[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
Committing To Our Future Volume 1 A Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the -Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed,- Amok A, . Peace River & Watershed Myakka River & Watershed Coastal Venice/Lemon Bay/Gasparilla Sound/Cape Haze Charlotte Harbor Proper . Pine lsland Sound/Matlacha Pass Estero Bay & Watershed . Tidal Caloosahatchee River & Watershed November 1999 OTTE Estuary Charlotte Harbor National Program Draft comprehensive conservation and Management Plan Comments, please! Thank you for reviewing this Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program would appreciate your written comments, as we continue to evaluate harbor and watershed restoration strategies for the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed-. To reply simply remove. this, page and fax or mail to: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program 4980 Bayline Drive, 4th Floor N. Fort Myers, FL 33917-3909 e-mail:- [email protected] Fax: (941) 656-7724 Telephone; (941) 995-1777 Your name: Address: with zip code) Phone: General Comments: Charlotte Harbor Nationa eutuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan Specific comments on text or, action plans, may be noted in the margins of this document. Specific questions: Do you agree with the goals for harbor and watershed restoration presented in the Introduction" chapter? What goals would you change or add?, Which specific actions do you consider the highest priority?(Indicate your top five choices using the assigned codes.) What specific changes or, additions -would you recommend to accomplish harbor and watershed restoration goals? I-low can we improve the format, readability,'.and design of this plan? hankyou! Committing To Our Future Volume I A Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed The draft action plans and text in this document are provided for review by the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed community. Committing To Our Future was produced by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, and recommendations by reviewers Will be considered for incorporation into the final plan, to be published and available to citizens in the surmmer 2000. We welcome your comments and inquiries and encourage your use of the section titled "Comments, please" that appears at the beginning of the book. November 1999 Program Staff! Tiffany Lutterman, Director. David Moldal Environmental Planner/Administrator Melissa Upton Public Involvement Specialist Jock Robertson., -Technical Writer Patti Armbruster, Administrative Assistant Map s by Debra Childs, Post" Buckley, SchuA &Jernigan and Tim Walker, Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Project descriptions compiled by Wright Consultants, Inc. Cover artwork by Diane Pierce Inside artwork by Victor McGuire This document is funded in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 through 'a cooperative agreement with the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. Printed on Recycled Paper property of CSC Library C06arfozle Aarsar. Malionaf 2)pall Gompm,@e@mive Conjetrodlion'and'Xanayemenl 5EKtv TAkt oP CONTENTS PREFACE ................................................................................................... Vil INTRODUCTiON ................................................ ........................................ I SPECIAL PLACES AND SPECIAL PEOPLE ..................... 2 .................................. NATURE'OF THE PROBLEM ............ -e ................ ...................................... 6 PROGRAM GOALS ...................................................................................... 7 COAST INTO THE FUTURE .......................................................................... .8 MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE MEMBERS ............................................. 9 CONSENSUS FOR ACTION ..... ........................ ......!................................ 0... -9 ................................................... -10 POLICY COMMITTEE ......... ............. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ....................................................................... 11 CITIZENS' ADVISORY _COMMITTEE.@ ............................................. ............... 13 TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ............................................................ 14 STATE OF THE WATERSHED .................................................I ................. 17 NATURAL GEOGRAPHY LINKS INLAND AREAS WITH THE COAST .......................... 17 Challenges to Resource Management ............................................. @20 THE REGIONAL ECONOMY ............................ 21 ............ ................. Estimating the Value of Natural Resources .............. ........................ 22- The Economic Value of the Greater CharlottE' Harbor Watershed ........... 23 FRESHWATER CREEKS AND RIVERS ...........................I .................................... 25 The Myakka River ............................................ 25 ............................ The Peace River ............................................................................. 27 The Caloosahatchee River ............................................................. . 28 COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS .................................................................... 29 Coastal Venice and Lemon Bay .......... .............................. ........... 29 Charlotte Harbor, Myakka,'and Peace Estuaries ..................................... 3or Pine'Island Sound and Matlacha Pass ....................: ......................... 32, Estero _Bay and Watershed ............... ........................ .................. .32 GSarfoiie Xa4or Xaiional(rAriuary -r"-Oy-- r 0--fi GO_P_4-.qjive Conjervalion,and'Manayemeni Al" ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE WATERSHED ....................................... .......... 34 Phosphate Mining is"a Unique Regional Activity., ............................... 34 ...... 35 Agricu tuTe ........... :............................................................ CovV/Calf Ranching. .......................... ........ I............ __1 ......... 36 Spo .................. Commercial ar@d rt Fisheries ......................................... 37 Shellfish Harvesqng ............................................................................... 38 Residential Land Uses ....................................................... I......... I ........ 39 Tourism ..................... ................ ..................................................... 40, LAND USE AND.ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ......... :.................................. 41 USE DECISIO WHO MAKES THESE LAND NS? ........................................ .... 43 WATER. QUALITY BACKGROUND ......... ................................... .................... 45 Nutrients .......................................... I...................... ......................... 145 Sewage treatm@nt plantslRomestic point sources ..................... 45 Industrial sources ............................... I................................. 45. Atmospheric deposition ...........I .......................... ................... 45' .,Non-point sources ... :........ i@ ............................... I ................... 46 Septic,tank systems ...... .......... ?............;............................... 46 Groundwater ............................................. .............. ........ 4.... 46 Bacteria ......... ........ . 47 ................................................. ................. Dissolved Oxy 47 'gen ....... ........................ ............... I ....................... Toxics .................................................................................... : ........ 48 HYDROLOGIC ALTERATIONS, BACKGROUND ..................................................... 49 ................. ........... -49 Chang@s in Total Flows .............. ......................... Reduced Groundwate@ Levels ..................... ............. ........... 49 Dams, Locks,. and Weirs ............... '**-***----@ ............... 49 Chanfielization and Canals ................... .......... ................. 49 Altered Timing of Water Flows ................. ...... I......I ........................... 50 Altered Location of Water Flows .................................................. ..... 51- FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT loss BACKGROUND.. ... 52 .................... ............. Half of Original Wetlands Converted to Human Uses ........................... 52 Mangroves Maintain Vital Fish and Wildlife Habitat .......................... 53 Vital Roles ...... Seagrass Beds Also Perform .......................... ...... ... 53 Little@of Coastal-Stfand Habitat Remains ...................... L .................. 53 -Urban and-Agricultural Uses Replacing Pine Ftatwoods ......................... 54 Oak Scrub and Scrubby Flatwoods Depleted ........................................ 54 Many Exotic Plants Invade and Destroy Habitat ............................. 55 WHY THE BIG CONCERN OVER FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT Loss? ........ ............. .56 X.Ii...f &Iuary !Z)ra Conjervalion and-Wavayemeni _'Pfan ........ ........... 57 WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ... ......... * ............... ............ THE REGIOWS ORGANIZATIONA .......... I..................... .'L NETWORI(4,.. ............... 58' Local Governments ........................................................................ 59 Regional Organizations ............................... I................................. 60 State Government ....................................... .................................. 61' Federal Government ..................... I ............................................... 62 PriVate Organizations ......................................................... @%.i ...... 63 .MANAGEMENT CONNECTIONS .'ANDGAPS ...................................................... 64 LAYERS OF M@NAGEMENT CREATE PROBLEMS'& OPPORTUNITIES., ................. ; ..... 66 Our Region's, Hydrologic Management Connections .......................... 66 Author@ty to Coordinate Land and Water Decisions ................... @66 General Resource Assessment, Protection, and Use ............. .... 66 Use Permitting, Planning, and Public Benefit Test ..................... 66 A "Post=Pre " Public Policy ...... ! ......................................... 66 Evaluation and Prediction Models .... ........ .............................. 67- Restoration and Mitigation .....................................................-67 Our Region's Hydrologic Management Gaps ..................................... 67 1?eactive Water Manak gement .............................................. 67 Fresh and Salt Water Management ....................................... 67 Inadequate Measurable 0b)ectives ............................... 67 Inadequate Monitoring ......................................................... 68 Inadequate Enforcement and Penalties .................................. 68 Our Region's Management Connections in Water Quality ................... 68 Authority to Prevent or Eliminate Pollution ............................ 68 Sampling Data and Predictive Models ............ ....................... 68 Water Use Permitting ....... .................................................. 68 Best Managem nt Practi ..... ..... 68 e ices .................................... Our Region's -Management Gaps in Water Quality ............... I ................ 69 What is the "Best" Level- o fNutrients? .................................... 69 Competing Funding Demands ............................................... . 69 Voluntary Prevention vs. Mandatory Correction ......( ................. 69 Lack of Intergovernmental, Support of Common Goals ..... 69 Our Region's Management Connections in Habitat ......................... :... 69 Basic Research and'Understanding ... * ..................................... 69 Land Aquisition, Restoration, and Other Mitigaii-bn ................... 69 -Jeopardy ........................................... .................................. 70 GSarfolie AarCor Xalmnaf (%iuary -T-31r- 2)ffiGop,.Seni,,eGner-oalion-andXana eni-936' N qe-m Our Region's Management 6aps in Habitat ............................... ....... 70 Gap, in Habitat, Issues ............................................ ............. 10 Separation of Plants frc@m Animals .................... @! ..........S........ 70 Habitat. Preservation in "Penny- Packets ....... ............................ 70 Conflicting Public Pol!`cy'for Baseline Species Habitat Protection.., .................................... 70 MANAGEMENT CONNECTIONS POINT- THE WAY To F][XIN@G GAPS ...6 .................. 71, ExPENDITUR@S FOR MANAGEMENT ....................... ? ................................. 72- .72 Land Use .............................................................. .............. Water Quality ....................................................................... 72 Hydrology ................. ....................... i............ ; .................. I..... 72 Habitat ................... .............................................................. 72 Research ................................................................. .......... 72 Grants .............................................................. ........ 72 ATE. EARLYACTIONS' kOR* W . RSHED CONSERVATION ......................... 75 HABITAT RESTORATION ..................... ......... ..................................... 76 ENVIRONMENTAL- EDUCATION .................. . ............................................... ECOSYSTEM MONITORING-A.ND RESEARCH ...... .................. ................ ............ 86 --QUANTIFIABLE OBJECTIVES ...................................... ................... 91 HYDROLOGIC ALTERATIONS ....................................................................... 92 WATER QUALITY. DEGRADATION.-. @ ....................................... ; ...................... 94, FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT Loss ..... I........ ....................... ............ 95 PRIORITY ACTIONS ANDRELATED PROJECTS.@..*.: ............................ 97 PUBLIc EDUCATION AND''OUTREACH ............ ............ ....................... . 209 MISSION STATEMENT.. ; ..................................... ................................. 209 PUBLIC EDUCATION',GOALS .................................................. ....... ........... 209 PUBLIC EDUCATION OBJECTIVES ......... .................... ............ 210 ..................... TARGET AUDIENCES ....................................... ...................... ................. 2iO' ONGOING-PUBLic EDUCATION*ANb OUTREACH ACTIViTIES .................................. 211 NEw- OR UPDATED PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH AcTiviTiEs ...................... 213 IV Charlotte Harbor National Eutuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan GOVERNANCE, IMPLEMENTATION, & FINANCING .... ................... 215' IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN. FOR THE GREATER CHARLOTTE HARBOR WATERSHED ....... 217 INTEGRATING THE PLAN INTO EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL RULES & PROGRAMS ......... 218 FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REVIEW.. ........................................................... 219 ROLES-OF THE-CHARLOTTE HARBOR NEP IN OVERSEEING IMPLEMENTATioN ........... . 220 COST FINANCING ......... ........ .................................... ...................... 224 MONITORING WATERSHED IMPROVEMENTS & EXCHANGING INFORMATION.' ........................................... ........... 227 EXISTING MONITORING PROGRAMS.-.., .................................................... 228 BASICS,OF' DEVELOPING A MONITORING PROGRAM .................. ................ 229 APPROACHES TO MONI'TORING .............................................................. 230 SPECIFIC MONITORING EFFORTS ............................................................... 232 ENHANCED INFORMATION'AND EXCHANGE ................................ ................ 234 CHARLOTTE HARBOR INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER .............................. 236 ONGOING DATA COLLECTION AND INFORMATION SHARING ............................... 237 REFERENCES .............................I.............................................. ............... 239 GLOSSARY- ..... ....................... ......................... ................... ...... 241 LIST OF ACRONYMS.... ..................I........ ............................................. 247 VOLUME 2: PRELIMINARY IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS INTRODUCTION ......................... .......................................................... 1 REGIONWIDE ........................................................................................ 3 29 CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER AND ESTERO BAY WATERSHEDS ........................... Lower Peace AND MYAKKA RIVER WATERSHEDS .................................... 137 -UPPER PEACE AND MYAKKA RIVER WATERSHEDS ...................................... 293 Y tv A, kJ L L PK Sanibel ligh&us.e vi Artwork by Victor McGuire. CHarlotte Harbor National Eutuary Program Draft comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan PREFACE This document, the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Planfor the Greater Charlotte Harbor-Watershed, is the product? of years of work by many talented and dedicated people-. The members of the Citizens', Techni- cal, Management, and Policy Committees donated their expertise and their spirit to this effort. This plan could not have been, accomplished without them'. With their confidence and commitment, we will make a difference in the future of this region. The commitment of so many local people to the long-term future of this watershed is both impressive and inspiring. Many people and organizations have supported this effort from its infancy. We owe a debt of gratitude to Wayne Daltry and Dr. Ernest Estevez for shepherding the effort, along with 'many others, to nominate Charlotte Harbor as, a National Estuary Program. We thank the late Governor Lawton 'Chiles and current Governor Jeb Bush for their leadership and unflagging support for our efforts. Many people deserve credit for taking us down such- a long path so quickly and with so few- resources. Despite our region's size and diversity, we have completed this draft plan in three years time and under budget. It is only with the many local governments, basin boards, agencies, and organizations, who contributed their tech- nical and financial support, that we have completed our mission. The participation of both inland'and coastal organizations has been extraordinary and this plAn re- flects their involvement. Through the volunteer efforts of our committee members and focal citizens we have stretched our funding to-accomplish all of our aims. Our past and present commit-., tee chairs provide a 'special measure of leadership and insight to the process. Our appreciation goes to Citizens' Advisory Committee Chair Molly Krival and Vice, Chair Robert Croft; Technical Advisory Committee Co-Chairs James Sampson and Michael Perry and Past Chair Thomas Fraser and Past Vice Chair, Judy Ott; Man-' agernent Committee Chair Wesley "Bo" Crum and Vice Chair David Burr; and Policy Committee Chair Thomas Welborn as well as Past Chairs Margaret Highsmith, Pe- -ter Ware, and Stallings Howell'. Vii Charlotte Harbor National Eutuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan lot, I would also like to express special thanks to the program staff including Melissa Upton, Patti Armbruster, David Moldal, -and Jock Robertson for their dedication and professionalism that kept -us on track. To the many- dedicated staff of the-Environ- mental Protection Agency-Region 4, who set us on the path to success, we thank you. - Particularly, J. Hudson, Slay, Robert Howard, and John H. Hankinson, who provided extra moral , technical, and inancial support along the way. This plan is not only a-starting point, it is also a time to take stock in what we have accomplished. To everyone who contributed their time and energy, your_ efforts are realized in this plan. And to the residents and visitors of the Greater Charlotte Har bor Watershed who are learning about our issues for the first time, we hope you will- join us in our efforts to protect the health of this.special region. Here is -our committment to the future.... Tiffany Lutterman, Director Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program viii Charlotte Harbor National estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan INTRODUCTION "Future generations will enjoy and appreciate the land and sea connection of the Charlotte Harbor watershed .. that marvelous array of connected habitats of pine flatwoods, scrub, hardwood hammocks, fresh and saltwater marshes, mangrove forest, barrier island beaches, and estuaries, where fresh water from rivers and streams plays with the salty ocean tides.." Carla Kappmeyer, CAC member The Greate Charlotte Harbor Watershed is a special place. Three large rivers, the Myakka, Peace, and Caloosahatchee, flow, -westward to- the Gulf of Mexico. These rivers start as lakes, creeks, and groundwater that combine and meander until they become substantial rivers. The rivers flow through cities and towns,, cattle pastures and citrus groves, pine flatwoods and cypress 'swamps. When these rivers meet-the salty water of the Gulf of Mexico, they form estuaries which are one of the most productive natural systems on earth. Coastal bays such as Lemon Bay and Estero Bay are influenced by smaller streams and are spectacular havens for fish and wildIfe. As more people discover the beauty of Art-work by-Shelly castle this region and the demands-for land and water intensify, the special qualities of the region are threatened. The human needs for land', water, food and fertilizer can 'take precedence over the quality of water and wildlife habitat. Urban communities struggle to balance housing, transportation, and commercial growth-while main- taining the quality of life. that drew people. and businesses-to their communities in the first place.' Rural communities are challenged by changing markets for their products while managing the pressures of regulation, international competition, and the encroachment' of suburbs from nearby urban areas. Action is needed to balance the demands on urban and rural communities and their natural resources; Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan Action is needed to balance important natural characteristics and human needs. With- out careful management and protection, the basic nature of the region could-be spoiled, Fortunately, We know the pitfalls of ov erstressing our natural and municipal com- munities. We can measure the connections between the quality of the environment and the health of the local economy. We know the real costs of fixing problems are much greater than preventing difficulties from occurring. This Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) -details the ac- tions needed to protect and improve our watersfied as -we try to balance human needs with the natural systems. Our plan is. ambitious in scope and timeframe. Forthe goals to be realized, our region's citizens, governments, and industry will need, to work together. _The plan's objectives are specific so we can measure our progress. The timelines are short to encourage immediate attention and action. Many of the actions Will require multiple groups and agencies to Work together, combine re- Sources, and overcome institutional boundaries. All of these challenges are Sur- -mountable because we are unified in our mission --.to keep the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed a special place for ourselves and our children's children. SPECIAL PLACES AND SPECIAL PEOPLE This management plan was written' by literally hundreds of people. Citizen volun- teers, scientists and engineers, resource managers, and elected officials,have con- tributed countless hours, essential knowledge, and informed opinions, Over a three- year period, the plan was Written in locations throughout the watershed like Bartow and Boca Grande, Venice and Myakka City, Haines City -and Sanibel, Punta Gorda - and Wauchula. The scale of participation with this management plan reflects the size of the study area. Although Charlotte Harbor itself only covers 270 square miles, the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed extends over an area of 4,400 square miles. At its northern end, the Peace River basin begins in Polk County near Lakeland and travels over 100 miles to the harbor. The Myakka River basin starts in eastern Manatee County, until it winds and meanders to meet the northeastern side of Charlotte Harbor. Along the coast, Charlotte Harbor affects the watersheds of Venice and Lemon Bay. To the south, Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass connect Charlotte Harbor to the tidal Caloosahachee and to Estero Bay in Lee County (Map 1). 2 P@R CD ......... .. CD . .. .. .. .. . CD Charlotte Harbor National Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Our study area includes all or part of eight counties and many cities and towns. The area's extent also broadens the number of organizations who manage, regulate, and govern its uses and resources. Two water management districts-Southwest Florida and South Florida Water Management Districts--have jurisdiction over water sup--. ply and flood control'in the study area. Regional and emergency planning are con- ducted by three regional planning councils.' Environmental regulation, park man- agement, enforcement, and aquatic preserve management are performed by two diS7 tricts of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In 1995, Governor Lawton Chiles nominated Charlotte Harbor-as -an "estuary of' national. significance." As a result -of this nomination, Charlotte Harbor was- ac- cepted into -the National Estuary Program, one. of only 27 other watersheds in the United States. The mission of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program-is to bring together all of the local organizations; both public' and private into a "manage- ment conference" to write a Comprehensive. Conservation and Management Plan for the watershed. Now that the management plan is completed, the management conference will work together to iMplement that plan,and achieve its goals. Committee Structure of-the Program's Management Conference Policy Program Committee Office Management Committee Citizens Technical, advisory Advisory. Committee Committee 4 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The management conference consists of four committees and the program'office. Each of the four committees serves a specific purpose and brings together a diverse representation of expertise, INterests, and opinions. The four committees of the mmittees of the, management conference are the following: Citizens' Advisory Conmmittee-(CAC), Technical Advisor Committee (TAC), Management Committee, and Policy Com- mittee. -The program office performs the administrative functions of the program and supports the activities of all the committees., The management conference will continue to be active during the implementation of this management plan. Through the participation of hundred's of people, the Charlotte, Harbor National Estuary Program held its kick-off ceremony in September 1996 and began a three- year process of writing a regional management plan. Local problems, were identi- - fied, goals were established information was collected, And special projects were funded. Local governments, basin boards, and public agencies funded programs to -develop monitoring programs, make scientific information more accessible, and encourage local environmental education programs, Hundreds of citizen volunteers continue to, work on "getting the word out" to their communities, take water quality samples, plant seagrasses at restoration sites, and, give presentations to schools and civic or- ganizations., They -tour phosphate mines, travel the rivers visit restoration sites, and voice their. concerns and visons of the future. All of these institutions together' with the many homeowner associations, school districts, not-for-profits, universi- ties, and research facilities affect the 'Con- dition of our environment. Our aware- ness of these problems and our ability to correct them is dependent on the effec- tiveness and the dedication of our com-'. munities and these institutions. Photo by Brett Gilmore, This management plan addresses the natural resource issues in the entire study Senator Bob Graham, gives a speech during the kickoff area. Some of our problems are regional ceremony for the charlotte Harbor national Estuary and Will require breaking. down institu- Program. Also in this picture from left to right are Tiffany tional barriers to address them. Some Lutterman, Gary Oden, Ralph Cantral, Dr. Kumar problems-are local,'- specific sites that Mahadevan, and Congressman Porter Goss. require special attention from-the local community. In every case, we gain from *focusing our efforts where they will be most effective and by sharing solutions' because the entire region benefits from the results.' Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan NATuRE OF THE PROBLEM One of the management Conference's early achievements was to identify the region's priority problems, summarized below, vary geographically in ex- tent and severity but they are-'common regional issues: Hqydrologic Alterations: Adverse, changes to amounts, locations, and timing of -freshwater flows, the hydrologic function of floodplain systems, a natural river flows. Water Qualitity Degradation: Including but not limited -to po1- lution from agricultural and urban runoff, point source dis- charges, septic tank system loadings, atmospheric deposition, and groundwater. 'Fish and Wildlife Habitat Loss: Degradation and elimination 'of headwater streams -and other habitats caused by develop- ment, conversion of natural shorelines, cumulative impacts of docks and boats, invasion of exotic species, and cumulative and future impacts. The issues or problems described above can- also be viewed as symptoms ar consequences of more basic -processes. Land, uses. and land use management, for examples, affect the time it takes rainwater to travel to a water body like a river, nutrient 'con- centrations and loading rates', and wildlife habitat. Given the -rate Arid scale of land use decisions in the study area, a con- tinuing program effort will be 'needed in the general -subject area -of land use management. Also, we must address the prob- lem of incomplete information on particular topics. Certain topics in certain geographic areas may be important but lack definitive data. 6 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan This management plan focuses on these three, regional problems and the related land use issues.- The management conference also developed specific objectives, called quantifiable objectives, for each Of the three priority. problems.. The commit-' tees then created action strategies called priority actions to identify the specific' activities needed to achieve the quantifiable objectives. As a first step for' action', projects will be conducted by more than 40 organizations to initiate implementation of this management plan. Those. actions are detailed in Volume-2 of this document. PROGRAm GOALS The. management conference also developed program goals to guide the, manage- ment plan to a specific regional vision. The figure below details the program goals: The related quantifiable objectives for the management plan which address both the program- goals an d priority problems are presented i n the chapter called "Quantifi- able Objectives." The following goals were created by our committees at the begin- ning of the, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. Their-goals institute a long-term vision of the region's resources., All of these goals are achievablewith local commitment and participation in the implementation of this management plan. Goals of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program 1. Improve the environmental integrity of the Charlotte Harbor study area'. 2. Preserve, restore and enhance seagrass beds, coastal wetlands, barrier beaches, and functionally related uplands. 3. Reduce point and non-point sources of pollution to attain desired-uses of the- estuary. 4. Provide the proper fresh water inflow to the estuary to ensure a balanced- and productive ecosystem. 5. Develop and implement a strategy for public participation and education. 6. Develop and implement a formal Charlotte Harbor management plan with a specified structure and process for achieving goals for the estuary. 7 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan COAST INTO THE FUTURE This management plan is a call for action from our citizens our governments. and our industries. -Everyone who works and plays in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. is called to help in the implementation of this management plan. There is much to be accomplished. Tourism-based industries can work to minimize visitor impact on the natural resources and teach an, appreciation for our unique environ- ment. Residents* can decrease water use'on their lawns and in their homes -to reduce the stress on ourlimited freshwater resources. Homeowners can also decrease stormwater Pollution by, minimizing use of and properly disposing of chemicals, fertilizers, and household waste. Boaters can act to avoid damaging seagrass. beds, harming mana- tees, and other fragile living resources. Agriculture can decrease its water use and utilize re-use water for irrigation. Local governments can implement effective -growth, management to control the impacts, of septic systems, sewage plant discharges, and habitat destruction. This plan -represents our commitment to the-future. The implementation of this plan will determine our legacy to future generations. We are determined to cre- ate our own -future by working together and acknowledging the challenges -we face. The dedication and participation of so many people to create this plan is an important first step. Many of our choices are not easy, but they have last- ing effects. We hope that you and your, children will help us-keep the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed a special place to liVe, work, and-visit. Artwork by Victor McGuire Old church on Boca Grande. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan MANAGEMENT 'CONFERENCE MEMBERS I was impressed by the larege number of individuals and organizations that have been and are working to protect the long term health of Charlotte Harbor and its connected systems. Jim Sampson, TAC ''member CONSENsus FOR ACTION Four committees comprise the management conference of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. Each serves a specialized role but. all support the program goals and activities. Almost 200 people paqrticipate on one or more committees. They have dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to building consensus for the actions in this management plan. The committees and their members are described in the following sections. Photo by Melissa Uptoo Citizens Advisbry Committee members meet at the J.n. "Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge; Sanibel Island. Charlotte National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan POLICY COMMITTEE The Policy Committee establishes general policy for the- Charlotte Harbor NEP and. has ultimate authority in program administration. The Policy Committee appoints members to other committees. and approves budgets. This committee is the bridge between, the management conference and local governments of the region. In fact, all but four of the 24 members of the. Policy Committee represent city, county, or regional governing bodies in Southwest Florida. The following Policy Committee members reflect the citizenry of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed: Ms. Margaret Highsmith, Form er Co-Chair Mr. Medard Kopczynski Florida Department of.Environmental City of Venice Protection Mr. Joe Kowalski Mr. Tom Welborn; Co-Chair City of Arcadia U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 Ms. Molly Krival Hon A.C. "Cal" Adams Citizens Advisory Committee Chair Mr. Douglas Leonard City of Bartow Hon. John Albion Central Florida Regional Planning Council Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Hon. Paul Monroe city of Cape Coral Mr. Jim Beever Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Hon. John Mulholland Commission Town of Fort Myers Beach Hon. Steve Brown Mr. Gary Oden City of Sanibel Hardee County Hon.