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

                    YELLOW RIVER MAR'S

                    AQUATIC PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN

                                                441-1

              QH                        1991
              90.75
              T6
              Y45
              1991         DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

                                     YELLOW RIVER MARSH

                              AQUATIC PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN

                                          (ADOPTED)

                                     SEPTEMBER 12, 1991

                                         Tom Gardner

                                     Executive Director

                               Department of Natural Resources

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

                                            AIMO

                                            E OF

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

                                Viis document was printed on re6ycfed paper.

                                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

                  CHAPTER I       INTRODUCTION   ...............................     1

                  CHAPTER II      KMGEMENT AUTHORIT
                                  A. Statutory Authority      ....................   7
                                  B. Administrative Rules      ...................   9
                                  C. Relationship to Other Applicable Plans
                                        and Programs    ........................   11

                  CHAPTER III     DESCRIPTION OF AQUATIC PRESERVE
                                  A.  Location/Boundary     .....................  13
                                  B.  Physiography and Geology     ..............  13
                                  C.  Climate   ...............................    14
                                  D.  Hydrology    .............................   15
                                  E.  Water Quality    .........................   16
                                  F.  Vegetative Communities     ................  22
                                      1. Forested Wetlands      .................  23
                                      2. Marshes     ...........................   24
                                      3. Grassbeds     .........................   24
                                  G.  Fish and Wildlife     .....................  29
                                      1.   Fish  ..............................    29
                                      2.   Mammals  ...........                    31
                                      3.   Reptiles and Amphibians     ........... 31
                                      4.   Birds   ..............................  31
                                      5.   Benthic Macroinvertebrates     ........ 32
                                      6.   Designated Species    ................. 32
                                  H.  Archaeological and
                                      Historical Resources     ..................  33
                                  I.  Regional Land Use, Development
                                      & Associated Impacts     ..................  33
                                      1. Adjacent Upland Uses       .............. 33
                                      2. Current Uses of the preserve        ...... 37
                                      3. Planned Use       ......................  38

                  CHAPTER IV      MANAGEMENT AREAS
                                  A. Introduction    ..........................    49
                                  B. Management Area Classifications       ....... 50
                                  C. Minimum Criteria For Allowable Uses       ... 52
                                  D. Management Areas     ......................   55

                 CHA2TER V      SITE S22CIIIIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES 6 NEEDS -     65

                 CHA2TER VI     MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
                                A. Resource Management    ...................  72
                                B. Resource Protection    ...................  74
                                C. Research   ...........                      76
                                D. Environmental Education     ............... 77

                 CHAPTER VII    MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK
                                A.  Federal Agencies   ......................  81
                                B.  State Agencies   ........................  82
                                C.  Regional Agencies   .....................  86
                                D.  Local Governments and
                                    Interest Groups   .......................  87

                 CHAPTER VIII STAFPING AND FISCAL NEEDS      ................. 91

                 CHA2TER IX     RESOURCE & ACTIVITY MONITORING PROGRAM
                                A. Resource Monitoring    ...................  95
                                B. Progress Monitoring    ...................  95

                                BIBLIOGRAPHY   ..............................  97

                                    LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

                 Figure 1.   Florida Aquatic Preserve System    ...............   3

                 Figure 2.   Yellow River Marsh Aquatic
                             Preserve Boundary Map   .........................    5

                 Figure 3.   Vegetative Map of Yellow River Marsh     ......... 25

                 Figure 4.   Vegetative Profile of Preserve     ............... 27

                 Figure 5.   Adjacent Land Use Map    ........................  35

                 Figure 6.   Management Area Map    ..........................  63

                 Table 1.    Forested Wetland Vegetation     .................. 41

                 Table 2.    Tidal Marsh and Floodplain Marsh Vegetation ..     42

                 Table  3.   Submerged Aquatic Vegetation     ................. 42
                 Table  4.   General Fish Species    .......................... 43

                 Table  5.   General Wildlife Species    .....................  44-45

                 Table  6.   Designated Wildlife Species     .................. 46-48

                 Table  7.   Management Coordination Network     .............. 88-89

                 Table  8.   Anticipated Budget for Yellow River
                             Marsh Aquatic Preserve    .......................  93

                                       LIST OF APPENDICES

                 Appendix A. Relevant Legislation ..........................   99

                 Appendix B. Pollution Source Survey .......................  109

                 Appendix C. Aquatic Plant Illustrations ...................  111

                 Copies of the legal description of the Yellow River Marsh
                 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 Box 125
                                      Tallahassee, FL 32399

                                          EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

                  The Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve is recognized as an
                  exceptional water resource of Florida. This scenic preserve
                  is fringed by forested wetlands and freshwater marsh with
                  sandy bottoms and grassbeds occurring below the mean high
                  water line. The preserve includes parts of the Yellow River,
                  the swiftest flowing river in Florida, and Blackwater and East
                  Bay.    The preserve provides food and habitat for numerous
                  fish, reptiles and amphibians, birds, mammals and benthic
                  invertebrates. Several designated species are known to occur
                  in the preserve.

                  The preserve is part of the Pensacola Bay System, which is a
                  top Surface Water Improvement Management (S.W.I.M.) priority.
                  Residential development occurring along the preserve's upland
                  boundary is increasing, consequently, the preserve is impacted
                  by human activities. Water quality has deteriorated in recent
                  years from raw sewage discharge, septic tank leachate, and
                  stormwater runoff.      The preserve is used extensively for
                  recreational and commercial fishing, however, the once
                  productive oyster beds of the area are no longer viable. Loss
                  of submerged aquatic vegetation is also a serious concern.

                  The Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve borders land owned by
                  the paper company, Champion International Corporation, Eglin
                  Air Force Base, and numerous private land holders. Land owned
                  by the federal government is mostly undeveloped but may be a
                  threat to the preserve due to the storage of hazardous
                  materials which may leach into the groundwater.

                  Submerged lands are selected as aquatic preserves based upon
                  their outstanding biological, aesthetic, and/or scientific
                  values. Yellow River Marsh 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     16,435   acres    of state-owned
                  submerged lands in Santa Rosa County, Florida.

                  The main objective of the resource management program for
                  Yellow River Marsh 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, geologic features,
                  archaeological sites, and water resources of the preserve.
                  Management activities will also focus on cumulative impacts
                  and encroachments.

                The Yellow River Marsh 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 recreational and commercial fishing,
                boating, swimming, commercial navigation, and adjacent land
                uses and their attendant facilities (e.g. docks etc.).
                Maintaining the continued health of the preserve involves
                minimizing adverse impacts from all uses within and adjacent
                to the preserve.

                This management plan describes public and private uses that
                are allowable pursuant to statutory direction and other
                applicable authorities of the aquatic preserve.      These uses
                are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees or their
                designee through a delegation of authority.         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 organizations
                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
                compliment 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 additional management needs. Field
                staff will develop and submit an annual status report that
                will identify new management needs and issues, and define
                additional goals and objectives for resource management as
                necessary.

                                           CHAPTER I

                                          INTRODUCTION

                 The  Yellow   River   Marsh   Aquatic   Preserve    encompasses
                 approximately 16,435 acres of the Yellow River, Blackwater
                 Bay, and East Bay located in the western panhandle of Florida.
                 The area consists of a nearly pristine portion of the
                 river/bay system which was recognized as an outstanding
                 resource and designated an aquatic preserve on April 9, 1970,
                 by the Florida Legislature.   Additionally, the Yellow River
                 was designated as an "Outstanding Florida Water" on March 1,
                 1979. The boundary of the preserve comprises all sovereignty
                 submerged lands of the designated river and bay, including
                 associated tidal lands, islands, sand bars, swamps and
                 floodplain forest.   Figures 1 and 2 represent the statewide
                 aquatic preserve system and gross boundaries of the Yellow
                 River Marsh Aquatic Preserve.

                 The aquatic preserve is a vital component in the Pensacola Bay
                 System because it has been the least impacted by development
                 and pollution.    The unspoiled forested wetlands, the over
                 2,000 acre marsh, and the submerged grassbeds provide
                 excellent habitat for fish and wildlife.        As a result,
                 recreational and commercial fishing are major activities in
                 the aquatic preserve.

                 The adjacent uplands are largely used for residential and
                 agricultural purposes.    Such uses conf irm the need for an
                 integrated management program by state, regional, and local
                 governments to accomplish a goal of long term resource
                 protection for the preserve.

                 This management plan developed for Yellow River Marsh Aquatic
                 Preserve is only one of many steps that will be necessary to
                 accomplish this goal. It is intended primarily to serve as a
                 useful guide to the manager and others in maintaining the
                 natural integrity of the preserve.     As more information is
                 learned about this preserve and ambient conditions analyzed,
                 management strategies outlined in this plan may need to be
                 adjusted.

                 The process of developing this management plan involved
                 collecting an inventory of resource information, coordinating
                 with other plans that have been developed for the area, and
                 identifying resource problems and management issues relating
                 to the present and future uses of the.preserve and adjacent
                 uplands. Supporting policies were developed to be consistent
                 with statutory authority and the overall intent of the Aquatic
                 Preserve Program for helping to ensure that the submerged land
                 resources of the river/bay system 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 the existing aquatic preserves rule, Chapter 18-20,
                Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C) .   This management plan
                will be subsequently incorporated into rule following its
                approval by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
                Trust Fund.

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

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

                Chapter III provid es a description of the Yellow River Marsh
                Aquatic Preserve and details the physical and biological
                components of the preserve as well as any 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 the
                preserve. These areas are defined by taking into account the
                biological resources, the physical parameters, and the
                aesthetic values, in conjunction with the use of the adjacent
                uplands.

                Chapter V discusses specific needs and issues particular to
                the Yellow River Marsh 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.

                Chapter VII identifies local, regional, state, and federal
                agencies, their authorities and program, and how they relate
                and assist in protection and management of this preserve. It
                also identifies non-governmental organizations, interest
                groups, and individuals that can assist in management.

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

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

                                              2

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                  DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

                  DIVISION OF STATE LANDS
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                                                                                                                                         YELLOW RIVER MARSH AQUATIC PRESERVE
                                                                                                                                                            AQUATIC PRESERVE G-2)
                                                                                                                                                            SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA

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                                                                                                                                              TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND
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                                                1

                                              CHAPTER II

                                         MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

                 A. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

                 The fundamental laws providing management authority for the
                 Yellow River Marsh 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
                 Preserves 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.11 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
                 sovereignty 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, however, 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 258.35-258.46, F.S., (Florida Aquatic
                 Preserves Act), Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., (Rules of Florida
                 Aquatic Preserves), and for consistency with this plan.

                                                7

                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 project
                merits within the context of 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 of Trustees.

                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 had a stimulating
                effect on this widespread concern.

                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 waterbodies from
                development led  to the Board of Trustees establishment of a
                moratorium on the sale of submerged lands to private
                interests.    In the same year, an Interagency Advisory
                Committee (IAC) on submerged lands was created to develop
                strategies for protection and management of state-owned
                submerged lands.

                In 1968, the Florida Constitution was revised, declaring in
                Article II, Section 7.1 the state's policy of conserving and
                protecting the 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. Then late in 1968, 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.         other
                preserves were individually adopted at various times through
                1989.

                                               8

                  B. AMINISTRATIVE RULES GOVERNING AQUATIC PRESERVES

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

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

                  Chapter 18-20, F.A.C. (Appendix A), specifically addresses
                  aquatic preserves and is supplemental to the rules found in
                  Chapter 18-21, F.A.C.      Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., 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 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;

                                                   9

                        (d)  to use applicable federal, state, and local
                             management programs, which are compatible with
                             the intent and 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, mudflats, 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:

                   11(l) 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;

                                               10

                      (3) to manage, protect, and enhance sovereignty lands so
                         that the public may continue to enjoy traditional uses
                         including, but not limited to, navigation, fishing and
                         swimming;

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

                 C. 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
                 the goals and policies of the State Comprehensive Plan
                 pertaining 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.

                 A management plan has been adopted      for the Pensacola Bay
                 System (which includes the preserve) under the guidance of the
                 Surface Water Improvement and Management Act. This plan will
                 focus on existing pollution problems and methods to resolve
                 them' in addition to prevention of further pollution. It is
                 being implemented by the Northwest Florida Water Management
                 District (NWFWMD).

                The Local Government Comprehensive Plan (LGCP) for Santa Rosa
                County is 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.).   These plans, in effect, are intended to guide the
                future development of the county. Recent statutory amendments
                require these plans to be updated and for cities and counties
                to adopt land development regulations and to conform to the
                criteria, policies, and practices of their comprehensive plan.

                The intent of the Aquatic Preserve Program, and this plan, is
                to guide county governments during their planning process
                towards developing. local plan criteria and standards that will
                be consistent with the objectives of the program. Santa Rosa
                County's Comprehensive Plan has not been officially adopted by
                the Department of Community Affairs, however, draft copies of
                the coastal element have been reviewed by Bureau staff for
                compliancy with aquatic preserve rules.

                **Refer to Chapter VII for other applicable management
                   authorities.

                                                12

                                            CHAPTER III

                                       RESOURCE DESCRIPTION

                 A. LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES

                 The Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve is located in southern
                 Santa Rosa County.     The preserve includes the Yellow River
                 from Highway 87, southwesterly to Blackwater Bay, and
                 Blackwater and East Bays south to White Point at East Bay.
                 There are two major population centers near the preserve: the
                 incorporated municipality of Milton, with a 1987 population of
                 7,219; and an unincorporated urban area called Bagdad with an
                 approximate population of 900. Milton is also the county seat
                 of Santa Rosa County.

                 The two largest land holdings adjacent to the preserve are
                 those of Eglin Air Force Base and Champion International
                 Corporation. Eglin AFB manages much of its lands, especially
                 the low-lying wetlands, as the Eglin Wildlife Management Area.
                 Champion International Corporation, a paper company, owns
                 extensive timberlands adjacent to the preserve.            Due to
                 equipment limitations, the company has not at this time
                 expressed an interest in logging the boggy lands that support
                 bottomland hardwoods.     The remaining uplands are generally
                 rural and residential, comprised mainly of farmland,
                 rangeland, forested land, and single-family homes. Golden Bay
                  roperties, Inc. owns much of the wetlands adjacent to White
                 Point, the southern tip of the preserve.
                 P

                 B. PHYSIOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

                 The preserve lies in the physiographic region known as the
                 Gulf Coastal Lowlands, the low lying area of southern Santa
                 Rosa County (Soil Conservation Society, 1980).        The coastal
                 lowlands consist of relatively undissected, nearly level
                 plains divided by coastal terraces formed during the sea level
                 invasion and recession of the Pleistocene Epoch (Wolfe et al.,
                 1988).    The largest unbroken terrace area in westernmost
                 Florida is Garcon Peninsula, which extends southward between
                 the mouths of the Escambia and Yellow Rivers, separating
                 Escambia Bay from East Bay.      The soils in the Gulf Coastal
                 Lowlands are predominantly moderately well drained to very
                 poorly drained and are nearly level.       Elevation ranges from
                 sea level to 30 feet above sea level (Soil Conservation
                 Society, 1980).

                 In general, a thick sequence of sand, clay, and gravel extend
                 from the surface to as much as 1,000 feet.         This layer is
                 known as the sand-and-gravel aquifer, and supplies the

                                                 13

                 drinking water f or the western panhandle of Florida.           The
                 sand-and-gravel aquifer is recharged primarily by rainwater.
                 The water of this aquifer is low in mineral content (soft
                 water). Because of its close proximity to the land surface,
                 the aquifer, or groundwater, is highly susceptible to
                 contamination from human activities.       The aquifer ranges in
                 age from Miocene to Recent.          It seems likely that the
                 materials in the sand-and-gravel aquifer were deposited in an
                 environment similar to that of the present-day Mississippi
                 River delta. This is suggested by the rapid facies changes,
                 the absence of fossils, and the abundance of sand and gravel.
                 These sediments were probably deposited by a network of
                 streams whose channels were constantly shifting back and f orth
                 across the surface of the delta.      In this environment, clay
                 was deposited in quiet pools or in abandoned channels while
                 gravel was being laid down by swiftly flowing streams nearby.
                 Discontinuous layers of hardpan (iron rock) occur throughout
                 the aquifer (Musgrove et al., 1965).

                 Below the sand-and-gravel aquifer lies the limestone and
                 coquina beds of the Floridan aquifer. The Floridan aquifer is
                 much more extensive and supplies the drinking water for the
                 rest of Florida, as it is more accessible in areas other than
                 the panhandle. In addition to the fossil coquina beds, much
                 of the limestone of the Floridan aquifer is composed of
                 foraminiferans, corals, bryozoans, ostracods, echinoids,
                 mollusks, and other fossils.        The water of the Floridan
                 aquifer has a higher mineral content than the sand-and-gravel
                 aquifer, causing it to be harder than water from the sand-
                 and-gravel aquifer (Musgrove et al., 1965).

                 C. CLIMATE

                 Santa Rosa County has a humid-temperate climate. Summer has
                 long, hot, humid days.       Average summer temperature is 80
                 degrees Fahrenheit. Clouds and afternoon thundershowers help
                 relieve the heat and humidity of summer days. winter is mild
                 and short, but is punctuated by periodic invasions of cold air
                 masses from the north. The average winter temperature is 54
                 degrees F. The Gulf of Mexico tempers the cold of winter, and
                 causes cool sea breezes to move across the land on summer days
                 (Soil Conservation Society, 1980).

                 The growing season is approximately 300 days. Rainfall
                 averages 65 inches a year, the greatest amount occurring
                 during the summer months. Snow is rare, falling about one year
                 in ten. Late summer and early fall may bring severe tropical
                 disturbances, with heavy rains and winds up to 200 miles per
                 hour (Soil Conservation Society, 1980).        Hurricane Frederic
                 passed through the area in 1975, with winds in excess of 100
                 mph.    In 1985, the area was struck by three late season
                 storms: Hurricanes Elena and Kate, and Tropical Storm Juan.

                                                 14

                  D. HYDROLOGY

                  The circulation of water f rom. the oceans to air to land and
                  back is known as the hydrologic cycle. Several authors have
                  noted the lack of baseline hydrological data for the Pensacola
                  Bay System as a whole, especially Blackwater Bay and East Bay.
                  In Santa Rosa County, the most common form of precipitation
                  is rainfall. Rain which is not taken up by plants or which
                  does not evaporate either infiltrates the land as groundwater
                  or flows over the land as runoff to join creeks, streams, and
                  rivers.

                  Yellow River

                  The Yellow River has its headwaters in Covington County,
                  Alabama, in the Conecuh National Forest, at the confluence of
                  Hog Foot and Limestone Creeks. The river enters Florida near
                  Laurel Hill and flows southwesterly through Okaloosa County.
                  The Yellow River is joined by its major tributary, the Shoal
                  River, five miles below Crestview.     The river empties into
                  Blackwater Bay along the boundaries of Eglin Air Force Base.

                  The Yellow River drains 1,365 square miles, of which only 115
                  are in Santa Rosa County.         The average flow entering
                  Blackwater Bay is about 2,500 cubic feet per second. In Santa
                  Rosa County the main channel flows through a heavily wooded,
                  swampy floodplain about two miles wide (Musgrove et al.,
                  1965). In Okaloosa County and Alabama, the river cuts through
                  the Western Highlands province, characterized in some areas by
                  bluffs as high as 40 feet.

                  The Yellow River's drainage basin is the highest in Florida
                  and subsequently the river flows swifter than other rivers in
                  Florida.    Much of its drainage basin is in the Western
                  Highlands physiographic province, which is outside of the
                  preserve.   The river is narrow, with clear tan water and a
                  sand bottom, resulting in a "yellow" appearance. It has a few
                  springs but is fed primarily by rainfall runoff (Florida
                  Department of Natural Resources, 1989a).

                  Blackwater Bay and East Bay

                  Blackwater Bay and East Bay are relatively small, shallow,
                  estuarine tidally influenced water bodies.       Blackwater Bay
                  covers 10 square miles and has an average depth of 6 feet
                  whereas East Bay covers 44 square miles and has an average
                  depth of 8 feet. Numerous small bayous, creeks, and ditches
                  drain into the bays.        The surface water hydrology is
                  influenced primarily by freshwater inputs from the Blackwater,
                  Yellow, and East Rivers, and their tributaries, and tidal
                  exchange from the Gulf of Mexico (Teehan and Barnett, 1989).
                  The bays exhibit chiefly low energy diurnal tides with a
                  single high and low, stage occurring each lunar day.          The

                                                 15

                average tidal range is 1. 6 feet.    The diurnal nature of the
                tides, along with the low tidal amplitude, results in limited
                flushing. Little and Quick (1976) estimated that 19% of the
                Pensacola Bay System's water volume is exchanged with each
                tide cycle and about 18 days are required to flush the entire
                system.

