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







                          LIGNUMVITAE KEY


                   AQUATIC PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN

















                                               1990

         QH
         91 .75
         .F6                 DEPARTMENT OF NMURAL RESOURCES
         F55
         1990

















                               DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN


                                        FOR


                                      KEY AQUATIC PRESERVE


                                   SEPTEMBER 1990













                                  MR. TOM GARDN ER


                                 Executive Director



                      Florida Department of Natural Resources

                              Division of State Lands


                      Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves





                                 U . S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
   Q@                            COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
                                 2234 SOUTH'HOBSON AVENUE
   W-                            CHARLESTON SC 29405-2413

      r-'@ Pee



         co
                                    Property of CSC Library




         Funds for this management plan were provided by the Department of
         Environmental Regulation, Office of Coastal Man3gement using funds
         made available through the National oceanic and Atmospheric
         Administration under ttie Coastal Zone Munagement Act of 1.972, as
         amended.












                              TABLE OF CHAPTER CONTENTS




          Chapter                                                     Page



               1.  INTRODUCTION                                         1



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



             III.  RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
                   A.  Location and Boundaries                          17
                   B.  Geology                                          18
                   C.  Physiography                                     19
                   D.  Hydrology                                        25
                   E.  Water Quality                                    25
                   F.  Climate
                   G.  Biological Communities                           27
                         1. Mangrove                                    28
                         2. Marine Grassbeds                            45
                         3. Hardbottom                                  55
                   H.  Designated Species                               56
                   I.  Archaeological & Historical Resources            65
                   J.  Uses of the Preserve                             66
                   K.  Regional Land Use, Development
                       and Associated Impacts                           69
                         1. Regional Land Use and Development           69
                         2. Local Land Use and Development              71
                         3. Associated Impacts                          71



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



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












               VI.  MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
                    A. Resource Management                                   99
                    B. Resource Protection                                 104
                    C. Research                                            110
                    D. Environmental Education                             113



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



             VIII.  STAFFING AND FISCAL NEEDS                              129



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



                    REFERENCES                                             135












                                 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES





                Figure 1.    Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve Boundary .. 5

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

                Figure 3.    Holocene Sediment Facies      ..................   23

                Figure 4.    Aquatic.Preserve Resource Maps      ............   29

                Figure.5.    Adjacent Land Use Designations      ............   75

                Figure 6.    Management Area Map      .......................   89



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

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

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

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

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


                Table    6.  Partial List of Protected Flora       ...........  63


                Table    7.  Partial List of Protected Fauna       ...........  64

                Table    8.  Management Coordination Network      ..........    126
                Table    9.  Anticipated Two-year Budget      ...............   131












                                LIST OF APPENDICES




             Appendix A.    Relevan t Legislation
                            Chapter 18-20, F.A.C . ................ 147








































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

                      Bureau of Submerged Lands and Preserves
                          Department of Natural Resources
                              3917 Commonwealth Blvd.
                                   Mail Box 140
                            Tallahassee, Florida 32399












                                          CHAPTER I


                                        INTRODUCTION



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

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

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

             The process of developing this management plan involved
             compiling an inventory of resource information, coordinating
             with other plans that have been developed for the area and
             state, and identifying resource and management issues related
             to present and future uses of the preserve and adjacent
             .uplands.   various management areas will be identified or
             delineated.    Supporting goals, objectives and policies were
             developed to be consistent with statutory authority and the
             overall intent of the Aquatic Preserve Program for helping


                                               1









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

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

            More specifically, this plan is divided 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 provides a description of the aquatic preserve   and
            details the physical, biological and cultural components of
            the preserve. It also contains an overview of regional       and
            local land use and associated impacts.

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

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

            Chapter VI outlines the program's goals, objectives, and the
            tasks required to fulfill those needs within the preserve for
            resource management, resource protection, research, and
            environmental education.

            Chapter VII. identifies local, regional,    state, and federal
            agencies, their authorities and programs, and how they relate
            and assist in protection and management of the,preserve. It
            also identifies non-governmental organizations, interest
            groups, and individuals that have interests in or may assist
            in management objectives.









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

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















































                                         3






                PREPARED BY CA KOOK                  Lignumvitae Key Aquatic'Preserve Boundary
                BUREAU OF HISTORICAL AND
                ENVIRONMENTAL LAND MANA04EMENT








                                                                          LEGEND

                                                                          PWEO ROAD- HIGH TYPE

                                                                          US NUMBERED HIGHWAY

                                                                          *,0UATIC PRESERVE





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                                                                     op



                                                                                                                     SNELL KEY.












                                                                                                                          4




                                                                                                                      X,
                                                                     KEY





                                                                                                                                          ATABLE
                                                                             ..........                                                   KEY

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                                                                         10
                                                                                                                                                            GO



                                                                                                   INDIAN
                                                                                                     KEY
                                LOCATION





                                                                                                                                     MAP OF
                                                        x                                                                    LIGNUMVITAE KEY
                                  9.                                                                                       AQUATIC PRESERVE
                                                                                                                     (AQUATIC PRESERVE NO,24
                                                                                                                           MONROE COUNTY. FLORIDA
                                                                                                                                    CREATED BY
                                                                                                                          STATE OF FLORIDA BOARD OF
                                                                                                             TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND



              Figure 1                                                                   5

















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                                    AQUATIC
                                   PRESERVES


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              AQUATIC PRESERVES ARE ESTABLISHED
                BY THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE AND
                   INCLUDE ONLY STATE OWNED
                 SOVEREIGNTY SUBMERGED LAND&
              THE GOVERNOR AND CABINET SITTING
                 AS TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL
                 IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND ARE
                   MANAGERS OF THESE AREAS.                                                                               lo'm la"m

                 FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING
                PAR AQUATIC PRESERVES CONTACT:
              DE   TMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
              D141SION OF STATE LMDS

                  BUREAU OF AQUATIC PRESERVES


                     3900 COMMONWEALTH BLVD
                                                                                                                                 q
                    TALLAHASSEE. FLORIDA 32303
                        CREATTDW CAROL A. KNOX



       Figure      2           Florida      Aquatic Preserves
                                                                                                         AT
                                                                                                      E-.A @''-

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                                                                                 7














                                      CHAPTER II


                                 MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY



            A. STATUTORY AUTHORITY

            The primary statutory authorities available to the staff for
            the management of aquatic preserves are found in Chapters 253
            and 258, Florida Statute (F.S.) .     In particular, Sections
            258.35-258.24 enacted in 1975 by the Florida Legislature
            represent the Florida Aquatic Preserves Act. These statutes
            set forth a standardized management criteria for all
            designated aquatic preserves and represent the primary laws
            governing the use of sovereignty submerged lands.          These
            authorities also clearly establish the proprietary management
            role of the Governor and Cabinet in their capacity as the
            Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund. All
            management responsibilities assigned to the Trustees may be
            fulfilled directly by the Governor and'Cabinet or indirectly
            via staff through delegations of authority, management
            agreements, or other legal mechanisms. All references to the
            "Board" or the "Trustees" in this plan potentially include
            staff in addition to the Governor and Cabinet themselves.

            Aquatic Preserve staff may be designated to review requests
            for use of state-owned lands and provide comments to the Board
            of Trustees, via the Division of. State Lands and Department of
            Natural Resources administrative staff, relevant to the
            environmental impacts of a proposed use. The staff review is
            conducted within the confines of Section 258.42, F.S., and in
            con3unction with other governmental bodies, comments and
            recommendations are presented to the Board as an agenda item
            for their deliberations.



            B. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES GOVERNING AQUATIC PRESERVES

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

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

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

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


                                           9









                    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 Section
                    258.392, F.S., and in 18-20.002, F.A.C., were
                    established for the purpose for being preserved in an
                    essentially natural or existing condition so that their
                    aesthetic, biological and scientific values may endure
                    for the enjoyment of future generations.

                 (3) The preserves shall be administered and managed       in
                    accordance with the following goals:

                     (a)  To   preserve,   protect,    and   enhance    these
                          exceptional areas of sovereignty   submerged lands
                          by reasonable regulation of human  activity within
                          the preserves through the development and
                          im@lementation 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 theintent   of the
                          Legislature in creating the preserves;

                     (d)  To use applicable federal, state, and         local
                          management programs, which are compatible with
                          the intent and provisions of the act and these
                          rules, to assist in managing the,preserves;

                     (e)  To encourage the protection, enhancement or
                          restoration of the biological, aesthetic, or
                          scientific values of the preserves, including but
                          not limited to the modification ' of existing man-
                          made conditions toward their natural condition,
                          and discourage activities which would degrade the
                          aesthetic, biological, or scientific values, or
                          the quality, or utility of a preserve, when
                          reviewing applications, or when developing and
                          implementing management plans for the preserve;

                     (f)  To preserve, promote, and utilize indigenous life
                          forms and habitats, including but not limited to:
                          sponges, soft coral, hard corals, submerged
                          grasses, mud f lats, estuarine, aquatic and marine
                          reptiles, game and non-game fish species,
                          estuarine, aquatic and marine invertebrates,



                                            10









                          estuarine, aquatic and marine mammals, birds,
                          shellfish and mollusks;

                     (g)  'To acquire additional title interests in lands
                          wherever such acquisitions would serve to protect
                          and   enhance   the   biological   aesthetic,     or
                          scientific values of the preserves;

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


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

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

                 "(I) 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 the citizens of Florida;

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

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

                 (5) To insure that- all public and private activities on
                     sovereignty lands which generate revenues or exclude
                     traditional public uses provide just compensation for
                     such privileges; and

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

             Chapter 18-21.0041 provides more specific statements regarding
             multi-slip docking facilities in the Florida Keys Marina and
             Dock Siting Policies and Criteria. This section of the F.A.C.
             requires consistency and conformity with the "Principles for
             Guiding Development in *the Florida Keys Area of Critical State
             Concern" designation (Chapters 27F-8, -9, -10, -11, -12, -13,


                                            11









             and -15, F.A.C.).       In summary, this rule is intended to
             protect endangered, threatened and species of special concern,
             the Florida Reef Tract, other corals, wetland and submerged
             vegetation, and benthic communities. Additionally, this rule
             requires that facilities be located in areas with adequate
             tidal flushing and adequate water depths to avoid dredging and
             other bottom disturbance.      more specific criteria require a
             minimum depth of -4 feet and that depth be adequate in the
             mooring, turning and access channel areas, with greater depth
             requirements for those facilities intended for mooring of
             boats with drafts greater than 3 feet.          Specific structure
             design criteria are also contained in Chapter 18-21.


             C. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS AND PROGRAMS

             As mandated in 18-20.001, 3      (a), F.A.C., this plan, as well
             as plans for other aquatic preserves have and are being
             developed as funding is made available.              Presently, 14
             management plans have been approved by the Trustees, which
             cover 21 of the State's     42  aquatic preserves.     Former plans
             were designed to be generic in nature, with policies and
             management guidance generally applicable to all aquatic
             preserves.    However, this plan and all future plans will be
             more site-specific and contain policy guidance applicable to
             an individual preserve.       The former management plans were
             incorporated into rule in 1988 (18-20.004(7), F.A.C).            This
             and future plans will be      similarly incorporated.      As such,
             these plans carry the same    authority as do Chapters 18-20 and
             18-21, F.A.C.

             The Conceptual State Lands     Management Plan, adopted on March
             17, 1981, and amended by      the Trustees on July 7, 1981 and
             March 15, 1983, contain specific policies concerning spoil
             islands, submerged land leases, "Outstanding Native Florida
             Landscapes"-,    unique   natural    features,     seagrass-    beds,
             archaeological and historical resources, and endangered
             species. These policies also provide management direction for
             the Aquatic Preserve Program.

             The State Comprehensive Plan, established by Chapter 187,
             F.S., provides broad policy guidance for the development of
             management plans for the statewide system of aquatic
             preserves. Therefore, the goals'! objectives and policies set
             forth in this aquatic preserve management plan are designed
             to be consistent with the goals and policies of the State
             Comprehensive Plan pertaining to the water resources, coastal
             and marine resources and natural systems.

             The Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act of 1975
             (Section 163.3163, F.A.C.) (as amended by Chapter 85-55, Laws
             of Florida, to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and
             Land Development Regulation Act) requires that all counties in


                                              12









             Florida have a Local Government Comprehensive Plan (LGCP) by
             1990.    Monroe County government is required to provide
             planning for various elements including: housing, physical
             facilities,    land   use, . conservation,    and. coastal      zone
             protection.'   This plan has been developed to be consistent
             with present   conservation and coastal management elements of
             the local government plan and will endeavor to provide
             criteria and standards that will be used in local plan
             revision. Monroe County's LGCP will be submitted in September
             of 1990.    When the LGCP plan is adopted, applicable policy
             statements will be incorporated into this management plan.



             D. OTHER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES

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

             Chapter 403, F.S., which is an important adjunct to Chapters
             253 and 258, F.S., governs, in part, the State's regulatory
             programs affecting water quality and biological resources.
             The Department of Environmental Regulation. (DER), through a
             permitting and certification process,           administers     this
             program.    Section 253.77, F.S. as amended by the Warren S.
             Henderson Wetlands Protection Act of 1984, requires that any
             person requesting use of state-owned land to have approval of
             the proposed use from the Trustees before commencing the
             activity.     An interagency agreement between DNR and DER
             provides an avenue for staff comments on the potential
             environmental impacts of projects in aquatic preserves through
             the DER permitting process.          Additionally, the DER has
             designated    through    administrative    rule,    a   series    of
             waterbodies as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs) . The DER has
             adopted stringent use criteria for these OFWs. The inclusion
             of all aquatic preserve waters within this classification
             greatly enhances the protective provisions of Chapter 258,
             F.S. As the designated 1130611 Coastal Zone     Management Agency,
             the DER also provides a source of funding      matched by federal
             monies for data collection and planning         in various areas.
             Funding for this plan was provided, in part, from these
             sources.


             The DER's administrative rules of primary significance to the
             aquatic preserve management program are based upon the
             authorities, contained in Chapter 403, F.S. Chapter 17-3,


                                              13









             F.A.C., addresses water quality standards and establishes the
             OFW category.        Chapter 17-4,      F.A.C.   addresses 'permit
             requirements.

             Other opportunities for environmental review and input into
             activities potentially affecting aquatic preserves are
             afforded by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).            The
             DCA   is   statutorily responsible for administering the
             Development. of Regional Impact (DRI) and Area of 'Critical
             State Concern (ACSC) designation. The DRI program, authorized
             by Section 380.06, F.S., was established by the Legislature to
             provide. a review and monitoring procedure               for those
             development projects potentially affecting more than one
             county. The Governor and Cabinet designated the Florida Keys
             as an Area of Critical State Concern on April 15, 1975.             A
             prime objective of the designation and regulations (or
             "Principles for Guiding Development" established for the Keys
             in 1984) was to strengthen local land use management
             capabilities. DCA has 1@een working with the local governments
             in a cooperative intergovernmental effort to meet this
             objective. DCA also has the authority to approve or amend the
             local comprehensive growth management plan and implement land
             use regulation within the ACSC.

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

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

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



                                              14









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














































                                       15









                                                             9T












                                      CHAPTER III


                                  RESOURCE DESCRIPTION


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

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



            A. LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES

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

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


                                            17









            discussed in this management plan will otherwise conform to
            the boundaries depicted in Figure 1 and mo       .re generally
            described below.

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

            The preserve encompasses approximately 7,500 acres of
            soveriegnty submerged lands. That portion of the preserve
            north of Steamboat Channel also lies within the boundary of
            Everglades-National Park (ENP). The ENP boundary includes all
            waters of Florida Bay north of the Intercoastal Waterway in
            this vicinity and special federal provisions apply to
            activities in that area.



            B. GEOLOGY

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

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

            The glacial fields bound up large volumes of the earth's water
            and sea level dropped to approximately 325 feet below present


                                          18









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

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

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


             C. PHYSIOGRAPHY


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


             1. Lagoon

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


                                            19








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

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

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


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

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

            2. Transitional

            The north to south channels across Lignumvitae Bank and the
            southern portion of She '11 Key Bank (described collectively by
            Ebanks and Bubb (1975) as the Matecumbe Keys Tidal Bank) are
            major tidal passages between Florida Bay and the Atlantic
            Ocean. Lignumvitae, Indian Key, Teatable, and to a lesser
            extent Race and Shell Key Channels are the transitional area


                                          20










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

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

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


             3. Emergent Islands

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

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


                                            21









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

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

             4. Disturbed  Areas

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







                                             22









                                                                                                                                                                                               A'
                                                    A
                                                     43                     33              34                 38                 67                  66         36     62                   64


                                                                                                                                           X.
            (D                                                                                                                                                                                         w
                                                                                                                                               X





                                                                                                                      DIP SECTION



                                                                     73       77      78        70           65 74       69      36 37             fil                            60
                                                                      1       T                               'r  T               T T                                              T        S.L.
                                                                                        "X                                                 .........