-Adam Cummings Mr.Donald Ross Charlotte County Commission South Florida Water Management District Hon. T. Felton Garner Secretary Steven Seibert DeSoto County Commission Florida Department of Community Affairs Hon. Patricia Glass. Mr. Jeff Spence Manatee County Commission Polk County Hon. Bill Gorvine Hon Shannon Staub City of Punta Gorda Sarasota County Commission Hon Ray Judah Mr. Robert Tewis Lee county Commission Lee Co my City of Fort Myers Ms. Trudi Williams South Florida Water Management District A Policy Committee meeting being conducted in the City- of Venice. Photo by Melissa Upton 10 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Past Policy Committee Members- Mr. Jim Allen Hon. Nick Timmerman Southwest Florida Water Management District Hardee county Mr. Joe E. Davis Hon. Jack O'Neil Southwest Florida Management District Sarasota County Commission Hon. Joseph Fink Hon. Raymond Pilon' City of North Port Sarasota County 'Commission Mr.. William Hammond Hon. Bill Richards South Florida Water Management District City of Punta Gorda. Mr. Stallings Howell Hon. Robert Shedd U.S. Environmental Protection Agency City of PuInta Gorda Hon. Frank "Bubba" Smith Hon. Wallace Kain City of Sanibel City of Bartow Mr. John Kremski Hon. Amy E. Stein City of Fort Myers Manatee County Commission Hon. Dawn MacGibbon Mr. Peter Ware City of Punta Gorda Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary James Murley Mr. Edward Wotizki Florida Department of Community Affairs Southwest Florida Water Management District MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE The- Management Committee serves -as a bridge between the Citizens' Advisory Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee, and Policy Committee. The Management Committee also provides strong institutional support for the Charlotte Harbor NEP by staffing, funding, or otherwise facilitating projects.. This committee., reviews work plans, contracts and proposals, work schedules and products. It also ensures that program milestones and objectives are accoMplished Each member of the Policy Committe has one or more appointed representatives on the Management Committee. These currently include: Photo by Melissa -Upton A Management Committee meeting being conducted in Myakka City. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. MANAGEMENT -COMMITTEE Wesley "Bo" Crum, Chairman Andreas 'Mager U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4 National Marine Fisheries Service David "Burr, Vice Chairman- Chip Merriam Southwest Florida Regional Planning council South Florida Water Management District Karen-Burnett Col-Joe Miller Sarasota County Resource Management Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alton Cheatham Ken Murray Charlotte County ,Soil and Water Conservation USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service District Misty Nabers Pat Collins Gasparilla Island Conservation & Improvement City of Venice Association June Fisher Roland Ottolini DeSoto County Lee County, Natural Resources Mark Hammond Eduardo Patino, Southwest Florid a Water Manageme t District United States Geological Survey Louis Hinds Michael Perry U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Technical Advisory Committee, Co-Chair Christina- Hummel Jim Quinn Polk County Planning Department Florida Department of Community Affairs Charlie Hunsicker Robert Repenning Manatee county Florida Department of Environmental Protection Robert Kollinger James Sampson Polk County Natural -Resources and Drainage Technical Advisory Committee Co-Chair Division William Smith Molly Krival Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Citizens Advisory Committee Chair- Brian Sodt Rufus Lazzell Central Florida Regional Planning, Council City of Punta Gorda Ronald Stowers Patrick Lehman Hardee County zoning Office Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Robert Tewis Authority city of Fort Myers Chuck Listowski Stephen Thompson West Coast Inland Navigation District Florida Department of Environmental Protection' Robert Loflin Charles Walter City of Sanibel Charlotte County Public Works The Budget Subcommittee meets at the' Charlotte Harbor Environmental Centers alligator Creek Site in Punta Gorda. Photo by Joy Duperault 12 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft comprehensive Conservation Management Plan CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE On The Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) represents public concerns and transfers information back to their local communities. The CAC provides a mechanism for citizens to advise the Charlotte, Harbor NEP, as well. as -distributing relevant information to the public, It works closely with staff to reinforce and maintain public - support for the NEP, develop public participation strategies, and provide input on public education programs. This committee-also helps develop public workshops, provides a forum for public comment, and directs- public concerns to the Technical AdviSory Committee and the Management- Committee. The CAC chair is a voting member of the, Management Committee. CAC members include:". Molly Krival; Chair Carla Kappmeyer-Sherwin J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society Florida Department of Environmental Protection Bob Croft, Vice Chair Wilma Katz Charlotte County Citizen Lemon Bay Conservancy Ralph Allen Joseph Lee Kingfisher Fleet South Gulf Cove Homeowners Assoc. Roger Blackmore Daniel Leonard Charlotte County Citizen shellfish Farmer Board of Directors Anna Bowditch Lloyd Lueptow Charlotte Harbor Advisory Council Charlotte County Citizen John Brenneman Steve Minnis Polk county Extension Service Southwest Florida Water Management District 'Terry Cain Misty Nabers Fort Myers Marine task Force Gasparilla Island Conservation & Improvement Assoc. Beth Casey Kayton Nedza Florida Power & Light Hardee County Outdoor Classroom Ed Chance Andy Neuhofer Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Farm Bureau/Agriculture & Natural Resources Authority Advisory Committee Joyce Chase Barbara Oxford DeSoto County Citizens Against Pollution Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Assoc. Joy Duperault Laraine Pollock Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida Joe Fleming Bill Protheroe Harbor Heights Waterways South Gulf Cove Homeowners Assoc: ken Harrison Louise Raterman DeSoto County The Pinecone Chauncey Go ss Beverly Sidenstick Gasparilla Island Conservation & Improvement, League of Women Voters Assoc. Robert -Slayton Ellen Hawkinson Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society Peace River Audubon. Society Camilla Spicer -Ernest Helms 4H and Boy Scouts of America . U.S. Agri-Chemicals Corp. Sam Stone Ed Higby Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Auth. -Polk County ICAP Lee Thurier Terry Hixon IMC Agrico Company Charlotte County Citizen Bernie. Tibble Richard Huxtable Florida power and Light Edge of the Wild- Susan Toth Nat Italiano 4-H Charlotte Harbor Advisory Council Diana Youmans 13 Hardee County, IMC Agrico Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) provides technical, support, to the NEP. During the planning and interpretive stages of the NEP program, the TAC identified scientific problems facing the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed.. The TAC helps develop work-plans, develops requests for proposals, and reviews the tesponding proposals.- It also assists with information management and-coordinates agency research. A designated TAC co-chair is a 'Voting member of the Management Commit-tee. TAC members include:. Mike Perry, Co-chair Allison "Chip" Clough Southwest Florida Water Management District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, A Jim Sampson,- Co-chair Jorge Coppen CF Industries, Inc. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Steve Adams LeRoy Crockett City, of Punta Gorda Natural Resource Conservation Service Tomma Bames Jim Culter South Florida Water Manaqement District Mote Marine Laboratory Chris Becker David Dale Florida Department -of Enviromental Protection/ - National Marine Fisheries Service Florida Parks Service Kelly Dixon Jim Beever Mote Marine Laboratory Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation John Durkin commission Orang-Co of Florida, Inc. Margaret Bishop Win Everham South Florida Water Management District Florida Gulf Coast University Gregory Blanchard Sharon Fitzgerald Manatee County Environmental Management U.S. Geological Survey Department Thomas Fraser-. Steve Boutelle W_Dexter Bender& Assoc. Lee County Natural Resources Management Pat Fricano Division Florida Department of Environmental Protection Robert -Brown Layne Hamilton Manatee County Environmental Management U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Department Brett Harrington Bill Byle City of North Port Charlotte County National Resources Department Dan Haunert 'Matthew Cain South Florida Water Management District Bromwell & Carrier Inc. Linda Hawk John Capece' South Florida Water Management District University of Florida, IFAS Glenn Heath John Cassani. Southwest(Florida Regional Planning Council Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida Peggy Hellenbach David w. Ceilley Department of Environmental Protection Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Michael Heyl Alton Cheatham Camp, Presser and McKee, Inc. Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Kendal Hicks Daniel Clark -Natural, Resource Conservation Service City of Sanibel Lou Hinds U.S. Fish &,Wildlife Service Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CONTINUED) Anthony Janicki Michael Simonik Janicki Environmental, Inc. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Connie Jarvis James R.E. Smith City of Cape Coral Charlotte County Citizen' Keith Kibbey Jeff Spence Lee County Environmental LAboratory Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage 'Joe King -Heather Stafford Polk County Natural Resources & Drainage Department of Environmental Protection Erick Lindblad Fran Stallings Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Save, the Manatee Club Dianne McCommons Beck Helen Stallkamp Florida Department of Environmental Protection City of Cape Coral Jono Miller Jim Stilwell New, College of USF/Myakka River Coordination City of Punta Gorda Council Sam Stone Mike Milligan Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Center for Systematics and Taxonomy Authority Ralph Montgomery Steve Susick Consultant U.S. Agri-Chemicals Corp.. Gerold Morrison Stephen Thompson- Department of Environmental Protection Florida Department of Enviromental Protection Sandra Newell Jim Thomson Sarasota County Charlotte County Mosquito Control Richard Novak Dave Tomasko Florida Sea Grant Extension Program Southwest Florida Water Management District Warren Olds Bob Vincent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Charlotte County Health Department, Judy Ott Charles Walter- Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte County Public Works Department Shailesh Patel Albert Walton Bromwell & Carrier Inc. Florida Department of Environmental Protection L.A. Pellicer Greg Williams Lee County Natural Resources IMC-Agrico Company Shelly Redovan Dick Workman Lee County Mosquito Control District Coastplan, Inc. Steven Richardson Kelly Young Florida Institute of Phosphate Research Florida department of Environmental Protection Jacque Rippe South Florida Water Management District' Bobbie Rodgers Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Deborah Scerno Florida Departmeni of Environmental Protection Peter Sheng University of Florida/Coastal and Oceanographic' Engineeering Karen Shudes Florida Department of Environmental Protection Ron Silver U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 15 Jv -4@ Cittus gro@e Artwork b@ Victor McGuire 16 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan STAtE OF THE WATERSHED 'A valuable lesson for a person who has only lived on barrier islands, such as myself, was giving a face and a voice -to the other people in the watershed of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program study area. The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program has made it-possible to truly feel connected to the other seven -counties andfor th committee members to express desiresfor their areas in the- common cause Of conserving habitats and natural resources forfuture generations to enjoy. Terry Cain, CAC member NATURAL GEOGRAPHY LINKS INLAND AREAS WITHTHE COAST Inland areas with freshwater lakes and rivers combine with coastal areas to make up -the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed ecosys- tem. The watershed- extends approxi- mately 130 miles, from the northern headwaters of the Peace River in Polk County to. southern Estero Bay in Lee County. The Greater Charlotte Harbor region is divided into seven'sub-basins by' hydrological, ecological,, and management distinctions.' In each of these sub-basins, rainfall collects in wetlands, runs to streams and rivers through -a rich variety of plant and .,/animal. habitat, soils,, and surficial geology. Photo by NASA A satellite image depicts the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. 17 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The Charlotte Harbor estuary has a unique fresh water source. Unlike other estuarie s in southwest Florida that are mostly influenced by the Gulf of Mexico, Charlotte Harbor's Jarge rivers, such as the Peace, give it special characteristics. Large' fluctuations of river flows between wet and dry seasons strongly'affect the water's salinity and dissolved oxygen. In contrast, adjoining waters in Tampa and Sarasota -Bays are more influenced by the Gulf and are usually well-mixed The Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed adjoins the, watersheds of Tampa and Sarasota Bays in Hillsborough and western Manatee and Sarasota counties.. The three combined estuaries are the fourth-largest estuary- system in the entire Gulf of Mexico.. These estuaries are SARASOTA BAY NEP complemented by intensive LAKE 0 EECHOBEE ecosystem management -SWIM PLAN initiatives. in'. South Florida,. initiatives include the. efforts to - solve ERGLADES some, of the problems with Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, the A Ten Thousand Islands, Florida Bay' and the Florida Keys. FLORIDA BA /KEYS RESTORATIO Difficult'resource management issues con- front both the freshwater inland areas and the *coastal estuary region. Inland, groundwater levels have declined significantly, phosphate mining is moving into new areas, and -some lakes and rivers suffer from chronic'water quality problems. More intensive agriculture,, mining, and residentiat development, are replacing native upland habitats and grazing lands. On the, southWest Florida coast, projected increases in visitors, residents, and urban 'development are staggering. Both upstream pollution as well as the increasing water consumption and intensive use of boats, -cars, and roads threaten coastal habitats. For additional information, see The Story of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. !Z)z:afi CompiwSenjive Conjervalion ano(2ranayemenl Wan, Political geography links goverriment in the watershed. The Greater Charlotte Har- X bor Watershed has distinct demographic, cultural, and political features. Loc ally, the watershed includes 15 municipalities in all or most of Polk, Hardee, Desoto, Charlotte, and Lee Counties; eastern Manatee and @arasota Counties; and the nar- roW western edge of Highlands County. Regionally, these local governments are linked by th@ee regional planning. councils, 'two water management-districts, and nurnerods district divisions of-s'tate agencies Nationally, -eight federat agencies and six private science or resource management groups@ a"re also active. in this region. Many of these agencies have multiple roles in managing natural resources in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. The economic geography of the Watershed covers a diverse region of important rural and urban comrnuniti@s and a unique environment worth protecting. Fishing, agriculture, mining, tourism, retirement, and construction compose the economic base. The economy has diversified and strengthened because eople have moved @-p here to enjoy the natural environment. The region, especially coastal counties, has grown at a faster rate since 1950 than the, state and the'nation. Highway@ link inland rural communities with jobs and services in more populous urban,communities on the interstate freeway- system. 1"', Al Tarpon Artw,ork by Victbr McGuire & Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Challenges To Resource Management The large size of the study- area creates challenges for-managers and citizens alike. The watershed has both rural and 'urban characteristics, freshwater and marine ecosystems, tourism and agricul- tural based economies, and diverse local issues and priorities. This diversity cre- ates a need for improved regional man-, ageements as well as public education about the interconnections among the benefits we treasure. The complexity of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed doe's not lend itself to simple. management solutions. Since the watershed is large, Jt is often' difficult to determine how changes are caused by natural conditions versus human impacts., When' a basin undergoe's rapid changes such as the construction of canals, the ex- pansion of urban development, and the Photo by David Moldal intensification of agriculture simulta- Great blue heron neously, it can be troublesome to link en- viromental problems to a single activity. Understanding how human -activities ef- fect water quality, hydrology and habitat requires intensive monitoring and analysis over the long-term. In our diverse region with a constantly growing population, not enough consistent information exists to make perfect dicisionsin these circum- stances, both resource managers and-the public have to make,the best judgements possible even though opinions about the best course 6f action may differ., Declines in wildlife, water quality,, and water flows are usually caused by -a combi- nation. of effects called cumulative impacts. All of us contribute to cumulative im- pacts When we drive our cars, flush our toilets, and build a new house. The chal- lenge to resource management-in southwest Florida is to ensure that the. cumulative - effects are not so large-that the natural systems and the benefits they provide are- beyond repair. When'the quality of.natural resources is diminished, the. area's economy can also be adversely affected.. Understanding how natural resources and the economy are related is also a. challenge to resource. management. For more information, see the Strategic Regional Policy Plan 1995 and 1997, Base -Program Analysis, and The Story of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed 20 4' -am G6@rfo& Yfa, or Xaimnaf 8stuary. 5@wp Ora// CompreSenjive Conieroalion'and'Aranayemen,1.9Yan. THE REGIONALECONOMY Measuring the economic value of the environment and its quality is a, difficult as- M sessment.. Although the value is rarely considered, the economic valu& assoc'iated' with the current uses of our resources, such as tarpon fishing in the Peace River', or non-use" values, -such as the wetlands naturally* providing-treatment of stormwater are important to the regional economy. A functional environment provides clean drinking water for out homes, soil -and fertilizer for our crops, and wading birds to compliment a canoe trip through the mangroves. However, none of these resources are limitless, although they are often. treated as such, 'Tourists. demand clean beaches, or they will-seek substitute destinations with their vacation dollars. Likewise, residents are entitled to a healthy community, yet have a stewardship responsibility to ensure its health. Tourists and residents are drawn to southwest F@lorida because of many-natural amenities. The strength of our economy rests on the quality of our envirom-ndnt, and nearly every household and.occupation is in some way.affected by the health-of the ecosystem. - Conversion of 'natural landscapes has a cost in addition to thatof permits,. blueprints, materials, andlabor. !@atural ecosystems directly pr'lndirectly support. a multitude of jobs, provide es,- sential services for our-communities, and make this a place to enjoy. -Agriculture and phosphate mining dominate the inland counties- of De'Soto, Hardee, and Polk- Counties, WhVe tourism as well as residential and commercial develop- ment plays the dominant role in the coastal econorny.- 'Although the outputs of, goods, services, and revenuds from all sectors of the economy are constantly chang- ing, it is useful t6under-stand & economic value associated with'the current activi- ties, amenities,- and non-use satisfaction levels dependent on natilral resources. Economic activities that are -affected by environmental quality range from recre- ational fishing to'construction. The natural habitats, water quality, and freshwater flows maintain -the amenities and natural resources necessary to sustain fishing-, touri@m, recreation, and. the b0sinesses that sWtain these activities. To make min- ing a profitable venture, @surface water in dd@quate,quantities must be present; for agriculture, water for irrigation and livestock must meet certain -quality standairds., Thus, the. quality and economic output of the activities. is dependent. on the extent and quality of the natural resources. 2 -I Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Estimating the Value of Natural 'Resources, All residents benefit economically from the unique natural resources of -the Greater Charlotte Harbor, Watershed. The multi-billion dollar agriculture industry, Championship fishing, and tourism are directly -related to the, 'quality of the.' environment Natural resources provide jobs and industry earnings as well-as other public and private benefits such as recharging groundwater aquifers and providing essential fish and wildlife habitat. Assessments of natural resource-value must make Certain assumptions and use esti- mates. - These assumptions make the results imprecise and may overestimate some, economic values. Nonetheless', the- methods provide a very useful estimate of natu- ral resources values. Economists used- two methods to estimate the total economic value. of Greater. Charlotte Harbor Watershed natural resources--consumer surplus and total in-come. Consumer surplus may be thought of as consumer "profit." Althouqh this money does not actually change hands, it represents the value of human satisfaction from using the resource. For example, if a family on vacation rented kayaks at a wildlife refuge for $100; but had been willing,to pay up to $120, they would receive a $20 benefit in consumer surplus. Total income -cannot 'be added to consumer surplus, it simply- reflects value differently'. It includes income from direct,- indirect, and induced wages. Any business that relies on natural resources to make money also usually requires goods and services from other businesses. Typically, this support includes food, transportation, utilities; 'Office supplies, and professional services. These related goods and services also produce an income, and additional benefits such as jobs The combined income of a business and the related sales -it generates from other companies is the total,income that a particular business generates in the'reqiion's economy. For example, the -same family on vacation that rented kayaks also likely spent money for gas, meals, and hotel, lodgings. In this case, total income attempts to account for the additional expenditures required to use the resource., 22 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The Economic Value of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed ,The Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed supports 124,000 full-time and part-time jobs and $6.8 billion in total sales annually. Based on this level of economic activity, the watershed also- provides about $1.8 billion per year in net value to recreation' users,- and produces about $3.2 billion per year total income to the area. - Table I summarizes consumer surplus and total income derived from natural resources in. the watershed. This one-year estimate is based on the best inform ation available for 1994 through 1996. -In addition to these billions of dollars in, annual. benefits, we receive uncounted benefits such as clean air to breathe or the scenic beauty of a river, values difficult to quantify, yet, still tied to the quality of the environment. Table 1:'Annual Consumer Surplus and Annual Total Income in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed Resource Activity/Ameni Consumer Surplus Total Direct Indirect, and ty Induced-Income Tourism & Recreational (in Other Recreational Industries Activities) $2,196,941,059 Commercial Fishing, $22,635,667 Recreational Fishing $107,228,991 (in Tourism) Other Recreational $809,448,482 (in Tourism) Activities" Agriculture $671,580,307 Mining $270,250,299 Non-use value of wetland areas in the Charlotte $884,028,344 not applicable Harbor NEP study,area TOTAL $1,80O,705,816 $3,161,407,332 not provided due to information' disclosure constraints. e.g. boating; swimming and other water sports; nature observation. Source: Charlotte Harbor NEP, Estimated Economic Value of Resources, Hazen and Sawyer, 1998, p. ES-5. 23 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan What happens. to these counted and uncounted economic benefits if our natural resources are damaged? Certainly the number of wildlife will decline and so, will other natural benefits such -as purifying and recharging our drinking water'supply. While temporary job's in mining or construction may be created, resulting declines in environmental quality may destroy more permanent jobs in agriculture and business, and impose higher pollution costs. use Economic and natural resource decisions are connected. When considering land changes, should we only look at initial project payoffs, or on the other hand; consider' both the -short and long-term costs and benefits? 'For example, building roads and causeways not only increases access to public lakes, trails, and beaches, but also increases the value of adjacent private lands for more intensive use. Therefore, the cost of such new facilities should include the natural. benefits lost not only from the right-of-ways, but also from the adjacent land opened up for urban development. Do we consider these total costs :when planning future trade-offs? Economic assessment helps us to understand the basic linkage between our natural and. economic geography. Natural resources. are commonly taken for. granted, or simply discounted when assessed with more -traditional methods of economic valuation. 'By considering the economic value of natural 'resources, we may avoid passing on. the costs of our present natural resource alterations to our children and grandchildren. The Charlotte Harbor NEP conducted a study to measure economic value associated with natural resources, These natural resources include fish and wildlife, natural ecosystems, water, minerals, fisheries, and productive soils. The significant activities and amenities include: Agriculture Recreational fishing Mining Water sports and boating Tourism Recreation industries Nature observation Commercial fishing Wetland benefits For more information-see Our Southwest Florida Natural Resources and Economy, 1999 and Estimated Economic Value of Resources, j998. 24 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FRESHWATER CREEKS AND RIVERS Freshwater resources are worth protecting. As freshWater resources decline and -demand for water grows, inland resources increase in value. These waters, are particularly important to inland economies, but theif quality affects the entire Greater -Charlotte Harbor Watershed. Agricultural land uses, including ranching are one of the-three traditional components of the state-wide economic base. These freshwater-based uses and the coastal communities they supply with food and other products. are linked by the rivers. and economics. Freshwater resources define the quality-,of residential life in both coastal- and inland communities. These resources support agriculture, fishing,- mining, and recreation/' tourism uses valued annually in billions of dollars.\ Three sub-basins 'Contain, our.' major surface freshwater supplies - the upper watersheds of the Myakka, Peace,and Caloosahatchee Rivers. MANATEE HARDEE -The Myakka River COUNTY COUNTY The Myakka Watershed has the, larg- ere est contiguous wetland landscape of Up the three sub-basins (Map 2). The river begins its southerly flow from headwaters in Manatee and Hardee counties. After following a narrow floodplain forest corridor, the river slows and enters a series of lakes in wer Myakka River State Park, the largest M kka, state park in Florida. 'Deer Prairie Creek and Big Slough feed the, river as ...................... it widens and enters Charlotte Harbor., CHARLOqM Cattle ranching dominates the majority of the basin, especially upstream of Myakka River State Park. To satisfy the need for range and pastureland, - much of the watershed was drained LOCATION Myakka River-Basin Map 2: Myakka River Basin. For more information on freshwater resources, see Charlotte Harbor NEP, The. Story of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, 1998. 25 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and diverted. These alterati/ons enabled some of the drained area to be used for row crops and citrus groves. Other parts of the upper and central portions of the Myakka watershed have been acquired for state management and protection. In the lower portion of the Myakka basin, urban development is gradually displacing agriculture., Former grazing lands along the banks of the lower Myakka River -are now being converted to urban uses,, mostly homes. Some con struction is finally occurring on the vast inventory of lands that were platted in the 1960s. At that time, "these plat's displaced agriculture *in- western Port Charlotte and. in the City of North Port. The Myakka River now becomes even more important to these areas,- supplying their drinking water as well as habitat for fish and wildlife. Photo left: Oak tree on the Myakka River. Photo by David Moldal Photo right: Tree dic- off at Flatford Swamp in the, Myakka River Watershed. Photo by David tomasko 26 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The Peace River At 2,300. square miles, the Peace River basin i's the largest and most diverse in the Greater Charlotte\ Harbor Watershed (Map 3) The river originates at the Green Swamp in central Polk County, draininga series of wetlands, and lakes. The rate of flow. is directly proportional to groundwater levels. Underground and overland flows follow natural and altered paths through canals, 'flood control structures, former phosphate mines, wetlands, and- Lake Hancock. South of Lake Hancock, to- canals and tributaries combine to define the main channel of the Peace River that eventually flows over 100 miles southwest to Charlotte Harbor. *For almost a century, phosphate mines have been a major land use in the Polk County, headwaters of the Peace River, greatly altering the hydrology, and natural flora and fauna of the landscape.. Since adoption of a State trust fund, in 1977, a portion of old mined areas are being voluntarily reclaimed. Citrus cattle -- ------- ranching, and row crop farming also occurs in Polk County, but even more commonly, downstream in Hardee, Peace at Bartow DeSoto, and Highlands Counties. I COUNTY POLK COUNTY The Peace River is the major at Zo ho freshwater contributor to Charlotte sp gs Harbor. It is a major source of Payne drinking Water' for about 90,000 - --- -- ----------- people in Charlotte, DeSoto, and also MANATM Sarasota Counties. When the effects COUNTY arlie I I C at reek of mining and agriculture have - - - - - Area combined with municipal water uses 111GHLANIM COUNTY and decreased. rainfall, freshwater flows have declined, threatening the At UNTY DE sqm ecology of the river system and COUNTY er SheH ce reek Charlotte Harbor. Reduced flows are most apparent upstream, although declines have -also been recorded in the- Peace River as far downstream as CH COUNTY Arcadia. LOCA2qMN Peace River Basin Map 3: Peace River Basin: 27 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The Caloosahatchee River Before this century, the -Caloosahatchee River originated as- overland flows from Lake Okeechobee' through marshlands and swamp forest. Since then, the U.S. Army' Corps of Engineers has gradually converted the upper river into a canal connecting the lake and controlled by discharge structures 'and locks. Today,- Franklin Lock in L ee County separates the freshwater of the river from-the salt water of the estuary. It also marks the beginning of the 30 mile tidal basin of -the Caloosahatchee River-- starting at the'lock and continuing. to the Gulf of Mexico (Map 4). Twentieth century transportation, drainage, irrigation, and waste disposal have been. hard on the Caloosahatchee 'River and its watershed. Channels straighten-" shorelines hardened, oyster reefs dredged; the river has been assaulted by raw sewage, stormwater runoff, great counter-seasonal freshwater releases, pesticide- spills," thermal -effluent and exotic, nuisance species. Dominated by, the human uses in the surrounding cities of' 'Cape Coral and MAW= COUNTY Tekgraph Fort Myers, the estuary still provides' Swamp critical. habitat that'. requires careful management. Despite the accumulated damages, seagrAsses still flourish when river conditions are suitable. Boaters ---------- -------- Lowei Calqoosaltatchee delight upon seeing, manatees, and F anglers speak of remarkable catches,.of snook or redfish from secret fishing holes. Agribusiness- has converted many uplands and wetlands east of. Franklin - Lock to intensive agricultural uses. COUNTY Conversion includes numerous drainage- and irrigation canals where crop demands regulate river water flows into or out of 4, the -adjacent canals. - The. citrus Industry has expanded significantly' into the upper LOCATION sub-basin during -the past decade - and Tidal caloosahatchee River Basin depends highly on controlling soil water-- + levels. In addition \to the upstream channel,. small creeks and tributaries Map 4: Tidal Caloosahatchee -Basin. contribute significant freshwater' to the- sub-basin. Considerable freshwater urban runoff also enters the river and estuary. from the extensive Lee County network of navigation and drainage channels. 28 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS Estuaries are among the-most productive environments on earth. When the freshwater creeks and rivers meet the salty wafers of the Gulf of Mexico, they create a unique and productive estuarine environment. 'Plants, animals, and people take- advantage of the places we call estuaries: Many species. of freshwater and marine animals rely on the estuary and spend a portion of their life cyclein this environment. A series of distincf but related bays and estuaries make u the coastal environment of southwest Florida. Together they form one of the largest systems in the state and the west coast of Florida's most productive estuarinearea. Estuarine environments require careful management. The estuaries in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed are unique resources heavily influenced by freshwater systems and intense use. Restoration and maintenance of high environmental quality should sustain the coastal economic base for tourism, fishing, recreation, and -residential quality of life. Coastal Venice and Lemon gay ---------- - ----- A series of' bays, beaches, barrier inlands, and mangroves dominates the Coastal Venice to Cape Haze estuarine area. The barrier islands separate the waterway running from Venice Inlet through Lemon Bay from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Charlotte Harbor. Gasparilla Sound, a broad open waterbody, forms the Coastal Venice -exception to this pattern of lagoons. Southward, Gasparilla Sound merges into Charlotte Harbor proper (Maps 5 ---------- and 6). . . . . . . . . . . . LOCATION Coastal Venice Basin 0 Map 5: Coastal Venice Basin. For more information, see Base Programs Analysis, Volume 1, 1998. 29 COO) fl Cervalion and X.