                The circulation of the bays is weak and is thought to be
                characterized by a net southerly flow.       Tidal movement is
                northerly during flood tide and southerly during ebb tide
                (Teehan and Barnett, 1989). These water movements result in
                a net counterclockwise circulation in the bay system, with
                fresh water from the Blackwater and Yellow Rivers moving south
                along the west shore of Blackwater Bay, and saline gulf water
                moving north along the east shore (Charles D'Asaro, Univ. West
                Fla., personal communication). It has been noted that under
                certain conditions current reversals occur.       The cause of
                these reversals is most likely wind (Olinger et al., 1975).

                The tidal flow forms a salt wedge, which keeps lighter fresh
                waters extending over much of the surface, and the salt waters
                across the bottom (Teehan and Barnett, 1989).      As a result,
                surface waters exhibit much lower salinities than deeper
                water.

                E. WATER QUALITY

                Blackwater Bay and East Bay are part of the Pensacola Bay
                System. Pensacola Bay has been designated as a top S.W.I.M.
                priority, mainly due to declines in water and sediment
                quality, and loss of habitat. Even though Blackwater Bay and
                East Bay are less impacted by human activities than the rest
                of the bay system, the entire system must be viewed as a
                whole, especially in terms of assimilative capacity and water
                quality. Traditional water quality studies of the system have
                been criticized as snapshots in time which focus on quantities
                of nutrients and other chemicals, rather than on water quality
                with respect to organisms which inhabit and which used to
                inhabit, the system (Dr. Collard, University of West Florida,
                oral report to the Pensacola Bay System Technical Advisory
                Committee).   The disappearance of oyster reefs from East Bay
                and the loss of submerged aquatic vegetation throughout the
                system are indicators of declining water and sediment quality.
                Benthic macroinvertebrates are another good indicator group.
                Unlike water quality samples, benthic macroinvertebrate
                samples may be repeated for more consistent results.         When
                sediment    quality    changes,    composition     of    benthic
                macroinvertebrate species also changes, thereby affecting
                other organisms of a higher trophic status such as fish (Dr.
                Collard, UWF, report to TAC) .     Pollution tolerant benthic
                macro invetteb rates occur in the bays, however, invertebrate

                                               16

                 samples from the Yellow River are comprised of species common
                 to healthy systems (Hand, et al., 1988; Bass et al., 1977).

                 Yellow River

                 The Yellow River exhibits some of the most pristine water
                 quality in the state of Florida.   All segments of the river
                 have good overall water quality.       The Yellow River is
                 classified as Class III by the Department of Environmental
                 Regulation. Class III waters intended use is for recreation,
                 propagation and maintenance of a healthy population of fish
                 and wildlife.

                 The Yellow River was designated on March 1, 1979, by the
                 Department of Environmental Regulation as an outstanding
                 Florida Water (OFW) body.   The statutory requirement for an
                 OFW is that the water body must have "natural attributes
                 worthy of special protection" (Section 403.061(28), F.S.) . In
                 OFW bodies, the primary water quality standard used in
                 regulation is the actual ambient water quality of each
                 individual OFW, rather than the general numerical limits of'
                 the water quality classification system.    The importance of
                 this system is that all OFWs receive special protection
                 against water pollution.

                 Despite its good water quality, man's impacts are present.
                 For example, catfish with unusual tumors have been found in
                 the tributaries of the Yellow River which drain Eglin Air
                 Force Base.  These fish have been collected and studied but
                 the cause of the tumors is unknown. No unusual fish have been
                 caught in the last few years.

                 In addition, Trammel Creek has received and continues to
                 receive improperly treated wastewater from the city of
                 Crestview Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). This creek, a
                 tributary of the Yellow River, shows signs of nutrient and
                 turbidity problems (Hand et al., 1988).     The Yellow River,
                 above its confluence with the Shoal River, was the site of a
                 1979 anhydrous ammonia spill. Later studies by the Game and
                 Fish Commission (Bass and Yeager, 1983) showed the creek to
                 still be impacted by the spill.

                 Trawick Creek, approximately 8 miles northeast of the preserve
                 boundary at Highway 87, has siltation from the maintenance of
                 Interstate 10. The water quality of tributaries of the Shoal
                 River shows signs of road and borrow pit runoff, and stream
                 bank erosion.   Parts of the Yellow River are impacted by
                 logging operations runoff, and some segments near agriculture

                                               17

                 areas receive nutrients, silt and biological oxygen demand
                 loadings from runoff (Florida Department of Natural Resources,
                 1989a) .

                 Blackwater Bay and East Bay

                 Studies have shown that Blackwater Bay and East Bay have poor
                 circulation and low flushing rates. Because of this, the bays
                 are not able to assimilate increased loads of nutrients and
                 pollution from human activit@ies (Olinger et al., 1975; Young,
                 1981). Over time, a buildup of organic sediments has occurred
                 in the bays, and is described by Young (1981) as a "noxious
                 sludge layer".     Both Olinger et al., and Young noted fair Do
                 (dissolved oxygen) levels and high TOC (total organic carbon)
                 levels in the bays.        They concluded that the bays were
                 functioning as nutrient and organic carbon sinks due to the
                 overloading of these compounds in the water and the
                 insufficient circulation of the bays.

                 Other than the two studies mentioned above, limited water
                 quality studies have been conducted in Blackwater Bay and East
                 Bay.    Presently, no permanent water quality stations are
                 located in these waters.       The Department of Environmental
                 Regulation has two surface water quality monitoring stations
                 located miles from the preserve; one at Blackwater River at
                 Highway 4, and another in Escambia Bay, which is heavily
                 impacted by industrial discharges. No sediment quality tests
                 have been conducted on bay sediments.

                 The Department of Natural Resources, Shellfish Environmental
                 Assessment Section (SEAS) , does however, routinely monitor
                 Blackwater Bay and East Bay for shellfish contaminants such as
                 fecal coliforms and other disease causing bacteria.              The
                 Shellfish Environmental Assessment Section published a report
                 (Teehan and Barnett, 1989) which surveyed and analyzed
                 shellfish conditions in Blackwater Bay.         The report states
                 that statistical analysis revealed significant associations
                 between fecal coliform levels and rainfall during summer
                 months at seven stations in the survey area.              Currently,
                 Blackwater Bay is classified as shellfish Prohibited, and East
                 Bay is classified as shellfish Conditionally Approved
                 (Department of Natural Resources,           1989b).     Areas are
                 designated Prohibited if sampling results indicate fecal
                 material,    pathogenic    microorganisms,     or   poisonous      or
                 deleterious substances are consistently or unpredictably
                 present in dangerous concentrations, or the shoreline survey
                 identifies actual or potential pollution sources of high
                 magnitude which may affect the growing area (Teehan and
                 Barnett, 1989).

                                                 .18

                 Sources of pollution

                 There are numerous point and non-point sources of pollution
                 which impact Blackwater Bay and East Bay.        The S.W.I.M.
                 program Point Source Assessment of the Pensacola System (1991)
                 lists the city of Crestview, Department of Transportation
                 I-10 Rest Area, East Milton Elementary School, city of Milton,
                 and Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field as point sources
                 which affect the preserve waters..

                 Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP)

                 Treated wastewater from the city of Milton and East Milton
                 Elementary School is discharged into the Blackwater River, and
                 treated wastewater from the city of Crestview is discharged
                 into Trammel Creek, a tributary of the Yellow River.
                 Chlorinated effluent from the city of Milton WWTP is
                 discharged into the Blackwater River, 1.5 miles north of the
                 I-10 bridge (Teehan and Barnett, 1989). Oxygen depletion and
                 high coliform bacteria counts have been attributed to
                 insufficient wastewater treatment at this plant.           This
                 facility, however, has undergone extensive modification and
                 water quality is expected to improve (Hand et al., 1988).
                 Chlorinated effluent from the East Milton Elementary School is
                 discharged into the Blackwater River two miles north of the
                 1-10 bridge (Teehan and Barnett, 1989).

                 As stated earlier, Trammel Creek, which receives treated
                 wastewater from the city of Crestview, shows signs of nutrient
                 and turbidity problems.    Crestview's WWTP has recently been
                 upgraded but it is too soon to determine if the effluent or
                 in-stream water quality will appreciably improve (Florida
                 Department of Natural Resources, 1989a).         The city of
                 Crestview WWTP has a history of sewage spills and mechanical
                 breakdowns and is presently operating under a consent order
                 from the Department of Environmental Regulation.      In June,
                 1990, a faulty filter at the Crestview WWTP caused the
                 discharge of 30 million gallons of improperly treated sewage
                 into Trammel Creek.      According to the Florida Game and
                 Freshwater Fish Commission, 97% of the faunal species present
                 in the area were wiped out due to the spill. Fishing on the
                 Yellow River was temporarily banned in December 1990 due to
                 extremely poor quality effluent resulting from a faulty
                 trickling filter.

                 Septic Tanks

                 Septic tanks are another source  of pollution to the preserve.
                 Teehan and Barnett (1989) performed a septic tank survey of
                 the land adjacent to the preserve (see Appendix B, Pollution
                 Source Survey). The effect of septic tank systems on ground
                 and estuarine water is an unresolved problem.     According to
                 Patterson, et al. (1971), "the total evidence indicates that

                                                19

                septic systems today exert a significant detrimental effect on
                environmental quality." While WWTPIs are permitted initially
                and monitored regularly, no monitoring - either of the system
                after installation or of associated environmental impact - is
                required for septic systems (Teehan and Barnett, 1989).
                According to Clark (1974), "there are three major potential
                problems related to septic tanks in coastal area:

                   1)   wastes are leached into coastal waters when septic
                        tanks are located too close to the shore,

                   2)   tidally-induced high water tables provide direct and
                        rapid flushing of drainfields into the coastal waters,
                        and

                   3)   inadequate drainfield components or soil absorption
                        characteristics cause tanks to overflow, particularly
                        during rainstorms, and pollute coastal waters."

                Treatment provided by septic tanks is minimal compared to
                other forms of wastewater treatment.       Septic tank effluent
                contains varying concentrations of the primary nutrients
                nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, and smaller quantities of
                surfactants, metals and toxic organics. However, in terms of
                public health, the most significant problem is release of
                pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (Teehan and
                Barnett, 1989).      Excessively porous coastal soils allow
                effluent to leach too rapidly. Effluent reaches groundwater
                essentially untreated, polluting the water with bacteria,
                pathogens, and nutrients. A 1975 study by the Environmental
                Protection Agency noted that septic systems are responsible
                for high nutrient loads and excessive bacterial counts found
                in surface waters adjacent to septic systems.

                Other point and non-point sources

                Garcon Peninsula and Peterson Point have the highest housing
                densities in the preserve area; both area also contain
                ranches. These area are crossed by stormwater ditches, which
                discharge into Blackwater Bay. Stormwater may carry bacteria
                from septic tank leachate and domestic animals.           Mallard
                (1980) noted significant quantities of total coliform, fecal
                coliform, and fecal steptococcus in stormwater runoff.

                Other contaminants in surface runoff include petroleum
                products   from    paved   areas;   sediments    from    improper
                development, agriculture, dirt roads, logging operations, and
                stream bank erosion; phosphorus and nitrogen from agriculture,
                and pesticides, including malathion, dieldrein, and heptachlor
                epoxide, from agriculture or mosquito control.         Stormwater
                from NAS Whiting field is a source of pollution to the
                preserve.

                                               20

                 Boat traf f ic contributes metals including copper, tin and
                 lead, as well as petroleum and occasional discharges of raw or
                 partially treated sewage.

                 Marinas are recognized pollution sources, especially where
                 petroleum products are stored, transferred, and used. Heavy
                 metal contamination of water, shellfish, and sediment may
                 occur as anti-fouling bottom paints leach over time. Dredging
                 and filling can suspend sediments and reintroduce associated
                 pollutants to the water column. Bulkheads, piers, and docks
                 alter water circulation patterns, block sunlight, reduce
                 flushing, and trap debris. In addition, anti-fouling agents
                 such as Copper Chromium Arsenic (CCA) from pilings and tri-
                 butyl tin from boat bottom paints may leach into surrounding
                 water (Teehan and Barnett, 1989). Presently, one marina and
                 two fish camps are located in the preserve.

                 Loss of Submerged Vegetation and other Resources

                 Long time residents of the area have noticed a significant
                 decline in submerged aquatic vegetation since the 1950's.
                 Historical accounts state that the bays were once highly
                 productive, with extensive grassbeds, oyster beds, and shrimp
                 and fish populations. The Pensacola Bay System was the focus
                 of a historical submerged macrophyte study and inventory by
                 Rogers and Bisterfield (1975). They reported that the entire
                 system experienced an overall recession and disappearance of
                 grassbeds from 1949-1974.     Recent LANDSAT surveys indicate
                 present coverage is approximately the same as in 1974,
                 indicating little, or no recovery has taken place (Ken Haddad,
                 DNR, personal communication).

                 Records for the northeast area of East Bay, adjacent to the
                 preserve (Olinger et al., 1975) revealed a decline in lateral
                 extension of the grassbed; however, the width of the central
                 area appeared to have remained relatively constant. Two years
                 later, this bed had also disappeared (J.D. Brown, Bream
                 Fishermen Association, personal communication).      A study by
                 Environmental Analysts of Florida, Inc. in June 1979, also
                 reported the absence of grassbeds between Escribano and Miller
                 Points.   In summary, there has been a history of submerged
                 macrophyte loss in the entire Pensacola Bay System, including
                 Blackwater Bay and East Bay.     The only abundant, persistent
                 species are tapegrass (Vallisneria americana) and widgeon
                 grass (Ruppia maritima), essentially brackish water species,
                 that are doing well in Blackwater Bay, but that have
                 diminished in upper Escambia Bay.

                 Additionally, commercial fisheries species associated with
                 grassbeds have shown a significant decline in conjunction with
                 the decline of grassbeds.           Bay scallops (Argopecten
                 irradians), brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus), white shrimp (.R.
                 setiferous) , and pink shrimp (1!. duorarum) , as well as some

                                                21

                finfish species, have all shown significant declines in
                numbers.   The shrimp fisheries was also impacted by high
                concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB).

                Shellfish, primarily oysters (Crassostrea virginica) , have
                shown significant declines and crashes in numbers, due to
                fungal parasites, poor water quality, heavy rainfall, and
                dredging activities.     Personnel from DNR report periodic
                crashes in oyster populations within the preserve, with near
                100% mortality rate. The first documented die-of f occurred in
                1963 and the most recent die-off was reported in 1987. Since
                that time oyster numbers have been slowly increasing. The DNR
                has charted two oyster reef s and one resource enhancement
                project in the preserve.

                Historically, oysters landings have contributed greatly to the
                economy of Santa Rosa County. In 1985, the most recent peak
                year for oyster landings, nearly 500,000 pounds of oysters
                were harvested.

                F. VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES

                The Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve includes not only
                submerged grassbed communities, but also other types of
                wetland communities such as marshes, swamps and forested
                wetlands.   These wetlands are a valuable resource to the
                residents of Santa Rosa County for many reasons.        Detailed
                illustrations of emergent and submerged vegetation found in
                the preserve are contained in Appendix C.

                Wetlands of the preserve receive floodwaters after heavy rains
                and function as natural flood control.      Pollutants, excess
                nutrients, and sediments enter the wetlands and are filtered
                out of stormwater, thereby improving water quality.          The
                preserve wetlands recycle many nutrients which are essential
                for wildlife. These wetlands provide safe, sheltered habitats
                for juvenile members of numerous species of marine and
                estuarine organisms. Many of these species are important to
                commercial and recreational fishermen of Santa Rosa County.
                The wetlands also provide habitat for many other types of
                wildlife, such as migratory birds, waterfowl, and mammals. As
                a result, the wetlands are productive hunting areas,
                especially for deer and ducks. Wetlands recharge groundwater
                supplies and supply drinking water. Timber and other natural
                resources are harvested from wetlands. And finally, wetlands
                are important for educational and aesthetic reasons.

                In order to perform these important functions wetlands must be
                preserved in their natural state.      Draining and filling of
                wetlands degrades water quality and contributes to flooding,
                and destroys wildlife habitat and its associated economic

                                               22

                 values.    Development of wetlands is occurring on Garcon
                 Peninsula, adjacent to the preserve.

                 1. Forested Wetlands

                 There are several different types of forested wetlands which
                 occur within the Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve. Forested
                 wetlands are commonly known by a variety of names such as
                 river swamp, shrub bog, bayhead, cypress swamp, titi bog,
                 floodplain forest, swamp forest, and bottomland hardwood
                 forest.

                 These forested wetlands are characterized by a wide variety of
                 plant life including trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and
                 herbaceous plants.       The moisture regime is the most
                 significant factor in    maintaining these communi  'ties; only
                 flood tolerant species of plants and animals can survive.
                 Forested wetlands are present along the Yellow River and its
                 tributaries until reaching the marshes at Blackwater Bay (see
                 Figures 3 and 4).

                 Trees found in the forested wetlands include: water hickory,
                 sweetgum, blackgum, tupelo, red maple, sweetbay, redbay,
                 loblolly bay, ash, elm, American hornbeam, river birch,
                 cypress, red and white cedar, black willow, titi, pond pine,
                 slash pine, sycamore and several species of oaks.

                 Woody  understory species include buttonbush, yaupon holly,
                 dahoon holly, titi, St. John's-wort, dog hobble, fetterbush,
                 large gallberry, myrtle-leaved holly, swamp azalea, Florida
                 anise, Virginia willow and sweet pepperbush.

                 Plant life in the forested interior floodplain is often
                 characterized by herbaceous vines such as greenbriar, wild
                 grape, peppervine, poison ivy, trumpet creeper, and crossvine.
                 Other herbaceous species include cinnamon fern, royal fern,
                 chain fern, lizard's tail, orchids and other flowering plants,
                 and mosses and liverworts.    Refer to Table 1 for a detailed
                 list.of forested wetland species.

                 Forested wetlands host a variety of wildlife such as deer,
                 bobcats, bears, wild hog, beaver, fox, otters, raccoons, swamp
                 rabbits, squirrels (flying, red, gray) , opposum, and mink.
                 Wild turkey, waterfowl, wading birds, migratory birds, song
                 birds, and birds of prey, especially ospreys, hawks, and owls
                 are found in the preserve.           Turtles, snakes, frogs,
                 salamanders, and even alligators may be found in the preserve.
                 All of these species utilize the forested wetlands for food,
                 shelter, and breeding/ nesting habitat, and are dependent on
                 the wetlands  for their continued survival.

                 In addition to providing food and habitat for animals,
                 forested wetlands receive floodwaters, recycle nutrients,

                                                23

                 f ilter stormwater runof f and serve as a sink for sediments and
                 other types of pollutants.

                 2. Marshes

                 Marshes of the preserve fall into two categories: tidal marsh
                 and floodplain marsh.

                 Tidal marshes are expansive intertidal or supratidal areas
                 occupied primarily by rooted, emergent vascular macrophytes
                 such as cordgrass, needlerush, sawgrass, saltwort, saltgrass,
                 and glasswort (Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 1990).
                 Additionally, species such as sea ox-eye daisy and sedges also
                 occur.  These species are tolerant of the higher salinities
                 and harsher wind and wave conditions characteristic of tidal
                 marshes. The largest expanse of tidal marsh in the preserve
                 is found along the west shore of East Bay near White Point.

                 Floodplain marsh occurs in the river floodplain.             These
                 marshes are seasonally inundated and are dominated by
                 maidencane, pickerelweed, sagittaria, buttonbush, wax myrtle,
                 and other mixed emergents (Florida Natural Areas Inventory,
                 1990).   Other species which occur in the floodplain marsh
                 include giant cutgrass, cattail, spadderdock, beak rush,
                 bulrush, sedges, spike rush, and sawgrass.

                 The floodplain marsh covers approximately 2400 acres at the
                 mouth of the Yellow River. In addition to     the marsh species,
                 patchy stands of hardwoods and water tolerant pine trees have
                 become established on small "islands" of higher elevation in
                 the marsh.   See Table 2 for a detailed list of marsh plant
                 species.

                 Marsh communities are among the most productive ecosystems in
                 the world; three times more productive than cultivated
                 farmland.    In addition to being highly productive, marsh
                 communities also recycle nutrients and function as natural
                 filtration systems for runoff. Marshes provide food, shelter,
                 and habitat for deer, otters, marsh rabbits, racoons, coots,
                 egrets, gulls, terns, herons, bitterns, rails, gallinules,
                 red-winged blackbirds, ospreys, hawks, ducks, alligators,
                 snakes, t urtles, and salamanders.     Marshes are utilized as
                 nesting habitat by a number of species and serve as protected
                 nursery areas for juvenile fish and invertebrates.