                                                                                                                                                         ...........
                                                                                                                                                                   +X".                      .10

                                                                                                                                                                     T   1   1
                                                                                                                                                                                             .16


                                                                                                            SEAWARD STRIKE SECTION
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           C
                         C
                             40          41           42                              45                    47                       68         38 39              57             58        .53     49                   48
                                                                                                                                                  T I              T                          T                           T    S.L.








                                                                                    T
                                                                                                             LEEWARD STRIKE SECTION

                                                                                                                                                                     0    tb?O     3,000
                                                               CORE TRAVERSE                               C,                                                             FEET
                                                                  LOCATIOMS      A
                                                                                                                                                                 CORALGAL-LIME MUD FACIES

                                                                                                             .00                                                 LIME MUD-MOLLUSCAN FACIES

                                                                                                                                                                 LIME MUD-FORAMINIFERAL FACIES


                                                                                                                                                                 PEAT FACIES


                                                                                                                                                                 KEY LARGO LIMES7.ONE
                                                              C                                     A'                                              ff@
                                                                       LOWE ft MATECUM96 K11V                                                          w         CORE LOCATION
                                                                                                                                                       T




                                                                                                 Holocene Sediment Facies
































































































                                                               24












            D*  HYDROLOOY

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

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

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

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


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


            E. WATER QUALITY

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


                                          25









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

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

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


            F. CLIMATE


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

            Annual average air temperature (measured at Key West) is 77.5
            degrees Fahrenheit (F). Seasonal mean highs of 84.7 degrees
            F occur in July and August. Mean lows of 69. 0 degrees F occur


                                          26









            during December and January (NOAA, 1965, 1979).          Ambient
            temperatures are a direct influence of the Gulf Stream
            (Jordan, 1973). Neither fro,st nor freeze have been recorded
            for the area.      As with most maritime climates, average
            humidity is typically high.

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

            It is necessary to understand a hurricane's potential as a
            destructive agent and to be prepared for its occurrence. it
            is also necessary to plan development that will minimize
            destruction of natural communities.     Although these natural
            communities may be severely damaged by hurricanes, the Coral
            reefs, marine grassbeds and mangroves provide a natural buffer
            that can reduce the severity of impacts on coastal areas.
            They demonstrate a capacity to recover when functional
            integrity has not been undermined by manmade alterations to
            biological and geological features.

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



            G. BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES

            This section will    discuss some of the plant and animal
            associations within the preserve.      Individual species are
            grouped in representative community types based upon dominance


                                           27










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

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

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

             1. Mangrove

             Mangrove communities contribute substantially to the health
             and productivity of marine systems in the preserve, although
             much of this community association lies outside the preserve
             boundary.    Shoreline    stabilization,     storm    protection,
             filtration and stabilization of sediments, nutrient, cycling
             and habitat diversity are only a few of the many functions
             that this community performs.



                                            28








                                                  Aquatic Preserve Resource            Maps




                                                Seagrass   sparse


                                                Seagrass   dense


                                                Hard Bottom


                                                Sand, S i L tMud

                                                Mixed - hard bottom &
                                                  sand, siLt, mud

                                                Mangrove/SaLtmarsh

                                                Aquatic Preserve Boundary



                                       F3 Czy
                          Df
































                                          Li Y\UrA V
                                                                                                                            L)pper
                                                                                                                         mafer-UrA
                                                                                                                            Ke@



                                                                                                                    Y'C








                                                                                                                             00
                                                                                                                        24 0

                                                                                            Lui.

                          (-0 We
                           a +e- I-IAM 6e-

         Figure 4                                                   29


























































































                                                                30









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

             Of the six mangrove forest types described by Lugo and
             Snedaker (1974), only the fringing forest and overwash forest
             are well represented in the area of the preserve. Fringing
             mangroves occur along the intertidal shoreline surrounding the
             southern half of Lignumvitae Key and extensive areas of the
             bayside shorelines of Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. A
             narrow, disjunct fringe is also present along the filled areas
             of the U.S. 1 roadway.

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

             Local distribution of mangroves is affected by several
             physical parameters. Wav    .e energy and substrate are probably
             most significant within the area of the preserve.         Mangrove
             forests reach optimum development on low energy shorelines
             with adequate sediment depths.      This environment is typical
             in the more protected areas of Florida Bay and along the
             Bayside shoreline of the two Matecumbe Keys. Other areas lack
             sufficient sediment depths or are buffeted by waves or swift
             currents that would bury seedlings or sweep them away. This
             type of environment is especially prevalent along the Atlantic
             shoreline of Indian Key. The north shoreline of Lignumvitae
             Key, although usually protected from prevailing wind and



                                             31









            .waves, is a rocky outcrop that offers few areas with adequate
             soil depths for mangroves to become rooted.

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

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

             Excessive soil or water salinity, however, can stress
             mangroves. Salinities above 65 parts per thousand (ppt) can
             kill red mangroves (Cintron et al.1 1978). Salinities at or
             above 80 ppt may stunt white and black mangroves, especially
             in combination with high water temperatures (Lugo and Zucca,
             1977). Impounded mangroves are frequently subjected to this
             type of stress. As normal tidal circulation is interrupted,
             water temperatures may exceed 100' degrees F and evaporation
             increases salinity to debilitating levels. Highly fluctuating
             temperatures and salinities combined with low sediment
             deposition, and low nutrient import create an extremely
             inhospitable environment.     Impoundment may be the result of
             natural topographic features (e.g., coastal berms) or caused
             by ditching and other manmade alterations to drainage
             patterns.

             Excessive temperatures and salinities (greater than 100 ppt)
             are also thought to.be responsible for the relatively barren
             salt ponds or salinas that persist in many areas (Teas, 1979).
             Although these hypersaline areas may be inhospitable for most
             vascular plants, they perform other functions and should not
             necessarily be considered wasteland. They serve as valuable
             repositories for storm water runoff and sediments.           These
             shallow water environments also support a broad range of algae
             that serve as a food source and provide cover for an equally
             diverse faunal community.       Largo numbers of larval fish
             species, gastropods, and crustaceans utilize this environment
             and are in turn valuable food reserves for many of the wading
             birds when other feeding areas may be flooded during high
             tides or inaccessible during periods of unfavorable winter
             weather (Sprunt, personal communication, 1988). The small


                                             32









             lagoon on Shell Key exemplifies the condition and use of the
             salinas.

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

             Carbon and other nutrients from terrestrial sourc    es (Carter
             et al., 1973), rainfall (Lugo et al., 1980), and from marine
             sources are assimilated and recycled in the form of plant
             material that is fed upon by a host of arboreal, epiphytic,
             infaunal, and pelagic life forms.         Energy pathways may
             originate from several different sources within the community.
             Seagrasses and benthic algae are trapped and broken down into
             particulate matter that is used by large numbers of consumers
             (Brook, 1975). Senecsed mangrove leaves are attacked by fungi
             (Fell et al.,. 1975) and bacteria (Casagrande and Given, 1975)
             that colonize the leaf surface.       As the leaf surface is
             fragmented, plant starches and proteins ai7e broken down or.
             converted to other compounds that are more easily consumed and
             assimilated by other microscopic life forms that break down
             the plant material to even smaller fragments. As more surface
             area is actually made available, the biotic community expands,
             thus increasing the net available energy. As these smaller,
             protein rich particles are consumed, the resulting energy is
             passed on to higher order consumers (Odum, 1970 and 1971; Odum
             and Heald, 1972; Odum and Heald, 197 5; and Odu m et al., 1982).

             Epiphytic and benthic algae that live on and near the mangrove
             roots also contribute substantially to the energy transfer to
             higher trophic levels.    Rehm (1974) recorded 74 species of
             red, brown, green and blue-green algae associated with
             mangrove areas. This abundant resource is actively grazed by
             numerous faunal species on site or may die to become part of
             the detrital food web.    The net primary production of prop
             root epiphytes and mud algae may equal emergent leaf
             production in some areas (Lugo et al., 1975).

             The contributions of plankton to local marine energy budgets
             are difficult to evaluate. This dynamic group is subject to


                                            33









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



                                        TABLE 1


                         A PARTIAL LIST OF THE MANGROVE FLORA



          Black mangrove                           Avicinhia germinans
          Saltwort .                               Batis maritima
          sea oxeye daisy                          Borrichia spp.
          Saltgrass                                Distichlis spicata
          Barbed-wire cactus                       cereus pentagonus       (T)
          Buttonwood                               Conocarpus erectus
          Clamshell orchid                         Encyclia cochleata      (T)
          Butterfly orchid                         Encyclia tampensis      (T)
          Sedge                                    Fimbristylis castanea
          Seaside heliotrope                       Heloiotropiu
                                                     curassavicum
          White mangrove                           Languncularia racemosa
          Herbaceus sea lavender                   Limonium carolinianum
          Christmas berry                          Lycium-carolinianum
          GuttA percha mayten                      Maytenus Phllanthoides
          Poisonwood                               Metopium toxiferum
          Key grass                                Monanthochloe littoralis
          Prickly pear cactus-                     Opuntia stricta         (T)
          Knot grass                               Paspalum distichum
          Purslanes                                Portulaca spp.
          Red mangrove                             Rhizophora mangle
          Rouge berry.                             Rivina humilis-
          Glasswort                                Salicornia spp.
          Sea purslane                             Sesuvium Portulacastrum
          Virginia dropweed                        Sporobolus virginicus
          Sea blight                               Suaeda linearis
          Bay cedar                                Suriana maritima        (E)
          Air plants                               Tillandsia spp.


             All except T. usneoides ate endangered (E), threatened (T), or
          commercially exploited (C).)





                                           34












                                          TABLE 2


                   A PARTIAL LIST OF THE NON-VASCULAR MANGROVE FLORA



           FU14GI
                Genera                   Location                 Reference

                Nigrospora               Leaf                     Fell, et
                Phyllostica               11                      al, 1975,
                Pestalotica               of                      1980
                Phytophora                if                        of
                Drechslera                to                      . to
                Gloeosporium.             it                        if
                Lulworthia


           ALGAE

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

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

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


           PHYTOPLANKTON


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



                                             35









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

         .(From Odum et al., 1982)


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

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

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

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


                                            36









            ridley (Lepidochelvs kemnii) is an occasional visitor to
            shallow coastal areas of south Florida (Carr and Goin, 1955).
            Green turtles were once plentiful in the Keys and were an
            important commercial fishery until populations were nearly
            extirpated from overharvesting and egg collecting.        Recent
            efforts to reintroduce this species may prove beneficial.

            Other reptiles include several species of snakes and.anoles,
            and the Mangrove terrapin. of the snakes, only one, the
            mangrove water ranake (Nerodia fasciata compressicauda) is
            entirely dependent upon mangrove areas.        The others are
            trdn5itory in habit and may utilize a variety of environments.

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

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

            The marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus Palustis paludicola) and several
            rodents, both naturally occuring and introduced species may
            also frequent mangroveareas.

            The Eastern white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was
            introduced on Lignumvitae Key and may still persist. Signs of
            the deer have been observed in the mangrove and saltmarsh
            areas but actual sightings of-deer have not been reported for
            some time. The deer use a variety of habitats and the mangrove
            fringe offers excellent cover for foraging.

            The marine life of the mangrove association is by far the most
            diverse group of organisms in this association. Detritus and
            plankton are primary food sources for a large number of
            invertebrate fauna that attach themselves to prop roots, live
            in adjacent muds, or swim in the water. Courtney (1975), Tabb



                                           37









             et al., (1962), and Odum, and Heald (1972) reported extensive
             .lists of invertebrates that are associated with mangroves.

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

             Many species of invertebrates and fishes that utilize the
             mangrove are important to the regions recreational and
             commercial fisheries.         Important species of commercial
             fisheries include; pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum), stone crab
             (Menippe mercenaria), spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), jacks
             (f amily Caranigadae) , j ewf ish (Epinepelus itaj ara) , grunts
             (family Pomadasyidae), grouper (Dpinepelus spp.), seabass
             (family Serranidae), snapper (Lutianus spp.), mullet (family
             Mugilidae), red drum (Sciaenops ocellata), ladyfish (Elops
             saurus), spotted sea trout (Cynoscion nebulsus), and menhaden
             (Brevoortia Patronus).

             These species represent a major portion of.the annual seafood
             landings in Monroe County and are an integral part of the
             local economy.      Finfish from the above groups represented
             $2,472,866 of the landings value for the county in 1985.
             Shrimp, spiny lobster and crabs represented $32,781,414 or
             (92%) of the total value of all species taken. Total landings
             for all-species represented approximately 39 million dollars
             to the local economy (NMFS, 1985).         These figures reflect
             commercial dockside landing prices and do not include income
             derived from local support facilities (fuel, repair, dockage,
             tackle, etc.).

             Table 3 provides Monroe County commercial landing statistics
             data for finfish and crustaceans landed at local docks in 1984
             and 1985. These figures were extracted from the NMFS annual
             report and include only finfish that are dependent upon
             mangrove and seagrass associations during part or all of their
             life cycle.     @ They do not include landings for sharks.
             Although there were approximately 219,149 pounds harvested in
             1985 (and many sharks are closely associated with mangrove
             areas), the data cannot be fairly apportioned as to species.
             Neither do the figures include deepwater pelagic species or
             sponges that are landed locally.

             Many of the commercial spec     ies are also important to local
             recreational fisherman.         Additionally, tarpon (Megalops


                                              38









             atlantica),    snook   (Centropomus     undecimalis),    barracuda
             (Sphyraena barracuda)  and bonefish (Albula vulpes) are avidly
             pursued by local enthusiast as well as thousands of annual
             visitors.     Unfortunately, statistics are not currently
             available for recreational landings and income. Although the
             Pounds landed would not approach the commercial statistics,
             conservative estimates would indicate that local income from
             hook and line enthusiasts is probably in excess of 50 million
             dollars a year.     Once again, the total value of support
             services cannot be separated from local income statistics.

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



                                          TABLE 3


                                NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES
                         MONROE COUNTY FISH LANDINGS 1984-198S



                                 1984                            1985


          Category       Pounds        Value($)         Pounds         Value ($)
          ----------------------------------------------------------------
          Finfish       2,808,582     3,145,376         2,326,927       2,472,866

          Crabs         1,783,314     3,407,821         1,738,179       3,569,105

          Lobster       5,926,266   14,838,419          5,421,524      13,070,966

          Shrimp      10,7  76,329  15,219,687          10,494,228     16,141,343


           (Reference: NMFS/SEFC, 1984, 1985)



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


                                              39











                                        TABLE 4


                          PARTIAL LIST OF THE MANGROVE FAUNA



          INVERTEBRATES


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

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

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

          Holothurians
               Sea cucumber                    Holothuria floridana

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


                                           40












         VERTEBRATES


         Fishes

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


                                         41










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


                                          42









                King Mackerel                     Scomeromorus cavalla
                Barfish                           Scor0aena brasiliensis
                Plumed,scorpionfish               Scorpaena grandicornis
                Searobins                         Prionotus spp.
                Eyed flounder                     Bothus ocellatus
                Spotted whiff                     Citharichthys macrops
                Fringed flound(ir                 Etropus crossotus
                Gulf flounder                     Paralichthys albigutta
                Southern flounder                 Paralichthys lethosticrma
                Dusky flounder                    Syacium Papillosum
                Lined sole                        Achirus lineatus
                Scrawled sole                     Trinectes inscriptus
                Hogchoker                         Trinectes maculatus
                Blackcheek tonguefish             Symphurus plagiusa
                Orange filefish                   Aluterus schoeyfi
                Fringed filefish                  Monacanthus ciliatus
                Planehead filefish                Monacanthus hispidus
                Gray triggerfish                  Balistes capriscus
                Queen triggerfish                 Balistes vetula
                Scrawled cowfish                  Lactophrys guadracornis
                Trunkfish                         Lactophrys triqueter
                Puffers                           Sphoeroides spp.
                .Burrfish                         Chilomycterus spp.

