military but also from commercial freighters
               and recreational boaters.


               Submerged lands are selected as aquatic preserves based upon their outstanding
               biological, aesthetic, and scientific values. Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve was
               designated as such in 1970 for the primary purpose of preserving the biological
               resources in the area and maintaining these resources in an essentially natural
               condition. The preserve encompasses approximately 34,000 acres of state
               sovereign submerged lands in Escambia County, Florida.

               The main objective of the resource management program for Fort Pickens Aquatic
               Preserve is to protect the preserve's natural resources for the benefit of future
               generations.    The management of the preserve will be directed toward the
               maintenance of essentially natural conditions. On site management activities
               include actions by field personnel to protect plant communities, animal life,
               archaeological sites, and water resources of the preserve. Management activities
               will also focus on cooperation with Gulf Islands National Seashore to further
               enhance protection of the aquatic preserve.









               Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve has been divided into several management areas.
               The classification of each management area is based'upon the resource value of
               submerged lands associated with existing and future land uses on the adjacent
               uplands. The intent of these management areas is to make potential development
               activities and uses of the preserve compatible with resource protection goals. The
               major uses of this preserve are commercial and recreational fishing, boating, diving,
               swimming, commercial navigation, adjacent land uses and attendant facilities (e.g.
               Fort Pickens fishing pier). Maintaining the continued health of the preserve involves
               minimizing adverse impacts from all uses within and adjacent to the preserve.

               This management plan outlines the relationship between the Department of Natural
               Resources Central Office and field staff.         Criteria for the review of specific
               development proposals within the preserves' boundaries are also provided. Public
               and private uses that are allowable pursuant to statutory direction and other
               applicable authorities of the aquatic preserve are discussed. 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, necessary for the public.

               Various federal, state, regional, and local organization oversee laws and regulations
               which apply to all of the lands and waters within the aquatic preserve. One of the
               aquatic preserve management program's objectives, therefore, is to complement
               agency programs whenever it is in the preserve's interest. Both field personnel and
               -central office staff will coordinate extensively with many agencies to assure effective
               management and protection.

               To enhance management and protection of the aquatic preserve, research and
               education programs will be developed. These programs will operate in close
               coordination with similar programs established in the area.              Research and
               education needs for the aquatic preserve are defined.

               The management of the preserve and protection of the resources included within
               its boundaries will be enhanced by continually identifying and resolving specific
               program needs. Meeting these needs, which may include legislative support,
               administrative rule changes resource protection capabilities, and funding and
               staffing needs, will relieve some stress on the resources or personnel involved in
               .the management of the preserve. In the future, the field staff will develop and
               submit a status report that summarizes the program's needs and suggests
               measures to be taken to resolve these needs.











                                              TABLE OF CONTENTS






               CHAPTERI              INTRODUCTION         .............................               1




               CHAPTER 11            MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
                                     A. Statutory Authority    ..........................             9
                                     B. Administrative Rules      .......................           10
                                     C. Other Applicable Plans & Programs         ............      13




               CHAPTER III           DESCRIPTION OF AQUATIC PRESERVE
                                     A.  Location and Boundaries      ....................          15
                                     B.  Physiography and Geology        ..................         15
                                     C.  Surface Water Hydrology     .................         ...  17
                                     D.  Climate    ................................                18
                                     E.  Water Quality    ............................              19
                                     F.  Vegetation    ...............................              20
                                     G.  Fish and Wildlife                                          27
                                                    Fish/Shellfish   .....................          28
                                                    Reptiles/Amphibians     ................        30
                                                    Birds   ...........................             31
                                                    Mammals    .........................            35
                                     H. Endangered, Threatened, and Species
                                         of Special Concern    ........................             37
                                     1. Cultural Resources     .........................            40
                                     J. Regional Land Use, Development and
                                         Associated Impacts    ........................             41
                                                    Adjacent Upland Use      ...............        41
                                                    Uses of the Preserve    ................        42
                                                    Future Use     ......................           45




               CHAPTERIV             MANAGEMENT AREAS
                                     A. Introduction     .............................              47
                                     B. Management Area Classifications        ..............       48
                                     C. Minimum Criteria for Allowable Uses       ............      49
                                     D. Management Areas       ........................             50










             CHAPTER V          SITE SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND NEEDS 55




             CHAPTER VI         MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
                                A. Resource Management      .....................     62
                                B. Resource Protection   .......................      65
                                C. Research    ...............................        66
                                D. Environmental Education   ....................     68




             CHAPTER Vill       MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK
                                A. Federal Agencies   .........................       71
                                B. State Agencies   ............................      73
                                C. Regional Agencies    .........................     75
                                D. Local Governments/ Interest Groups  ............   76




             CHAPTER VIII       STAFFING AND FISCAL NEEDS         ................    81




             CHAPTERIX          RESOURCE AND ACTIVITY MONITORING PROGRAM
                                A. Resource Monitoring   .......................      85
                                B. Progress Monitoring   .......................      85




                                BIBLIOGRAPHY       .............................      87










                                       LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES





               Figure 1.            Florida Aquatic Preserve System Map      ..............       5

               Figure 2.            Aquatic Preserve Boundary Map       ..................        7

               Figure 3.            Shellfish Propagation and Harvesting Map      ..........   21

               Figure 4.            Vegetation Map    .............................            23

               Figure 5.            Adjacent Land Use Map      .......................         43

               Figure 6.            Management Areas Map       .......................         53





               Table 1.-            Algae and Vegetation of Fort Pickens
                                    Aquatic Preserve    ..........................          26-27

               Table 2.             Finfish Which May Occur in or near Fort
                                    Pickens Aquatic Preserve    ....................        29-30

               Table 3.             Reptiles/Amphibians in and Adjacent to
                                    Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve   ....................       31
               Table 4.             Bird Species of Fort Pickens Aquatic
                                    Preserve       .............................            32-35


               Table 5.             Mammals Found at or in the Vicinity of
                                    Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve   .................       36-37

               Table 6.             Endangered, Threatened, and Species of
                                    Special Concern Likely to Occur in
                                    Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve   .................       38-39

               Table 7.             Management Coordination Network       .............     78-79

               Table 8.             Anticipated Budget for Fort Pickens
                                    Aquatic Preserve and Other Locally
                                    Associated Aquatic Preserves    ....................       83











                                       LIST OF APPENDICES





             Appendix A.       Administrative Codes .......................     91-100

             Appendix B.       Vegetation Illustrations .......................    101





























             Copies of the legal description of the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve, as well as
             copies of Chapters 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 Station 125
                                     Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000










                                                   CHAPTERI


                                                INTRODUCTION



               Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is located in the southwestern corner of the Florida
               panhandle and it represents one of the 42 aquatic preserves in Florida (Figure 1).
               This beautiful 34,000 acre stretch of Florida gulf coast was designated as an
               aquatic preserve on November 2, 1970 by the Florida Legislature. The boundary
               of the preserve encompasses only the sovereignty submerged lands below the
               mean high water line in Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Bay, and Big Lagoon,
               extending northward to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The preserve also includes
               the lands below mean high water in the Gulf of Mexico, to a line three miles south
               of the coast (Figure 2).

               The preserve surrounds the western end of Santa Rosa Island and the eastern end
               of Perdido Key. Both of these islands are typical examples of undeveloped barrier
               islands. The submerged lands along the northern sides of these islands are
               characterized by shallow, saline waters, "continuous" and "patchy" seagrass beds,
               and salt marshes. These communities are currently providing habitat for wildlife
               and birds such as the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) the southeastern snowy
               plover (Charadrius alexanderinus), the least tern (Sternaantillarum), and the black
               skimmer (Rynchops n@qff), all of which are listed as threatened or endangered
               species. These wetland areas and grass beds also serve as nursery areas for
               various shrimp and fish species which are commercially or recreationally important
               to the area.


               The aquatic preserve provides such an excellent habitat for fish and wildlife
               because the islands and the adjacent submerged lands are some of the only
               undeveloped coastal areas in the region. As development continues to increase
               adjacent to the preserve careful planning will be necessary in order to prevent
               degradation of these habitats.

               Due to its proximity to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Pensacola Ship
               Channel, the preserve experiences some of the heaviest boat traffic (industrial,
               military, and recreational) in northern Florida. , Increased recreational use,
               intracoastal waterway traffic and general development pose the major threats to this
               area. Such intense use confirms the need for an integrated management program
               by federal, state, regional, and local governments to accomplish a goal of long-term
               resource protection for the preserve.

               Implementation of a management plan for the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is
               only one of the many steps that will be necessary to accomplish this goal. The
               plan is intended primarily to serve as a useful guide to the aquatic preserve field
               staff and others in maintaining the integrity of the preserves. As more information


                                                         1








               concerning the preserve is obtained and analyzed, management strategies outlined
               in this plan may need to be adjusted accordingly.

               Development of this phase of the management plan required collecting an inventory
               of resource information, coordinating with other management plans that have been
               developed for the area, and identifying resource problems and management issues
               related to the present and future uses of the preserve and the adjacent uplands.
               Management initiatives were developed to be consistent with statutory authority and
               the overall intent of the Aquatic Preserve Program for ensuring that the submerged
               resources of the preserve remain for future generations to enjoy.

               Fourteen management plans, covering 21 of the 42 designated aquatic preserves
               in the state, have been adopted by reference into existing aquatic preserves rule
               (Chapter 18-20, Florida Administrative Code). E@ventually, this management plan will
               be incorporated into rule following its approval by the Board of Trustees of the
               Internal Improvement Trust Fund. As such, the criteria in this plan pertaining to the
               use of state-owned submerged lands will carry the same authority as current rule
               criteria.


               Specifically, this plan is divided into chapters according to their management
               application:

                      Chapter 11 cites the statutory authorities upon which this resource
                      management program and plan are built.

                      Chapter III provides a description of the area included in the Fort Pickens
                      Aquatic Preserve and details the physical and biological components of the
                      preserve as well as cultural resources. Additional information includes the
                      current and future uses of this preserve and use of the adjacent uplands.

                      Chapter IV delineates various management areas within this section of the
                      preserve. These areas are defined by taking into account the biological
                      resources, physical parameters, and the aesthetic value in conjunction with
                      the use of the adjacent uplands. Where necessary, specific restrictive
                      criteria are developed for each area and their effects and rationale are
                      discussed.


                      Chapter V discusses specific needs and issues particular to the Fort Pickens
                      Aquatic Preserve.      Management initiatives have been developed in
                      addressing each need and/or issue.

                      Chapter VI outlines site-specific goals, objectives and tasks required to meet
                      the management needs of the preserve for resource management, resource
                      protection, research and environmental education.



                                                         2









                      Chapter VII identifies federal, state, regional, and local 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 can assist in
                      management.

                      Chapter VIII provides 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 of the local program in resource
                      management.





































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

               FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING
                 AQUATIC PRESERVES CONTACT:

           DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

            DIVISION OF STATE LANDS

               BUREAU OF AOUATIC PRESERVES


                  3900 COMMONWEALTH BLVD                                                                                   c@ @c
                  TALLAHASSEE, F LOP IDA 32303
                     CREATEDW CAAOL AAMON
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      Figure I         Florida's       Aquatic Preserves
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                                                                                                                  RAILROAD                                                 MAPOF
                                                                                                                                                FORT PICKENS STATE PARK AQUATIC PRESERVE
                                                                                L.ft                              PAVED ROAD-HIGH TYPE                         AQUATIC PRESERVE G- I
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                                                                                            IL                    AQUATIC PRESERVE                   TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND
                         PREPARED BY F. J. HANSEN                 .46T
                         DIVISION 0, LAND MANAGEMENT                                                                                                                  OCTOBER 21, 1969
                         JULY'1970                                                                                                                             RESOLUTION ADOPTED OCTOBER 21, 1949
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                                                   CHAPTER11


                                          MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY



                A. STATUTORY AUTHORITY


                The fundamental laws providing management authority for the Fort Pickens Aquatic
                Preserve are contained in Chapters 258 and 253, Florida Statutes (F.S.). These
                statutes establish the proprietary role of the Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the
                Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, as Trustees over all
                sovereignty submerged lands. In addition, these statutes empower the Trustees
                to adopt and enforce rules and regulations for managing all sovereignty submerged
                lands, including aquatic preserves.

                In particular, Sections 258.35-258.46, F.S., enacted in 1975 by the Florida
                Legislature, represent the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act. These statutes set forth
                a standardized set of management criteria for all designated aquatic preserves, and
                represent the primary laws governing use of sovereignty submerged lands within
                aquatic preserves.

                The Legislative intent for establishing aquatic preserves is stated in Section 258.36,
                F.S.: "it is the intent of the Legislature that the state-owned submerged lands
                in areas which have exceptional biological, aesthetic, and scientific value, as
                hereinafter described, be set aside forever as aquatic preserves or
                sanctuaries for the benefit of future generations." This statement along with the
                other applicable laws clearly mark the direction for management of aquatic
                preserves. Management will emphasize the maintenance of essentially natural
                conditions, and will include only sovereign or state-owned submerged lands and
                lands leased by the State and specifically authorized for inclusion as part of a
                preserve.

                Management responsibilities for aquatic preserves may be fulfilled directly by the
                Board of Trustees or by staff of the Division of State Lands of the Department of
                Natural Resources through delegation of authority. Other governmental bodies may
                also participate in the management of aquatic preserves under appropriate
                instruments of authority issued by the Board of Trustees. The Division staff serve
                as the primary managers who implement provisions of the management plans and
                rules applicable to the aquatic preserves. Staff evaluate proposed uses or activities
                in the preserve, and assess the possible impacts on the natural resources. Project
                reviews are primarily evaluated in accordance with the criteria in Sections 258.35-
                46, F.S. (Florida Aquatic Preserves Act), Chapter 18-20, Florida Administrative Code
                (Rules of Florida Aquatic Preserves), and in accordance with the policies set forth
                in this plan.



                                                          9








               Staff comments on proposed uses are submitted for consideration in developing
               recommendations to be presented to the Board of Trustees. This mechanism
               provides a basis for the Board of Trustees to evaluate public interest and the merits
               of any project while also considering potential environmental impacts upon the
               aquatic preserves. Any activity located on sovereignty submerged lands will require
               a consent of use, a lease or easement, or other approval from the Board of
               Trustees. Consent of use may be granted on small projects from the Division of
               State Lands in accordance with the authority delegated by the Board.

               BACKGROUND


               The laws supporting aquatic preserve management are the direct result of the
               public's awareness and interest in protecting Florida's aquatic environment. The
               rampant dredge and fill activities that occurred in the late 1960's fostered this
               widespread concern.                                      a                                          I
               In 1967, the Florida Legislature passed the Randall Act (Chapter 67-393, Laws of
               Florida), which established procedures regulating previously unrestricted dredge
               and fill activities on state-owned submerged lands. That same year, the legislature
               provided the statutory authority (Section 253.03, F.S.) for the Board of Trustees to
               exercise proprietary control over state-owned lands. Also, in 1967, government
               focus on protecting Florida's productive water bodies from development led the
               Board of Trustees to establish a moratorium on the sale of submerged lands to
               private interests. That same year, an Interagency Advisory Committee (IAC) was
               created to develop strategies for the protection and management of state-owned
               submerged lands.

               in 1968, the Florida Constitution was revised to declare in Article 11, Section 7, the
               state's policy of conserving and protecting natural resources and scenic beauty.
               That constitutional provision also established the authority for the legislature to
               enact measures for-the abatement of air and water pollution. Later that same year,
               the IAC issued a report recommending the establishment of twenty-six aquatic
               preserves.

               On October 21, 1969, the Governor and Cabinet acted upon the recommendations
               of the IAC and adopted, by resolution, eighteen of the water bodies as aquatic
               preserves, which included the Ft. Pickens Aquatic Preserve. Other preserves were
               individually adopted at subsequent times through 1989.


               B. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES GOVERNING AQUATIC PRESERVES


               Chapters 18-20 and 18-21, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), are the two
               administrative rules directly applicable to the uses of aquatic preserves specifically,
               and submerged lands in general. The general rules in Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., are


                                                          10









              supplemental to the rules in Chapter 18-21, F.A.C, in the regulation of activities in
              aquatic preserves.


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

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

                      (1)      All sovereignty lands within a preserve shall be managed primarily
                               for the maintenance of essentially natural conditions, the
                               propagation of fish and wildlife, and public, recreation including
                               hunting and fishing where deemed appropriate by the board and
                               the managing agency.

                      (2)      The aquatic preserves which are described in Chapter 73-534,
                               Laws of Florida, Sections 258.39, 258.391, 258.392, and 258.393,
                               Florida Statutes, future aquatic preserves established pursuant to
                               general or special acts of the legislature, and in Rule 18-20.002,
                               Florida Administrative Code, were established for the purpose of
                               being preserved in 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


                                                        11









                                           provisions of the act and these rules, and 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 towards 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
                                           preserves;

                                    (f)    to preserve, promote, and utilize indigenous life forms and
                                           habitats, including but not limited to: sponges, soft coral,
                                           hard corals, submerged grasses, mangroves, saltwater
                                           marshes, freshwater marshes, 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 or enhance the
                                           biological, aesthetic, or scientific values of the preserve;

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


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

                 Chapter 18-21, F.A.C., controls activities conducted on sovereignty submerged
                 lands in general and is predicated on the provisions of Sections 253.03, and
                 253.12, F.S. The stated intent of this administrative rule is:

                          (1)       to aid in fulfilling the trust and fiduciary responsibilities of the Board
                                    of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for the
                                    administration, management, and disposition of sovereignty lands;

                          (2)       to insure maximum benefit and use of sovereignty lands for all
                                    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;

                                                              12









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

                        (6)      to aid in the implementation of the State Lands Management Plan."




                Q. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICABLE PLANS AND PROGRAMS


                The State Comprehensive Plan, established by Chapter 187, F.S., provides long-
                range policy guidance for the orderly social, economic and physical growth of the
                State.   As such, the State Comprehensive Plan provides direction for the
                management of the physical resources within the state. The goals, objectives and
                policies set forth in this aquatic preserve management plan are designed to be
                consistent with those in the State Comprehensive Plan that pertain to the water
                resources, coastal and marine resources and natural systems.
                The Conceptual State Lands Management Plan,'adopted on March 17, 1981, and
                amended by the Board of Trustees on July 7, 1981 and March 15, 1983, contains
                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 provide some
                of the fundamental direction for formulating management plans and policies.of the
                Aquatic Preserves Program.

                The Local Government Comprehensive Plans (LGCP) for Escambia and Santa Rosa
                counties are required by the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land
                Development Regulation Act to have a comprehensive management plan with
                elements relating to different governmental functions (e.g., housing, physical
                facilities, conservation, land use, coastal zone protection, etc.) Each plan, in effect,
                is intended to guide the future development of each respective county. Cities and
                counties are to adopt land development regulations and conform to the criteria,
                policies, and practices of their comprehensive plans, which must be updated
                periodically as required by recent statutory amendments.

                The intent of the Aquatic Preserve Program is to guide county governments during
                their planning process towards developing local planning criteria and standards that
                will be consistent with the objectives of the program. Escambia and Santa Rosa
                counties' LGCP's have been submitted to the state for review and adoption by the
                Department of Community Affairs is pending.


                                                            13




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                                                 CHAPTER III


                                 PESCRIPTION OF AQUATIC PRESERVE



               A- LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES

               Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve includes all of the sovereignty submerged lands
               below the mean high water line in Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Bay, Big Lagoon,
               and the Gulf of Mexico which fall within the following boundaries.

               Located in southern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Fort Pickens Aquatic
               Preserve extends from the eastern boundary of Gulf Islands National Seashore-Fort
               Pickens Unit (DNR reference monument R105) on Santa Rosa Island, westerly to
               a line intersecting Perdido Key at DNR reference monument R40. Twelve miles of
               Gulf Intracoastal Waterway bound the preserve to the north and connect its east
               and west boundaries. The east and west boundaries project across Santa Rosa
               Island and Perdido Key, respectively, to meet the southern boundary of the
               preserve three miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

               Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key both have major population centers nearby.
               These centers are comprised of single and multi-family dwellings.

               The Santa Rosa Island section of the preserve is affected by high density
               development concentrated in the Pensacola Beach area. Pensacola Beach is
               under the jurisdiction of the Santa Rosa Island Authority, a governing board
               appointed by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners.

               The Gulf Islands National Seashore-Perdido Key Unit portion of the preserve is
               somewhat buffered from extensive development by approximately 1.5 miles of
               public-access beach which is immediately adjacent to the western boundary of the
               preserve. The Perdido Key State Recreation Area, which is located approximately
               2 miles from the western boundary of the preserve, may also serve as a deterrent
               to development in the immediate vicinity of the preserve. Development trends on
               Perdido Key have been towards oceanfront multi-family construction (DNR 1990).
               The developed-area stretches from the Alabama state line to the Perdido Key State
               Recreation Area, with a few structures lying between the state recreation area and
               the public beach.



               B. PHYSIOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY


               The Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve lies in the physiographic region known as the
               Gulf Coastal Lowlands. The Gulf coastal lowlands extending across the southern
               half of the panhandle consist generally of flat plains sloping gently to the coast


                                                       15








               (Fernald and Patton, eds., 1984). In the western end of the panhandle the coastal
               lowlands rise to form a high, sandy plateau which is characterized by coastal
               terraces, separated by scarps which are carved between them.

               Silver Bluff Terrace, rising 0 to 10 feet above sea level, characterizes the
               geomorphology of the preserve. It is believed to have been formed near the end
               of the Pleistocene around 10,000 years ago. The recent sedimentology of the area
               is a result of watershed erosion since the Pleistocene epoch (Olinger et al., 1975).
               During this period, Citronelle deposits were reworked and intermixed with marine
               terrace sediments.

               The preserve area is also characterized by the Mississippi-Alabama Shelf
               depositional system and the Western Florida barrier spit depositional system. The
               Mississippi-Alabama Shelf extends offshore from the DeSoto Canyon on the east
               to the Mississippi River Delta on the west and from the barrier islands to the 200
               meter contour line. The shelf surface is relatively smooth in the western portion;
               however, south of Pensacola it becomes highly irregular. As the sand sheet thins
               to the east, the limestone karst topography of the West Florida shelf predominates
               (Rogers, 1988).

               The Florida barrier spit and island systems were formed during the submergence
               of dune beach ridges in the Holocene period. This system is composed of long
               narrow islands with sandy beaches and it forms the northern boundary of the
               Mississippi-Alabama Shelf of Florida (Rogers, 1988).