                 3. Grassbeds

                 Grassbeds are expansive subtidal or intertidal areas, occupied
                 primarily by rooted submerged vascular macrophytes (Florida
                 Natural Areas Inventory, 1989). Grassbeds of the Yellow River
                 Marsh Aquatic Preserve extend well into Blackwater Bay from
                 the mouth of the Yellow River and its distributaries.
                 Grassbeds are also present in patches along the western

                                                 24

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                      DICKERSON CfTY I          041J.    East Bay
                                               J/

                                      J.            FIGURE 3. Vegetation Map
                    T 1 S.,4."..                                                                                                      T I S
                                                                                                                                      T 2 S
                                                             Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

                  US
                                                             Marsh
                              White Point                    Forested Wetlands
                                                    14
               Garcon Point

          --- ---- - ------------

                                                                              25

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                             26
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                 Tidal                    Blackwater        Submerged Aquatic Floodplain                          Yellow River                Forested
                Marsh                       East Bay             Vegetation                Marsh           Freshwater Vegetation             Wetlands
               Needlerush                     Clams                Tape Grass            Needlerush                Pickeralweed                Bay Trees
                Cordgrass                     Snails                 Bacopa               Cordgrass                Spadderdock                Black Gum
                                               Fish               Widgeon Grass            Cattails                 Maidencane                  Cypress
                                                                                          Cutgrass                  Arrowhead                    Oaks
                                                                                          Sawgrass                                           Loblolly Pine
                                                                                     Scattered Hardwoods

                                                                                                Osprey. nest

                                                        Striped Mullet                                      Largemouth                                   Al
                            Blue Crab                                                                           Bass
                                                                  Great Blue Heron

                                                                         FIGURE 4.
                                                                  VEGETATION PROFILE

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                          28                    1
                                                I

                  shoreline.     The grassbeds are dominated by tapegrass
                  (Vallisneria americana), which grows in the bay at depths of
                  one to three feet.    Associated with tape grass are aquatic
                  species such as lemon bacopa, southern naiad, widgeon grass,
                  and bladderwort (see Table 3).

                  Submerged grasses such as tapegrass perform many valuable
                  functions within the estuarine system.           They stabilize
                  sediments, recycle nutrients, provide shelter and habitat for
                  aquatic fauna, and serve as spawning and nursery areas for
                  many species of fish and shellfish.           Many commercially
                  important fish spend at least part of their lives in these
                  beds.

                  The Yellow River Marsh is part of the Pensacola Bay System.
                  This system is the most impacted by human activity of all the
                  watersheds of the panhandle (Rogers and Bisterfield, 1975).
                  East Bay, just outside the preserve boundaries, once contained
                  expansive stretches of grassbeds, especially between Escribano
                  Point and Miller Point.      These beds disappeared by 1977.
                  Grassbed disappearance has been noted in the Pensacola Bay
                  System   since    1951    (Rogers   and. Bisterfield,       1975).
                  Disappearance of grassbeds in the preserve has been less
                  extensive than in other areas of the Pensacola Bay System.

                  G. FISH AND WILDLIFE

                  1. Fish

                  At least 101 species occur in the Florida portion of the river
                  system, including Blackwater Bay. Of the species recorded, 33
                  are marine,or brackish water forms.      An additional five are
                  diadromous (Alabama shad, skipjack herring, hogchocker,
                  Atlantic sturgeon, American eel) . Freshwater species entering
                  the bay are derived from the Blackwater and Yellow Rivers.
                  Marine species originate from the Gulf of Mexico or are
                  permanent residents of the estuary (Bass et al., 1979).

                  The minnow family, Cyprinidae, contributes the largest number
                  of species to the system, with a total of 17.        The sunfish
                  (Centrarchidae) are the second best represented with 14
                  species. Other families contributing five or more species are
                  Ictaluridae (freshwater catfish), Cyprinodontidae (killif ish) ,
                  Sciaenidae (drums) and Percidae (perches) (Bass et al.,1979).
                  See Table 4 for a checklist of fish recorded from the Yellow
                  River system, Florida, including Blackwater Bay.

                  Bassf et al., (1979) surveyed the Yellow River system and set
                  up sampling stations throughout the area, including two
                  stations in the river portion of the preserve. Station 1, in
                  the tidal delta at the mouth of the Yellow River, yielded 23
                  species, all of which are freshwater forms. The most abundant

                                                 29

                was bluegill, which contributed 31.3% of the catch by number.
                Next in abundance was the longnose gar, comprising 19.4% of
                the number.    Third most abundant was the redear sunfish
                (12.4%). Commercial or sport fish made up 58.2% by number.

                Station 2, up the river away from the delta, yielded 24
                species, all but one of which were freshwater. The southern
                flounder, a common invader of Florida streams, was the only
                marine representative. Bluegill was again the most abundant,
                comprising 22.4% by number.   The longear sunfish was second
                (12.0%) and was followed by spotted sucker (7.7%). Commercial
                or sport fish comprised 66.1% of the collection.

                The river swamp/backwaters amid the bottomland hardwoods and
                associated vegetation are an important habitat for fish
                production.  Fish of the main river channel depend greatly
                upon these "quiet water" areas for spawning and growth (Bass
                and Yeager, 1983).

                Marine species which are abundant in the lower bay include
                Gulf menhaden, tidewater silverside, silver perch, sand
                seatrout, spot, croaker, and striped mullet.     other common
                species are speckled worm eel, sea catfish, needlefish,
                spotted seatrout, and hogchocker (Bass et al., 1979).

                Both marine and freshwater fish inhabit the upper bay adjacent
                the outlets of the two rivers.    The river/bay interface is
                highly valuable as a producer of fish, providing primary
                nursery grounds (Bass and Yeager, 1983). Abundant fish of the
                upper bay are speckled worm eel, bay anchovy, Gulf pipefish,
                bluegill, redear sunfish, and naked goby.        other common
                species are longnose gar, coastal shiner, spot, striped
                mullet, and clown goby. Freshwater species found occasionally
                include spotted gar, bowfin, chain pickerel, spotter sucker,
                tadpole madtom, brook silverside, warmouth, longear sunfish,
                spotted sunfish, and bluespotted sunfish (Bass and Hitt,
                1977).

                Marine species caught by anglers at the mouth of the Yellow
                River include spotted seatrout, red drum, flounder, croaker,
                spot, sting ray, bull shark, gafftopsail catfish, and sea
                catfish.

                Overall, the Yellow River System is high in numbers of fish
                species, but production of sport fish is relatively low in
                comparison to other Florida streams (Bass et al., 1979).

                                              30

                  2. Mammals

                  The marsh and bottomland hardwood communities provide habitat
                  for numerous mammalian species. White-tailed deer, a popular
                  game animal, frequents both areas, mainly because of the
                  escape cover and browse provided (McWhite, 1984). Many other
                  common hardwood f orest and wetland inhabitants occur here,
                  including squirrel, armadillo, raccoon, bobcat, coyote, wild
                  hog, beaver, fox, swamp rabbit, opposum, mink, and river
                  otter.   The Florida black bear, a threatened species, also
                  inhabits the area.    Refer to Table 5 for a detailed list of
                  species.

                  The continuum of uplands to forested wetlands to marsh habitat
                  offers these and smaller mammals excellent home range,
                  foraging opportunities, and escape cover from excessive human
                  activity and predators. The two primary factors contributing
                  to this are the rural nature of northern adjacent uplands and
                  the forested lands of Eglin Air Force Base abutting the south
                  and eastern preserve boundaries of the aquatic preserve.

                  3. Reptiles and Amphibians

                  A variety and abundance of reptiles and amphibians 'Occur in
                  the preserve.    The American alligator, which is listed as a
                  species of special concern by the Florida Game and Fresh Water
                  Fish Commission, is a common inhabitant of the marsh and
                  bottomlands. Numerous salamanders, frogs, and turtles occur
                  throughout the floodplain.        Water snakes, including the
                  poisonous cottonmouth, are also common to both bottomland and
                  marsh communities. Refer to Table 5 for a detailed list of
                  species.

                  4. Birds

                  Wading birds, raptors, songbirds and waterfowl frequent all
                  habitat types within the preserve.

                  Some of the more conspicuous wading birds found loafing or
                  foraging in the marsh or emergent vegetation include: great
                  blue heron, least bittern, and snowy egret. Raptors such as
                  the osprey, hawks, and the endangered bald eagle utilize all
                  communities, nesting in larger trees in the inner marsh'and
                  swamp forest and feeding in the estuary and floodplain. While
                  ospreys are very common in the preserve, bald eagles are quite
                  rare. Songbirds are ubiquitous among the arboreal habitats of
                  the bottomlands.       Various species of ducks are found
                  throughout the preserve.      Wood ducks normally inhabit the
                  swamp forest, nesting in tree cavities and consuming acorns as
                  a primary food. They are usually year-round residents in this
                  area.    Migratory ducks such as scaup, and pintail may
                  temporarily stop at the river or bay during winter. See Table

                                                  31

                5 for a detailed list of bird species which inhabit the
                preserve.

                S. Benthic Macroinvertebrates

                Benthic macro invertebrates of the Yellow River System were
                sampled by the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission
                (Bass et al., 1979).       The report contains a detailed
                description of substrates and species collected at various
                sites and habitats in the  preserve.   Substrates ranged from
                mud and aquatic vegetation to coarse sand. Blackwater Bay was
                sampled by the Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (Bass and
                Hitt, 1977) as part of a larger survey of the Blackwater River
                system.

                Substrate type appears to be of greater importance than water
                quality or current velocity in determining species present.
                Fine sand, mud, and vegetation are all productive of benthos
                whether they occur in the rivers or bay. Clean sands, whether
                in still or moving water are relatively unproductive (Bass and
                Hitt, 1977).

                Dominant bay and shoreline benthos include both oligochaete
                and polychaete worms, clams, snails, midge larvae, mysid
                shrimp, and amphipods and isopods (small flattened crustaceans
                such as beach fleas). The amphipods and isopods are abundant
                in the grassbeds and sandy areas of the preserve.

                Common river benthos include polychaete and oligochaete worms,
                leeches, copepods, mysid shrimp, amphipods, isopods, midge
                larvae, mayfly nymphs, crayfish, caddisfly larvae, dragonfly
                and damselfly larvae, dobsonfly, aquatic beetles, culicidae,
                snails, mussels, and clams.

                oyster harvesting in and adjacent to the preserve contributes
                to the economy of Santa Rosa County. The oyster industry has
                experienced a slump in recent years after peaking in 1985.

                6. Designated Species

                Some designated animal species which have legal protection
                pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, are assumed to
                be found within the vicinity of the preserve. Table 6 lists
                species endangered, threatened, or of special concern which
                may be f ound in or near the preserve.      For management of
                designated plant species, the Florida Natural Areas Inventory
                Special Plant List, a cooperative effort between the
                Department of Natural Resources and the Nature Conservancy,
                is the primary reference source. For management of designated
                animal species, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
                Commission (FGFWFC) (list published in 39-27.03-05, F.A.C.) is
                the primary reference source.     The United States Fish and

                                              32

                 Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for implementing the
                 provisions of the federal act.

                 Species may be classified as rare, endangered,       threatened,
                 under review for listing, or of special concern.      Endangered
                 species are those threatened with extinction if the  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 are those likely to become
                 endangered in the foreseeable future if current trends
                 continue.   Under review species are being considered for
                 designation. Species of special concern are those that warrant
                 special attention even though they do not fit the other
                 categories. These species, although perhaps not rare, may be
                 especially vulnerable to certain types of exploitation or
                 environmental changes and have experienced long term population
                 declines. Species of this designation may also have potential
                 impact on endangered or threatened populations of other
                 species.

                 H. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES

                 Although little archaeological investigation has been conducted
                 in the region around the Yellow River, the following is a brief
                 evaluation from Little, K.J., C. Curren, and L. McKenzie
                 (1988).

                 Investigations have demonstrated that at least portions.of the
                 Blackwater drainage (including Yellow River) are rich in
                 archaeological resources. Components of most cultural periods
                 were identified, with the exception of sixteenth and eighteenth
                 century colonial sites.

                 Data derived from 44 archaeological sites were recorded during
                 the survey. Thirty five were newly recorded sites and 9 were
                 previously recorded.     Fifteen of these sites are located
                 directly within the aquatic preserve. Archaeological resources
                 here are consistently being impacted by shoreline inundation
                 and erosion, treasure hunters and commercial and residential
                 development, indicating the need for further preservation.

                 I. REGIONAL LAND USE, DEVELOPMENT AND ASSOCIATED IMPACTS

                 1. ADJACENT UPLAND USES

                 Land use adjacent to.the preserve is predominately classified
                 as rural. According to the West Florida Comprehensive Regional
                 Policy Plan (1987) this classification includes agricultural,
                 range and forested lands.

                                                33

                The preliminary coastal element of the Santa Rosa County
                Comprehensive Plan (1989) further designates this land as
                Santa Rosa County Coastal Area. Eglin Air Force Base at the
                eastern boundary is the only exception, being categorized as
                "Military Holdings".

                The preliminary Santa Rosa County Comprehensive Plan also
                designates land within the coastal area as residential and
                commercial.   Most of the residential acreage is presently
                deemed rural residential/agricultural due to the rural nature
                of the land (Santa Rosa Comprehensive Plan, 1989).

                Characteristic land uses adjacent to the preserve are further
                broken down into the following categories:          low or no
                development, low-density residential, medium to high density
                residential, commercial, recreational and military holdings.
                A more detailed outline of local land use is provided in the
                local government land use map in Figure 5.

                    a. RESIDENTIAL

                        1.   Low or No Development:       This designation is
                             characterized by areas in essentially natural
                             conditions with little or no land alterations or
                             structural development. The complete north shore
                             of the Yellow River with the exception of an
                             approximate one half linear mile section near
                             Highway 87, is in this designation. The brackish
                             marsh system at the mouth of the river is also of
                             this land use.     These tracts are in private
                             ownership and have little impact on open waters
                             of the preserve due to the buffering effect of
                             the vast bottomland hardwood community.

                         2.  Low-Density Residential:       Adjacent to the
                             bottomland hardwoods, most of the land is
                             designated as rural, with forest lands being
                             interspersed by small range and farmlands.
                             Single-family homes on 5 to 100 acres tracts are
                             characteristic of this area.    In addition, Low-
                             Density residential development occurs on the
                             uplands at the southwest periphery near White
                             Point. This area contains numerous single-family
                             residences and the small community of Dickerson
                             City with numerous single-family homes.

                        3.   Medium to High Densitv Residential:            From
                             Dickerson City northward to Robinson Point the
                             uplands adjacent to the west shore of Blackwater
                             Bay are characterized by numerous individual
                             subdivisions in early stages of development.
                             Areas such as Villa Garcon, Blackwater Bay Estates

                                               34

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                                                                 191

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                                                                                                                                             -P@.y, -i.
                                                                      FIGURE 5. Adjacent Land Use
                                                                                     Rural                                                                               S
                                     S                                               Residential                                                                     T 2 S
                                                                                     Agricultural

                                                                                     Residential Low Density
                                            M. te Point                              (2-4 units/acres)

                          Garcon Point                                               U.S. Govt./Conservation
                                                                         9k" i@,*.

                                                                                     Tourist
                                                                                     Commercial
                                       Jim

                                                                                       35

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                            36                       1
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                               and Hammock De Galvez represent increasing
                               suburban growth. Small cattle farms and expanses
                               of   pine   forest    separate   many    of    these
                               subdivisions.    Much of the land is f or sale.
                               Adjacent uplands from Robinson Point northeast to
                               Bay Point have experienced    moderate development
                               in addition to commercial expansion.           Small
                               waterways such as Jakes Bayou and Sandy Point
                               Bayou are also sights of increased residential
                               development.    Docking facilities are prominent
                               along the shoreline.

                      b.  COMMERCIAL: Three water dependent commercial areas are
                          located immediately adjacent to the preserve. Brown's
                          Fish Camp and Cooey I s Fish Camp are located on the
                          Yellow River, and Nicholls Marina is situated on a
                          canal, on the west shore of Blackwater Bay. Brown's
                          Fish Camp has a boat ramp, approximately 10 homes and
                          mobile   homes,   restrooms,    and   a   wood    seawall
                          approximately 20 feet in length.     Nicholls Marina is
                          a large boat landing facility and is the permanent
                          mooring site for about 20 to 30 vessels.         Nicholls
                          Restaurant is also at this location.

                      C.  RECREATIONAL:      The   above   facilities     represent
                          recreational uses when viewed from the context of
                          "associated boat use"J,     as do the many docking
                          facilities extending from the west boundary uplands.

                      d.  MILITARY HOLDINGS: The military holding of Eglin Air
                          Force Base is adjacent to the bottomland hardwoods and
                          marsh system to the south and east. This land consist
                          of mid- successional longleaf pine (Pinus nalustris)
                          and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda).          There is no
                          development in this area with the exception of a
                          landing field approximately one and a half miles from
                          the preserve. The land is used primarily for forestry
                          and wildlife management purposes.

                 2. CURRENT USES OF THE PRESERVE

                 Uses of the preserve can be divided into four general
                 categories:     Public/Recreation, Private, Commercial, and
                 Public Utilities.

                      a.  PUBLIC/RECREATION:   Recreational boating and fishing
                          are major uses of preserve waters.        The f avorable
                          fishing in the Yellow River and associated marsh
                          attract sportsmen who use mainly the two launching
                          facilities in the northeast section of the preserve,
                          Brown's Fish Camp and Cooey's Fish Camp. . Blackwater
                          and East Bay are utilized moderately as brackish game

                                                 37

                        fishing areas.    These bays are frequently used as
                        navigation routes for large vessels to the Gulf of
                        Mexico from municipalities on the Blackwater River such
                        as Milton and Bagdad. A number of these vessels are
                        moored at Nicholls Marina near the mouth of the
                        Blackwater River, as discussed in the "ADJACENT LAND
                        USE" section.

                    b.  PRIVATE:    Approximately 20 docking facilities, in
                        addition to numerous seawalls on the Blackwater Bay,
                        provide   for boat mooring,      fishing   and    scenic
                        observation as major private uses.     There are three
                        private docks on the Yellow River and Marsh, and one
                        "houseboat" near Cooey's Fish Camp.

                    c.  COMMERCIAL: Commercial uses include the one restaurant
                        and the marina. Two public boat launching facilities
                        are present.    The bay portions of the preserve are
                        classified "Prohibited" and "Conditionally Approved"
                        for   shellfishing,   and   there   are  no i  shellfish
                        propagation leases in Blackwater Bay or the preserve
                        portion of East Bay. The eastern oyster (Crassostrea
                        virginica) , however, has potential economic value in
                        Blackwater Bay according to Teehan and Barnett (1989).
                        Blackwater and East Bays are utilized moderately for
                        crabbing and mullet netting.

                    d.  PUBLIC UTILITIES: A large powerline crosses the Yellow
                        River about three tenths of a mile from the Highway 87
                        northeast boundary of the preserve.      The powerline
                        requires a right-of-way of approximately 250 linear
                        feet on either side of the river. Five navigational
                        lights are situated in the Blackwater Bay as channel
                        markers.

                3. PLANNED USE

                Increased population and development will most likely impact
                the preserve with added water degradation from urban runoff,
                sewage leachate, etc.     As noted earlier, homes on Garcon
                Peninsula, the area of most intense development, are not
                connected to central sewage treatment. Soils are mostly very
                poorly drained and unsuitable for septic tanks. This area is
                allowed a density up to four homes per acre.

                The population of Santa Rosa County was 70,900 at the
                beginning of 1990. The projected population    is approximately
                77,300 by 1995 and 82,200 by the year 2000 (Dorman and Assoc.,
                Pers. Comm.).

                A planned bridge to cross East Bay would no doubt encourage
                development of the uplands on the west side of the preserve.

                                               38

                 This proposed location of the bridge is outside the aquatic
                 preserve.    If constructed, indirect impacts may occur to
                 waters of the preserve and associated resources.            Added
                 turbidity, losses of marsh vegetation and hydrocarbon
                 pollution are some possible impacts. It should also further
                 increase    development   on   Garcon    Peninsula.       Careful
                 environmental impacts studies will be essential     to determine
                 the environmental feasibility of this bridge.

                 According to the preliminary Coastal Management Element of the
                 Santa Rosa County Comprehensive Plan, "Development and
                 redevelopment near estuaries can potentially impact water
                 quality,    circulation    patterns,    and   accumulation     of
                 contaminants in sediments. To minimize potential impacts, a
                 system of county, state and federal regulations have been
                 developed".