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



           Amphibians and Reptiles
                Mangrove terrapin                Malaclemys terrepin
                                                 rhizoDhorarum
                Atlantic loggerhead              Caretta caretta caretta
                Atlantic green turtle            Chelonia mydas mydas
                Atlantic hawksbill               Ereti@-o--chelys imbricata
                                                 imbricata
                Atlantic ridley                  Lepidochelys kempii
                American anole                   Anolis carolinensis
                Cuban anole .                    Anolis sagrei
                Southern black   racer           Columber constrictor
                Eastern indigo   snake           Drymarchon corais couperi
                Red ratsnake                     Elaphe quttata guttata
                Mangrove water   snake           Nerodia fasciata
                                                 compressicauda
                Giant toad                       Bufo marinus
                Southern toad                    Bufo terrestris
                Treefrog                         Hyla squirella
                Cuban treefrog                   Hyla septentrionalis


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



                                             43






            Birds Great egret                   Casmerodius albus
                Snowy egret                     Egretta thula
                Cattle egret                    Bubulcus ibis
                Great white heron               Ardea herodia  occidentalis
                Great blue'heron                Ardea herodias
                Reddish egret                   Dichromanassa rufescens
                Louisiana heron                 Hydranassa tricolor
                Little blue heron               Florida caerulea
                Green heron                     Butorides striatus
                Black-crowned night heron       Nycticorax nvcticorax
                Yellow-crowned night heron      Nyctanassa violacea
                White ibis     -                Eudocimus albus
                Roseate spoonbill               Ajaia alaia
                Semiplamated plover             Charadrius semipaimatus
                Black-bellied plover            Pluvialis squatarola
                Ruddy turnstone                 Arenaria interpres
                Spott;--d sandpiper             Actitis macularia
                Solitary sandpiper              Tringa solitaria
                Greater yellowlegs              Tringa melanoleucas
                Lesser yellowlegs               Tringa flavipes
                Dunlin                          Calidris alpina
                Western sandpiper               Calidris mauri
                Least sandpiper                 Calidris minutilla
                Semipalmated sandpiper          Calidris Pusilla
                Short-billed dowitcher          Limnodromus griseus
                Black-necked stilt              Himantopus mexicanus
                Brown pelican                   Pelecanus occidentalis
                Double-crested cormorant        Phalacrocorax auritus
               .Mallard                         Anas Platyrhynchos
                Blue-winged teal                Anas crecca carolinensis
                Red-breasted merganser          Mergus serrator
                Herring gull                    Larus argentatus
                Laughing gull                   Larus atricilla
                Ring-billed gull                Larus delawarensis
                Least tern                      Sterna albifrons
                Royal tern                      Sterna maxima
                Belted kingfisher               Megaceryle alcyon
                Magnificent frigatebird         Fregata magnificens
                Red-shouldered hawk             Buteo lineatus
                osprey                          Pandion haliaetus
                American kestrel                Falco sparverius
                White-crowned pigeon            Columba leucocephala
                Mangrove cuckoo                 coccyzus minor
                Red-bellied woodpecker          Melanerpes carolinus
                Gray kingbird                   Tyrannu domincensis
                Great crested flycatcher        Myriarchus crinitus
                Eastern phoebe                  Savorniq Phoebe
                Mockingbird                     Mimus polVqlottos
                Catbird                         Dumetella carolinensis
                Brown thrasher                  Toxostoma rufum
                White-eyed vireo                Vireo griseus
                Black-whiskered vireo           Vireo altiloquus


                                               44








               Red-eyed vireo               Vireo olivaceus
               Black-and-white-warbler      Mniotilta varia
               Yellow-throated warbler      Dendroica'dominica
               Yellow warbler               dendroica,petechia
               Tellow-rumped warbler        Dendrocia coronata
               Prairie warbler              Dendroica discolor
               Palm warbler                 Dendroica palmarum.
               Yellowthroat                 Geothlypus trichas
               American redstart            Setophaaa ruticilla
               Northern parula              Parula americana
               Red-winged blackbird         Agelalus phoeniceus
               Boat-tailed grackle          Ouiscalus major
               Cardinal                     Cardinalis cardinalis

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

          Mammals

               Virginia opossum             Didelphis virginiana
               Key cotton rat               Siqmodon hispidus exsputus
               Black rat                    Rattus rattus
               Raccoon                      Procyon lotor
               White-tailed deer            Odocoileus virginianus

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


            2. Xarine Grassbeds

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

            Dominant marine grasses in the preserve are turtle grass
            (Thalassia testudium), Manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme),
            and Cuban shoalweed (Halodule wrightii).          Shoalweed is
            typically a pioneer species that colonizes disturbed sites and
            areas where water depth (too shallow or too deep) or substrate
            is less favorable for turtle grass. Turtle grass is a climax
            species (Phillips, 1960), and as such is usually considered to


                                           45








             be the primary producer in this community.        Turtle grass
             meadows are most expansive were 'sediments are deepest over the
             bedrock. Manatee grass and several species of Halophila may
             also be present within the turtle grass beds.

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

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

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

             Sexual reproduction in marine grasses' is less clearly
             understood. Orpurt and Boral (1964) observed flowering turtle
             grass in the Keys during April and fruiting until September.
             Seed production and seedling survival, however, may vary
             considerably from year to year.     Lewis and Phillips. (1980)


                                           46









             while monitoring a revegetation project near Craig Key,
             reported a "prodigious" seed crop in the intertidal area of
             Lower Matecumbe Key during 1979.      Previous observations by
             Moffler (from Lewis and Phillips, 1980) indicated little
             fruiting occurred in 1975 and Phillips reported large numbers
             of seedlings in the same area in 1960. Periods of high seed
             production certainly offer the opportunity to harvest and
             propagate seedlings for revegetation of disturbed areas but
             cost may again be prohibitive.      Thorhaug and Austin (1976)
             reported costs of $42,000-$280,000/ha (depending on desired
             plant cover) for collection, propagation, planting and
             overhead for restoration efforts.          Survival rates for
             transplanted seedlings are also very low, less than 30%
             (Zieman, 1982).

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


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

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

             Turtle grass requires sediment depths from 3 inches (Scoffin,
             1970) to 20 inches (Zieman, 1972) for optimum growth. These
             conditions are exemplified in the expansive tidal banks or
             'flats' in the preserve. Estimated depths for these sand/mud
             banks are from several inches to more than 5 feet in areas
             adjacent   to   the  channels   and   dredged   areas.    Shallow
             depressions in typically hardbottom communities and shallow



                                            47









             channels also support       lush colonies      of turtle grass
             (Unpublished field notes, 1985).

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

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

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

             Detrital feeders make up a large percentage of the grassbed
             fauna and may well represent the primary pathway of energy
             transfer to higher tropic levels (Zieman, 1982). This group
             is composed of many small organisms that feed upon the
             decomposing plant and animal material in the vicinity of the
             grassbeds.    Corals, sponges, tube worms and shrimp filter
             detritus and plankton from the water column.        others glean
             material from the sediments and leaf surfaces.            Exported
             detritus be c.omes available to an even wider range of consumers
             in more remote areas.     Carr and Adams (1973) found detrital
             feeders to be a major food source for at least one feeding
             stage   in   15 of 21 juvenile marine           fishes    studied.
             Commercially important detrital feeders include the pink


                                             48









             shrimp (Penaeua duorarum) , spiny lobster (Panulirus araus)
             and mullet (Mugilcurema).

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

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

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

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

             Dredging (and the spoiling of material) permanently eliminates
             grassbeds in most cases. The U.S. 1 roadway in the preserve
             was constructed with dredged fill. It is anticpated that
             future repairs and improvements will potentially affect
             adjacent grassbeds. These activities are integral to the


                                            49









            safety and welfare of the general public and thus must be
            considered in the public interest.

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

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

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


                                        TABLE 5
                                            1

                       A PARTIAL LIST OF MARINE GRASSBED FAUNA



            INVERTEBRATES


               Corals
               Golfball coral               Favia fracfu
               Rose coral                   Manicinia areolata
               Small finger coral           Porites furcata





                                           50










               Sponges
                                             Aiptasia sp.
                                             Bartholomea sp.
                                             Condylactis sp.
                                             Stoichactis sp.
               Annelids.
                                             Ammatrypane sp.
                                             Arenicola cristata
                                             Eurythoe sp
                                             Hermodice sp.
                                             -Eunice longicerrata
                                             Lysidice sp.
                                             Nereis sp.I
                                             Phascolion sp.
                                             Onuphis magna
                                             Sipunculoidea sp.
                                             Sthenelais sp.
                                             Terebellides stroemi
               Molluscs
               Gastropods                    Anachis sp.
                                             Aplysis sp.
                                             Astrea sp.
                                             Bittium varium
                                             Caecum sp.
                                             Cardita floridana
                                             Cerithium sp.
                                             Crepidula sp.
                                             Cvmatum sp.
                                             Fasiolaria tulipa
                                             Mitrella lunata
                                             Modulus modulus
                                             Pluroploca gigantea
                                             Rissoina sp.
                                             Strombus gigas
                                             Tegula sp.
                                             Tridachia sp.
                                             Vasum sp.
               Pelecypods
                                             Americardia sp.
                                             Anadara sp.
                                             Antigona sp.
                                             Atrina
                                             Cardita floridana
                                             Chione cancellata
                                             Codakia orbicularis
                                             Laevicarduim laevigatum
                                             Lucina Pennsylvanica
                                             Tellina radiata
               Amphipods
                                             Cymadus compta
                                             Gammarus mucronatus
                                             Melita nitida
                                             Grandidierella sp.


                                           51









               Cephalopods
                                            Octopus briareus
               Crustaceans
               Shrimp and lobster           Alpheus normanni
                                            Hyppolyte Pleuracantha
                                            Latreutus focorum
                                            Palaemonetes spp.
                                            Penulirus argus
                                            Penaeus duorarum
                                            Periclimenes spp.
                                            Thor floridanus
                                            Tozeuma sp.

               Crabs
                                            Calappa sp.
                                            Callinectus   sp.
                                            Clibanarius   sp.
                                            Dardanus sp.
                                            Glyptoxanthus sp.
                                            Libinia sp.
                                            Macrocoeloma sp.
                                            Microphrys sp.
                                            Mithrax sp.
                                            Pagurus sp.
                                            Petrochirus   sp.
                                            Pilumnus sp.
                                            Pithos sp.

               Mantis shrimp
               Echinoderms                  Pseudosquilla sp.
               Starfish
                                            Echinaster sp.
                                            Oreaster reticulata


               Sea urchins
                                            Diadema antillarium
                                            Echinometria sp.
                                            Lytechinus variegatus
               Holothurians                 Tripneustes ventricosus
               Sea cucumber
                                            Actinopyga agassizi
                                            Holothura floridana
               Sea hare
                                            Apl ysia dactylomela



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



                                            52












             VERTEBRATES


                Fishes
                Nurse shark                   Ginglymostoma curratum
                Lemon shark                   Negeprion brevirostris
                Bonnethead                    Sphyrna tiburo
                Smalltooth sawfish            Pristis pectinata
                Southern stingrayf            Dasyatis americana
                Ladyfish                      Elops saurus
                Tarpon                        Megalops atlantica

                Bonefish                      Albula vulpes

                Scaled sardine                Harengula pensacolae
                Atlantic thread herring       Opisthonema oglinum
                Anchovies                     Anchoa spp.
                Inshore lizardfish            Synodus foetens
                Sea catfish                   Arius felis
                Gulf toadfish                 Opsanus beta
                Skilletfish                   Gobiesox strumosus
                Hardhead halfbeak             Chridorus atherinoides
                Needlefishe                   Hyporhamphus unfasciatus
                Goldspotted killifish         Flordichthys carpio
                Rainwater killifish           Lucania ya  rva
                Sheepshead minnow             Cyprinodon variegatus
                Rivulus                       Rivulus marmoratus
                .Sailfin molly                Poecilia latipinna
                Reef silverside               Allanetta harringonenesis
                Hardhead silverside           Atherinomorus stipes
                Dwarf seahorses               Hippocampus zosterae
                Dusky pipefish                Syngnathus floridae
                Fringed pipefish              Microcfnathu-s crinigerus
                Snook                         Centropomus undecimalis
                Gag                           Mycteroperca microlepis
                Jewfish                       Epinephalus itaiara
                Cobia                         Rachycentron canadum
                Jacks                         Caranx spp.
                Permit                        Trachinotus falcatus
                Florida pompano               Trachinotus  carolinus
                Leatherjacket                 Oligoplites   zaurus
                Lookdown                      Selene vomer
                Snappers                      Lutlanus spp.
                Silver blenny                 Eucinostomus gula
                Grunts                        Haemulon spp.
                Pigfish                       orthopristis chrysoptera
                Porgies                       Archosargus spp.
                Pinfish                       Lagodon rhomboides
                Red drum                      SciaenoDs ocellata
                Silver perch                  Bairdiella chrysura
                Spotted seatrout              Cynoscion nibulosu
                Southern kingfish             Menticirrhus americanus
                Atlantic spadefish            Chaetodipterus faber
                Sergeant major                Abudefduf saxatilis


                                             53









               Slippery dick                 Halichoeres bivittatus
               Hogfish                       Lachnolaimus maximus
               Parrotfishes                  scarus spp.
                                             Sparisoma spp.
               Mullet                        Muqil spp.
               Barracuda                     Sphyraena barracuda
               Blennies                      Paraclinus spp.
                                             Chaenopsis spp.
                                             Blennius sp.
               Dragonet                      Callionymus-iparciradiatus
               Gobies                        Bathygobius sp.
                                             Gobiosoma spp.
                                             Microgobius spp.
               Scorpionfishes                Scorpaena spp.
               Searobin                      Prionotus spp.
               Lined sole                    Achirus lineatus
               Tonguefish                    Symphurus Plagiusa
               Filefish                      Monocanthus ciliatus
               Cowfish                       Lactophrys quadricornis
               Trunkfish                     Lactophrys trigonus
               Southern puffer               Sphoeroides nephalus
               Burfish                       Chilomycterus schoepfi

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

               Reptiles

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

               Birds

               .Roseate spoonbill            Ajaja ajaja
               Great blue heron              Ardea herrodias
               Great white heron             Ardea occidentalis
               Great egret                   Casmerodius albus
               Little blue  heron            Florida caerulea
               Reddish egret                 Dichromanassa rufescens
               Louisiana heron               Hydranassa tricolor
               Bald eagle                    Halieaeetus leucocephalus
               Red-breasted merganser        Mergis serrator
               osprey                        Pandion haliaetus
               Brown pelican                 Pelecanus occidentalis
               Double-crested cormorant      Phalacrocorax auritus


               Mammals

               Bottle-nosed dolphin          Tursiops truncatus
               Manatee                       Trichechus manatus


             (From Kushlan, 1976, 1978)


                                            54












             3. Hardbottom

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

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


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

             The sponges are well represented in the hardbottom community.
             Dominance of this group in areas of -the lagoonal basin is


                                          55








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

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

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



             H. DESIGNATED SPECIES


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

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


                                           56









             public, organizations, and governmental agencies shall be
             prepared and disseminated in hopes of informing and enlisting
             support for the conservation and protection of vital habitats.

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

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

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

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

             Table 6 provides a partial species list of plants considered
             to be endangered or threatened by 1) Florida Department of
             Agriculture and Consumer Services, the official State list
             (Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act, Florida
             Statutes, Section 581. 185, 1978) ; 2) Rare (R) , endangered (E) ,
             threatened (T), and spceies of special concern (SSC) from the
             Florida Committee on Rare.and Endangered Plants and Animals
             (FCREPA) list: and 3) Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida
             series (P.C.H. Pritchard, ed.) . The U.S. Fish and Wildlife
             Service is currently reviewing several of these plants for
             federal listing.


                                             57









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

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

             The Key mud turtle (Kinosternon bauri bauri) utilize fresh and
             brackish wetlands for feeding, resting and raising their
             young. The endangered mud turtle is an elusive creature that
             is often -difficult to find even in it's known habitat.
             Bottoms of ponds and solution holes are often carpeted with
             thick layers of mud and leaf litter that offer excellent cover
             for this small turtle (Weaver, 1978 (b)). During periods of
             dought the turtle may burrow into crevaces or tunnel under
             rocks to conserve body moisture and await the rains that
             replenish the pond (Dunson, 1981).
             The American crocodile (Crocodvius acutus) would most probably
             be an infrequent visitor in the preserve. However, sitings in
             the Upper Keys have become more common and'the crocodile may
             traverse large expanses of - open water (Moler, personal
             communicationf 1987).