               Approximately 8 miles of Santa Rosa Island are surrounded by the preserve. Santa
               Rosa Island is a narrow barrier island, ranging from 600 to 3,500 feet in width and
               averaging 2,000 feet (DNR, 1990). This island is characterized by a well-defined
               primary dune ridge backed by a lower swale and a well developed secondary dune
               system. A narrow tidal marsh borders the northern shoreline. At its western end,
               the landward side of the island fronts on Pensacola Bay. The remainder of the
               island is separated from the mainland peninsula by Santa Rosa Sound.

               The beaches on the gulf side of Santa Rosa Island average 100-125 feet in width,
               and are backed by dunes averaging 16 feet in height. Some dunes attain heights
               of up to 40 feet and are usually associated with old gun emplacements and are not
               natural features (DNR, 1990).

               Dunes on Perdido Key only average about 20 feet in elevation with elevation
               decreasing toward the ends of the island. Approximately 7 miles of the eastern end
               of Perdido Key are surrounded by the aquatic preserve. Prior to the Perdido Key
               Beach Renourishment Project in August 1990, Perdido Key was a narrow barrier
               island ranging in width from 500 to 3,500 feet. As a result of renourishment the
               width of 5 miles of the eastern end of Perdido Key beach was increased
               approximately 400 feet at an elevation sloping from + 5 feet nautical ground vertical


                                                        16









               distance on the landward side to + 4 feet at the seaward edge (Gibson and Looney,
               1990).

               The narrow width of the two islands make them subject to local storm tide
               washover during major storms. Hopefully the Renourishment Project will prevent
               severe damage from occurring on Perdido Key. A number of washover fans are
               evident from aerial photographs on both islands prior to beach renourishment
               (DNR, 1990). The foreshore slope of Santa Rosa Island still remains relatively
               steep, especially towards the east, and hence, the area has recorded some of the
               highest waves in the northeast Gulf of Mexico (Gorsline, 1966).


               C. SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY

               The fundamental unit of surface hydrology is the dra    *inage basin. A drainage basin
               consists of that area which drains surface runoff to a given point (Wolfe et al.,
               1988). The Escambia Bay and coastal area drainage basin is the major hydrologic
               system affecting the aquatic preserve area. This basin drains approximately 1,410
               kM2 . The system receives flow from a watershed including Yellow, Blackwater, and
               Escambia Rivers and totaling some 18,130 kM2,        of which 6,525 kM2 is    located in
               Florida and 11,605 kM2    in Alabama.

               .The water cycle of the aquatic preserve area is also influenced by tidal fluctuations
               of the Gulf of Mexico. The Pensacola area exhibits predominantly diurnal tides with
               a single high and low stage occurring each tidal cycle. The average tidal range is
               1.3 feet (NOAA, 1986). The diurnal nature of the tides along with the low tidal
               amplitude limits the flushing capabilities of the bay system. The interaction of
               freshwater discharges from the drainage basin with the gulf tides influences the
               circulation patterns, sedimentation, nutrient loading, and pollution levels of the
               system. In order to maintain the integrity of the aquatic preserve environment these
               factors need to be considered during the planning of dredge and fill operations,
               sewer systems, stormwater runoff drains, pumping stations, etc.

               Another factor which must be taken into consideration is that the aquatic preserve
               is located in a coastal region which is subject to salt-water encroachment if large
               wells are closely spaced and heavily pumped (Musgrove et al., 1965). The
               intrusion of saline ground water into the potable aquifer may become a future
               problem. The increasing consumption of ground-water supplies by a growing
               population will cause salt-water intrusion to be increasingly common (Wolfe et al.,
               1988).

               The coastal waters in the preserve area are also affected by several forces that
               have little impact on the freshwaters of upland areas. In shallow inshore areas such
               as those along the Panhandle coast and in estuaries, wind is the major factor
               driving water circulation (Williams et al., 1977). The result of this circulation is the


                                                          17








               net long-term movement of water and sand west along the coast during late spring,
               early summer, and early fall, and east along the coast during the winter months
               (Wolfe et aL, 1988).



               Q. CLIMATE

               Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve has the mild, subtropical climate that is characteristic
               of the Florida Panhandle. Warm summers and mild winters are a result of the
               area's latitude (300 to 31 " N) and the stabilizing effect of the adjacent Gulf of Mexico
               (Wolfe et al., 1988). According to data from the National Oceanographic and
               Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),- the average annual temperature is 680F with
               54 days having a maximum temperature above 90OF and 18 days having a
               minimum temperature below 320F (NOAA, 1986).

               Summer heat is tempered by sea breezes along the coast and up to 50 krn inland,
               as well as by the cooling effect of frequent afternoon thundershowers. These
               storms frequently cause a 100 to 200 drop in temperature (Wolfe et al., 1988).
               Winter temperatures may vary quite a bit due to the frequent passage of cold
               fronts. Temperatures rarely remain below freezing during the day.

               Average monthly rainfall ranges from 2.99 to 7.88 inches, and there are 2 peak
               rainfall periods during the year. During the summer rainfall period, June through
               August, the average monthly rainfall is approximately 6.5 inches. During the late
               winter rainfall period, February through April, 5.25 inches of rain is the monthly
               average (Fernald and Patton, 1984). Average annual precipitation at Pensacola is
               61 inches with a range from 29 to 90 inches. Summertime showers are generally
               associated with convective thunderstorms and wintertime showers are frontal
               related (Palik a nd Kunneke,1984).

               The average annual wind speed at Pensacola is 8.3 miles per hour with prevailing
               winds from the south 18 percent of the time and from the north 22 percent of the
               time. Winds from the north and south generally have higher velocities than do
               winds from the east.and west (USEPA, 1988).

               On average, a hurricane strikes once every 17 years with fringe effects felt about
               every 5 years (NOAA, 1986). Hurricane Frederick (1979) attained category 3 status
               on the Saffir-Simpson scale prior to landfall 50 miles west of Perdido Key, at
               Dauphin Island, Alabama. Severe damage extended well into western Florida from
               the storm surge and increased wind velocities as the hurricanes front-right quadrant
               moved landward from the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Elena also attained category
               3 status during landfall on September 2, 1985 near Biloxi, Mississippi. Damage
               along the barrier islands was much less than what occurred during Frederick
               because Elena paralleled Northwest Florida at a distance of no less than 50 miles
               offshore (Stone and Salmon, 1988).


                                                           18











               E. WATER QUALITY


               Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve was designated as an "Outstanding Florida Water"
               (OFW) on March 1, 1979. Because of their natural attributes, these water bodies
               are assigned additional protection through the Department of Environmental
               Regulation. Chapter 17-3, F.A.C., addresses the water quality standards by which
               OFW's are managed. An OFW designation places more stringent standards on the
               issuance of DER permits. Permit applications for activities that lower ambient water
               quality within a designated OFW are normally denied.

               Pensacola Bay, Big Lagoon, Santa Rosa Sound and the Gulf of Mexico are.the 4
               water bodies which have a direct impact on the water quality of the Fort Pickens
               Aquatic Preserve. Pensacola Bay receives runoff and discharges from the city of
               Pensacola, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Bayou Grande, Bayou Chico, and Bayou
               Texar.


               The Pensacola Bay System will be under a considerable amount of scrutiny over
               the next three years as implementation of the Surface Water Improvement and
               Management program (S.W.I.M.) proceeds. The Florida Legislature enacted the
               S.W.I.M. Act in 1987, and amended it in 1989. The act declares that it is the duty
               of the state's agencies to enhance the environmental and     'scenic value of surface
               waters, many of which are in a state of degraded water quality, or are in danger of
               becoming degraded. The water management districts have been directed to
               develop and implement plans to improve the water quality and related aspects of
               the state's surface waters. Pensacola Bay System in the Northwest Florida Water
               Management District has been selected as one of the top five priority water bodies
               in the state, and will be addressed under the S.W.I.M. program. Needed activities,
               schedules, and budgets for preservation and/or restoration are already under
               development (NFWMD, 1990).

               The waters of the bay system are classified by use in accordance with the rules of
               the Department of Environmental Regulation. Class I waters have the most
               stringent water quality criteria and Class V the least. However, Classes 1, 11, and
               III surface waters share water quality criteria established to protect recreation and
               the propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and
               wildlife. Most of the tributaries, and a portion of the bays within the Pensacola Bay
               System are classified by the state as Class III waters, and are used for recreational
               purposes (i.e. swimming, skiing, etc.) and for the maintenance of a well-balanced
               fish and wild-life population (NFWMD, 1990). These Class III waters are directly
               associated with the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve area and they are prohibited
               from shellfish propagation and harvesting (Figure 3).

               Santa Rosa Sound has good water quality, but it is threatened by development of
               Santa Rosa Island, ditching and storm-water runoff. There are also a few waste
               water treatment plants that have some seasonal problems during summer tourist


                                                         19








               months (Hand et al., 1988). The waters of the sound which have a direct effect on
               the aquatic preserve area are Class III waters.

               Water quality in Big Lagoon is regularly tested by the Escambia County Health
               Department. Big Lagoon, in the area affecting the aquatic preserve, has a
               designation of Class III waters also. Even though extensive residential development
               and recreational facilities along the northern shore of Big Lagoon pose a threat to
               the water quality of the area the latest pollution sanitary survey (Merritt and Hunt,
               1991) indicates that the water quality does meet bacteriological standards for
               designation as Class III waters.



               F. VEGETATION


               The predominant habitat types of the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve are subtidal
               and intertidal vegetation communities, (Figure 4). The subtidal cornmunities consist
               primarily of seagrass and aquatic algae. The intertidal communities are salt
               marshes, one of the most valuable natural resources of the northwest gulf coast.

               The subtidal vegetation in the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is composed mostly
               of turtle-grass (Ihalassia testudinum), shoal-.grass (Halodule wrightii), and manatee-
               grass (Syrincionium filiforme). These are flowering plants that produce oxygen,
               stabilize sediments, produce organic carbon, provide nursery habitat, and provide
               foraging and resting habitat for marine animals and sea birds. In the shallowest
               areas (often in the intertidal zone) the dominate species is shoal-grass. Below the
               low-tide mark, down to maximum depths of approximately ten feet, beds of turtle-
               grass dominate. Mixed in with the turtle-grass (or sometimes growing alone in pure
               strands) is the manatee-grass. Although not as abundant as the turtle-grass,
               manatee-grass is very important to the preserve system.

               Since seagrasses rely on clear water for photosynthesis, they are very susceptible
               to disturbances and impacts by man. Human induced increases in turbidity
               associated with dredging and erosion of adjacent uplands can decrease the photic
               zone of these plants or physically smother them with silts. Increased nutrient levels
               can cause a proliferation of epiphytic algas to grow on seagrass leaves, causing
               reduction in photosynthetic capabilities and unnatural rates of defoliation. Industrial
               pollution and discharge which causes changes in seagrass productivity and
               distribution can seriously impair macroinvertebrate and fish populations in the
               affected areas (Livingston, 1975). Detailed studies of submerged aquatic vegetation
               indicate that selective removal of dominant vegetation types by changes in water
               quality and light transmission characteristics is. associated with alteration of the
               entire trophic organization of a particular system. Implications are that, although
               generalized food web relationships are generally stable in a given seagrass bed
               from year to year, relatively minor changes in water quality can lead to sharp
               reductions in productivity and broad habitat alteration (Livingston, 1975).


                                                          20



                                                                                          m now m WON W













                                     CONDITIONALLY APPROVED


                                     PROHIBITED

                                     FORT PICKENS                                                                                             BLACKWA
                                     AQUATIC PRESERVE                                                                                  lot
                                                                                                                                                                      EGUN AM FO
                                                                                                                                                                            BASE



                                                                                                                                          ..............
                                                                                        PENSACOLA
                                                                                        R
                                                                                           10 L
                                                                                         IEG NA
                                                                                         AIRPORT
                                                                                                         ES, AMBIA
                                                                                                         BAY
                                                                                                                                          f#E.ASIT I PAY


                   ERDIDO   SAY                                                                                                    .... ..
                                                                       PENSACOLA
                                                                                               PENSACQM
                                                                                               BA             --4+4







                                                                                                                             ...........
                                                                                                                             1$
                                                                                                                ...... .....
                                                                                                                                                                    OF UF)
                                                                                                                                                      GULF

                                                    . ....... ..

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

                                                             AQUATIC PRESERVE



                            3 - Shellfish Propagation and Harvesting




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                 0
                         MILES                                                      292


                                          Seaglades



                                                                                                    ON
                                                                                         LAGO

                                                                                                               A--
                                                                        .6-F
                                        BIG
                                                                                                   KEV


                                                                         (0

                                                                                    E%  C'O
                                                                       OF
                                                       C, LjF


                      A A
                   A I A  Salt Marsh



                          Seagrass


                                                  FIGURE 4:               Vegetation Map














                                                                                              BAY
                      PENSACOLA







                                                                                                                                         ISLAND


                                                                                                                                                    MEXICC
                                                                                                                                OF
                                                                                                             GULF








                                                         Salt Marsh



      0                                                  Seagraes
               MILES


                                                                               FIGURE 4:                  Vegetation map









                Although algae make up only a small portion of the subtidal vegetation, they are
                often important where they occur. Most algal growth will be found where hard-
                bottom, either natural or man-made, exists. Man-made sites such as jetties, piers,
                docks and artificial reefs provide hard materials upon which algas can attach and
                grow. While alive the algal beds provide oxygen to the water column. As the algal
                beds die back each summer, they make a contribution to the organic carbon load
                that gets recycled through the aquatic system in the form of detritus. In addition
                to the attached algal species, there are several free-swimming species that drift
                over the shallows, particularly in the early spring, This is the time of year when the
                rooted seagrasses have reduced above-seafloor growth and the algae provides
                cover for the juvenile fishes utilizing the shallows.

                Tidal marshes are a major component of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. At least
                six functions of salt marshes in estuarine ecosystems have been proposed:

                       1.  Detrital export
                       2.  Nutrient export
                       3.  Sediment trapping
                       4.  Pollutant removal
                       5.  Critical habitat for juvenile fish and shellfish
                       6.  Wildlife habitat


                Marshes   usually have distinct vegetation zonation. Smooth cordgrass (Spartina
                alterniflora) forms a border along the open water within the intertidal zone. This
                fringe may extend above mean high water (MHW). Landward of the cordgrass is
                the black needle rush (Juncus roemerianus), usually comprising the largest
                vegetated zone and the bulk of the standing plants.

                Tidal fluctuation is the most, important physical factor in salt marsh communities.
                The frequency and physical action of tides attributes to the fragmentation of
                vegetation and the rate of decomposition. The additional nutrients, sediments and
                detritus from the adjacent uplands filter into the marsh contributing to this highly
                productive environment. Tidal exchanges allow for the cycling of these nutrients
                and gives marine and estuarine fauna access to the marsh. This exchange or
                flushing action helps to make salt marshes one of the most biologically productive
                natural communities in the world, even to the degree of surpassing the most
                intensive agricultural practices.

                Table 1 lists many of the species of plants and algae which may be found within the
                various habitats of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. Several illustrations of these
                vegetative species can be found in Appendix B.






                                                           25











                                                       TABLE 1:


                    ALGAE AND VEGETATION OF FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE



                Common Name                                  Scientific Name


                Sawgrass                                     Cladium iamaicense
                Flat sedge                                   Cyperus spp.
                Seashore Saitgrass                           Distichlis spicata
                Spikerush                                    Eleocharis spp.
                Umbrella grass                               Fuirena squarrosa
                Shoal Grass                                  Halodule wriahtii
                Black Needlerush                             Juncus roemerianus
                Shoregrass                                   Moanathochloe littoralis
                Paspalum                                     Paspalum spp.
                Seashore Paspalum                            Pasgalum vaginatum
                Common Reed                                  Phraamites australis
                Saltmarsh Bullrush                           Scirpus robustus
                Smooth Cordgrass                             Spartina alterniflora
                Cordgrass                                    Spartina patens
                Gulf Cordgrass                               Spartina spartinae
                Whorled dropseed                             Sporobolus gyramidatus
                Seashore dropseed                            Sporobolus virginicus
                Manatee grass                                Syringonium filiforme
                Turtle Grass                                 Thalassia testudinum



                ALGAL SPECIES


                Class: Cyanoph3da                            Class: Chlorophyla
                Calothrix crustacea                          Acetabularia crenulata
                Dichothrix penicillata                       Acetabularia farlowii
                Entophysalis conferata                       CaulerDa orolifera
                Entrophysalis deusta                         Chaetomorpha linum
                Lyngbya confervoides                         Cladophora gracilis
                Lyngbya maouscula                            Cladophora fulginosa
                Lyngbya serniplena                           Cladophoropsis membranacea
                Microcoleus tenerrimus                       Codium decoratum
                Plectonema calothrichoides                   Enteromorpha clathrata
                                                             Enteromorpha flexuosa
                Class: Rhodophyta                            Enteromorlpha lingulata
                Bost!ychia radicans                          Enteromorpha plumosa
                Bost[ychia uvaria                            Entocladia viridis
                Ceramium fasticiiatum                        Halimeda tridens



                                                            26









                                                 TABLE 1: (cont)

                   ALGAE AND VEGETATION OF FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE'



               Class: Rhodloph3da                           Class: Chloroph1da
               Chondria cnicophylla                         Monostroma latissimum
               Chondria littoralis                          Penicillus lamourouxii
               Chondria sedifolia                           Portoderma marinum
               Eucheuma acanthocladium                      Udotea conglutinata
               Fosliella farinosa                           Ulva lactuca
               Gelidium comeum
               Gelidiurn crinale
               Halymenia pseudofloresia                     Class: PhaeophAa
               Jania rubens                                 DigNota dichotoma
               Laurencia intricata                          Ectocarpus coinfervoides
               laurencia obtusa                             Ectocarpus mitchellae
               Laurencia pgLitei                            Pandina vickersiae
               Lithothamniurn occidentale                   Sargassum filipendula
               Polysiphonia echinata                        Sargassum linifoliurn
               Polysiphonia howei                           Sporochnus pendunculatus
               Polysiphonia subtilissima



               .G. FISH AND WILDLIFE

               The wildlife value associated with highly productive. salt marsh communities is
               extremely important. The linking of estuarine with freshwater environments forms
               a necessary habitat for the feeding and breeding of many species. Ranging from
               protozoa to mammals, the animal populations are of considerable variety.

               Marsh animals exhibit zonation patterns similar to vegetation, due to habitat
               preferences. Environmental parameters affecting their distribution and zonation
               include salinity, inundation, substrate character, pH, oxygen level, light, humidity,
               and temperature as well as fire and wind.

               The frequency of tidal flooding or proximity to tidally affected waters, as well as the
               availability of detritus, are two of the principal factors influencing the species
               diversity and density of aquatic and intertidal salt marsh organisms. In addition to
               providing an area of abundant food, the protective qualities of salt marshes provide
               reproduction and juvenile development habitat for many fish and small animal
               species.




                                                           27








               Primary and secondary consumers such as amphipods, shrimp, crabs, clams,
               oysters, snails, worms, and fish feed on the abundant supply of detritus, plankton
               and animal protein that is generated from salt marshes. Various rodents such as
               the marsh rice rat and cotton mouse, and birds like rails, willets, seaside sparrows,
               and marsh wrens, all utilize salt marshes for denning of nesting habitat. Other
               mammals such as the raccoon, opossum, marsh rabbit, and wading birds like
               herons and egrets frequent the marshes edges primarily to feed.

               Partial destruction of habitat often breaks up productive ecological communities into
               smaller isolated subunits by destroying the vegetation which produces habitat
               continuity. These linkages or corridors allow for the necessary movement of wildlife
               that may by vital for specific breeding or foraging activities. Habitat disturbance and
               destruction are the major causes of decline and loss of species.

               Tables 2-5 illustrates the wide range of fish and wildlife which are found within the
               aquatic preserve and its adjacent area. Some species are restricted to this
               semiaquatic semiterrestrial habitat, while others can be found in the adjacent upland
               communities as well at in the preserve.

               Fish/shellfish

               More than 100 families of finfish and a wide variety of shellfish have been reported
               Jrom the marshes, estuaries and coastal waters of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve
               (Table 2). More than 200 species have been reported in the waters of the
               Pensacola Bay system alone. The open water habitats contain numerous species
               of commercial and recreational importance and the estuarine and marsh areas
               serve as "nursery grounds" for many of the juvenile and larval forms of marine
               organisms. These include brown and pink shrimp, ladyfish, spotted seatrout, red
               drum, silver perch, Atlantic croaker, spot, southern kingfish, gulf menhaden, striped
               mullet, and sheepshead (Wolfe et al., 1988).

               Though many marsh species have little commercial importance, their diverse
               feeding habits and intense utilization of marsh resources makes them especially
               important in transferring energy.from the marsh to the estuary and coastal waters
               and thus to commercially valuable species. Nursery species and marsh foraging
               species consume detritus, larval organisms, and plankton at the base of the food
               web in the marsh and then introduce this energy to the estuarine and nearshore
               food webs when they leave the marsh. Foraging carnivores also provide atrophic
               link between the marsh and adjacent ecosystems.
               Fish species found in the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve inhabit a variety of habitats.
               Pompano, blue.runner, whiting and other forage and juvenile species can be found
               in the sandy surf-zone. Unvegetated, sand bottom habitats are inhabited by
               burrowing types such as flounder, stingrays, jawfishes, and inshore lizard fishes.
               Non-burrowing types consist of the sand perch, pigfish and spot. Mud bottom
               habitats are preferred by mullet, croaker, silver perch and catfish. Anchovies and


                                                         28









                silversides are important forage species and can be seen in the shallow bay waters
                at the surface where they feed. The seagrass beds have a diverse assemblage of
                fish populations including mullet, pinfish, needlefish, mojarra, seahorses, pipefish,
                blennies and gobies. "Hard" habitats such as piers, docks, artificial reefs and jetties
                contain many of the "pretty" tropical species such as cocoa damsels, angelfishes,
                parrotfishes, spadefishes, and butterfly fishes. These tropical species are seasonal,
                arriving by currents in the warmer months, and dying off in the colder months.
                Wrasses, groupers and snappers are also found along these hard substrates.

                In Florida, the number of species actually harvested either entirely or principally in
                the estuaries is surprisingly limited. But estuaries play a significant role in the
                production of many shellfishes and finfishes that ultimately are harvested mainly at
                sea. About 50 commercial and 65 recreational species caught in the Gulf of Mexico
                spend at least some portion of their lives in estuarine systems such as those within
                Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. Seabasses, jacks, snappers, sheepshead, spot,
                mackerel, and flounders are a few examples of estuarine dependent species which
                may be taken either offshore in the gulf or-in the estuary (Comp and Seaman,
                1985).