                                                39

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                                            TABLE I

                                  FORESTED WETLAND VEGETATION

                 TREES AND SHRUBS:

              COMMON NAME                         SCIENTIFIC NAME

              Water hickory                       Carva aguatica
              Sweetgum                            Licruidambar styraciflua
              Swamp tupelo                        Nyssa sylvatica
              Sweetbay                            Magnolia virginiana
              Black titi                          Cliftonia monophylla
              White titi                          Cyrilla racimiflora
              River birch                         Betula nigra
              Laurel oak                          Ouercus  laurifolia
              Overcup oak                         Ouercus  lyrata
              Water oak                           Quercus  nigra
              Shumard oak                         Quercus  shumardii
              Swamp chestnut oak                  Ouercus  michauxii
              Willow oak                          Ouercus  phellos
              American hornbeam                   CarRinus caroliniana
              Bald cypress                        Taxodium distichum
              Atlantic white cedar                Chamaecyparis thvoides
              Red cedar                           Juniperus silicicola
              Spruce pine                         Pinus glabra
              Pond pine                           Pinus serotina
              Slash pine                          Pinus elliottii
              Loblolly pine                       Pinus taeda
              Sugarberry                          Celtis laevigata
              Red maple                           Acer rubrum
              Dogwood                             Cornus florida
              Box elder                           Acer negundo
              Dahoon holly                        Ilex cassine
              Black walnut                        Juglans nigra
              Black willow                        Salix nigra
              American elm                        Ulmus americanan
              Green ash                           Fraxinus Pennsylvanica
              Sycamore                            Platanus americana
              Loblolly bay                        Gordonia lasianthus
              Red bay                             Persea borbonia
              Dog hobble                          Leucothoe sp.
              Fetterbush                          Lyonia lucida
              Large gallberry                     Ilex coricea
              Myrtle-leaved holly                 Ilex myrtifolia
              Sweet pepperbush                    Clethra alnifolia
              Virginia willow                     Itea virginica
              Blackgum                            Nyssa biflora
              Water ash                           Fraxinus carolinensis
              Buttonbush                          Cephalanthus occidentalis

                                               41

                                           TABLE 2

                         TIDAL MARSH AND FLOODPLAIN MARSH VEGETATION

             COMMON NAME                         SCIENTIFIC NAME

             Needlerush                          Juncus spp.
             Smooth cordgrass                    Spartina alterniflora
             Marshhay cordgrass                  Spartina patens
             Bulrush                             Scirpus spp.
             Coastal dropseed                    Sporobolus virginicus
             Seashore paspalum                   Paspalum vaginatum
             Seashore saltgrass                  Distichlis spicata
             Shoregrass                          Monanthochole littoralis
             Sea ox-eye daisy                    Borrichia frutescens
             Glasswort                           Salicornia virginica
             Saltwort                            Batis maritima
             Beak rush                           Rynchospora spp.
             Maidencane                          Panicum hemitomon
             Sedge                               Carex spp., Cyperus spp.
             Common reed                         Phraamites australis
             Sawgrass                            Cladium lamaicenis
             Spike rush                          Eleocharis spp.
             Arrowhead                           Sagittaria spp.
             Golden club                         Orontium aauaticum
             Blue flag                           Iris hexagona
             Cattail                             Typha spp.
             Pickerelweed                        Pontideria cordata
             Smartweed                           Polygonum punctatum
             Pennywort                           Hydrocotyle umbellata
             St. John's wort                     Hypericum spp.

                                           TABLE 3

                                 SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION

             COMMON NAME                         SCIENTIFIC NAME

             Tapegrass                           Vallisneria americana
             Widgeon grass                       Ruppia maritima
             Lemon bacopa                        Bacopa caroliniana
             Green fanwort                       Cabomba caroliniana
             Southern Naiad                      Najas quadalupensis
             Bladderwort                         Utricularia spp.

                                              42

                                            TABLE 4

                                      GENERAL FISH SPECIES

                 COMMON NAME                           SCIENTIFIC NAME

                 Lake Chubsucker                       Erimvzon sucetta
                 Yellow Bullhead                       Ictalurus natalis
                 Mosquitofish                          Gambusia  affinis
                 Bluegill                              Lepomis macrochirus
                 Sailfin shiner                        Pteronotr6Ris
                                                             hyselopterus
                 Pirate Perch                          Aphredoderus sayanus
                 Spotted Sunfish                       Lepomis punctatus
                 Blackbanded Darter                    Percing nigrofasciata
                 Shadow Bass                           Ambloplites, ariommus
                 Flagfin Shiner                        Pternotropis signipinnis
                 Weed Shiner                           Notropis texanus
                 Spotted Sucker                        Minytrema melanoys
                @Longear Sunfish                       Lepomis megalotis
                 Largemouth Bass                       Micropterus salmoides
                 Chain Pickerel                        Esox niger
                 Redear Sunfish                        LeROmis microlophus
                 Channel Catfish                       Ictalurus punctatus
                 Gafftopsail catfish                   Bagre marinus
                 Gulf Menhaden                         Brevoortia patronus
                 Atlantic Croaker                      Micropogonias undulatus
                 Spot                                  Leiostomus xanthurus
                 Tidewater Silverside                  Menidia beryllina
                 Bay Anchovy                           Anchoa mitchilli
                 Naked Goby                            Gobiosoma bosci
                 Striped Mullet                        Mugil cephalus
                 Black Drum                            Pogonias cromis
                 Killifish                             Fundulus spp.
                 Tadpole madtom                        Notorus gyrinus

                                               43

                                           TABLE 5

                                   GENERAL WILDLIFE SPECIES

                MAMMALS

                COMMON NAME                          SCIENTIFIC NAME

                White-tailed Deer                    Odocoileus virginianus
                Florida Black Bear                   Ursus americanus
                Beaver                               Castor canadensis
                Muskrat                              Ondatra zibethica
                Raccoon                              Procyon lotor
                Eastern Gray Squirrel                Sciurus carolinesis
                Eastern Fox Squirrel                 Sciurus n iger
                Marsh Rabbit                         Sylvilacrus palustris
                Gray Fox                             Urocyon cinereoargenteus
                Red Fox                              Vulpes vulpes
                River Otter                          Lutra canadensis
                Armadillo                            Dasypus novemcinctus
                Eastern Coyote                       Canis latrans
                Spotted Skunk                        Spilogale putorius
                Wild Pig                             Sus scrofa
                Bobcat                               Lynx rufus
                Mink                                 Mustela vison

                REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

                COMMON NAME                          SCIENTIFIC NAME

                American Alligator                   Alligator
                                                          mississippiensis
                Alligator Snapping Turtle            Macroclemys temminckii
                Musk Turtle                          Sternotherus odoratus
                Mud Turtle                           Kinosternon subrubrum
                Diamondback Terrapin                 Malaclemys terrapin
                Florida Cooter                       Pseudemys floridana
                Mobile Cooter                        Pseudemys concinna
                Florida Softshell                    Trionyx ferox
                Cottonmouth                          Agkistrodon Riscivorous
                Mud Snake                            Farancia abacura
                Queen Snake                          Natrix septemvittata
                Brown Water Snake                    Natrix taxisvilota
                Green Water Snake                    Natrix cyclopion
                Banded Water Snake                   Natrix fasciata
                Tiger Salamander                     Ambystoma tigrinum
                Red Salamander                       Pseudotriton ruber
                Central Newt                         Notophthalmus
                                                           viridescens
                Dusky Salamander                     Desmognathus auriculatus

                                              44

                                             TABLE 5

                                    GENERAL WILDIFE SPECIES
                                           (continued)

                 Tree Frog                            Hyla spp.
                 Bull Frog                            Rana catesbeiana
                 Kingsnake                            Lampropeltis getulus
                 Gartersnake                          Thamnophis sirtalis
                 Ribbon Snake                         Thamnophis sauritus

                 BIRDS

                 COMMON NAME                          SCIENTIFIC NAME

                 Osprey                               Pandion haliaetus
                 Snowy Egret                          Egretta thula
                 Great Egret                          Casmerodius albus
                 Great Blue Heron                     Ardea herodias
                 Eastern Brown Pelican                Pelecanus occidentalis
                 Anhinga                              Anhinga anhinga leucogaster
                 Florida Cormorant                    Phalacrocorax auritus
                 Little Blue Heron                    Egretta caerulea
                 Black-Crowned Night Heron            Nvcticorax nvcticorax hoactli
                 American Bittern                     Botaurus lentiginosus
                 Least Bittern                        Ixobrychus exilis
                 White This                           Eudocimus albus
                 Wood Stork                           Mvcteria americana
                 Black Duck                           Anas rubriDes
                 Wood Duck                            Aix sponsa
                 Pintail                              Anas acuta
                 Marsh Hawk                           Circus cyaneus
                 Bald Eagle                           Haliaeetus leucocephalus
                 Wild Turkey                          Meleagris gallonavo
                 Rails                                Rallus spp.
                 Belted Kingfisher                    Megaceryle alcyon

                                              45

                                          TABLE 6

                                DESIGNATED WILDLIFE SPECIES
                 LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE YELLOW RIVER MARSH AQUATIC PRESERVE

               COMMON NAME/SCIENTIFIC NAME          FGPWFC            USFWS

               BIRDS:

               Southeastern Kestrel
                 Falco sparv rius paulus              T               UR2

               Little Blue Heron
                 Earetta caerulea                    SSC

               Snowy Egret
                 Earetta thula                       SSC

               Tricolored Heron
                 Egretta tricolor                    SSC

               Bald Eagle
                 Haliaeetus leucocephalus             T                 E

               Least Tern
                 Sterna antillarum                    T

               Brown Pelican
                 Pelecanus occidentalis              SSC

               Osprey
                 Pandion haliaetus                   SSC

               Peregrine Falcon
                 Falco peregrinus                     T

               MAMMALS:

               Florida mink
                 Mustala vison lutensis                                UR2

               Round-tailed muskrat
                 Neofiber alleni                                       UR2

               Eastern chipmunk
                 Tamias striatus                     SSC

               Florida black bear
                 Ursus americanus floridanus          T                UR2

                                             46

                AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES:           FGFWFC             USFWS

                American alligator
                  Alligator mississippiensis         SSC              T(S/A)

                Alabama map turtle
                  Graptemys pulchra                  SSC               UR2

                Florida Bog Frog
                  Rana okaloosae                     SSC

                Gulf Saltmarsh Snake
                  Nerodia fasciata clarkii            E

                Pine Barrens,tree frog
                  Hyla andersonii                    SSC               UR5

                Alligator Snapping Turtle
                  Macroclemys temminckii             SSC               UR2_

                FISH:

                Atlantic Sturgeon
                  Acipenser oxyrhynchus              SSC               UR2

                Blackmouth Shiner
                  Notrovis melanostomus               E                UR2

                Bluenose Shiner
                  PteronotroDis welaka               SSC

                INVERTEBRATES:

                American Sand-burrowing Mayfly
                  Dolania americana                   T

                Blackwater Sandfiltering Mayfly
                  Homoeoneuria dolani                 T

                Gulf Clubtail
                  Gomphus modestus                    T

                Meridion Mayfly
                  Pseudiron meridionalis              T

                                              47

                Plants:

                COMMON NAMEZSCIENTIFIC NAME            FNAX

                Panhandle Lily
                  Lillium iridollae                      E

                Orange Azalea
                  Rhododendron austrinum                 E

                Ashe's Magnolia
                  Magnolia ashei                         E

                White-top pitcher plant
                  Sarracenia leucophylla                 E

                FNAI          Florida Natural Area Inventory
                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 substanial
                              evidence of biological vulnerability and/or threat
                              is lacking.
                UR5           Still formally under review for listing, but no
                              longer considered for listing because recent
                              information indicates species is more widespread
                              or abundant than previously believed.

                                                48

                                            CHAPTER IV

                                         XANAGEXENT AREAS

                 A. INTRODUCTION

                 This chapter divides the Yellow River Xarsh Aquatic Preserve
                 into separate management areas where general rule criteria and
                 allowable uses are defined for each area.         The management
                 areas are classified and delineated based on the types and
                 locations of existing and planned uses of the adjacent
                 uplands,   as   well   as   on   the   types,   occurrence     and
                 characteristics of the natural and cultural resources on
                 submerged lands. The various management areas delineated may
                 be classified similarly or differently as these factors vary
                 in the preserve.

                 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 the aquatic preserve, (3) to provide local planners
                 with a guide for land use decisions, and (4) to provide the
                 staff of the Bureau of Submerged Lands.and Preserves and other
                 agencies with a continuity of direction in regards to the
                 management of aquatic preserves.     As such, this intent will
                 afford 'habitat protection while sending some measure of
                 predictability for allowable public and private 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 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 are not within the boundaries of
                 the aquatic preserve (i.e., adjacent upland land uses) or
                 which do not directly affect the state-owned submerged land
                 (i.e., regulation of commercial fishing or water quality) are
                 not within the jurisdiction of the Aquatic Preserve Program.

                 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
                 principle difference is that uses of the submerged lands
                 within an aquatic preserve must be shown to be "in the public
                 interest" before they can be authorized, as opposed to being

                                                 49

                "not contrary to the public interest" for non-aquatic preserve
                areas.

                B. MANAGEMENT AREA CLASSIFICATIONS

                A key component of the management program for        an aquatic
                preserve is the division of the preserve into         management
                areas. The classification of management areas in     an aquatic
                preserve is  based upon both resource value of submerged lands
                within the  preserve, and the existing or anticipated future
                land use on the adjacent uplands as designated in the Local
                Government Comprehensive Plan.      As in the delineation of
                upland land  uses through zoning, the intention of delineating
                a preserve into management areas is to guide development
                activities on the state-owned submerged lands to areas where
                it is more appropriate, and to provide standards by 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.     The Aquatic Preserve
                Program has no jurisdiction over the designated use of the
                adjacent uplands. As mentioned earlier, the incorporation of
                the   designated    land   use   into   the   management     area
                classification is primarily an acknowledgement of how local
                government has chosen to have a certain area developed;
                however, this upland designation also serves as a tool in
                designating compatible uses of the submerged lands in
                accordance with upland uses.

                Specific land use categories to be incorporated in the
                classification of management areas include:

                   Agriculture (AG):    This category represents state-owned
                   submerged lands adjacent to land designated on an approved
                   future land use map for a county and/or municipality as
                   agriculture. It is intended to accommodate private areas
                   with sparse populations used primarily for agricultural
                   and/or forestry purposes.

                   Single-Family (Sr):    This category represents state-owned
                   submerged lands adjacent to land designated on an approved
                   future land use map for a county and/or municipality as
                   single-family residential. It is intended to include areas
                   using the adjacent portion of the aquatic preserve solely
                   for private recreational activities.

                                               50

                    Commerci al- Industrial (CI)   This category represents state-
                    owned submerged lands adjacent to land designated on an
                    approved future land use map for a county and/or
                    municipality as commercial or industrial. The category is
                    also intended to'incorporate uses associated with structures
                    that charge fees or generate revenue.              Examples of
                    commercial uses includes marinas that charge fees; yacht
                    clubs that charge membership fees; private businesses such
                    as fish houses; and, establishments such as restaurants.

                    Public Recreation (PRUL This category represents state-
                    owned submerged lands adjacent to land designated on an
                    approved future land use map of a county and/or municipality
                    as public usage or preservation and which is utilized for
                    the purposes of public recreation.          It is intended to
                    include both areas where structures are used by the general
                    public at no charge and federal, state, county, or municipal
                    parks that charge a nominal fee. Military structures, while
                    not always open to the public, are considered in this
                    category since the military serves the public.

                    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.

                  classifications of management areas are also derived from the
                  resource value of the state-owned submerged lands adjacent to
                  the upland property.     Each of the land use classifications
                  noted above is assigned a second code letter to define the
                  resource value of its submerged bottoms. The methodology used
                  for determining the resource value shall be consistent with
                  the latest procedure approved by the Bureau of Submerged Lands
                  and Preserves. If an area within the preserve is designated
                  as a Primary Resource Protection Area (PRPA), then it will be
                  assigned a resource value of fill'. A PRPA essentially combines
                  Resource Protection Areas 1 and 2, as defined in Section 18-
                  20.003(31), and 18-20.003(32), F.A.C.

                  Submerged areas that are characterized by the absence of the
                  above resource attributes will be designated as a Secondary
                  Resource Protection Area (SRPA), and will be assigned a
                  resource value of 112". 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 example, if
                  an area within the preserve is determined to have a primary
                  resource protection area, and if the adjacent land is zoned as
                  a single-family residential neighborhood, it would be
                  classified as a SF11 management area.

                                                  51

                 C. MINI14UN CRITERIA FOR ALLOWABLE USES

                 Chapter 18-20, F.A.C. (Appendix A), provides the minimum
                 standards with regard to utilization of the state-owned
                 submerged lands within an aquatic preserve, as authorized by
                 the Board of Trustees and DNR. It should be noted that other
                 regulatory agencies' rules and jurisdictions over activities
                 may also apply within aquatic preserves.              The minimum
                 standards under Chapter 18.20, F.A.C., for each allowable use
                 are detailed below:

                 Private residential single docks:
                 Section 18-20.004(5)(a), F.A.C., provides that all docks
                 within an aquatic preserve shall meet the following standards
                 and criteria.

                    1.    No dock shall extend the lesser of 500 feet waterward
                          of the mean or ordinary high water line or 20% of the
                          width of the water body at that particular location.

                    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 are determined on a case-
                          by-case analysis.

                    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 protection and enhancement of the aquatic
                          preserve shall prevail.'

                 In addition, Section 18-20.004(5)(b), F.A.C., provides that
                 private residential single docks shall conform to the
                 following specific design standards and criteria:

                    1.    An access dock cannot exceed a maximum width of 4 feet.

                    2.    Must be designed and constructed to ensure maximum
                          light penetration.

                    3.    May extend from the shoreline no further than to a
                          maximum depth of -4 feet mean low water (MLW).

                    4.    When the water depth is -4 f eet MLW at an existing
                          bulkhead, the maximum dock length from the bulkhead
                          shall   be    25   feet,    subject    to    modifications
                          accommodating shoreline vegetation overhang.

                                                  52

                    5.   Wave break devices shall be designed to allow for
                         maximum water circulation and built in such a manner
                         as to be part of the dock structure.

                    6.   The maximum size of the terminal platform shall not
                         exceed 160 square feet.

                    7.   Dredging is strongly discouraged.

                 Commercial-Industrial docking facilities and marinas:
                 Section 18-20.004(5)(d), F.A.C., provides that commercial,
                 industrial, and other revenue generating/income related
                 docking shall conform to the following specific design
                 criteria and standards:

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

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

                    3.   The siting of docking facilities shall take into
                         account the access of the boat traf f ic to avoid marine
                         grassbeds or other aquatic resources in the surrounding
                         area.

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

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

                    6.   Marina   siting will be coordinated         with    local
                         governments to insure consistency with local plans and
                         ordinances.

                    7.   Marinas shall not be sited within state designated
                         manatee sanctuaries.

                         Exceptions to the standards and criteria for any
                         docking facility may be considered, but only upon
                         demonstration that such exceptions are necessary to
                         ensure reasonable riparian ingress and egress.

                                                53

                Piers:
                Piers will follow the standards of private residential single
                docks  or private residential multi-slip docks in accordance
                with  the appropriate dock requirement f or each management
                area's designated uses. In addition, the following applies to
                all piers:

                   (a)  no temporary or permanent, vessel mooring shall be
                        permitted; at least one well displayed "no docking"
                        sign shall be placed and maintained on each side of
                        the pier; and railings shall be placed around the
                        entire perimeter of the pier; and,

                   (b) dredging is strictly prohibited when associated with
                        pier construction or maintenance.

                Ramps:
                Ramps may be permitted only on a case-by-case basis, after
                site inspection to assess the type and amount of shoreline or
                benthic vegetation or other habitat that would be impacted;
                the amount of filling of submerged lands required; and, the
                accessibility to the ramp from water or land access.

                Lease, or transfer of lands, (Private Leases):
                Section 18-20.004(l)(b), F.A.C., provides that there shall be
                no further lease or transfer of sovereignty lands within an
                aquatic preserve unless such transaction is in the public
                interest. Section 18-20.004(2), F.A.C., specifically defines
                the public interest test (see Appendix A for a copy of Chapter
                18-20, F.A.C.). Section 18-20.004(l)(e), F.A.C., states that
                lease, easement, or consent may be authorized for only the
                following activities: a public navigation project; maintenance
                of an existing navigation channel; installation or maintenance
                of   navigation    aids;    creation   or    maintenance    of    a
                commercial/industrial dock, pier, or marina; creation or
                maintenance of private docks; minimum dredging of navigation
                channels attendant to docking facilities; creation or
                maintenance of shore protection structures; installation or
                maintenance of oil and gas transportation facilities;
                creation, maintenance, replacement, or expansion of facilities
                required for the provision of public utilities; and, other
                activities which are a public necessity or which are necessary
                to enhance the quality or utility of the preserve and which
                are consistent with the Florida Aquatic Preserves Act (Section
                258.35, F.S. through Section 258.46, F.S.).          Section 18-
                20.004(l)(f), F.A.C. provides that structures to be built in,
                on, or over sovereignty lands are limited to those necessary
                to conduct water dependent activities.