             The avifauna of the area represents the largest group of
             listed species.     All except two species on Table 7 are
             dependent upon wetlands for their survival. The Little blue
             heron (Egretta caerulea) , Snowy egret (Egretta thula) , Reddish
             egret (Ecfretta rufescens) , Tricolored (or Louisiana) heron
             (Egretta tricol'or) , and the Roseate spoonbill (AiaJa ajaia)
             are currently listed as species of special concern.        These
           .co.lonial nesters were easy prey for the plume hunters of the
             early part of the century. Entire rookeries were annihilated
             as plume hunters killed the adult birds in breeding plumage
             and left chicks to die or fed them to their hogs.        As the
             demand for plumes declined, the real estate boom began in
             south Florida.   Thousands of acres of wetlands were drained
             for agriculture and residential. development.           Depleted
             breeding stocks and ever vanishing habitat brought these
             species and others to the brink of extinction.          Loss of


                                            58









              habitat, water management practices on the mainland, and the
              introduction of pesticides into the food web may still imperal
              the survival of many.

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

              The Southeastern snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus
              tenuirostris) is a summer visitor to our shorelines and
              shallow-water wetlands but does not nest here (Wofenden,
              1978).  This threatened species has suffered descimation in
              many of the Caribbean countries. 'Excessive hunting pressures
              and destruction of habitat are instrumental in population
              declines (Arendt et al., 1979; Wiley, 1979).

              The White-crowned pigion (Columba leucocephala), a threat       ened
              species, is also hunted for sport and food in many. of the
              Caribbean -countries.       Excessive hunting pressures, egg
              collecting and removal     of tropical hardwood forests have
              seriously depleted resident populations in at 'least two
              countries.     Cooperative agreements, closed seasons and
              complete protection in several areas have slowed the decline
              of this species.       Resident populations in the Keys are
              protected from hunting but efforts must. continue to stem the
              loss of tropical hardwood trees that the pigeon depends on for
              food.   Poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum) is a favored food
              during the fruiting period.      As the name implies, this tree
              has certian toxic properties that irritate sensitive human
              skin   (and   may    cause   more    severe   complications      for
              hypersensitive persons) and it is frequently eradicated from
              human environs.    Other less objectionable hammock trees and
              shrubs, such as, Pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia),
              Snowberry (Chiococca alba), stoppers (Eugenia spp.), Wild
              coffee (Psychotria nervosa) and wild figs (Ficus spp.) are
              also staple foods.    However, few of these plant species are
              given.explicit protection under local landclearing ordinances
              (personal observations) . The pigeon feeds in the hammocks and
              nests in the more remote mangroves. It is shy and sensitive
              to human habitation or disturbance in both areas (Robertson
              and Kushlan, 1978; Sprunt, personal communication).

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



                                              59








             open-water piscivorous birds include the endangered Bald eagle
             (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and the threatened Eastern brown
             pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis).         The eagle
             population has.suffered a 50% decline over the last 30 years.
             Florida populations have-dropped from 1,000 to less that 350
             breeding pairs (Robertson, 1978).         Eagles have not been
             do*cumented for the preserve area but proximity to known
             populations in Everglades National Park may attract an
             occassional visitor.

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

             The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) , which is not currently listed,
             may well reach threatened status if present populations
             continue to decline. The locally limiting factors are thought
             to be availability of suitable nesting habitat and adequate
             food during the nesting season.      The osprey is tolerant of
             human occupation but like the eagle, prefers large, dead trees
             that rise above the surrounding canopy for nesting.
             Hurricanes and landclearing have removed many of these
             suitable trees and the osprey has opted for nesting on utility
             poles and elevated platforms.      Artificial nesting platforms
             have been successful in attracting breeding pairs in the
             vicinity of the preserve.

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

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


                                             60









            additional stresses that have negat  ively affected the snook
            statewide.

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

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

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


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




                                          61








             Although'state law (F.S. 370.110) prohibits the taking of hard
             corals (Millepora spp. and the Scleractinia) and a few species
             of sea fans (Gorgonia ventalina and G. flabellum) from State
             waters, many of the octocorals (gorgonians), tropical fish,
             molluscs, crustaceans, anemones, and other invertebrates are
             les's stringently regulated.     Permits are required for these
             activities but. monitoring and regulating collectors is
             difficult, if not impossible, given the broad geographic
             extent of the State's marine waters.         Local collecting is
             still conducted by both professional and amatuer aquarists,
             often with little regard for non-target species when pursueing
             specimens.     overharvesting is also a potential problem.
             Intensive collecting of a single species may eliminate that
             species from an area. The ecological repercussions are
             problematic but each organism fills a particular biological
             niche and mass alteration of community structure would affect
             other organisms that interact with the target species (e.g.
             predator/prey,     parasitic,    symbiotic,     and    mutua.listic
             relationships).

             The concern for an individual endangered species may prompt a
             concerted effort for preservation and has proved successful in
             a limited number of cases.        The Peregrin falcon and the
             Alligator are such examples. Other efforts have proved only
             marginally successful  -. The Florida manatee has benefited from
             designated sanctuaries and captive breeding efforts but the
             steady growth of recreational power boats still imperils this
             slow moving siren throughout much of it's already diminished
             range.   The most recent population estimate indicates that
             there may be less than 1,000 individuals statewide.

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




















                                             62












                                         TABLE 6


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



          Scientific Name                  Common Name                 Status


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


          Note:
          FDA==Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
                (list published in Preservation of Native Flora of Florida
                Act, Section 58l..185-187, Florida Statutes).
                E = Endangered
                T.= Threatened
                C = Commercially Exploited

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


                                            63











                                        TABLE   7


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


          Scientific Name             Common Name                    Status


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

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

          Ajala aiala                  Roseate spoonbill          SSC
          Columba leucocephala         White-crowned pigeon        T        UR
          Egretta caerulea             Little blue heron          SSC
          Egr6tta rufescens            Reddish egret              SSC       UR
          Egretta thula                Snowy egret                SSC
          Egretta tricolor             Louisiana or Tricolor
                                         heron                    SSC
          Falco peregrinus             Peregrine falcon           E         T
          Falco sparverius   paulus    Southeastern Kestrel       T         UR
          Haliaeetus leucocephalus     Bald eagle                 T         E
          Pelecanus occidentalis       Brown pelican              SSC

          Trichechus m. latirostris    West Indian manatee        E         E


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

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


                                           64











            I. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES

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

            To the south of Indian K   ey in 18 feet of water lies the San
            Pedro wreck that sank in 1733. A fleet of Spanish merchant and
            military ships had sailed from Havana en route to Europe
            heavily laiden with trade goods and precious metals. A
            hurricane scattered the fleet and all but one were sank. The
            wreck site was rediscovered in the 1960's. Most of the
            artifacts and treasure were plundered prior to this time. On
            April 2, 1989, the San Pedro Preserve was established by the
            Florida Department of State for interpretation of Florida's
            rich maritime history.

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

            In 1840, the island was attacked by a band of 100 Indians. Dr.
            Perrine was killed in the attack and all the buildings and
            supplies on the island were pillaged or burned. Housman had
            escaped prior to the attack but died the following year in a
            wrecking accident. The island was sold and has not been
            inhabited since around 1900. The state purchased the island
            in 1970. The remaining streets and foundations have been
            reclaimed from the prolific vegetation and the'island is open
            to the public for tours conducted by the Florida Park Service
            personnel. The Indian Key Festival is held in the spring and
            attracts thousands of visitors during the two day event. Other


                                            65









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

             The Spanish are believed to have been the fir         st post-
             Columbian visitors to Lignumvitate Key in    the early 17001s.
             Later, Bahamian fishermen and wreckers probably visited the
             island but no permanent settlement was established there, even
             during Housman and Perrine's time. Exposure to prevailing sea
             breezes that drive away the swarms of mosquitos most,probably
             favored, Indian Key for settlement. The island has been
             occupied by various owners since the early 1900's, most
             notable of these were the Matheson family of Miami during the
             early part of this century. Their home and the surrounding
             grounds are maintained as they were during that time period.
             Guided tours of both the cultural and.natural history of the
             island are conducted by the Florida Park Service.

             The twentieth century has brought many changes to both the
             culture and their utilization of the areas natural resources.
             A chain of lighthouses on the reef edge guided vessels on a.
             safer course. Blight and more productive ports in Cuba soon
             usurped the. agricultural markets and delining numbers of
             turtles and sponging grounds eliminated those industries as
             sources of subsistence.      Motorized vessels and improved
             fishing methods were to become the basis for an ever expanding
             fishery. Flagler's railroad and a developing tourist industry
             on the mainland soon lured hundreds and then thousands to the
             tranquil splendor of the Keys.    The railroad was eventually
             replaced with a roadway and bridges after the Labor Day
             Hurricane of 1935. The Overseas Highway would accommodate ever
             increasing numbers of sightseerers and fisherman.        Coupled
             with the tropical climate and year round abundance, both the
             commercial and sport fisheries flourished (Martin, i949; Dean,
             1982).



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

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


                                            66








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

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

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

             Income from the sport (recreational) fishing is a -major
             contributor the local economy. Guide services, charter boats,
             boat rentals, bait, fuel, food, ice and taxidermy services are
             procured from local businesses.       This income is generally
             lumped with the tourist industry      data and it is therefore
             difficult to assign a dollar amount to these services but the
             area has been recognized as a major sportfishing destination
             for nearly a century.

             The commercial fishery is probably the third most important
             industry in the county.      Commercial harvest of lobster and
             finfish alone represented nearly $12,000,000to Monroe County
             in 1980 (NMFS, 1981) and more than fifteen and a half'million
             dollars in 1985 (NMFS, 1985).          Boat yards, fuel, ice,
             transportation    and processing     facilities   are    accessory
             industries that employ additional    workers who are indirectly
             dependent upon the fishery.

             Commercial harvesting of tropical fish, sponges and "live
             rack' are also expanding industries.       'Live rocks' (or reef
             rock, mat rock, etc.) are fragements of limestone with the
             living organisms attached. These 'mini environments, support
             algae, soft and hard corals, as well as, many of the epifaunal
             and infaunal species associated with the coral reef and


                                             67









            hardbottom communities. The live rock is typically harvested
            in shallow waters and exported to saltwater aquarium
            enthusiasts.   Especially prized are those with anemones and
            feather duster worms attached.     One firm in Monroe County
            estimated that their annual export of I live rock' is 80,000
            pounds per year.   There are approximately 60 firms in south
            Florida that are involved in this industry and it is predicted
            to expand by 10-15%. each year. The long-term impacts to local
            resources at this rate of harvest is of concern (Young, 1989;
            Wheaton, 1989).

            Current data are not yet available   for the local commercial
            sponge industry but this business has seen a resurgence
            throughout southern Florida in the last few years. Stevely,
            et al., (1978) reported that the sponge harvest for Monroe
            County in 1976 was approximately 5,000 pounds. Figures from
            NMFS for 1984 indicate that more than 23,000 pounds were
            harvested in Monroe County. Landings value of the 1984 catch
            is estimated at $228,844 (NMFS, 1986) . Small flotillas of
            skiffs and a 'mother boat' may be observed to ply both the bay
            and ocean nearshore waters. Spongers must hook sponges from
            the boat rather than having divers clip the sponges. The hook
            or rake must have a 5 inch tooth spread to prevent taking of
            smaller sponges (Chapter 370.17, F.S.). Harvested species
            include; Sheepswool spong (Hippiospongia lachne), Yellow
            sponge (Spongia barbara) and grass sponge (Spongia graminea).


            Impacts Associated with Resource.Use

            The financial interests of both the fisheries and tourist
            industries are inextricably linked to the presence and
            products of the marine environment.      Yet many scientists,
            fisherman, divers, and environmentalists have expressed
            concern for the past and present pressures and stresses
            exerted upon this unique environment.    Some areas have been
            seriously damaged from negligent or accidental vessel
            groundings.     Still others have been impoverished by
            overharvesting, coral and tropical fish collecting and
            spearfishing.

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

            Personal individual watercraft have been observed to impact
            the feeding activities of wading birds and are disruptive to


                                          68









            nesting activities. Operation on shallow banks can damage or
            destroy seedling mangroves and may damage marine grassbeds.
            Irresponsible operation is also hazardous to other boaters,
            swimmers, divers, And snorkelers in the preserve.

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



            K. REGIONAL LAND USE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSOCIATED IMPACTS

            1. Regional Land Use and Development

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

            As an ecological unit the south Florida region is often
            characterized as the Kissimmee-Okeechobee, Ev6rglades-Florida
            Bay-Coral Reef system. Water quality, accumulation, aquifer
            recharge, retention, dispersal and use are the common elements
            that unit this region. Water needs of agricultural and urban
            development must be balanced with the need to maintain or
            restore quality, quantity and periodicity of water flow to the
            larger environmental complex and for aquifer recharge.
            Pollution, depletion, flooding, drought, salt water intrusion,
            alteration or loss of environmentally sensitive wetlands, and
            priority of use are ongoing issues that must be addressed by
            the public and various management entities.

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

            The Keys have historically been a haven for respite from the
            heavily developed urban areas along the east coast of Florida


                                           69









             and the northeastern states. From the early days of Flagler's
             railroad to the present, a large proportion of the visitors to
             Keys are from the neighboring counties to the north. Many are
             seasonal visitors or part time residents.      Interstate road
             system and international airports connect the islands with the
             region and the world.

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

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

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

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


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


                                           70









            2. Local Land Use and Development

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

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

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

            3. Associated Impacts

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

            Environmentally, the influx of visitors and new residents
            place added potential for increasing use and development that
            directly affect the aquatic preserve.        Increased use by
            boaters, fisherman, and snorkelers may stress certain
            resources of the preserve and in some cases will require new
            or revised evaluations of the compatibility of these


                                           71









             activities with the long term conservation of biological and
             aesthetic values for which the preserve was established.
             Maintenance of water quality, listed species habitat, viable
             fisheries,   healthy benthic communities       and   a    quality
             recreational experience may be adversely affected by excessive
             numbers or types of activities in the relatively small area of
             the preserve.    At the minimum, a system of monitoring the
             types and intensity of use must be established to anticipate
             some of these impacts.

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

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


             The geologic    strata, tidal regime, currents,           thermal
             stratification, chemistry and marine flora and fauna all


                                            72









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

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

































                                          73









        LIGNUMVITAE KEY AQUATIC PRESERVE

                EXISTING LAND USES


                         COMMERCIAL               PUBLIC LANDS







                         RESIDENTIAL              UNDEVELOPED




                ----AQUATIC PRESERVE BOUNDARY LINE



                  FLORIDA


                                                                                                                 -6










                                                                                                            BASIN



                                      -6










                                                                                                        UPPER
             #.........                                                                               MATECUMBE
                                                                                                        KEY




                                                                                               TEATABLE
                                                                                                KEY
                    N                     _6'

         0
         SCALE      IN MILES


                    MATECUMBE                        -----------
                     LOWER

                                                                  ....................
                       KEY                                  INDIAN
                                                                KEY@?
                                                                                                        -01-90
                                                                         6'                         09

        Figure 5        Adjacent Land    Use  Designations

                                                          75
























































































                                                               76












                                      CHAPTER IV


                                   MANAGEMENT AREAS



            A. INTRODUCTION

            This chapter of the plan divides Lignumvitae Key Aquatic
            Preserve into separate management areas and establishes the
            general or special rule criteria for allowable uses associated
            with each management area.    The intent is four-fold:    1) to
            provide a better understanding of the general and special
            criteria designed to preserve and protect biological resources
            and habitat through the management of activities and structure
            design, 2) to identify the types of allowable uses on state-
            owned lands within a preserve, 3) to provide both the Bureau
            of Submerged Lands and Preserves' staff and other agencies a
            continuity of direction in the management of the preserve, and
            4) to provide local planners with a guide for land use
            decisions.