@ This part of the study are, a has some important resource managemenrchAllenges: #,the effectod boat traffic-and dredging on-the Intracoastal Vaterway;. retaining mangrove areas and protecting seagrass beds,; large areas,of undeveloped platted lots@ the effects of septic systems and stormwater rurfoff froindevelopment,on water quality; dynamically unstable tidal inlets; and removal of nuisance exotic vegetation. All of these factors influence the neighborhoods and habitats in this coastal area'. Charlotte Harbor, Myakka and Peace Estuaries Charlotte Harbor proper lies primarily in Charlotte@ County and connects to the Gulf of Mexico through Boca Grande Pass (Map, 7). Alth6ugh the harbor has an area of hbout 270 square miles, much of it is very shallow. ---------- Areas of dee harbor water extend up Lemon into the lower Myakka and Peace Bay Sandy shelves.make up-the rivers. walls" including Cape Haze . ....... .... harbor on the west, and Punta Gorda/,C4pe Coral on the. east. These east and west, walls are covered- by seagrass beds-- essential habitat for young fish and wildlife. other The tides from the Gulf of Mexico @' mm_'. effect water levels far up. the Myakka . . .. and Peace rivers-. Although saltwater f LOCATION migrates up the rivers during low river S1 t Lemon Biy Ba flow penods,_ ypical high flows iii + summer freglien the rivers and lower .1 2 4 1,1 harbor. salinity. -Thus, the harbor changes dramatically with the sdasons. - -Lemon Bay Basin. Map 6. For more information, see Synthesis 30 of Existing Infibmation, 1999. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The public owns many -of the wetlands, mangrove forests,. And salt marshes, surrounding the harbor. 'Very large buffer areas, part of the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve, and mangrove islands are also publically owned. - However, much of the former ranch land and natural habitat have been displaced by- platted lots and suburban development. As people continue to move to the communities around Charlotte Harbor the impacts of man-made canals, septic systems, mangrove trimming, and loss of upland habitats require more careful management. One excellent example is the recent decision- by Charlotte County to provide central sewers in South Gulf Cove. DE SOTO The 270 square mi1e Charlotte COUNTY Harbor estuary is. characterized by: Freshwater inflow from three major rivers and several CHARLOTTE COUNTY smaller streams mixing with sea waters of the Gulf, Semi-tropical plants and animals specifically adapted Charlotte Harbor to this habitat; Proper Basin Sem enclosed bodies of ---------- ------ water open to the Gulf of Mexico through several tidal inlets; and, + Freshwater dilution of sea water ranging from zero to 100 percent, depending on season, location, and depth COUNTY in the harbor. LOCATION Charlotte-Harbor proper Basin Map 7: Charlotte Harbor Proper Basin. 31 A Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Fine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass Two large estuaries, Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass, lie immediately south of Charlotte Harbor Proper,(.Map, 8). Pine Island separates the two estuaries-and -provides them with limited freshwater from numerous small creeks and wetland - areas., Direct rainfall and runoff from western Cape Coral provide the 'major portion of freshwater to Pine Is-land Sound and Matalacha Pass. The Cape Coral interceptor waterways directly influence the quantity and quality of the freshwate'r inflow. Both estuaries have extensive seagrass beds that provide essential habitat. for young fish. Periodically,. during large release from the Caloosahatchee River, outflow.can discharge freshwater through San -Carlos Bay into; southern Pine Island Sound. Dredging and altered timing and volumes of . freshwater discharges from the Caloosatchee River system has harmed these estuaries. Seagrasses, oyster beds, and other plants and animals are vulnerable to salinity changes, sediments, and pollutants that occur during dramatic changes -in freshwater CHARLOTTE COUNTY inflows. A better understanding of -------------- these impacts-. and improved management of freshwater- releases is necessary to -protect these coastal habitats. L MAI Estero Bay and Watershed Just south of the Caloosahatchee River mouth,- Matanzas Pass to San Carlos Bay forms northern boundary of the Estero Bay estuary (Map 9). Protected on the, west by a barrier 'island chain including the' town of Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, the estuary stretches southeast to the mouth of the Imperial River at 'the - county boundary. Extensive seagrass beds support young fish and LOCATION Pine Island Basin crabs in the shallow bays, and mangroves support large bird rookeries on the bay's numerous islands. Map 8: Pine Island Basin., 32 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan A 15 square mile area of the Estero Bay Watershed is designated as a state aquatic preserve. The state also protects tributaries in the Estero Bay watershed by the designation "0 utstanding Florida Waters." The 300 square mile Estero basin is currently subject to significant growth- and, development, including several large residential projects and Florida Gulf Coast University. COUNTY Estero Day COLLIER COUNTY Creek. LOCATION Estero flay Basin Map 9: Estero Bay Basin. For more information, see The Story Of The Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, 1998. 33 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ECONOmic ACTIVITIES IN THE WATERSHED Phosphate Mining Is A Unique Regional Activity The -phosphate industry is a-'significant factor, in resource management within' Charlotte Harbor NEP watershed. The "Bone Valley" phosphate deposit of more than-500-000 acres lie principally within the Peace River basin. This, deposit is a unique resource within North and South America. Mineable reserves within the Bone Valley deposit are projected to last at least an additional 30 Years. The deposit provides. approximately 75 percent of the nation's phosphate supply, and about 25 percent of the world supply. Approximately 240,000 acres have been mined in Polk, Hillsborough, Hardee,and Manatee counties Previous mining-in Polk County accounts for more than 197,000 acres of the total mined'.area.. Additional mines are under consideration for Hardee, DeSoto and Manatee Counties.' This industry, in an important segment of the economy -within the central and north- ern portions of the NEP watershed. The Florida phosphate industry employs more than 8,000 people with a total payroll of more than $423 million. The industry contributed more than $120 million in sales, property gross. severance, and other\ faxes in 1996. The first $10 million collected in severance tax each year is -directed to the Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Trust Fund. The State-of Florida uses this money to purchase environmentally sensitive lands. Since 1979 the CARL program has received more than $432 million -from the phosphate industry sever- ance tax. A,significant majority of these funds have been spent on the acquisition of, environ- mentally -sensitive lands -elsewhere in Florida. The mining and reclama tion process significantly change the land form of large areas within the.,- NEP watershed. The hy- drology of significant ar- Photo by David moldal eas of the watershed has Draglines nes are used to strip mine phosphate deposits in the region also been impacted.. The known as the "Bone Valley. visual impact of mining, especially prior to recal- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan mation is significant. Real and perceived envi- ronmental impacts due to mining- and chemical processing are of signifi- cant public concern. The, nature of that concern contributes toward differ- ing perspectives of the industry held-by citizens of the upper basin and of the, area surrounding - Charlotte Harbor. Photo by Melissa Upton The mining process significantly changes the land form of large Agriculture areas within the Charlotte Harbor NEP watershed. Agriculture is the area's economic anchor, seco nd only to tourism in Florida and the Charlotte Harbor region. Curiously as Florida loses reco d levels of wetlands and native uplands to farmland, the state also leads the nation in farmland lost to devel- opment. Former ranches and farms in coastal counties are especially vulnerable to wholesale transformation into bedroom communities. Citrus is the main agricultural product. Freezes in the 1980s in northern Florida accelerated the establishment of citrus groves in Isouthwest Florida, notably Lee County. More. than a dozen citrus- varieties are grown, Ialthough most acreage goes into juice oranges. Jn 1995, a total of 283,000 -acres of land in the-study area wa I s dedicated to citrus -- one third of all Florida citrus acreage. Beef cattle follow citrus in economic importance. Four counties count among Florida's top 1 O'beef producers: Polk, Hardee DeSoto, and Manatee. Hardee County leads the region in dairy production, with 8,000 cows in;1996, and Polk County is Florida's second-largest egg producer. Other crops are characteristic of the region. Hardee County is the self-proclaimed cucumber capital of America. Tropical fruit production, on Pine Island is a growing lands use. Tomato acreage has grown rap- idly in-this decade, joining strawberries, watermelon, and peppers as dominant -field crops. Agriculture faces challenges on all fronts throughout our region. Land clearing, leveling, and drainage improvements transform habitats. Florida's greatest water demands are for agriculture, but overpumping of aquifers has caused large decreases 35 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan of the groundwater pressure. Groundwater pumped to the surface for irrigation es- capes fields, - adding to stream flows and changing the natural water chemistry of Myakka and Peace, River tributaries. Fertilizers and pesticides find their way to surface arid gro und waters, creating calls for tighter farmland regulation-. Additionally farmers face growing economic challenges. The federal tax code can compel families to sellfarms in order to pay estate\taxes, Despite green belt exemp- tions, property takes have escalated as nearby rural lands are developed. Citrus falls unpicked 'as crop prices fluctuate unpredictably. Preserving the economic viability of ranches and family farms, while at the same time providing for the. region's eco- logical integrity, is one of our. greatest challenges. Cow/Calf Ranching Ranches occupy vast areas of -the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. These. ranches are predominantly cow/calf ranches rather than dairies. Calves born throughout the basin- are shipped to midwestern and plains states where they can be fed abundant and in Photo by-Joy Duperault expensive corn. Ranching The main agricultural activity in the Myakka River water shed -is a relatively benign land, is cattle ranching. use. Fences interfere little with movements of native' wildlife. Natural landscapes are opened up without completely removing wetlands or, forested areas. Much of the Peace And Myakka rivers' natural shorel1ne beatify -results from ranchers decisions to keep cattle from wetter.areas. Ranchers also use prescribed burns to manage grasslands and native habitats. Runoff from ranch land .,tends, to have few contaminants other than coliform bacteria, and n.itrogen. Earlier- practices of unchecked pesticide use at cattle "dipping stations" are now, avoided. Economic pressures endanger future ranching.. Development potential has raised the tax base-of some ranches to critical levels- and some -ranch -families may be forced to divide land in order to pay estate taxes. Others will lease -and convert ranch land to citrus or tomato producers. that often degrade land, soils, and water. The rural quality of the region'depends on, the maintenance of our ranching heritage. 36 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Photo by Melissa Upton Shrimp trawlers at Fort Myers Beach. Commercial and Sport Fisheries Recreational fishing in freshwater creeks, rivers, and lakes is a popular pastime in -inland counties such as Polk, Highlands, Hardee and DeS`oto. Sn6ok are caught as far upstream as Fort Meade, while. freshwater fish such as largemouth bass, croppie, gar, and the exotic species tilapia are also highly prized gamefish throughout the study area. Charlotte Harbor is highly significant to Florida as 'a nursery ground for marine and estuarine'species. Up to 90 percent of commercial and 70 percent of rec reational species landed in Florida-spend all or pa rt of their lives in estuaries. The main fishery species of commercial and recreational value in the study area, include the following: black mullet, spotted sea trout, red drum, black drum, king whiting, flounder, blue crab, pink shrimp, -stone' crab, hard clam, snook, tarpon, grouper, sea bass, snapper, Florida pompano, bluefish, sand sea trout, Spanish and king mackerel, sheepshead, and several species of sharks. The bountiful waters off Charlotte Harbor provide'some of the best saltwater sportfishing in the world. Snook, tarpon, redfish, and spotted seatrout are just a few gamefish found here. About one-third of all tourists come to Florida to fish; as a result, the Charlotte Harbor region derives substantial economic benefits from the maintenance of a healthy estuarine -and coastal sport fishery. It is difficult to estab- lisji a precise monetary Value because of-the industry's,close relationship to tourism facilities and service, but Florida Department of Environmental Protection data in- dicate that 21 percent of our population engages in recreational dishing and total angling in the region exceeds $1.1 billion annually. 37 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Shellfish Harvesting-_ Most than 275 species of shellfish are found throughout the waters of the Char- lotte Harbor estuaries. In the ancient past the. Calusa Indians Of' southwest Florida gathered -enormous amounts of shellfish digging canals and constructing immense shell mounds. These shell mounds sfill dot the coastal landscape, of the Charlotte Harbor Nep and some are protected as Harbor NEP, and some are "State Archaeological Sites." - . In the more recent past, oysters, clams, and scallops- were harvested commer-' cially and rec-reationally throughout -Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, Charlotte Harbor, and Pine Island Sound. The height of the shellfish industry in the Charlotte Harbor area occurred during the 1940s. However, since this time,. the- commercial harvest of shellfish has been Calusa Indians digging the "Great Canal" at declining with the disappearance of the Pineland on Pine Island' scallop fishery -in Pine Island Sound in the early-1960s. Shellfish are a reliable measure of the environmental health of an estuary. Because, shellfish -feed by filtering estuary water, they- assimilate and concentrate materials carried in the water. In clean water free from bacteria, red tide, and. other pollutants, the shellfish can be safely eaten -year round. In areas. of the estuaries affected sea sonally by red tide -or nearby urban areas, shellfish may- not be safe -to consume. Therefore, shellfish-must be monitored regularly to protect public health. Currently,' about one-third of Pine Island Sound is approved for shellfish harvesting year-round. Many areas in Lemon Bay Gasparilla Sound, and the Myakka River are condition- ally. approved for seasonal harvest when bacteria- and red tide levels are at safe lev- els. Pine Island Sound and Estero Bay- are closed to shellfish harvesting throughout the year due to measured or probable bacterial contamination. -The importance -of healthy waters 'for safe shellfisheries has taken on a new significance in Charlotte Harbor with the introduction of clam farming in Gasparilla and Pine Island Sounds. Areas of the submerged estuary bottom lands are leased to individuals by the state for growing clams. Clams require proper salinity, oxygen, and nutrients to grow -at a reasonable rate and good water- quality to be safe -to eat., 38 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Residential. Land Uses The land-sale development that began in the 1950s dramatically and permanently changed the character and use of the land Pastures and cropland were drained and cleared, and coastal lowlands were dredged and filled to create developable homesites by the tefis of thousands'. The land was subdivided, canals were dug, and 'streets were paved. However, in most of these developments very few houses were built. Even throuqh some of this land was -platted and sold 20 years ago, today, a large percentage of it remains sparsely populated. The existing,residential centers such as Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte Punta Gorda, Englewood, Venice, and Sanibel have expanded and grown, but these areas are small compared to the, near-empty land-sales developments. The thousands of acres of land subdivided in the. 1950s and, 1960s have perma- nently cast the form of future development. The platting of these extensive tracts or- land removed thousands of acres from agricultural and other productive uses years in 'advance of when the land would actually be needed for housing. Agricultural land is under considerable development pressure near existing urban centers, par- ticularly south and east of Fort Myers. There, flower and vegetable cropland is being rapidly displaced by urban land uses. Since so much land-,has already been converted, it may be preferable, to e ncourage new development to in-fill platted areas before covering additional high-quality habitat areas. Gated cornmunity Artwork by Victor McGuire 39 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Tourism Tourism plays- a major economic role in all of Florida. Many residents initially came to the area on business or on vacation, and them decided to make Florida home. Surveys. indication, that beaches -remain the top attraction for both domestic and international visitors.. In central Florida, tourists *are attracted to Cypress Gar- dens, Bok Tower- and its botanical gardens, and major league baseball training sites. On a regional basis for central Florida,' tourism is- considered the -"third industry", behind citrus -and phosphate mining. Tourists and winter visitors are drawn to cer- tain natural resource attractions in the inland parts of the study area such as Winter Haven's Chain of Lakes, the Peace River, and the Highlands Hammock- State Park.' Canoeing and freshwater fishing are common, attractions -in central Florida lakes, canals, and rivers. In-coastal southwest Florida, tourism has been an important element of the economy since the 19th century. -In 1993 approximately 1. 7 million tourists visited coastal southwest Florida.' Seasonal residents spend extended periods of time enjoying the temperate winter climate and warm Gulf waters. Longer visits are also common by international travelers from places such as Canada and Germany. The coastal area also attracts. vacationing tourists and business travelers for shorter periods of time. The total, coastal population, therefore, increases by more than 30 percent above the permanent population because of seasonal, business and vacationing tourists. In 1993, total tourism expenditures were more. than,$ 1.1 billion in Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee-Counties, with vacationing tourism dollars contributing 53 percent of total tourism. spending-. Coastal. residents and tourists alike enjoying renowned boating and- fishing, a moderate climate, shelling and bird-Watching, and spring baseball train- Ing. White, sandy, beaches like this one on Sanibel Island arefound throughout the coastline of the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area and,are a major attraction for both national and interna- tional tourists. Photo by Melissa Upton 40 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Land Use and Environmental Management, "Living on -a canal has made me aware of the fragility of water. Thefertilizers we use can really he devastating.. The NEP has given me a chance to learn about, explore and discuss the water quality in our area. The phosphate mines were especially interesting. Although I knew they existed, I did hot know of the great,effort in the last 20 years that went into -making them -add to instead of detract from the environment. Joe Lee, CAC member Land use changes are constantly occurring in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. The Charlotte Harbor NEP reviewed land use planning efforts as part of, an evaluation of the- region's environmental management., This analysis, included information- about specific, local issues,. and about how government and private groups- make land use decisions. The following activities and land use decisions affect enviromnental management: Residential land sales since the 1950s dramatically and permanently changed land use patterns. Lowlands were dredged and filled, and pas-' tures and crop land were drained and cleared to create almost a million outlying homesites in the three coastal- counties. Most-of these platted lots and streets still lie empty and overgrown, but continued road-building near the urban centers of Venice, Englewood, Punta Gorda, Bartow, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Sanibel is opening up even more, agricultural lands and natural habitat for urban development. Tourist, surveys indicate that water and beaches remain the., top attraction for visitors. The total coastal population in Charlotte, Lee, and.-Sarasota Counties now increases by over 30% above permanent residents for seasonal, business, and vacationing visitors. Many of these visitors decide to buy a-residence in Florida, adding more population and pressure on land and water resources. for more information, see The Story of The Greater charlotte Harbor- Watershed, 1998 41 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Darft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strip mines remove and process phosphate rock in, Polk, Hardee, and Manatee Counties'. DeSoto County anticipates mining activities in the near future. Although early operations caused both air and, water pollution, regulation has reduced pollution and conserved water. However, mining operations still disrupt water quality, wildlife habitats, and change the way water is stored in the system Compared to more intensive. land/uses, runoff from cattle ranching carries relatively few contaminants other than coliform bacteria and nitrogen compared to more intensive land uses. But land clearing, leveling, and, draining for crops can have more serious effects. Citrus and row crop farming can transform habitats, deplete aquifers, and pollute surface and, ground. water with- fertilizers and pesticides. Mound Key, located in Estero Bay, was the home of Carlos, King of the Calusa, and scholars believe it was the ceremonial center of the vast Calusa empire in southwest Florida when the Spanish arrived in 1513 -The island is now protected as a State Archaeological Site. Photo by Melissa Upton The Pick Preserve is made up of 26 Samuel Captiva Conservation Foundation acres of land that is contiguous with -the 264-acre Florida State Botanical Site on Sanibel Island. Purchased in 1995 by the Sanihel-Captiva Pick Preserve Conservation Foundation the pick Thanks to Partners for Preservation Preserve is located along Sanibel- Tom & Sue Pick, Mary Glenna Mapass Preserve is located along Sanibel-. June & Hat Patinkinq, Keith MoffaL Bob Manger and other foundation Members" Captiva Road; opposite the Sanibel Elementary School and J.N. "Ding". -Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by David Moldal 42 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WHO MAKES THESE LAND USE DECISIONS? However unintentionally, some land use decisions can. degrade the value.of the environment and-our quality of, life. Many different private organizations and public agencies make these decisions - some through.multiple roles and programs. In Florida, local goverments have 'lot Florida law delegates most land use primary responsibility for land use authority to local governments, with and planning. 'state and regional supervision.. City and, county plans, regulations, taxes, and public faciiities create a framework for private land use decisions. About three7 fourths of the applicable. policies in all city and county comprehensive- plans within, the watershed implement the relevant goals of this Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Most gaps in local policies concern point source pollution and freshwater inflows that are usually regulated by regional and state agencies. Growthrequires improved management of urban and rural resources. Local government comprehensive plans reflect the population growth forecasted by the year 2010 (Table 2). Des ite growing urbanization, rangeland and pasture will continue to dominate the Greater County Boundary Charlotte Harbor Watershed (Map 10). Agriculture Single Family However, intensive agriculture and Mining Water phosphate mining expected to increase and improved ennvironrnental Commeracial office Industrial performance will be required of all NEP Boundary u out of NEP farming and mining activities to prevent large-scale- water quality and -quantity degradation. 0 5 10 15 miles Charlotte Harbor NEP Future Land Use Map 10: Charlotte Harbor NEP Future Land Use. Source: Base Program Analysis Volume 1 Charlotte Harbor NEP, 1998, P.11 43 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Not surprisingly, most local plans assume that a majority of the new residents will continue to choose traditional 'Single- family housing or multi-family apartment/ -condominiums. Together 'with supporting- commerce, office, and industrial development, 'the plans project. that these urban- uses will take over a fifth of the region's, land area by the year - 20 10. At the'same time, area devoted to natural preserves and -water resources are not projected to grow at the same pace.- Urban. development can cause water quality and quantity problems, as well as loss of natural habitat. Improved environmental, management of this development 'will be required. Land use and management, for,example, affect the timing of rainwater traveling to a water body, subsequent nutrient concentrations and-loading rate and -A habitat availability. The following sections describe current issues of the region's water quality, hydrologic alterations, and habitat 1oss with regard to predicted growth and development: POPULATION ESTIMATES & FORECASTS County Year 1960* 1980* 2000** 2020** % Change Charlotte 12,600 58,500 142,400. 210,700 1,572% Desoto 11,700 19,000 30,000 38,300 227% Hardee 12,400 20,400 23,200 25,200 102% Lee 54,500 205,300 421,800 594,300 990% Polk 195,100 321,700 480,500 615,000 215% Sarisota 76,900 \202,300 325,900 419,100 SUBTOTAL 363,200 827,200 1,423,800 1,902,600- 424% Florida 4,951,600 9,747,000 15,233,000 '20,066,000 305% United States 180,700,000 227'700,000 274,634,000 322,742,000 799% - Countywide, Florida ,and U.S. estimates from the U.S. Census. Countywide. forecasts from the University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research,, and Florida and U.S. forecasts from U.s. Dept of Commerce. Table 2: Population Estimates and Forecasts. 44 CSarfolle XarSor Xalionaf Csluaiy 5?mVpam 2)--// Co.Tm@enjive Conjervalion and-Wana qemenl 5EKEn WATER QUALITY BACKGROUND-. Nutrients The amount of nutrients entering a waterbody ha's important effects on water qual-- ity. Plants and animals, that live in lakes, rivers, and estuaries use'these nutrients, especially, nitrogen and phosphorus,,to- grow, and survive. However, when exces- sive amounts Of nutrients enter the @water,negative impacts can occur. Excessive, nutrients may cause algal bloorns that turn the water green and block sunlight for M aquatic Plants. When the 'nutrients are used up, the algae dies in large qqatitities, and the bacteria that consume the- algae deplete the oxygen in the water. Low oxygen, in turn, can kill fish and other animals that cannot escape the low oxygen zone. Low levels of oxygen in the water, are sometimes called "hypoxia." Nutrients cycle through water, plants, diiii-nals, and soils. Problems- -occur when people add additionalnuttientg to the water in great excess to nature's contribution. Nutrients can come. from a large num ber of soufces and are -therefore one of our leading@ threats to water quality. Below are some examples of sources of nutrients. Sewage, Treatment PlandslDomestir Point Sources: When sewage treatment plants process residential and commercial waste, they, remove most of the* nutrients from the water. However, most of the water discharged from sewage.treatmeni plants still contain -some nutrients. These discharges are point sources of nutrients to the lakes, estuaries, and,.streams where they are located. Industrial Sources: Many types of industrial facilities discharge water used in their manufacturing processes,. These discharges are regulated and, therefore, m ust meet state @tandards. Industries such as citrus processing, phosphate. beneficiation, and animal feed lots'are sources of nutri6nts although they are limited to the state stan- dards for theirdischarges. Atmospheric Deposition: The air around us contains -nutrients also. Nutrients are -released into the air from local sources such ascar engines and power plants. Dis- tant sources such as fires in Mexico an'd'out-of-state industries,can'also ser@e'as nutrient sources. Nutrients from the air can fall directly orito the land as rain or as tiny dry. particles. @They are then carried to a nearby water body during a rain everit Jt is estimated that atmospheric deposition is the source of 20% of the total nitrogen and 8% of the total phosphorus loads to our waterbodies. For more information, see The Story of The Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, 1998. 45 N Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan No, n-point sources: This term is used for the many places where nutrients come from when they are carried by rainwater to a storm drain, creek, or canal, and into our lakes, rivers, and estuaries. These sources are many and h,ave the largest impact on the amount of nutrients in the water. Sources include fertilizers from residential lawns, agricultural operations, litter and oil on roads, and animal waste from live- stock. It is important to note that everyone contributes to these sources and it is the most difficult category of sources to control. Photo by David Moldal The spread of exotic- vegetation and water pollution sources -are a threat to the Estero River watershed- Septic Tank Systems: Septic tank systems are common in the region. These tanks process household Waste, in areas where central sewage treatment is not available. Proper placement and maintenance -of these systems are critical to. their effective use. When these systems malfunction, even one household, can be a large local source of nutrients and bacteria. The nutrients can have adverse effects-on water quality and the bacteria can cause disease. in animals including humans. Groundwater.' Water that has been stored in the ground and then travels to the sur- face contain's nutrients. Groundwatr sources of nutrients are estimatedto be small,* but-may be important to. streams and rivers with large springs or areas where-people are pumping groundwater and then discharging it to local waterbodies. Since the region's water table is high', there is much interaction between surface water and groundwater. Therefore, surface and groundwater quantity and quality are strongly related. CSarfolk1farAor Xalionaf &Iua,* _A-yr- Ar Drafl Co-pr-S-jzve Conjervahon and'17anayewenl an Bacteria Bacteria in thewater-affect our ability to use the,water for drinking; swimming, and sh"t-11fishing. The state's Water standards establish bacteria limits for different types of uses. The highest standards are for shellfishing areas. Shellfish such as clams and oysters can Concentrate bacteria in their bodies. When they are eaten raw, these- bacteria can cause serious ill nkss* or even death. Therefore, only the waters that are regularly monitored and show very low levels of bacteria are oper for shellfish Col- lection. Other, less stringent standards, apply for drinking water andfor water recre- Zt!% ation such as swimming and fishing. Bacteria can come from a, variety of sources but those of most concern come fr6m fecal waste of animals and'people. Sources of fecal bacteria include malfunctioning septic -tank systems, leaking sanitary sewers, concentrated animal feedlots, and un- treated waste from, wastewater 'plant overflows. Other sources such as urban pet waste and stormwater are significant sources, especially after a heavy rainfall. For this reason, many"shellfish areas are closed immediately after a largeiain event. Di6solved Oxygen When dissolved oxygen is Iow'in the water, fish and other aquatic animals cannot respire and may die. The factors that control oxygen levels are complex and change not only throughout the year but also during a single day.,- Sources.of oxygen in-' clude plant photosynthesis and surface mixing from wind., Uses of oxygen include, decomposition, sediment oxygen -demand, and plant and animal respiration'. Human impacts on Water quality can affect the amount of oxygen,available for aquatic animals. Excess nutrients can cause algal blooms. When the algae die, their decom- position -can use up most of the water's oxygen. During the rainy season-, large amounts of freshwater can flow over the top of saltier'(and heavier) water, creating a freshwater cap that reduces the movement of oxygen to deeper water. Nutrients and bacteria in bottorfi sediments can combine to create a demand for oxygen that limits in theyater column. the oxygen available Also, sediments and particles in the water can limit sunlight that, in turn, lowers the amount of_oxygen-producin g photosyn- thesis that occurs in plants. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan TToxics The sources of toxics are numerous and are expensive to 'monitor. Toxics' include heavy 'metals like lead and mercury. Pesticides and chemicals that are unhealthy for plants and animals.,, includin people, are also considered toxics. Toxics can be released into the air from power plants manufacturing facilities, or autos., They can be deposited on. land and water though the use of pesticides, illegaf dumping, and accidental spills. After a rain, stormwater carries oil' heavy metals, lawn chemicals, and waste into rivers and estuaries.- Some toxic chemicals can be stored in the sediments. of lakes and. -estuaries allowing- their ill-effects to continue for extended periods,of time. Beach scene Artwork by Victor-McGuire Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HYDROLOGIc ALTERATIONs BACKGROUND Aquatic plants 'and animals are adapted to certain types of environments. Some spe-, cies prefer the salty water of the Gulf of Mexico. Others thrive in the dyna ronment of the estuary, where salinity changes throughout the day and throughout' the year. Some plants and animals can only survive in a freshwater environment, where the salty ocean waters never invade. When people modify the level of 'the- water table, dam rivers, -or divert freshwater -flows, the. amount, timing, and placement of fresh and salty water can change dra- matically. These changes can, significantly alter the types and abundance- of plants and animals that can survive, and reproduce. Therefore many of man's hydrologic alterations to the landscape over the past 200 years have been detrimental to the natural environment around us. Changes in Total Flows Over time, people have changed the total amount of freshwater that reaches the estuaries and the Gulf of Mexico. For some fish and plants, these changes have significant impacts on their ability to colonize,, grow, and reproduce. Here are some examples of human impacts on total freshwater flows in southwest Florida: Reduced Groundwater Levels: When too much groundwater is pumped from un- derground, the level of the aquifers can drop significantly. In southwest Florida, groundwater is an important contributor to creeks and rivers. In the upper Peace basin, many springs have gone dry because 0f the -drop in aquifer levels. These springs, once sources of freshwater, no longer contribute to the Peace River flows. Similar effects can- occur when Water tables drop in other basins, decreasing the amount of groundwater contribution to rivers and estuaries. Dams, Locks, and Weirs: Water control structures are very- effective at their j ob-to hold back fresh Water. Often, these structures store water for important dry' season. - uses such as irrigation water supply, and navigation. Their. net effect to the receiv- ing waters, however, is to decrease -the amount of freshwater downstream while it is diverted for other uses. Channelization and Canals:' Straightening rivers and streams as well as connect- ing new areas through canals and pipes can increase the amount of freshwater in a river and estuary- If these changes. are substantial, they also can have serious ad- verse impacts on plants, and animals, Many species require a minimum level of salt" 49 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan or can only endure freshwater conditions for a limited period of time. -A good example of connection and channelization is the straightening of the Caloosahatchee River and connecting Lake. Okeechobee to theriver head. Table3: Examples of 'Hydrologic Alterations -in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed Examples of Hydrologic Alterations in' Watersheds of the Charlotte Harbor NEP Decreased Increased Altered Altered Flow Flow Timing Location Myakka Basin Peak flow Big Sough drainage of Clay Gulley transfer to Channelization Tatum Sawgrass Cutoff, coastal basin via Vanderripe Blackburn Canal Slough levee Peace Basin Loss of Green Swamp Charlotte- County kissengen and Lake drainage/canal Springs and -Hancock systems sinkholes regulation Caloosahatchee Reduction of dry Agricultural Drainage of Lake Sanibel Basin season flows to tailwater runoff Okeechobee Causeway tide Coastal Sanibel Myakka River Salinity barriers drainage Systems* Causeway discharge to- (Coral Creek) culverts Venice interceptor waterways *Estero, Lemon Bays; Pine Island, Gasparilla Sounds; Matlacha Pass. Source: Story of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, Charlotte Harbor NEP 1997. . Altered Timing of Water Flows The timing of the arrival of freshwater -to, estuarine areas. is also -important to plants and animals. -Their life cycles are often triggered or conditional to the salinity. of the water. Therefore man-made changes such as dams, locks, canals, and channels change notjust the water quantity-but the also the timing of freshwater flows. These changes, particularly when they are large and contrary to the usual seasonal condi- tions, can be very detrimental to plants and animals in the estuary. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Altered Location of Water Flows' 'Placement of freshwater sources also has strong impacts on aquatic life. Sources of freshwater keep the water relatively salt free and cari push back saltier water from entering an area during high tide. When- traditionally freshwater places become salty, the plants and animals that live there usually cannot survive. Similar situations, occur in salt- water areas, where plants and animals are not adapted to a freshwater\' environment..' 'If -large amounts of freshwater are suddenly directed into, a ma- rine (salty) system, the exist- ing wildlife cannot remain for an extended period of time. Particularly in estua- rine areas, small changes in freshwater sources can have significant impacts. Drain-- age systems and canal systems are common examples of changing the location of freshwater flows. These changes 'must be minimized to maintain the biological ,conditions. Seagrasses Artwork by Victor McGuire 51 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATLoss BACKGROUND-' Florida's growing population and development are replacing natural Habitat. Without the proper habitat, plant communities and wildlife, disappear. Florida remains one of North America's most important reserves of biological diversity. Occupying an important transitional zone: between tropical and tempeture climates Florida contains over 1,300 fish and wildlife species, and about 3,500 plant species. Preserving this biodiversity in- the Greater, Charlotte Harbor Watershed requires protection and restbration of regional fish and wildlife habitat. High rates of land conversion and habitat, modification create' a 'critical need for regional wildlife habitat planning in the watershed. When development breaks up natural, lands," habitat fragmentation results. The remaining isolated landscapes are 0ften too small to support breeding pairs of animals and preclude intermixing of breeding populations. Also, the margins of these fragmented natural lands,create "edge habitat'.' that alters- species composition and can increase human impacts. Half Of Original Wetlands Converted To Human Uses Florida-has lost about half, its, original wetland habitat - mostly to agriculture, but also to coastline development. Land drained by connector ditches for farming accounts, for the largest loss of freshwater wetlands. More recently, wetland conversions to farmland or open water have accelerated, especially in smaller unregulated wetlands. Often, -dredge and fill - permits are issued that allow 'wetlands to be converted into permanent-ponds -for stormwater treatment -systems. Mining -activities have also impacted wetlands.. Prior to 1975, phosphate companies strip-mined but never. restored many Wetlands. This happened especially along tributaries of the Peace River in Polk County. Now, due to regulation, the phosphate industry.is required to construct and, replace wetlands that are destroyed. Urban and rural developed also destroy wetlands. However,spurred largely by citizen' initiatives, local and state governments I and private -'conservation- organizations acquire extensive wetlands including coastal and barrier island tracts. Public or private holdings now preserve extensive portions of the mangrove coast from Placida to Estero Bay. Extensive- public "buffer uplands" administered by the state aquatic. preserve, system further- protect saltwater- wetlands around Charlotte Harbor- proper. 52 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Mangroves Maintain Vital Fish And Wildlife Habitat Mangrove forests form a distinctive broad margin around the estuary's bays and lagoons.. They cover several thousand acres and may extendinland several miles from open waters. Mangroves perform vital irreplaceable roles-in -providing food for species such as striped mullet and pink shrimp,.habitat for birds and wildlife, and buffering inland areas from storm surges. Over the years, dredge-and-fill operations have reduced much mangrove habitat.,. In addition'to direct loss, urban end agricultural runoff changes water flows to interfere with the beneficial functions' performed by mangrove systems The high cost of developing -mangrove habitat is ultimately paid by taxpayers in terms of flood, damage,. shoreline erosion,, and water quality corrections. Despite increased /regulation, cutting and trimming continues to. threaten mangroves., Seagrass Beds Also Perform Vital Roles Seagrasses play several vital roles in the estuary. These plants '.'clean" the water by trapping suspended sediments. They provide food directly to manatees and sea turtles, and indirectly support sport and commercial fisheries by supplying habit-at for fish. Spotted- sea trout, for example, live out their entire lives with seagrass beds:-' Seagrasses provide habitat for a wide, variety, of sea life, giving the beds a high recreation value for shelling and snorkeling. Commercial an d recreational activities' can damage or destroy seagrass. Filling for- land development or dredge spoil disposal causes some losses as do changes ih freshwater inflow or the closure of-passes between barrier islands. Losses of seagrasses near their lowestdepths indicate reduced water clarity, but specific causes have hot yet been found. Shallow-draft boats able to moYeacross the seagrass sometimes cause scars that may, take years -to heal. Recently, boaters, guides, anglers and government agencies have'-begun educational- efforts. to reduce the losses Caused by propellers of boats and other watercraft. Little Of Coastal Strand Habitat Remains In- southwest Florida, little of the original coastal strand ecosystem remains. This plant community can be found in long- narrow bands of well-drained sandy soils affected by salt spray along the Gulf and estuaries,., Vegetation includes low growing grasses, sea grape, prickly pear cactus, slunted cabbage palm, and live oak. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comperhensive Conservation and Management Plan While residential and urban development converted most of the original coastal strand community, large adjacent sections. do remain. These include the undeveloped barrier islands in Lee County, particularly Cayo Costa, and also the. Stump Pass area of Charlotte County. Coastal-strands -provide invalu able habitat to sea turtles, shorebirds,, and amphibians. Urban and Agricultural Uses Replacing Pine Flatwoods Until the 1920s, south Florida: landscape was -mostly pine flatwoods. One. Or more pine species grows on these nearly level lands accompanied by understory wax myrtle and saw -palmetto. The pines were then intensively logged off for a period extending through World War II, until the resource was commercially exhausted. By 1987, pine flatwoods had dropped. to sixth place in area coverage behind grasslands, cypress- swamp-, dry prairies, freshwater marsh, and urban areas. Throughout, the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, improved pasture, citrus', vegetable farms, and urban development have commonly replaced pine flatwoods. Displaced animal inhabitants include pileated woodpecker, American kestral, sandhill crane, black bear, panthers, indigo snake, and gopher tortoise. Oak Scrub and Scrubby Flatwoods Depleted Both these ecosystems provide animal habitat'similar to pipine flatwoods Various species of oak as well as saw palmetto, rosemary, and -staggers bush dominate oak., scrub habitat. Ground cover is generally sparse and is dominated by grasses, herbs, and ground lichens.' Occuring al6ng coastal shorelines, -ridges, and tributaries, and rivers such as the Caloosahatchee it has been vulnerable to Urban development. The Greater Charlotte Harbor- Watershed also includes scrubby flatwoods. Similar to sand pine scrub, the south Florida slash pine or longleaf pine generally dominates this -community. Typical"understory consists of wiregrass and herbs. Remaining stands of scrubby flatwood have been severly depleted by selective or clear-cutting of the pines. Due to the flatwood's rapidly percolating soils and high elevations, citrus groves and residential development commonly displace this habitat.. Based on historical estimates, slightly over one percent of oak scrub communities remain, and only 10 percent of scrubby flatwoods. Flatwoods, although providing critical habitat, are quickly dis'appearing from the landscape. Charlotte Harbor National estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Many Exotic Plants Invade and Destroy Habitat Many non-native plant species now invade and displace natural habitat -in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed.. The list of "out-of-control, species includes: Australian Pine': Pine-like trees introduced a century ago for windbreaks and erosion Control along coast lines; toppled by winds; displaces coastal vegetation, and spreads easily., Brazilian Pepper: Holly look-alike brought to Ma natee and Charlotte counties in the 1920s; irritant sap; forms dense stands; displaces wildlife and native plants; encroaches into wetlands; easily spread by wildlife. Australian Pine Punk Tree of Melaleuca: Fast growing white-barked tree intended for windbreaks and draining of wetlands. Forms dense thickets displacing wildlife. Very common throughout southwest Florida, the Everglades, and is spreading northward. The eradication effort is -a constant battle. Hydrilla: Aquatic plant that razilian pepper entered Tampa, in 1950s; grows dense strands of whorled leaves that chokes waterways and depletes oxygen. Displaces native plants-and. fish. Control A efforts making steady progress. Water hyacinth: Large floating plant with dark green leaves and-lavender flowers. Introduced in the 1800s;'slows water flow and boats; depletes oxygen. Increasingly managed and can assist hydrilla control. Melaleuca Airpotato: Introduced through agriculture in 1905; covers native trees, shading out understory 'Vegetation. Eliminates habitat for birds and other wildlife. Cogon grass: Unsuccessfully introduced in 1911 for cattle forage and soil stabilization-, can increase -firer intensity. Invades sandhill and, pine flatwoods, agricultural forests, roadsides, phosphate mining lands, and altered-pinelands. Takes over large areas, crowding out native species. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WHY THE BIG CONSERN OVER FiSH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT Loss? Vital habitat exists on both public and private lands. How these lands are managed affects both fish and. wildlife population'. One may find it difficult to appraise their loss to urban and rural development without appreciating their- historical coverage and location. As these ecosystems shrink, people'lose the benefits and, values they provide. These -include:' habitat for wildlife and plant. species, including endangered, threatened, and,species of special co ncern; water resource functions, including, ground water recharge and water qualit purification from filtration; and, aesthetic and scientific values. Increasing development pressures in the Greater Charlotte Harbor -.Watershed require us to protect critical habitats on public lands and to support private owners whose -lands provide additional habitat. Aquatic -habitats require protection from pollution and the pressure of increasing. boating and marine activities. 4, Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory Seagrasses provide critical habitat for, invertebrates andfishes in the estuary. As plants, they also provide much-needed oxygen to sea water. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WATERSHED MANAGEMENT "The key to estuary management is understanding how an estuary's component watersheds affect its overall health, and then addressing those concerns by involving all the stakeholders in the project area. This holistic, participatory a proach, which was so aply demonstrated in the Charlotte Harbor NEP process, should be a modelfor all ecosystem protection and restoration activities worldwide.-" - Pat Fricano, TAC member A network of existing public and private organizations in addition to citizen volunteers creates the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP). These organizations manage resources in different capacities including is- suing permits, conductins research, monitoring water quality, and educating the public about natural resources. Our large study area, land the interconnected juris- dictions of our public and priVate institutions have created both management oppor- tunities as well as critical, gaps in our complex legal and organizational framework. This chapter briefly summarizes the management connections that have been made to successfully address problems as well -as the continuing management challenges that need to be resolved. This management plan is designed to focus efforts on the region's most important issues and to encourage the many Local organizations to work together to solve problems. This section, therefore, identifies the organizations in the region who are working to. manage our resources. Once identified, the role that each organization is determined by their mission, jurisdiction, legal authority, and budget. This chap- ter summarizes the environmental organizations in the study area, their areas of management, and their current expenditures. With this information we, can build on our existing Management infrastructure and work together for. implementation of this management plan. For more details, Base Program Analysis, Volume I 57 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan THE- REGION'S ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORK A large array of public agencies, and private organizations work to protect and man- age natural resources within the Charlotte Harbor Watershed. Most -of these organi, zatio ns have several roles in natural resource management. The types of organiza- tions include the following: 23 local governments; three regional planning councils; two water management districts; 26 divisions of nine state - agencies; seven special districts; eight federal agencies; and six private science or resource management groups. Arcadia City Hall Artwork by Victor McGuire 58 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Local Governments. Local governments manage natural resources, through their considerable authority -for zoning, land. use, transportation planning, and local ordinances. 'In the NEP study area there are eight counties and- 15 cities and towns. Each local government has their Towns own board, ordinances, compre- County Governments Cities and hensive;plan, and zonin . The Charlotte County Arcadia implementation and enforce- DeSoto County bowling Green ment of these authorities are Hardee County Bartow critical components of effective Highlands County Fort Meade environmental management, par- Lee County Cape Coral ticularly since local governments Manatee County Fort Myers Beach have the most authority among Polk County Fort Myers- government entities over land Sarasota County Zolfo Springs use issues. Lakeland North Port Punta Gorda Sanibel Venice Wauchula Winter-Haven! Hardee County Courthouse. Artwork by Victor McGuire 59 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Regional Organizations Regional organizations include regional planning councils, water management dis- tricts and, water supply authorities. The three regional planning councils in the study area use their strategic regional policy plans to review and coordinate local plans and large developments of regional impact (DRIs). The regional planning' councils within the Charlotte -Harbor NEP study_ area include: Central Florida Regional Planning Council; Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council; and Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. Regional planning councils also-include programs such as emergency,preparedness, transportation, and natural resource protection. Agreements among the three coun- cils ensure that issues and policies are coordinated in the Charlotte-Harbor NEP. Two regional water management district's jurisdictions divide the Charlotte Harbor NEP watershed The Southwest Florida Water Management District and--the South, Florida Water Management District make up part- of a state-wide systemof water management districts created by the -State Legislature, The water management, district's 'responsibilities include water. supply, flood protection natural systems, and water quality. was DESoto County Courthouse Artwork by Victor McGuire. 60 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Four counties in the, Charlotte Harbor NEP created the Peace River/Manasota-Re- gional Water Supply Authority. Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto County representatives direct the design, construction, operation, and maintenance' of fa- cilities to ensure adequate water supplies for citizens within their four-county area. The Peace River water plant and reservoir provide the major municipal water sup- 'ply for those areas. State 'Government State agencies play important roles in. the region's management. Policies in the State Comprehensive Plan form a framework for all Florida's budgeting, planning, and regulation programs in the watershed. The state agencies with major roles in natural resource, management include; - Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, The Florida Land, and Water Adjudicatory Commission; Attorney General; forestry Division of Agriculture; IV Education Commissioner and Department; Department of Community Affairs (DCA); The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conserv- tion Commission (formerly -the, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission); Department of Environmental Protection(DEP); Department of Health (DOH); Department of Transportation (DOT); Florida State Office of Trade and Tourism Development; and South and Southwest Florida Water Management Districts. State agencies report to the Governor and cabinet and are administered through a series of district and central offices. State permit, enforcement, and planning func- tions play important roles not often-covered by local or federal efforts. 61 CHarlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Federal Government The states, in our U.S. Constitution, delegate broad responsibilities for our national. resources to the federal government. Over the last century, Congress -has adopted policies and created agencies to administer these policies. These federal agencies do not directly approve land uses-except for.special uses such as nuclear power plants.' However, federal taxes, grants and. loans, and economic policy can increase or decrease activities that directly affect land use. Federal agencies "With major roles in natural resource management include: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Department of Agriculture (DOA); Department of Commerce' (DOC);. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Department of Defense (DOD), including the Army Corps of engineers (AC0E); Department of Housing and Urban- Development (HUD);' Department of the-Interior (DOI),-'. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); U. S. Geological Survey (USGS); Department of Transportation (DOT);and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal, agencies provide a consistent framework for environmental laws and man agement. These agencies conduct research, review and issue'permits, and apply engineering expertise which is ultimately put-to use at the state and local levels. Most federal agencies have local or regional offices that are charged with specific project,and regulatory responsibilities. Although policy consistency between re-, gions is sometimes an issue, the presence of regional offices enhances local exper- tise -and accessibility for local organizations. -62 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comperehensive Conservation and Management Plan Private Organizations In addition to the local, regional, state, and federal agencies, private groups and non-profit or anizations are important contributors to environmental management. These groups often target their efforts towards needs where government is weak or, absent. Private groups are very effective at education, outreach, and "whistle blow- ing" when programs and enforcement are lacking. '-Some, of the private organiza- tions include: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Mote Marine 1aboratory, Audubon Society, Sierra Club; Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, Sanibel-Cativa Conservation Foundation, Lakes Action/Education Drive, and the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association. Each organization-confronts management challenges in an attempt to protect the web of life that makes up.the ecosystem. How can these organizations better under-' stand system-wide problems and. the need to work closely together to effectively manage the- area's resources? One way to start is to evaluate the management con-- nections and gaps among these organizations. fill Photo by Melissa Upton Cedar Point Environmental Park consists of 88 acres crossed by five marked -hiking trails through southwest Florida pine flatwoods oak scrub, salt flats, and the mangrove fringe of lemon Bay. In 1994 the Charlotte Harbor Environ- mental Center- a private, not-for-profit organization, was- appointed to manage and protect the natural resoures of Cedar Point. The park is a site for public education and passive recreation. 63 63 Charlotte Harbor National ==tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan MANAGEMENT CONNECTIONS AND GAPS At the federal level, the U.S. Constitution fails to provide any specific responsibility for maintaining environmental quality. Through time, Congress and the courts have defined the general welfare provisions of the U.S. Constitution to include environ- mental conservation and protection policies. The executive branch containis the agen- cies responsible for initiating programs to implement these federal environmental policies. The U.S. Environmental Protectoin Agency (EPA) is often the lead federal agency on natural resources issues. However, Table 4 illustrates that seven federal agencies, in addition to EPA, share six distinct management functions resulting in 27 different programs within the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. Table 4: Federal Agency Management Roles Roles Agency Regulatory Review Planning Research Funding Ownership Environmental X X X X X Protection Agency Department of X X X Agriculture Department of X X X X Commerce Defense/Army/Corps X X X X of Engineers Housing and Urban X X Development Department of X X X X X X the Interior Department of X X Transportation Federal Emergency X X X X Magagement Agency Source: Charlotte Harbor NEP, Base Programs Analysis, Volume 1, 1998 It should be noted that although one agency may play a role in several management areas, the level of funding dedicated to the different functions may vary signifi- cantly. Also, as congressional funding changes and new initiative are started, the agencies' priorities may change. 64 Charlote Harbor Natoinal --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Mangagement Plan At the state level, Florida programs represent an Ieven more complex allocation of natural resource management roles. Water management districts, the Florida Fish- and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and local _governments receive authority from the State Constitution. Ten other state agencies receive authority-from spe- cific Florida Statutes. Together they share six management functions resulting in 35 additional program areas as illustrated in Table 5. -Table 5: State* Agency Management Roles Roles Agency Regulatory Reviw Planning Research Funding Ownership Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust X X X Fund Florida. Land and Water X Adjudicatory Commission Attorney Gen" X Department of Agriculture X X X X X Forestry Division Commissioner a-Ad Department of Education X X X Department of Community X X X Affairs Department of X X X X X Environmental Protection Department of Health X X X Department of X X X X_ X Transportation Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision X X X X X, ion South Florida Water I Management District X X X X X X Management District Southwest Florida Water X X X X, X X Source: Charlotte Harbor NEP, Base Programs Analysis, Volume 1, 1998. Levels of funding and priorities within state agencies,can change over time as they do on the federal level. However, the information in the table indicates each agency's main goals and authorities. 65 65 Charlotte Harbor National E--tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan LAYERS OF MANAGEMENT CREATE PROBLEMS & OPPORTUNITIES With this overlapping framework of federal and state organizations, both problems and opportunities are inevitable. Within each priority problem category of hydro- logic alterations, water quality degradation, and fish and wildlife habitat loss, there are good management connections as well as management gaps. During the plan- ning phase, the Charlotte Harbor NEP identified the best examples of management connections in the hope that our management successes will serve as examples for further cooperation. The management gaps are described to highlight our manage- ment weaknesses and to correct our shortfalls. The following sections describe the management connections and gaps for each of the three priority problem areas. Our Region's Hydrologic Management Connections Management connections for hydrologic conditions such as restoring groundwater levels and maintaining ecologically balanced river flows are important. Water re- sources do not usually follow jurisdictional lines of local, regional, and state gov- ernments. Since the resources are affected by management at all levels of govern- ment, effective management approaches are important to the long-term health of water flows and levels. Authority to Coordinate Land and Water Decisions: The cumulative impact of many small land and water decisions can remain hidden until after problems with hydrologic alterations arise. However, the review process for Developments of Re- gional Impact (DRIs) and power plant sitings provide good examples of reviews that consider regional effects, not just site-specific considerations. General Resource Assessment, Protection and Use: Although surface and ground- water data are not complete, land acquisition programs such as Save Our Rivers consider freshwater conditions to prioritize land parcels with the most water protec- tion benefits. Use Permitting, Planning, and Public Benefit Test: Water use permits must meet the strong legal test of public benefit. As agencies fill information gaps, public benefit may be expanded to consider long-term regional impacts when issuing water use permits. A "Post = Pre" Public Policy: The guiding rule for drainage permits requires storm water management after development to equal or improve conditions before devel- opment. 66 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Evaluation and Prediction Models: Models can incor- porate much of the available hydrologic -information. While not readily available yet, such modeling can be' developed and used coopera- tively among agencies and developers. 7 Restoration and Mitigation. Hydrologically-oriented per- mit programs have helped re- Dragline used in phosphate mining establish hydrologic flows in parts of the watershed such Artwork by Victor McGuire. as the upper Peace River. New or renewed permits require damage reduction \and itigation. Our Region's lydrologic Management. Gaps When addressing hydrologic alteration problems,the challenge in the Greater Char- arbor Watershed is to identify mitake that can be reversed, especially in extensive undeveloped platted lands. Past mistakes include: over-drainage, direct sewer and stormwater discharges, and development in 16w-lying floodplains. Listed' below -are examples of -gaps in out management of hydrologic -problems.. Reactive Water Management: Public policy has not been effective in kee ing de- velopment out of flood-prone areas. Fresh and Salt Water Management. Overpumping freshwater aquifers has allowed contamination by salty groundwater Amproved management focuses on new devel- opment, big little is known about the effects of the timing and volume ofdischarges of water-from our rivers to the estuaries. Inadequate -Measurable Objectives: The debate- continues over conflicting water management policies and minimum freshwater flowsin the three rivers in the study area. Incomplete science cannot accurately predict the results of management ac- tions. 67 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Inadequate Monitoring: Comprehensive, systematic, and statstically reliable re- source monitoring is not currently performed. The Compendium of Existing Moni- toring Programs should help guide solutions but better-comprehensive monotring is needed. Inadequate Enforcement and Penalitites: Small staff sizes and increasing reponsi- bilities limit inspections and deter legal enforcement procedures. Conversely, the limited penalties seeem too small to deter violations. Our Region's Management Connections in Water Quality A general level of regulatory authority have been established at the federal, state, and local gov- ernment water pollution in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Water- shed. Some of the management connections include the catego-go ries listed below. Authority to Prevent or Elimi- nate Pollution: Institional structures presently exist to regulate land, water, or air used known to cause pollution. Re- porting requirements keep information or hazardous materials and uses relatively current. Sampling Data and Predictive Models: Where reliable data sets have been gath- ered, different pollution treatment techniques can be modeled and effects predicted. The example of Tampa Bay's improvements justify this monitoring and coverva- tion. Water Use Permitting: Water management districts require water withdrawal or use to a) be reasonable-beneficial; b)not interfere with existing-water uses; c) be con- sistent with the public interst; and d) use conservation measures. Best Management Practices: Impacts to land; water, and air resources may be- reduced through simple alterations in land form or effective resource engineering such as aerobic septic systems to minimize negative impacts. 68 Our Region's Management Gaps in Water Quality Water quality degradation issues intertwine with those of hydrolgy. Water quality modeling, -monitoring, and enforcement in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed remain as gaps to be closed. What is the Best Level of Nutrients?: Too much nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous-can kill aquatic life and foul the water. Best management practices to minimize nutrient flows from new development are not well known. Competing_ Funding Demands: Funding for water quality management competes with other public policies. _For example, some-proposals to monitor water quality for public health threats at Fort Myers area beaches were turned down. Voluntary Prevention vs. Mandatory Correction: Failure to-use best -management practices will degrade area wide water quality. It is undecided what degradation. level justifies a shift from voluntary prevention to enforceable regulation- Lack of Intergovernmental Support of Coqqnmon Goals: State environmental agen- cies have not supported local governments pursuing common goals - such as Puntha Gorda expanding. mandatory sewer hookups and Lee County denying extensive- wetland filling. Our Region's Management Connetions in Habitat Among the priority problems in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, habitat protection may be. the most intensely discussed.' While most wAter and waterways are considered public property to be managed for the public, most habitat exists on private- property. Even on public lands, sometimes the appropriate uses and priori- ties. for land acquisition are debated. The best habitat management-incorporates effective management of public lauds along with good management on private lands. Basic Research and Understanding - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission- has distributed maps of likely species presence on both public and private lands. With this tool, the general public, private conservation -.groups,. and re latory agencies have a better idea-what wildlife may exist in specific areas. Land Acquisition, Restoration,. and Other Mitigation: Over the last_25 years gov- ernment and private programs purchased or acquired large land holdings. These programs have also encouraged- land banking and -tested habitat restoration Pro- grams. 69 2q@44q@q'69 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Jeopardy: Habitat information and public support to promote enforcement actions to protect a listed species in "jeopardy" of harm or danger let to acceptable private and public mitgration and prevention programs. Our Region's Management Gaps in Habitat Any land development or alteration, such as water management or trasportation changes the habitat value for wildlife. Only recently has the impact on wildlife been part of review and permitting processes. Even now, developers and reulatory offi- cials may not understand public policy on the value of fish and wildlife habitat creating many gaps in preventing habitat loss. Gaps in Habitat Issues: When land is not owned by government, private owners, by right, do not have to manage their property as potential wildlife habitat. The purpose of most requirements for landscaping or trees is aestetics or to provide shade, not habitit. Separation of Plants from Animals: In ecosystem habitats, animal and plant popu- lations operate in an integrated "web of life." Yet, the state manages animals through one agency focused on restoring species, and manages plants through another agency focused on commercial marketability or scarcity of plants. Habitat Preservation in "Penny Packets": Most habitat mangement occurs through land and water permitting agencies that, review permits based on property bound- aries, not ecosystem boundaries, and developers propose land use for small, defined area that seldom cover entire habitat communities. Conflicting Public Policy for Baseline Species Habitat Pro- tection: Habitat identified by state agencies for high priority protection of baseline species may include area necessary to meet the economic assumptions of the cummunity or region. Snook in the mangoves Artwork by Victor McGuire 70 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Mangement Plan MANAGEMENT CONNECTIONS POINT THE WAY TO FIXING GAPS As our population grows and changes, so will our management techniques and gaps. Some resource management and land use programs have been linked, but despite these efforts, other programs do not work in harmony. The result is loss of effec- tiveness and efficiency in natural resource protection. The public understands the purpose of resource management systems, and this understanding provides the critical motivation tension necessary for reform and improvement in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. This management plan and the continuation of the NEP management conference will promote management connections and the filling of management gaps. Regu- lar meetings of the committees of the management conference will promote com- munications among both agencies and interest groups. The meetings and informa- tion materials generated through the Charlotte Harbor NEP are also helpful for can- ing attention to new research, studies, and data that become available. Continued participation from the private groups as well as federal, state, regional, and local agencies will be important to the continued value of the NEP's activities. Photo by Patti Armbruster Committee members work on the priority actions for the Compre- hensive Conservation and Management Plan at the retreat near Haines City. 71 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management PLan EXPENDITURES FOR MANAGEMENT Even when the ideal management framework is in place, funding is necessary to carry out the projects and enforcement needed for successful management. As part of the analysis of management connections and gaps, a review was conducted of the fuding that is currently dedicated to environmental management. The analysis divided each organization's environmental funding and staff into six general catego- ries: 1. Land Use: Managing the benefits and impacts of population growth, economic development, agriculture, forestry, and beaches. 