                                                54

                Utility Easements:
                Section 18-20.004 (3) (c) , F.A. C., provides that utility cables,
                pipes, and other such structures shall be constructed and
                located in a manner that will cause minimal disturbance to
                submerged land resources such as oyster bars and submerged
                grassbeds and do not interfere with traditional uses. It will
                be the policy within the Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve
                to encourage the placement of utilities in designated
                corridors, or existing easements.

                SROil Disposal:
                Section 18-20.004(3)(d), F.A.C., provides 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 and utility of the 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.

                In addition to the allowable uses listed above, certain
                @ctivities are generally permissible in all management areas,
                in accordance  with general rules.    These include shoreline
                stabilization,  maintenance dredging of existing channels, 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 border to provide
                .additional habitat.

                D. MANAGEMENT AREAS

                In this section, management areas have been delineated for the
                Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve, (Figure 6). Boundaries,
                descriptions, and allowable uses are listed for each area.
                Due to changes that can occur from rezoning of adjacent
                uplands, and changing conditions on submerged lands, the final
                decision on approving, modifying or denying uses within the
                preserve will be made based on field surveys and assessments
                of project sites.

                The determination of management area classifications have been
                based on information presented earlier. In the event that a
                site visit concludes that the management area for a specific
                site is different from that shown on the map in Figure 6, the
                determination made during the site visit will be judged as the
                correct determination.

                                              55

                                     MANAGEMENT AREA AG/1
                        (agriculture/primary resource protection area)

                     (there are three designated areas in this category)

                Boundaries: The easternmost AG/1 area is def ined as all of the
                sovereignty submerged lands of the preserve, lying east of a
                line which extends south from a point where U.S. Highway 89
                terminates at the Yellow River, then traverses the river to
                meet the northwestern corner of the Eglin Air Force
                boundaries, and the island,lying west of the above mentioned
                line, in section 31.

                Description:  The area is characterized by an extensive
                riverine forest community with few man-made alterations. The
                adjacent uplands are rural and utilized for agricultural,
                range and forest production.     Emergent aquatic and wetland
                plants near shore are abundant and include dense stands of
                woody and herbaceous species. This river forest is alluvial
                in nature meaning that it is frequently inundated with flood
                waters and subsequently produces great amounts of detrital
                nutrients which are carried to the estuary. This area also
                offers spawning, growth, and foraging habitat for many
                important fish species due to the vegetative cover and high
                benthic macroinvertebrate production. Presently there is one
                boat ramp facility with boathouses in this area.             The
                boathouses are non-conforming uses.       There is a utility
                crossing in this area.

                Allowable Uses: Private residential single docks and piers;
                utility easements (in designated corridors).

                Boundaries: The second AG/l area is defined as those submerged
                lands of the preserve that correspond with the uplands on
                northeast Garcon Peninsula, which abut the mean high water of
                Blackwater Bay and are designated as rural residential
                agricultural by the Santa Rosa County future land use map.

                Description: This portion is characterized by shoreline
                brackish marshes and shallow waters of extensive submerged
                aquatic vegetation.    The major submerged plant, tapegrass,
                Vallisneria americana, extends offshore to depths of
                approximately 1 to 4 feet at low tide. There are 3 docks in
                this area and no non-conforming uses.

                Allowable Uses: Private residential single docks and piers;
                utility easements (in designated corridors).

                                               56

                 Boundaries: The third AG/1 area is defined as those submerged
                 lands of the preserve that correspond with the uplands on
                 eastern Garcon Peninsula, which abut the mean high water of
                 Blackwater Bay and are designated as rural residential/
                 agriculture by the Santa Rosa County future land use map.

                 Description: The 1200 feet of waterfront in this category is
                 characterized by some offshore submerged vegetation, a narrow
                 strip of sandy beach and shoreline resources of dense hardwood
                 forested wetland. Alligator Bayou enters the preserve in this
                 area. There is one non-conforming boat ramp at this site.

                 Allowable Uses: Private residential single docks and piers;
                 utility easements (in designated corridors).

                                       MANAGEMENT AREA CI/1
                    (commercial-industrial/primary resource protection area)

                              (there are two areas in this category)

                 Boundaries:     The first area corresponds with a presently
                 undeveloped upland section which has been zoned "tourist
                 commercial"  by Santa Rosa County located on Bay Point.

                 Description:    The designated area is characterized by marsh
                 vegetation and moderate beds of submerged vegetation dominated
                 by tapegrass, Vallisneria americana. Presently there are no
                 structures in this area and it is used primarily for
                 commercial and recreational fishing.

                 Allowable Uses: Utility easements (in designated corridors).
                 A single two-slip dock built in accordance with standards and
                 criteria for private residential single docks; piers.
                 note:    a commercial dock, however, may be permitted to pass
                 over a primary resource protection area in order to reach a
                 secondary resource protection area.

                 Boundaries: The second area in this category is an existing
                 fish camp along the Yellow River just west of Highway 89.

                 Description: This area is characterized by dense bottomland
                 forest and some aquatic vegetation.

                 Allowable Uses: Utility easements (in designated corridors).
                 A single two-slip dock built in accordance with standards and
                 criteria for private residential single docks; piers.
                 note:    a commercial dock, however, may be permitted to pass
                 over a primary resource protection area in order to reach a
                 secondary resource protection area.

                                                 57

                                      MANAGEMENT AREA SFZI
                       (single-family/primary resource protection area)

                       (there are five designated area in this category)

                Boundaries:    The easternmost SF11 area includes all of the
                east shore of Blackwater Bay extending from the northeastern
                corner of the preserve in Blackwater Bay, south to Escribano
                Point.    The eastern boundaries of this area are the line
                formed by the U.S. Highway 89 extension which traverses the
                Yellow River until meeting the northwest corner of Eglin Air
                Force Base, then west to.Escribano Point.

                DescriRtion:    This area is characterized by an expansive
                brackish marsh system and extensive beds of submerged
                vegetation. Most of the area is inaccessible to humans except
                near Escribano Point and at the northern periphery. This area
                has few human alterations and is used for recreational and
                commercial fishing and hunting. The resources in this region
                are vital to the preserve because the vast river/marsh
                interface produces thousands of acre/feet of habitat for fish
                and wildlife, generates detritus, and serves to filter waters
                before entering the bay.

                Allowable Uses: Private residential single docks and piers;
                utility easements (in designated corridors).

                Boundaries: The second SF/1 area is located on the northwest
                shoreline of Blackwater Bay beginning at the intersection of
                the mean high water line and the southern boundary of the
                tourist commercial designation in the extreme northwest corner
                of the preserve.      Then, follow the shoreline south until
                reaching the intersection of the mean high water line of
                Blackwater Bay and the northern boundary of the rural
                residential agricultural designation as outlined in the Santa
                Rosa County future land use map.

                Description: This area is characterized by moderate to dense
                brackish marshes with nearshore habitats of abundant submerged
                vegetation. Many bayous and streams such as Sandy Point Bayou
                and Jakes Bayou enter the preserve in this area and are sites
                of productive grassbeds. Upland development is increasing and
                approximately 10 docking facilities and 3 seawalls are
                present, in addition to an artificial channel on which
                Nicholls Marina is located. Many of the docks, seawalls and
                associated mooring structures appear to be non-conforming
                uses.

                Allowable Uses: Private residential single docks and piers;
                utility easements (in designated corridors).

                                                58

                 Boundaries:   The third SF11 area extends from the south
                 boundary   line   of   the  rural   residential     agricultural
                 designation at the mean high water line of Blackwater Bay,
                 south to a point 500 feet south of the Eagle Point Monument.

                 Description: This area is characterized by extensive brackish
                 and salt marsh species and moderate to extensive submerged
                 vegetation. There are several small sandy beaches, especially
                 at a barrier spit where White Oak Bayou enters the preserve.
                 This area is very productive for crustaceans and finfish.
                 Development is increasing in the upland areas and 3 docks and
                 1 seawall are present.      Two of these appear to be non-
                 conforming.

                 Allowable Uses: Private residential single docks and piers;
                 utility easements (in designated corridors).

                 Boundaries: The fourth SF11 area begins at a point 4,000 feet
                 south of where an extension of Blackwater Circle meets the
                 mean high water line of Blackwater Bay.       From this point,
                 follow the shoreline south to a point where an extension of
                 Central Avenue intersects the mean high water line of East
                 Bay.

                 Description:   This area is characterized by some off shore
                 submerged vegetation, a narrow strip of sandy beach and
                 shoreline resources of dense hardwood wetland transitional
                 vegetation.     These nearshore resources offer favorable
                 wetland/upland habitat for wildlifespecies of the preserve.
                 Benthic communities include abundant infaunal and epifaunal
                 invertebrates such as     blue crabs and polycheate worms.
                 Although development is increasing near this area, nearshore
                 resources have yet to be greatly impacted, and minimal
                 disturbance to shoreline vegetation has occurred. There are
                 3 docks in this area and  no non-conforming uses.

                 Allowable Uses: Private   residential docks and piers; utility
                 easements (in designated  corridors).

                 Boundaries:  The fifth SF11 area begins at a point 500 feet
                 south of the intersection of Park Avenue and Bay Boulevard at
                 "Dickerson City" and continues south to the southernmost
                 preserve boundary at White Point.

                 Description: This area is characterized by sparse submerged
                 vegetation with a largely mud and sand substrate. A pristine
                 salt marsh occurs in and adjacent to the area. This area is
                 also bounded by an approximately 2,500 acre parcel of land
                 proposed for purchase under the CARL program by the state.
                 The "wet prairie" located within this acreage supports unique
                 vegetation   such as endangered pitcher plants.              The

                                                59

                environmental sensitivity of this land reduces the possibility
                of future development.

                Allowable Uses: Private residential docks and piers; utility
                easements (in designated corridors).

                                     MANAGEMENT AREA SF/2
                      (single-family/secondary resource protection area)

                      (there are two designated areas in this category)

                Boundaries: The northernmost SF/2 area begins at a point of
                mean high water at Blackwater Bay 500 feet south of the Eagle
                Point Monument. From this site, follow the line of mean high
                water south until reaching a point 4,000 feet south of where
                an extension of Blackwater Circle meets Blackwater Bay.

                Description: The area is characterized by a sandy shoreline
                with sparse stands of marsh vegetation.      Benthic resources
                include . a sand and mud substrate with little submerged
                vegetation and some infaunal and epifaunal invertebrates of
                which blue crabs are the most conspicuous. Water depths are
                somewhat greater than a large extent of the west shore, making
                the area more easily accessible to boat traffic. Residential
                development is increasing markedly on the adjacent upland and
                several docks and seawalls have been constructed near shore.

                Allowable Uses: Private residential single docksland piers;
                utility easements (in designated corridors).

                Boundaries:   The second SF/2 area is to the   south on Garcon
                Peninsula and begins at a point where an extension of Central
                Avenue intersects with the mean high water of East Bay. From
                this point go south to a point of mean high water 500 feet
                south of the intersection of Park Avenue and Bay Boulevard at
                Dickerson City.

                Description: The shoreline of this area consists of a mixture
                of sandy beaches, seawalls and some marsh vegetation. Most of
                the seawalls occur at the small population center known as
                Dickerson city.    These seawalls are in need of repair and
                there is much rubble in the shallow water. Additionally, 2
                pipes transport runoff from Dickerson City and surrounding
                areas into the preserve. There is little submerged vegetation
                in this area, and the main benthic resources are infaunal and
                epifaunal invertebrates.

                Allowable Uses: Private residential docks and piers; utility
                easements (in designated corridors).

                                              60

                                      MANAGEMEWT AREA PR/1
                      (public recreation/primary resource protection area)

                 Boundaries: This area is defined as all sovereign submerged
                 lands in and adjacent to Weaver River which borders the
                 property owned by the federal government known as Eglin Air
                 Force Base.

                 Description:     Dense bottomland hardwoods and aquatic
                 vegetation characterize this area.

                 Allowable Uses: Utility easements (in designated corridors);
                 public docks (a single two-slip dock built in accordance with
                 the standards and criteria for private residential single
                 docks), and boat ramps.

                                      MAN AGEMENT AREA OWZI
                         (open water/primary resource protection area)

                 Boundaries:   This management area is defined as all state-
                 owned submerged lands of Blackwater Bay, which are 500 feet
                 waterward of MHW, within the aquatic preserve.

                 Description:    This area is characterized by relatively
                 shallow, dark waters of normally low salinities with submerged
                 vegetation. Because of only fair to poor circulation in this
                 area, activities which may pollute, increase sedimentation,
                 etc., should be kept minimal. Major uses include recreational
                 and commercial fishing and crabbing.

                 Allowable Uses: Utility easements (in designated corridors).

                                      MANAGEMENT AREA OW/2
                        (open water/secondary resource protection area)

                 Boundaries:   This management area is defined as all state-
                 owned submerged lands of East Bay, which are 500 feet
                 waterward of MHW, within the aquatic preserve.

                 Description:    This area is characterized by some shallow
                 waters, but generally deeper than Blackwater Bay. Waters are
                 of low to moderate salinities with fair circulation.      Major
                 uses are recreational and commercial fishing and crabbing.

                 Allowable Uses:      Private leases, utility easements (in
                 designated corridors), spoil disposal.

                                               61

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                                       MILTON                                                      Go r..           8
                                                                                     89            N C4
                                                                                                            10
                           10        90            191 A

                                                                         191

                                                                                                                    Gerwral
                                                                                                                    commercial
                                                                                                   Bay Point        Rih Camp

                                                                                     191C                                                          0

                                                                                                                                      ItIver
                                                                                                                                                       J
                                                                                               ns                                                        T 1 N                    87
                                                          T I N
                                                                                             0
                                                                                                                                           10
                                                          T 1 S
                                                                                         A
                                                                                                                                   00
                           AVALON                                              t                                                              ELGIN AIR FORCE BASE
                             BEACH
                                                                      Al\\,\

                                    281                                             EscrIbana
                                                                               41A    Point
                                                                              0
                                                                            .. It
                                                                            0
                                       DICKERSON U,          \   P /
                                                                 0                 EastBa

                                                                            FIGURE 6. Management Areas

                                                                                      SF/1      Single-Famlly/Primary
                                      T 1 S                                                     Resource Protection Area                                                       T I S
                                                                                      SF/2      Single-Farnily/Secondary
                                      T 2 S                                                     Resource Protection Area                                                       T 2 S
                                                       4#
                                                                            EM        AG/1      Agriculture/Primary
                                                                                                Resource Protecflon Area
                                                  White Point                         d/1       Cornmerclal-Industrial/PrImary
                                                                                                Resource Protecffon Area
                                Ciarcon Point                               MM        PR/I      Public Recreation/PrImary
                                                                                                Resource Protection Area
                                                                                                (Eglin Air Force Base land adjacent to Weaver River)
                                                                                                Open Water/Primory
                                                                            ow/1                Resource Protection Area
                                                                                                Open Water/Secondary
                                                                            OW/2                Resource Protection Area

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                                                     I

                                           CHAPTER V

                            SITE SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES & NEEDS

                This chapter deals with management issues and initiatives
                involving specific activities and environmental processes that
                directly affect the biological integrity of the preserve. The
                issues that are specific to this area include, but are not
                limited to, increasing boat traffic, preservation of forested
                wetlands, preservation of marshes and wet prairie, and
                cooperation with Eglin Air Force Base. Management initiatives
                relative to these issues are intended to provide additional
                management direction not set forth by Chapter 258, F.S.,
                Chapter 18-20, F.A.C., or Chapter IV of this plan.

                Several of the site specific management issues and needs, as
                identified by public comments, are not within the jurisdiction
                of the Department of Natural Resources.        Because of the
                importance of these issues to the public, however, the issues
                have been included in this plan. The aquatic preserve manager
                shall develop a liaison with the appropriate jurisdictional or
                enforcement agency in an attempt to encourage a solution to
                the issues.

                1. BOATING ACTIVITY

                   A large portion of the bay is shallow and presents
                   navigational problems.    Additionally, expansive beds of
                   submerged vegetation occur in one to three foot depths.
                   Therefore, increased boating activity carries the potential
                   to adversely impact this resource.       Damages from "prop
                   dredging" and "scouring" of submerged grassbeds are a direct
                   threat.

                   MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES:

                   (1)  Using the latest bathymetric information available,
                        identify areas of greatest boating impact on submerged
                        lands.

                   (2)  Pursue with appropriate authorities the installation
                        of navigational aides to help reduce boating impacts
                        on the submerged resources.

                   (3)  Develop educational programs to better inform the
                        boating public on the critical issue of boating impacts
                        and need to protect benthic vegetative communities.

                                               65

               2. PRESERVATION OF FORESTED WETLAND

                   The forested wetland along the Yellow River is a virtually
                   unspoiled resource in the preserve.     Its benef it to the
                   whole of the preserve was outlined in Chapter III.        The
                   ecological integrity of Yellow River Marsh depends greatly
                   on preserving its forested wetland.      Although there is
                   presently little disturbance to this forest, potential
                   impacts from adjacent upland activity may increase.

                   MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES:

                   (1)  Promote through educational programs, appreciati  'on of
                        these forest communities as vital habitat within the
                        preserve, and the state.

                   (2)  Promote and review the use of environmentally sound
                        agricultural and forestry practices in the adjacent
                        rural uplands.

                   (3)  Through the permit application process, recommend
                        design techniques for docking and pier facilities which
                        would minimize the removal of trees and other native
                        vegetation in the riverine forest.

                3. PRESERVATION OF MARSH AND WET PRAIRIE

                   Much like the riverine forest and associated communities,
                   marsh habitat in the preserve is virtually unspoiled. The
                   rural nature and sparse population of the adjacent uplands
                   in the eastern region of the preserve have served to
                   minimize damage to marshes from development.        However,
                   marshes on the west coast of Blackwater and East Bay have
                   experienced some loss and damage due to increased
                   development in that area. These marshes in addition to the
                   wet prairie are threatened by further development.

                   MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES:

                   (1)  Promote through education, the appreciation of marshes
                        as vital nursery areas for aquatic life; and the need
                        for preservation of wet prairies as one of the few
                        remaining habitats for endangered pitcher plants.

                   (2)  Continue to pursue and emphasize as high priority    the
                        state's purchase of the wet prairies along Garcon
                        Peninsula through the CARL Program.

                                              66

                   (3)  Coordinate development reviews with other applicable
                        agencies, such as DER, to ensure that adjacent land
                        uses and water dependent developments (i.e., marinas,
                        etc.), are located and designed to minimize loss of
                        submerged lands and nearshore wetland resources.

                4. EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE

                   Eglin Air Force Base is a major land holder adjacent to the
                   preserve, owning approximately 14 linear miles along the
                   south and east boundary.     The area is primarily a pine
                   dominated forest.

                   MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES:

                   (1)  Develop a cooperative status and close liaison with
                        Eglin Air Force Base environmental management personnel
                        to ensure present and future military uses of their
                        lands adjacent to Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve
                        are consistent with protection of the preserve
                        resources.

                   (2)  Initiate the mutual exchange of resource information
                        regarding military operations, such as low level
                        flights and jet noise that impact the aesthetics and
                        wildlife of the preserve.

                5. WATER QUALITY AND SEDIMENT QUALITY

                   The Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve is part of the
                   Pensacola Bay System, which is a top S.W.I.M. priority in
                   the state. The aquatic preserve is less impacted by human
                   activity than other parts of the bay system.      There are,
                   however, no water quality monitoring stations in or even
                   @ear the preserve.       With pressures from development
                   increasing, it is imperative that a water quality monitoring
                   network be implemented as soon as possible.

                   MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES:

                   (1)  Coordinate with the Northwest Florida Water Management
                        District and Department of Environmental Regulation on
                        the need to increase water quality and sediment quality
                        monitoring within the preserve.     Work directly with
                        these agencies and DNR shellfish personnel to expand
                        monitoring of water quality.

                                               67

                   (2) Maintain an inventory of point and nonpoint sources of
                       pollution which impact the preserve.

                6. REGULATION OF COMMERCIAL FISHING AND NETTING

                Local citizens I concerns are growing over the issues of (1)
                commercial shrimpers dragging nets past the shrimping line
                established in Blackwater Bay, (2) the use of drag nets and
                gill nets in the Yellow River, and (3) the impact these
                activities are having on the natural resources of.the area.

                MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES:

                (1)    Coordinate with the Florida Marine Patrol to enf orce
                       the shrimping setback line in Blackwater Bay.

                (2)    Coordinate with the Marine Fisheries Commission to
                       provide input and assistance in the development of new
                       shrimping rules soon to be established.

                (3)    Coordinate with the Marine Fisheries Commission to
                       establish netting regulations within the aquatic
                       preserve, especially in the Yellow River Aquatic
                       Preserve.

                (4)    Initiate studies to determine the detrimental effects,
                       if any, that shrimping and netting have on the
                       resources of the preserve.

                7. GARCON POINT TO REDrTSH POINT BRIDGE

                   A bridge, just outside the boundaries of the aquatic
                   preserve and immediately adjacent to the Garcon Point
                   proposed CARL purchase, has been proposed to cross East Bay.
                   As is typical of many large bridge development projects,
                   there is strong public support both for and against the
                   project.  Citizens have urged the Department of Natural
                   Resources and the aquatic preserve manager to begin
                   immediately to prepare a 'scenario of impact' that this
                   bridge may have on the aquatic preserve and to make this
                   document available to the public.

                   MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES:

                   (1) Evaluate the present status of the Garcon Point to
                       Redfish Point bridge and the Santa Rosa County Bridge
                       Authority (a self-appointed group).

                                              68

                    (2) Using all available resourcest prepare an objective
                         analysis of potential impacts that this proposed bridge
                         may have on the aquatic preserve.

                 S. BAJA BOATS

                    Baja Boats proposed development project on the Blackwater
                    River, north of the preserve boundary, is presently in
                    "Inactive" f ile status. The project has not been permitted
                    and the Department of Natural Resources is awaiting the
                    submission of pertinent materials before a review of the
                    project will be conducted. Citizens are concerned over the
                    project because of the potential environmental impact and
                    the unauthorized filling of wetlands which has already
                    occurred in this project area.

                    MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE:

                    (1) Continue to monitor the status of the proposed Baja
                         Boats project and submit comments when appropriate on
                         any adverse impacts to the aquatic preserve.

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                                           CHAPTER VI

                                    MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN

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

                 Bef ore an ef f ective program can be designed to manage and
                 protect natural resources, it is necessary to recognize the
                 type of resources present, their location., function, and
                 importance.     Additional efforts should concentrate on
                 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 strategies used in
                 managing an aquatic preserve must consist of a variety of
                    ponents such as resource management, resource protection,
                 research, and environmental education.
                 com

                 In general, the management role of the aquatic preserve
                 program includes:

                 * providing information on ecological functions and their
                    economic importance,

                 *  overseeing activities that affect or could affect the
                    natural resources of 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 complied with and that
                    violations are enforced by appropriate authorities,

                 *  conducting on-site surveys for specific activities,

                 *  coordinating with other resource management and enforcement
                    agencies,

                 *  educating the public on the inherent 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.

                                               71

                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,
                �  cooperating   with    other   agencies   in   water     quality
                   improvement,
                �  participating in local land use decisions that may affect
                   the submerged resources.

                GOAL A.1: Conduct and Maintain Resource Inventories

                objective A. 1. 1: To conduct and maintain a resource inventory
                of submerged and emergent vegetation.

                Task A.1.1.1:      Conduct a detailed inventory of submerged
                                   and emergent vegetation by using LANDSAT
                                   imagery, aerial photography and ground-
                                   truthing efforts.

                Task A.I.I.2:      Conduct inventory  once every two years.

                Oblective A.1.2: To conduct an inventory of animal species,
                including designated species, and their habitats.

                Task A.1.2.1:      Conduct an inventory of animal species, with
                                   emphasis on designated species and birds,
                                   that feed, roost, loaf, breed, or nest in the
                                   preserve, as well as their associated
                                   habitats by using data from existing
                                   literature, current research studies, and
                                   groundtruthing efforts.

                Task A.1.2.2:      Conduct inventory once every two years.

                GOAL A.2: Assess the Impact of-Human Activities

                Objective A.2.1:   To inventory and assess the ef f ects of human
                activities on the natural resources and possible needs for
                restoration.

                Task A.2.1.1:      Conduct a survey of all structures and
                                   activities in the preserve to determine the
                                   extent and relationship between human impact
                                   and the degradation of the natural resources.

                Task A.2.1.2:      Conduct inventory once every two years.

                                                72

                 Task A.2.1.3:      Monitor patterns and trends of grassbeds
                                    distribution in the, preserve.       Determine
                                    areas which have been impacted by boating,
                                    fishing, and other human activities.

                 GOAL A.3: Coordinate With Other Agencies To Improve Water
                              Quality

                 Objective A.3.1:    To coordinate with DER and the Northwest
                 Florida Water Management District on improving water quality
                 in the preserve.

                 Task A.3.1.1:      Actively pursue procurement of basic water
                                    quality monitoring supplies for the preserve.

                 Task A.3.1.2:      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.3.1.3:      Coordinate with the local mosquito control
                                    district(s) , to review arthropod control
                                    plans submitted in compliance with Section
                                    388.4111, F.S., and to monitor arthropod
                                    control activities for compliance with the
                                    management plan.

                 Task A.3.1.4:      Identify point sources of pollution in the
                                    adjacent uplands and assess the cumulative
                                    impacts   for   monitoring    and     possible
                                    remediation through DER and WMD.

                 GOAL A.4: Restore Estuarine Habitat

                 objective A.4.1: Identify suitable unvegetated and disturbed
                 shoreline and submerged areas as restoration sites.

                 Task 4.1.1:        Coordinate with the NWFWMD and Pensacola Bay
                                    System Technical Advisory Committee to
                                    identify and restore estuarine habitat in the
                                    preserve where needed.

                 GOAL A.5: Participate in Local Land Use Decisions

                 objective    A.5.1:       To coordinate with local planning
                 departments, regional planning councils, and the Department of

                                                73

                Community Affairs to develop/revise/evaluate Local Government
                Comprehensive Plans and amendments.

                Task A.5.1.1:      Establish role as a 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
                                   lands.

                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.        The primary thrust of resource
                protection is the protection and preservation of the various
                submerged land resources in the preserve. The goals of the
                Aquatic Preserve Program with regard to resource protection
                therefore include:

                � protection of existing submerged and emergent vegetation
                   through the permit application review process.

                � protection of animal species, particularly designated
                   species, and their associated habitats.

                GOAL B.1: Protection of Submerged and Emergent Vegetation

                Objective B.1.1: To minimize potential damage to vegetation
                through the review of applications for use of state-owned land
                in the aquatic preserve.

                Task B.1.1.1:      Develop a standard format for surveying the
                                   biological resources at the project site.
                                   The report shall include the following
                                   information:

                                   a)    location of the area surveyed, including
                                         the majority of the potentially affected
                                         area.

                                   b)    assessment of the submerged bottoms and
                                         affected   shorelines    physical     and
                                         biological features.

                                   C)    the definition of Primary and Secondary
                                         Resource Protection Areas will be used
                                         to determine if significant resources
                                         exist within the expected area of
                                         impact.

                                                74

                 Task B.I.1.2:     Coordinate with appropriate DNR staff in
                                   order to process the f ield comments in a
                                   timely manner.

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

                 objective B.1.2:  To ensure that structures and projects that
                 have been built or are occurring have been authorized and are
                 in compliance with authorized conditions.

                 Task B.I.2.1:     Report activities that do not appear to have
                                   been authorized to the appropriate DNR
                                   enforcement agent.

                 Task B.1.2.2:     Coordinate with the appropriate DNR staff to
                                   receive copies of all letters of consent,
                                   easements agreements, lease agreements, and
                                   other forms of authorizations.

                 Task B.I.2.3:     Report   variations   from the      authorized
                                   conditions to the appropriate DNR enforcement
                                   agent.

                 Task B.1.2.4:     Coordinate with other appropriate agencies
                                   that have regulatory authority for these
                                   projects.

                 objective B.1.3: To ensure other human uses of the preserve
                 do not degrade the submerged or emergent vegetation.

                 Task B.1.3.1:     Require that all dredge and fill projects use
                                   effective turbidity control practices.

                 Task B.I.3.2:     Assess the impact of shrimp trawling on the
                                   submerged vegetation within the preserve.

                 GOAL B.2: Protection of Animal SRecies, Particularly
                            Designated Species, and their Associated Habitats

                 Obiective B.2.1: To comply with objective C.2.1 through the
                 implementation of Tasks C.2.1.1 and C.2.1.2.

                 Obiective B.2.2:    To ensure that these habitats are given
                 maximum protection through the permit-review process.

                 Task B.2.2.1:     Recommend modifications to proposed projects
                                   in order to take into account known habitat
                                   of designated species. Field staff will co-

                                               75

                                    ordinate with the Florida Game and Fresh
                                    Water Fish Commission when designated species
                                    habitat or "significant use areas" could be
                                    affected by proposed activities.

                 C. RESEARCH

                 The effective management of any biological system relies
                 almost entirely on information relating how a system
                 functions.     Research is the foundation upon which this
                 information is based.

                 � to gain a better understanding of those factors which are
                   essential to the continued biological integrity of the major
                   habitats within the aquatic preserve;

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

                 GOAL C.1: Integrity of Major Habitats

                 Obj ective C. I - 1: To determine the primary f actors that af f ect
                 the survival of species associated with marshes and riverine
                 forest habitat.

                 Task C.I.I.I:      Conduct information search by examining
                                    existing literature and any current research
                                    studies.

                 Task C.I.I.2:      Assess the need for research on the major
                                    habitat types within the preserve.

                 Task  C.1.1.3:     Pursue, at the bureau level, grant funding
                                    to conduct studies in the preserve on the
                                    biology and ecology of grassbeds, marsh, and
                                    forested wetlands present in the preserve
                                    that will benefit the overall management of
                                    the resources.

                 GOAL C.2: Survival and Propagation of Designated Species

                 objective C.2.1: To determine which portions of the preserve
                 serve as habitat for designated species.

                 Task C.2.1.1:      Coordinate with the Game and Fresh Water Fish
                                    Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
                                    Service, and any other relevant group to

                                                 76

                                   determine which designated species use what
                                   portion of the aquatic preserve for various
                                   aspects of their life cycle.

                 Task C.2.1.2:     Establish a system of seasonal monitoring
                                   sites to determine the use of the preserve
                                   by designated species and birds.

                 D. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

                 The integrity of the biological system within the Yellow River
                 Marsh Aquatic Preserve can be affected, both directly and
                 indirectly, by the public's enjoyment of the preserve.
                 Without a biologically "healthy" aquatic system, water quality
                 will deteriorate, fisheries will fail due to loss'of habitat,
                 and many species of wading birds will disappear. 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. The public may include
                 students;- waterfront property owners; visitors and new
                 residents; user groups, such as developers and marine
                 contractors; special interest groups such as Audubon . and
                 boating clubs; and local, regional and state government
                 agencies that are involved in making decisions regarding the
                 aquatic preserve.

                 The overall goal of the environmental education element is to
                 instruct individuals as to the importance of preserving our
                 natural resources so that they may consider all issues prior
                 to making decisions that affect these resources and to educate
                 the public and make them responsible users of the preserve.
                 Two DNR publications, Environmental Education in Florida:
                 Needs and Goals, and A Guide for Environmental Education, are
                 notable references available for the preserve manager to aid
                 in accomplishing this goal.

                 GOAL D.1: Public Education Toward Wise Resource Use

                 Obiective D.I.  1: To establish and conduct environmental
                 educational programs for public and private schools and to
                 provide   assistance   to   other   educational   centers    and
                 organizations.

                 Task D.1.1.1:     Notify the county school board of the Aquatic
                                   Preserve Program education efforts and the
                                   availability of its staff to assist or
                                   provide guidance for educational programs.

                 Task D.1.1.2:     Coordinate with and assist local educational
                                   centers and other facilities, (such as

                                                77

                Task D.1.1.2:      Coordinate with and assist local educational
                                   centers and other facilities, (such as
                                   Pensacola   Junior    College),   on     their
                                   educational programs.

                Task D.1.1.3:      Provide field trips to the aquatic preserve
                                   for interested parties.

                Task D.I.1.4:      Target educational programs towards audiences
                                   that will have the greatest potential impact
                                   on aquatic resources (e.g., boating clubs,
                                   homeowners associations, developers, etc.).

                Task D.1.1.5:      Conduct or assist in informal seminars,
                                   classes, or workshops for public discussion
                                   of the current resource management issues,
                                   resource   utilization,     and    regulatory
                                   activities.   Public forums such as these
                                   should involve private and public resource
                                   users.

                objective D.1.2:     To produce educational literature and
                materials that inform the public of the preserves natural
                resources and the importance of preserving and protecting
                these resources.

                Task D.1.2.1:      Maintain and expand a specimen collection of
                                   species commonly found in the aquatic
                                   preserve for use in educational programs.

                Task D.1.2.2:      Develop slide programs, brochures, pamphlets,
                                   and/or booklets that describe to the public
                                   both the purpose of and activities conducted
                                   by aquatic preserve field staff, and also
                                   presents   general    information   on     the
                                   preserve's ecosystem.

                Task D.1.2.3:      Develop at the field office a reference
                                   library of material relevant to the areas
                                   natural resources.

                Task D.I.2.4:      Submit   newspaper    articles   and     radio
                                   announcements designed to educate the general
                                   public about the ecological functions and
                                   economic importance of the natural resources
                                   within the preserve.   This approach may be
                                   the vehicle with which to disseminate the
                                   findings of recent research efforts to the
                                   public.

                                               78

                Task D.1.3.1:     Participate   in   environmental    education
                                  conferences and seminars to enhance teaching
                                  skills and to become familiar with other
                                  educational programs.

                Task D.I.3.2:     Pursue, at the bureau level, the necessary
                                  funds to construct an environmental learning
                                  center adjacent to the preserve.

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                                             CHAPTER VII

                                  MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK

                  This chapter   briefly presents a general overview of the
                  various federal, state, regional, and local agencies that
                  regulate or hold any interest in the management or use of the
                  Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve.       One of the goals and
                  objectives of the Aquatic Preserve Program is to coordinate
                  with these agencies to achieve common goals relevant to the
                  management and protection of resources in the preserve. Table
                  7 provides the manager with a quick reference matrix of those
                  agencies with specific jurisdictions in the preserve.

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

                  A. FEDERAL AGENCIES

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

                  In accordance with the federal consistency review process the
                  Bureau of Submerged Lands & Preserves reviews the federal
                  programs and activities as to how they affect the objectives
                  of the Aquatic Preserve Program. This review is coordinated
                  through the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation's
                  Office of Coa-stal Management in order to enforce the
                  provisions of the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972,
                  as amended.

                  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) 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 them 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 controls dredge and
                  fill activities by the Corps and has since been extended to
                  wetlands from Amendments to the CWA in 1977.

                  The 'U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) monitors for boating safety and
                  navigational problems; operates search and rescue missions;
                  conducts surveillance of narcotics contraband; and enforces
                  maritime laws.     The USCG also regulates construction of

                                                  81

                bridges, causeways, and aerial utilities that may pose
                navigation hazards.     In the inland waters a volunteer group
                called the Coast Guard Auxiliary performs boating safety
                inspections and search and rescue missions.

                The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)                  has
                Jurisdiction over surface waters in the state.         Enforcement
                authority was given under the Clean Water Act of 1972 and
                broadened under the 1977 revision. In general EPA is
                responsible for pollution control and abatement, including:
                air, water, noise, solid waste, toxic waste, and radiation.
                They review permits issued by DER for the treatment, disposal
                and storage of hazardous wastes. Authority is divided between
                EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard in regarding the discharge of oil
                or hazardous substances into surface water.

                The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) , performs surveys and
                research pertaining to topography and water resources, and
                collects and publishes water resource data.

                The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has responsibility
                for -fish and wildlife as authorized in the Coastal Resources
                Barrier Act, National Environmental Protection Act, Migratory
                Bird Act, Endangered Species Act, and Fish and Wildlife
                Coordination Act. "Under provision of the Fish and Wildlife
                Coordination Act, the Fish and Wildlife Service must be
                consulted before the Corps of Engineers 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" (Barile et al.,
                1987).    They are directed to prepare environmental impacts
                assessments or statements for proposed projects by the Corps,
                and are authorized to issue "Jeopardy opinion" against any
                proposed project which will negatively effect an endangered
                species (Barile et al., 1987).

                The National marine Fisheries service (NMFS) under the U.S.
                Department of Commerce, records commercial fish landings,
                enforces national fishery laws, and protects vital fishery
                habitats.

                B. STATE AGENCIES

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

                The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) jurisdiction
                includes state lands, sovereignty submerged lands, and marine
                resources which include marine research projects.

                                                82

                 The Division of marine Resources has several programs
                 beneficial to aquatic preserves.          The Marine Research
                 laboratory in St. Petersburg has several projects including
                 resource protection area mapping, a survey of the status of
                 oyster bars, and fishery habitat utilization studies which
                 generate valuable resource management information. They also
                 administer a permitting program for the collection certain
                 marine species and the use of certain chemicals. The Aquatic
                 Preserve Program receives notification of issuance of permits
                 within the preserve. Marine Resources also conducts a variety
                 of research projects, including those aimed at manatee and
                 marine turtle protection.

                 The Division of Law Enforcement's Marine Patrol enforces
                 statutes relating to marine resources, fishery management
                 laws, boating safety, vessel titl-ing/registration and illegal
                 narcotics.

                 The Division of State Lands, is granted authority under
                 Chapters 18-20 and 18-21, F.A.C., "Sovereignty Submerged Land
                 Management" which gives DNR the responsibility to regulate
                 commercial and residential docks and other structures and
                 activities conducted on submerged lands. In addition to the
                 work related to aquatic preserves, the Division of State Lands
                 is charged with overseeing uses, sales, leases, or transfers
                 of all state-owned lands. The aquatic preserve staff interact
                 with other staff of State Lands in all transactions concerning
                 submerged lands within the preserve including acquisition of
                 privately titled submerged lands or contiguous uplands
                 important to the integrity of the preserve. Land acquisition
                 is conducted through the Conservation and Recreation Lands
                 (CARL) program, authorized under Chapter 253, F.S.

                 The Division of Resource Management is responsible for the
                 management of aquatic plants, mineral resources, oil and gas
                 exploration, and geologic studies. Chapters 369.20 - 369.22,
                 F.S:, authorizes the Bureau of Aquatic Plants to regulate
                 various aquatic plant control programs, including permitting
                 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,
                 vegetating, or collecting aquatic plants.       The Division of
                 Resource Management also supervises state Navigation Districts
                 and Canal Authority.

                 The Division of Beaches and Shores is responsible for managing
                 erosion control, hurricane protection, coastal flood control,
                 shoreline and offshore rehabilitation, and the regulation of
                 work activities likely to affect the physical condition of the
                 beach and shore (Chapter 161, F.S.)

                                                83

                The Marine Fisheries Commission (mrc) manages 'marine life by
                regulating the harvesting of all marine life except designated
                species.     Their authority covers gear specification,
                prohibited gear, bag limits, size limits, species that may not
                be sold, protected species, closed areas, quality control
                codes, harvesting seasons, special considerations related to
                egg-bearing females, and oyster and clam relaying. The MFC is
                required to make annual recommendations to the Governor and
                Cabinet regarding marine fisheries research priorities, which
                can in turn directly influence research efforts and priorities
                at the preserve.

                The Department of Environmental Regffilation (DER)            is
                responsible for   regulating air, water, noise, wastewater,
                stormwater, and hazardous waste pollution through a permitting
                and certification process.     DER also serves as the state
                contact for the initiation of dredge and fill applications in
                conjunction with the COE and DUR. The permitting process is
                a key management tool for the protection of the preserve.

                The DER's rules significant to the Aquatic Preserve 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). Special protection for OFW`1s is found
                in 17.302.700, F.A.C. As an OFW, ambient conditions, instead
                of prescribed values, become the water quality standards for
                the waterbody.    Yellow River Marsh was designated as an
                Outstanding Florida Water 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 use of state-owned lands shall have prior approval
                of the Board of Trustees.    An interagency agreement between
                DNR and DER provides for DNR staff comments into the DER
                permitting process for environmental impacts in aquatic
                preserves.

                The DER's Coastal Zone Management Section is charged with
                coordinating activities related to coastal management and
                awards grants for research and management planning. The DER's
                Intergovernmental Coordination Section reviews federal actions
                for consistency with the Coastal Zone Program.

                The Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (DHRS)
                has responsibilities to protect the public's health by
                overseeing functions that involve water supplies, on site
                sewage disposal, septic tank cleaning, and solid waste
                control.  Authority for these responsibilities are found in
                Chapter 154, 381, and 386, F.S. and in the 10D Series of

                                               84

                  F.A.C., known as the I'S anitary Code". The local county DHRS
                  office (County Health Department) , has jurisdiction overseeing
                  these responsibilities.