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



            B. MANAGEMENT AREA CLASSIFICATIONS

            The management areas are determined by identifying and
            delineating relatively homogenous areas of (1) adjacent upland
            uses, and 2) natural resources in the aquatic preserve. The
            upland use classifications acknowledge the government's
            decision as to how a specific upland area can be used or
            developed. By necessity, the classification of management
            areas in this system is broader than county zoning or planning
            areas (e.g., Commercial (C) compared to the Monroe County
            Urban Commercial (UC) and Suburban Commercial (SC) Planning
            Districts).   The land use categories employed         in this
            management plan are intended to group similar uses relative to
            the types of structures and activities that may be associated
            with each and to establish the types of uses and activities
            that may be authorized on state-owned submerged lands within
            the preserve. Specific land uses to be incorporated in the
            classification of management areas include:

               Commercial (C)   This broad category represents state-owned
               lands adjacent to lands designated for these uses in the
               local Land Use Plan. It is also intended to incorporate


                                           77










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

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

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

            The Primary Resource Protection Areas are those areas
            recognized as having the greatest value to the overall
            biological integrity and diversity of the preserve. They are
            assigned a.value of 111". A PRPA essentially combines Resource
            Protection Areas 1 and 2, as defined in Sections 18-
            20.003(31), and 18-20.003(32), F.A.C. Resource attributes
            which determine a PRPA include:

            1. non-exotic and non-invasiv6 aquatic/wetland vegetation
               (e.g., marine grasses, attached algae, mangroves, marsh
               vegetation) that covers more than 1% of the surveyed area;



                                           78









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

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

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

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

             State-owned submerged lands that are characterized by the
             absence of the above resource attributes will be identified
             as a Secondary Resource Protection Area (SRPA) and 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 instance, if
             an area within the preserve is determined to be a Primary
             Resource Protection Area with a value of 1 and the adjacent
             upland is classified as Public Lands, then this management
             area would be classified as PL/1.



             C. MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ALLOWABLE USES


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

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

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

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

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


                                              79.








             4. where local governments- have more stringent standards and
                criteria for docking facilities, the more stringent
                standards for the protection and enhancement of the aquatic
                preserve shall prevail;

             5. all docking structures will access a depth of -4 feet at
                mean low water (MLW).

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

             Commercial-Industrial Docking Facilities and marinas: Section
             18-20.004(5)(d),, F.A.C., states that commercial, industrial,
             and   other    revenue    generating/income    related     docking
             facilities, as defined by Section 18-20.003(10), F.A.C-1     shall
             conform to the following specific design criteria and
             standards:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

             8. in any areas with known manatee concentrations, manatee
                warning/notice and/or speed limit signs shall be erected at


                                             80









               the marina and/or ingress and egress channels, according to
               Florida Marine Patrol specifications.

            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. The following special criteria and
            standards are also applicable for use of state-owned submerged
            lands in the Keys.

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

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

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

            3. re         dequate tidal flushing and/or circulation; and
                 quiring a

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

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

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

            7. requiring consistency and conformity with Chapters 27F-8,
               27F-9, 27F-10, 27F-11, 27F-12, 27F-13, and 27F-15, F.A.C.,
               as amended, "Principles for Guiding Development in the
               Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern."

            Section 18-21.0041(l)(b) 1. provides for a moratorium on all
            leases in the upper Keys until such time as rules are adopted
            for a Keys-wide aquatic   preserve or until the Monroe County
            Comprehensive Plan with marina sitings policy is adopted,
            whichever occurs first.

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

            2. no docking facilities shall be approved which require either
               dredging or filling to provide access by canal, channel,


                                           81








               road, or any other means, except for maintenance dredging
               of existing canals, basins, or channels, providing such
               maintenance does not exceed currently acceptable water
               depths;

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

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

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

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

            4. Requirements for the size of the dock:

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

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

               c. a dock intended for the use of a private residence, which
               is not subject to obtaining a lease, shall not exceed 4 feet
               in width ' terminal platform shall not exceed 160 square
               feet, the width pf which shall not exceed 8 feet;

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

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






                                           82








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

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

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

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

             sale, Lease, or Transfer of Lands: Section 18-2 0. 004 (1) (b)
             F.A.C.. states that there shall be no further sale, 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 (1) (e) . F.A.C.,   states   that   a    lease,
             easement, or consent of use may be      authorized for only the
             following activities: (1) a public      navigation project; (2)
             maintenance    of   an   existing    navigation    channel;     (3)
             installation or maintenance of approved navigational aids;      (4)
             creation or maintenance of a commercial/ industrial dock, pier,
             or marina; (5) creation or maintenance of private docks; (6)
             minimum dredging of navigation channels attendant to docking
             facilities;   (7) creation or maintenance of oil. and gas
             transportation    facilities;     (9)   creation,     maintenance,
             replacement, or expansion of facilities required for the
             provision of public utilities; and (10) other activities which
             are a public necessity or which are necessary to enhance the
             quality.or utility of the preserve and which are consistent
             with the Florida Aquatic Preserves Act (Sections 258.35 and
             258.46, F.S.) . Section 18-20.004(l) (f) , F.A.C., states that
             structures to be built in., on, or over sovereignty lands are
             limited to those necessary to conduct water-dependent
             activities.

             Utility Easements: Section 18-20.004(3) (c) , F.A.C., states
             that utility cables, pipes, and other such structures shall
             be constructed-and located in a manner that will cause minimal
             disturbance to submerged resources (e.g., seagrass beds,
             corals) and do not interfere with traditional uses. It will be


                                             83








             policy to place additional utilities within designated
             corridors or existing easements unless no other reasonable
             alternative exists.

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

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

             Ramps: Boat ramps will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
             Factors to be evaluated will include: (1) the extent of
             alteration or elimination of natural resources or habitat
             (e.g., seagrasses, shoreline vegetation, nesting areas), and
             (2) accessibility to the ramp from water and land routes
             (e.g., adequate water depths over sovereignty submerged
             lands). In no event shall dredging or filling of sovereignty
             lands in a PRPA be authorized.

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


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


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            D. MANAGEMENT AREAS

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

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

            It should be noted that the following described boundaries
            include only state-owned submerged lands. Privately held
            submerged lands and privately owned riparian uplands are
            excluded from the boundaries, as provided for in Section 18-
            21.0041(3).



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

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

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

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



                                          85









            Allowable Uses: Public docks; utility easements; navigation
           .aids; highway maintenance/improvements; boardwalks; and boat
            ramps.

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

            Off shore structures will be limited to navigational aids that
            may be established in the vicinity of the channels to
            discourage boat groundings and prop dredging.

            Rationale:   The dock criteria are designed    to limit impacts
            to important marine resources, such as mangroves, corals and
            marine grasses. Minimum depths are necessary to prevent
            scouring of bottom features and to prevent excessive
            suspension of sediments by prop wash. Public access elevated
            board walks are preferable to use of foot trails that compact
            soils, create erosion channels and destroy vegetation in
            wetland areas. Heights and widths of boardwalks are intended
            to reduce shading and to eliminate obstructions to natural
            water flow.




                                  MANAGEMENT AREA PLZ2
                   (public land/secondary resource protection area)

            Boundary: This Public Lands (within Secondary Resource
            Protection Area) management area includes all sovereignty
            submerged lands parallel and north of the U.S. 1 roadway
            between Teatable and Lignumvitae Channels to a distance of 750
            feet from the roadway edge.

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



                                           86









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

             Allowable uses: Public docks; boat ramps; utility easements;
             highway maintenance/improvements; and navigational aids.

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

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


                                  MANAGEMENT AREA C/1 a
                      (commercial/primary resource protection area)
                                  special management area

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

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

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




                                             87









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

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










































                                         88










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

         LIGNUMVITAE KEY AQUATIC PRESERVE'


               MANAGEMENT AREAS

                           PL/la                       PL/2





                           C/la



               --------   AQUATIC PRESERVE BOUNDARY LINE


         FLORI DA BAY






                                                                                     S, H L L K



                                                                                                                       LITTLE
                                                                                                                       BASIN












                                                                                                                       UPPER
                                                         t                                                           MATECUIABE
            - - - - - -           LIGNUMVITAE
                                      KEY                                                                              KEY



                                                                                                         TEATA&E
                                                                                                           KEY
                    N                                                                                                -6

        0

        SCALE I N        Mll ES


                 LOWER
                                                                                        E    EY








































               MATECUMBE                                          INOI
                   KEY                                                                                          09-01 -90

       Figure 6            Management Area Maps


























































































                                                               90












                                        CHAPTER V


                            SITE SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES.


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

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


             A. MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND SPECIAL NEEDS



             1. CONFLICTING USES

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

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

             Uncontrolled collecting of tropical fishes and other marine
             life may seriously alter species, age and size class
             distribution in the preserve. Removal of the 'aquarium size'
             fish and invertebrates alters food webs and ecological


                                            91








             partitioning in various communities. Diversity and the long
             term stability of these environments may be compromised.
             Collectors also detract from others' enjoyment of the area by
             removing many of the more colorful f ish and invertebrates.
             Most of the collectors have been observed near the bridges and
             thus create navigational and safety hazards for other preserve
             visitors. (Policy Guidelines 1 and 6)


             2. INCREASED AIR AND WATER CRAFT USE

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

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

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

             Additionally, one must consider the purposes for designating
             the preserve; to manage primarily for the maintenance of
             essentially natural conditions, the propagation of fish and


                                           92









             wildlife  and public recreation.        Preservation of natural
             conditions is critical to maintaining fish and wildlife
             habitats. If preserve visitors are to experience safe areas
             for swimming and snorkeling, quiet areas for fishing and
             wildlife observation, some regulation of boating traffic is
             essential. (Policy Guidelines 1,    2, 4, 8 and 15)


             3. PROTECTION OF DESIGNATED SPECIES AND THEIR HABITAT

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

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

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

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






                                             93











             4. DAMAGE TO SUBMERGED RESOURCES

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

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



             5. RESEARCH NEEDS

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

             Water quality research and monitoring are also a priority.
             Knowledge of the sources, concentrations and long term effects
             of pollutants that enter waters of the preserve are needed.
             (Policy Guideline 7)


             6. ACQUISITION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS

             Extensive areas of saltmarsh and mangrove wetlands lies to the
             east and west of the preserve. A large parcel on Lower
             Matecumbe has been purchased by the state and the submerged
             portions of that tract should be included within the preserve
             or otherwise managed to prohibit prop dredging of the wheel
             channel that parallels this shoreline. Persistent scouring in
             this area resuspends sediments and damages marine grassbeds
             and fringing mangroves. Additional acquisition should include
             adjacent mangrove, saltmarsh and privately, held submerged
             lands. (Policy Guidelines 3 and 9)


                                           94











            7. BOUNDARY EXTENSION

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


            8. DEVELOP ARTHROPOD CONTROL PLAN

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



            9. DEVELOP AN ENFORCEMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

            The Florida Park Service (Division of Recreation and Parks)
            has on-site law enforcement certified staff to protect and
            enforce laws applicable to the administration of park lands.
            However, jurisdictional boundaries for their authority do not
            include water areas of the preserve. Present activities are
            limited to observation and reporting violations and damages to
            the aquatic preserve staff and Florida Marine Patrol. Since
            many of the violations are resource related and are of a
            misdemeanor nature, observation by the arresting officer is
            required. Therefore, infractions of marine fisheries, diving,
            spearfishing and boating laws are often not cited, even though
            observed. Cooperative management of the area cannot be
            effective unless laws and rules can be enforced. (Policy
            Guideline 14)



            10. PUBLIC SAFETY

            High speed boating through the channel that parallels the
            south side of U.S. 1 between Lignumvitae and Indian Key
            Channels has resulted in a near fatal accident when a
            snorkeler was run down. Boaters have the option of using the
            channel to the north of the roadway or circumnavigating the
            grass flat to the north or south. Swimming and snorkeling
            should not. to be encouraged to the north of the roadway
            because of deeper waters, the existing boat ramp and heavier


                                           95









            boating traffic. vessel mooring in this area obstructs safe
            passage by other vessels and represents a hazard to swimmers
            and snorkelers. Since boating and swimming activities are
            considered traditional uses of the preserve, some compromise
            must be made in this area. Limiting boat traf f ic to idle speed
            in the south channel would not preclude use but would increase
            safety for swimmers and snorkelers. Conversely, all swimmers
            and snorkelers should.be required to display divers flags to
            alert boaters to their activity. (Policy Guideline 15)



            B. POLICY GUIDELINES


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

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

            2. Reduce the impacts of marine grassbed prop dredging and
               damage by establishing a uniform system of channel marking
               in the preserve.

            3. Promote the acquisition of privately owned mangrove wetlands
               and submerged lands to enhance the available habitat for
               endangered, threatened and species of special concern and
               to maintain scenic vistas and aesthetic qualities of the
               preserve.

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

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

            6. Protect the biological diversity and ecological balance of
               the hardbottom and marine grassbed communities by seeking
               legislation that would prohibit or substantially regulate
               collecting of algae, fish and invertebrates in the preserve.




                                           96









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

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

            9. Promote acquisition of privately held, environmentally
               sensitive lands to protect upland and marine resources.

            1O.Support extension of the Atlantic preserve boundary to the
               -18 foot contour to protect larger corals, hardbottom and
               marine grassbeds.

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

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

            13.Reduce or eliminate adverse impacts to biological resources
               of the preserve by coordination and cooperation with Monroe
               County Mosquito Control District and the Department of
               Health and Rehabilitative Services to develop a mutually
               acceptable arthropod control management plan for the
               preserve area, pursuant to Chapter 388.411, F.S.

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

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












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                                     CHAPTER VI


                               MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN


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

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

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



            A. RESOURCE MANAG EMENT


            The overall goals of resource management within aquatic
            preserves are: - 1) conducting and maintaining resource
            inventories, 2) assessing the impact of human activities on
            the resources, 3) establishing habitat restoration programs,
            and 4) cooperating with other agencies in assessing, improving


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            and/or maintaining conditions that are conducive to preserving
            the resources and water quality.



         GOAL A.1:    CONDUCT AND MAINTAIN RESOURCE INVENTORIES

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

               Task A.1.1.1: Conduct an inventory of marine grassbeds,
               algal beds, coral banks, and hardbottom areas by using
               LANDSAT imagery, aerial photography, and groundtruthing
               efforts every three years.

               Task A.1.1.2: The data base generated from these
               inventories will be used to create and maintain biological
               resource maps that will be consulted when assessing a
               proposed activity or evaluating potential impacts from
               manmade or natural events not otherwise anticipated.

               Task A.1.1.3: These inventories will be available to
               public agencies involved in resource management and land
               planning.

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

               Task A.1.2.1: Conduct and maintain an inventory of
               mangroves and buttonwood/saltmarsh, and other
               shoreline vegetation in and adjacent to the preserve by
               using LANDSAT imagery aerial photography and groundtruthing
               efforts every three years.

               Task A.1.2.2: The database generated from these
               inventories will be used to create and maintain biological
               resource maps that.will be consulted when-assessing a
               proposed activity or evaluating potential impacts from
               manmade or natural events not.otherwise anticipated.

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

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

               Task A.1.3.1: Conduct and maintain inventories of
               designated species and their habitats by using data from
               existing literaturel managing agencies, field observations
               and current research studies every three years or more often
               if deemed necessary.




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               Task A.1.3.2: Coordinate with appropriate mana    gement and
               enforcement agencies to ensure that preserve management
               decisions and public actions or activities are compatible
               with the viability and management-of a species or habitat.

         Obiective A.1.4:    To conduct and maintain inventories of wadin    g
         and diving birds and their habitats in the preserve.

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

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

               Task A.1.4.3: Coordinate with public or conservation
               agencies that may be conducting similar inventories of
               species, populations, life histories, migration patterns and
               habitat needs where mutual benefits in knowledge and
               management objectives are to be gained.


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

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

               Task A.2.1.1: Survey and inventory human activities in
               the preserve every three years. This survey shall contain
               at a minimum:

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

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

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

               d) number of boats using a structure;

               e) functional condition of the structure;


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               f) any accessory facilities and ancillary uses associated
                  with the structure;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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              Task A.2.2.2: Files shall contain at the minimum:
              a) size, configuration and preempted area of the structure
                 and related use;
              b) a survey of the biological resources within the preempted
                 area and within 50 feet of the preempted area;
              c) condition and extent of those resources as related to
                 previous surveys (grassbeds expanding or declining, prop
                 scouring, establishment of different type of community,
                 etc.);
              d) whether existing.use is consistent with the type of use
                 or activity authorized.



         GOAL A.3:   HABITAT RESTORATION


         Obiective A.3.1: Restore or enhance suitable habitats or
         resources where feasible.

              Task A.3.1.1: Using resource inventories generated from
              Goal A.1., identify those resource areas that have been or
              are being negatively impacted by external influences. These
              influences may include, but are not limited to; prop scars,
              spoil banks, dredged areas, boat grounding areas, clearings,
              dumping, mosquito ditches, erosion, abandoned traps or
              vessels, exotic vegetation, and roads.