2. Water Quality:Managing water quality conditions in fresh, estuarine, or marine waters. 3. Hydrology: Addressing issues in water supply (including agricultural uses), flood plain management, water table management, and retaining or draining wetlands. 4. Habitat: Managing land as well as fresh/salt water resources for yield and sustainability of species. 5. Research: Developing information resources for other agencies to use in any of the above efforts. 6. Grants: Funding from grant agencies for any of the above efforts. All agencies in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed provided information from fiscal year 1998-99 on mail-back survery forms and in follow-up phone calls. State and federal agencies usually provided a best guess since their service area seldom coincided with watershed boundaries (see Figure 1). The analysis of natural resource funding indicates significant staffing and expendi- ture levels within the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. However, staffing levels are usually not correlated with any specific watershed, reflecting differences in agency jurisdictions versus watershed boundaries. Issues involving day-to-day manage- ment receive significant local support, with connections to regional, state, and fed- eral agencies. Hydrology and land use issues appear to consumer most day-to-day management resources. Reactive, or incident-driven issues receive less manage- 72 Charlotee Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Mangement Plan Grants to Priority Problems 5.3% Land Use 13.1% Research on Priority Problems 4.7% Habitat 9.3% Hydrology/Stormwater 23.9% Water Quality 43.7% Figure 1: Fiscal Year 98-99 relative program budgets for resources mangement programs in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed. ment attention at local levels, but more general support from regional, state, and federal levels. Finally, general staffing levels indicate a lack of on-going research activities within watersheds. The many projects in Volume II of this document are included as preliminary efforts to implement this management plan. Many of these projects incorporate multiple organizations, a variety of funding sources, and focus on natural resources rather than oly jurisdictions. These examples need to be used to encourage more coop- eration and targeted funding. Achievement of the quantifiable objectives will re- quire all of the organizations discussed here todo their part and, in some cases, change the way that they address management problems. Their commitment to this management plan will dictatte the ultimate success of our efforts and the condition of the watershed for future generations. For details see Base Programs Analysis, Volume 2, Charlotte Harbor NEP. 73 @-j !6Er NO 14 '41 Farin workers Artwork by Victor McGuire --------------- GSarfaie Nar,6'or Xalionaf &Yluary Troyram Opall Gomppej6@mive Comervalion andr-Wana7emeni 516 EARLY ACTIONS FOR WATERSHED CONSERVATION 00 'As much as Sanibel does to restore andpreserve the island "4 as a sanctuary for wildlife, we cannot dodge the effects of deteriorating conditions in the rest of the Charlotte Harbor watershed." - Molly Krival, CAC member N r.105 0 ver three years, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program funded technical and educational early action demonstration projects. These innovative projects, selected on a competitive basis, were designed to pro- vide immediate benefits to the watershed's natural resources, to enhance our overall technical knowledge of the greater watershed, and strengthen community aware- ness of and participation in environmental issues. The selected projects reflected the diversity of resource issues and information needs within the greater watershed. All projects were located in the program's study area and addressed at least one of the three priority problems or facilitated public education of environmental issues. The grants addressed a specific technical question, a new management technique, or managed a known problem, and contribute to the development of the Compre- hensive Conservation and Management Plan. Demonstration project objectives varied across three broad categories: habitat res- toration, environmental education, and ecosystem monitoring and research. Ex- amples included the removal of invasive exotic vegetation and construction of inter- pretive nature trails on public lands, hosting hands-on teacher's workshops focus- ing on estuarine water quality, wildlife, and ecology, and the characterization of total pollutant sources and estimation of pollutant loadings to an impaired residen- tial lake in Polk County. Grants were administered by the sponsoring organization and the program office, and funded directly and indirectly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, as well as the cities, counties, and agencies who provided program matching funds. Invaluable contributions of technical expertise and volunteer hours were the key ingredients in project success. Direct program funding support exceeded $383,000, with total project value in ex- cess of $1.1 million, not including numerous professional and volunteer hours. At least a 25% match was required for grant requests over three thousand dollars. Overall, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program approved funding for thirty- seven demonstration projects throughout the greater study area. 75 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Consrvation and Management Plan HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT NAME PROJECT PARTNER OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Punta Gorda Nature Park City of Punta Gorda Southwest Florida Water Management District Myakki Wild and Scenic Florida Department of Friends of the Myakka River Exotic Removal Environmental Protection Parks Service Edison Community College Florida Native Plant Society Oak Hammock Restoration Pick Preserve Nature Trail Sanibel-Captiva and Teaching Center Conservation Foundation Punta Gorda Waterfront Charlotte Harbour Reef Ball Association; Juvenile Fisheries Habitat Reef Association Krehling Industries, Inc. A Pond Boardwalk at Florida Department of Winkler Point Environmental Protection Dry Prairie Restoration Florida Department of Environmental Protection- Parks Service Phot by Jim Stilwell A public boardwalk and nature tail overlooks a tida creek and re- introduced native veetation at the Punta Gorda Nature Park. 76 Charlotte Harbour National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HABITAT RESORATION Eager volunteers along the banks of the Myakka River during exotic vegetation removal and habitat restoration activities. Photo by David Moldal Project manager and Florida Department of Environmental Protection biologist Chris Becker displays an air potato seed during exotic vegetation removal along the Myakka River. Photo by Heather Staffor Hard working volunteers clear the exotic pest plant Melalueca in preparation of building the Winkler Point Natural Trail near Estero Bay. 77 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HABITAT RESTORATION Restoration ecologist David Ceilley from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation outlines the location of the teaching shelter for the Pick Preserve Nature Trail on land recently cleared of exotic vegetation. Photo by David Moldal David Tomasko and Forest Turbiville of the Southwest Florida Water Management District survey the mosquito ditch connection to the residential canal during construction of the Punta Gorda Nature Park. Photo by David Molda Project manage Jim Stilwell of the City of th City Punta Gorda removes Melalueca during development of the Punta Gorda Nature Park. Photo by David Molden 78 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HABITAT RESTORATION Linda Wilson, Jim Beever, Lisa Beever, and Monica Dorken after a productive day removing exotic vegetation and planting native flora within a hardwood hammock at Edison Community College. Photo by David Moldal Project manager and park biologist Belinda Perry examines roller-chopped saw palmetto as part of the Myakka River State Park Dry Prairie Restoration Project. Photo by David Moldal Re-graded railroad bed within the Myakka River State Park restores the sheet flow of water in a native Prairie ecosystem. Photo by David Moldal 79 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HABITAT RESTORATION Photo by David Moldal Project manager Jerry Jenson (center) directs the pouring of concrete during the construction of reef balls in Punta Gorda. Photo by David Moldal Rick Dorken walks a boardwalk as the newly contructed nature trial on Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Three Lakes restoration site. Photo by David Moldal Reef balls of various shapes and sizes will be submerged beneath private docks. The structures create fish habitat as part of the Punta Gorda Waterfront Juvenile Fisheries project. 80 Charlotte Harbor National --tuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT NAME PROJECT PARTNER OTHER CONTRIBUTORS The Myakka The Myakka Conservancy Sarasota County: Southwest Florida Water Connectivity Project Management District: Florida Power and Light: Myakka River Resources: Sarasota Community Foundation Keep the Estuary Clean Hardee County Hardee County School District School Board Florida Yards and Charlotte Harbor University of Florida Cooperative Extension Neighborhoods Environmental Center,Inc. Service History of the Upper Fort Meade High School Peace River Watershed Estuaries for our Myakka River Elementary Kids Sake School Keeping the Peace Port Charlotte Middle School Treasures of the Sea Town of Fort Myers Beach Upper Peace River Charlotte Harbor Education Strategy Environmental Center Boater's Guide to Florida Sea Grant Charlotte County; West Coast Inland Charlotte Harbor Navigation District Knowing Our 4-H Shark's Club of Charlotte County Cooperative Extension Ecosystems Charlotte County Service Estuary Awareness Florida Atlantic University Florida Center for Environmental Studies and Education A Study of the Old Fort Meade High School Mill Pond Seagrass Workshop Lemon Bay High School for Teachers Lake Hancock Monitoring George Jenkins High School and Education Seagrass Education Charlotte Harbour in Lemon Bay Environmental Center 81 Charlotte Harbor National Estaury Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ENVIRONEMENTAL EDUCATION Port Charlotte Middle School 7th graders enjoy a field trip on the Peace River. Photo by Melissa Upton. Myakka River Elementary School sutdents learn about the estuaries in the coastal areas near Placida. Photoas courtesy of Wendy Graham Myakka River Elementary School students study plants and animals at Cedar Points Environmental center in Englewood. Photo courtesy of Wendy Graham 82 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Landowner and ranch Buster Longino discusses land management and preservation options with fellow workship participants during the Myakka Connectivity project. Photo by Tiffiny Lutterman Photo right: Nick Nichols, of Environmental SystemAnalysts, Inc., presents the Myakka Connectivity Report to landowners in the Myakka River basin. Photo below: Chauncy Goss, former Director of the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association and CAC member, chairs a session at the Charlotte Harbor Public Conference and Technical Symposium in 1997. Photo by Tiffany Lutterman Photo by Melissa Upton 83 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Naturalist Valerie Troxell of Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center identified a fish living in the seagrass of Lemon Bay. Photo by Valerie Troxell Merv and Joy Bilbrey, in historic Punta Gorda, are proud owners of th 100 certified 'Florida Yard' in Charlotte County. Photo by David Moldal Participants investigate eusuarine plant and animal life during the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center's seagrass education project in Lemon Bay. Photo by David Moldal 84 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Photo right: 'Treasures of the Sea' tours allow people to learn more about the beach ecosystem and wildlife. Photo middle: The 'Treasures of the Sea' group meets for their walking tour at the Connecticut Street beach access point on Fort Myers Beach. Photo by Saul Taffet Photo by Helen Caldwell Another 'Florida Yard' is inspected for certification as part of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center's Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program. Photo by Valerie Troxell 85 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ECOSYSTEM MONITORING AND RESEARCH PROJECT NAME PROJECT PARTNER OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Southwest Florida Water Management District; Peace/Myakka River Water Charlotte Harbor Peace River/Manasota Regional Quality Monitoring Project Environmental Center Water Supply Authority; Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Department of Charlotte Harbor Volunteer Water Quality Environmental ProtectionEnvironmental Center, Inc. Causes of Light Attenuation Mote Marine Laboratory Southwest Florida Water with Respect to Seagrasses Management District in Lower Charlotte Harbor Matlacha Pass Center for Systematics Benthic Survey and Taxonomy The Charlotte Mote Marine Laboratory South and Southwest Florida Harbour Symposium Water Management Districts; Central and Southwest Florida Regional Planning Councils Lake Mariana Polk County Natural Impreovement Project Resources and Drainage Tidal Caloosahatchee River Center for Systematics Benthic Survery and Taxonomy Rapid Bioassessment Florida Gulf Program for Estero Bay Coast University 86 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management PLan ECOSYSTEM MONITORING AND RESEARCH Florida Gulf Coast University researcher Win Everham records water quality, wildlife, and habitat data during development of the Estero Bay rapid bioassessment protocol. Photo by John Cassani Researcher David Ceilley and John Cassani measure dissolved oxygen, salinity, and other water quality parameters at a monitoring station on the Estero River. Photo by David Moldal Researchers John Cassani and Greg Tolley assess water quality in the Estero River during the development of the Estero Bay rapid bioassessment protocol. Photo by David Moldal 87 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ECOSYSTEM MONITORING AND RESEARCH Cathy Valenti measures dissolved oxygen in the early morning hours as part of the Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network. Photo by David Moldal Photo by David Moldal Collecting a water sample at the Matlacha Pass station as part of the Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network. Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory Kellie Dixon, a scientist at Mote Marine Laboratory, was one of the researchers involved with the seagrass study. 88 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ECOSYSTEM MONITORING AND RESEARCH Photo by David Moldal Resource Manager Hong Nguyen inspects a stormwater quality sampling device as part of the Lake Mariana Improvement Project in Polk County. Photo by David Moldal Automated stormwater sampling equipment collecting water samlpes as a component of the Lake Mariana Improvement Project in Polk County. Photo by David Moldal Resource Manager Corey Franklin inspects an atmospheric deposition monitoring and stormwater sampling station to characterize total pollutant loading to Lake Mariana. 89 GSarfoae NarSor Xalional'(%fuary 5@wyram _N --- Drall Gomppeh@njme Conrervabon andArana7emenl 5@n V-- ECOSYSTEM MONITORING ANDRESEARCH Photo by David Uoldal Photo by Joy Duperault Southwest Florida Water Management District staff collect water samples as part of the Peacel Myakka Water Quality Monitoring Project. ;00- Photo by David Moldal Southwest Florida Water Management District staffprepare a water samplefor transport to the laboratory. 01 For detailed project information, please see the booklet "Early Action Demonstration 90 Projects in the Charlotte Harbor Watershed." Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan QUANTIFIABL OBJECTIVES "It would be good if we could preserve, for future generations, some sense of the natural beauty that attracted us to the Charlotte Harbor region"-Glenn Heath, TAC member. A series of prectical and technically defensible quantifiable objectives have been developed to address each of the three Charlotte Harbor NEP priority problems and the program goals. The development of appropriate quanit- fiable objectives supports the goals for preervation, restoration, and enhancement of the natural resources of the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. The quantifiable objectives evolved through an extended series of workshops during which issues, goals, and priority problems were discussed. Public comment on local environ- mental priorities was used to define these measures. Ballots and rankings by com- mitee members led to the formation and refinement of each of the proposed quan- tifiable objectives. The identification of quantifiable objectives is a critical step in the NEP process. Without specific quantifiable objectives it would be difficult, if not impossible, to gauge the future success or failure of subsequent management activities initiated throughout the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Each quantifiable objective is technically sound defensible objective, and able to be assessed utilizing either existing or future monitoring programs. In addition, the quantifiable objectives address the specific major resource issue(s) that have not been identified within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. The development of quantifiable objectives adds to both the technical foundation of the CCMP, as well as establishes the direction of future management action. Photo by Melissa Upton Pam Latham moderates a discussion of quantifiable objectives at a workshop in Fort Myers. 91 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HYDROLOGIC ALTERATIONS QUANTIFIABLE OBJECTIVES The following four quantifiable objectives were established to address specific prob- lems associated with hydrologic alterations (HA) that have occurred within the Char- lote Harbor NEP study area. HA-1: Establish values for minimum seasonal flows beginning with the Myakka River at State Road 72 and for Big Slough; the Peace River at Bartow, Zolfo Springs, and Arcadia; and for the tributaries Horse Creek, Joshua Creek, Shell Creek, and the lower Peace River/ upper estuary by the year 2005. Achieve these minimums seasonal flows by the year 2020. HA-2: Identify, establish, and maintain a more natural seasonal variation (annual hydrograph) in freshwater flows by the year 2010 for: 1. Caloosahatchee River, 2. Upper Peace River and its tributaries from Tenoroc to Zolfo Springs; and 3. the Upper Myakka River (with special attention to Flatford Swamp). HA-3. Restore, enhance, and improve where practical historic subbasin boundaries and natural hydrology for basins within th Charlotte Harbor NEP study area, with special attention to Outstand- ing Florida Waters, Class I waterbodies, and tributaries to Estero Bay by the year 2020. Citizen and Technical Advisory Committee member edit the quantifiable objectives at a workshop in Port Charlotte. Photo by David Moldal 92 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-4: Enhance and improve by the year 2020 to more natural hy- drologic conditions waterbodies affected by artificially created struc- tures throughout the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area beginning with: 1. the Sanibel Causeway, 2. Myakka River; 1) the weir below Upper Myakka Lake; 2) the crossing below I Lower Myakka Lake; 3) Down's Dam; 3. the causeway between Lover's Key State Recreation Area and Bonita Beach; 4. the water control structure on the south end of Lake Hancock; 5. the structure on Coral Cree; and 6. the Gator Slough canal collector system (Lee and Charlotte Counties). Industry along an estuary Artwork by Victor McGuire 93 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WATER QUALITY DEGRADATION QUANTIFIABLE OBJECTIVES The following seven quantifiable objectives were established to address specific problems associated with water quality (WQ) degradation. WQ-1: Identify those waterbodies that do not meet their desig- natd water quality standards, and develop a plan during the year 2000 to meet those standards. WQ-2: Develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for the basins in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area by the year 2005. WQ-3: Identify specific actions and develop timetables for achiev- ing TMDSs by the year 2010. WQ-4: Achieve water quality that will meet shellfish harvesting standards throughout the Class II waters of the Charlotte Harbor NEP stud area by the year 2015. WQ-5: Restore and maintain Lake Hancock to Class III water quality standards (or better) and improve the Trophic State Index (TSI) value for the water exiting the lake from "poor" to "good" by the year 2010. WQ6: Meet or exceed designated water quality standards through- out basin of the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area by the yar 2015 with possible exceptions for natural and/or site-specific con- ditions. WQ-7: Identify waterbodies in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area that should be designated as Outstanding Florida Waters and support the establishment of that designation during the year 2000. 94 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan QUANTIFIABLE OBJECTIVES The following four Quantifiable Objectives were established to address regional problems associated with fish and wildlife (FW) habitat loss. FW-1: Achieve a 25% increase in conservation, preservation, and sewardship lands within the boundaries of the Charlotte Harbor NEW study area by the year 2018. The increase will be based upon 1998 acreages of existing conservation, preservation, and stew- ardship lands. FW-2: Meet the stated objectives for the target extent, location, and quality of the following habitats in the Charlotte Harbor NEPL study area: a) native submerged aquatic vegetation should be maintained and restored at a total extent and quality no less than caused by natural variation; b) maintain the existing extent and location within range of natu- ral variablitiy of intertidal un-vegetated habitats (especially mud flats and salt terns) and improve the habitat quality; c) manage natural mangrove habitat to their historic extent (1980) to enhance and impreove their ecological functions and, where feasible, restore mangrove habitats in urban ar- eas; d) restore and maintain saltwater marsh habitats where fea- sible (e.g. public lands or undeveloped areas) and prevent loss or conversion of existing salt marsh habitats; e) restore, maintain, and manage freshwater wetland systems in current extents and to a quality capable of maintaining all natural functions within the range or natural variability; f) restore, manage, and impreove the habitat quality of oyster bars in the Charlotte Harbor NEP area based on the exist- ing historic data; and g) protect, enhance, restore native upland communitie vital to the ecological function of the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. 95 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-3: Reduce propeller damage to seagrass beds, identified from the 1992-1993 baseline data, within the Charlotte Harbor NEP area by the year 2010. Reduce all severely scarred areas to light scarring and reduce 79% or more of the moderately scarred areas to light scarring. FW-4: On conservation, preservation, stewardship, and other public lands achieve controllable levels of invasive exotic plants as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council by the year 2020. Encourage and support the removeal and management of invasive exotic plants on private lands. These quantifiable objectives were used to develop the priority actions for this management plan, which are discussed in the next chapter. All of these objectives are measurable and have an ambitious timeline to provide incentive for action. Over time, our progress will be measured against these quantifiable objectives. Bay anchovies Artwork by Victor McGuire For more information, refer to the "Framework for Action" by the Charlotte Harbor NEP. 96 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan PRIORITY ACTIONS AND RELATED PROJECTS "Because of the intensity of the program over the three years of work--all of the meetings, workshops, demonstration projects, and activities--my eyes were opened to the needs of the entire watershed. I was transported from my very coastal perspective (perhaps on the wings of the osprey in the poster!) to a new awareness of the people and communities who love the harbor from its origins upriver. This is so important for the future, for our capacity to work together as we manage and protect our natural systems." -Joy Duperault, CAC member Priority actions define the necessary management activities to attain the quantifiable objectives. Most of the quantifiable objectives are broad aims that require man individual tasks to be accomplished. Therefore, the prior- ity actions detail these tasks and key information about how they might be carried out. The priority actions included in this chapter were written by the management conference through a series of workshops and retreats. The actions are grouped into three priority problem areas: hydrologic alterations (HA), water quality degra- dation (WQ), and fish and wildlife habitat loss (FW). Each priority aciton de- scribes the key elements of management actio including: Priority Action Statement-The priority action begins with a brief statement of the action. Background-This section provides background information about the priority action, how it will satisfy its quantifiable objective, and the rationale for its implementation. The background may include a history of the priority prob- lem, a description of how the priority action will fit with past or ongoing man- agement activities, and how the priority action will achieve the objectives. 97 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Quantifiable Objective - In this segment, the quantifiable objectives to which th priority action is related are listed. Many of the priority actions address more than one quantifiable objective. Areas for Implementation - This category describes where the priority action will be implemented. The locations (watersheds, jurisdictions, or specific loca- tions)within the study area where the priority action will be most applicable are identified. The location also helps identify the most appropriate responsible agencies and organizations. Strategy - A strategy for implementing the priority action is detailed. Some of the strategies are complex with many components; others are fairly simple. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizatioins - A listing of the potential parties for implementing each priority action is included. These groups could included government agencies (local, regional, state, or federal), not for profit groups, private organizations, industry, or other private interests. Each listed organization may play a role in only one part of the strategy or region. Expected Benefits - The expected benefits derived from each priority action are explicity stated. In addition, an acknowledgment of potential drawbacks are also included. All possible outcomes and the implications of each priority ac- tion need to be understood by those who may become responsible for their imple- mentation. Identifying potential drawbacks will minimize both future conflicts and failures. Monitoring Response - A means of monitoring the success of each priority action is identified allow a future gauge of the action's effectiveness and ben- efits. Preliminary Implementation Projects - A list of the related implementation projects (detailed in Volume 2) and their key agency are listed. Our success in carrying out each of these priority actions will be measured and tracked. To achieve complete implementation of these actions, more projects, in addition to the ones lised, will be needed. Therefore, the region's management activities will require consistent measurement and evaluation as the benefits are realized and projects are completed. All of the priority actions describe timely, needed management actions to fulfill the goals of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. 98 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-A: Establish and implement minimum flows for tributaries as detailed in the quantifiable objective. Determine maximum cumulative withdrawals. Background The state legislature has required the water management districts to establish mini- mum flows and levels for all surface waters. The water management districts should make this a priority activity for surface waters including those that have undergone significant hydtrologic alteration or may be impacted by proposed projects. Quantifiable Objctive - HA - 1 Areas for Implementation- 1) the Myakka River and Big Slough at State Road 73; 2) the Peace River at: a) Bartow, b) Zolfo Springs, and c) Arcadia; 3) the Peace River tributaries: a) Horse Creek and b) Joshua Creek; and 4) the Caloosahatchee River. Strategy 1) Develop a priority for the establishment of minimum flows based on: *existing documented impacts; and the potential for hydrologic impacts that might be associated with proposed projects. 2) Conduct the necessary research to establish minimum flows on a *basin-wide approach for the preceeding areas. Evaluate flows in conjunction with both environmental and water supply needs through the following methods: *Develop better surface water/groundwater model parameters (discharge, seepage, and water level data) through analysis and processing of field data and statistical techniques for the Peace and Myakka River basins; and *Expand the groundwater and surface water monitoring networks to monitor groundwater levels and surface water stages at selected wells in the Peace and Myakka Rivers basins. 3) Detail the maximum amount of cumulative withdrawals possible based upon the minimum flows established, for the tributaries and rivers in the Peace and Myakka River watersheds. 99 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 4) Encourage the proper treatment and discharge and/or re-use of waste water effluent instead of deep-well injection to help maintain mini- mum flows. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Florida Department of Environmental Protection Southwest Florida Water Management District U.S. Geological Survey Expected Benefits Established protective criteria for surface waters to prevent future overuse and allow for long-term planning of regional needs and sources, as well as maintain and re- charge surficial aquifers. Monitoring Response Measure rainfall and flow data for major watersheds within the Charlotte Harbor NEP Preliminary Implementation Projects City of Punta Gorda Punta Gorda Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Pease River Regional Water Supply Facility Water Use Permit Renewal Project Polk County Polk County Extension Water School South Florida Water Management District Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan Southwest Florida Water Management District 1998 Minimum Flows and Levels (MFL) Priority List And Schedule Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring Network Stormwater Runoff Effects onTributary Flows into Estero Bay Support of Planning Model Development in the Caloosahatchee River Basin 100 jive Gonjervaiion and_Wana@@oni 51@6 HA-B: 'Identify gaps in flow'data'based on ecosystem needs and pro- jected needs for water withdrawals due to, population growth, develop- ment, agriculture, and mining.- Implement data collection to address these gaps. -Background To document changes in surface- water flows and patterns due to hydrologic alter- ations, it is important that accurate, long-term data bases be dexeloped for all basins ..'and watersheds 'within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. While many areas within the NEP have extensive historical flow records, other areas lag@ this historic record. Accurate data will also be needed to a@ses's the effectiveness of the Actio* n Plans. Quantifiable Objective HA-1, HA-2, Areas for Implementation - Watersheds within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study- area currently. without sufficient. accurate measurements of rainfall arid gauged sur- face flows. Strategy 1) Identify basins and sub-basins Where there is insufficient watershed flow data to accurately assess seasonal and long-term chan gesin water resources., 12) Determine the minimum number and ap'ropriat& locations of needed p gauges. 3) Install appropriate mopitorin g gauges. 4) Integrate with stormwater utility programs. 5) Collect information and analy'ze effects that stormwater runoff has, on flow''characteristicsof tributaries (already being planned for Estero 'Bay,tributaries). 6) Monitor surface water sta@ an @s, d monitor groundwater levels in.the Peace and Myakka basins. 7) Till in data. gaps on flow and salinity patterns to support the develop- ment and implementation of hydrodynamic mo'dels,as planned in. Charlotte and Lee Counties'and as needed in Sarasota and Charlotte Counties., 8@ E@pand the "i@_ontinuous Surface Water Level Monitoring" to monitor surface water levels into the South Florida Water Management District region. 101 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 9) Encourage the development and implementation of local government "Stromwater Management Plans" to improve the timing of water flows reaching natural waterbodies. 10) The Charlotte Harbor NEP and its partners should participate in the feasibility study and implementation activities for the Central and South Florida Restudy, the Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan; and the Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan as those efforts will be measuring and managing flows in the Caloosahatchee River. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program County and Municipal Governments U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Geological Service Water Supply Authorities Water Management Districts Expected Benefits Action will provide accurate, long-term information on amounts and variability of surface water resources and provide a basis for planning. Identifying gaps in flow data will provide a scientific basis for the establishment of minimum flows and assess future changes related to projected development and consumption uses. Monitoring Response As specified in the action above. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Charlotte County Stormwater Master Plan Development Review Process City of Punta Gorda Punta Gorda Aquifier Storage and Recovery Project City of Venice Venice Stormwater Management Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation 102 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lee County Hydrologic Data Network Polk County Polk County Volunteer Rainfall Monitoring Program Polk County Extension Water School Sarasota County Myakka River Floodplain Study South Florida Water Management District Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan Southwest Florida Water Management District Continuous Surface Water Level Monitoring Using the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Central and Southern Flood Control Restudy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program U.S. Geological Survey Flow and Salinity Patterns at Selected Pointts Within Estuaries of the Charlotte Harbory NEP Study Area Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring Networks Stormwater Runoff Effects on Tributary Flows Into Estero Bay Support of Planning Model Development in the Caloosahatchee River Basin. 