                                                       TABLE 2:


                    FINFISH FAMILIES FOUND IN FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE



                Acanthuridae                      Carcharhinidae                       Fistulariidae
                Acipenseridae                     Centrolophidae                       Gadidae
                Albulidae                         Centropomidae                        Gerreidae
                Anguillidae                       Chaetodontidae                       Gobiesocidae
                Antennariidae                     Cirrhitidae                          Gobiidae
                Ariidae                           Clupeidae                            Grammistidae
                Ariommidae                        Clinidae                             Gymnuridae
                Atherinidae                       Congridae                            Holocentridae
                Aulostomidae                      Coryphaenidae                        Ictaluridae
                Apogonidae                        Cynoglossidae                        Istiophoridae
                Balistidae                        Dactylopteridae                      Labridae
                Batrachoididae                    Dactyloscopidae                      Lammidae
                Belonidae                         Dasyatidae                           Lepisosteidae
                Blenniidae                        Diodontidae                          Lobotidae
                Bothidae                          Dysommidae                           Lutjanidae
                Bramidae                          Echeneidae                           Microdesmidae
                Branch iosteg idae                Elopidae                             Mobulidae
                Bregmacerotidae                   Engraulidae                          Mugilidae
                Carapidae                         Ephippidae                           Mullidae
                Carangidae                        Exocoetidae                          Muraenesocidae


                                                           29









                                                 TABLE 2: (cont.)

                    FINFISH FAMILIES FOUND IN FORT PICKENS.AQUATIC PRESERVE



                Muraenidae                       Pomadasyidae                         Sparidae
                Mylobatidae                      Pomatomidae                          Sphyraenidae
                Nomeidae                         Priacanthidae                        Squalidae
                Odontaspididae                   Pristidae                            Squantinidae
                Ogocephalidae                    Rachycentridae                       Stromateidae
                Ophichthidae                     Rajidae                              Syngnathidae
                Ophidiidae                       Rhincodontidae                       Synodontidae
                Opsitognathidae                  Rhinobatidae                         Tetraodontidae
                Orectolobidae                    Scaridae                             Torpendinidae
                Ostraciidae                      Sciaenidae                           Trichiuridae
                Percichthyidae                   Scombridae                           Triglidae
                Poeciliidae                      Scorpaenidae                         Uranoscopidae
                Polynemidae                      Serranidae                           Xiphiidae
                Pomacentridae                    Soleidae



                Reptiles/Amphibians

                The coastal strand, saltmarsh, estuarine, and marine environments within              the
                aquatic preserve exhibit severely stressful conditions. Arid conditions and extremes
                in temperature and salinity limit the types of organisms which can inhabit this area
                (Table 3). In order to inhabit these areas the preserve organisms must have a
                tolerance for these conditions.


                The upland dune community adjacent to the aquatic preserve is hot and dry; few
                amphibians can tolerate the extreme conditions. The southern toad occasionally
                takes refuge in burrows and forages at night at the base of the dunes. Toads can
                be abundant in coastal strand environments as can the southern leopard frog
                because both breed in temporary ponds of the interdune flats.

                The various habitats found adjacent to the aquatic preserve may be well-endowed
                with reptile species because these species are best adapted for dry terrestrial
                environments. Several types of snakes and land turtles are abundant in the coastal
                strands. Reptiles such as sea turtles are better adapted to the salinity ranges of
                the gulf and estuarine waters.

                The Atlantic loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) may be found in and around
                Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. The frequency of reported sightings of loggerheads
                in this area has increased over the past five years. Whether this increase is due
                to the presence of more loggerheads or more "loggerhead-watchers" has yet to be


                                                           30,









               determined (Dr. Collard, University of West Florida, Pers. Comm., 1991). The
               loggerhead is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a threatened species.

               Other sea turtles such as the green sea turtle (Chelonia midas), and the
               leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelysqoriacea) have been reported in the area but
               these are rare sightings. The leatherback turtle is listed as threatened and the
               green turtle is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

               Another species of sea turtle, the Kemps Ridley (Lepidoche!ys Epm ii), is an
               occasional visitor to this area. Several strandings of Kemps Ridley sea turtles have
               been documented within the Florida district of Gulf Islands National Seashore (Carl
               Zimmerman, Resource Management Specialist, Gulf Islands National Seashore,
               Pers. Comm., 1991).



                                                      TABLE 3:


                   REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IN AND ADJACENT TO FORT PICKENS
                                               AQUATIC PRESERVE



               Common Name                                 Scientific Name


               Cottonmouth                                 Aqkistrodon piscivorus
               American Alligator                          Alligator mississipl2iensis
               Southern Toad                               Buffo terrestris
               Atlantic Loggerhead                         Caretta caretta
               Green Turtle                                Chelonia midas
               Black Racer                                 Coluber constrictor
               Leatherback Turtle                          Dermochelys coriacea
               Atlantic Ridley Turtle                      Lepidochelys kempii
               Alligator Snapping Turtle                   Macrochlemys temmenckii
               Coachwhip                                   Masticophis flagellum
               Southern Leopard Frog                       Rana sphenocep!iala
               Pygmy Rattlesnake                           Sistrurus miliarius
               Garter Snake                                Thamnoghis sirtalis



               Birds


               Over 280 species of birds have been identified in the aquatic preserve and its
               adjacent upland areas. Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve and the adjacent area
               comprise several diverse ecological communities which attract a variety of bird life.
               Gulf beaches, dunes, fresh and saltwater marshes, and nearby wooded areas
               provide a wide range of wildlife habitats.


                                                          31









               Table 4 represents a list of bird species which have been identified within these
               various habitats in the aquatic preserve area. Many of these species are area
               transients, using this area as a resting place on their way to summer or wintering
               grounds. Others are accidental visitors, far from their natural home ranges. The
               majority of the species found within the preserve are summer, winter, and/or annual
               residents.    Many of these species are dependent on the marine/estuarine
               environment. Species such as the double crested cormorant, red breasted
               merganser, brown pelican and black skimmer depend on the gulf for food, and its
               environs for shelter. Numerous other species depend on marine and estuarine
               wetlands to fulfill life history requirements.

               Within the marsh community, birds comprise one of the large herbivore groups and
               they also play a significant role in both the immediate marsh and estuarine food
               webs. Marsh areas within the aquatic preserve support year round residents
               (clapper rail and great blue heron), summer nesting species (least bittern), migrants
               (American widgeon), casual feeders (great egrets), and summer visitors (white ibis).
               Many coastal birds use the marsh habitats as secondary breeding and dispersal
               areas. The marsh provides an ideal environment for breeding birds. The dense
               vegetation and the isolated nature of many marsh tracts restricts access by
               predators, especially the raccoon. Small fish, as well as an abundant invertebrate
               population, provide food for both adults and young fledglings (Stout, 1984).



                                                     TABLE 4:


                          BIRD SPECIES OF FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE



               Common Name                                Scientific Name

               Cooper's Hawk                              Accigite cooperii
               Sharp-Skinned Hawk                         Accipiter striatus
               Spotted Sandpiper                          Actitus marcularia
               Red Winged Blackbird                       Agelaius phoeniceus
               Northern Pintail                           Anas acuta
               Green-Winged Teal                          Anas crecca
               Blue-Winged Teal                           Anas discors;
               Mottled Duck                               Anas fulvigula
               Mallard                                    Anas r)latvrhvnchos
               American Black Duck                        Anas rubril2es
               Gadwall                                    Anas streperta
               Anhinga                                    Anhinga anhinga
               Wood Duck                                  Aix soonsa
               Great Blue Heron                           Ardea herodias
               Ruddy Turnstone                            Arenaria interpres


                                                         32









                                                      TABLE 4: (cont)

                             BIRD SPECIES OF FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE



                 Common Name                                    Scientific Name


                 Lesser Scaup                                   A)dhya affinis
                 Redhead                                        &1hya americana
                 Ringneck Duck                                  AZhya collaris
                 Greater Scaup                                  &8hya marila
                 Canvasback                                     AAhya valisineria
                 Upland Plover                                  Bartramia lonaicauda

                 '
                 American Bittern                               Botaurus lentigenosus
                 Bufflehead                                     Buceghala albeola
                 Common Goldeneye                               Bucephala clangula
                 Red-shouldered Hawk                            Buteo lineatus
                 Red-tailed Hawk                                Buteo *amaicensis
                 Broad-winged Hawk                              Buteo platypterus
                 Green Backed Heron                             Buteroides striatus
                 Red Knot                                       Calidris canutus
                 Sanderling                                     Calidris alba
                 Dunlin                                         Calidris b1pina
                 Semipalmated Sandpiper                         Calidris pusilla
                 Great Egret                                    Casmerodius albus
                 Boat-tailed Grackle                            Cassidix mexicanus
                 Turkey Vulture                                 Cathartes aura
                 Willet                                         Catoptrophorus sernipalmatus
                 Piping Plover                                  Charadrius melodus
                 Semipalmated      Plover                       Charadrius sernipalmatus
                 Killdeer                                       Charadrius vociferus
                 Wilson's Plover                                Charadrius wilsonia
                 Snow Goose                                     Chen hvr)erborea
                 Black Tern                                     Chlidonias g!W
                 Oldsquaw                                       Clanoula hyemalis
                 Black Vulture                                  Coragyps atratus
                 Fish Crow                                      Corus ossifraaus
                 Reddish Egert                                  Dichromanassa rufescens
                 Tricolor Heron                                 Earetta tricolor
                 Swallow-tailed    Kite                         Elanoides forficatus
                 Western Sandpiper                              Ereunetes mauri
                 Barid's Sandpiper                              Erolia bairdii
                 White-rumped Sandpiper                         Erolia fuscicollis
                 Pectoral Sandpiper                             Erolia melanotos
                 Least Sandpiper          --                    Erolia minutilla


                                                               33








                                                     TABLE 4 (cont):

                             BIRD SPECIES OF FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE



                Common Name                                    Scientific Name


                White Ibis                                     Eudocimus albus
                Merlin                                         Falco columbarius
                Peregrine Falcon                               Falco perearinus
                American     Kestrel                           Falco sparverius
                Little Blue  Heron                             Florida caerulea
                Magnificiant Frigatebird                       Fregata magnificens
                American Coot                                  fulica americana
                Common Snipe                                   Gallinago gallinago
                Common Loon                                    'Gaxia immer
                Gulf-billed Tern                               Gelochelidon nilotica
                American Oystercatcher                         Haematopus palliatus
                Bald Eagle                                     Haliaeetus leucocephalus
                Black-necked Stilt                             Himantopus mexicanus
                Caspian Tern                                   Hydroprogone caspia
                Mississippi Kite                               Ictinia misisippiensis
                Least Bittern                                  Ixob[ychus exilis
                Herring Gull                                   Larus argentatus
                Laughing Gull                                  Larus atricilla
                Ringbilled Gull                                Larus delawarensis
                Greater black-backed Gull                      Larus marinus
                Bonaparte's Gull                               Larus philadelghia
                Snowy Egret                                    Leucophoyx thula
                Marbled Godwit                                 Limosa fedoa
                Short-billed Dowitcher                         Limnodromus griseus
                Long-billed Dowitcher                          Limnodromus scolopaceus
                Hooded Merganser                               LoghodZes cucullatus
                American Wigeon                                Mareca americana
                Belted Kingfisher                              Megaceryle alcyon
                White-winged Scooter                           Melanitta dealandi
                Surf Scooter                                   Melanitta gerspicillata
                Red-breasted Merganser                         Meraus serrator
                Stilt Sandpiper                                Microgalama himantgpus
                Gannett                                        Morcus bassanus
                Long-billed Curlew                             Numenius americanus
                Whimbrel .                                     Numenius phaeopus
                Black-crowned Night Heron                      Nycticorax nycticorax
                Yellow-Crowned Night Heron                     Nycticorax violaceus
                Black Scooter                                  Oidemia nigra


                                                              34









                                                   TABLE 4 (cont):

                            BIRD SPECIES OF FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE



                Common Name                                   Scientific Name


                Ruddy Duck                                    Oaura
                Osprey                                        Pandion haliaetus
                American White Pelican                        Pelicanus eWhrorhynchos
                Brown Pelican                                 Pelicanus occidentalis
                Double-Crested Cormorant                      Phalacrocorax auritus
                Glossy Ibis                                   Plegadis falcinellus
                Black-Bellied Plover                          Pluvialis squatarola
                Horned Grebe                                  Podiceps auritus
                Eared Grebe                                   Podiceps caspicus
                Pied-billed Grebe                             Podilymbus podiceps
                Common Grackle                                Quiscalus guiscula
                Clapper Rail                                  Rallus lonairostris scotti
                King Rail                                     Rallus elegans
                Virginia Rail                                 Rallus limicola
                American Avocet                               Recurvirostra americana
                Black Skimmer                                 Ryhchops DiM
                American Woodcock                             Scolopax minor
                Northern Shovler                              Spatula clypeata
                Wilson's Phalarope                            Steganopus tricolor
                Least Tern                                    Sterna albrifrons
                Forster's Tern                                Sterna forsteri
                Sooty Tern                                    Sterna fuscatc
                Common Tern                                   Sterna hirundo
                Royal Tern                                    Sterna maxima
                Sandwich Tern                                 Sterna sandvincensis
                Blue-faced Booby                              Sula daMlatra
                Brown Booby                                   Sula leucociaste
                Lesser Yellowlegs                             Totanus flavipes
                Greater Yellowlegs                            Trinaa melanoleuca
                Solitary Sandpiper                            Tringa solitaria
                Buff-breasted Sandpiper                       T[yngites subruficollis



                Mammals


                The mammals which are found within or adjacent to Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve
                must also be able to survive the extreme conditions of the varying habitats. Coastal
                scrub communities of Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key have populations of light-


                                                             35








               colored beach rodents (cotton rats and rice rats) that burrow in the sand of the
               dune habitats as well as marsh areas. The marsh rice rat is the most abundant of
               all coastal marsh mammals. This rat is a good swimmer and may be observed
               feeding in the lower marsh. The hispid cotton rat is more terrestrial and prefers the
               higher, less frequently flooded marsh/upland interface (Stout, 1984).

               Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key are also home to the Santa Rosa beach mouse
               and the Perdido Key beach mouse, respectively. These light colored mice are
               restricted to the primary dune habitats and do not generally frequent nor construct
               burrows in marsh areas (Carl Zimmerman, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pers.
               Comm., 1991). The Perdido Key beach mouse, a federally listed endangered
               species, suffered a major population decline following Hurricane Frederick in 1979
               (Meyers, 1983; Holler and Mason, 1988). The species appears to have undergone
               a dramatic increase and is making a successful comeback due to the joint efforts
               of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the National Park Service,
               and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.


               A few mammalian species may be found in the tidal marsh habitats but resident
               mammals are few; nutria, round tailed muskrat and marsh rabbits make up this
               group.

               Predator species include the raccoon, mink and the long-tailed weasel who
               generally feeds on grubs and insects at the marsh/upland interface. All of the other
               predators have mixed diets of small mammals, birds, benthic invertebrates., and
               fish.


               Marine mammals such as the bottle-nosed dolphin travel the waters of Fort Pic    kens
               Aquatic Preserve. Bottle-nosed dolphins are regular visitors to the preserve, often
               feeding on the smaller fish inhabiting the preserve waters.



                                                    TABLE 5:


                      MAMMALS FOUND AT OR IN THE VICINITY OF FORT PICKENS
                                             AQUATIC PRESERVE



               Common Name                               Scientific Name


               Bottle-Nosed Dolphin                      Delphinus delphis
               Striped Skunk                             Mel?hitis mephitis
               Long-tailed Weasel                        Mustela frenata
               Nutria                                    Myocastor coypus bonariensis
               Rice Rat                                  O[yzomys galustris
               Raccoon                                   Progyon lotor


                                                        36









                                              TABLE 5:      (cont.)

                     MAMMALS FOUND AT OR IN THE VICINITY OF FORT PICKENS
                                             AQUATIC PRESERVE



               Common Name                              Scientific Name


               Eastern Grey Squirrel                    Sciurus carolinensis
               Cotton Rat                               Siamodon hispidus
               Marsh Rabbit                             Sylvilagus palustris
               Gray Fox                                 Urogyon cineregargenteus
               Red Fox                                  Vulpes fulva
               Santa Rosa Beach Mouse                   Peromyscus polionotis leucocephalus
               Perdido Key Beach Mouse                  Peromyscus polionotis trissyllepsis





               H. ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN


               Table 6 provides a list of animal species assumed to be found at or in the vicinity
               of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. These species have been given legal protection
               pursuant to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Endangered Species Act
               of 1973, and/or the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (FGFWFC)
               regulations.

               Listed species may be classified as endangered (E), threatened M, of special
               concern (SSC), or under review (UR) for such listing. Endangered species are
               those threatened with extinction if deleterious factors affecting their populations
               .continue. These are species whose numbers have already declined to such a
               critically low level, or whose habitats have been so seriously reduced or degraded
               that without active assistance, survival is questionable.

               Threatened species populations, although not as critically stressed as endangered
               species, are also jeopardized. Species of special concern are those that warrant
               special attention due to similarity in appearance to other species, commercial
               exploitation, environmental changes, and/or. long-term population declines. Species
               of this category may also have potential impact on endangered or threatened
               populations of other species.







                                                       37










                                                      TABLE 6:


              ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN LIKELY
                            TO OCCUR IN FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE.



               COMMON NAMEISCIENTIFIC NAME                           FGFWFC              USFWS

               BIRDS:


               Southeastern Snowy Plover
                   Charadrius alexandrinus tenuirostris                 T                  UR2


               Piping Plover
                  Charadrius melodus                                    T                  T


               Little Blue Heron
                  Earetta caerulea                                      SSC


               Snowy Egret
                  Egretta thula                                         SSC

               Tricolored Heron
                  Earetta tricolor                                      SSC


               Peregrine Falcon
                  Falco perearinus                                      E                  T

               Southeastern American Kestral
                  Falco sparverius paulus                               T                  UR2

               American Oystercatcher
                  Haematopus l2alliatus                                 SSC

               Wood Stork
                  Mysteria americana                                    E                  E

               Osprey
                  Pandion haliaetus                                     SSC


               Brown Pelican
                  Pelecanus occidentalis                                SSC


               Least Tern
                  Sterna antillarum                                     T



                                                          38









                                              TABLE 6: (cont.)

              ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN LIKELY
                           TO OCCUR IN FORT PICKENS AQUATIC PRESERVE.



               COMMON NAMEISCIENTIFIC NAME                       FGFWFC              USFWS



               MAMMALS:


               Santa Rosa Beach Mouse
                 Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus               UR2               UR2

               Perdido Key Beach Mouse
                 Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis               E                 E



               REPTILES:


               American Alligator
                 Alligator mississippiensis                        SSC               T(s/a)

               Loggerhead Turtle
                 Caretta caretta                                   T                 T


               Green Turtle
                 Chelonia midas                                    E                 E


               Leatherback Turtle
                 Dermochelys coriacea                              E                 E

               Kemps Ridley
                 Lepidochelys kempii                               E                 E

               Alligator Snapping Turtle
                 Macrochlemys temmenckii                           SSC               UR2



               FISH:


               Saltmarsh Topminnow
                 Fundulus                                          SSC





                                                       39









               FGFWFC= Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission
               USFWS     =  United States Fish & Wildlife Service
               E         =  Endangered
               T         =  Threatened
               T(s/a)    =  Threatened due to similarity of appearance
               SSC       =  Species of Special Concern
               UR2       =  Under review for federal listing, but substantial evidence of biological
                             vulnerability and/or threat is lacking.




               1. CULTURAL RESOURCES


               Cultural resources are an important part of the management of aquatic preserves
               in Florida. A total of 3,556 archaeological sites are listed on the Florida Master Site
               File of the Florida Division of Historical Resources for the northwest Gulf of Mexico.


               To date, 955 archaeological and historic sites have been recorded for Escambia
               county alone.      The Gulf Islands National Seashore contains 121 known
               archaeological and cultural sites, 12 of which are listed on the National Register of
               Historic Places. Further study reveals that 40 of these sites are located within Fort
               Pickens Aquatic Preserve.

               Fort Pickens, a masonry style pre-civil war fort, located on the western end of Santa
               Rosa Island and the Perdido Key Historic District, which is located on the eastern
               end of Perdido Key, are 2 of the 12 sites listed on the National Register of Historic
               Places.


               The first European settlements in northwest Florida occurred in the mid-1 500's
               along coastal areas that were navigable by boat. Over the last four-and-a half
               centuries these coastal waters have been utilized by vessels of many different
               nationalities with many different missions.

               The historic and archaeological resources of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve are
               represented by the unlucky ships whose remains litter the bottoms of Pensacola
               Bay, Pensacola Pass, Santa Rosa Sound and the Gulf of Mexico.

               Most of the terrestrial sites, on the adjacent uplands have been surveyed for their
               cultural resources according to the National Historic Preservation Act.
               Unfortunately, much of the underwater acreage within the aquatic preserve has not
               been studied. As of January 1991, only 5 submerged sites in the aqu       atic preserve
               had been studied and recorded in the Florida Master Site File Inventory. These
               sites included: three shipwrecks - 1) the "E.W.Fowler", 2) the "Sport", 3) the
               "Convoy"; a pre-civil war fort 4) Fort McRee; and 5) a 19th century cannon found
               in Pensacola Pass.



                                                          40









                At the present time, a survey of Pensacola shipwrecks is being made throughout
                the entire Pensacola Bay System. The project, which began in March 1991, is
                being conducted by Dr. Roger Smith, the state's underwater archaeologist. The
                goal of the study is to make an inventory and assessment of shipwreck sites and
                other underwater materials in the Pensacola Bay System. The survey will determine
                what relics are in the bays, their value, and develop a management plan for these
                newly discovered cultural resources.

                The shipwreck survey has already produced 140 targets in the Pensacola Bay
                system and has spurred a proposal for an underwater archaeological preserve.

                The remains of the U.S.S. Massachusetts, the nation's oldest surviving battleship,
                are located in shallow water off the coast of Perdido Key. Dr. Smith proposes to
                establish an Underwater Archaeological Preserve on the sunken remains of the
                ship. Such a preserve would set the Massachusetts aside for its own protection
                and for public enjoyment. By making important historic shipwreck sites available
                to citizens and visitors, an appreciation and understanding of the irreplaceable
                remnants of Florida's maritime heritage would be encouraged (See Chapter V for
                more details).