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

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

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

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

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

                   2. Maintain accurate records of the project including
                      but not limited to:
                      a) type of project;


                                         103








                        b) anticipated results;
                        c) benefits to the resource;
                        d) location, date, parties involved,   duration of
                           project;
                        e) completion date;
                        f) monitoring schedule;
                        g) results or changes observed;
                        h) additional maintenance or monitoring required;
                        i) estimated cost of project in time and funding;
                        j) an assessment of the success of the project or    an
                           explanation of why anticipated results were not
                           achieved;
                        k) recommendations as to how the project could or
                           should be improved upon; and
                        1) if the procedure could or should be used for
                           future or similar projects.


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

          Objective A.4.1.: Coordinate with appropriate agencies to
          improve and/or maintain water 'quality in the preserve.
               Task A.4.1.1: Acquire, maintain and review all records of
               water,quality data for the preserve area.

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

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



          B. RESOURCE PROT ECTION


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


                                           .104









         tropical hardwood    hammock habitats), and 3) protection of
         designated species habitats.

         GOAL B.l.:. PROTECTION OF SUBMERGED RESOURCES

         Oblective B.1.1.: Minimize potential damage to submerged
         resources through the review of applications for use of
         state-owned lands in the aquatic preserve.

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

                 a) The area to be surveyed will be described:
                    1) as a polygon, and
                    2) it will include a buffer zone surrounding the
                       project of sufficient size to include a majority of
                       the potentially affected area.

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

               Task B.1.2.3.: Maintain records of reports and subsequent
               actions taken by regulatory and enforcement agencies. At a
               minimum, these records will contain:
                   1) Date, 1'ocation first observed and observers name;
                   2) Date reported to appropriate agency, agency name, and
                      reporters name;
                   3) Action taken by agency; and
                   4) Resolution of report, if known.

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

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

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

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

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

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

               Task B.1.4.2.: Require thatall dredge projects use
               current turbidity control practices.



                                          106









               Task B.1.4.3.: Inventory and report all abandoned vessels
               and traps to the Florida Marine Patrol and enc ourage removal
               in a timely manner.

               Task B.1.4.4.: Encourage or require the establishment of
               channel markers, where appropriate, to protect marine
               grassbeds and corals from boating damage.

               Task B.1.4.5.: Seek appropriate legislation and rule
               changes to prohibit the harvesting of live rock, tropical
               fish and marine invertebrates within the preserve.

               Task B.1.4.8.: Promote the acquisition of privately held
               submerged lands within the preserve.


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

         Oblective B.2.1.: Minimize potential damage to emergent
         vegetation through the review of all applications for use of state-
         owned land in the preserve.

               Task B.2.1.1.: Field staff will develop a written format
               describing a scientifically based, standardized method to
               inventory the emergent vegetation and characteristics of a
               project site and it shall include, at a minimum, the
               following information:
                  a) Description of the area to be surveyed:
                     1) legal description of the subject property;
                     2) as a polygon; and
                     3) with a buffer zone surrounding the project of
                        sufficient size so as to include a majority of the
                        potentially affected area.

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

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


                                          107









                Task B.2.1.3.: Coordinate with other appropriate agencies
                that have regulatory authority for these projects.

                Task B.2.1.4.:   Coordinate and cooperate, whenever
                possible, with other agencies or conservation organizations
                that have specific management objectives, research projects
                or other interests in the area of a project, or that may own
                lands adjacent to the project site, including but not
                limited to.:
                   a) Division of Recreation and Parks (Park Service)
                   b) U.S. Department of the Interior (Everglades N.P.)
                   c) Florida.Department of State (DHARM);
                   d) Florida Ga-me and Fresh Water Fish Commission
                   e) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
                   f) National Audubon Society;
                   g) Trust for Public Lands; and
                   h) The Nature Conservancy.

          Oblective B.2.2.: Ensure that structures and activities that
          have been built or are occurring have been authorized.

                Task B.2.2'.I.: Report activities that do not appear to
                have been authorized to the appropriate DNR enforcement
                agent.

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

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

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

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

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



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

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




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

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

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

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

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

          Oblec tive B.3.2.: Protect all listed species of plants and
          animals.

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

               Task B.3.2.2.: Report, withou  t delay, any incidence of
               harassment, poaching, killing, taking or other unlawful
               activity, including unleashed dogs and artificial feeding
               stations, to the appropriate enforcement agencies.

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

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

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

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


                                          109








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

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

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

               Task B.3.3.4.: Seek appropriate state statute and rule
               changes and/or local ordin 'ances to exclude
               personal/individual watercraft from listed species habitat,
               including jet ski, water taxi, jet boat, and similar types
               of motor powered watercraft.

               Task B.3.3.5.: Seek appropriate federal statute, state
               rule and/or local ordinance changes-to regulate use of
               ultra-light, private and commercial aircraft over and in the
               aquatic preserve.

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




          C. RESEARCH

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


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





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

         Obiective C.l.l.: Determine the primary factors that influence
         the survival of marine grassbeds and algae.

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

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

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

         Oblective C.1.2.: Determine the primary factors that influence
         the distribution, survival and productivity of mangrove habitats.
               Task C.1.2.1.: Promote and support res'earch on the
               physical, chemical, and pathogenic factors that influence
               mangroves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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









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

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

          Obiective C.1.4.: Monitor water quality data.

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

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

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

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



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


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

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

               Task C.2.1.2.:  Pursue, at a Department level, funding for
               research on the distribution, life histories and habitat
               requirements of listed species of plants and animals.
               Task C.2.1.3.:  Coordinate 'with appropriate agencies,
               organizations and universities/colleges to'promote applied.
               research projects for listed species.

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

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

               Task C.2.1.4.: Continue collection and reporting of
               marine turtle strandings and salvage activities.




                                          112









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

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

               Task C.2.1.5.: Encourage the propagation and utilization
               of native listed plant species for revegetation and
               landscaping within and adjacent to the aquatic preserve.




          D. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION


          Public awarene ss and involvement is potentially the most valuable
          tool a resource management program may utilize.      The public is,
          often not aware of the resources of the preserve nor of the various
          impacts that human activities have upon those resources.         The
          1public' may be students, property owners, user groups (e.g.,
          divers, fishing enthusiasts, boaters, etc.), special interest
          groups (realtors, . developers and contractors) , conservation or
          preservation organizations, and local, regional and state
          government agencies that are involved in making planning or
          regulatory decisions affecting the preserve.

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


          GOAL D.1.:   PUBLIC EDUCATION TO PROMOTE WISE RESOURCE USE

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

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

               Task D.1.1.2..: Participate in the development and
               utilization of the Monroe County Environmental Story
               teaching aids for public and private schools in the county.


                                          113








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

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

         .0blective D.1.2.: Produce environmental educational literature
         and materials that inform the adult public of the preserve's
         natural resources and the importance of preserving and protecting
         those resources.

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

               Task 1.2.2.: Development media articles and presentations
               for local radio, television and publications to inform the
               general-public of the preserve, its resources and of
               relevant protection needs, programs and research findings.

               Task 1.2.3.: Coordinate with other resource management
               agencies and, where appropriate, co-sponsor exhibits,
               programs or other public contact activities.

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

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

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

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

               Task D.1.4.1.: Seek funding for development, maintenance,
               and staffing for permanent displays, specimen collections, a
               reference library and interpretive programs.



                                         114









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

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

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























































                                        115



























































































                                                               116












                                      CHAPTER VII

                           MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK


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


            A* VEDERAL AGENCIES

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

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

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

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


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


                                          117










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

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

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


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


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

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









            management of Looe Key and Key Largo National              Marine
            Sanctuaries, as well a several National Marine Estuaries in
            the region. NOAA also administers the Hurricane Center in
            Miami, which monitors and issues bulletins on tropical weather
            for the north and south Atlantic and the Caribbean Basin.



            B. STATE AGENCIES

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

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


            The Division of Marine Resources has several programs
            beneficial to the management of aquatic preserves. The Marine
            Research Laboratory in St. Petersburg and the Marathon Field
            office have several projects which- include resource protection
            area mapping, fishery habitat utilization studies, conch
            reintroduction programs and spiny lobster research. The
            Division is instrumental in administering manatee protection
            programs and marine turtle data gathering. They also
            administer a permitting program for the collection of certain
            marine species and the use of certain chemicals.

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

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

            Aquatic preserves were established under Chapter 258, F.S.
            Originally administered by the Division of Recreation and
            Parks, the administration of aquatic preserves was transferred


                                           119








            to the Division of State Lands in 1988. Specific management
            policy, standards and criteria for most aquatic preserves are
            contained within Chapter 18-20, F.A.C.

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

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

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

            Chapter 403, F.S. enumerates the DER responsibilities in the
            areas of water and air quality, facilities siting, resource
            recovery and management, pollution control and wetland
            permitting. This chapter serves as the authority for the
            initiation of dredge and fill applications in conjunction with
            COE and DNR. The authority to regulate activities and protect
            water quality granted in Chapter 403 is facilitated by the
            Water Quality Standards established in Chapter 17-3, F.A.C.
            This chapter of the administrative code sets forth specific
            criteria for surface water classifications -and permitting
            criteria for those classifications. The Special Protection,
            Outstanding Florida Waters (OFW) classification is   assigned to
            waters of the aquatic preserve and most waters of    the Florida
            Keys. The OFW classification affords the highest protection
            for state waters.

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

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

            Chapter 253.77, F.S., as amended by the Warren S. Henderson
            Wetlands Protection Act of 1984, requires that any request for









             the use o f state-owned lands shall have prior approval of the
             Trustees. An interagency agreement between DNR and DER
             provides for DNR staff comments into the DER permitting
             process for identifying environmental impacts to the resources
             of the aquatic preserve.

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

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

             Monroe County is currently involved in this planning process
             and is expected to submit a completed plan by September 1990.
             The Coastal Management and Conservation Elements of the future
             plan are the most significant to the management goals and
             objectives of the aquatic preserve. These elements should
             establish goals and objectives that are consistent with those
             of this plan. Cooperation and coordination in developing the
             plans is critical to the successful development and
             implementation of either plan.

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


                                             121








             preserve. The DOT also administers funding for environmental
             restoration projects, which has in the past been available for
             aquatic.preserve projects.

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

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

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

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

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



                                           122









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



            C. REGIONAL AGENCIES

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

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

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


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

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



                                          123









             D. LOCAL GOVERNMENTZAGENCIES (LGT)

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

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

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

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

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

             Generic Marine Resource Areas of Particular Concern (APC)
             include marine grassbeds, coral formations and fringing
                                   associated vegetation within 50 feet of
             mangroves, including                              1
             the landward edge of those mangroves. Management policies
             mandate that these biotic communities be preserved to the
             fullest extent possible and that creation and restoration of
             these communities will be encouraged whenever feasible and
             necessary.

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


                                            124









            comprehensive plan is required for all development within the
            local government jurisdiction.

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











































                                          125






                                TABLE 8: MANAGEMENT COORDINATION NETWORK




          LOCAL AGENCIES                                               REGIONAL AGENCIES



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





          STATE AGENCIES                                                FEDERAL AGENCIES
  N)
  CA


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



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



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     m                                mom




                                                                                                                          Local                          Regional                                           State                                                              Federal
                                                                                                       I.G,f CG-I'    I.DD I NICD ICD SIVC               IIPC VbID  FIN   DAC DCA DFk             I)NRI(;F(- URS DOS ixyr FMI-ItSG MFCICG                            COU EPAJVWS            Nmil CIS
                              Dredge and Fill Permilling                                               0 01                 1                                                                                                                          0-

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ....     ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     :: *:: :X-
                                  Docks, Fishing Plers, Seawalls                                       0       0                                                                           0      01

                                                                                                                                                                ... .......
                                  Marinas                                                              0       0                                                                   0       0      0                                                                                       . ... .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ...   . .......
                              Submerged Lands Management                                                                                                                                          0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     . ... ......      .... ........ .......
                              Ilabilat Protection                                                              0                                                                           0      0       0
                                                                                                                                                         ... ...                                                                                                     ..                           .....
                                                                                                                                                                                   0       0      0       0
                              Mangroves/Wetlands Protection                                            0       0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     .. . ...... .......
                              Seagrass Protection                                                      0                                                                           0       0      0                                                                  . .....
                                                                                                                                                           ........ ........
                              Habitat Restoration                                                                                                        .......                                                                                                                                    ..... .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .. ........
                                                                                                                                                                                   0       0      0.      0                                                          . .. .......
                                                                                                                                                         .......                                                                                                     .......  .... . . . ....... ........
                                                                                                                                                           ... ...  ........
                                                                                                                                                           ... ........
                              Mangroves/Wetlands Restoration                                                                  0
                                                                                                                                                                                   0       010
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     .. . ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          .. ........ ..... ....
                              Seagrass Restoration                                                                                                                                 0       01     01
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .... . . . .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     . . ... ...... .     . .. .. ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ... .......      .. .. . .........
                              .Resource Inventory                                                                                                        0, T.01T.;                0       0
                                                                                                                                                                                                  0       0                                     0 0
                              Manatees/Porpolses                                                       0       01                                                                  0              0                                                                                         .. ... .
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7= 7=
                              Endangered Species                                                               0                                                                   a              0       0                     0 0 0 0
                              Shellfish/Aquacullure                                                            0              0                                            0               0      0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               .... .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .. ........
                              Public Awareness/Education                                                                                                                           0,             0       0                             6.0.0                        .0
                              Research
                                                                                                                                                                                           0      0
                                                                                                                            10                                                                            0                                  101                     .. ....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ... ........
                              Fisheries           Research                                                                                                                         0              0       0                                     0      0
    N)
                                                                                                                                                                    ..                                                                                               ....... . ....... .....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                0      0
                              Fisheries          Management                                                                   0                                                    0              0                                                                                               ...
                                                                                                                                                              .... ........                                                                                          ...
                                  Recreational Fishing                                                                                                                                            0       0                             0       0
                                                                                                                                                         ... ....... ........                                                                                        ...
                                  Commercial Fishing                                                                                                                               0              0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        0       0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           V: -1,                 . ........
                              Wildlife Management                                                                                                                                                                                       0.             0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ... . ......
                              N-losquito Impoundments                                                          0              0                                                    0              0
                                                                                                                                                         . .......  .......
                                                                                                                                                         ...                                                                                                         ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ..... .......
                              Illstorlcal/Archeological Sites                                          0       0                                                                   01           lot                      0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ..: ... I..... .... ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ... .... ..... .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ........ .......
                              Water Quality                                                            0       0,           '0                                             0       0       0      0              01           1         0
                                  Nonpoint Source Pollution                                            0       01           1                0                                     0       0      0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 01           10

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .. . ........
                                  Point Source Pollution                                               0       01           1              1       1::,*                           0       0      0              0
                                                                            - -- -------
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .... ........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .. ........
                                                                                                                                                                                   0       0      0
                                  Oil/Chemical Spills                                                          0
                              Drainage/Freshwater Control                                              0       0      01                                                   0       0       0      0
                                                                                                                                                         ...... .......                                                                                                         ... ......... .   . ... ....-
                              Emergency Response                                                       0.      0                                                                   0       0      010                                 10
                                                                                                                                                                . .....                                                                    .. . . .....
                                                                                                                                                                        ...                                                                                          .......
                              Upland Development                                                       0       0                                                                   0
                                                                                                                                                         .... ........ ...........
                                                                                                                                                                .. ........
                              Land Use Planning                                                        0       0                                                                   0
                                                                                                                                                         ........ ........ .
                              Navigational/Boating                                                     0       0                     0                                                            0 0            0

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ...... .. .......
                              Recreational Areas                                                       0       0
                                                                                                                                                                                   01010
                                                                                                                                           I       F.....
































































































                                                              128












                                      CHAPTER VIII


                              STAFFING AND FISCAL NEEDS



            Historically,.the Aquatic Preserves Program.has been largely
            dependent on federal coastal zone grant funds for its
            operation, and as a result, the funding of both field
            positions and central office positions has been limited.
            in' order f or the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve to be
            managed in accordance with the goals, objectives and policies,
            set forth in this plan, adequate funding, staffing and
            equipment is essential. It is anticipated that the management
            and administration of the three aquatic preserves in the Keys
            (Lignumvitae Key, Coupon Bight and Biscayne Bay-Card Sound
            portion) could be accomplished with one field office staffed
            with five full time employees. An annual review of the
            accomplishments of the program relative to the tasks listed in
            Chapter VI will help to determine if the initial staffing
            estimate is adequate to meet the legislative intent of the
            program.