103 92q1 96q0,00q3 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-C: Evaluate the interaction between groundwater and surface water and how they contribute to overall river flows. Background There is general agreement that in many areas of the Charlotte Harbor NEP long- term changes in surfact water flows have resulted from hydrologic alterations in groundwater levels. The importance of these interactions and magnitude of such potential alterations need to be documented throughout the NEP study area. Quantifiable Objective - HA-1, HA-2, HA-3 Areas for Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area Strategy 1) Determine the goals to be derived from scientific investigations of the interactions of groundwaters and surface waters in areas: a) currently thought to have significant anthropogenic impacts; b) areas thought to have the highest potential for future impacts. 2) Design long-term studies to assess the relative magnitudes of human and natural variability. 3) Implement long-term monitoring programs. 4) Using the MIKE-SHE surface water/groundwater model as an ex- ample, perform similar anylyses to the Estero Bay bsin and portions of the study area in the Southwest Florida Water Management District. 5) Conduct local monitoring and modeling of surface/ground water- relationships necessary to provide historical data to the permit review process. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations U.S. Geological Survey Water Management Districts Expected Benefits Accurate knowledge of the interactions and relationships between groundwater and surface water resources and the magnitude of changes caused by growth. Monitoring Response As detailed in the strategy above. 104 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects City of Sanibel Sanibel Island Surface Water Management Plan Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mandatory Phosphate Relclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation Lee County Hydrologic Data Network Polk County Polk County Extension Water School Polk County Volunteer Rainfall Monitoring Program South Florida Water Management District MIKE-SHE for MOdeling Surface and Groundwater Interactions South Florida Water Management Districe Continuous Surface water Level Monitoring Using the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System Ongoing Efforts to Restore the Hydrology of the Upper Myakka River Watershed Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program U.S. Geological Survery Delineation of Saltwater Intrusion in Lee and Collier Counties Real-Time Ground Water Monitoring Sub-Network Support of Planning Model Development in the Caloosahatchee River Basin 105 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-D:- Encourage efficient use and reuse of water., Background The issue of sufficient freshwater supplies will increase as a result of the projected development in southwest Florida. As a result, the efficient use and reuse of water should be a key planning element at the local, regional, and state levels. Quantifiable Objective - HA 1; HA-2 Areas for Implementation- - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area Strategy 1) Encourage Best Management Practices (BMPs) for usage of surface and C groundwaters by urban, agricultural, and industrial users. 2) -Develop economic incentives to encourage water re-use programs wherever possible. .3) Encourage advancedwaater treatment and re-use and/or return rather than deep well injection. 4) Encourage progressive rate structures. to facilitate the efficient use of watee. 5) Enhance existing education programs designed to inform and promote public awareness as to the importance of efficient* water use. 6) Investigate unincorporated areas -that may benefit. from water and sewer, identify- options for providing such services, and study the feaibility,of setting up-such services in areas where services are not already supplied. 7) Use rebates or other incentives to encourag the retrofitting of pre"-. 1992 irrigation systems with a sensor to interrupt irrigation whenrain or moisture is present. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Institute of Food and-Agricultural Science's (IFAS)/Cooperative Extension Service County,and Municipal Governments artment of Environmental Pr tecti Florida Dep, 0 on Public and- Private Utilities Water Management Districts 106 let; Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits Reduced demands on all surface afraid groundwater resources for projected growth. Monitoring Response Development of accurate methods to track both consumption and re-use of water resources. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County- Encourage Efficient Use and Reuse of Water Environmental Information Center (EIC)- Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Reclaimed Water Education in Charlotte County City of Cape Coral Cape Coral Dual Water System City of.Punta Gorda City of Punta Gorda Irrigation Sensor Rebate Program City of Venice Venice Wastewater Reuse Florida Department of' Environmental Protection Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program)_ Public Education Programs Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation Team- Permitting - Net Ecosystem Benefit Planning and Permitting Process Hardee County Hardee County Water and Sewer Study Manatee County Planning Department Natural Resources Conservation -Service Conservation Financial Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance Peace River / Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Peace River Water Authorities Water Conservation Public Outreach and Education Program Polk County Polk County ExtensionWater School Sarasota County Identify Reuse Customers 107 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan South Florida Water Management District Alternative Water Supply Funding Program Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan Southwest Florida Water Management,' District of the Upper Myakka Ongoing forts to, Restore the Hydrolog River Watershed- Southwest Florida Water Management District's Reuse Program U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program U.S.., Geological Survey Deliheation,of Saltwater Intrusion in Lee and Collier Counties' Effects- of Pumpage and. Seasonal Stresses on the Saltwater Interface in the Lower Tamiami Aquifer near Bonita Springs, Florida Real Time GroundWater Monitoring Sub-Network Support of Planning Model Development. in -the Caloosahatchee. River Basin 108 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-E: Discourage deep-well injection of wastewater effluent in favor of advanced wastewater treatment of surface water discharges that are compatible with the water quality of the receiving waters, an& encourage appr opriate reuse alternatives. Background The -issue 0f freshwater suppliles will continue to increase as a result 'of the projected' development in southwest Florida. As a result, the efficient use and reuse of water should be made a key planning element, at,the local, regional, and state levels, Deep-, well injection was seen as short sighted and last-resort alternative in comparison to advanced wastewater treatment to.appropriate water quality standards compatible with the water quality requirements of the receiving waters and/or Appropriate reuse alter natives. Quantifiable Objective - HA-1, HA-2 Areas for Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area Strategy 1) Develop interagency task force(Water Management Districts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection,U.S. Environmental Protec tion Agency etc. review- conflicts in current permitting quire ments. 2) Establish site-specific. criteria for nut fient discharges to receiving -,waters based both on their characteristics and on Total Daily Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). 3) Provide economic incentives- to utilities to re-use and/or return appro- priately treated wastewater to surface waters. Potential Responsible Agencies Organizations Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)/Cooperative Extension, Service County and Municipal Governments Public and,Private Utilities Water Management Districts Expected benefits Reduced demands on all surface and groundwater resources to provide for projected -growth.. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Monitoring- Response Site specific monitoring programs to assess and correct any problems associated with changes in nutrient loadings. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County - Encourage Efficient Use and Reuse of Water City of Cape Coral 'Cape Coral Dual Water System Southwest Florida Water Management District Southwest Florida Water Managrement Distinct's Reuse Program U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 32O National Estuary Program Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-F: Re-establish, where practical, surface flows from sub-basins that do not currently contribute to their historic hydrologic connections. -Background, There are regions, especially. within the upper Peace River basin, where'surface flows no longer contribute to the flows in their historic watersheds. In some areas, such hydrologic alterations have accounted for significant changes in both the amount and seasonal characteristics of flows of the major tributaries within these subbasins. Quantifiable Objective - HA-1, HA-2, HA-3, HA-4 Areas for Implementation -'The initial emphasis'should center on the upper Peace River basin Strategy 1) Assess and document changes in historic basins,caused by past and current alterations, including mining, ditChing, channelizing, dam-: ming, and other structural changes. 2) Inventory stormwater systems and facilities. 3) Promote projects that address freshwater runoff problems from canal systems. 4) Evaluate plansto establish more natural surface water flows from historic subbasins. 5) Encourage coordination between stormwater, utilities and,transporta- tion planning and projects'. 6) Determine mechanisms to fund restoration projects (including property taxes to purchase environmentally sensitive lands to place in public. trust inorder to preserve natural hydrology). 7). Rank projects and, implement, as funds become available. 8) Utilize the state's "Section 319-non-point source program" to imple- ment appropriate projects. P0tential Responsible Agencies & Org anizations County and*Municipal Governments Florida Department of Environmental Protection Mining Industry Southwest Florida Water, Management District. Expected benefits Restore more natural surface water flows in the upper Peace River, basin. Monitoring Response Measure improvements in water quantity and quality changes. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan -Preliminary Implemental Projects -Central Florida Regional Planning Council- Lake Hancock Restoration Project Charlotte County- Hydrologic Restoration of Charlotte Harbor FlAtwoods- (Zemel Road Southwest Parcel) Charlotte Harbor Environmental, C enter, Inc. Feasibility Study of Lemon Lake Restoration at, Amberjack Slough Partial Restoration Of Huckaby Creek, Phase.I city- of Venice Hydroperiod Restoration Florida Department Environmental Protection of Greater Charlotte Harbor; Ecosystem Management Area Initiative Mandato Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation '(Grants Program) Saddle Creek Restoration and-,Alternative Mitigation 'Six Mile Creek Watershed Restoration Team Permitting - Net Ecostystem Benefit Planning and Permitting Process Lee County Stormwater System- Inventory -Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Committee (CLASAC)- Polk-County Eagle Lake/Millsite Regional Drainage Project Lake Parker/Saddle Creek - Regional Drainage Project.. Peace Creek Canal/Wahneta - Regional Drainage, System. Enhancement Polk County Aquatic Weed- Control Program C Sarasota County,_ -nit- T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial -Reserve Water Use Pen Monitoring Program South Florida Water Management District Caloosahatcee Water Management Plan Southwest Florida Water Management District ..-Surface Water Improvement And Management (SWIM) Program U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Coastal Nonpoint -Program Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program.- Nonpoint Source Program U.S. Geological -Survey- Storm-Water Runoff Effects on Tributary flows Into Estero Bay Support of Planning Model Development in the Caloosahatche River Basin Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan IIA-G: Plug abandoned groundwater wells to improve groundwater quality, increase water levels, and promote water conservation. Background There are a number of abandoned agriculture wells within the Charlotte Harbor - NEP study area; Some of these, wells although once capped are- now free flowing, while the casings of other wells have failed providing direct connections to ground- water layers of different quality. The water management districts have conducted programs to Ideal with these problems. However, a greater emphas Iis should be given to these programs, and standards for futu re well abandonments should be strength ened. Quantifiable Objective, - HA-1, HA72, HA-3 Areas for Implementation - Entire Charlotte -Harbor NEP study area' Strategy 1) Develop and /or support programs to identify and plug abandoned groundwater wells. -2) Expand the Quality of Water Improvement Program (QWIP) into the South Florida Water-Management District portion of the study area. 3) Support coordination among counties, cities, and Water management districts to identify leaking wells and examine strategies for groundwater recovery. Potential Responsible Agencies &,Organizations County and Municipal Governments Water Management Districts Expected, Benefits Reduced loss of groundwater resources through direct loss and mixing of lower grade 'waters., Monitoring Response'-, As detailed in the strategy above. Preliminary Implementation Projects City of Venice.- 'Venice Well Plugging - Southwest Florida Water ManagementDistrict Quality of Water Improvement Program (QWIP) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 113 Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA_H: Where possible (practical), restore groundwater levels to historic seasonal mean levels. Background There are areas within the Charlotte Harbor NEP where groundwater levels -have severely- declined due to the historic overuse of groundwater for mining, agricul- tural, and public supplies. In specific-, areas this overuse has resulted in -declines in both wetland habitats, as well as surface water flows that are seasonally dependent- on-groundwater Contributions. Efforts should be made to restore groundwater lev- els to the greatest extent practical to mitigate for these past hydrologic impacts. Quantifiable Objective - HA-1, HA-2, HA-3 Areas/ for Implementation - Initial primary emphasis would be in the uppper Peace River basin Strategy 1) Identify and document areas "of greatest long-term changes in ground water levels. 2) Identify potential causes and relative contributions'. 3) Determine potential for restoration of groundwater levels,and the relative, effectiveness of proposed actions. 4) Implement long-term restoration'plan. 5) Encourage alternative water sources in place of groundwater with drawal. 6) Encourage conservation and preservation of groundwater, recharge areas. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Agricultural Industry County and Municipal- Governments County and Municipal Departments of Education Mining Industry U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Water Management Districts- Expected benefis Restoration of wetlands and increased surface water flows in specific areas. 114 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Monitoring Response Measure groundwater levels and -surface water flows. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Hydrologic Restoration of Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods (Zemel Road Southwest Parcel) Florida Department of Environmental Protection Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Area Initiative Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation Lee -County Hydrologic Data Network Manatee County Mantee Government Access TV (MGATV) Public Service Manat Announcements Polk County Polk County Extension- Water School Sarasota County T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve Water Use Permit Monitoring Program Southwest Florida Water Management District Southern Water Use Cautioh Area (SWUCA) U.-S. Army Corps of Engineers Central and,Southern Flood Control Restudy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program U.S. Geological Survey Effects of Pumpage and Seasonal Stresses on the Saltwater Interface in the Lower Reai-Time. Ground-Water Monitoring Sub-Network in the Tamiami Aquifer near Bonita Springs, Florida Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-I/HA-J/HA-K: Create and implement an overall public informa- tion, program including: 1) puiblic service announcements and videos; 2) portable displays and 3) educational materials- to educate the public about water resourc e issues, water conservation, and water use. Ex- plain the importance of maintaining minimum freshwater flows in tributaries and to the estuarine complex. Background An-import function of the NEP should be to coordinate a working group to promote the develo pment and distribution of public service announcements. Education ma- terials should emphasize the importance of maintaining minimum freshwater flows, -with regards to riverine habitats as well as sustaining estuarine production.. Addi- tional water resource issues and the need for water conservation and reuse should be based on the Charlotte- County Metropolitan 'Planning Organization build-out scenario process. Portable displays should be created that could be placed in -public' areas including schools,. churches , county administrative buildings, -malls, etc. Quantifiable Objective - HA-1, HA-2,HA-.3, HA-4 Areas for Implementation - entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area Strategy 1) Coordinate survey research by the working group to identify: public perceptions. of freshwater flows, water resource issues, and water conservation; areas where the public is generally interested; and those areas where specific.knowledge is generally limited concern ing-the issues surrounding water use and the.importance of main taining adequate freshwater flows- in- riverine and estuarine sys- tems. 2) Based- on these results-, develop the above methods to increase the ready availability of unbiased information and level of current knowl- edge utilizing appropriate build-out models for urban service areas,and platted lands throughout the NEP watershed. The methods should highlight the NEP's efforts to establish, enhance, and maintain mini- mum seasonal flows in each,of the major basins, and water resource issues. The methods should clearly indicate the benefits to the public that will-result from suchefforts and hoW they-can help participate. 116 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 3) Identify a focal point within each of the NEP basins to be, responsible for identifying target groups and carrying out the program. 4) Make sure that local-and state governmental representatives are SUP7 plied information, and involved in the program. 5) Utilize the county Master Gardeners programs and the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods programs to promote public awareness of water-re- source issues. 6) Make use of existing public service announcements and government access television channels to promote public education. 7) Develop both a comprehensive video and a speaker's presentation that can be,presented to interested public groups and schools. 8) Utilize appropriate existing educational materials developed for Senior High School 4-H students by the state university system. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program County and Municipal Governmens Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Coastal Management Program Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Gulf Coast University Industry Local School Districts Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Regional Planning Councils' Regional Water Sup ,ply Authorities U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Environmental Protection Agency University of Florida Sea Grant Water Management Districts Expected Benefits, Increased public, awareness-of issues and benefits to, be derived from,restoring and maintaining adequate surface water flows. Monitoring Response Measure the effectivness of promotion and public education programs by a "before and after" constructed survey. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Charlotte County's -Speaker Bureau Program East Spring Lake Environmental Information- Center (EIC) Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Water Use Education Freshwater Flow' Education Freshwater Flow Exhibits City of Venice' City of 'Venice Public Information and Education Florida Department of Environmental;Protection Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoning Network (CHEV0WQMN) Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve Public Education Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program)' Saddle Creek Restoration Alternative Mitigation Coastal Management Workshops Peace River /'Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Captiva Cruises Partnerships Peace River Water Authority Water Conservation Public Outreach and Education Program Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. Captiva Cruises Partnerships Resident Environmental Orientation Realtors' Environmental - Orientation Realtor Education Workshop Sarasota County Resource Conservation. Program Southwest Florida Water Management District Communications Program U.S. Environmental Protection, Agency: Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-L: Implement the recommendations of the South Lee County Plan. Background The South Florida Water Management District has completed, (199 8) a thorough -review of the hydrologic alterations of suface water flows that have occurred in the Estero, Bay Watershed. This report contains a series, of recommendations to both prevent future similar changes in.. surface flow patterns, as well as projects to miti- gate some of the historic- alterations and diversions which have occurred. Quantifiable Objective - HA-2, HA-3 Areas for Implementation,- Southern Lee County' Strategy 1). Prioritize recommendations within the South Lee County Plan based on both need, and-degree to which substantial benefits can reasonably be expected for, defensible costs. 2) Implement selected elements within the plan and assess resulting benefits. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Department of Transportation Lee -County South Florida Water Management District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expected Benefits Improvement and mitigation of historic hydrologic alterations to the Estero Bay Watershed. -Monitoring Response, Establish network of gauging stations to determine patterns and movement of sur- facewaters., 119 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects Lee County Hydrologic Data Network Kehl Canal Weir Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and Stewardship Committee (CLASAC) Stormwater System Inventory U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Central and Southern Flood Control Restudy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Nonpoint Source Program 120 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-M: Prevent -and/or reduce, to the greatest extent possible, future hydrologic. impacts of transportation projects within the 'Charlotte Harbor NEP and mitigate for past problems whenever possible. Background Historically, many transportation projects within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area-have either blocked and/or diverted the patterns of surface water flows., By comparison, the current design criteria,used during planning and construction of local, state, and federal transportation 'projects' generally-account for and prevent these previous problems. As transportation needs increase in response to the rapid, rate of growth in southwest Florida, every effort should- be made to mitigate for past hydrologic alterations as existing facilities are expanded and/or upgraded. Quantifiable Objective - HA-3 Areas for Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area Strategy 1) Make mitigation of any potential hydrologic.. alterations -a: key criterion for evaluation during any new roadway construction projects. 2) - Support mitigation of hydrologic alterations and impacts to water quality as, part of future roadway- improvement projects, 3) Create A stormwater master'plan in areas where road drainage signifi- cantly affects Water flows. 4) -Utilize 'appropriate Metropolitan Planning Organization. and Regional Planning Council build-out models for urban service area and platted lands throughout the NEI? watershed. 5) Utilize the state's "Section 319 -non-point. source program" to ad- dress,problems created by past- transp'ortation projects. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations County and Municipal Governments Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Department of Transportation Metropolitan Planning Organizations Regional'Planning Councils U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Water Management Districts Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected benefits A re-evaluation of the method's used in assessing past and future hydrologic alter- ations that have or could result from roadways and other transportation projects within the Charlotte Harbor NEP Monitoring Response 'Assess and hydrologic impacts due to transportation projects.' Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Development Review Process Land Use and Transportation Buildout Scenario Long Range Transportation Plan Myakka River Master Plan Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Charlotte County Mitigation Sites Florida Department of Environmental Protection Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystern Management Area Initiative Lee County. Stormwater System Inventory National, Marine Fisheries Service Fisheries Habitat Conservation Program, Polk County Environmental Lands Acquisition Program In Polk County Protection of Wetlands, Floodplain, -and Land Preservation Southwest Florida Water Management District Management of Transportation Project Impacts U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Central and. Southern Flood Control Restudy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 Natipnal Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Proram Nonpoint Source Program Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-N: Ensure Charlotte Harbor NEP's continued representation and involvement in the reconnaissance and feasibility phases of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' comprehensive restudy "of the Central and South Florida Flood Control Project. Background. The U.S.. ArmyCorps of Engineers is currently in the process of undertaking a major restudy of its works and related issues in South Florida. It would be appropri- ate for the NEP staff and members to be represented on the advisory group for the reconnaissance study. Quantifiable Objective - HA-2 7_HA-3 Areas for Implementation - Lee County' Strategy 1) Provide that members of the review committees for. the U.S. Army Corps bf Engineers Central and South Florida restudy are aware of the concerns and proposed Actions, Plans in the Comprehensive Conservation -and Management, Plan. 2) Include NEP members on the Restudy Committees to reView and evaluate results. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program U.S. Environmental Protection- Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expected Benefits Provisions for representatives 'of the-Charlotte Harbor NEP to be part of this proce'ss. Preliminary Implementation Projects U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Central and Southern Flood Control Restudy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act, Section 320 National Estuary Program U.S. Geological Survey Flow and Salinity Patterns at Selected Points Within Estuaries of the Charlotte Harbor NEP Study Area - 123 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-O: Support implementation of three-dimensional model studies to determine potential hydrologic benefits of proposed alternative alter- ations of the Sanibel Causeway during any reconstruction program. Background It has been proposed that the bridges to Sanebel be replaced. As part of this replace- ment, there have been suggestions that the causeways that were constructed as part of the roadway when the current bridges were built either be removed or modified. The primary reason for removing the causeways would be to restore the patterns of circulatoin in San Carlos Bay and nearby waters to the conditions that existed be- fore the causeways were constructed. The use of a three dimensional (3-D) model would help assess both the alterations caused by the existing causeways and any proposed modifications. Quantifiable Objective - HA-4 Areas for Implementation - Southern Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay, Estero Bay Strategy Implement a three-dimensional model to determine that impacts of the Sanibel causeway on the circulation and ecology of San Carlos Bay and nearby waters. In the bridge re-design, the circulation effects and the model's analysis will be considered. PLotential Responsible Agencies & Organizations City of Sanibel Florida Department of Environmental Protection Lee County South Florida Water Management District U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Marine Fisheries Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expected Benefits Improvement of previous hydrologic alterations that results from replacement of the causeway. Accurate assessment of the potential for new significant unexpected impacts caused by any propoed changes. 124 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Monitoring Response Monitor changes in flows during construction to verify model results. Preliminary Implementation Projects South Florida Water Management District Three-dimensional Circulation Model U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Central and Southern Flood Control Restudy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-P: Evaluate potential alternatives to modification and/or removal of the 'structure, at the southern end of Lake Hancock. .Background Thick layers of unconsolidated nutrient-rich "muck" lie on the bottom of Lake Han-cock. Also, nutrient level's within the surface waters of the lake are often ex- tremely high-and Water quality (based on a Tropical State Index) is usually "poor." The waters leaving. Lake Hancock can result in degraded water quality and algal bloom in the upper Peace River. It has been suggested that construction of a' "filtra- tion marsh system" to reduce pollutant loads leaving Lake Hancock, would help improve -water quality in these areas of the Peace River. 'Another potential mecha- nism to increase the area of natural marsh in the lake, system would be to drop-lake - levels by either* removal or control of the structure at the southern end of the lake'. Quantifiable Objective - HA-1, Areas for Implementation -Upper Peace River basin Strategy 1) Support the Lake Hancock Advisory Group or similar working group to determine alternatives for modification or removal of structure at the southern end of Lake Hancock to restore the natural hydrology 'Of. the Lake Hancock system. ) Pursue additional funding opportunities for water quality restoration. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Florida Department of Environmental -Protection Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Polk County Southwest Florida Water Management District U.S - Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish and-Wildlife Service Expected- Benefits 'Reduction of large periodic discharges of highly polluted waters from the lake into the upper Peace River. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Monitoring Response Monitor flows and water quality in the upper Peace River. Preliminary Implementation Projects Florida Department of Environmental- Protection Mandatory -Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation Polk-County Lake Hancock Advisory Group Southwest Florida Water Management District Lake Hancock Water and Nutrient. Budget and Lake Hancock Water Quality Improvement Project U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Coastal. Non-point Program,, 127 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan HA-Q: Restore hydrologic surface features of the Peace Creek flood plain. Background Peace Creek is little more than a channelized surface water system, with maj or hy- drologic alterations of most of its historic flood plain. As one of the most altered areas within. the up-per Peace River basin, it. deserves special attention for restora- tion. Quantifiable Objective HA-1,HA-2, HA-3 Areas for Implementation _-Upper Peace River basin, b etween Bartow and Lake Wales Strategy 1) Acquire flood plain, property bordering Peace. Creek either through fee simple, or less than-fee acquisition process. 2) Restore sheet flow and. some semblance of a natural marsh system in the flood plain by de-channelizing Peace Creek. .3) Utilize the state's "Section 319-Non-point source pollution control for funding of specific projects. program Potential Res onsible Agencies & Organizations Florida Department-of Environmental Protection Polk County Southwest Florida Water Management District U.S. Army Corps, of Engineers U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Expected Benefits, Restoration of a more natural seasonal variation in freshwater flow to the upper- Peace River. Flood -attenuation and storage. Water quality improvement due to removal of. cattle and -subsequent nutrient filtration by recreated marsh system. Monitoring Response -Measure seasonal flows and water quality.' Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects Florida Department of Environmental Protection Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Area Initiative Six Mile Creek Watershed Restoration Polk County Peace Creek Canal/Wahneta Regional Drainage System Enhancement Southwest Florida Water Management District Surface Water Improvement And Management (SWIM) Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Age ncy A Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program Nonpoint Source Program 129 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-A: Establish a shellfish-monitoring network to ensure sampling of 100% of Class II waters in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Background There has been a documented historical decline in the area,extent of oyster beds throughout many areas of the Charlotte Harbor NEP. Currently the state's shellfish monitoring program does not include all areas designated as Class-11 waters. Quantifiable Objective, - WQ-1, WQ-4, Areas for Implementation - Oyster and clam beds Strategy Implement comprehensive area-wide program for both the bacteriological testing of water, as well as regular tissue analysis for potential health. related potential pollutants. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations County- and Municipal -Governments- Florida Department of Environmental Protection -Not-for-Profit Conservation Organizations Expected benefits Accurate assessment potential shell fish areas, -including both natural and com- mercial lease areas. Aid in the identification of potential areas for the construction of artificial beds. Monitoring Response As detailed in the strategy above. Preliminary Implementation Projects, The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc. Pine Island Watershed Natural. Resource Assess Geographic Information System-(GIS)_ Florida Department of Environmental Protection 'Florida Department of Environemental Protection (FDEP) Southwest District Point Source Discharge Permitting Program 130 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lee County Lee County Estuarine Monitoring Program Polk County Lake Mariana Water Quality Improvements U.S. Environment Protection Agency Clean. Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program -Volunteer Scientific Research Team, Inc. Marine Research- and Education 131 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-B,- Promote general public-awareness and education on water quality issues and demonstration projects. Background General public has limited knowledge of.the goals and work of the NER There is a' need to-develop greater awareness of benefits that can accrue from individual ac- ions. Quantifiable Objective - WQ-1, WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-69 WQ-7 Areas for* Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area Strategy- 1) Stencils at stormwater drains. 