                J. REGIONAL LAND USE, DEVELOPMENT AND ASSOCIATED IMPACTS


                Adjacent Upland Use:

                The upland properties of Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key, which are directly
                adjacent to Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve are presently zoned as "Conservation"
                areas (Figure 5). The county's zoning category, Conservation, as defined in the
                Escambia County Comprehensive Plan, designates these uplands as "unsuited for
                development" and these areas may only be used for "activities which are
                compatible with the purpose of conserving or protecting the natural resources of
                the area." Such activities would include flood control, wildlife habitat protection,
                resource-oriented recreational uses, and where appropriate silviculture, using best
                management practices as defined by the Florida Division of Forestry.

                The purpose of this zoning classification is to identify public and private land which
                will be held for conservation of natural features. These barrier islands are part of
                the Gulf Islands National Seashore (GINS). The GINS is an area that has been set
                aside, by Congress, for recreation and for its natural and historic resources.
                These uplands will remain protected and undeveloped in order to protect their
                distinctive natural features for the enjoyment of future generations.

                Within GINS, on Santa Rosa Island, the National Park Service has developed
                resource-oriented park facilities centered around the preservation of Fort Pickens
                and the natural, beauty of the gulf beaches and coastal marshes. This park area


                                                         41








               provides easy access to the aquatic preserve by way of beach access boardwalks,
               dune overwalks, nature trails, picnic areas, parking facilities, and a fishing pier.

               The Perdido Key GINS area also provides access to the preserve at an area known
               as Johnson Beach. This popular recreation area provides boardwalks, nature trails,
               a boat ramp, and bathing and picnicking facilities, all of which allow the public easy
               access to the aquatic preserve.

               It should be noted that although the northern shore of Big Lagoon is not
               immediately adjacent to the aquatic preserve, it is an area which has a direct impact
               upon the preserve. The boat docks which accompany single and multi-family
               dwellings and marinas along this shore provide private access to the aquatic
               preserve. Big Lagoon State Park, which is also located on the north shore, has a
               boat ramp, boardwalks, and picnic areas which are open to the public. Public and
               private accesses on Big Lagoon's north shore, as well as those of the immediate
               upland areas, allow for increased recreational use of the aquatic preserve.

               Uses of the Preserve:


               The  'uses of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve can be divided into three general
               categories: Recreation, Research and Preservation.

                   Recreation -          Although the_ submerged lands of the aquatic
                   preserve are not designated as recreation areas, they are easily accessed by
                   way of the adjacent uplands. Boat ramps, boardwalks, nature trails, fishing
                   piers, and private docks all provide a means by which the public can enjoy the
                   aquatic preserve. Popular recreational activities include swimming, snorkeling,
                   scuba diving, sunbathing, boating, fishing, bird watching, and beach combing.

                   Research      -       Aquatic     preserves     are    submerged       lands     of
                   exceptional beauty which are to be maintained in their natural or existing
                   conditions. The unique environmental conditions in these areas create very
                   delicate and productive ecosystems within which various types of marine
                   organisms exist. This environment provides the prefect setting through which
                   scientists can study the natural conditions of barrier islands and how those
                   condition s are affected by man.

                   Several research projects, conducted through contract by Gulf Islands National
                   Seashore, have been, or are currently, taking place within Fort Pickens Aquatic
                   Preserve and its adjacent uplands. Gibson and Looney (1990), of the University
                   of West Florida, are presently studying the effect of beach renourishment on the
                   barrier island plant community of Perdido Key. Dr. Richard Heard of the Gulf
                   Coast Marine Research Lab at Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is also studying the
                   effects of beach renourishment but his emphasis is being placed on the
                   macroinvertebrates of Perdido Key. Dr. Jerome Coling, also of the University


                                                         42



















                  0
                               ----------
                            MILES                                                           292


                                              Seaglades


                                                                                                  LAGOoN


                                                                                                              Nr
                                            BIG


                                                                             VDO


                                                                                                 CO


                   ...........
                                                                              OF
                                                            C, LJ LF







                                                         FIGURE 5: Adjacent Land Use Map














                                                               SAY
             PENSACOLA






     41                                                                                       ISLAND
                                                                     SANTA
                                                                                                      MEXICO
                                                                          'GULF        OF








        WILES



                                                     FIGURE 5:      Adjacent Land Use Map









                   of West Florida, has previously conducted research on the physiographic
                   changes taking place at Perdido Key. Dr. Norbert Psuty and K.A. Jagger (1990)
                   of Rutgers University studied shoreline changes on Perdido Key.

                   The   Florida Legislature enacted the Surface Water Improvement and
                   Management (S.W.I.M.) Act in 1987 and amended it in 1989. This act declares
                   that it is the duty of the state's agencies to enhance the environmental and
                   scenic value of surface waters. This declaration has prompted several research
                   projects which will determine the quality of the waters of the Pensacola Bay
                   system - of which Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound are a large part.
                   Strategies will be designed to protect and enhance the waters and their related
                   resources. These studies represent but a few of the projects which are taking
                   place within the preserves unique environment.

                   Preservation     -      The     northwest    Florida    coastline   is   one     of
                   this states most distinctive natural features. This natural beauty has always
                   been one of Florida's major attractions for both tourists and residents. Aquatic
                   preserves were created in order to protect these distinctive natural features.
                   The major management objective of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is to
                   maintain and enhance resources such as seagrasses, aquatic plants, birds and
                   fish. Only through careful preservation of these resources can the public's
                   continued enjoyment of this natural area be. insured.

               Future Use:


               Gulf Islands National Seashore personnel plan to provide a passenger ferry from
               Fort Barrancas, Pensacola Naval Air Station, to the dock at the old Coast Guard
               Station 'at the Fort Pickens Unit.       Once approved, the project will require
               modifications to the existing dock to accommodate the passenger ferry. The
               management of the national seashore plans no further development within the
               aquatic preserve, in keeping with the preservation philosophy of the National Park
               Service.


               If, for any reason, Gulf Islands National Seashore ceases to exist, the upland
               property will revert back to state ownership.












                                                         45




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                                                     CHAPTERIV


                                               MANAGEMENT AREAS



                A. INTRODUCTION


                This chapter divides the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve into separate management
                areas and delineates allowable uses (e.g., activities and structures) associated with
                each area. Each management area is classified by the value of natural and cultural
                resources (e.g., types, occurrence) on submerged lands adjacent to the type of
                upland use. The land adjacent to the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is entirely
                owned by the federal government. The land is managed as the Gulf Islands
                National Seashore, and falls under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, U.S.
                Department of the Interior. Consequently, the upland zoning and future land uses
                of this area are not expected to change from itsz@ present designation of
                "Conservation".


                The purpose of this chapter is four-fold: (1) to provide a better understanding of
                the general rule criteria designed to preserve and protect resources and habitat, (2)
                to identify the types of allowable uses on state-owned submerged lands within a
                preserve, (3) to provide local planners with a guide for land use decisions, and (4)
                to provide both the staff of the Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves and
                other agencies a continuity of direction in the management of this preserve. As
                such, this intent will afford habitat protection while lending- some measure of
                predictability for allowable uses in the aquatic preserve.

                Prior to providing the criteria for specific resource management areas, it is
                important that the intent, jurisdiction, and limitations of Florida's Aquatic Preserve
                Program be reiterated. Section 258.36, F.S., states that "it is the intent of -the
                Legislature that the state-owned submerged lands in areas which have exceptional
                biological, aesthetic, and scientific value ... be set aside forever as aquatic preserves
                or sanctuaries for the benefit of future generations." The program has jurisdiction
                over the use of state-owned submerged lands within the boundaries of a given
                preserve. Activities which occur outside the boundaries of an aquatic preserve or
                which do not directly affect state-owned submerged lands are not within the
                jurisdiction of the Aquatic Preserve Program (e.g., adjacent upland uses, regulation
                of commercial fishing).

                There are a number of differences between the rules governing uses of state-
                owned submerged lands within an aquatic preserve relative to those not within an
                aquatic preserve. The principal difference is that uses of submerged lands within
                an aquatic preserve must be shown to be "in the public interest" before they can
                be authorized, as opposed to being "not contrary to the public interest" for non-
                aquatic preserve areas.


                                                           47










               B. MANAGEMENT AREA CLASSIFICATIONS

               A key component of the management program for any aquatic preserve is the
               division of the preserve into management areas. The classification of management
               areas in an aquatic preserve is based upon the resource value of the submerged
               lands within the preserve associated with existing and proposed future land uses
               on the adjacent uplands as designated in the local government comprehensive
               plan(s). As in the delineation of upland uses through zoning, the delineation of a
               preserve into management areas is two-fold: (1) to identify areas of public and
               private uses, and (2) to provide standards with which proposed uses and activities
               must comply. The intent of these management area classifications is to make
               potential development activities compatible with resource protection goals.

               Designated or existing land uses are incorporated into the classification of
               management areas because use of the adjacent uplands has a direct bearing on
               the intensity of demand for uses of state-owned submerged lands. As mentioned
               earlier, the Aquatic Preserve Program has no jurisdiction over the designated use
               of the adjacent uplands within the GINS. The incorporation of a designated land
               use into the management area classification. is simply an acknowledgement of how
               a specific upland area is used. Since all adjacent uplands to the preserve are
               under federal ownership the specific land uses to be incorporated in the
               classification of management areas in the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is limited
               to the following categories:

                      Public Recreation (PRI: This category represents state-owned submerged
                      lands adjacent to land designated on a future land use map as public
                      recreation /preservation and is utilized for the purpose of public recreation.
                      It is intended to include (1) areas where structures are used by the general
                      public at no charge and (2) federal, state, and municipal parks that charge
                      a nominal fee. Military property, while not always -open to the public, is
                      included in this category since the buildings and grounds are often
                      designated as public facilities.

                      Open Water (OW): This category represents state-owned submerged lands
                      within an aquatic preserve which are of a distance of greater than 500 feet
                      from land.

               The land use classifications listed above are assigned an appropriate number to
               identify the resource value of the adjacent submerged lands. The methodology
               used to determine this resource value shall be consistent with the latest
               methodology approved by the Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves.

               If an area.within the preserve contains natural or cultural resources of significant
               value it is identified as a Primary Resource Protection Area (PRPA), and is
               assigned a resource value of "Ill". A PRPA essentially combines Resource


                                                        48









                Protection Areas 1 and 2, as defined in Sections 18-20.003(31), and 18-20.003(32),
                F.A.C.


                Submerged areas that are characterized by the absence of resource attributes will
                be identified as a Secondary Resource Protection Area (SRPA) and assigned
                a resource value of "2". 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 a submerged area within the preserve is
                determined to have a resource value of 1 and the adjacent uplands is zoned as
                public recreation/preservation (PR), then this management area would be classified
                as PR/1.


                C. MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ALLOWABLE USES


                Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., provides the minimum standards with regard to theutilization
                of state-owned submerged lands within an aquatic preserve as -authorized by the
                Board of Trustees and the Department of Natural Resources. It should be noted
                that other regulatory agencies rules and jurisdictions over activities may also apply
                within aquatic preserves. The minimum standards for allowable uses in the
                preserve 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:

                        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.

                Additional policies include all docking structures to access a depth of -4         feet at
                mean low water (MLW) and a reduction in the width of a terminal platform to 4 feet


                                                            49








               wide if the platform is over seagrasses. This reduction will not affect the overall
               area of the terminal platform.

               Spoil Disposal: 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 not recommend spoil
               disposal onto a PRPA within the Ft. Pickens Aquatic Preserve. Exceptions to this
               criteria may be granted where beach quality sand is transferred and deposited onto
               shoreline beaches as part of an approved beach restoration management plan.

               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.

               For the purposes of this plan, the following conditions will apply: (1) the Gulf
               Intracoastal Waterway is exempt from aquatic preserve rules and regulations,
               pursuant to Section 258.42, F.S., and functions only as a boundary of the preserve;
               and (2) certain activities are generally permissible in all management areas. These
               activities include shoreline stabilization, maintenance dredging, and maintenance of
               channel markers. Where appropriate to protect environmental resources, certain
               conditions or restrictions may be placed on these types of activities-. For example,
               seawalls in some locations may-be discouraged, and riprap may be required to be
               placed along a seawall in'order to provide additional habitat.

               Utility Easements: 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,
               oyster bars) and do not interfere with traditional uses. It will be the policy to place
               additional utilities into designated corridors or existing easements within the aquatic
               preserve if no other reasonable alternative exists.



               Q. MANAGEMENT AREAS


               In this section, each management area is delineated with boundaries, descriptions,
               and allowable uses. Due to changes that may occur from the rezoning of adjacent
               uplands and altering biological conditions on submerged lands, the final decision
               on approving, modifying or denying uses of the submerged lands within the
               preserve will be made based on field surveys and assessments of project sites.
               Figure 6 is a map of all 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.



                                                         50









                                         MANAGEMENT AREA PBL1

                             (public recreation /primary resource protection area)

              Boundaries: This management area is defined as all state-owned submerged lands
              from the mean high water line out 500'feet along the entire north shore of both
              Perdido Key and Santa Rosa Island.

              Descriotion: This area is characterized by sparse to dense seagrass beds,
              expansive salt marshes, bird nesting areas, a variety of marine life such as crabs,
              scallops, shrimp, polychaetes, and fish, and cultural resources.

              Allowable Uses: Public docks (meeting the requirements of all dock structures as
              stated in Section 18-20.004(5)(a), F.A.C.), utility easements (in designated
              corridors).





                                          MANAGEMENT AREA PR/2

                            (public recreation /secondary resource protection, area)

              Boundaries: This management area is defined as all state-owned submerged lands
              from the mean high water line out 500 feet on the Gulf side of the preserve from
              Perdido Key to Santa Rosa Island.

              Description: This area is characterized by high energy beaches and hard sand
              bottoms. Marine life forms include burrowing crabs, shrimp and worms, and fish.
              The beaches of Perdido Key are part of a beach renourishment program. These
              beaches received approximately 400 feet of sand along a five mile stretch of
              Perdido Key.

              Allowable Uses: Public docks (meeting the requirements of all dock structures as
              stated in Section 18-20.004(5(a), F.A.C.), beach renourishment and nearshore spoil
              disposal for beach renourishment purposes, utility easements.










                                                       51








                                          MANAGEMENT AREA O@LVL1

                                (open water/primary resource protection area)

              Boundaries: This management area is defined as all state-owned submerged lands
              of Big Lagoon, Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound which are 500 feet
              waterward of the mean high water line, within the aquatic preserve.              This
              management area also continues approximately 1 and 3/4 miles south of Perdido
              Key, paralleling the ship channel, and one mile west, paralleling the shoreline of
              Perdido Key, and northward towards the Perdido Key, until reaching the southern
              boundary of the PR/2 management area.

              Description: This area is characterized by patchy seagrass beds and submerged
              cultural resources.

              Allowable Uses: Utility easements (in designated corridors).





                                         MANAGEMENT AREA OWL2
                               (open water/secondary resource pr'otection area)

              Boundaries: This area is defined as all state-owned submerged lands of the Gulf
              of Mexico, which are 500 feet waterward of the mean high water line, within the
              aquatic preserve, excluding the area included in the- OW/1 category.

              Description* This -area is characterized -by relatively clear, deep waters with hard
              sand bottoms and scattered artificial reefs.


              Allowable Uses: Spoil disposal, utility easements.














                                                       52



















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                                                                  L
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                                   PRl

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                                   OW2

                                                   FIGURE 6:                   Management Areas














                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       BAY
                                                                           PENSACOLA-








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


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                                                                                                                                                                             PR2

                                                                                                                                                                             owl


                                                                                                                                                                             OW2
                                                         ILES

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            FIGURE 6:                                                                                      Management Areas










                                                    CHAPTER V


                             SITE SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND NEEDS



                This chapter deals with management issues and initiatives involving specific
                activities and environmental processes that directly affect the biological integrity of
                the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. The issues that are specific to this area include,
                but are not limited to, increasing boat and jet ski traffic and cooperation with the
                National Park Service. Management initiatives relative to these issues provide
                additional direction not set forth by Chapter 258, F.S., Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., or
                Chapter IV of this plan. These initiatives are intended to be used as a tool for DNR
                to manage the aquatic preserve and encourage local governmental and/or other
                agencies to provide additional restrictions where necessary for resolving those
                issues and needs.



                MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND SPECIAL NEEDS



                1. Boat and Jet Ski Traffic


                A large portion of Big Lagoon is shallow and presents navigational problems.
                Additionally, expansive submerged grassbeds occur in 1 to 3 foot depths. As the
                population of Florida grows, the traffic from boats and jet skis is expected to
                increase. This trend poses a nu   mber of problems, both from the standpoint of the
                expected impacts on the biological resources and from related safety issues. The
                biological aspects include: (1) an increase in turbidity, with the resultant loss of
                seagrasses sensitive to lowered levels of incident light penetration, (2) cutting of
                propellers and "prop dredging", and (3) pollution from refueling jet skis on beaches
                and shallow bay areas.

                Safety issues primarily revolve around the dramatic increase in jet ski use in recent
                years. By their very nature, jet skis are fast and highly maneuverable, making them
                a potential hazard for boaters and swimmers.

                Management Initiatives:

                       (1)    Protect submerged vegetation by requiring navigational aides in areas
                              of shallow water in conjunction with dense areas of submerged
                              grassbeds.

                       (2)    Encourage the local government and federal government (GINS) to
                              adopt regulations restricting jet skis from the preserve.



                                                          55









              2. Water Quality

              Although not under the jurisdiction of DNR, water quality is an issue of concern to
              the aquatic preserve. Very limited water quality studies have been conducted in the
              preserve. Directly across from the aquatic preserve is the Pensacola Naval Air
              Station (NAS). This military installation is the site of 17 hazardous waste superfund
              sites. These sites have the potential for surface and groundwater contamination.
              In addition, the preserve is impacted by discharges and stormwater runoff into
              Pensacola Bay and by bilgewater and wastewater from vessels. Consequently,
              there exists an immediate need to perform baseline water quality studies, document
              potential and actual impacts to the water quality and biological integrity in the
              aquatic preserve, and recommend ways to improve water quality.

              Management Initiatives:

                     (1)     Seek funding for basic water quality monitoring equipment to set up
                             a regular water quality monitoring program in the preserve.

                     (2)     Establish a cooperative status with Pensacola NAS and monitor
                             progress of the clean-up of the Navy's superfund sites, as outlined in
                             the Navy's Community Relations Plan.

                     (3)     Communicate with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
                             Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program Manager to stay
                             informed of research and monitoring activities within the preserve.

                     (4)     As a member of the Pensacola S.W.I.M. program's Technical
                             Advisory Committee, offer assistance and make recommendations to
                             improve water quality in the preserve.


              3. Cooperation with the Department of State

              Archaeologists with the Department of State (DOS), Division of Historical
              Resources, Bureau of Archaeological Research, have been conducting a survey of
              shipwrecks in the Pensacola Bay System. Several shipwrecks, have been located
              in the preserve, the most notable of which is the USS Massachusetts, an 1896
              battleship. The Bureau of Archaeological Research (BAR) is planning to establish
              this shipwreck as an Underwater Archaeological Preserve. It will be the third such
              preserve in the state, and the first to be located within the boundaries of an aquatic
              preserve. The Bureau of Archaeological Research plans to study and document
              the flora and fauna of the shipwreck, establish a system of mooring buoys, set up
              an educational display at a local museum, and develop brochures describing the
              shipwreck and its history. The Bureau of Archaeological Research has asked for
              suggestions, potential concerns, and cooperation in establishing and monitoring


                                                        56









                this underwater archaeological preserve from the Department of Natural Resources,
                Division of State Lands, Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves.

                Management Initiatives:

                       (1)    Develop a working, cooperative relationship with the personnel from
                              the Bureau of Archaeological Research.

                       (2)    Provide the Bureau of Archaeological Research with a list of concerns
                              and suggestions for establishing the underwater archaeological
                              preserve, and offer assistance and support as needed.

                       (3)    Provide assistance in monitoring and maintaining the biological and
                              cultural integrity of the underwater archaeological preserve.

                       (4)    Develop a plan with the Bureau of Archaeological Research to
                              monitor and study other shipwrecks in the preserve.


                4. Cooperation with the National Park Service, Gulf Islands National Seashore

                When the United States Congress authorized the establishment of Gulf Islands
                National Seashore in 1971, they included in the boundary submerged lands owned
                by the'State of Florida and designated as the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. In
                1974 part of these submerged lands were transferred to Gulf Islands National
                Seashore by the State of Florida through a dedication. An act was passed in 1986
                by the Florida Legislature, in cooperation with the federal government, relating to
                concurrent jurisdiction of state-owned submerged lands, providing that the United
                States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and the Governor of the
                State of Florida enter into written agreements for the exercise of concurrent
                jurisdiction over lands within the state of Florida, and provide an effective date.

                Such action will benefit the aquatic preserve by providing an extra layer of law
                enforcement and additional resource management capabilities presently not held
                by the Department of Natural Resources.

                Management Initiatives:

                       (1)    Develop a cooperative working relationship with personnel at Gulf
                              Islands National Seashore.


                       (2)    Cooperate with the Department of the Interior, National Park Service
                              personnel to develop and process the necessary paperwork required
                              to establish concurrent jurisdiction at Gulf Islands National Seashore,
                              as authorized by Florida law.


                                                         57








                       (3)    Develop a joint management agreement with Gulf Islands National
                              Seashore for the state-owned submerged lands authorized by the
                              United States Congress for inclusion in the national seashore. This
                              includes close cooperation to identify issues of concern and specific
                              needs of the National Park Service, thereby improving the
                              management of the submerged land and protecting and preserving
                              the resources present.


               5. Name Change

               As mentioned earlier, the uplands adjacent to the preserve were once a state park,
               called Fort Pickens State Park. When the aquatic preserve was established, it was
               give'n the name "Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve". This name is no longer
               accurate, as the uplands are no longer known as Fort Pickens State Park, rather
               as Gulf Islands National Seashore. The actual fort, Fort Pickens, is a well known
               historic landmark.


               Management Initiative:

                       (1)    Initiate correction language in the applicable Florida Statutes that will
                              properly rename this aquatic preserve as Fort Pickens Aquatic
                              Preserve.



               6. Expansion of Preserve

               The Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, Bureau of Archaeological
               Research and local citizens are in support of expanding the Fort Pickens Aquatic
               Preserve to include the submerged lands around the area known as "Deadman's
               Island."   The island was purchased by the city of Gulf Breeze to prevent
               development and is in a natural state. The island was used historically as a
               11careenage", a haven where ships could be repaired and refitted, since the 1700s.
               The area is noted on a regional scale as a prime maritime archaeological site.