                  Also affecting the public's health and the Aquatic Preserve
                  Program is the arthropod (mosquito) control program, which is
                  usually administered through the local mosquito control
                  district. DNR staff are involved in the management programs
                  developed by the Florida Coordinating Council on Mosquito
                  Control, and subsequent policy recommendations resulting from
                  this groups will be evaluated for their potential effects on
                  the aquatic preserve.

                  The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (PGF"C)
                  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 all wildlife.     The Office of Environmental Services
                  reviews projects which may affect local fish and wildlife
                  habitat.  FGFWFC is the state coordinator of the non-game
                  Wildlife and Endangered Species Program in Florida.         The
                  Division of Wildlife is also responsible for designating
                  Critical Wildlife Management Areas to protect designated
                  species. They also oversee habitat restoration and fish re-
                  stocking of freshwater rivers and lakes. And, the FGFWFC has
                  law enforcement officers that patrol the aquatic preserves.

                  The DeRartment of State (DOS), Division of Historical
                  Resources (DHR) 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 (DOT) has responsibilities
                  that include right of way and surface water run-off 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.

                  The Department of Community Affairs (DCA)    and the Regional
                  Planning Councils (RPC) are authorized under Section 380.06,
                  F.S., for administering the Development of Regional Impact
                  (DRI) 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.

                  The Department of Community Affairs also oversees the
                  development of Local Government Comprehensive Plans (LGCP) for
                  both counties and municipalities, as required by the Local
                  Government Comprehensive and Land Development Regulation Act,
                  Chapter 163, Part II, F.S.     Subsection 163.3202(5), F.S.,

                                                85

                provides that DCA shall adopt rules f or the review of local
                government land development regulations.      Local governments
                are required to adopt land development regulations which are
                consistent with the adopted local comprehensive plan within
                one year after submission of the local comprehensive plan for
                review by the Department pursuant to subsection 163.3167(2),
                F.S.

                The Office of Planning and Budgeting of the Executive Office
                of @-he Governor, in conjunction with the DER's Coastal Zone
                Management Section, 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 direct 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.        This includes projects affecting
                resources in aquatic preserves.

                C. REGIONAL AGENCIES

                In addition to state and federal agencies, two regional
                agencies have a major role in the use and management of the
                preserve: These organizations conduct activities that are on
                a broader scale than those of the local governments, but on a
                smaller scale than the state level.

                Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD)
                The water management district administers permitting programs
                for consumptive water use, management and storage of surface
                water well drilling and operation, and regulation of
                artificial recharge facilities. This includes withdrawal of
                water from rivers, streams, and wells.      The types of water
                uses permitted by the NWFWMD which could affect the preserve
                include irrigation and public water supply.           The water
                management district is also involved in various studies on
                water supply and management that may be of use. to the
                preserve.    In addition, the NWFWMD is the lead agency in
                developing and implementing the S.W.I.M. program.

                West Florida Regional Planning Council (WFRPC)
                The West Florida Regional Planning Council serves as a
                regional planning body for the local government of Santa Rosa
                County.   Among its duties are aiding local governments with
                planning expertise; being a regional representative for the
                DRI review process; serving as a regional clearinghouse for
                state and federal projects at the state and federal levels;
                assisting local governments in obtaining grants; and preparing
                and administering the Regional Policy Plan.

                                               86

                  The DRI review of projects which affect the preserve will be
                  reviewed by both the central of f ice staf f and f ield personnel.
                  DRI's for marinas or subdivisions adjacent to the preserve,
                  and commercial or industrial developments will be reviewed
                  closely for their potential impact on the preserve.

                  D. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS/INTEREST GROUPS

                  Local governments are the incorporated cities and counties
                  that border the preserve.       The entire Yellow River Marsh
                  Aquatic Preserve is bounded by Santa Rosa County. Although
                  not adjacent to the preserve, the incorporated municipality of
                  Milton lies approximately 8 miles north of the preserve
                  boundary and the unincorporated population center of Bagdad is
                  situated about 4 miles north of the preserve.

                  Field personnel are the liaison with local governments, and
                  they will provide input into local government policies and
                  practices to encourage conformance with the objectives of the
                  aquatic preserve management plan.

                  Private Interest Groups and Public
                  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 administrative and field staff
                  will actively encourage participation from citizen support
                  organizations at this 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.

                                                  87

                     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
          00           DCA    Florida Department of community Affairs                   COE   United    States   Army    Corps   of
          00           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 Marine 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
                                                                                                            LGT- C= LDD MCD ICD SWCIRPC NMD FIN DACII)CA DER I DNRIGFC IIRS DOS DOT IFMP FSG MFC CG COE EPA FWS NM GS
                                     Dredge and Fill Permitting                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .... ....... .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    . .. ........
                                         Docks, Fishing Piers, Seawalls                                       0                                           .......
                                                                                                                                                          ....... . .                                                                                                              . .......
                                         Marinas
                                                                                                                                                                   ...... ....
                                     Submerged Lands Management
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                . ......... ....

                                     Habitat Protection
                                                                                                                                                          OR
                                     Mangroves/Wetlands                        Protection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .. ........
                                                                                                                                                               . ........  ...
                                     Seagrass Protection                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Jm
                                                                                                                                                                   ....... .......                                                                                                        ...... ..
                                     Habitat Restoration                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        .....
                                                                                                                                                                           ........                                                                                 ....

                                                                                                                                                                   . . .......                                                                                                                            .....
                                     Mangroves/Wetlands                        Restoration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   .....  .......
                                     Seagrass Restoration
                                     Resource Inventory                                                                                                                                  0      0       0       01                 1                 0 0                                          q..w ... .......
                                                                                                                                                                   ......... . .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ........ ......
                                     Manatees/Porpoises
                                                                                                                                                                                         0                      0                     0 0            0 0
                                     Endangered Species                                                                                                                                               10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ... ........ ..
                                                                                                                                                                                                0jo                                                                 .......                     . ....... .........
                                     S hellfish/Ag uaculture                                                                                                                                                                                                        .......
                                                                                                                                   10                                                                                                                               ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ....... .... . ..                     ......
                 Go                  Public Aware ness/Ed ucation                                                    0                                                 :.1.*             0      00              0                             0      0 0
                                                                                                                                                          ......                                                                                                                                . ........      ...
                                                                                                                                                          .... ......
                                     Research                                                                                        0                                                          010,                                                 0
                                                                                                                                                                           ..........                           0
                                     Fisheries           Research                                                                    0                                                   0            1010                                           0        0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ................
                                                                                                                                                          ....                                                                                                      ........ ........
                                     Fisheries          Management                                                                   0                                                   0            101                                            0        0               .... .              .0.:
                                         Recreational Fishing                                                                                                                            0            1010
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            .... ......
                                                                                                                                                                   ......  ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              0      0        0
                                         Commercial Fishing
                                                                                                                                                                                         0            10
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              .. ........ ..... .         ........
                                                                                                                                                                                         lift
                                     Wildlife Managemnt
                                                                                                                                                                                                                0
                                     Mosquito Impoundments                                                           0             10                                                    0              0                                                                                                 .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ........ ..... .
                                     Historical/Archeological Sites                                                  0                                                                                  0                      0                                                          ......
                                                                                                              0      0             10              0
                                     Water Quality                                                                                                                                       010            0              0                      0
                                                                                                                                                          .. ..    ......                                                                                           ..........
                                         Nonpoint Source Pollution                                                   0                             0 :::,!o                              0      0       0              0              0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ........ .... ... ........
                                         Point Source Pollution                                               0      0                                                                   0      0       0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ........ ........ .
                                                                                                                                                                                         0
                                                                                                                                                                                                        0                                     0
                                         Oil/Chemical Spills                                                         0
                                                                                                                                                                                         0      0
                                                                                                                                                   0                                                                                                                        .0
                                     Drainage/Freshwater Control                                              0-010                                                                                     0                                                                                 . ... ..
                                     Emergency Response                                                       0      01                                                                                                                                                                              . . . .....
                                                                                                                                                                                         0      0       0       0                                                     ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               . . ...... ...
                                     Upland Development                                                       0      0
                                                                                                                                                          ......... .      .......
                                                                                                              0      0                                                 .. ...
                                     Land Use Planning                                                                                                                                                                                                              ......     ....
                                                                                                                                                                   ........ ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            . . .:::   . ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ..... ........ ....... ...
                                                                                                                                                          ........ ....                                                                                                                   . .. .....
                                     Navigational/Boating                                                     0      0                    .0.             1*10141                                       0 0 0                                 0
                                     Recreational Areas                                                       0                                                                                         0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              0      0
                                     Bridges and Roads
                                                                                                                     0
                                                                                                                                                                                         0 0 0

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                                         CHAPTER VIII

                                   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 Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve to be
                 managed in accordance to the goals, objectives and tasks, set
                 forth in this plan, adequate funding, staffing and equipment
                 are essential. Currently, one employee has been assigned to
                 manage Yellow River Marsh,Aquatic Preserve, in addition to
                 managing 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 one field office with at least two full
                 time employees would be able to provide adequate staffing to
                 cover these four preserves.      Recently, one Environmental
                 Specialist II position has been assign   .ed to the Northwest
                 Florida field office to manage these preserves.     An annual
                 review of the accomplishments of the program relative to the
                 tasks listed in Chapter VI will help to determine if the
                 initial staffing estimate is adequate to meet the legislative
                 intent of the program.

                 A budget covering projected staff time, equipment, travel and
                 other expenses for this area, which would include Yellow River
                 Marsh Aquatic Preserve, 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 preserve
                 by 1991, as expressed in the Agency Functional Plan.

                                               91

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                                             TABLE 8

                           ANTICIPATED BUDGET FOR YELLOW RIVER MARSH
                         AND OTHER LOCALLY ASSOCIATED AQUATIC PRESERVES

                 SALARY                               IST YEAR        2ND YEAR

                 * ES II (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
                 171 Boat/Motor/Trailer                 15,000
                 Office Equipment                       10,000
                 Computer                                 5,000
                 Sampling Gear/Supplies                   3,000

                 Subtotal                               48,000

                 OPERATING EXPENSES

                 Office Rent/Gas/Phone               $ 19,000        $ 21,000

                 TOTAL COST                          $ 146,315       S 102,695

                   This position has recently been   filled.

                                                93

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                                           CEIAPT'ER IX

                            RESOURCE AND PROGRESS MONITORING PROGRAM

                 To ensure     that 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
                 Yellow River Marsh Aquatic preserve office. These monitoring
                 programs will consist of the following:

                 A. RESOURCE MONITORING

                 To monitor changes in the natural resources of the Yellow
                 River Marsh Aquatic Preserve, a geographic information system
                 (GIS) will be necessary.    A GIS is a computer-based system
                 that is used to capture, edit, display, and analyze geographic
                 information. The first GIS programs were developed about 20
                 years ago to manage large collections of natural resources 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 online 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 management plan to be effectively implemented, it is
                 necessary to monitor the accomplishments and progress on a
                 regular basis. The field staff will be required to submit an
                 annual report to the Bureau Chief detailing the following:

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

                                               95

                    a.   Through the use of the resource inventories and a GIS
                         system, when available, document the condition of each
                         resource (e.g., vegetative loss or gain).

                    b.   Present the number of structures/activities started or
                         completed, breaking them down into:
                         1)    authorized projects (e.g., single-family, multi-
                               family   docks,    marinas,   seawalls,     dredging,
                               filling, etc.),
                         2)    unauthorized projects, or
                         3)    authorized projects started or completed that were
                               developed in noncompliance with the original
                               authorization.

                 2 What has been done toward accomplishing the tasks listed in
                    Chapter VI.

                    a.   Each task will be listed, and status of accomplishing
                         that task will be detailed. If the task has not been
                         achieved, an explanation will be given.             If the
                         explanation was due to insuf f icient funding/staf f , then
                         this fact will be detailed so that an update of Chapter
                         VIII can be made.

                 3. New goals and/or objectives, as needed, will be reflected
                    in an annual update of Chapter VI.

                                                  96

                                            BIBLIOGRAPHY

                 Barile, D.,   C.A. Panico, and G.E. Health. 1987. Management
                       plan and implementation strategy for the Indian River
                       Lagoon Systems.       Marine Resources Council, Florida
                       Institute of Technology.      Sea Grant Contract IRL IR-1,
                       Melbourne, Florida.

                 Bass, D.G., and V.G. Hitt. 1977. Ecology of the Blackwater
                       River System.       Northwest Streams Research Project.
                       Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. 348 pp.

                 Bass, D.G., and D. Yeager.       1983.    Yellow River Ecological
                       Studies. North Florida Streams Research Project Florida
                       Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. 119 pp-

                 Bass, D.G., D. Yeager, and V.G. Hitt. 1979. Ecology of the
                       Yellow River System, Florida. Northwest Streams Research
                       Project. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
                       191 pp.

                 Clark, J.       1974.     Coastal Ecosystems: Ecological Con-
                       siderations for Management of the Coastal Zones.           The
                       Conservation Foundation. Washington, D.C. pp. 119-121.

                 Environmental Analysts of Florida, Inc. 1979. Environmental
                       Impact   Assessment    Regarding     the   Drilling    of    an
                       Exploratory Oil Well in East Bay of the Pensacola Bay
                       System (Santa Rosa County, Florida).

                 Florida Department of Natural Resources.          1989a.     Florida
                       Rivers Assessment. 452 pp.

                 Florida Department of Natural Resources.        1989b.     Shellfish
                       Harvesting Area Atlas.

                 Florida Natural Areas Inventory. 1989. Natural Communities.
                       Tallahassee, Florida.

                 Florida Natural Areas Inventory. 1990. Special Plant List,
                       Special Vertebrate List. Tallahassee, Florida.

                 Hand, J., M. Friedman, and V. Tauxe.          1988.   1988 Florida
                       Water Quality Assessment: 305b Technical Report. Florida
                       Department of Environmental Regulation. 289 pp.

                 Little, E.J., and J.A. Quick.          1976.    Ecology, Resource
                       Rehabilitation, and Fungal Parisitology of Commercial
                       Oysters, Crassostrea virainica (Gmelin), in Pensacola
                       Estuary, Florida. St. Petersburg, FL: Florida Dept. of
                       Natural Resources, Marine Research Lab. 89 p. (Mar. Res.
                       Publ. 21).

                                                  97

                Little, K.J., C. Curren and L. McKenzie,. 1988. A Preliminary
                      Archaeological Survey of the Blackwater Drainage, Santa
                      Rosa County, Florida.         Institute of West Florida
                      Archaeology. The University of West Florida. Rep. 19. 53
                      pp-

                Mallard, G. 1980. Microorganisms in Stormwater--A Summary of
                      Recent Investigations. U.S. Geological Survey, Open Fish
                      Report 80-1198.    New York. 19 pp.

                McWhite, R.W. 1984. Eglin Air Force Base Fish and Wildlife
                      Plan. Eglin Air    Force Base, Florida. 56 pp.

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

                Northwest Florida Water Management District.          1991.    Point
                      Source Assessment of the Pensacola Bay System. Surface
                      Water Improvement and Management (S.W.I.M.) Program.
                      Water Resources Special Report 91-2. 110 pp.

                Olinger, L.W., R.G. Rogers, P.L. Force, T.L. Todd, B.L.
                      Mullings, F.T. Bisterfield, and L.A. Wise 11.            1975.
                      Environmental and Recovery Studies of Escambia Bay and
                      the Pensacola Bay System. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Environmental
                      Protection Agency, Surveillance and Analysis Division.
                      438 p. (EPA-904/9-76-016).

                Patterson, J.W., R.A. Minear, and T.K. Nedvad. 1971. Septic
                      Tanks and the Environment. State of Illinios, Institute
                      of Environmental Quality, Chicago, Illinios.

                Rogers, R.G., and F.T. Bisterfield. 1975. Loss of Submerged
                      Vegetation in the Pensacola Bay System, 1949-1974. In:
                      Proceedings    of   the    Second   Annual     Conference    on
                      Restoration of Coastal Vegetation in Florida. pp 35-51.

                Santa Rosa County Comprehensive Plan.         Preliminary Coastal
                      Management Element.         1989.     Baskerville, Donovan
                      Engineersf Inc. 56 pp.

                Soil Conservation Society. 1980. Soil Survey of Santa Rosa
                      County, Florida. 150 pp.

                Teehan, W. H., and, E. Barnett.             1989.      Comprehensive-
                      Shellfish Harvesting Area Survey, Blackwater Bay,
                      Florida.      FDNR, Shellfish Environmental Assessment
                      Section. 204 pp.

                West Florida Regional Planning Council. 1987. West Florida
                      Comprehensive Regional Policy Plan. 465 pp.

                                                 98

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

                Young, W.T. 1981. A Biological and Water Quality Survey of
                     Blackwater, Yellow, and Shoal Rivers and Tributaries, and
                     East Bay Estuaries. Florida Department of Environmental
                     Regulation. 45 pp.

                                              99

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                                                                                     APPENDIX A
                                                                             Relevant Legislation                                                (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 of 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 to 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
                                                         Held by the Board. (Repealed)              limited to the modification of existing manmade
                                       18-20.006         Cumulative Impact.                         conditions toward their natural condition, and
                                                                                                    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 of Lands, Title to Which         applications, or when developing and implementing
                                                         Is Not Vested in the Board, in a           management plans for the preserves;
                                                         Preserve.                                    (f) To preserve, promote, and utilize indigenous
                                       18-20.009         Establishment or Expansion of
                                                         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 or 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
                                                         Plans for Preserves.                       mollusks;
                                       18-20.014         Enforcement.                                 (g) To acquire additional title interests in lands
                                       18-20.015         Application Form. (Repealed)               wherever such acquisitions would serve to protect or
                                       18-20.016         Coordination     with      Other           enhance the biological, aesthetic, or scientific values
                                                         Governmental Agencies.                     of the preserves;
                                                                                                      (h) To maintain those beneficial 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 Intent.                                         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
                                       essentially natural conditions, the propagation of           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(l) FS. Law
                                                                                                    implemented 258.35, 258.36, 258.37, 258.39, 258.393 FS.
                                          (2) The aquatic preserves which are described in           Chapter 80-280 Laws of Florida. History--New 2-23-81,
                                       73-534, Laws or 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 or the
                                       18-20.OO2, Florida Administrative Code, were                    Preserves.
                                       established for the purpose or being preserved in an            (1) These rules shall only apply to those
                                       essentially natural or existing condition so that their      sovereignty lands within a preserve, title to which is
                                       aesthetic, biological and scientific values may              vested in the 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
                                       managed in accordance with the following goals:              specific lands in an aquatic preserve pursuant to
                                                                                                    Section 2(2) of Chapter 73-534, Laws of Florida,
                                          (a) To preserve, protect, and enhance these               Sections 258.40(1) and 258.41(5), Florida Statutes
                                       exceptional areas of sovereignty submerged lands by          future aquatic preserves established through
                                       reasonable regulation of human activity within the           general or special acts of the legislature, and
                                       preserves   through   the    development        and          pursuant to Rule 18-20.008.  Florida
                                       implementation or a comprehensive management                 Administrative Code. Any publicly owned and
                                       program;                                                     maintained navigation channel authorized by the
                                          (b) To protect and enhance the waters of the              United States Congress, or other public works
                                       preserves so that the public may continue to enjoy           project authorized by the United States Congress,
                                       the traditional recreational uses of those waters such       designed to improve or maintain commerce and
                                       as swimming, boating, and fishing;                           navigation shall be deemed to be excluded from the

                                                                                              101

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

                                    provisions of this chapter. pursuant to Subsection           181, pages 363-366. and in the Offical Records of
                                    258.40(2). Florida Statutes. Furthermore, all lands         Flager County in Book 33. pages 131-134.
                                    lost by avulsion or by artificially induced erosion              4.   Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve, as
                                    shall be deemed excluded from the provisions of this       described in the Official Records of Flagier County
                                    chapter pursuant to Subsection 258.40(3), Florida            in Book 33. pages 135-138, and in the Official
                                    Statutes.                                                     Records of Volusia County in Book 1244, pages
                                       (2) These rules do not apply in Baca 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 Aquatic 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 act, until
                                    planning an activity within the preserves should             such time as the U. S. A. no longer wishes to
                                    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 - Malsbar to Sebastian
                                    of the board concerning the issuance of any                  Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official
                                    casement or lease; or any disclaimer concerning              Records of Brevard County in Book 1143, pages
                                    sovereignty lands.                                           199-202. and in the Official Records of Indian
                                       (5) The intent and specific provisions expressed          River County in Book 368. pages 5-8.
                                    in 18-20.001(e) and (f) apply generally to all                   9. Indian River -    Veru Beach to Fort Pierce
                                    existing or future aquatic preserves within the scope        Aquatic Preserve, as described 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 or 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 hiqh water line                  Records Of St. Lucie County in book 201, pages
                                    settlement. agreement between the board and a               1676-1679.
                                    private owner or owners. Provided. however, in                     12. Loxahatchee 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
                                    Coastal Mapping Act, the determination or the                193-196, and in the Official Records of Paim 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 - Cam Florida to Monroe
                                       (7) Persons interested in obtaining details or            County Line Aquatic Preserve, as described in the
                                    particular preserves should contact the Bureau of            Official Records of County 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 (telophone 904-488-2297).               (Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Act of 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. Lignumvite Key Aquatic Preserve, as
                                    in Book 108, pages 343-346, and in Book 111, page           described in the Official Records of Monroe County
                                    409.                                                         in Book 502, pages 139-142.
                                       2. Nassau River - St. Johns River Marshes                      15. Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve, as
                                    Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official               described in the Official Records or Monroe County
                                    Records or Duval County in Volume 3183, pages                in Book 502, pages 143-146.
                                    547-552, and in the Official Records or 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 Of St. Johns County in Book          298-301.