2) Signs 'at road/canal crossings., 3) Develop'school curriculum and guest'speaker'programs. 4) Recycling Programs. 5) New resident education package. e Support and enhance local and regional Florida Yards and. Neighbor hood programs. develo' er -n 7) Information material for local p s, P engineenng firms and contractors. 8) Expand training for coordination of volunteer water quality sampling programs. - 9) Work with media in* getting' water quality information to the public. 10) Increase public awareness of potential sources of pollution, -and poten tial agencies responsible for enforcement. 11) implement "River Keeper",pogram in conjunction with volunteer qand educational programs. 12) Support pollution prevention (P2) programs to educate business'and, industry: 13) Utilize existing videos for Public education such- as,"Stormwater-A Mixed Blessing," ''Floodplain Facts-A Buyer's Guide," and "A Developer'.s- Guide to Stormwater Management,!. 14) Hold public education workshops on -specific -topics. q ty is_, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Chambers of Commerce, County and Municipal Governments Departments of Education. environmental Protection Florida-Department of E Institute of Food and Agricultural, Sciences (IFAS)/C-6operative Extension Service Not-,for-Profit Conservation Organizations Water Management Districts Expected benefits Provision,of mechanisms for greater public awareness. Preliminary Implementation Projects. The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine. Island, Inc. Pine Island Watershed -Natural. Resource Assessment Geographic Information System (G IS) Charlotte, County Environmental Information. Center (EIC) Greater Port Charlotte'Canal Water Quality Enhancement Charlotte County Master Stormwater Plan South Gulf Cove Water Quality Enhancement Support Horse Creek Outstanding Florida Water Designation U.S. 41 Water Quality Improvement Video: Stormwater Runoff..A Mixed Blessing Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Coordinatior of Water Quality, Monitoring Program in Charlotte Harbor, Peace River and Myakka River Water Quality Education City of Cape Coral Stormwater Utility Program- (SWUP)/Utlility Expansion Plan (UEP) City of Fort Myers Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) Surface Water Management Master Plan' -City of Lakeland Lake Hollingsworth Seiment Removal. Project And Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Retrofit City of Venice ice City of Venice Public Information and Education 133 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan IN Florida Department of Environmental Protection Aquatic'Preserve. Management Maps Biological Assessment and Monitoring of Streams: \Stream Condition index and Biorecon Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network- (CHEVWQMN) Chalotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve Public Education Citizen Support Orgaqnization.(CS6qO) The Friends Of The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. Citizen Support Organization (CSO) Estero Bay Buddies' Clean Marina Program (CMP) Assessment Coastal Management Workshops Environmentally Responsible Marinas and Boat Maintenance Practices Evaluation of Biological/Physical. Impacts of Anchorages Florida Department of Environmental Protection Lakes Bioassessment Program -Lake Howard Water Quality and Habitat Restoration Project. Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulator y) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation -(Giants Program) Public Education Programs Reclaimed Water Use-.Development Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation Southwest.FloridaAnchorages Monitoring Green Partners Green Partners - A Partnership of Polk County Businesses Lakes Education/ Action Drive (LE/AD) Public 'Education on- Polk County Lakes Lee County National Pollutant DischargeIElimination. System(NPDES) Implementation Small Quality Hazardous Water Generator Pro grain, Polk County ity Enhancement (So -,Crooked Lake Water Qual minole, Ave'. Stormwater Detention Pond) Environmntal Landsi-ape Managemen of Education Program Farm *A*Syst/Home*A*Syst Garden Grove Pines Stormwater Retrofit Project Jan Phyl Village Storrnwqater Retrofit Proj-ect Lake Hancock Advisory Group Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lakewatch Polk County Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program ension Water School Polk County, Ext Management Plan -1 Implementation Polk'County Stormwater M Stormwater Videos For Public Education Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation ation, Inc. Captiva Cruises Partnership Habitat Management upland Ecology Program: Prescribed Burning, Wetland and Upland Enhancement, 'Monitoring, and Applied Research of Native Flora and, Fauna Realtor Education, Workshops Realtors' Environmental'Orieniation Resident, Environmental'Orientation, Sarasota County Resource Conseration Program Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Managing Selected Anchorages- and Harbors - Southwest Florida Southwest Florida Water. Management District Communications Program U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Waier Act Section 320 NAtional Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program Nonpoint Source Program Volunteer Scientific Research Team, Inc. Marine Research and Education 135 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-C/WQ-D: Identify gaps in water q e d uality data ne de to calibrate the appropriate models used to determine Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits.- Coordinate -monitoring programs and implement I. programs to fill data gaps for TMD6qLs.. _4qJ -A Background The Florida, Department of Environment al Protection is currently in the process of Maximum Da ly Load (TMDL) for water bodies within beginning to establish Total the.state which have-been identified as not meeting current water quality standards. It was the consensus of. the Charlotte Harbor NEP working groupsthat within. the NEP'study area, this: effort be *expanded to' address entire subbasins and/or water- sheds. It is expected that in many. areas identified for the- determination of TMDLs there may be insuffilcient water quality data- to accurately calibrate models. ectiqve - WQ-1, WQ-2, W -3 Quantifiable Obj Q Areas for linplemefqit2qation - Eqfqitire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area Strategy' 1) Determine bodies of-water and segments of riverine systems for which the determination of total maximum daily loads. (TMDLs) needs to be - accomplished, consulting with the Florida Department of Environmental -Protection Waters ed Manaaernent Program..- 2) Coordinate the locations and'analytes for TMDL within th Chaqil'tte s n 0 Harbor NER 3). Assess previously collected data and determine gaps- with'tqhe Florida DepArtqment of Environmental Protection Watersh anagement edM Program. 4) Establish a joint agency working-group to identify the information gaps and. data needed. specifically for TMDLs. 5) Develop monitoring programs to address, gaps indatqaneededto develop accurate TMDLs'4qwith the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Watershed Ma6qpagement Program. 6) 0q@56q@q(0qYllect accurate an40qdr6qeliable data appropriate to the establishment of TMD56qLs for all water bodies - and river seamen .ts within, the Charlotte 32qRarboqrq-q.NER -be stored in a common database (e.g.. .7) 'Establish a procedure6qforq. data to q- STO48qRET6q)q. 8) -Analyze data andq,q.establish appropriate TMDLs.. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Potential Responsible Agencies & Organization,% Florida Department of Environmental Protection/Watershed Management -Program (principal- partner) County and Municipal Governments Not-for-Profit Conservation Organizations Industry Stormwater Utilities Water Management Districts Expected Benefits -Assistance in determining appropriate background information for the establish- ment of Total Maximum Daily. Loads (TMDLs). Provision of accurate estimated' loads and-assess associated negative impacts. V*4q+ - Monitoring Response Monitoring programs, should betailored to each identified priority water body. qN Preliminary Implementation Projects The Calusa Land Trust'and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc. Pine Island Watershed Natural Resource Assessment -Geographic Information System (GIS) Charlotte County GreaterPort Charlotte -CanalWater Quality Enhancement Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Coordination of Water Quality Monitoring Program in Charilotte Harbor, Peace River and Myakk@ River VolunteerWater. Quality Monitoring Network, Florida Center for Environmental Studies Water Quality Sampling in the Caloosahatehee River and Estuary' Florida Department of Environmental Protection Biological Assessment'and Monitoring of Streams: Stream, Coadition Index and- Biorecon Caloosahatchee River Total Maximum Daily Load (-TMDL) -Study Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) Domestic Wastewater (DW), -and Industrial Wastewater q(6qIW2q) Permitting Programs Evaluation of Biological Physical Impacts of Anchorages Florida Department of Environmental Protection (36qFDEP) Southwest District Point Source Discharge Pen4qfqlitting Program 1308q7 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Integrated Water Resources Monitoring (IWRM) Network Basin-, Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Lo0qe (TMDL) - Development, Natural Resources' Monitoring Programs-at Estero Bay Aquatic and -State Buffer Preserve (EBS&SBP) Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) qinent qPtqo grqa 'iqn Watershed ApqOroaq6h Watershe6q& Manage Florida-Cenier for Environmental Studies Water Qualq@qty Sampling.in the Cqal6qdo-sahatchee River and Estuary' Lee County Lee Count " Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program I qy I.,ee Counqiy. Estuarine Monitoring Program National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) implementation Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority Peace River Hydrq6biqological Monitoring Program.q(HBMP) Peace. River Water Quality Monitoring Project Polk County_ Crooked Lake Water Quality Enhancement_ (Seminole Ave., Stormwater, Detention Po'nd) Garden Grove Pines Stormwater Retrofit Project 'Ph an yl Village Stormwater Retrofit Project Lake Mariana Water Quality Improvements Lakewatch Polk County Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program Polk County Stormwater Managem6q6ht Plan Implementation Sarasota, Co4qu ty un Sarasota, County Ambient -Water Quality Monitoring Program Southwest Florida Water Management qI)istqrict Further Refinement of a Pollutant Load Reduction Goal for Charlotte qfqtaqrqb8qdqi- Ongoing, Water-Quaqility Monitoring Program in Charlotte Harbor U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Investigation of Atmospheric Deposition of Nutrients Water Quality Modeling and Total Maximum Daily Loq.ad -Development 12q3q1qi2q@04q@ ------------- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-E/WQ-M: Install or retrofit Best Management Practices (BMPs) as necessary to maintain or improve water quality. Background Once the assimilative capacity of waterbodies within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area have been, established, the point and nonpoint source's pollutants should, be identified. Then effective programs to reduce and/or maintain loading levels within the assimilative capacity 'of each surface water system should be identified. Where --septic systems pose a significant potential threat -of pollution to ground and 'Surface waters and where central sewer systems are impractical, composting toilet system s may present a viable alternate. Quantifiable Objective - WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-5, WQ-6 Areas for Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP'Study area Strategy -including st6rmwater systems. 1),, Inventory existing, programs., 2) Evaluate and rank potential exp Iansions of/curqrent programs. 3). Implementation. 4) Utilize federal funding sources such as the, state's "Section 319-Non' point source control program" when 'appropriate. 5)' Implement-inctntives for composting toilets in appropriate areas. Potential Responsible Agencies -Organizations County and Municipal Governments, Florida Department of Health Florida Department of Environmental Protection Industry 'Institute- for Food and Agricultural Science Cooperative Extension Service Not for-Profit Conservation Organizations Natural Resource Conservation Service U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Agriculture 56qNater Management Districts 96q1q-39 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits. Reduction of pollutant loads to meet establishedgoals. In the case of increased use, of co osting toile - the reduction -of water consumption and reduction of nutri- nip ents loadsfrom wastewater treatment facilities. Monitoring _Response. Monitoring programs shouldbe established t assess success of implemented man- practices. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte- Harbor Environment I Center, Inc., Cornposting Toilet Implementation and Education City of CapeCoral Storminwater Utility Program (SVVUP)/Ttility Expansion Plan (UEP) City of Fort Myers Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) Surface-Water Mand r- Plan. 1Z gemeqnt Mq4ste City of Lakeland Lake Hollingsworth- Sediment Removal Project And Lake -Parker -Southwest Outfall Retrofit- Lake Park r,Southwest Outfall Retrofit. 'City,of Punta Gorda City of Punta Gorda Burnt Store Isles Stormwater Treatment Retrofit City of Winter Haven Wltiple Stormwater Quality Improvement Pr y Olects- Florida Department'of Environmental Protection Domestic Wastewater (DW) and Industrial Wastewater (INV-) Perinitthig Programs Industrial Wastewater -Compliance/Enforcement; qOoqmestic Wastewater Compliance/Enforcement Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation -0q& Permitting (Regulatory) -Mandatory- Phosphate Reclamation (6qQrants Program). Non Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternativeq@ Mitigation. Lake Howard Water.quality'and Habifat Restoration project Green Partners Qre@n Partners - A Painership of Polk County Businesses Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lee. County Lakes Park Flow-Way/Filter Marsh National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Implementation Stormwater System Inventory' Lee County Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program Acquisit on and Stewardship Lee County Conservation Land Committee (CLASAC) Manatee County Application of Innovative Wastewater- Treatment Systems'at 'Emerson Point Conservation Park Natural Resources Conservation Service. Conservation Financial assistance, Copservation Technical Assistance. -Polk County Environmental Landscape Management Education Program Polk County ExtensionWater School Lake Mitriana. Water.Quality Improvements 16qZ Farm*A*Syst/0qHo me*,A*Syst Crooked Lake Water Quality Enhancement'(Seminole Ave. Stormwater Detention Pond) Garden Grove Pines. Stormwater Retrofit Project Lake Hancock Advisory Group Jan Phyl Village Stormwater Retrofit Project Polk County Stormwater Management Plan Implementation Sarasota County Sarasota County Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Program Southwest Florida Water Management District Management of Transportation Project Imbacts Ongoing Efforts/to Restore the Hydrology of the Upper Myakka River Watershed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section-320 National Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program Nonpoint Source Program 141q. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-F: Assess the cumulative impact of the density of septic tank systems and where appropriate take effective corrective action, Background There are potential pollutant impacts from'high and m6derately dense urban areas relying, on septic systems to both ground -and receiving sUrface waters. Quantifiable Objective - WQ-1, WQ-2, WQ-3,-WQ4 Areas for Implementation Entire Charlote Harbor -study area Strategy 1) Conduct appropriate groundwater and surface water.qstudies necessary to- deterr nine -the cumulative impact's of high', densitie's of septic tanks.* 2) Identify the appropriate indicator organism to identify sepfic system discharges. 3) Make -appropriate changes in state law's and local septic tank ordi nances to mitigate impacts to the greatest pactical extent. 4) Require,'every' other year, insped qClonof all septic systems where impacts-to -groundwater/surface waters haveIbeen shown. Countieq� should-be encouragedto include such language within their updated comprehensive plans. 5), Enhance enforcement to ensure appropriate repairs are made when necessary. 6 Establish homeowner education programs. q7@ Utilize the state's "'Section 319-Non' controf program" 7point source- for funding of,projects- where appropriate. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations County and Municipal Governments Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Institute, for Food, and Agricultural Science/Cooperative Extension Service Not-for -Profit.Conservation Organizations U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Expected Benefits Reduction of pollutant -loads to meet established goals. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comperhensive Conservation and Management Plan Monitoring Response Monitoring \programs 'should be established to assess the, potential, of septic tank pollution to groundwaters and surface waters. Prminary Implementation Projects The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc. Pine Island Watershed Natural Resource Assessment Geographic Information System (GIS) Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Septic Tank and Drainage System Education City of Cape Coral Stormwater Utility Program (SWUP)/Utility Expansion Plan (UEP) City of Lakeland Lake Hollingsworth Sediment Removal Project And Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Retrofit, City of North Port Septic Tank Alternatives Study City of Venice Venice Expansion of Sanitary Sewerage Florida Department of Environmental Protection Public Education Programs Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality- Monitoring- Network (CHEVWQMN) Lee County Lee County Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program Polk County Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst Lake Mariana Water Quality Improvements U.S. Environmental Protection Agent Clean Water Act Section-3201 National Estifary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program Nonpoint Source Program, 2q@143, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program N Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-G: Provide central sanitary sewers or other alternative technology to-residential areas (parcels of land one acre or less) and all commercial and industrial, development within 900 feet of waters (canals,- estuary, streams, and lakes) within the Charlotte Harbor NEP study -area. Background Emphasis on the protection of groundwaters from pollutant loadings'from septic systems should be given to areas nearest to any surface waters. Quantiflab4e'Objective - WQ-1 WQ-2 WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6 Areas for Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area Strategy' 1) Based on the results, of WQT, prioritize areas for implementation. 2) In *such- areas where densities,are low, require-advanced on-site septic,. systems. 3) Improv e quality and availability of package. plant_s to service areas more-developed areas. 4) Develop and-implement plans t6. provide central sewer. to highly developed areas. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations' County and Mtfnicipal Governments Florida Department of Health Florida Department of Community Affairs Florida Coastal Management Program Florida Department of Environmental Protection Homeowner Associtions U.S. -Environmental Protection-Agency Expeed Benefits Reduction of nutrient loads and sources of human p'6qdthog2qpns. Monitorin Response Integrate shallow groundwater network -with county, stormwater and other appropn- ate ambient monitorin efforts. 10q9 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte'County Charlotte' County Central Sewer Expansion City,of Cape-Coral Stormwater Utility Program (SWUP)/Utility Expansion Plan (UEP) City of Fort'Myers Stormwater Management Program'(SWMP) -Surface 'Water Management Master Plan@ City of North Port City of North Port Water and 'Sewer Master Plan - Implementation City of Venice Venice Expansion of Sanitary Sewerage City of Punta Gorda qM Puntd Gorda, Central Sewer Expansion Hardee County Manatee County Planning Department Sarasota County Sarasota County septic Tank Re laceirient Program U.S. Vnvqkofimental Protection Agency. Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program 145 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-H: Install- and maintain filtration marshes at appropriate locations around Lake Hancock.,, Background., on the bott m of Lake Thick layers of nutrient rich unconsolidated "muck" lie, 14ancock.' Nutrient,levels within the surface wate'rs of the lake are often extr6m2q0y high and water quality (based on a Trophic State Index) are usually "poor."' The waters'leaving Lake'Hancq@qck can result in degraded -water quality and algal bloom, in the upper Peace River. , Construction of a "filtration marsh system" to reduce pollutant loads leaving Lake Hancock.would help improve water quality in the se areas of the Peace River. Quantifiable Objective WQ- 1, WQ-5 Areas'-for Implementation - Lake Hancock northern Peace River basin Strategy 1) Determine the desigin qcqf0qiteria forthe construction of one or 2qmorqp effective filtration marshesto remove nutrient, loads entering the Peace River from Lake Hancock. 2) Construct marsh(esq). 3) Maintain -marsh system(s) at such bonditions to optimize removal of key limiting nuqfqf2qierqits to the'Peace River/Charlotte Harbor qs'qy-qstem. Potential Responsible Agcieqs & Organizations Florida Fish-and Wildlife Conservation. Commission Florida Department of Environmental Protection Polk County Southwest Florida Water Management District. U.S_. Fish and Wildlife Service Expected Benefits Reduction of nutrient loads and algal bloom in the Peace River and Charlote\Haqrq-q.. b Monitoring Response Determine nutrient concentrations in Lake Hancock and the upper Peace River, as well qas determine the frequency and extent. of algal blooms in the -Peace River. Q q10q2 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects Florida Department of Environmental Protection Ecosystem Management Water Quality Assessment Section Lakes Bioassessbent Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) qQ@ Non-Mandatory Phosphate' Reclamation (qbrafits Program')- Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation - Polk County Lake Hancock Advisory Group Southwest Florida, Water Management District Lake Hancock Waterand Nutrient Budget and Lake Hancock Water Quality Improvement Project U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program Nonpoint Source Program 88q@44q@147 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-1: Expand the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program to' all counties in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area and actively implement the program. Background-. One of the primary goals of the_Florida Yards and Neighborhoods programs is to, encourage, to the greatest extent possible, the plahtin2qg -of native, drought tolerant plant species in both yards and public areas. -Such native species.. typically require far less water, fertilizers, and pesticides than commonly used nonnativejaqndscap-'-. reducing both water consumption as well as -non-point source pol l.tants in stormwater runoff. ing species, thus 'Quantitable Objeciivie -,WQ-3 Areas for Implementation - -EntireCharl6tte Harbor NEI? study area A Strategy 1) -Improve -education of homeowners about niethods they can easily t implement to reduce source of pollution. 2) Make the busi ity aware of the -and ness commun kinds of activities programs they cair undertake to reduce non-poirit stormwater sources from their property. .3)' Develope programs for providing_ training and certification for landscaping contractors. 4), Use mobiie, irriotion lab to reduce water *use.. 5). Promote xerikaping- and where necessar for changes in _y provide zoning to allow'and encourage such landscaping- practices; ons Potential Responsible Agenc ies & Organization' Cbamberg of Commerce County and Municipal Governments Institute for Food and Agricultural Scienceg (IFAS)/Coo' rative Extension _pe Service Master Gardeners and Other Civic Ass6c0qiaions - Not-for-72 Profit Conservation Organizations- Water Management Districts Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected benefits Reduction of the use of water. Reduction of the amounts of pollutants from yards and businesses. Monitoring Response County stormwater programs. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center,I0qnc.- Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program City of Venice. City of Venice Public information and'Education Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Citizen Support Organization (CSO) The Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. Hardee, County Hardee County Xeriseaping (Amendment of Hardee County Uniforni qLa2qAd Development Code) Lee County National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Implementation Manatee County Mahatee.County Florida Yards And -Neighborhoods Program Polk County. Environmental Landscape Management Education Program Polk County Extension Water School Sanibel/Captiva Conservation foundation, Inc. Landscaping for Wildlife Sarasota County Florida Yards. and Neigborhoods Program U.S.'Environmental Protection Agency' Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary.Prograrn Coastal Nonpoin Program Nonpoint Source Program 149, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-J: Establish a buffer zone around Lake Hancock. Background Currently much of the land. surrounding Lake Hancock has yet to be developed., This status provides a window of opportunity to both preserve existing wildlife habitat as, Well as -reduce future non-point source pollution to the. lake through the establish- men t of,buffer zones. Quantifiable Objective 2qW2qQ-2 Areas for Implementation - Lake Hancock -and upper Peace River basin Strategy 1) Identify areas around Lake'Hancbck for public purchase or the acquiIsi tion of development rights. 2) Develop and'implement. plans for the reduior-of ndnoint, pollution. Potential Responsible Ag' enqcies & Organizations -Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Not -for-Profit Conservation Organizations Polk County Southwest Florida Water Management District US. Tish, and Wildlife Service Expected benefits Protection ofInative- habitats surrounding the e and reduction of _'nutrient2pads'. Momtoring Response Long-term ambient monitoning program for Lake Hancock. - Preliminary Implementation Projects.. Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Ecosystem Management Water Quality Assessment Section-Lakes Bioassessment Greater Charlotte 6q16q1arbor Ecosystem Management'Area Initiative Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Pennitting (Regulatory) -Nor0qi-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation - (Grants Program) Saddle 80qCreek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation ` Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Polk County Environmental Lands Acquisition Program-In Polk County Lake Hancock Advisory Group Southwest Florida Water Management District Lake Hancock Water and Nutrient Budget and Lake Hancock Water Quality improvement Project U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 'Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program 1151 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-K: Remove the muck Component frothe sediments of Lake Hancock.. Background Ther are thick. layers of nutrient-rich unconsolidated "muck"-on the bottom of Lake, Hancock. This fqf0qitick-pqrovides a constant source of nutrients8q4o the, s'ufface waters.- As. a result, water quality (based on.a Trophic,State Index) is "poor" and dense concentrations of algae are common. The7 reirn6val of unco nisolidaqted sediment lay- ers should signifiq6dqittly improve water quality, both in Lake Hancock, aAqd the upper.. Peace River. 7, Quantifiable Objective - WQ-5 Areas for Implementation - Lake Hancock, upper Peace River Strategy 1) Deterrmine which (or what combination- of) method(s) 'Would provide a cost-effective and environmentally sound2p1pniq4ue-for the removal qof solidated- sediments qon t@e bottomof Lake HancocIk: uncon draw down; mining and restorafion; -and/or 4q0, sediment dredging/quick removal. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Florida. Fish.and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Polk County' Southwest, Florida Water Management District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,, -U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Expected benefits Reduction of nutrient concentration and the [email protected] bloom in Lake Hancock and the44qTeaceq, River. Monitoring Response Measure ambient nutrient concentrations in the Lake Hancock and P0qeacqiq@0q@ River. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects Florida Department of Environmental Protection agement Water Quality Assessment Section Lakes Ecosystem Man Bioassessment Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting -(Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program), Saddle Creek, Restoration -and Alternative Mitigation Polk County -Lake Hancock Advisory Group Southwest Florida Water Management District Lake Hancock Water and Nutrient Budget and Lake Hancock' Water Quality Improvement Project US. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary- Program 153 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-L: Create and establish a pub lic involvement program- for -Lake Hancock. Background -Local area support will be a key component in an' of-the proposed programs to restore-Water quality and preserve. habitat within Lake Hancock and its 'watershed. Qu antiqflable Objective - WQ-5 Areas. for Implementation - Polk County Strategy 1) Publish articles. in public dia; 2)- Conduct school awareness programs,; and 3)- Target civic associations and.chambers of co mimerce. Potentqial'Responsible Agencies. & Organizations Florida Department of Environmental qProtection Florida Fish and Wildlife.servation Commission Not-for-Profit Conservation manizations Polk County Southwest Florida Water Management Distoct Expected benef0qiti Increased public awareness-of Water quality problems, associated with Lake Hancock and support for programs to improye existing condition. Preliminary Implementation Projects Florida Department of Environmental, Protection Ecosystem Management Water Quality Assessment Section Lakes Bioassessnfent Polk County Lake Hancock Advisory Group Southwest Florida Water'Management District Lake- Hancock Water and Nutrient BpdqRet and Lake Hancock Water Quality Improvement Project., -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,, Clean Water Act Section 320 National/ Estuary..Program- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-N: Reduce non-point source pollutants associated with stormwater. runoff. Background As indicated within the Synthesis of Existing Information document prepared by, the, Charlotte Harbor NEP, the largest source of potential pollutants within each of the idtified basins comes from non-point'source stormwater runoff. Quantifiable Objective - WQ-2, WQ-3, WQ-4, WQ-6 -Areas for Implementation - All Charlotte Harbor NEP watersheds V+ Strategy. 1) Elevate water quality criteria as part of county.stormwater' 'planning and develop integrated programs to reduce levels*' 2) Encourage redevelopment ofolder properties and businesses to meet current stormwater treatment standards whenever possible. 3) Reduceim d surface required by pervious pave parking space and large cormneral developments. 4) Encourage local governments to adopt integrated pest management., policies and implement environmentally beneficial landscaping- practices on all public property.' 'd/or improve agricultural best in 5) Assure an anagement practices (BMPs). 6). Evaluate the impacts' of gludge and sediments on water quality. Potential Responsible Agencies. & -Organizations County and Municipal. G6vernments Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Department of Agriculture Florida Coastal Management Program ]Florida Department of Community Affai rs Homeowners Associations Institute of Food and Aqg04qnq"cultural Sciences/Coo erq48q@0qi8qVe Extension Service I q_p Not-for-Pro0qfqit Conservation Organizatidns Regional Planning Councils U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water Management Distri36qOqs Expected benefits Reduction in stormwater pollutant loadings to receiving waters. 155 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Monitoring Response Conduct existing and expanded surface- water monitoring programs, as well as test- ing that may, be required as.part of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDE8) permit requirements. Pre in qects linu ary Impqle mientation Projects Charlotte - County Development Review Process Greater Port Charlotte@ Canal Water Qualit y Enhancement water Plan Charlotte County Master- Storm Myakka River Master Plan South W If Cove Water Qualit Enhancement Thr ee-Lakes 'U.S. 41, Water qualitylinproqVem-ent City of Cape Coral Stormwater. Utility Program (SWUP)/Utility Expansion Plan (UEP) City of Fort Myers Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) Surface Water Management Master Plan 'City of Lakeland, Lake Parker Southwest Outfall Retrofit Multiple.Stormwater Quality- Improvement Projects City of Punta Gorda City of Punta Gorda Burt Store Isles Stormwater Treatment Retrofit, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Biological Assessment, and Monitoring'of Streams: -Stream Condition Index and Biorecon Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve Public Education Citizen Support Organization (CSO) The Friends Of The Charlotte Preserves,-Inc. Harbor Aquatic Environmentally Responsible Marinas and Boat Maintenance Practice's Florida Devaqitment of Environmental Protection Lakes Bioa's sessment- Program Lake HowardWater Qualityq'and Habitat Restoration Project' Mandatory Phosphate Reclyqiation Permitting (2qR6qogul atory) Non-Mandatoqry Phosphate Reclamation (Grants. Program). Pollution Prevention' (P2) Stormwater Pollution Reduction Pollution Prevetion (P2) Publ ic Education Programs Restorat' n and Alimati Mitigation Saddle Creek 10 Green Partners Green Partners- A 20qPq@rt44q4erqship of Polk Count" Busines'ses Charlotte Harbor National Estury Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Hardee County Encouraging Pervious Surfaces (Hardee County Unified Land Develop menf Code) Lee County 'Lake's Park Fl0W7Way/Filter Marsh -Lee County Ambient Surface Water Monitoring Program Lee County ConservAtion Land Acquisition and Stewardship, Committee. (CLASAC) National Pollutant Discharge'Elimination,System (NPDE5) Implementation Small Quality Hazardous Waste Generator Program Stormwater System Inventory -Manatee County' The Manatee CQtqffity Stormwater Basin Study Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Financial Assistance bnseq@vation Technical Assistance Polk County, Crooked Lake Water Quality Enhancement (Seminole Ave.. Stormwater Detention Pond) Environmental Landscape Management Education Program Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst Garden Grove Pines Stormwater Retrofit Project Jan Phyl Village Stormwater Retrofit Project Lake Mariana Water Quality Improvements-. Polk County Extension Water School - Polk County Stormwater Management Plan Implementation Stormwater Videos For Public Education nibelCaptiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. -Enhancement, Monitoring' and Applied Research of Native Flora pond FaAna Habitat Management and Ecology- Program: Prescribed Burning,, Wetland and Upland Southwest Florida Water Management District Further Re0qf0qifiement of a Pollutant Load Reduction-Goal for Charlotte Harbor U.S.q,Envitonmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Coastal N.onpoint Program National Pollutant. Discharge. Elimination System (NPDES) Permit -Program Nonpoint Source Program Water Qd2qdlity Standards Program Overview Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 'tigate source WQ-O:,Investigate sources s and effects of atmospheric deposition and develop action plans to' address findings. N A Backqiqmund -entire Charlotte. Harbor There is only a @single site within tfqie NEP study area where rates df atmospheric'deposition are being' collected. Due to qihe'size and differing natures of the watersheds it is-important that additional information be collected in order to account ofor potential -sources of pollutants. Quanti4qfqtable Objective - WQ-3 Areas for lmplemntation - Site(s) selected as bein representative (if watersheds within the Chad -tte Harbor N0qEP Strategy 1) Promote and encourage wet-and dry atmospheric deposition monitonn'9. ,2) Determine rates of atniospheri6,depo'iton of specific votentiAl Pollutants.. 