               Management Initiative:

                       (1)    As per the Rules of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
                              Trust Fund Chapter 18-20 Florida Aquatic Preserves, 18-20.009,
                              pursue the expansion of the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve to include
                              the submerged lands adjacent to Deadman's Island on the Gulf
                              Breeze peninsula.





                                                         58









               7. Cooperation with Pensacola Naval Air Station

               The Pensacola Naval Air Station is a major land holder in the area, owning
               approximately four miles of shoreline near the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. The
               military base is used primarily to train naval aviators. Several factors make it an
               issue of concern to the aquatic preserve, those being the presence of seventeen
               sites which require indepth remedial investigation (superfund sites), Sherman Cove
               Marina, and military maneuvers and training which occurs in or above the aquatic
               preserve.

               Management Initiatives:

                      (1)    Develop a cooperative status and close liaison with Pensacola Naval
                             Air Station environmental management personnel.

                      (2)    Promote the mutual exchange of environmentally sound information
                             and ideas relating to such issues as military maneuvers and/or
                             operations that may require direct utilization or otherwise impact the
                             preserve.




































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                                                     CHAPTER V1


                                           MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN



                This chapter establishes the guidelines which allow for the management and
                protection of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve's natural and cultural 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, the function, importance, and location of the resources must be defined.
                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 management program for the aquatic preserve includes:

                               providing information on the ecological functions and economic
                               importance of the natural resources within the preserve.

                               overseeing those activities that affect the natural resources within the
                               preserve.

                               ensuring that accurate biological and physical information is
                               considered in permit-related issues and planning decisions.

                               ensuring that all statutes and rules regarding the preserve's natural
                               resources are followed and that violations are enforced by the
                               appropriate authorities.

                               conducting on-site surveys for specific activities.

                               coordinating with other resource management and enforcement
                               agencies.

                               educating the public on the inherent and economic values associated
                               with natural resources.


                               conducting or cooperating with other entities to conduct pertinent
                               research projects.

                               developing a comprehensive management program that can be
                               periodically updated.


                                                           61








               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-profit corporations.




               A. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

               The overall goals of resource management within aquatic preserves are:

                            conducting and maintaining resource inventories,
                            assessing the impact of human activities on the resources,
                            establishing habitat restoration programs,
                            -cooperating with other agencies in water quality improvement,
                            participating in local land use decisions that may affect the
                            submerged resources-.




               GOAL A.1: MAINTAIN RESOURCE INVENTORIES


               Oboective A.1.1: To conduct and maintain a resource inventory of submerged
               and emergent vegetation.

                     Task A.1.1.1: Conduct an inventory of seagrasses, attached algae, marsh
                     grasses, and other shoreline vegetation by using available satellite imagery
                     (e.g., LANDSAT, SPOT, etc.), aerial photography, Loran coordinates, and
                     groundtruthing efforts.

                     Task A.1.1.2: This inventory shall be conducted once every two years.

                     Task A.1.1.3: The database generated from this inventory will be used to
                     create biological resource maps.


               Oboective A.1.2: To conduct an inv       entory of plant and animal species,
               including designated species, and their habitats.

                     Task A.1.2.11: Conduct an inventory of plant and animal species, with
                     emphasis on designated species, and their habitats by using data from
                     existing literature, current research studies and groundtruthing efforts'.

                     Task A.1.2.2: This inventor  y shall be conducted once every two years.


                                                       62









               Obwective A.1 .3: To conduct an inventory of coastal and estuarine birds and
               their habitats.


                      Task A.1.3.1: Conduct an inventory of birds that feed, roost, loaf, and nest
                      throughout the preserve by using existing literature, current research studies,
                      and groundtruthing efforts.

                      Task A.1.3.2: This inventory shall be conducted once every two years.


               Objective A.1.4: Conduct and maintain an inventory of cultural resources in
               the preserve.

                      Task A.1.4.1:      Coordinate with the Department of State, Bureau of
                      Archaeological Research and Gulf Islands National Seashore to identify
                      location and types of cultural resources in the preserve.




               GOAL A.2: ASSESS THE IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN THE
               PRESERVE


               Objective A.2.11: To inventory and assess the effects of human activities on
               the natural and cultural resources of the preserve.

                      Task A.2.1.1: Implement a natural resources monitoring program in the
                      preserve to determine the extent and relationship between human activities
                      and the degradation of the natural resources.

                      Task A.2.1.2: Monitor patterns and trends of seagrass distribution in the
                      preserve. Determine areas which have been impacted by boating, fishing,
                      shrimping and other human activities.




               GOAL A.3: RESTORE ESTUARINE HABITAT


               Objective A.3.11: To identify suitable unvegetated and disturbed shoreline
               areas as restoration sites.


                   Task A.3.1.1: Conduct a survey to identify suitable shoreline areas that could
                   be revegetated with marsh grass plantings.


               Objective A-3.2: To seek grant funding sources to restore or enhance
               seagrass and salt marsh habitats in the preserve.


                                                         63








                  Task A.3.2.11: Pursue grant funding to restore or enhance seagrass and salt
                  marsh habitats in the preserve.

                  Task A.3.2.2: Coordinate with the Northwest Florida Water Management
                  District, as a member of the Pensacola Bay S.W.I.M. program Technical
                  Advisory Committee, to accomplish habitat restoration elements of the
                  Pensacola Bay S.W.I.M. Plan.




              Goal A.4: IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

              Objective A.4.11: To coordinate with DER, NWFWMD, and local governments
              toward improving water quality in the preserve.

                  Task A.4.1.1: Actively pursue procurement of basic water quality monitoring
                  supplies for the preserve.

                  Task A.4.1.2: Maintain an inventory file and assess available water quality data
                  in the preserve. Coordinate with DER and NWFWMD to determine sources of
                  degradation and evaluate possible actions to improve water quality. Offer input
                  and assistance to the Pensacola Bay System S.W.I.M. program.

                  Task A.4.1.3: Coordinate with DER and local governments toward improving
                  the management of surface water-and stormwater discharges into the aquatic
                  preserve.

                  Task A.4.1.4: Investigate the impacts to water quality by private. recreational
                  and commercial boaters. Alert appropriate enforcement agencies of need for
                  increased patrols. Develop boater awareness plan.




              GOAL A.5: COORDINATE WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ON LAND USE
              PLANNING


              Obeective A.5.11: To coordinate with local planning departments, regional
              planning councils, and the Department of Community Affairs to
              develop/revise/evaluate local government comprehensive plans and
              amendments.


                  Task A.5.1.1: Establish role as field representative for DNR Aquatic Preserves
                  with local governments. Offer assistance in the development of policies and
                  ordinances that regulate activities affecting state-owned submerged.



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                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. Since it is not feasible to target
                all of the organisms adequately, the primary thrust of the resource protection
                element is the protection of the various habitats that make up the preserve. The
                goals of the aquatic preserve program with regard to resource protection therefore
                include (1) protection of the existing submerged vegetation (e.g., seagrass beds,
                attached algae), (2) protection of emergent vegetation (e.g., marsh grass), and (3)
                protection of animal species, particularly designated species, and their habitat.

                In, the case of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve, very few activities are planned on
                state-owned submerged lands, consequently resources are not expected to be
                negatively impacted from development. Uplands are owned by the National Park
                Service which has a strong preservation philosophy. Park officials do have plans
                to rebuild an old existing dock. These plans will be closely coordinated with DNR's
                Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the
                Department of Environmental Regulation, as required by law.




                GOAL B.1: PROTECTION OF SUBMERGED AND EMERGENT VEGETATION


                Objective B.1.1: Ensure that human use of the preserve does not adversely
                affect the submerged and emergent vegetation.

                   Task B.1.1.1: Require that all dredge and fill projects use effective turbidity
                   control practices.

                   Task B.1.1.2: Assess the impact of shrimp trawling and other commercial and
                   recreational activities on the submerged vegetation within the preserve.

                   Task B.1.1.3: Develop and implement a seagrass protection plan for the
                   preserve. Seek funding to erect signs notifying boaters of shallow seagrass
                   areas.


                   Task B.I.1.4: Assess impacts to emergent vegetation and develop plan for
                   remediation.


                   Task B.1.1.5: Coordinate with the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission on the
                   development of new draft fisheries regulations which may affect the aquatic
                   preserve.







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               GOAL B.2: PROTECTION OF DESIGNATED SPECIES AND HABITAT


               Objective B.2.1: To ensure that habitats and species are given maximum
               protection through the aquatic preserve program.

                   Task B.2.2.1: Be familiar with all designated species likely to occur in the
                   aquatic preserve, their identification, habitat requirements, status, and
                   relevant laws pertaining to designated species.

                   Task B.2.2.2: Record sightings, locations, activity and other relevant data when
                   observing designated species in the preserve.

                   Task B.2.2.3: Coordinate with appropriate groups to conduct monitoring,
                   inventories, habitat evaluations or other activities that relate to the status and
                   distribution of designate species and their habitat.

                   Task B.2.2.4: Evaluate forces impacting life history requirements of designated
                   species in the preserve. Coordinate with appropriate agencies to protect
                   species and habitat and enforce relevant laws.




               C. RESEARCH


               Effective management of any biological system relies almost entirely -on information
               as to how that system functions, and research is the foundation upon which this
               information is based. Estuarine systems and open water habitats are not fully
               understood, and it is essential that some of the gaps in this understanding be filled.
               In the case of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve, several researchers are conducting
               studies in and adjacent to the preserve. The aquatic preserve manager -shall
               therefore actively support their research and participate in the research, if possible.
               The goals of the research program for aquatic preserves in general are:

                         to gain a better understanding of those factors that are essential to the
                         continued biological integrity of the major habitats (beds of submerged
                         vegetation, marshes, tidal flats, etc.) within the aquatic preserve, and

                         to gain a better understanding of those factors that govern the continued
                         survival and propagation of designated species that use the aquatic
                         preserve for any portion of their life cycle.



               .GOAL CA: DETERMINE THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE INTEGRITY OF
               COASTAL AND ESTUARINE HABITATS



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              Objective C.1.11: To determine research needs in the preserve

                  Task C.1.1.1:     Conduct a literature review, including current status and
                  biological trends, of coastal and estuarine species and habitats in the preserve.


              Objective C.1.2: To determine the primary factors that affect the coastal and
              estuarine habitats in the preserve.

                  Task C.11.2.11: Determine historical seagrass loss in the preserve and
                  identify probable factors causing this loss.

                  Task C.1.1.3: Pursue funding to establish a seagrass restoration project in the
                  preserve.

                  Task C.1.1.4: Pursue funding to conduct research on the biology and
                  ecology of the marsh habitat and species in the preserve.

                  Task C.1.1.5: Coordinate with ongoing research projects in the preserve
                  (beach renourishment, plant recovery, benthic invertebrates, Perdido Key beach
                  mouse) to monitor findingg, and participate in research when possible.




              GOAL C.2: DETERMINE THE FACTORS WHICH AFFECT SURVIVAL AND
              PROPAGATION OF DESIGNATED SPECIES


              Obeective C.2.1: Seek funding to initiate research on habitat and survival
              needs of designated species in the preserve.

                  Task C.2.1.1:     Support research to establish critical habitat areas for
                  designated species in the preserve.

                  Task C.2.1.2: Pursue funding for research on the distribution, life cycles
                  and habitat needs of designated species in the preserve.


              Objective C.2.2:      To determine the species composition, distribution,
              abundance, seasonality, and size classes of marine turtles and dolphins that
              utilize the aquatic preserve.

                  Task C.2.2.1: Support or seek funding to participate in research on the biology
                  and life history of marine turtles and dolphins and the factors affecting their
                  survival.




                                                       67








                   Task C.2.2.2: Coordinate with and offer assistance on 'a local level to the
                   Division of Marine Resources' marine turtle research and conservation program.

                   Task C.2.2.3: Maintain an active membership in and support the efforts of both
                   the Marine Mammal Stranding Network and the Turtle Stranding Network.




               D. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION


               The integrity of the biological system of Ft. Pickens Aquatic Preserve can be
               affected, both directly and indirectly, by the public's enjoyment of the preserve.
               One of the primary aims of the aquatic preserve program, therefore, is to educate
               the public as to the importance of the factors that affect the integrity of the
               preserve. Environmental education instructs individuals as to the importance of
               preserving natural and cultural resources so they may consider all issues prior to
               making decisions that affect these resources. In general, the purpose of this
               element is to educate the public and encourage them to become responsible users
               of the preserve.




               GOAL D.11: EDUCATE THE PUBLIC TOWARD WISE RESOURCE USE


               Objective DA: To develop an aquatic preserve interpretive program for use
               in existing environmental education programs and to educate users of the
               preserve on the preserve's natural resources.

                   Task D.1.1.11: Develop a reference library of information relevant to the natural
                   resources of Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve.

                   Task D.1.1.2: Maintain and expand a specimen collection of species commonly
                   found in the aquatic preserve for use in educational programs.

                   Task D.1.1.3: Coordinate with Gulf Islands National Seashore to develop
                   interpretive programs which focus on the aquatic preserve. Cooperate with
                   park personnel to implement these programs.

                   Task D.1.1.4: Provide natural history talks and field trips for local public and
                   private groups (college students, developers, local governments, scout groups,
                   etc.) interested in the preserves natural resources.






                                                        68









               Obeective Q.2: To produce educational literature and materials that inform the
               public of the preserve's natural and cultural resources and the importance of
               preserving and protecting these resources.

                  Task D.2.1.1: Develop brochures, pamphlets, and/or booklets that describe
                  to the public; (1) the purpose of the aquatic preserve program and activities
                  conducted at the local aquatic preserve office, and (2) general information on
                  the preserve's ecosystem and cultural resources. If feasible, this task will
                  include video presentations.

                  Task D.2.2.2: Submit newspaper articles or radio- announcements designed to
                  educate the general public about the ecological functions and economic
                  importance of the natural resources within a preserve.

                  Task D.2.2.3: Cooperate with Gulf Islands National Seashore to set up an
                  educational display to distribute brochures and other educational materials
                  about the aquatic preserve.

                  Task. D.2.2.4: Cooperate with the Bureau of Archaeological Research to set up
                  an educational display on the submerged cultural resources of the preserve,
                  especially the sunken 1896 battleship, USS Massachusetts.


               Oboective Q.3: To participate in environmental education programs.

                  Task Q.3.1.11: Participate in environmental education conferences and seminars
                  to enhance teaching skills, to become familiar wiih other educational programs,
                  and to share information on the aquatic preserve program.



















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                                                   CHAPTER V111


                                  MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK



               This chapter presents a general overview of the various federal, state, regional, and
               local agencies that regulate or hold interest in the management or use of the Fort
               Pickens Aquatic Preserve. A reference matrix of these regulatory programs and
               their jurisdictions is presented in Table 7. One function of the aquatic preserve
               program is to coordinate with these agencies to achieve common goals relevant to
               aquatic preserve management.

               It should be noted that many of the following federal, state, and local agencies with
               jurisdiction in the preserve may impose additional permit requirements on activities
               previously outlined in Chapter IV of this plan.



               A. FEDERAL AGENCIES


               A number of federal agencies have property interests, construction activities,
               regulation programs, research activities, and land/wildlife management programs
               that deal either directly or indirectly with the aquatic preserves. These federal
               agencies include:      U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.
               Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
               Service, National Park Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

               The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CO91 has jurisdiction over inland navigable
               waters under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. A revision of the Rivers and
               Harbors Act in 1968 extended the Corps' jurisdiction, allowing the agency to
               consider the fish and wildlife, conservation, pollution, aesthetics, ecology, and other
               relevant factors of a project. The Corps Regulatory Program was expanded in 1972
               to include the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments, now known as the
               Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 404 of this act requires the Corps to control
               dredge and fill activities.    In 1977, amendments to the CWA extended this
               jurisdictional responsibility to wetlands. The Corps also contributes 50% of the
               funds reimbursed to the Water Management Districts by the Department of Natural
               Resources for aquatic plant control.

               The preserve is monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) f           or boating safety
               (including search and rescue operations) and navigational problems, and to enforce
               maritime laws. The Coast Guard Auxiliary, an organization of volunteers, performs
               boating safety inspections, conducts boating classes and assists in search and
               rescue operations.




                                                          71









               The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EUA has jurisdiction over surface
               waters in the state. Enforcement authority was given under the Clean Water Act
               of 1968 and broadened under the 1977 revision. In general, the EPA is responsible
               for pollution control and abatement, including: air, water, noise, solid waste, toxic
               waste, and radiation. The agency reviews permits issued by the Department of
               Environmental Regulation for the treatment, disposal, and storage of hazardous
               wastes. Authority is divided between EPA and USCG regarding the discharge of
               oil or hazardous substances into surface water.


               The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) performs surveys and research pertaining to
               topography as well as monitoring the mineral and water resources of the Fort
               Pickens Aquatic Preserve region.

               The U.S. Fish and Wildlife -Service (USFWS) is responsible for fish and wildlife
               and their habitat as authorized in: the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (COBRA),
               National Environmental Protection Act, Migratory Bird Act, Endangered Species Act,
               and the Fish and Wildlife -Coordination Act (FWCA). Under provision of the FWCA,
               USFWS must be consulted before COE can submit a plan for Congressional
               approval. The USFWS comments on the impacts of proposed -projects on
               endangered species, migratory birds, and other fish and wildlife and their habitats.
               They are directed to prepare environmental impact assessments or statements for
               proposed projects by the COE and are authorized to issue "Jeopardy Opinion"
               against any proposed project which will negatively affect an endangered species.

               The National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior, manages the Gulf
               Islands National Seashore. This popular national seashore encompasses barrier
               islands, wilderness areas, and a live oak reservation. Its boundaries range from the
               Florida panhandle to the Mississippi gulf coast (excluding Alabama). The National
               Park Service's philosophy of preservation ensures that these areas will remain in
               their natural state for future generations to enjoy.

               The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS1, under the Department of
               Commerce, is involved with fisheries management.
               In accordance with the federal consistency review process, the Bureau of
               Submerged Lands and Preserves reviews the federal programs and activities as to
               how they affect the objectives of the aquatic preserve management program. This
               review is coordinated through the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation's
               Office of Coastal Management in order to enforce the provisions of the Federal
               Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.

               The United States Navy, Pensacola Naval Air Station, under the Department of
               Defense, has been selected as a Homeporting site. Pensacola NAS is used
               primarily as a training center for naval aviators.




                                                        72










               B. STATE AGENCIES


               Eight state agencies have programs that affect the resources or regulate activities
               within the aquatic preserves: Department of Natural Resources, Department of
               Environmental Regulation, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, Game
               and Freshwater Fish Commission, Department of Community Affairs, Marine
               Fisheries Commission, Department of State, and the Department of Transportation.

               Although not a state *agency, the Office of Planning and Budgeting of the
               Governor's Executive Office, in conjunction with the DER's Office of Coastal
               Management, is responsible for administering project reviews applicable to Florida's
               Coastal Management Program Federal Consistency evaluation process. This
               process includes all projects in the state that involve federal permitting, federal
               assistance or control federal activities. Each project must undergo this additional
               review to determine if the project is consistent with established programs, policies,
               and rules of the State, including aquatic preserves.

               The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) areas of responsibility include state
               lands, sovereignty submerged lands, and marine resources (e.g., marine research
               projects, sea turtle and manatee protection). The Florida Marine Patrol enforces
               safe boating laws as well as commercial and recreational fishing regulations.
               Authority granted under Chapters 18-20, and 18-21, F.A.C., gives . DNR
               responsibility to regulate comm ercial and residential docks and other structures and
               activities conducted on submerged lands. Chapters 369.20-369.22, F.S., authorizes
               the Bureau of Aquatic Plants to regulate various aquatic plant control programs,
               including permit review for mechanical, biological, and chemical control of aquatic
               plants. Permits are also necessary under Chapter 16C-52, F.A.C., "Aquatic Plant
               Importation, Transportation, Cultivation, and Possession", for any persons
               cultivating, revegetating, or collecting aquatic plants.

               The Department of Environmental Regulation (DEBI has a broad range of
               responsibilities and receives its authority from State Law and some delegated from
               EPA. Generally, the DER responsibilities include water management, water quality,
               potable water, air quality, coastal management, wetland protection, power plant
               siting, hazardous and solid wastes.

               These responsibilities are accomplished through the following regulatory
               mechanisms: (1) establishment of state standards designed to protect natural
               systems and prevent harmful pollutants from entering these systems; (2) application
               of these standards through the permitting of potential sources of pollution and
               monitoring discharges for compliance; and (3) initiation of enforcement action for
               non-compliance with these standards.





                                                        73









               The DER's rules significant to the aquatic preserve management program are
               Chapters 17-301, 17-302, 17-4, and 17-312, F.A.C. Authority for these rules is
               based in Chapter 403, F.S. Chapter 17-301 and 17-302, F.A.C., addresses water
               quality standards with the most stringent category being "Outstanding Florida
               Waters" (OFW). The Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve became an OFW in 1979.
               Chapter 17-4, F.A.C., addresses permit requirements and Chapter 17-312, F.A.C.,
               covers dredge and fill activities.

               Section 253.77, F. S., as amended by the Warren S. Henderson Wetlands Protection
               Act of 1984, requires that any person requesting the use of state-owned lands shall
               have prior approval of the Trustees. As a result of this amendment, an interagency
               agreement between DNR and DER provides for comments from DNR staff, on
               behalf of the Board of Trustees, into the DER permitting process for proposed
               activities in aquatic preserves.

               The Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) has responsibilities
               to protect the public's health by overseeing functions that involve water supply, on-
               site sewage disposal, septic tank cleaning, solid waste control, and hazardous
               wastes. Authority for these responsibilities is found in Chapters 154, 381, and 386,
               F.S., and in the 10D Series of F.A.C., known as the "Sanitary Code." Within each
               county, HRS functions as the county's health department and oversees these
               jurisdictional responsibilities.

               Also affecting the public's health and the aquatic preserve program is the arthropod
               (mosquito) control program, which Js usually administered through the local
               mosquito control district. Each of these public health programs holds the potential
               to create significant impacts upon the aquatic preserves.

               The Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFWFQ authority is provided in
               the rules and regulations of Chapters 39.101 and 39.102, F.A.C. This authority
               involves the implementation of specific regulations and their enforcement for
               protecting all wildlife and their habitats.    As such, the GFWFC is the state
               coordinator for species designated for protection in Florida.