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

























                                          129































































































                                                              130












                                         TABLE 9


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




          SALARY     1ST YEAR 2ND YEAR
            ES III (with benefits)        $ 36,463   $ 37,921
            ES II (with benefits)           32,109     33,393
            ES I (with benefits)            26,784     27,855
            Secretary (with benefits)       15,745     16,375
            Environmental educator          26,784     27,855

               Subtotal                   $137,885    $143,399




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

               Subtotal                     55,000




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

               Subtotal                     29,500    $ 33,600






          TOTAL COST                      $222f385     $176f999


















                                           131



























































































                                                               132












                                      CHAPTER IX


                       RESOURCE AND ACTIVITY MONITORING PROGRAM


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

            A. RESOURCE MONITORING

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

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

            B. ACTIVITY MONITORING

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


                                           133









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

             C. PROGRESS MONITORING

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

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

             The field office annual report should detail the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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





                                          134












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               of the Florida Sea Grasses. Prof. Pap. Ser-. Fla. Board
               Conserv. (2):1-72..






                                          141








          Rehm, A.E. 1974. A Study of the Marine Algae Epiphytic on the Prop
                Roots of Rhizophora mangel L. . from Tampa to Key Largo,
                Florida. Dissertation. University of South Florida, Tampa.
                183 pp.

          Rehm, A.E. 1976. The Effects of the Wo     od-Boring Isopod, Sphaeroma
                terebrans, on the Mangrove Communities of Florida. Environ.
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          Robertson, P.B. 1963. A Survey of the Marine Rock-Boring Fauna of
                Southeast. Florida Unpublished Masters Thesis. Instit. of Mar.
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          Robertson, W.B. 197   8 (a). Roseate Tern. Pp. 39-40 IN Kale, H.W. I,.
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          Robertson, W.B. 1978 (b). Southern Bald Eagle. Pp. 27-30 IN Kale,
                H.W. II ed. Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida, Vol. 2,
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          Robertson, W.B., Jr., and J.A. Kushlan. 1974. The Southern Florida
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          Sand-Jensen,     K.   1977.    Effect    of   Epiphytes    on     Eelgrass
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          Scholander, P.F. 1968. How Mangroves Desalinate Seawater. Physiol.
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          Schomer, N.S., and R.D. Drew. 1982. An Ecological Characterization
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                                              142









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               Fl orida. Environ. Conserv. 4:51-57.

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               Economic Analysis. Environ. Conserv. 3:259-267.

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               395 pp.

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                                           143









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                                                              146






                                                                                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 AQUAT1C 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 or   the                 (d) To use applicable federal, state, and local
                                                    Preserves.                                 management programs, which are compatible with
                                  18-20.003         Definitions.                               the intent and provision  of the act and these rules,
                                                                                               and to assist in managing the preserves;
                                  18-20.004         Management Policies, Standards               (e) To encourage the protection, enhancement
                                                    and  Criteria.                            or restoration of the biological, aesthetic, or
                                  18-20.005         Uses, Sales, Leases, or Transfer of        scientific values of the preserves, including but not
                                                    Interests in Lands, or Materials.          limited to the modification or existing manmade
                                                    Held by the Board. (Rcpealed)              conditions toward their natural condition, and
                                  18-20.006         Cumulative Impacts.                        discourage activities which would degrade the
                                  18-20.007         Protection of Riparian Rights.             aesthetic, biological, or scientific values, or the
                                                    (Repealed)                                                 
                                  18-20.008         Inclusion of lands, Title to Which         quality, or utility of a preserve, when reviewing
                                                                                               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              life forms and habitats, including but not limited to:
                                                    Aquatic Preserves.                         sponges, soft coral, hard corals, submerged grasses,
                                  18-20.010         Exchange of Lands.                         mangroves, salt water marshes, fresh water
                                  18-20.011         Gifts Or Lands.                             marshes, mud flats, estuarine, aquatic, and marine
                                  18-20.012         Protection or Indigenous Life              
                                                                                               reptiles, game and non-game fish species, estuarine,
                                                    Forms.                                     aquatic and marine invertebrates, estuarine,
                                  18-20.013         Development         of       Resource      aquatic and marine mammals, birds, shellfish and
                                                    Inventories and         Management         mollusks;
                                                    Plans for Preserves.                           (g) To acquire additional title interests in lands
                                  18-20.014         Enforcement.                               wherever such acquisitions would serve to protect or
                                  18-20.015         Application Form. (Repealed)               enhance the biological, aesthetic, or scientific values
                                  18-20.016         Coordination         with        Other     of the preserves;
                                                    Governmental Agencies.                        (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 sovereigntv lands within a preserve shall         other governmental agencies, including counties
                                  be managed primarily for the maintenance or                  and municipalities, to protect or enhance the
                                  essentially natural conditions, the propagtoin or           preserves provided that such requirements or
                                  fish and wildlife, and public recreation, including          authority are not inconsistent with the act and this
                                  hunting and fishing where deemed appropriate by             chapter.
                                  the board, and the managing agency.                          Specific Authority 120.53, 258.43 (1)  F.S. Law
                                     (2) The aquatic preserves which are describe in           Implemented 258.35, 258.36, 258.37, 258.39, 258.393 FS.
                                                                                               Chapter 80-280 Laws of Florida. History-New 2-23-81,
                                  73-534, Laws of Florida. Sections 258.39. 258.391,            Amended 8-7-85, Formerly  16Q-20.01, Transferred from
                                  258-392 and 258-393, Florida Statutes, future                16Q-20.001.
                                  aquatic preserves established pursuant to general or
                                  special acts of the legislature, and in Rule                     18-20.002 Boundaries and Scope of the
                                  18-20.002. Florida Administrative Code, were                 Preserves.
                                  established for the purpose of being preserved in an             (1) These rules shall only apply to those
                                  essentially natural or existing condition so that their      sovereignty lands within a preserve, title to which is
                                  aesthetic, bioiogical 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             excuted by the owner, authorizing the inclusion of
                                  managed in accordance with the following goals:            specific lands in an aquatic preserve pursuant to
                                     (a) To preserve, protect, and enhance these               Section 2(2) of Chapter 73-534, laws of Florida,
                                  exceptional areas of sovereignty submerged lands by          Sections 258.40(l) and 258.41 (5), Florida Statutes,
                                  reasonable regulation or human activity within the           future aquatic preserves estabished through
                                  preserves     through      the    development        and     general Or special acts Of the legislature, and
                                  implementation of a comprehensive management                pursuant      to     Rule       18-20.008.        Florida
                                  program;                                                     Administrative Code. Any publicly owned and
                                     (b) To protect and enhance the waters or the              maintained navigation channel authorized by the
                                  preserves so that the public may continue to enjoy           United States Congress, or other public works
                                  the traditional recreational uses of those waters such      project authorized by the United States. Congress,
                                  as swimming, boating. and fishing;                          designed to improve or maintain commerce and
                                                                                               navigation shall be deemed to be excluded from the


                                                                                    147
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                                (R. 3/87)  
                                18-20.002                          INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND                                  V. 9, p. 692-2P

                                provisions of this chapter, pursuant  Subsection             181, pages 363-366 and in the Official Records of
                                258.40(2). Florida Statures. Furthermore, all lands           Flagier County in Book 33, pages 131-134.
                                lost by avulsion or by artificially induced erosion              4.     Tormoka 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 Voiusia County in Book 1244, pages
                                  (2) These rules do not apply to Boca Ciega Bay,            615-618.
                                Pinellas County or Biscayne Bay Aquatic                         5. Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve, as described
                                Preserves.                                                    in Section 258.39(30). F.S.
                                   (3) These rules are promulgated to clarify the                6.     Mosquito Lagoon 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   -      Malabar to Sebastian
                                of the board concerning the issuance of any                   Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official
                                easement or leases;       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 -      Vero Beach to Fort Pierce
                                existing or future aquatic preserves within the scope         Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official
                                of this chapter. Upon completion or a resource                Records or Indian River County in Book 368, pages
                                inventory and approval of a management plan for a             9-12, and in the Official Records or St. Lucie
                                preserve, pursuant to 18-20.013, the type                     County in Book 187, pages 1083-1086.
                                designation and the resource sought to be preserved              10. Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic
                                may be readdressed by the Board.                              Preserve. as described in the Official Records of St.
                                   (6) For the purpose of clarification and                   Lucie County in Book 218, pages 2865-2869.
                                interpretation, the legal description set forth as               11. North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve, as
                                follows do not include any land which is expressly            described in the Official Records of Martin County
                                recognized as privately owned upland in a                    in Book 337, pages 2159-2162, and in the Official
                                pre-existing recorded mean high water line                    Records of St. Lucie County In Book 201, pages
                                settlement 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 of Martin County in Book 320, pages
                                Coastal Mapping Act, the determination of the
                                                                                               193-196, and in the Official Records of Palm Beach
                                mean high water line shall be in accordance with the          County in Volume 1860, pages 806-809.
                                provisions of such act.                                          13. Biscayne Bay - Cape Florida to Monroe
                                   (7) Persons interested in obtaining details or             County Line Aquatic Preserve, as described in the
                                particular preseves should contact the Bureau of             Officiai Records of Dade County in Book 7055,
                                State Lands Management. Department of Natural                 pages 852-856, less, however, those lands and
                                Resources,       3900      Commonwealth             Blvd.,    waters as described in Section 258.165, F. S.,
                                Tallahassee, FL 32303 (telephone 904-488-2297).               (Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve Act 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 or Nassau County               14. Lignumvitae 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 - SL Johns River Marshes                      15. Coupon   Bight  Aquatic     Preserve, as
                                Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official                described in the Official Records of Monroe County
                                Records of Duval County in Volume 3183, pages                 in Book 502, pages 143-146.
                                547-552, and in the Official Records of Nassau                   16. Cape Romano - Ten Thousand Islands
                                County in Book 108, pages 232-237.                            Aquatic Preserve, as described in the Official
                                   3. Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve, as described           Records of Collier County in Book 381, pages
                                in the Officiall Records of St. Johns County in Book         298-301.




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                                                                                                                                     (R. 3/87)
                              V. 9, p. 692-2Q                       FLORIDA AQATIC PRESERVES                                          18-20.003
                                 17. Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserve, described         negotiate an arrangement with       any such private
                              in Section 258.39(31), FS.                              upland owner by which such land may be included
                                 18. Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve as described in         in the preserve.
                              Section 258.39(28), Florida Statutes.                          33. Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, as described in
                                 19. Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve, as              Section 258-393, Florida Statutes.
                              described in the Official Records of Lee County in             34. Future    aquatic     preserves     established
                              Book 648, pages 732-736.                                   pursuant to general or special acts of the legislature.
                                 20. Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, as                  Specific Authority 120.53, 258.43(1) F.S. 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
                                 21. Gaspari11a Sound - Charlotte Harbor                 New 2-23-81, Amended 8-7-85. Formely 16Q-20.02.
                              Aquatic Preserve, as described in Section 258.392,           Transferred from 16Q-20-002.
                              F.S.                                                           18-20.003 'Definitions. When used in these
                                 22. Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve, as described in        rules, the following words shall have the indicated
                              Section 258.39(29), F.S.                                   meaning unless  the context clearly indicates
                                 23. Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, as                  otherwise:
                              described in Section 258.391. F.S.                             (1) "Act" means the provisions of Section 258.35
                                 24. St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve, as              through 258.46, F.S., the Florida Aquatic Preserve
                              described in the Official Records of Citrus County          Act.
                              in Book 276, pages 238-241.                                    (2) "Activity" means any project and such other
                                 25. Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve, as               human action within the preserve requiring board
                              described in the Official Records of Franklin              approval for the use, sale, lease or transfer of
                              County in Volume 98, pages 82-85.                          interest in sovereignty lands or materials, or which
                                 26. Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve, as               may require a license from the Department of
                              described in the Official Records of Gulf County in        Environmental Regulation.
                              Book 46, pages 77-81, and in the Official Records of         (3)    "Aesthetic     values"     means       scenic
                              Franklin County in Volume 98, pages 102-106.               characteristics or amenities of the preserve in its
                                 27. St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve, as                 essentially natural state or condition, and the
                              described in the Official Records or 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 or an
                              described in the Official Records of Bay County in         interest in state owned lands or any other necessary
                              Book 379, pages 547-550.                                   form of governmental approval in order to perform
                                 29. Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve,             an activity within the preserve.
                              as described in the Official Records of Okaloosa              (5) "Beneficial biological functions" means
                              County in Book 593, pages 742-745.                         interactions between flora, fauna and physical or
                                 30. Yellow River Marsh Aquatic         Preserve, as     chemical attributes of the environment, which
                              described in the Official Records of      Santa Rosa       provide benefits that accrue to the public at large,
                              County in Book 206, pages 568-571.                         including, but not limited to: nutrient, pesticide and
                                 31. Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve, as        heavy metal uptake; sediment retention; nutrient
                              described in the Official Records or Santa Rosa            conversion to biomass; nutrient recycling and
                              County in Book 220, pages 60-63, in the Official           oxygenation.
                              Records of Escambia County in Book 518, pages                  (6) "Beneficial hydrological functions" means
                              659-662, less the lands dedicated to the U. S. A. for      interactions between, flora, fauna and physical
                              the establishment of the Gulf Islands National              geological or geographical attributes of the
                              Seashore prior to the enactment of the act, until such     environment, which provide benefis 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        revention; 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 or 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, Range 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 or
                              boundaries of the preserve shall be deemed to be          which is normally covered entirely by water, with
                              excluded therefrom; provided that the Board may            the upper edges of its sides normally below water.



                                                                                   149
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                               (R. 3/87)
                               18-20.003                        INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT TRUST FUND                                 V. 9, p. 692-2R

                                  (10) "Commercial, industrial and other revenue            (22) "Preserve" means any and all of those areas
                               generating/income related docks" means docking                  which are 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, or which serves         Section 258.39. 258.391, and 258.392, F.S.
                               as an accessory facility to other rental, commercial        including all sovereignty lands, title to which is
                               or industrial operations. It shall include, but not be     vested in the board, and such other lands as the
                               limited to docking for: marinas, restaurants, hotels,             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 essenually natural or
                                   (11) "Department" means the State of Florida            existing condition of indigenous flora and fauna and
                               Department of Natural Resources, as administrator             their supporting habitat and the natural scenic
                               for the board.                                             qualities and amenities thereof.
                                  (12) "Division" means the Division of State                (23) Private residential single dock" means a
                               Lands, which performs all staff duties and functions       dock which is used for private, recreational or
                               related to the administration of lands title to which     leisure purposes for a single family 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 to moor no more than two boats.
                                  (13) "Dock" means a fixed or floating structure.                 (24) "Private residential multi-slip dock" means
                               including moorings, used for the purpose of                a docking facility which is used for private
                               berthing buoyant vessels either temporarily or           recreational or leisure purposes for mult-unit
                               indefinitely.                                               residential dwellings which shall include but is not
                                  (14) "Essentially natural condition" means              limited to condominiums, townhouses, subdivisions
                               those functions which support the continued                and other such dwellings or residential areas and
                               existence or encourage the restoration of the diverse      which is designed to moor three or more boats.
                               population of indigenous life forms and habitats to       Yacht      clubs    associated     with      residential
                               the extent they existed prior to the signiicant           developments, whose memberships or utilization of
                               development adjacent to and within the preserve.           the docking facility requires some real property
                                  (15) "Extreme hardship" means a significant            interest in the residential area, shall also be
                               burden, unique to the applicant and not shared by          included.
                               property owners in the area. Self-imposed                      (25) "Public interest" means demonstrable
                               circumstances caused to any degree by actions of any          environmental, social, and economic benefits which
                               person subsequent to the enactment of the Act shall        would accrue to the public at large as a result of a
                               not be construed as an extreme hardship. Extreme           proposed action and which would clearly exceed all
                               hardship under this act shall not be construed to          demonstrable environmental, social, and economic
                               include any hardship which arises in whole or in           costs of the proposed action. In determining the
                               part from the effect of other federal, state or local     public interest in a request for use, sale, lease, or
                               laws, ordinances, rules or regulations. The term         transfer or interest in sovereignty lands or severance
                               may be inherent in public projects which are shown          of materials from sovereignty lands, the board shall
                               to be a public necessity.                                  consider the ultimate project and purpose to be
                                  (16) "Fill" means materials from any source,             served by said use, sale, lease, or transfer of lands or
                               deposited by any means onto sovereignty lands,             materials.
                               either for the purpose of creating new uplands or for         (26) "Public navigation project" means a project
                               any other purpose     including spoiling of dredged       primarily for the purpose navigation which is
                               materials.   For the purpose of this rule, the                authorized and funded by the United States
                               piacement 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) "Leasse" means a conveyance of interest in            (27) "Public necessity" means the works or
                               lands, title to which is vested in the board, granted in    improvements required for the protection of the
                               accordance with specific terms set forth in writing.        health and safety of the public, consistent with the
                                  (18) "Marina" means a small craft harbor                Act and these rules, for which no other reasonable
                               complex used primarily for recreation.                     alternative exists.
                                  (19) "Oil and gas transportation facilities"               (28) "Public Utilities" means those services,
                               means those structures necessary for the movement          provided by persons regulated by the     Public Service
                               of oil and gas from the production site to the           Commission, or which art provided by rural
                               consumer.                                                  cooperatives, municipalities, or other governmental
                                  (20) "Person" means individuals, minors,                 agencies, including electricity, telephone, public
                               partnerships, corporations, joint ventures, estates,       water and wastewater services, and structures
                               trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, firms, and all other     necessary for the provision of these services.
                               associations and combinations, whether public or             (29) "Quality of the preserve" means the 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 for present and future enjoyment
                               sovereignty lands, which is used by the public             of it in an essentially natural condition.
                               primarily for fishing, swimming, or viewing the               (30) "Resource management agreement" means
                               preserve.  A pier shall not include a dock.                 a contractual agreement between the board and one