                                                                                          102

                                    V. 9, p 692-2Q                         FLORIDA AQUATIC PRESERVES                                             18-20.003
                                       17. Ronkey 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. Eastern 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 Paw 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-20.2.
                                       21. Gasparilia Sound    - Charlotte Harbor              Transferred from 16q-20.002.
                                    Aquatic Preserve. as described in Section 258.392,
                                    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 of Sect ion 258.3 5
                                       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 or
                                    described in the Official Records of Gulf County in            Environmental Regulation.
                                    Book 46, pages 77-81. and in the Official Records              (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 Official 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 Okaioosa                   (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 or 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 of 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 1 North. Rance 1 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 1 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 therefore; provided that the Board may                the upper edges of its sides normally below water.
                                                                                          103

                                  (R. 3/87)
                                  18-20.003                          INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND                                 V. 9, P. 69-2R

                                     (10) "Commercial, industrial and other revenue                (22) "Preserve" means any and all of those areas
                                  generating/income related docks" means docking                 which are exceptional areas of "sovereignty lands
                                  facilities for an activity which produces income,              and the Associated water body so designated in
                                  through rental or any other means, 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 in 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 over such lands. which have been set
                                  construction. repair, and sales.                               aside to be maintained in in essentially natural or
                                    (11) "Department" means the State or Florida                 existing condition of indigenous flora and fauna and
                                  Department or 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 fair private, recreational or
                                  related to the administration of lands title to which          leisure purposes for a single family residence.
                                  is, or will be, vested in the board, pursuant to section       cottage or other such single dwelling unit and which
                                  253.002, F.S.                                                  is designed its moor no more than two boats.
                                     (13) "Dock" means a fixed or floating structure.                (24) "Private residential muilti-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 or indigenous life forms and habitats to            Yacht clubsassociated With   residential
                                  the extent they existed prior to the significant               developments whose members or utilization of
                                  development adjacent to and within the preserve.               the docking facility requires some real property
                                     (15) "Extreme hardship" means a signficant                  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 demonsurable
                                  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              demonsurable 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 or severance
                                  may be inherent in public projects which are shown             of materials from sovereignty lands, the board shall
                                  so 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 mcans 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 (if the public, consistent with the
                                     (19) "Marina" means a small craft harbor                   Act and these rules, for which no other reassonable                              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 to the                Commission, or which are provided by rural
                                  consumer.                                                      cooperatives, municipalities, or other governmental
                                     (20) "Person" means individuals, minors,                    agencies, including electricity, telephonepublic
                                  partnerships, corporations, joint ventures, estates,         water and wastewater services, and structures
                                  trusts. syndicates, binuciaris, firms. and all other         necssary for the provision or these services.
                                  associations and combinations, whether public or                     (29) "Quality of the preserve"means the degree
                                  private, including governmental entities.                      of the biological, aesthetic and scientific values of the
                                     (21) "Pier" means a structure in, on, or over               preserve necessary f present and future enjoyment
                                  sovereignty lands, which is used by the public                 or it in an essentially natural condition.
                                  pnimarily for fishing, swimming, or viewing th                   (30) "Resource management agreement" means
                                  preserve.A pier shall not include a dock.                     a contractual agreement between the board and one

                                                                                        104

                                                                                                                                       (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 pan of the activity.
                                  certain management Activities on lands held by the      specific authority 258.43(l) FS. Law implemenied
                                  board.                                                  258.37, 258.43(1)FS. History--New 2-25-81. Amended
                               (31) "Resource Protection Area (RPA)1"-                     8-7-85. Formerly  16Q-20.03. Transfered from
                                Areas within the aquatic preserves which have               16Q-20.003.
                                  resources of the highest quality and 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;  salt-water     marsh;     oyster     bars;      18-21, Florida Administrative Code (Sovereignty
                                  archaeological and historical sites: endangered or        Submerged Lands Management) and shall be
                                  threatened species habitat; and, colonial water bird      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
                                  within the Aquatic preserves which are in transition      aquatic preserves.
                                  with either declining resource protection area 1           (1)GENERAL PROPRIETARY
                                  resources or new pioneering resources within                (a) In determining whether to appove or deny
                                  resource 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,
                                    (35) "Sale" means a conveyance of interst in             lease or transfer is in the public interest (see Section
                                  lands, by the board for consideration.                     18-20.004(2) Public Interst Assessment Criteria).
                                    (36) "Scientific values" means the preservation            (c)There shall be no construction of seawalls
                                  and promotion of certain qualities or features which      waterward of the mean or ordinary high water line,
                                  have scientific significance.                             or filling waterward of the mean or ordinary high
                                    (37) "Shore protection structure" means a type          water line except in the case of public road and
                                     of coastal construction designed to minimize the rate   bridge projects where no reasonable alternative
                                    or erosion. Coastal construction includes any work       exists.
                                  or activity which is likely to have a material physical       (d)There shall, in no case, be any case, be any dredging
                                  effect on existing coastal condition or natural shore       waterward of the mean or ordinary purpose of providing fill for
                                  processes.                                                 any are landward of the mean or ordinary high
                                    (38) "Sovereignty lands" means those lands                water line.
                                  including, but not limited to: tidal lands, islands,           (e)A lease, casement or consent of 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 navaigational
                                  virtue of statehood, and of 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) "Spoil" 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 casements,         structure;
                                    other than sale or lease, is conveyed.                      8. installation or maintenance of oil and gas
                                    (41) "Utility or the preserve" means fitness of         transportation facilities;
                                  the preserve for the present and furture enjoyment of         9. creation, maintenance, replacement or
                                 its biological, aesthetic and scientific values, in an       expansion of facilities required for the provision of
                                  essentially natuaral condition.                             public utilities; and
                                     (42) "Water dependent activity" means an                   10. other activities which are a public necessity
                                    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 consistent with
                                  requires dirct access to the water body or                   the act and this chapter.
                                  sovereignty lands for transportation, recreation,            (f) For activities listed in paragraphs
                                  energy, production or transmission, or source of           18-20.004(1)(e)1.--10. above, the activity shall be
                                                                                    105

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

                                          designed in that the structure or structures to be                   2. provide boating and marina services (repair,
                                          built in, on or over sovereignty landslimited 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;
                                          l8-20.004(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 casement fee.                     7. adverse cumulative impacts.
                                             (j) Private residential mulit-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 casements and/or
                                          Florida Statutes, and this rule chapter.                           facilities, such as beach access, boat ramps, etc.;
                                             (1) 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 format finding of compatibility              stabilization or re-establishment of shoreline or
                                          with the purposes or Chapter 258, Florida Statutes,                submerged vegetation;
                                          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 or 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
                                          cost 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 or shallow water habitats.
                                          request specific consideration and weight shall be                      (3) RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
                                          given to the quality and nature of 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 CATAGORIES:                                         traditional public uses.
                                             1. public access (public boat ramps, boatslips,                   (d) Spoil disposal within the preserves shall be
                                          etc.);                                              106            strongly discouraged and may be approved only

                                                                                                                                           (R.9/88)                                                                                                                                       (R.9?
                                 V.9,p.692-2U                             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 gram 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 to 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
                                 in 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 &hall 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 docks
                                 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 linear feet of riparian shoreline.             1. the area or 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 in ten times the
                                 the requirements or 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(1)(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 on 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 1 or 2,
                                 or ordinary high water line more than 500 feet or 20          except    as    allowed     pursuant     to     Section
                                 percent of the width of 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;
                                 or unique importance. These areas may be or                     3. docking facilities shall only be approved in
                                 significant biological, scientific, historic and/or         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 on a case-by-case         of one foot clearance is provided between the deepest
                                 analysis, and 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 (8)
                                 vessels allowed to utilize the proposed facility may        feet in width;
                                 also be stipulated; and                                        6. ringer 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 of 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.
                                 and criteria:                                                  (d) Commercial,industrial and other revenue
                                     1. any main access dock shall be limited in a          generating/income related docking facilities shall
                                 maximum width of four (4) feet;                            conform to the following specific design standards
                                     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;

                                                                                      107

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

                                           2. docking facilities and access channels shall be         Cockroach Bay                 April 21, 1987
                                        Prohibited in Resource Protection Area 1 or 2,                Estero Bay                    September 6, 1983
                                        except as allowed pursuant to Sections                        Charlotte Harbor
                                        258.42(3)(e)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                 Pan and Pint 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, rovided 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 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 areas;                                         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. Marlins Marsh              September 9, 1987
                                           7. the location of new facilities and expansion of         Terra Ceia                   April 21, 1987
                                        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, 358.43(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 Amended 9-4-88
                                        plans and ordinances;
                                           9. marinas shall not be sited within state                   18-20.005 Usex, Sales, Leases, or Transfer of
                                        designated manatee sanctuaries; and                           Interests in Lands, or Materials, Held by the
                                           10. in any areas with known manatee                        Board.
                                        concentrations, manatee warning/notice and/or                 Specific Authroity 258.43(1) FS Law Implemented
                                        speed limit signs shall be created at the marina              253.02, 253.12, 258.42 FS. History--New 2-25-81
                                        and/or ingress and egress channels, according to              Repealed 8-7-85, Formerly 16q-20.05, Transferred from
                                        Florida Marine Patrol specifications.                         16q-20.005.
                                                                                                        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 impariments to 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, standard and          system. The impact of a proposed activity shall be
                                        criteria delineated   in subsections (1) through (6),         considered in light of its cumulative impact on the
                                        the provisions or the following management plans              preserve's natural system.  The department shall
                                        apply to specific aquatic preserves and are                   include as a part of its evaluation of an activity:
                                        incorporated herein by reference. Where regulatory              (1)The number and extent of similar human actions
                                        criteria in 18-20, F.A.C., may differ with specific           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
                                                                                                      enactment of the Act; and
                                                                                                        (2) The similar activities within the preserve
                                        Alligator Harbor               September 23, 1986
                                        Banana River                   September 17, 1985

                                                                                        108

                                                                                                        (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) Dorm 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 in be located.
        and                                                             adopt a resolution formally setting aside such areas
        (4) The extent in which the activity is consistent          to be included in the system.
         with management plans for the preserve. when                       (3) The resolution setting aside an aquatic
            developed; and                                                  preserve area 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 in section 163.3161, F.S.,                    (b) The designation or the type of aquatic
          and other applicable plans adopted by local, state.             preserve.
      and federal governmental agencies;                                (c) A general statement of what is sought to be
        (6) The extent to which the loss of beneficial              preserved.
    ydrologic 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 to the management criteria
     (7) The extent too which mitigation measures                and directives of this chapter. -
    may compnsate for adverse impacts.                                (e) A directive to develop a natural resource
     Specific Authority 256.43(1). FS Law Implement               inventory and a management plan for the area being
      258.36, 258.43, 258.44 FS History-New 2.25-81.                established as an aquatic preserve.
     formerly 16Q-20.06. Transfered from 16Q-20.006.              (4) Within 30 days of the designation and
     18-20.007 Protection of Riparian Riqhts                     establishment of an aquatic preserve, the board
    Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS Law Implemented
    258.124(8),258.44 Fs. History-New 2-25-81.                  shall record in the public records of the county or
     Repeated 6-7-85, Formerly 16Q-20.07 Transferred from          counties in which the preserve is located a legal
      16Q-20.007.                                                 description of the preserve.
      18-20.008 Inclusion of Lands, Title to Which             Specific Authority 258.43(1)FS.Law Implemented
     Is Not Vesied in the Board, in a Preserve,                  258.41 FS. History-New 2-25-81, Formerly 16Q.20.09.
      (1)Lands and water bottoms which are within             Transfered from 16Q-20.009.
      desingated aquatic preserve boundries, or adjacent         18-20.010 Exchange of Lands. The board in its
      therero and which are owned by other governmental         discretion may exchange lands for the benefit of the
      agencies, may be included in anaquatic preserve           preserve, provided that:
      upon specific authorization for inclusin by an             (1) In no case shall an exchange result in any
      appropriate instrument in writing excuied by the          land or water area being withdrawn from the
      agency.                                                     preserve; and
                                                                   (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 or
      designated aquatic preserve boundaries or adjacent          the presecrve.
     thereio, and which are in private ownership, maybe            Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implimented
      included in an aquatic preserve upon specific               258.41(5). 256.42(l) FS. HistorY-New 2-25-81,
       authorization for inclusion by an appropriate                Formerly 16A-20.10, Transferred from 16Q-20.010.
      instrument in writing executed by the owner.                16-20.011 Gifs 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 perpertuity. 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 for the
       (a)The term of the lease shall be for a minimum            preserve.
       period or ten years.                                        Specific Auhority 258.43(1) FS Law Implemented
      (b) The board shall have the power and duty to              258.42(5) FS. History-New 2-25-81. Formerly
        enforce the provisions of each lease agreement. and        16Q-20:11, Transfered from 16Q-20.011.
        shall additionally have the power to terminate any         18-20.O12 Protection of Indiqenous Life
       lease if the termination is in the best interest of the      Forms. The taking or 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 for                      prohibition shall not extend in the commercial
       management of such lands.                                     taking of fin fish. crusacea or mollusks. except as
       (c) The board shall pay no more than 1$ per year
        for any such lease.                                        prohivided under applicable Laws, rules or                  or
         specific Authority 258.4(1) FS Law Implemented            regulations. Members or the public may exercise
        258.40. 258.41 FS. History New 2.25-61. Formerlyv          their rights to fish, so long as not contrary to other
        16Q.20.08, Transferred from 16Q-20.008.                    statutory and regulatory provisions controlling such
                                                                   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

                                                          109

                                        (R. 9/1988)                                V.9,p. 692-2X
                                        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 provided in Section 258.46, Transferred from 16Q-20.014.18-20.015 Application Form.Specific Authority 253.43(1)
    FS History -New 2-25-81. Repealed 5-7-85.Formerly 16Q-20.015.Coordination with Other Governmental Regulation permit is required for
    activities on sovereignty lands the Department of Eviromental Regulation to obtain a copy of the joint Department of Army/Florida
     Depatment of Eviromental Regulation permit application and the biological survey.The information contained 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 resposibilities
     regarding the propsed activity.Specific Authority 253.43(1) FS3 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 18-20.001 through
    18-20.016, the following requirements shall apply to all proposed activities within the Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve. If any
    provions of Rule are to conflict with any provisions of Rules 16-20.001 through 18-20.016 or Chapter 73-534.Laws of Florida
    ,the stronger provision for the protection or enhancement of the aquatic preserve shall prevail.(1) No further sale, transfer
    or lease of sovereignty land in ther preserve shall be approved or consummed by the Board, exept 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 approved or tolerated by the
    Board of Trustees exept:(a) Such minimum dredging and spoiling as may be authorized for public navigation projects or for preservation
    of the lake according to the expressed iniemt of Chapter 73-534, Laws of Florida; and (b)Such other alteration of the pysical
    conditons as may be necessary to enhance the quality or utility of the preserve.(3) There shall be no drilling wells, excavation
    for shell or minerals, and no erection of structures(other than docks), within the preserve,unless such activity is associated
    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) Notwithstanding other provisions of this act, the board may, respect lands lying within the Lake Jackson
    basin:(a)Entering into agreement for the establish lines delineating sovereignty and privately owned lands:(c) accept gifts of land
    within or contigous 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.

                                           APPENDIX B

                                    POLLUTION SOURCE SURVEY
                                (FROM TEEHAN AND BARNETT, 1989)

                 The pollution source survey was conducted by personnel of the
                 Department of Natural Resoruces Shellfish Environmental
                 Assessment Section, Western Gulf Coast District office. Many
                 individuals along with local, county and state agencies were
                 contacted for background information.      Detailed shoreline
                 reconnaissance was conducted during March, 1987. Documented
                 sources of actual or potential pollution included all
                 residences, businesses, public assembly areas, and other
                 sources which could contribute contaminates to receiving
                 waters in and around the preserve. Drainage patterns and land
                 runoff were assessed using topographic maps and by noting the
                 source and outfall of canals, ditches, creeks, and pipes.

                 Sub Area 1: Garcon Peninsula I-10 south to Juniper Drive

                   I.   191C from  I-10 to SR191

                        On septic  tank systems:
                        81 houses  waterfront
                        22 houses  non-waterfront
                        10 mobile  homes waterfront
                        35 mobile  homes non-waterfront
                         1 business waterfront
                           Livestock

                   II.  SR191 from Juniper Drive to I-10

                        On septic tank systems:
                        28 houses waterfront
                        74 houses non-waterfront
                        43 mobile homes non-waterfront
                         7 businesses non-waterfront
                           Livestock

                 Sub Area 2: SR89  from I-10 to Ward Basin Road

                   I.   On septic  tank systems:
                        22 houses  waterfront
                        70 houses  non-waterfront
                         4 mobile  homes waterfront
                         8 mobile  homes non-waterfront
                         2 businesses waterfront
                         2 businesses non-waterfront

                  II.   SR89 from Coachman Road to I-10

                        on septic tank systems:
                        52 houses waterfront
                        39 houses non-waterfront
                        31 mobile homes waterfront
                        48 mobile homes non-waterfront
                         7 units waterfront
                         1 buisness waterfront

                Sub Area 3: SR184 from SR89 to SR87

                  I.    Old Hickory Hammock Road

                        On septic tank sytems:
                         4 houses waterfront
                        20 houses non-waterfront
                         4 mobile homes waterfront
                        39 mobile homes non-waterfront

                  II. SR184 from SR89 to SR87

                        on septic tank systems:
                        97 houses non-waterfront
                       108 mobile homes non-waterfront
                         2 businesses non-waterfront
                           Livestock

                Sub Area 4: SR87 from I-10 to the Yellow River

                        On septic tank system:
                        34 houses non-waterfront
                        31 mobile homes non-waterfront
                         1 buisness waterfront
                         4 businesses non-waterfront

                                              112

                                                                                                                        Utricularia purpurea
                                                                 APPENDIX C                                                    Bladderwort

                                                                                      Ilk

                                                                                                                  LL R

           illustration provided by                                          113
           IFAS, Center for Aquatic Plants
           University of Florida, Gainesville, 1990

                                                                                                                       Vallisneria arneficana
                                                                                                                               Tapegrass

           Wustration provided by.-                                          114
            IFAS, Center for Aquatic Plants
            University of Florida, Gainesville, 1990

                                                                              Juncus effusus
                                                                                       Soft rush

                                                                                                                                                 IN,

                                                                                                                              ol

                           vided by.
                   C, enntperrofor Aquatic Plants
            University of Flolida, G ainesvWe, 1990                            115

                                                                                                                     T domingensis        T. latifolia)

                                               0

            Mustration provided by.,                                       116                                  Typha Cattail
            IFAS, Center for Aquatic Plants
             University of Florida, GainesviUe, 1990

                                                             ip

                                                            IIt

                 by..-
     ceziter f,
    ,tsity of AOI, @quatic pl.,t,
             .r1da, Gaj4eSVU
                            e, 1990                         117

                                                                                                                                    Pontederia cordata
                                                                                                                                             Pickerelwee

            iMusoadon provided by.-
            IFAS, Center for Aquatic Plants                                  118
            University of Florida, Gainesville, 1990

                                                                                                                                    Phragmites waindis
                                                                                                                                          Common rced

                                                01

                                                                                     Iif,

                                                                     T11,
                                                                     Y

                                                  ----------

            diustration provided by.
             WAS, Center for Aquatic Piants
             University of Flori" GainesviUe, 1990                         119

                                                                                                                    Najay guadalypensis
                                                                                                                            Southem naij

                                                               Ize

                                                                                                     LL-

              illusamion provided by.
               IFAS, Center for Aquatic flants
               University of Florida, Gainesville, l9go               120

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