               The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Regional Planning Councils
               are authorized under Section 380.06, F.S., for administering the Development of
               Regional Impact (DRI) review program. The DRI process was established to
               provide a review and monitoring procedure for development projects potentially
               affecting the health, safety or welfare of citizens of more than 'one county.
               Additionally, the DCA designates Areas of Critical State Concern (ACSC). These
               designations are 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 submit new or
               existing land development regulations to DCA for review and approval. According
               to Section 380.05, F.S., the entire land development process w ill require the state's


                                                         74









               supervision until that local government modifies its land development practices to
               conform to the principles guiding development within -an ACSC.

               The DCA also oversees the development of Local Government Comprehensive
               Plans (LGCP) for both counties and municipalities, as required by the Local
               Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act,
               Chapter 163, Part 11, F.S. Subsection 163.3203(5), F.S., provides that DCA shall
               adopt rules for the review of local government land development regulations.
               Within one year of submission for review by DCA, local governments are required
               to adopt land development regulations which are consistent with their
               comprehensive plans, pursuant to Subsection 163.3167(2), F.S. The two elements
               within these plans that bear most directly on the aquatic preserve program are the
               Coastal Zone Management Element and the Conservation Element.

               The Marine Fisheries Commission (MFQ was established as a rulemaking
               authority pursuant to Section 370.027, F.S. The seven members appointed by the
               Governor are delegated full rulemaking authority over marine life (subject to
               approval by the Trustees), with the exception of endangered species. This
               authority covers the following areas: (a) gear specifications, (b) prohibited gear, (c)
               bag limits, (d) size limits, (e) species that may not be sold, (9 protected species,
               (g) closed areas, (h) quality control codes, (i) open/closed seasons, and 0) special
               considerations related to egg-bearing individuals, and (k) relaying of clams and
               oysters. The MFC is also instructed to make annual recommendations to the
               Trustees regarding marine fisheries research priorities.

               The Department of State (DOS). Division of Historical Resources (DHRJ has
               the responsibility granted under Chapter 267, F.S., regarding the preservation and
               management of Florida's archaeological and historical resources.                    This
               responsibility includes those cultural resources located on state-owned lands,
               including aquatic preserves.

               The Department of Transportation (Ppn has responsibilities that include right-of-
               way and surface water runoff in the areas of roads, bridges, and causeways. The
               DOT also updates a state-wide aerial photographic survey every four years, rotating
               on a district basis.



               Q. REGIONAL AGENCIES


               At the regional level, the management coordination network includes the Northwest
               Florida Water 'Management District, the West Florida Regional Planning Council, and
               the Florida Inland Navigation District. These organizations conduct activities that
               are on a broader scale than those of local governments.




                                                          75








               The Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) was created by
               Chapter 61-69, Laws of Florida, as a public corporation for carrying out Chapter
               378, F.S., 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 rules in these chapters
               are to implement the surface water management permit system mandated in Part
               IV of Chapter 373, F.S. The statutes resulted from passage of Chapter 84-79, Laws
               of Florida, the Warren G. Henderson Wetlands Protection Act of 1984.

               NWFWMD has jurisdiction over and administers the permitting program for water
               use, well construction, stormwater discharge, surface water management,
               groundwater withdrawals, water level control and provides control of exotic plants
               (primarily hydrilla and water hyacinths) in cooperation with the COE.

               It is the intent of the Florida Legislature (Chapter 87-97, Section 1-6, Laws of
               Florida) through the Surface Water Improvement Management (S.W.I.M.)"Act, that
               the water management @Iistricts "design and implement plans and programs for the
               improvement and management of surface water." The Northwest Florida Water
               Management District-was directed to develop a management plan which mandates
               restoration and protection for this priority water body (Pensacola Bay). The
               Pensacola Bay S.W. I. M. Plan was approved by the Governing Board of the District
               in November 1990.


               The West Florida Regional Planning Council (WFRPQ serves as a regional
               planning body for county and municipal governments. Its many functions include:
               (1) providing assistance to local governments with planning expertise, (2) serving
               as the regional representative for the DRI review process, (3) serving as a regional
               clearinghouse for state and federal projects and programs, (4) assisting local
               governments in securing grants, (5) conveying information from the local
               governments to the state and federal levels, and (6) preparing and administering
               the Regional Comprehensive Policy Plan.


               Q. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS11INTEREST GROUPS

               Local governments are the incorporated cities and counties that border the
               preserve. The entire Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is within Escambia County's
               area of jurisdiction. Uplands adjacent to the aquatic preserve are owned by the
               federal government and are managed as Gulf Islands National Seashore.

               As the liaison with local governments, field personnel provide input into local
               government policies to encourage conformance with the objectives of the 'aquatic
               preserve management plan.




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               Private and Public Interest Groups

               Effective management of the preserve will be enhanced by continued support from
               organized groups, associations, and individuals. Citizen support organizations are
               particularly valuable through the provision of technical, non-technical, and financial
               assistance. The administration and field staff will encourage participation from
               citizen support organizations at the aquatic preserve.

               The relationship of non-governmental entities to the preserve will include the
               coordination of activities such as scientific research, environmental education, and
               other activities relating to the protection, management, or improved understanding
               of the preserve. Field staff will be active in communicating with the above groups.




































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                TABLE 7:                 MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK



                 LOCAL AGENCIES                                                   REGIONAL AGENCIES


                   LGT    Local    Governments     (Cities,     Towns,              RPC    Regional Planning 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

                                                                                  FEDERAL AGENCIES

                 STATE AGENCIES
                                                                                    CG     United States Coast Guard
                   DCA    Florida Department of Community Affairs                   COE    United States Army Corps of 
     
                   DER    Florida   Department    of   Environmental                       Engineers
                          Regulation                                                EPA    United States Environmental
                   DNR    Florida Department of Natural Resources                          Protection Agency
                   GFC    Florida   Game    and    Freshwater     Fish              FWS    United States Fish and Wildlife

                          Commission                                                       Service
                   HRS    Florida   Department     of   Health     and              NMF    National Mariner Fisheries Service
                          Rehabilitative Services                                   GS     United States Geological Survey
                   DOS    Florida Department of State
                   DOT    Florida Department of Transportation
                   FMP    Florida Marine Patrol

                   FSG    Florida Sea Grant

                   MFC    Marine Fisheries Commission

                   DAC    Florida Department of Agriculture and
                          Consumer Services



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







                                                                                                                                                                                         Local                                            Regional                                                                     State                                                                                                 Federal
                                                                                                                                                              L        CGF LDD MCD ICD SWC                                         RPC NMD FIN                      DAC DCA DER                          DNR      GFr IIRS DOS MT FMP FSG MFC CG COE EPA FWS                                                                                               NM GS
                                             Dredge and Fill Permitting
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          .. ........ ..         .....                                                                                                                                       ... .... .. . .. ....... ..   -
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     .... .........
                                                    Dockso Fishing Piers, Seawalls                                                                            0          0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          . .. .... ......

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ......           ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          .. ........ ........
                                                    Marinas
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          . ....... ..                                                                                                                                                       .......         .......                       .... .......
                                             Submerged Lands Management                                                                                                                                                            ......       ......
                                             Habitat Protection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           -A
                                             Mangroves/Wetlands                                               Protection                                                 0                                          1              [:J.         . ........
                                             Seagrass Protection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ....                                                                                                                                                   .. .. ......... .
                                             Habitat Restoration                                                                                                                                                                                                                  0          0           0          0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .. .. ........                                                                                                                                                                                  . .......
                                             Manitroves/Wetiands                                              Restoration                                                                                                                                                         0          0           0
                                             Seagrass Restoration                                                                                                                                                                                                              10            0           01
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ... ............
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              0           0
                                             Resource Inventory
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  0          0           0          0                                                                                                                                      ...0 . ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ........ ........ .......          .. . . .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ........ ....... ........ .        . . ......
                                             Manatees/Porpoises                                                                                               0          0                                                                                                        0                      0
                                             Endangered Species                                                                                               0          0                                                                                                        0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .0            0                                  0 0                    0.0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ........         ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ....... ........ .. .. . ........ ........
                                             Shellfish/Aguaculture                                                                                                       0                      0                                                                                            0           0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          . ......               .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   .....        .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             . .. ........ .
                                             Public Aware ness/Educition                                                                                                 0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           . .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             0           0          0                                              0          0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ...                                                                                                          01
                                             Research                                                                                                                                           0                                                                                            0           0          0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        .. . ........ ...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ........ .....                                .. ........
                                             Fisheries Research                                                                                                                                 0                                                                                 0                      0          0                                                         0           0

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             .... ........ .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ::sX......      ..........
                                             Fisheries Management                                                                                                                             10                                                                                  0                      0                                                                    0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ........                                                                                                                                    ........ ........ ........ ...                . ........
                                                    Recreational Fishing                                                                                                                                                                                                          01                  10            0                                              0          0           0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ....... ........                   .. . ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   . ...... .......              .......                                                                                                                                                .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I......          ... ....                                                                                                                                    .......    ....... ........ ..
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ......... ........ ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   .......      ........         ........
                                                    Commercial Fishing                                                                                                                                                                                                            0                      0                                                         0          0           0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             .... ........ ..........
                                             Wildlife Management
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          .. . . ........
                                             Mosquito Impoundments                                                                                                                              0                                                                                 0                      0                                                                                                              -.0'.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ... .......                                                                                                                                             .......    .......                            ....... . ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ... ....                      . ... ........      .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   . .. ........ ........                                                                                                                                                    ...                                           ... ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .... ..          ........                                                                                                                                    .......    ....... ........ ........          -.....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ....... .... .                                                                                                                                                                             ...... . ........   ........
                                             Historical/Archeological                                                  Sites                                  0          0                                                                                                        0                      0                                 0                                                                 .... ........ ......... ...
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       0 1.0.                        q b.:.xI.:.:.                                                                                                                                           ........ ........
                                             Water Quality                                                                                                    0                                                                                 ... . ........                    0 0                    0                      0                                  0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             .....      ...... .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ......                                                                                                                                      .....      ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .. ........ .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Xo:.-           ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ...                                                                                                                                         ........ ..
                                                    Nonpoint Source Pollution                                                                                 0          0                                                                                                        0          0           0                      0                                                                            .....      .01
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             . . . . .......                   .......
                                                    Point Source Pollution                                                                                    0          0                                                                                                        0          0           0                      0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ...                                                                                                                                         ........ ...                                      .......
                                                    Oil/Chemical Spills
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  0          0           0

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ........ .......
                                             Drainage/Freshwater Control                                                                                      0          0           0                                                                                            0          0           0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .......                                                                                                                                     ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ......                                                                                                                                      ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ........ ...... . ........    .......         ........ .....-
                                             Emergency Response                                                                                               0                                                                                                                   0          0           0          0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ........                                                                                                                                    ... ...                       . ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ... .......
                                             Upland Development                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 . .....
                                                                                                                                                                         0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 .....                                                                                                                                       .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   x-0:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .......          ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .....            .......
                                             Land Use Planning                                                                                                0          0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ......      ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    0           0                                                                                       0
                                             Navixational/Bouting                                                                                             0          0
                                             Recreational Areas                                                                                               0          0                                                                                                                                                                                         0          0
                                                                                                                                                           [GT
                                                                                                                                                              0
                                                                                                                                                              0
                                                                                                                                                              0













































                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   a            :0.
                                             Bridges and Roads                                                                                                       lot



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                                                    CHAPTER V1111


                                         STAFFING AND FISCAL NEEDS



                Historically, the Aquatic Preserve Program has been largely dependent on federal
                coastal zone grant funds for the development of management plans, with very little
                of this funding allocated towards staffing. Consequently, the number of both field
                positions and central office positions have been limited.

                In order for the Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve to be managed in accordance to the
                goals, objectives and tasks, set forth in this plan, adequate state funding for staffing
                and equipment is essential. Currently, one employee has been assigned to
                manage Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve and three other northwest Florida aquatic
                preserves. There is no legislative funding for a permanent on-site manager at the
                preserve. Instead, management is conducted on a part-time basis by the aquatic
                preserve manager located in the Pensacola Field Office.

                It is anticipated that the above program can be implemented with two full-time
                employees for the preserves and a full-time secretarial assistant. This estimate
                does not include staff-time or expenses by DNR and other state agency employees
                involved intermittently in the various tasks necessary to manage and conserve the
                natural resources of the aquatic preserve.              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 is found in Table 8. The budget is required to fulfill the short-range needs
                of the preserve as described in this management plan, and accomplish the
                Department goal of on-site management for all aquatic preserves by 1991, as
                expressed in the.Agency Functional Plan.
















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                                                       TABLE 8


                                  ANTICIPATED BUDGET FOR FORT PICKENS
                         AND OTHER LOCALLY ASSOCIATED AQUATIC PRESERVES






                SALARY                                      1 ST YEAR              2ND YEAR


                ES 11 (with benefits)                        $33,836                 $34,851
                ES I (with benefits)                            28,224                29,071
                Secretary (with benefits)                       17,255                17,773

                Subtotal                                        79,315                81,695



                OPERATING CAPITAL OUTLAY


                Vehicle                                      $15,000
                17' Boat/ Motor/Trailer                         15,000
                Office Equipment                                10,000
                Computer                                          5,000
                Sampling Gear/Supplies                            3,000

                Subtotal                                        48,000



                OPERATING EXPENSES


                Off ice Rent/Gas/Phone                       $ 19,000                $21,000


                TOTAL COST                                   $146,315               $102,695
















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                                                 CHAPTERIX


                         RESOURCE AND PROGRESS MONITORING PROGRAM



              To ensure this management plan is effectively implemented, it will be necessary to
              institute two programs that will: (1) monitor changes in the biological resources
              over time, and (2) record any accomplishments achieved by the Fort Pickens
              Aquatic Preserve Program. These monitoring programs will consist of the following:



              A. RESOURCE MONITORING


              To monitor changes in the natural resources, a geographic information system
              (GIS) will be required. 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 function continues to be natural resource
              management.

              Future use *of the GIS system will 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 will be computerized
              for comparison with later data to conduct a temporal analysis of resource
              abundance. Detailed monitoring of revegetation/restoration efforts can also be
              computer analyzed. The on-line access to these natural resource databases will
              facilitate informed management decisions concerning the use and protection of
              submerged lands and their resources. Cooperation and file sharing is possible with
              other agencies handling such data with identical and similar systems.



              B. PROGRESS MONITORING


              For this phase of the management plan to be effectively implemented, it is
              necessary to monitor the accomplishments and progress of the Fort Pickens
              Aquatic Preserve Program on a regular basis. The purpose of this element is to
              detail the program's accomplishments in its pursuit of the objectives outlined in
              Chapter VII. This information, to be submitted in a report once every two years to
              the Bureau Chief, will include an update of the biological resources' status within
              the preserve as well as identifying current human activities.
              This report will detail the following:




                                                       85









                              The state of the natural environment of the aquatic preserve.

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

                              b.      Identify the current number of structures/activities either
                                      started    or   completed      in   the    preserve.         These
                                      structures/activities will be categorized as follows:

                                      1)     authorized projects (e.g., private residential single
                                             docks),

                                      2)     unauthorized projects, and

                                      3)     projects not in compliance            with    the original
                                             authorization.


                       2.     A list of accomplishments of those 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
                                      du-e 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.




















                                                           86











                                              REFERENCE LIST



               Barnett, E. and J. Gunter. 1985. Comprehensive Shellfish Growing Area Survey
                      Pensacola Bay system, Pensacola, Florida.         Department of Natural
                      Resources, Shellfish Environmental Assessment Section. Tallahassee, FL.

               Collard, S.B. and L.H. Ogren. 1990. Dispersal Scenarios for Pelagic Post-Hatchling
                      Sea Turtles. Bulletin of Marine Science, 47(l): 233-243.

               Comp, G.S. and W. Seaman, Jr. 1985. Estuarine Habitat and Fishery Resources
                      of Florida. Florida Aquatic Habitat Fishery Resources. William Seaman, Jr.
                      Editor. Florida Chapter of American Fisheries Society. pp 337-436.

               Fernald, E.A. and D.J. Patton. 1984. Water Resources Atlas of Florida. Institute
                      of Science and Public Affairs. Florida State University. 291 pp.

               Florida Department of Natural Resources. 1990. Florida's Beach Restoration
                      Management Plan for Planning Districts 1, 11, and V: Escambia County. p
                      12-122.


               G. Warren Leve, Inc. 1987. Water Supply Master Plan. Escambia County Utilities
                      Authority Water and Wastewater Master Plan. V. 3.

               Gibson, D.J., and P.B. Looney. 1990. Vegetation Monitoring Before and After
                      Beach Renourishment on Perdido Key. Institute for Coastal and Estuarine
                      Research. University of West Florida Pensacola, FL. pp.

               Grosline, D.S. 1966. Dynamic Characteristics of West Florida Coast Beaches.
                      Marine GegLqgy, v4 p 187 - 206,

               Hand,  J, V. Tauxe, and M. Friedemann. 1988. 1988 Florida Water Quality
                      Assessment: 305(b) Technical Appendix. Standards and Monitoring Section
                      Bureau of Surface Water Management, Division of Water Management,
                      Florida Department of Environmental Regulation. Tallahassee, FL.

               Holler, N.R. and D.W. Mason. 1988. Reestablishment of the Perdido Key Beach
                      Mouse on Gulf Islands National Seashore. Final Report. 34 pp.

               Jones, W.K., J.H. Cason, and Robin Bjorklund. 1990. A Literature Based Review
                      of the Physical, Sedimentary, and Water Quality Aspects of the Pensacola
                      Bay System.      Northwest Florida Water Management District, Water
                      Resources Special Report 90-3.




                                                      87









               Livingston, R.J. 1975. impact of Kraft Pulp Mill Effluents on Estuarine and Coastal
                       Fishes in Apalachee Bay, Florida, U.S.A. Mar. Biol. 32:19-48.

               Musgrove, R.H., J.T. Barraclough, and R.G. Grantham. 1965. Water Resources
                       of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Florida Geological Survey. 102 pp.

               Meyers, J. 1983. Status, Microhabitat, and Management Recommendations for
                       Peromyscus polionotus on Gulf Coast beaches. Unpublished report to the
                       U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta. 29 pp.

               National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 1986. Local
                       Climatological Data, 1985 Annual Summary with Comparative Data,
                       Pensacola, Florida.

               Northwest Florida Water Management District. 1990. The Pensacola Bay System
                       Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan. Program Development
                       Series 91-2.


               Olinger, L.W., R.G. Rogers, P.L. Fore, R.L. Todd, B.L. Mullins, F.T. Bilsterfield, and
                       L.A. Wise. 1975. Environmental and Recovery Studies of Escambia Bay
                       and the Pensacola Bay system, Florida. U.S. Environmental Protection
                       Agency.

               Plaik,  T.F., and J.T. Kunneke.         198 4.    Northwestern Florida 'Ecological
                       Characterization: an ecological atlas. Map narratives, 90 maps Al through
                       E18. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. FWS/OBS - 82/47.1. Minerals
                       Management Service 85-0011; 302 pp.

               Psuty, N.P. and K.A. Jagger. 1990. Final Report on the Shoreline Changes on
                       Perdido Key, Florida, Gulf Islands National Seashore. 71 pp.

               Rogers, R. 1988. Draft EIS for Designation of a New Ocean Dredged Disposal
                       Site, Pensacola, Florida. USEPA Region IV.

               Shipp,  R.L. 1986. Dr. Bob Shipp's Guide to Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico. Marine
                       Environmental Consortium of Alabama. Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory. 256
                       PP.

               Stone, G.W. and J.D. Salmon. 1988. Hurricane-Related Morphodynamics and
                       Implications for Hazard Mitigation, Perdido Key, Florida, U.S.A. Coastal
                       Management, Vol. 16, pp 245-270.

               Stout, J.P. 1984.     The Ecology of Irregularly Flooded Salt Marshes of the
                       Northeastern Gulf of Mexico: A Community Profile. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
                       Service. Biol. Rep. 85(7.1). 98 pp.