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

                                or more parties which does not create an interest in               water and where the use of the water or sovereignty
                                real property but merely authorizes conduct of                     lands is an integral part of the activity.
                                certain management activities on lands held by the                 Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemenied  
                                board.                                                             258.37, 258.43(1) FS History-New 2-25-81 Amenned                                      
                                (31) "Resources Protection Area (RPA) 1" -                         8-7-85.  Formerly 16Q-20.03. Transferred 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 resouces 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 approve 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.
                                incioent 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
                                1aw.
                                                                                                   lease or transfer is in the public interest (see Section
                                   (35) "Sale" means a conveyance of interest in                  18-20.004(2) Public Interest Assessment Criteria).
                                lands, by the board, for consideration.                            (c) There shall be no construction of seawalls
                                   (36) "Scientific values" means the preservation                waterward of the mean or ordinary high water line,
                                and promotion of certain qualities or features which              or filling waterward of the mean or ordinary high
                                have scientific significance.                                                                                             
                                                                                                   water line except in the case of public road and
                                   (37) "Shore protection structure" means a type                  bridge projects where no reasonable alternative
                                of coastal construction designed to minimize the rate              exists.
                                of erosion. Coasta1 construction includes any work                  (d) There shall, in no case, be any dredging
                                or activity which is likely to have a material physical            waterward of the mean or ordinary high water line
                                effect on existing coastal conditions or natural shore             for the sole or primary purpose of providing fill for
                                processes.                                                           any area landward of the mean or ordinary high
                                   (38) "Sovereignty lands" means those lands                      water line.
                                including, but not limited to: tidal Lands, islands,                 (c) A lease, easement or consent 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 navigational
                                virtue of statehood, and of which it has not since                channel;
                                divested its title interest. For the purposes or 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 or the board by                     7. creation or maintenance of a shore protection
                                which any interest in lands, including easements,                   structure;
                                other than sale or lease, is conveyed.                               8. installation or maintenance of oil and gas
                                   (41) "Utility of the preserve" means fitness of                 transportation facilities;
                                the preserve for the present and future enjoyment of                 9. creation,       maintenance,  replacement         or
                                its biological, aesthetic and scientific values, in an          expansion of facilities required for the provision of
                                essentially natural condition.                                     public utilities; and
                                   (q42) "Water dependent activity" means an
                                activity which can only be conducted on, in, over, or         10. other activities which are a public necessity
                                                                                                   or which are necessary to enhance the quality or
                                adjacent to  water areas because the activity                    utiltiy of the preserve and which are consistent with
                                 
                                requires direct 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


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

                                      designed so that the structure or structures to be                 2. provide boating and marina services (repair,
                                      built in, on or over sovereignty lands are limited to                pumpout, etc.);
                                      structures necessary to conduct water dependent                     3 improve and enhance public health, safety,
                                      activities.                                                      welfare, and law enforcement;
                                         (g) For      activities      listed    in   paragraphs            4. improved public land management;
                                      18-20.004(l)(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 supply 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;
                                      preempied 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  multi-slip  docking               (d) EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC BENEFITS:
                                      facilities shall require a lease.                                    1. donation of land, conservation easements,
                                         (k) Aquaculture and beach renourishment                       restrictive covenants or other title interests in or
                                      activities which comply with the standards of this               contiguous to the aquatic preserve which will
                                      rule chapter and Chapter                 18-21, Florida          protect or enhance the aquatic preserve;
                                      Administrative Code, may be approved by the                          2. providing access or facilities for public land
                                      board, but only subsequent to a formal finding or                management activities;
                                      compatibility with the purposes of Chapter 258,                      3. providing public access easements and/or
                                      Florida Statutes, and this rule chapter.                         facilities, such as beach access, boat ramps, etc.;
                                         (l) Other uses of the preserve, or human activity                 4. restoration/enhancement of altered habitat or
                                      within the preserve, although not originally                     natural functions, such as conversion of vertical
                                      contemplated, may be approved by the board, but                    bulkheads to riprap and/or vegetation for shoreline
                                      only subsequent to a formal finding compatibility                 stabilization or re-establishment, of shoreline or
                                      with the purposes  of 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 of interest, a balancing test will be utilized         normally not required, in particular, facilities open
                                      to determine whether the social, economic and/or                 to the general public;
                                      environmental benefits clearly exceed the costs.                      7. improvements to water quality such as
                                         (a) GENERAL                       BENEFIT/COST                removal of toxic sediments, increased flushing and
                                      CRITERIA.                                                        circulation. etc.;
                                         1. any benefits that are balanced against the                     8. providing upland dry storage as an alternative
                                      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
                                      managemnt    plan will be weighed heavily when                    manner that will cause minimal disturbance to
                                      determining   whether the project is in the public               submerged land resources such as oyster bars and
                                      interest.                                                         submerged grass beds and do not interfere with
                                         (b) BENEFIT CATEGORIES:                                       traditional public uses.
                                         1. public access (public boat ramps, boatslips,                 (d) Spoil disposal within the preserves shall be
                                      etc.);                                                           strongly discouraged and may be approved only




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                                      														               (R. 9/88)						
                             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 so               further than to a maximum depth of minus four
                             submerged land resources such as oyster bars and            (- 4) feet (mean low water).
                             submerged grass beds and do not interfere with                  4. when the water depth is minus four      (-4) feet
                             traditional public uses.                                    (mean low water) at an existing bulkhead the
                                (d) Spoil disposal within the preserves shall be           maximum dock length from the bulkhead shall be
                             strongly discouraged and may be approved only                25 feet, subject 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
                             to the quality and utility of the preserve.                 and shall be built in such a manner as to be part of
                                (4) RIPARIAN RIGHTS                                        the dock structure;
                                (a) None of the provisions of this rule    shall be        6. terminal platform size shall be no more than
                             implemented in a manner that would unreasonably             160 square feet; and
                             infringe upon the traditional,  common law and                7. dredging to obtain navigable water depths in
                             statutory riparian rights of upland riparian                conjunction with private residential, single dock
                             property owners adjacent to sovereignty lands.             applications is strongly discouraged.
                                (b) The evaluation and determination of the                  (c) Private residential multi-slip docks shall
                             reasonable riparian rights of ingress and egress for        conform to the following specific design standards
                             private, residential multi-slip docks shall be based        and criteria:
                             upon the number of linear feet of riparian shoreline.         1. the area of sovereignty, submerged land
                                (c) For the purposes of this rule, a private,             preempted by the docking facility shall not exceed
                             residential, single docking facility which meets all        the square footage amounting in ten times the
                             the requirements of Rule 18-20.004(5) shall be              riparian waterfront' footage of the affected
                             deemed to meet the public interest requirements of          waterbody of the applicant, or the square footage
                             Rule 18-20.004(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 easement 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)(c)l., 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 of                   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 may include, but shall not be limited to      draft of a vessel and the bottom at mean low water;
                             changes in location, configuration, length, width             4. main access docks and connecting or cross
                             and height;                                                 walks shall not exceed six (6) feet in width;
                                3. the number, lengths, drafts and types of                5. terminal platforms shall not exceed eight (8)
                             vessels allowed to utilize the proposed facility may         feet in width;
                             also be stipulated; and                                       6. finger piers shall not exceed three (3) feet in
                                4. where local governments have more stringent           width, and 25 feet in length;
                             standards and criteria for docking facilities, the            7. pilings may be utilized as required to provide
                             more stringent standards for the protection and             adequate mooring capabilities; and
                             enhancement 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 it, 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 to 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;




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                                      (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)(c)l., Florida Statutes; while dredging in              (Cape Haze,
                                      Resource Protection Area 3 shall be strongly                     Gasparilia
                                      discouraged;                                                     Sound-Charlotte
                                         3. the docking facilities shall not be located in             Harbor, Matiacha
                                      Resource Protection Area 1 or 2; however, main                  Pass and Pine Island
                                      access docks may be allowed to pass through                      Sound)                       May 18, 1983
                                      Resource Protection Area 1 or 2, that are located              Indian River-Malabar
                                      along the shoreline, to reach an acceptable Resource             to Vero Beach                 January 21, 1986
                                      Protection Area 3, provided that such crossing will            Indian River Lagoon
                                      generate minimal environnmental 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 Martins 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, 258.43(1), 258.44 FS. History-New
                                         8. marina siting will be coordinated with local             2-25-81, Amended 8-7-85, Formerly 16Q-20.004, 
                                      governments to insure consistency with all local               Transferred from 16Q-20.004, Amended 9-4-88.
                                      plans and ordinances;                                             18-20.005 Uses, Sales, Leases, or Transfer of
                                         9. marinas shall not be sited within state                  Interests in Lands, or Materials, Held by the
                                      designated manatee sanctuaries; and                            Board.
                                         10. in any areas with known manatee                         Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
                                      concentrations, manatee warning/notice and/or                  253.02, 253.12, 258.42 FS History-New 2-25-81,
                                      speed limit signs shall be erected at the marina               Repealed 8-7-85, Formerly 16Q-20.05, Transferred form
                                      and/or ingress and egress channels, according to               16Q-20-005.
                                      Florida Marine Patrol specifications.                             18-20.006 Cumulative Impacts. In evaluating
                                         (c) Exceptions to the standards and criteria                 applications for activities within the preserves or
                                      listed in Rule 18-20.004(5), Florida Administrative            which may impact the preserves, the department
                                      Code, may be considered, but only upon                         recognizes that, while a particular alteration of the
                                      demonstration by the applicant that such exceptions
                                                                                                     preserve may constitute a minor change, the
                                      are necessary to insure reasonable riparian ingress            cumulative effect of numerous such change            often
                                      and egress.                                                    results in major impairments 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.
                                         (7) In addition    to the policies, standards and           preserve  which is part of a complete and interrelated
                                                                                                     system. The impact of a proposed activity shall be
                                      criteria delineated   in subsections (1) through (6),
                                      the provisions of the following management plans                considered in light or its cumulative impact on the
                                                                                                    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
                                      criteria in 18-20, F. A. C., may differ with specific
                                      policies in the management plans listed herein, the              actions within the preserve which have previously
                                      general rule criteria shall prevail.                           affected or are likely to affect the preserve, whether
                                                                                                     considered by the department under its current
                                                                     Date Adopted                    authority or which existed prior to or since the
                                      Alligator Harbor               September 23, 1986              enactment of the Act; and
                                      Banana River                   September 17, 1985           (2) The similar activities within the preserve



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                                                                                                                                                (R. 9/88)
                                      V. 9, p. 692-2W                        FLORIDA AQUATIC PRESERVES                                          18-20.012
                                      which are currently under consideration by the               aquatic preserve system, subject to confirmation by
                                      department; and                                              the legislature.
                                         (3) Direct and indirect effects upon the preserve           (2) The board may, after public notice and
                                      and adjacent preserves, if applicable, which may             public hearing in the county or counties in which the
                                      reasonably be expected to result from the activity;          proposed expanded or new preserve is to be located,
                                      and                                                          adopt a resolution formally setting aside such areas
                                         (4) The extent to which the activity is consistent        to be included in the system.
                                      with management plans for the preserve, when                  (3) The resolution setting aside an aquatic
                                      developed; and                                               preserve area shall include:
                                         (5) The extent to which the activity is                    (a) A legal description of the area to be included.
                                      permissible within the preserve in accordance with           A map depicting the legal description shall also be
                                      comprehensive plans adopted by affected local                attached.
                                      governments, pursuant to section 163.3161, F.S.,               (b) The designation 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 in be
                                         (6) The extent to which the loss of beneficial            preserved.
                                      hydrologic and biologic functions would adversely              (d) A statement that the area established as a
                                      impact the quality or utility of the preserve; and           preserve shall be subject to the management criteria
                                         (7) The extent to which mitigation measures               and directives of this chapter. 
                                      may compensate for adverse impacts.                            (e) A directive to develop a natural resource
                                      Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented                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, Transferred from 16Q-20.006.            (4) Within 30 days of the designation and
                                         18-20.007 Protection of Riparian Rights.                   establishment of an aquatic preserve, the board
                                      Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented             shall record in the public records of the county or
                                      258.123, 258.124(8), 258.44 FS. History-New 2-25-81,        counties in which the preserve is located a legal
                                      Repealed 8-7-85, Formerly 16Q-20.07, Transferred from          description of the preserve.
                                      16Q-20.007.                                                   Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
                                                                                                   258.41 FS History-New 2-25-81, Formerly 16Q-20.09.
                                         18-20.008 Inclusion of Lands, Title to Which              Transferred from 16Q-20.009.
                                      Is Not Vested in the Board, in a Preserve.
                                         (1) Lands and water bottoms which are within                18-20.010 Exchange of Lands.  The board in its
                                      designated aquatic preserve boundaries, or adjacent           discretion may exchange lands for the benefit of the
                                      thereto and which are owned by other governmental           preserve, provided that:
                                      agencies, may be included in an aquatic preserve              (1) In no case shall an exchange result in any
                                      upon specific authorization for inclusion by an              land or water area being withdrawn from the
                                      appropriate instrument in writing executed by the            preserve; and
                                      agency.                                                        (2) Exchanges shall be in the public interest and
                                         (2) Lands and water bottoms which are within              shall maintain or enhance the quality or utility of
                                      designated aquatic preserve boundaries or adjacent           the preserve.
                                      thereto, and which are in private ownership, may be          Specific Authority. 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
                                      included in an aquatic preserve upon specific               258.41(5), 258.42(1) FS. History-New 2-25-81,
                                                                                                   Formerly 16A-20.10, Transferred from 16Q-20.010.
                                      authorization for inclusion by an appropriate
                                      instrument in writing executed by the owner.                   18-20.011 Gifts of Lands. The board in its
                                         (3) The appropriate instrument shall be either a          discretion may accept any gifts or lands or interests
                                      dedication in perpetuity, or a lease. Such lease shall      in lands within or contiguous to the preserve to
                                      contain the following conditions:                         maintain or enhance the quality and utility of the
                                         (a) The term of the lease shall be for a minimum           preserve.
                                      period of ten years.                                         Specific Authority 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, Transferred from 16Q-20.011.
                                      shall additionally have the power to terminate any              18-20.012 Protection of Indigenous Life
                                      lease if the termination is in the best interest of the      Forms. The taking of indigenous life forms for sale
                                      aquatic preserve system, and shall have the power to
                                                                                                   or commercial use is prohibited, except that this
                                      inciude such lands in any agreement for                      prohibition shall not extend to the commercial
                                      management of such lands.                                  taking or fin fish, crustacea or mollusks, except as
                                         (c) The board shall pay no more than $1 per year          prohibited under applicable laws, rules or
                                      for any such lease.                                          regulations. Members of the public may exercise
                                      Specific Authority 258.43(1) FS. Law Implemented
                                      258.40, 258.41 FS History-New 2-25-81, Formerly           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






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                                       (R. 9/88)                                 
                                       18-20.017                          INTERNAL IMPROVEMTNT TRUST FUND                                        V. 9, p. 692-2X

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
























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