                                                         88









             Wolfe,   S.H., J.A. Reidenauer, and D.B. Means.       1988.   An Ecological
                   Characterization of the Florida Panhandle. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                   Biol. Rep. 88(12) Minerals Management Service OCS study MMS 88-0063;
                   277 pp.















































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                                                                                  APPENDIX A

                                                                            Administrative Codes                                             (R. 3/87)
                                 V. 9, p. 692-20                                                                                             18-20.002

                                                   CHAPTER 18-20                                 (c) To coordinate with federal, state, and local
                                       FLORIDA AQUATIC PRESERVES                               agencies to aid in carrying out the intent of the
                                 18-20.001         Intent.                                     Legislature in creating the preserves;
                                 18-20.002         Boundaries and Scope a the                    (d) To use applicable federal, state, and local
                                                   Preserves.                                  management programs, which are compatible with
                                 18-20.003         Definitions.                                the intent and provisions of the act and these rules,
                                 18-20.004         Management Policies, Standards              and in assist in managing the preserves;
                                                   and Criteria.                                 (e) To encourage the protection, enhancement
                                 18-20.005         Uses, Sales, Leases, or Transfer of         or restoration of the biological, aesthetic, or
                                                   Interests in Lands, or Materials,           scientific values of the preserves, including but not
                                                                                               limited to the modification of existing manmade
                                                   Held by the Board. (Repealed)               conditions toward their natural condition, and
                                 18-20.O06         Cumulative Impacts                          discourage activities which would degrade the
                                 18-20.007         Protection of Riparian Rights,              aesthetic, biological, or scientific values, or the
                                                   (Repealed)                                  quality, or utility of a preserve, when reviewing
                                 18-20.008         Inclusion or Lands, Title to Which
                                                   Is Not Vested in the Board, in a            applications, or when developing and implementing
                                                   Preserve.                                   management plans for the preserves;
                                 18-20.009         Establishment or Expansion of                 (f) To preserve, promote, and utilize indigenious
                                                   Aquatic Preserves.                          life forms and habitats, including but not limited to
                                 18-20.010         Exchange of Lands.                          sponges, soft coral, hard corals, submerged grasses,
                                 18-20.011         Gifts of Lands.                             mangroves, salt water marshes, fresh water
                                 18-20.012         Protection of Indigenous Life               marshes, mud flats, 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
                                                                                               mollusks;
                                                   Plans for Preserves.                          (g) To acquire additional title interests in lands
                                 18-20.014         Enforcement.                                wherever such acquisitions would serve to protect or
                                 18-20.015         Application Form. (Repealed)                enhance the biological, aesthetic, or scientific values
                                 18-20.016         Coordination         with        Other      of the preserves;
                                                   Govemmental Agencics.                         (h) To maintain those beneficial hydrologic and
                                 18-20.017         Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve.
                                                                                               biologic functions, the benefits of which accrue to
                                 Library References: Riparian rights to navigable waters.      the public at large.
                                 I. Henry Dean, 55 Fla. Bar J. 247.250 (Mar-1981).               (4) Nothing in these rules shall serve to
                                    18-20.001 Intmt.                                           eliminate or alter the requirements or authority of
                                    (1) All sovereignty lands within a preserve shall          other governmental agencies, including counties
                                 be managed primarily for the maintenance of                   and municipalities, to protect or enhance the
                                 essencialy natural conditions, the propagation or             preserves provided that such requirements or
                                 fish and wildlife, and public recreation, 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 Authority 120.53, 258.43(1) F.S. Law
                                    (2) The aquatic preserves which are described in           Implemented 258.35, 258.36, 258.37, 258.39, 258.393, F.S.                                                                                               
                                 73-534, Laws of Florida, Sections 258.39, 258.391,            Amended 6-7-85. Formerly 16Q.20.01,transferred from
                                 258.392 and 258.393, Florida Statutes, future                 16Q.20.001.
                                 aquatic preserves established pursuant to general or
                                 special acts of the legislature, and in Rule                    18-20.002 Boundaries and Scope of the
                                 182.O02. Florida Admonistrative Code, were                    Preserves.
                                 established for the purpose or being preserved in in            (1) These rules shall only apply to those
                                 essentially natural or existing condition so that their       sovereognty lands within a preserve, title to which is
                                 aesthetic, biological and scientific values may               vested in those board, and those other lands for which
                                 endure for the enjoyment of future generations.               the board has an appropriate instrument in writing,
                                    (3) The preserves shall be administered and                executed by the owner, authorizing the inclusion of                                    
                                 and managed in accordance with the following goals:           specific lands in an aquatic preserve pursuant to
                                    (a) To preserve, protect, and enhance these                Section 2(2) of Chapter 73-534, Laws of Florida,
                                 exceptional areas of sovereignty submerged lands by           Sections 258.40(l) and 258.41(5), Florida Statutes,
                                 reasonable regulation or human activity within the            future aquatic preserves established through
                                 preserves     through the   development        and            general or special acts of the legislature, and
                                 implementation of a comprehensive management                  pursuant      in     Rule       18-20.008.  Florida
                                 program;                                                      Administrative Code.  Any public owned and
                                    (b) To protect and enhance the waters of the               maintained navigation channel authorized by the
                                 preserves so that the public may continue to enjoy            United States Congress, or other public works
                                 the traditional uses of those waters such                     project authorized by the United States Congress,
                                 as swimming, boating, and fishing,                            designed to improve or maintain commerce and
                                                                                 91            navigation shall be deemed to be excluded from the
 






                           (R. 3/87)
                           18-20.002                       INTERNAL IMPROVTMENT TRUST FUND               V. 9, p. 692-2P

                           previsions of this chapter. pursuant in Subscripstion              181, pages 363-366, in the Official Rewards of
                           258.40(2). Florida Siatuics. Furthermore. all lands           Flaggler County in Book 33. pages 131-134.
                           lost by avulsion or by anificially induced erosion           4.   Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve, as
                           shall be deemed excluded from the provisions of this             described in the Official Records of Fiagier 0Ccwniqy
                           chapter pursuant to Subsection 258.40(3). Florida          in Book 33. pages 135-138. and in ine Official
                           Statutes.                                                        Records Of Votiusia County in Book 1244. pages
                             (2) These rules do not apply to Boca Ciega Bay.               615-618.
                           Pinellas County or Biscayne Bay Aquatic                           5. Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve. as described
                           Preserves.                                                      in Section 258.39(30). F.S.
                             (3) These rules are promulgated to clarify the                   6.   Mosquito Lagoon Simon Preserve, as
                           responsibilities of the board in carrying out its land           described in the Official Records of Volusia County
                           management functions as those functions apply                     in Book 1244, pages 619-623, and in the Official
                           within the preserves. Implementation and                       Records of Brevard County in Book 1143. pages
                           responsibility for environmental permitting of                    190-194.
                           activities and water quality protection within the                  7. Banana River Aquatic Preserve, as described
                           preserves are vested in the Department of                in the Official Records of Brevard County in Book
                           Environmental Regulation. Since these rules are                1143, pages 195-198. less those lands dedicated to
                           considered cumulative with Other rules, a person                the U. S. A. prior to the enactment of the art, until
                           planning an activity within the preserves should                   such time as the U.S.A. no longer wishes 14)
                           also consult the other applicable department rules                 maintain such lands for the purpose for which they
                           (Chapter 18-21, Florida Administrative Code, for                 were dedicated, at which time such lands would
                           example) as well as the rules of the Department of              revert to the board. and be managed as part of the
                           Environmental Regulation.                                       preserve.
                             (4) These rules shall not affect previous actions             8.   Indian River - Malabar in Sebastian
                           of the board concerning the issuance of any               Aquatic Preserve, as described in the 0fficial
                           casement or lease; or any disclaimer concerning           Records of Brevard County in Book 1143, pages
                            sovereignty lands.                                          199-202. and in the Official Records Or Indian
                             (5) The intent and specific provisions expressed        River County in Book 368, pages 5-8.
                           in 18-20.001(c) and (f) apply generally to all               9. Indian River - Vero Beach to Fort Pierce
                           existing or future aquatic preserves within the scope     Aquatic Preserve, as decscribed)in the Official
                           of this chapter. Upon completion of a resource            Records of Indian River County in Book 368, pages
                           inventory and approval of a management plan for a         9-12, and in the Official Records of St. Lucie
                           preserve, pursuant to 18-20.013, the type                County in Book 187, pages 1083-1086.
                           designation and the resource sought to be preserved          10. Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic
                           may be readdressed by the Board.                          Preserve, as described in the Official Records of St.
                             (6) For the purpose of clarification and                Lucie County in Book 218, pages 2865-2869.
                           interpretation, the 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 Official Records of Martin County
                           recognized as privately owned upland in a               in Book 337, pages 2159-2162, and in the Official
                           pre-existing recorded mean high water line                      Records of St. Lucie County in Book 201, pages
                           settlement aggreement between the board and a              1676-1679.
                           private owner or owners. Provided, however, in               12. Laxahatchee River - Lake Worth Creek
                           those instances wherein a settlement agreement was     Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official
                           executed subsequent to the passage of the Florida         Records or Martin County in Book 320, pages
                           Coast Mapping Act, the determination of the            193-196, and in the Official Records of Palm Beach
                           mean high water line shall be in accordance with the      County in Volume 1860, pages 806-809.
                           provisions of such act.                                       13. Biscayne Bay - Cape Florida to Monroe
                             (7) Persons interested in obtaining details of                County Line Aquatic Preserve, as dcscribed in the
                           particular preserves should contact the Bureau of          Official Records of Dade County in Book 7055,
                           State Lands Management Department or Natural               pages 852-856, less, however, those lands and
                           Resources, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd.,                       waters as described in Section 258.165. F. S.,
                           Tallahassee, FL 32303 (telephone 904-488-2297).                (Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Act Or 1974), and
                             (a) The preserves are described as follows:              those lands and waters within the Biscayne
                             1. Fort Clinch State Park Aquatic Preserve, as                 National Park.
                           described in the Official Records of Nassau County                   14. Lignumvitac Key Aquatic Preserve, as
                           in Book 108, pages 343-346, and in Book 111, page                 described in the Official Rcords of Monroe County
                           409.                                                             in Book 502, pages 139-142.
                             2. Nassau River - St. Johns River Marshes                           15. Compton Bight Aquatic Preserve. as
                           Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official                      described in the Official Records of Monroe County
                           Records of Duval County in Volume 3183, pages                     in Book 502, pages 143-146.
                           547-552, and in the Official Records of Nassau                  16. Cape Romano - Ten Thousand Islands
                           County in Book 108, pages 232-237.                           Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official
                             3. Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve, as described                Records of Collier County in Book 381, pages
                           in the Official Records or St. Johns County in book              298-301.


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                                                                                                                                             (R. 3/87)                      
                             V. 9, p. 692-2Q                        FLORIDA AQUATIC PRESERVES                                                18-20.003
                                                                                                                                                                  
                                17. Rinkery Bay Aquatic Preserve, as described               negotiate an arrangement with any such private
                             in Section 258.39(31). FS.                                      upland owner by which such land may be included
                                18. Enero Bay Aquatic Preserve as described in               in the preserve.
                             Section 258.39(28), Florida statutes.                              33. Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, as described in
                                19. Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve, as                  Section 258.393, Florida Statutes.
                             described in the Official Records of Lee County in                 34. Future     aquatic      preserves      established
                             Book 648, pages 732-736.                                       pursuant to general or special acts of the legislature.
                                20. Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, as                      Specific Authority 120.53, 258.43(1) FS. Law
                             described in the Official Records of Lee County in             Implemented 258.39, 258.391, 258.392, 258.393, 258.40,
                             Book 800, pages 725-728.                                       258.41, 258.42, 258.43, 258.44, 258.45 FS. History -
                                                                                            New 2-23-81. Amended 8-7-85. Formerly 16Q-20.02,                                 21. Gasparilla Sound - Charlotte Harbor            
                             Aquatic Preserve. as described in Section 258.392,             Transferred from 16Q-20.002.
                             F.S.                                                               18-20.003 'Definitions. When used in these
                               22. Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve as described in                rules, the following words shall have the indicated
                             Section 258.39(29). F.S.                                       meaning unless , the context clearly indicates
                               23. Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, as                     otherwise:
                             described in Section 258.391. F.S.                                 (1) "Act" means the provisions or Section 258.35
                                24. St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve, as                  through 258.46, F.S., the Florida Aquatic Preserve
                             described in the Official Records of Citrus County             Act.
                             in Book 276, pages 238-241.                                        (2) "Activity" means any project and such other
                                25. Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve, as                   human action within the preserve requiring board
                             described in the Official Records of Franklin                    approval for the use, sale, lease or transfer of
                             County in Volume 98, pages 82-85.                              interest in sovereignty lands or materials, or which
                                26. Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve, as                   may require a license from the Department of
                             described in the Official Records of Gulf County in            Environmental Regulation.
                             Book 46, pages 77-81, and in the Official Records of             (3)     "Aesthetic      values"      means       scenic
                             Franklin County in Volume 98, pages 102-106.                   characteristics or amenities of the preserve in its
                                27. St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve, as                     essentially natural state or condition, and the
                             described in the Offficial Records of Gulf County in          maintenance thereof.
                             Book 46, pages 73-76.                                              (4) "Applicant" means any person making
                                28. St. Andrews State Park Aquatic Preserve, as                application for a permit, license, conveyance of an
                             described in the Official Records of Bay County in                interest in state owned lands or any other necessary,
                             Book 379, pages 547-550.                                          form of governmental approval in order to perform
                                29. Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve,                   an activity within the preserve.
                             as described in the Official Records of Okaloosa                     (5) "Beneficial biological functions" means
                             County in Book 593, pages 742-745.                                  interactions between flora, fauna and physical 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 accrue to the public at large,
                             County in Book 206, pages 568-571.                                  including, but not limited to: nutrient, pesticide and
                                31. Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve, as                 heavy metal uptake; sediment retention; nutrient
                             described in the Official Records of Santa Rosa                     conversion to biomass; nutrient recycling and
                             County in Book 220, pages 60-63, in the Official                    oxygenation.
                             Records of Escambia County in Book 518, pages                      (6) "Beneficial hydrological functions" means
                             659-662, less the lands dedicated to the U. S. A. for              interactions between flora, fauna and physical
                             the establishment of the Gulf Islands National                     geological or geographical attributes or the
                             Seashore prior to the enactment of the act, until such             environment, which provide benefits that accrue to
                             time as the U. S. A. no longer wishes to maintain                  the public at large, including, but not limited to:
                             such lands for the purpose, for which they were                    retardation of storm water flow; storm water
                             dedicated, at which time such Lands would revert to                retention: and water storage, and periodical release;
                             the board and be managed as part of the preserve.                  (7) "Biological values" means the preservation
                                32. For the purpose of this section the                         and promotion of indigenous life forms and habitats
                             boundaries of the Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve,                   including, but not limited to: sponges, soft corals,
                             shall be the body of water in Leon County known as                 hard corals, submerged grasses, mangroves,
                             Lake Jackson in Sections 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11 and 14,                saltwater marshes, fresh water marshes, mud flats,
                             Township I North, Range I West and Sections 11,                    marine, estuarine, and aquatic reptiles, games and
                             12, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34,            non-games fish species, marine, estuarine, and
                             and 35, Township 2 North, Range I West lying                       aquatic mammals, marine, estuarine, and aquatic
                             below the ordinary high water line. Such lands shall               invertebrates, birds and shellfish.
                             include the submerged bottom lands and the water                        (8) "Board" means the Governor and Cabinet
                             column upon such-lands, as well as all publicly                         sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal
                             owned islands, within the boundaries of the                             Improvement Trust Fund.
                             preserve. Any privately held upland within the                     (9) "Channel" means a trench, the bottom of
                             boundaries of the preserve shall be deemed to be                which is normally covered entirely by water; with
                             excluded therefrom; provided that the Board may                 the upper edges of its sides normally below the water.


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(R. 3/87)
18-20.003                          INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND                                  V. 9, P. 692-2R

                               (10) "Commercial, industrial and other revenue              (22) "Preserve" means any and all of those areas
                            generating/income related docks" means docking              which are experimental areas of sovereignty lands
                            facilities for an activity which produces income,           and the associated water body as designated in
                            through rental or any other means, or which serves          Section 258.39, 258.391, and 258.392 F.S.,
                            as an accessory facility to other rental, commercial        including all sovereignty lands, title to which is
                            or industrial operations. It shall include, but not be      vested in the board, and such other lands as the
                            limited to docking for marinas, restaurants, hotels,        board may acquire or approve for inclusion, and the
                            motels, commercial fishing, shipping, boat or ship          water column cover such lands, which have been set
                            construction, repair, and sales.                            aside to be maintained in an essentially natural or
                               (11) "Department" means the State of Florida             existing condition of indigenous flora and fauna and
                            Department of Natural Resources, as administrator           their supporting habitat and the natural scenic
                            for the board.                                              qualities and amenities thereof.
                               (12) "Division" means the Division of State                 (23) "Private residential single dock" means a
                            Lands, which performs all staff duties and functions        dock which is used for private, recreational or
                            related to the administration of lands title to which       leisure purposes, for a single family resdence,
                            is, or will be, vested in the board, pursuant to section    vintage or other such single dwelling unit and which
                            253.002, F.S.                                               is designed to moor no more than two boats.
                              (13) "Dock" means a fixed or floating structure              (24) "Private residential multi-slip dock" means                                          
                           including moorings, used for the purpose of                  a docking facility which is used for private
                            berthing buoyant vessels either temporarily or              recreational or leisure purposes for multi-unit
                            indefinitely.                                               residential dwellings which shall include but is not
                               (14) "Essentially natural condition" means               limited to condominiums, townhouses, subdivisions
                            those functions which support the continued                 and other 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 to         Yacht clubs associated with residential
                            the extent they existed prior to the significant            developments, whose memberships or utilization of
                            development adjacent to and within the preserve.            the docking facility requires some real property
                               (15) "Extreme hardship" means a significant              interest in the residential area, shall also be
                            burden, unique to the applicant and not shared by           included.
                            property owners in the area. Self-imposed                      (25) "Public interest" means demonstrable
                            circumstances caused to any degree by actions of any        environmental, social, and economic benefits which
                            person subsequent to the enactment of the Act shall         would accrue to the public at large as a result of a
                            not be construed as an extreme hardship. Extreme            proposed action, and which would clearly exceed all
                            hardship under this act shall not be construed to           demonstrable environmental, social, and economic
                            include any hardship which arises in whole or in            costs of the proposed action. In determining the
                            part from the effect of other federal, state or local       public interest in a request for use, sale, lease, or
                            laws, ordinances, rules or regulations. The term            transfer of interest in sovereignty lands for severance
                            may be inherent in public projects which are shown          of materials from sovereignty lands, the board shall
                            to be a public necessity.                                   consider the ultimate project and purpose to be
                               (16) "Fill" means materials from any source,             served by said use, sale, lease, or transfer of lands or
                            deposited by any means onto sovereignty lands,              materials.
                            either for the purpose of creating new uplands or for          (26) "Public navigation project" means a project
                            any other purpose, including spoiling of dredged               primarily for the purpose of navigation which is
                            materials. For the purpose of this rule, the                   authorized and funded by the United States
                            placement of pilings or riprap shall not be                    Congress or by port authorities as defined by
                            considered to be filling.                                      Section 315.02(2), F.S.
                               (17) "Lease" means a conveyance of interest in                (27) "Public necessity" means the works or
                            lands, title to which is vested in the board, granted in      improvements required for the protection of the
                            accordance with specific terms set forth in writing.          health and safety of 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 in the                 Commission, or which are provided by rural
                            consumer.                                                      cooperatives, municipalities, or other governmental
                               (20) "Person" means individuals, minors,                    agencies, including electricity, telephone, public
                            partnerships, corporations, joint ventures, estates,           water and wastewater services, and structures
                            trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, firms, and all other          necessary for the provision of these services.
                            associations and combinations, whether public or                (29) "Quality of the preserve" means the deqree
                            private including governmental entities.                      of the biological, aesthetic and scientific values of the
                               (21) "Pier" means a structure in, on, or ever              preserve necessary for present and future enjoyment
                            sovereignty lands, which is used by the public                of it in an essentially natural condition.
                            primarily for fishing, swimming, or viewing the                 (30) "Resource management agreement" means
                            preserve. A pier shall not include a dock.                      a contractual agreement between the board and one
                                                                                                   

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                                                                                                                             (R. 3/87)       
                       V.9, p. 692-2S                       FLORIDA AQUATIC PRESERVES                                        18-20.004

                        or more parties which does not create an interest in       water and where the use of the water or sovereignty
                        real property but merely authorizes conduct of             lands is an integral part of the activity.
                        certain management activities on lands held by the         Specific Authority 258.43(1) F.S. Law Implemented
                        board.                                                     258.37, 258.43(1) F.S. History-New 2-25-81. Amended
                           (31) "Resource Protection Arm (RPA) I" -                8-7-85. Formerly 16Q-20.03. Transferred from
                        Areas within the aquatic preserves which have              16Q-20.003.
                        resources of the highest quality condition for            18-20.004 Management Policies, Standards
                        that area. These resources may include, but are not       and Criteria. The following management policies,
                        limited to corals; marine grassbeds; mangrove             standards and criteria are supplemental to Chapter
                        swamps;  saltwater   marsh;     oyster    bars:           18-21, Florida Administrative Caxie (Sovereignty
                        archaeological and historical sites; endangered or         Submerged Lands Management) and shall be
                        threatened species habitat; and, colonial water bir       utilized in determining whether to approve,
                        nesting sites.                                              approve with conditions or modifications or deny all
                           (32) "Resource Protection Area 2" - Areas                requests for activities on sovereignty lands in
                                                                                    aquatic preserves.
                        within the aquatic preserves which are in transition       
                        with either declining resource protection area 1             (1) GENERAL PROPRIETARY
                        resources or new pioneering resources within                 (a) in determining whether to approve or deny
                        recsource protection area 3.                               any request the Board will evaluate each on a
                           (33) "Resource Protection Area 3" - Areas               case-by-case basis and weigh any factors relevant
                        within the aquatic preserve that are characterized         under Chapter 253 and/or 258. Florida Statutes.
                        by the absence of any significant natural resource         The Board, acting as Trustees for all state-owned
                        attributes.                                                lands, reserves the right to approve, modify or reject
                           (34) "Riparian rights" means those rights                any proposal.
                        incident to lands bordering upon navigable waters,
                                                                                          (b) There shall be no further sale, lease or
                        as recognized by the courts of this state and common       transfer of sovereignty lands except when such sale,
                        Law.                                                       lease or transfer is in the public interest (see Section
                           (35) "Sale" means a conveyance of interest in          18-20.004(2) Public Interest Asscessment Criteria).
                        lands, by the board, for consideration.                     (c) There shall be no construction or seawalls
                           (36) "Scientific values" means the preservation         waterward of the mean or ordinary high water line,
                        and promotion of certain qualities or features which       or filling waterward of the mean or ordinary high
                        have scientific significance.                              water line except in the case of public road and
                           (37) "Shore protection structure" means a type          bridge projects where no reasonable alternative
                        of coastal construction designed to minimize the rate      exists.
                        or erosion. Coastal construction includes any work           (d) There shall, in no case be any dredging
                        or activity which is likely to have a material physical    Waterward of the mean or ordinary high water line
                        effect on existing coastal conditions or natural shore        for the sole or primary purpose of providing fill for
                        processes.                                                   any area landward of the mean or ordinary high
                           (38) "Sovereignty lands" means those lands               water line.
                        including, but not limited to: tidal lands, islands,         (c) A lease, easement or consent or use may be
                        sandbars, shallow banks, and lands waterward of            authorized only for the following activities.
                        the ordinary or mean highwater line, to which the             1. a public navigation project;
                        State of Florida acquired title on March 3, 1845, by          2. maintenance of an existing navigational
                        virtue of statehood, and or which it has not since          channel;
                        divested its title interest. For the purposes of this           3. installation or maintenance of 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 the board.                                commercial/industrial dock, pier or a marina;
                           (39) "Spoii" means materials dredged from                 5. creation or maintenance of private docks for
                        sovereignty lands which are redeposited or                  reasonable ingress and egress of riparian owners;
                        discarded by any means, onto either sovereignty              6. minimum dredging for navigation channels
                        lands or uplands.                                           attendant to docking facilities;
                           (40) "Transfer" means the act of the board by             7. creation or maintenance of a shore protection
                        which any interest in lands, including easements,        structure;
                        other than  sale or lease, is conveyed.                      8. installation or maintenance of oil and gas
                           (41) "Utility of the preserve" means fitness of         transportation facilities;
                        the preserve for the present and future enjoyment of         9. creation, maintenance, replacement or
                        its biological, aesthetic and scientific values, in an     expansion of facilities required for the provision of
                        essentially natural condition.                              pubiic utilities; and
                           (42) "Water dependent activity" means an                  10. other activities which are a public neccessity
                        activity which can only be conducted on, in, over, or      or which are necessary to enhance the quality (or
                        adjacent to, water areas because the activity             utility of the preserve and which are consistant with
                        requires direct access to the water body or                the act and this chapter.
                        sovereignty lands for transportation, recreation,              (1) For activities listed in paragraphs                                                     (r) For     activities   listed
                                                                                    18-20.004(l)(c)l.-10. above, the activity shall be


                                                                            95
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      (R. 3/87)
      18-20.004                            INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND                    V. 9, p. 692-2T

      designed so that the structure or structures to be              2. provide boating and marina services (repair,
      built in, on or over sovereignity lands are limited to       pumpout, etc.);
      structures necessary to conduct water dependent                 3. improve and enhance public health. safety
      activities.                                                  welfare, and law enforcement;
         (g) For activities    listed     in     paragraphs           4. improved public land management;
      18-20.004(1)(e)7., 8., 9., and 10. above, it must be            5. improve and enhance public navigation;
      demonstrated that no other reasonable alternative               6. improve and enhance water quality;
      exists which would allow the proposed activity to be            7. enhancement/restoration of natural habitat
      constructed or undertaken outside the preserve.              and functions; and
         (h) The use of state-owned lands for the purpose             8. improve/protect
      of providing private or public road access to islands        endangered /threatened/unique species.
      where such access did not previously exist shall be             (c)  COSTS:
      prohibited. The use of state-owned lands for the                1. reduced/degraded water quality;
      purpose of providing private or public water supply             2. reduced/degraded natural habitat and
      to islands where such water supplys did not                  function;
      previously exist shall be prohibited.                           3. destruction, harm or harassment of
         (i) Except for public navigation projects and             endangered or threatened species and habitat;
      maintenance dredging for existing channels and                  4. preemption of public use;
      basins, any areas dredged to improve or create                  5. increasing navigational hazards and
      navigational access shall be incorporated into the           congestion;
      preempted area of any required lease or be subject to           6. reduced/degraded aesthetics; and
      the payment of a negotiated private easement fee.               7. adverse cumulative impacts.
         (j) Private residential multi-slip docking                   (d) EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC BENEFITS:
      facilities shall require a lease.                               1. donation of land, conservation easements.
         (k) Aquaculture 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 18-21, Florida                       protect or enhance the aquatic preserve;
     Administrative Code, may be approved by the                      2. providing access or facilities for public land
     board, but only subsequent to a formal finding of             management activities;
     compatibility with the purposes of Chapter 258.                  3. providing public access easements and/or
     Florida Statutes, and this rule chapter.                      facilities, such as beach access, boat ramps, etc.;
         (l) Other uses of the preserve, or human activity            4. restoration/enhancement of altered habitat or
     within the preserve, although not originally                  natural functions, such as conversion of vertical
     contemplated, may be approved by the board, but               bulkheads to riprap and/or vegetation for shoreline
     only subsequent to a formal finding of compatibility          stabilization or rr-establishment of shoreline or
     with the purposes of Chapter 258, Florida Statutes,           submerged vegetaiion;
     and this rule chapter.                                           5. improving fishery habitat through the
         (2) PUBLIC INTEREST ASSESSMENT                            establishment of artificial reefs or other such
     CRITERIA                                                      projects, where appropriate;
     In evaluating requests for the sale, lease or                    6. providing sewage pumpout facilities where
     transfer of interest, a balancing test will be utilized       normally not required, in particular, facilities open
     to determine whether the social, economic and/or              to the general public;
     environmental benefits clearly exceed the costs.                 7. improvements to water quality such as
       (a) GENERAL                    BENEFIT/COST                 removal of toxic sediments, increased flushing and
     CRITERIA:                                                     circulation, etc;
       1. any benefits that are balanced against the                  8. providing upland dry storage as an alternative
     costs of a particular project shall be related to the         to wetslip; and
     affected aquatic preserve;                                       9. marking navigation channels to avoid
       2. in evaluating the benefits and costs of each             disruption of shallow water habitats.
     request, specific consideration and weight shall be             (3) RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
     given to the quality and nature or the specific                 (a) All proposed activities in aquatic preserves
     aquatic preserve. Projects in the less developed,             having management plans adopted by the Board
     more pristine aquatic preserves such as                       must demonstrate that such activities are consistent
     Apalachicola Bay shall be subject to a higher                 with the management plan.
     standard than the more developed urban aquatic                   (b) No drilling of oil, gas or other such wells
     preserves such as Boca Ciega Bay; and,                        shall be allowed.
       3. for projects in aquatic preserves with adopted              (c) Utility cables, pipes and other such
     management plans, consistency with the                        structures shall be constructed and located in a
     management plan will be weighed heavily when                  manner that will cause minimal disturbance to
     determining whether the project is in the public              submerged land resources such as oyster bars and
     interest.                                                     submerged grass beds and do not interfere with
       (b) BENEFIT CATEGORIES:                                     traditional public uses.
       1. public access (public boat ramps, boatslips,               (d) Spoil disposal within the preserves shall be
     etc.);                                                        strongly discouraged and may be approved only


                                                         96








                                                                                                           (R.9/88)
     V.9, p.6922U                       FLORIDA AQUATIC PRESERVES                                          18-20.004
     structures shall be constructed and located in a          3. the dock will extend out from the shoreline no
     manner that will cause minimal disturbance to          further than to a maximum depth of minus four
     submerged land resources such as oyster bars and       (-4) feet (mean low water);
     submerged grass beds and do not interfere with            4. when the water depth is minus four (-4)feet
     traditional public uses.                               (mean low water) at an existing bulkhead the
       (d) Spoil disposal within the preserves shall be     maximum dock length from the bulkhead shall be
     strongly discouraged and may be approved only          25 feet, subject in modifications accommodating
     where the applicant has demonstrated that there is     shoreline vegetation overhang;
     no other reasonable alternative and that activity         5. 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 part of
       (4) RIPARIAN RIGHTS                                  the dock structure;
       (a) None of the provisions of this rule shall be        6. terminal platform size shall be no more than
     implemented in a manner that would unreasonably        160 square feet; and
     infringe upon the traditional, common law and             7. dredging to obtain navigable water depths in
     statutory riparian rights of upland riparian           conjunction with private residential, single dock
     property owners adjacent to sovereignty lands.         applications is strongly discouraged.
       (b) The evaluation and determination of the             (c) Private residential multi-slip docks shall
     reasonable riparian rights of ingress and egress for   conform to the following specific design standards
     private, residential multi-slip docks shall be based   and criteria:
     upon the number or linear feet of riparian shoreline.     1. the area of 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 meets all   the square footage amounting to ten times the
     the requirements of Rule 18-20.004(5) shall be         riparian waterfront footage of the affected
     deemed to meet the public interest requirements of     waterbody of the applicant, or the square footage
     Rule 18-20.004(l)(b). Florida Administrative           attendant to providing a single dock in accordance
     Code. 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 requirements and standards of this rule     other such use restriction acceptable to the Board
     chapter.                                               must be placed an the riparian shoreline, used for
       (5) STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR                       the calculation of the 10:1 threshold, to conserve and
     DOCKING FACILITIES                                     protect shoreline resources and subordinate/waive
       (a) All docking facilities, whether for a single or  any further riparian rights or ingress and egress for
     multi-slip residential or commercial, shall be         additional docking facilities;
     subject to the following standards and criteria:          2. docking facilities and access channels shall be
        1. no dock shall extend waterward or the mean            prohibited in Resource Protection Area I or 2
  or ordinary high water line more than 500 feet or 20         except   as    allowed     pursuant      to    Section
 percent of the width or the waterbody at that       258.42(3)(e)1., Florida Statutes, while dredging in
 particular location whichever is less;                        Resource* Protection Area 3 shall be strongly
        2. certain docks may fall within areas of special         discouraged;                                                  3. docking facilities shall only be approved in
 significant biological, scientific, historic and/or          3. docking facilities shall only be approved in locations 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
modifications shall be determined an a case-by-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 water,
changes in location, configuration, length, width              4. main access docks and connecting or cross
and height;                                                 walks shall not exceed six (6) feet in width;
       3. the number. lengths. drafts and types or             5. terminal platforms shall not exceed eight feet in width;
vessels allowed to utilize the proposed facility may also be stipulated; and  6. finger piers shall not exceed three (3) feet in
       4. where local governments have more stringent           width, and 25 feet in length;
standards and criteria for docking facilities, the             7. pilings may be utilized as required to provide
more stringent standards for the protection and             adequate mooring capabilities; and
enhancement or the aquatic preserve shall prevail.             8. the    following      provisions     of      Rule
      (b) Private residential single docks shall                 18-20.004(5)(d) shall also apply to private
conform to the following specific design standards           residential multi-slip docks.(d) Commercial, industrial and other revenue
and criteria: 1. any main access dock shall be limited in a            generating/income related docking facilities shallconform to the following specific design standards
maximum width of four (4) feet; 2. 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, flushing and
                                                                                      adequate water depths;


                                                                               97
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                                  (R. 9/38)
                                  18-20.006                       INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND                 V.9,p.692-2V

                                    2. docking facilities and acess channels shall be           Cockroach Bay                     April 21, 1967
                                  prohibited in Resource Protection Area 1 or 2,                Estero Bay                        September 6, 1983
                                  except as  allowed pursuant to Sections                       Charlotte Harbor
                                  258.42(3)(c)1.,Florida Statutes; while dredging in            (Cape Haze,
                                  Resource Protection Area 3 shall be strongly                   Gasparilla 
                                  discouraged;                                                   Sound-Charlotte
                                     3. the docking facilities shall not be located in           Harbor, Matlacha
                                  Resource Protection Area 1 or 2; however. main                 Pass and Pine Island
                                  access docks may be allowed to pass through                    Sound)                       May 18. 1983
                                  Resource Protection Area 1 or 2, that are located             Indian River-Malabar
                                  along the shoreline. to reach an acceptable Resource           to Vero Beach                January 21, 1986
                                  Protection Area 3, provided that such crossing will          Indian River Lagoon                                  
					    generate minimal environmental impact;                         (Vero Beach to Fort
                                   4. beginning July 1. 1986 new docking facilities               Pierce and Jensen
                                  may obtain a lease only where the local governments             Beach to Jupiter
                                  have an adopted marina plan  plan and/or policies               Inlet)                      January 22, 1985
                                  dealing with the siting of commercial /industrial            Loxahatchee
                                  and private. residential.multi-slip docking facilities         River-Lake Worth
                                  in their local government comprehensive plan;                  Creek                         June 12, 1984
                                    5. the siting of the docking facilities shall also         Nassau River-St
                                  take into account the access of the boat traffic to           Johns River Marshes
                                  avoid marine grassbeds or other aquatic resources in          and Fort Clinch
                                  the surrounding area;                                         State Park                     April 22, 1986
                                     6. the siting of new facilities within the preserve        North Fork of the St.
                                  shall be secondary to the expansions of existing                 Lucie River                  May  22, 1984
                                  facilities within the preserve when such expansion             St. Joseph Bay                 June 2, 1987
                                  is consistent with the other standards;                        St. Martins Marsh              September 9, 1967
                                     7. the location of new facilities and expansion of          Terra Ceia                     April 21, 1967
                                  existing facilities shall consider the use of upland           Wekiva River                   August 25,1987 
                                  dry storage as an alternative to multiple wet-slip             Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
                                  docking;                                                       258.41, 258.42, 258.43(1). 258.44 FS. Hinory-New
                                     8. marina siting will be coordinated with local           2-25-81, Amended 6-7-85, Formerly 16Q-20.004,
                                  governments to insure consistency with all local             Transferred from 16Q-20.004,Amenened 9-4-88.
                                  plans and ordinances;                                         18-20.005 Uses, Sales, Leases or Transfer of
                                     9. marinas shall not be sited within state                 Interests in Lands, or Materials, Held by the
                                  designated manatee sanctuaries; and                           Board.
                                    10. in any areas with known manatee                        Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
                                  concentrations, manatee warning/notice and/or                253.02, 253.12, 258.42 FS. Hinory-New 2-25-81.
                                  speed limit signs shall be erected at the marina               Repealed 6-7-85,Formerly 16Q-20.05,Transferred from
                                  and/or ingress and egress channels, according to             16Q-20.005.
                                  Florida Marine Patrol specifications.                        18-20.006 Cumulative Impacts. In evaluating
                                     (c) Exceptions to the standards and criteria            applications for activities within the preserves or
                                  listed in Rule 18-20.004(5). Florida Administrative        which may impact the preserves, the department
                                  Code, may be considered, but only upon                     recognizes that, while a particular alteration of the
                                  demonstration by the applicant that such exceptions        preserve may constitute a minor change, the
                                  are necessary to insure reasonable riparian ingress        cumulative effect of  numerous such changes often
                                  and egress.                                                results in major impairments in the resources of the
                                     (6) MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS                               preserve. Therefore, the department shall evaluate
                                     The board may enter into management                     a particular site for which the activity is proposed
                                  agreements with local agencies for the                     with the recognition that the activity may. in
                                  administration and enforcement of standards and            conjunction with other activities adversely affect the
                                  criteria for private  residential single docks.            preserve which is part of a complete and interrelated
                                     (7) In addition to  the policies, standards and         system. The impact of a proposed activity shall be considered
                                  criteria delincated to subsections (1) through (6),
                                                                                             in light of its cumulative impact on the
                                  the provisions of the following management plans           preserve's natural system. The department shall
                                  apply to specific aquatic preserves and art                include as a part of its evaluation of an activity:
                                  incorporated herein by reference. Where regulatory
                                                                                                  (1) The number and extent or similar human
                                  criteria in 18-20, F. A. C, may differ with specific       actions within the preserve which have previously
                                  policies in the management plans listed herein, the        affected or are likely to affect the preserve, whether
                                  general rule criteria shall prevail.                       considered by the department under its current
                                                                Date Adopted                 authority or which existed prior to or since the
                                  Alligator Harbor             September 23, 1986            enactment of the Act; and
                                  Banana River                  September 17,1985        		   (2) The similar activities within the preserve

                                                                                 98
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                                                                                                                                                (R.9/88)
                                   V. 9, p. 692 2W                         		FLORIDA AQUATIC PRESERVES                                   18-20.012       
                                   which are currently under consideration by the                aquatic preserve system. subject to confirmation by
                                   department; and                                               the legislature.
                                       (3) Direct and indirect effects upon the preserve            (2) The board may, after public notice and
                                   
                                   and adjacent preserves, if applicable, which may         	public hearing in the county or counties in which the
                                   reasonably be expected to result from the activity;          proposed expanded or new preserve is to be located,
                                   and                                                          adopt a resolution formally setting aside such areas
                                       (4) The extent to 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 shall include:
                                       (5) 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 be
                                   comprehensive plans adopted by affected local                 attached.
                                   governments, pursuant to section 163.3161. F.S.,                 (b) The designation of the type of aquatic
                                   and other applicable plans adopted by local, state,           preserve.
                                   and federal governmental agencies;                              (c) A general statement or what is sought in be
                                       (6) The extent to which the loss or beneficial            preserved.
                                   hydrologic and biologic functions would adversely
                                                                                                    (d) A statement that the area established as a
                                   impact the quality or utility of the preserve, and            preserve shall be subject in the management criteria
                                       (7) The extent its which mitigation measures              and directives of this chapter. 
                                   may compensate for adverse impacts.                              (e) A directive to develop a natural resource
                                   Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implement                inventory and a management plan for the area being
                                   256.36. 256.43. 256.44 FS, Hisuary- New 2-25-81,               established as an aquatic preserve.
                                   Formerly 16Q-20.06,Transferred from 16Q-20.006.                (4) Within 30 days or the designation and
                                       
							18-20.007 Protection of Riparian Rights.                establishment of an aquatic preserve, the board
                                   Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implement                 shall record in the public records of the county or
                                   258.123, 256.124(8), 256.44 FS. History-New 2-25-81,           counties in which the preserve is located a legal
                                   Repealed 6-7-85, Formerly 16Q.20.07, Transferred from          description of the preserve.
                                   16Q-20.007.                                                    Specific Authority 258.43(1) F.S. Law Implemented
                                                                                                  258.41 FS. History --New 2-25-81, Formerly 16Q-20.09,
                                       18-20.008 Inclusion or Lands, Title to which               Tramsferred from, 16Q-20.009.
                                   Is Not Vested in the Board, in a Preserve.
                                       (1) Lands and water bottoms which are within                 18-20.010 Exchange of Lands. The board in its
                                   designated aquatic preserve boundaries, or adjacent           discretion may exchange lands for the benefit of the
                                   thereto and which are owned by other governmental       	 preserve, provided that:                                                 
                                   appropriate instrument in writing executed by the             	(1) In no case shall an exchange result in any
																land or water area being withdrawn from 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.
                                   theme, and which are in private ownership, may be             Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
                                   included in an aquatic preserve upon specific                   258.41(5), 256.42(1), FS. History--New 2-25-81,
                                                                                                 Formerly 16A-20.10, Transferred from 16Q-20.010.
                                   authorization for inclusion by an appropriate
                                   instrument in writing executed by the owner.                      18-20.011 Gifu of Lands. The board in its
                                       (3) The appropriate instrument shall be either a          discretion may accept any gifts or lands or interests
                                   dedication in perpetuity, or a lease. Such lease shall        in lands within or contiguous to the preserve to
                                   contain the following conditions:                            maintain or enhance the quality and utility of the
                                       (a) The term of the lease shall be for a minimum          preserve.
                                   period of ten years.                                         Specific Authority 256.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
                                       (b) The board shall have the power and duty to           256.42(5) FS. History--New 2-25-81, Formerly
                                   cnforce the provisions of each lease agreement, and           16Q.20.11. Transferred from 16Q-20.011.
                                   shall additionally have the power to terminate any               18-20.012 Protection of Indegenous Life
                                   lease if the termination is in the best interest of the       Forms. The taking of indigenous life forms for sale
                                   aquatic preserve system, and shall have the power to         or commercial use is prohibited, except that this
                                   include such lands in any agreement far                       prohibition shall not extend to the commercial
                                   management of such lands.                                     taking at fin fish,crustacea or mollusks, except as
                                       (c) The board shall pay no more than $1 per year
                                   for any such lease.                                           prohibited under applicable laws, rules or
                                   Specific Authority 256.43(1) FS. Law Implemented              regulations. Members of the public may excercise
                                   256.40, 256.41 FS. History--New 2-25-81, Formerly             their right to fish, so long as not contrary to other
                                                                                                 statutory and regulatory provisions controlling such
                                   16Q-20.08, Transferred from 16Q-20.008.                     	 activities.
                                       18-20.009 Establishment or Expansion of                   Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS Law Implemented
                                   Aquatic Preserves.                             			 258.43(1) FS. History--New 2-25-81, Formerly
                                       (1) The board may expand existing preserves or            16Q-20.12. Transferred from 16Q-20.012.																			                                   establish additional areas to be included in the
                                                                                  99.
 

(R. 9/88)
18-20.017                INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND                   V. 9, p. 692-2X

	18-20.013 Development of Resource
Inventories and management Plans for 
Preserves.
	(1) The board authorizes and directs the division
to develop a resource inventory and management
plan for each preserve.
	(2) The division may perform the work to
develop the inventories and plans, or may enter into
agreements with other persons to perform the work.
In either case, all work performed shall be subject to
board approval.
Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
253.03(7). 253.03(8) FS. History--New 2-25-81,
Amended 8-7-85, formerly 16Q-20.13, Transferred from
16Q-20.013.
	18-20.014 Enforcement. The rules shall be
enforced as provded in Section 258.46.
Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
258.46 FS. History--New 2-25-81, Formerly 16Q-20.14,
Transferred from 16Q-20.14.
	18-20.015 Application form.
Specific Authority 253.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
258.423 FS History--New 2-25-81. Repealed 8-7-85,
Formerly 16Q-20.15, Transferred from 16Q-20.015.
	18-20.016 Coordination with other
Governmental Agencies. Where a department of
Environemtnal Regulation permit is required for
activities on sovereignty lands the department will
coordinate with the Department of Environmental
Regulation to obtain a copy of the joint Department
of Army/Florida Department of Environmental
Regulation permit application and the biological
survey. The information contianed in the joint
permit application and biological assessment shall
be considered by the department in preparing its
staff recommendations to the board. The board may 
also consider the reports of other governmental
agencies that have related management or
permitting responsibilities regarding the proposed
activity.
Specific Authority 253.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
258.43 FS. History--New 2-25-81, Formerly 16Q-20.16,
Transferred from 16Q-20.016.
18-20.017 Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve, In
addition to the provisions of Rules 16-20.001
through 18-20.016, the following requirements
shall also apply to all proposed activities within the
Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve. If any provisions of
this Rule are in conflict with any provisions of Rules
16-20.001 through 18-20.016 or Chapter 73-534.
Laws or Florida, the stronger provision for the
protection or enhancement of the aquatic preserve
shall prevail.
	(1) No further sale, transfer or lease of
sovereignty lands in the preserve shall be approved
or consummated by the Board, except upon a 
showing of extreme hardship on the part of the 
applicant or when the board shall determine such
sale, transfer or lease to be in the public interest.
	(2) No further dredging or filling of sovereignty
lands of the preserve shall be approved or tolerated
by the Board of Trustees except:
	(a) Such minimum dredging and spoiling as may
be authorized for public navigation projects or for
preservation of the lake according to the expressed
intent of Chapter 73-534, Laws of Florida; and
	(b) Such other lateration of physical conditions
as may be necessary to enhance the quality or utility
of the preserve.
	(3) There shall be no drilling of wells,
excavation for shell or minerals, and no erection of
structures (other than docks), within the preserve,
unless such activity is accociated with activity
authorized by Chapter 73-534, Laws of Florida.
	(4) The Board shall not approve the relocations 
of bulkhead lines within the preserve.
	(5) Norwithstanding other provisions of this act,
the board may, respecting lands lying within the
Lake Jackson basin:
	(a) Enter into agreements for and establish lines
delincating sovereignty and privately owned lands;
	(b) Enter into agreements for the exchange and 
exchange sovereignty lands for privately owned lands;
	(c) Accept gifts of land within or contiguous to the preserve.
Specific Authority 258.39(26) FS. Law Implemented
258.39(26). 258.43 FS. History--New 8-7-85. Formerly
16Q-20.017, Transferred from 16Q-20.017.
                 100



                                                                                                              6cirpus caiijamicus
                                                                                                                     Giant bulrush
                                                         APP INDIX B




















































       illustration provided by:                                     101
       WAS, Center for Aquatic PlantS
     University of Florida, Gainesville, 1990




                                                                             jj--
                                                                            Soft rush






































































        illustration provided by.
        IFAS, Center for Aquatic Plants
        University of Florida, Gainesville, 1990                         102



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