3), Assess if and where atmospheric deposition poses potential threats to surface waters and/or biqlogial communities. 4) Identify the sources of such pollutants. 5) Determine if identified sources can be reduced with existing technology and/or best management'practices. 6) Develop plans to reduce, where Orqktical, amounts of polllitants from - identified sources., Implement the developed integrated strategy to reduce to,-the greatest practical extent. 8) Promote energy conservation, to reduce emissions from polwer facilities. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations County and Municipal Governments Florida Department of Environmental Protection .'Florida Department of Agriculture/Division.of Forest r16q@ Electric Utilities U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water -Management Districts Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected benefits Determnation of levels of potential pollution associated with atmospheric deposi- tion, and address identified sources where feasible and implement,plan to-reduce sources. Monitoying Response Install and collect appropriate information on levels of potential pollutants associ- ated'with atmospheric deposition within the Charlotte Harbor NEP watersheds. Preliminary Implementation Projects Florida Department of Environmental Protection Watershed Management Program Watershed Approach Lee County Derelict Vessel Removal Program Polk County take Mariana. Water Quality ImproVements Polk County Stormwater Management Plan Implementation Sarasota' County South Lido Park Atmospheric Deposition Monitoring Station Southwest Florida Water Management District 'Estirnates of Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus.- and Total Suspended Solids Loadings To Charlotte Harbor, Florida U.S. Environmental Protection Agency y Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-P: Encourage, expand, and develop incentives for the use of reclaimed water. Background Utilities estimate that in-home use.of water accounts for approximately half of the demand. Water reuse programs thus 6 'an be effective- methods of reducing current andfuture -pressures on surface groundwater. Quantifiable Objective - WQ-3 -NqER Areas for Implementatiaw - A-11 watersheds within the Charlotte Harbor Strategy 1) Evaluate effectiveness and benefits of existing water reuse programs.- rge 2) Assess the'net-effects of reducing or eliminating existing disch and groundwaterinjections with regards to,impacts to surface and groundwater. 3).Detertmne areas,where reuse programs would be of the potential. greatest benefit. 4) Evaluate potential actions-with regards to public health\ concerns and perceptions concerning the use of reelaimed water. 5)' Imple ment and expand programs where they meet' health and environ- mental standards and are economically practical. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Agricultural Industry. County and Municipal Govemments Florida Coastal, Management, Program. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Industry , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Water-Mangement Districts Expected benefits': Reduction in new and increasing potable water de mands on surfacqd and groundwaters. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Monitoring Response Determine and tracl water reuse in relation to overall increases in water consump- tion. Preliminary -Implementation Projects Charlotte County. Promoting Reclaim Water in Charlotte County City of Cape Coral-. Cape Coral Dual Water System, City of Venice Venice Wastewater Reuse Florida Department 4 Environmental Protection Maftdatory Phosphate Reclamation' & Permitting -(Regulatory) Non-Manda'to'ry Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Reclaimed Water Use Development Saddle Creek Restoration. and Alternative Mitigation,' Sarasota County Expansion/of theReuse Distribution System Southwest Florida Water Manage thent District Ongoing Efforts to Restore the Hydrology of the Upper Myakka Rivet Watershed Southwest Florida Water Management District's Reuse Program 'US. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 326q6 National Estuary, Program Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan WQ-Q: Reduce contaminants from marina and dock ol)erations. Background The Charlotte Harbor,NIEP working groups felt that current rules and regulations probably sufficiently' address. such issues: However, there were concerns With re-- q4 'gard to both enforcement. as well as the regulation of boat hull cleaning operations and practices Within NEP waters. Q. WQ-6 antilable Objective., Areas- for Implementation - Coastal areas, rivers, andi larger- lakes with -the Charlotte Harbor NEP -study area. - Strate d with,marina and 1) Identify sources of pollutants and toxins associate dock'operations Within waters of the Charlotte Harbor NER 2) Design monitoring programs to assess potentil impacts. 3), Implement or enhance, monitoring programs to determine pollutant levels'within previously -identified areas. 4). Require edective- corrective action's lo rqeduc sources, of identified 144qP Ilutantqg. 0 5) Encourage development of regulatory best management practices (BMPs) at, the coun and municipal level. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Commiercial Marine'-and Boating industry County and Municipal Governments Florida Coastal Management Program Floni da Department of Environmental ProtectionI Trade Associations r 'U.S'Eiivironmental Protection Agency West Coast Inland Navigation District Expected benefits Reduction in sources -of pollutants -and toxins associated with boating operations. Monitoring Response Specific monitoring programs of potential pollutants from identified marina and dock'-facilities. 16 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program r Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Wan Preliminary Implementation Projects City of Fort Myers Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) Surface Water Management Master Plan Florida Deliartqnient of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water eQuality Monitoring. Network (CHEVW4qQMN) Clean Marina Prografti (CMP) Assessment- Envirorimentally Responsible, Marinas and Boat-maintenance Practices Evaluation of Biological/Physical Impacts of Anchorages -Landward-Source Petroleum Discharges, Southwest Florida Anchorages Monitoring Lee County Small Quality Hazardous Waste'Generator Program Polk County Crooked-Lake Water Quality Enhancement (Seminole Ave. Stormwater Detention Pond) Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Managing -Selected Anchorages and Harbors - Southwest Florida U.S. Environmental Protection Agec_y Clean Water Act Section.-320 Nanal Estuary Program Coastal Nonpoint Program Nonpoint Source Program Volunteer Scientific Research Team, 2qncqk, Marine'Research and Education _2q@ q0q0q@ 163 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-A: Where. practical, identify and remove areas of heavy invasive exotic vegetation from the Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Backgroun toll, . I - I Significant wildlife habitat in the study area has been extensively invaded and al- -tered by invasive exotic vegtation. Programs and incentives need to b e developed fo reduce and control both the,exterit and spread of such invasive exotic vegetation. Quantifiable Objective qFW-2, FW-4 Are m for'Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area 8q* A Strategy' 1) Identify areas of -,heavy invasiveotic ve etation'and incorporate a 1 I- I g ranking matrix for public lands. 'Develop plans to reduce coverage in areas containing or linking significant habitats. 3) Require exotic removal and maintenance as a condition of all new permits (dock' surface water, land- clearing, etc.) for develo' ment. -4) Developiqld encourage county and community-baged programs for -the removal-of exotics and the maintenanceof 'native vegetation on. public lands Develop and implement incentive (rebate) programsqto encourage removal of exotics and the, maintenanc e -of hative\ vegetation on private lands'. 6). Alter- pen Aitti nig regula honsto encourage landowners to remove exotic vegetation prior to land development. 7) Institute local ordinances for the removal of nuisance vegetation. , 6q06tential Responsible Agencies &-Organizations Civ ic Groups County and Municipal Governments Exotic Pest Plant Council Florida Department of Transportation Florida Department of EnvIroment qal Protecti6n Florida 'Fish and t Wildlife Conservation Commission Individual Property Owners, Mosquito. Control Districts Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan National Marine Fisheries Service Not-for-Profit Conservation Organizations U.S. Fish'and Wildlife Service U.S.- Army Corps of Engineers- Water- Management Districts Expected Benefits Reduction in the coverage of exotic vegitation of both'existifg and new areas. In- creased habitat value.' Monitoring Response 'Determine existing extent and-Maintenance of restored habitats. Preliminary Implementation Projects The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Islandi Inc. Pine Island Watershed Natural Resource Assessment Geographic - Information System(GIS) Charlotte County - East Spring' Lake Charlotte County Exotic Eradication and Control Program Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Identification and Removal of Invasive Exotic Species From With-in. the Charlotte Harbor NEP Study Area City of North Port North Port Conservation Land Banking City of, Punta Gorda- Punta Gorda Geographic Information System Punta Gorda Nature Park Restoration, Phase City of Sanibel Environmental Restoration of Approximately 1600 Acres of Conservation Lands Along the Sanibel River Corridor Eradication of Melaleuca and Brazilian Pepper from Sanibel Island Sanibel Island Surface Water Management Plan City of Venice Venice Area Native Vegetation. Protection Florida Department of Environmental Protection A56qf56qtiq.gator Creek Hydro logical Restorat ion Project Beker B (Wingate Creek) Buffer Preserve Thre Lakes Nature Trail Cayo Costa State Park Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve Management Activities 65, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comperhensive Conservation and Management Plan Charlotte- Harbor State Buffer Preserve Public Education Citizen Support Organization,(CSO) The Friends Of,The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves,,Inc, Don Pedro Islandnd State/Recreation Area Environmental Resources Permitting/invasive Exotic-,6qVegetative Removal Estero Bay Buffer reserve -Exotic Plant Removal Project Exotic'Pet Plant Public Awarenes's Campaign Gasparilla Island'State Recreation Area Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem' Management 'Area Initiative Invasive Pest Plant Management at Estero Bay State Buffer -Preserve (EBSBP) Koreshan State Historic'Site Lovers Key'State Recreation Area Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation &'Permitting (Regulato' rqy Mound Key State Archeological Site Myakka River State Park -Myakka Wild and Scenic River Myakkahatchee'Creek Environmental Park Restoration Non-Mandatory Phosphate, Reclamation (Grants, Program. Paynes Creek State Historic Site /Public Access Facilities in Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve (EBSBP) Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative. Mitigation ape Haze South Florida Coastal Ecosystem Restoration loitia Peninsula Melaleuca Removal Project/Education'and Public Outreach Stump Pass State creation TAreqa The Nature's Lovers Guide to Pine Island- J.N. "Ding" Darlim! National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Department of,the Interior Exotic Species Control on Sanibel -Island J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Exotic Plant Control Plan Partners for 0qish and Wildlife Program/Challenge Grant, Cost-Share National Marine. Fisheries Service. Fisheries Habitat Conservation Program Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Polk County Eagle Lake/Millsite Regional Drainage Project Environmental Lands Acquisition Program ln'Polk.County Lake Parker/Saddle Creek - Regional Drainage Project Peace Creek Canal/Wahneta - Regional Drainage System Enhancement Polk County Aquatic Weed Control Program Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc-.- Habitat Management and Ecology Program: Prescribed Burning,' Wetland and Upland Enhancement,Monitoring, and Applied- Research-of Native Flora and Fauna Invasive Exotic Pest Plant Removal and Long-term Control Program Landscaping for Wildlife' Sarasota County I Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve and Pinelands Reserve Monitoring and Stewardship Programs Southwest Florida Water Management District Habitat Rest6q6ration, Including Projects on Don Pedro, Island, Cape qVqi Haze Peninsula, Punta Gorda Isles, and the Alligator Creek Addition of the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program West Coast Inland Navi ation District Waterway Management for the West Coast Inland Navigation District 2q;40q7 6 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehemsive Conservation and Management Plan FW-B/FW-P: Enhance fish and wildlife habitat along shorelines includ- ing canals., lakes, riverinJe systems,,and artificial waterbqodies. Background In many areas of the Charlotte harbor NEP, natural marine, estuarine, and-freshwa- ter shorelines have been hardened or modified during development. Programs and'.' incentives should be developed to encourage "softening" and increase the habitat structure of these previously modified areas. In addition, such,procedures should become -standard operation procedures for any. future peqn0qnitted sheline alterations'. Quantifiable Objective - FqW-2 Areas for Implqemenitation - Developed waterfront,are4qds within the, Charlotte Har- bor NEP study area Strategy 1) Encourage the use of riqprap and'artificial reef structures uiqider docks and -along existing seawalls- to enhance 8qhzqiqbitat value. 2) Encourage qnprap. ordinances at the local level and encourage nprapping the toe of the existing seawalls. 3 Devlop pblic,education and awareness programs, Pevelop and support incentive programs for private l0qandow'neirs, and review and improve existing permit process to reduce hurdles. Encourage theuse of alternatives to vertical bulkheads along - developed shorelines through the. permitting- process. 6) Vqricourqage planting of approlqiqtiqAte native vegetation and allow trimning and maintenance by -property owners. Develop education programs and literature directed at residents living ficial canals., along arti Provide state/federal technical assistance to secure Clean Water Act - Section .319 nonpoint source pollution control grants, Potential Responsible Agencies Organizations Artificial Reef Organizations, County'and Municipal Governments Florida Department, Environrnental Protection Florida Fish. and Wildlife Conservation Commission Individual Property'Owners Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan National Marine Fisheries Service I Not-for-Profit Conservation Organiztions U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Environmental Protection" Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Service, Water Management,Districts Expected Benefits Improved diversity of structure and increased. marine, estuarine, and freshwater habitat. value along modified shorelines. Monitoring Response Monitor and calculate the. length of shoreline restored. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Artificial Reef Program, Artificial, Shoreline Stucture Prohibition Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Natural Shoreline Education City of Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda Nature Pa Restoration, Phase- I Punta. Gorda Reef Ball Project City of Venice Venice Intracoastal Waterway Park Florida Department of Environmental, Protection. Alligator Creek Hydrological Restoration Project Aquatie Preserve Management Maps Buffer Preserve Three Lakes Nature Trail Charlotte Harbor State Buffer-Preserve Public Education Citizen Support Organization (CSO) The Friends Of The Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. Environmental Resources Permitting/Alterriative Shoreline Stabilization - Evaluation of Biolojical/Physical Inipacts of Anchorages' Greater- Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Area Initiative Myakka Wild and Scenic- River, Public Education Programs 169 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lee County Beach Renourishmrnt/Monitoring Program National Marine Fisheries Service. Fisheries Habitat. Conservation Program Polk County Environmental Lands, Acquisition Program,, In Polk County Sarasota County Habitat Impro'vement: Modification. of -Previously Hardened Natural Shorelines Sanibel-CAPtiya Conservation Foundation,' Inc. Landscaping for Wildlife Southwest Florida Water Management District Habitat Restoration, Including Projects on Don Pedro Islan d, Cape. Haze Peninsula'. Punta Gorda Isles, and the Alligator Cre'ek Addition' of the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve, U. S. Army Cor of Engineers Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements and Programs -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320qQ National Estuary Program Wetlands Regulatory Program IN Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Managemetn Plan FW-C: Restore freshwater and estuarine wetland areas, especially those adversely impacted by ditching, using the following methods: the backfilling of ditches, the removal of spoil piles, the elimination -of invasive exotic vegetation, and other restoration techniques. Background Many tidally flooded wetland areas within the coastal 4reas of the Charlotte Harbor NEP were historically "ditched" to hydrologically alter these habitats to reduce the breeding of saltmarsh mosquitos. Many of these areas have been heavily invaded by invasive exotic vegetation as a result of the spoil piles left by such ditching activi- 'ties. Quantifiable Objective -TW-2, FW-4 Areas for Implementation -. State buffer.and preserve lands, county and'munici- pal lands, and -marsh areas currently held in private owneriship. Strategy I Potential 'responsible, agencies and organizations should develop a plan to identify and restore impacted areas within their communities or jurisdiction. 2) Develop an area-wide plan and rank areas-for restoration. 3) Implement the,restoration program, 4) Develop a program for offsite mitigation credits. 5) Develop a geoqiraphic information system (GIS) data layer of all mosquito ditching in the- study area and use this information to pfioritize restoration projects. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations 'County and Municipal Governments Florida IqYepartment of Environmental Protection Florida Fish 'and Wildlife Conservation Commission Mosquito Control Districts National Marine Fisheries Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Water Management Distri40q&92q@s Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ,Expected Benerits Improved hydrologic function of currently impacted high marsh/low marsh sy C qAems and increased native vegetation.' A Monitoring Response. Conduct'survey studies to determine effectivenessof exotic vegetation removal, restoration of wetland areas, and the filling of ditches. Preliminary Implementation Projects 0 Charlotte County Charlotte County Envirmnental Regulatory Program The Calusa qI:and Trust -and Nature Preserve- of Pinelsland, Inc. -Pine Island Watershed atural Resource Assessment Geographic Information System (GIS) Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Partial Restoration, of Huckaby Creek, Phase 11 City of. Punta (;or6q4a Punta Gorda Geographic Information System 2p Punta.Gorda Nature Park Restoration, Phase, 11 Florida Department-of Environmental Protection Alligator Creek Hydrolgica Restoration Project Buffer Preserve Three Lakes Ndtufe Trail Charlotte -Harbor State Buffer Preserve Management.Activities Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Ara Initiative Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation& Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation The Nature's Lovers' Guide to Pine Island National Marine Fisheries Service Fisheries Habitat Conservation Program Polk County Eagle Lake/Millsite Regional Drainage Project Environmental Lands Acquisition Program 18qA Polk County Lake Parker/Saddle -Creek - Regional Drainage Project k Canal/Wahneta - Region Peace. Cree al Drainage System Enhancement q-qYq. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. Habitat Management and Ecology Program: Prescribed Burning, Wetland and Upland Enhancement, Monitoring, and Applied Research of Native,Flora and Fauna Invasive Exotic Pest Plant Removal and Long-term Controt Program Southwest Florida Water Management District Habitat Restoration, Including Projects on Don Pedro Island, Cape Haze Pdninsula,Punta Gorda'Isles, and the(Alligtor Creek Addition of the'Charlotte'Harbor Buffer Preserve U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements, and Programs U.S. Environmental Protection Agency T%0q* Cleah Water Act Section -320 National Estuary Program Wetlands Regulator' y Program 7 08q73 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan yew N 788qF FW-D, Develop a program to educate people about environmentally responsible boat rn'g practices. Cb Background :qrhe development,' distribution, and communication (A information to the public concerning actions that cafi be.tqaken.to protect shallow water habitats aqnd prevent,. Pollution should be one of the- primary goals of the Charlotte Harbor NEP's educa- tion"strategy. Quantifiable Objective - FW-2, FW-3 Areas for, Implementation Coastal Counties within the Charlotte Harbor NEP' stud y area Strategy. 1) Develop slide programs for each of the major estuarine areas that show the habitat losses associated with prop damage and how boaters can avoid damage to grass beds. 2) Train volunteer speakers to make such presentations at,local civic and business groups, Jq6cal schools, as well as boating and fishing associations. 3) -Integrate presentations into local area environmentally responsible boating courses. 4) 0qMqduce -environmentally responsible boating practice literature and - distribute to all watercraft owners. 5) Continue development of county.and ciq@,y manatee protection- plans. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Coast Guard, Auxiliary County and Municipal Governments Floqn'ida Department Environmental Protection Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Coastal-Management Program Florida Sea Grant Program Marine Advisory Committees -Not-for-Profit Conservation Organizations- 4q@power Squadron Local Schoool .Districts 'Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Statewide and Local Boating and Fishing. Organizations U.S. Coast Guard 100qrI West Coast Inland Navigation'Distict q1 704q472qr A_ Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits Increase boater awareness of potential damage to marine habitats. Monitoring Rq@qs6qponq@se q@luation Feedback from target group ev' s aqnd surveys. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Evaluation of Biological/Physical impacts of Anchorages Manatee/Seagrass Task Force Char lotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc.: Environmental Boating -Education -City of Venice City of Venice Public Information and Education Charlotte County Environmental Information Center (EIC). Florida Department of Environmental Protection Aquatic Preserve Management Maps Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality- Monitoring Network(CHEVWQMN) - Citizen Support Organization (CSO) the Friends ofthqe Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. Public Education Programs Reduce Propeller Damage to'Seagrass Beds Southwest Florida Anchorageqg Monitoring Lee County Manatee Protection Plan Sarasota County Habitat Protection-While Boating Sanibel-@8qCaptiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. Captqiq@a Cruises Partnership, Realtor Education Workshop Realtors' Environmental Orientation Resident Environmental Orientation Southw36q&tql Florida Regional Planning, Council' Managing Selected ''Anchorages and Harbors Southwe st Florida U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act S ection 320 National 76qtstuary-P0qr0qoql0qg48qp6qm Wetlands Regulatory Program Volunteer Scientific Research Team Marine Research and Education West Coast Inland Navigation District Waterway Management for the West Coast Inland Navigation District 108q75 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program an Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan W-E: Develop both a public service announcement (PSA) and a longer video on boating impacts to seagrass beds and- how to avoid seagrass damage-. Background The- development, distribution, and communicatior -of information to the public concerning actions that can be taken to protect shallow, water habitats.and prevent pollution- should be one of the pirmriary-goals of the Charlotte,Harqlqior NEP. Quantifiable Objective - FW-3 Areas 0qWr Implementation - Coastal, counties within the Charlotte Harbor N2qEP Strategy_ 1) Develop short public service announcements for radio. and television qQqxplqaqining boafing impacts on local seagrass beds, the effects, and -how to avoid prop damage. 2) Educatejocal4qbqroqddcasterq@ of the need for the public service announcements. -Potential Responsible Agencies Organizations County and Municipal Governments Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Department Environmental Protection Florida Coastal Management Program- Florida Gulf Coast University Local Radio Stations Local Television Broadcasting Stations -Manne-Advisory Committees Marine Mqanufactu8qhng. Association Not-for-Profit Conservation, Organizations, Public broadcasting Stations Local'School Districts, Florida Sea G8q@ant Program State-wide and Local'Boating, and'Fishing Organizations.- West Coast Inland Navigation- District, E48q@04qpected: Benefits Increase public awareness of potential habitat losses resulting from pro damage to seagrass beds.. / Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Managemetn Plan Monitoring Response Feedback from target group evaluations and surveys. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Manatee/'Seagrags Task For City of Venice City of Venice Public Information and Education Florida Department'of Environmental Protection Citizen Support'Organization (CSO) the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, -Inc. Lee County Manatee Protection Plan U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Wetlands Regulatory Program West Coast Inland Navigation District Water Way Management for the West Coast Inland Navigation District' 177 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-,F: Develop,. install, and maintain custom signs indicating the location. -of shallow areas, (such as s agrass bedsq@ mudflats, oyster beds, etc.) to be placed at boat ramp& and other appropriate locations where there is high boat use. Background An effective -method used to protect shallow estuarine habitats,is to provide ad- e uate public information about local waters and potential shallow-areas'. Thispub- lic information0 1 n-sh uld be provided at boat ramps and marinas where boaters wil see. the information. Quantifiable Objective - FW-2; FW73- Areas for Implementation - coastal counties within the Charlotte. Har4or NEP Strate 1) Within each of the major estuarine areas, develop sigr@s specifically de'signed for individual boat ramps and marinas depicting how to- avoid damage to local*area seagrass beds; as well as the locations of oyster beds, etc. 2) Work with,counties, marina owners, etc. to have these signs placed in appropriate locations and maintained. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations. County and Municipal GoveMrrqients Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida. Department Enviroqmneqiqltqdl Protection Marine Advisory Committees- Prqiq@ate Mqaqirinas and.q@Yac6qAt Clubs' Florida Sea Grant Program State-wide and Local Boating and Fishing Organizations U,.S. Fish and Wildlife Service West Coast, Inland Navigation District Expected Benefits'- Redui4q@e impacts to seagrass and oyster beds caused by boaters, Monitoring Response Long-term inventory of seagrass prop scarringq'damage. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Manatee/Seagrass 8q7ask Force City of, Punta Gorda City of Punta Gorda Manatee Protection Plan City of Venice' City of Venice Public Information And Education Florida-Department of Environmental Protection Environmental ResourcesqPermitting (ERP) Program qClqean Marina Program Southwest IFlorida Anchorages, Monitoring Sarasota County, Educational Signage at Boat Ramps- US/. qk0qnvirq6nmental Protection Agency,. Clean Water Act Section'320 National Estuary Pr Iogram W0q&qlanqds.Reguilatory Pr8q9gram West Coast Inland Navigation District Waterway Management for the W0qCst Coast Inland Navigation District Jf - -------- - 179 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan _ G: Develop and distribute'boater maps and stickersqfor the Chaqr7- qlotte Harbor'N0qEP-areas, including reso0qu Irces tqoqavoid. Background One of the methods that could be used to protect shallow water habitats is to 'pro- vide detailed mapping and information of at-risk resources to boaters. 4qQuaiqttqi8qf8qi able Objective F0qW-3 qs q@qr Areas for Implementation Coastal countie' with-in the CharlotteHarbor NEP -Strategy fqt 1) 'Continue to develop boater guides for'e_0qkqh Charlotte Harqbqdr NEP estuarine area emphasizing: 0q4- the importarqiqce-6f seagrass beds; how to avoid damage to seagrasses; c %q2 Aqo, -qlo al navigational channels and shallow areas' to be'avoi8qded; how to remove a boat from a seagqrass bed; manatee. habitat. and,- areas where they are known'to'frequent if different seasons; 4q4. proper anqghorage loca4qdonqs; q4qe proper pollution prevention practices; and proper boat drafts. 2q) Develop and implementa plan for, the'e0qf0qfective distribution of maps and sticke8qm. 3q),. q1dentify Areas of critical manatee habitat and specific locations where, they are known to seasonally qfrqe0q4uent. Highlight t0qhe'se areas on all q6qducqational'mqdterials. 4) -Distribute educational materials- at marine dealers, watercraft riental businesses, mqarinas,-tack-lqe shops, q�porting good' stores, and include with boat registration packages. Potential Respimqsible-Agencies & Organizations- County, and Municipal Governments Florida Marine Research Institute Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Sea Grant Program- Florida,Departme6qnt Environmental Protection Marine Advisory Committees Not-for-Profit Conservation q'Organizations .-Statewide and Local Boating and Fishing Oqr6qg2qa8qni84qiations a vig6qation Di2q�triqc2qj -West Coast Inland N Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program _Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits Reduction in habitat damage caused-by lack-of specific local knowledge by the general boating public. qt0q4,. Monitoring Response Lon -terrn inventory of seagrass prop scarr ing damage. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County Manatee/Seagrass Task Force City of Punta Gorda City of Punta Gorda Manatee0qProtection Plan City- of Venice City,of Venice Public Information and Education Florida Department of Environmental Protection Southwest Florida.Anchorages Monitoring Lee County Manatee Protection Plan- Sarasota County Boaters' Guide for Upper Lemon Bay and Venice Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Managing Selected Anchorages and Harborsq Southwest Florida. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary'PqKogranqf. Wetlands Regulatory Program Volunteer-'Scientific Research Team Marine Research and Education West Coast Inland Navigation District Waterway Management foqr the West Coast, Inland Navigation -District' qN. 181 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-H: Develop and support digital resources map system on the' Internet for the public tonse. Barkground This system provides a method of distributing detailed information and mapping of local areas to citizerqis.,q@A digital system qcqan be easily updated,as additional habitat 'information is-,developed. ly Quantifiable -Objective - FW-3' Areas for Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP, study area Strategy' Develop an Internet site q@vith the following types-'o4qrinformation: 4q0- the location and importance of at-risk benthic 'resources; ** , s major habitat types a' well as metho0q&. to preserve and avoid damage to 0q1abqitat; endangered species habitat in the study area;. for each of the estuarine areas develop maps specifically designed to show seagrass beds, oyster beds, major navigational- channels, ramps and man .nas as well as area's to be avoided based boat. draft and given tidal stages; 4q0-.. links- to additionalprograrns qdncf databases; and a lic access' wilthin study are'watersheds, show the location of parks, pub locations, public lands,'conservation lands, greerqiways, bluewa'ys, and.@ similar public qiqesources; and groundwater 'level and -withdrawal information. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations Countyaqnd Municipal Governments Florida Department Environmental Protection Florida Marine Research Institute Florida Fish andq.2qWildlifq6 Conservation Commission Florida Natural Areas Inventory Florida Gulf Coast University Florida 4q8e12q@ Grant Program Florida Coastal Management Program Ma0qkine Advisory Commi2qt2qtee6qg Mote Mafine Laboratory 18 2 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Not/f qOrProfit Conservation Organiations State-wide and Local Boating and Fishing Organizations. West. Coast Inland Navigation District Expected Benefits 'Reduced amounts of habitat damage by,the general boating public. Monitoring Response duce amounts of habitat'damage caused by the general boating public and, in- creased environmental reslionsibility. Preliminary Implementation Projects The Cajusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve, of Pine Island, Inc. Pine Island Watershed Natural Resource Assessment Geographic tion 10q" 'Informa System (GIS) City of Punta Gorda Punta Gorda Geographic Information System - Sarasota County Resource Management Division Geographical Information 0qZqf Systems Program Southwest Flon'da Regioial Planning Council. Managing Selected Anchorages and Harbors -.Southwest Florida q5trategiqc Land Acquisition/Conservation/Preservation Plan.for- Southwest Florida If S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Wetlands Regulatory Program West Coast Inland Navigation District Waterway Management for the West Coast. Inland Navigation District 7q-183 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FWI&qW-T:Iq)ev'elop programs to improve.public awareness of habitat and wildli feissues. Background- Thekq6y to the pqiotectioiql of fish and wildlife habitat is public support for current And proposed programs`. Without effort's to enhance the-general public's awareness and/ or involvement in these'issues there,may-be a lack of the need for many of the NEP's-abitat actions. Quantifiable 4qO6qbjecti8qVe FW-2, FW-3 A eqfqis ;16q' for Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area qt qt S ra egy I)- Increase programs andqopp6rtuni ties for citizensto communicate with -,members of.4qmvironmental agencies and policy-making commJssions. -2) Support development of comprehensive- environmental'science and- education curriculum at all levels of education. 3) Develop- and implement information and education programs for' developersi contractors', and builders about effective means of reducing habitat impacts. - 4) Develqdpand provide environmental education mqateni als to all new homeowners. Deyel6p displays with the following-types. of infoqn-nation: 0q4- the importance of seagrass.beds; -,*qe how to avoid damage to seagrasses; 0q4- how to,remove'a boqdt-from a sea grass bed; f 0q4- maps specifically designed to showqseagrass beds, oYSter'qbars, s qw -areas to 4- major nqdvi0qgationq@ql @ channels, ramps and marinas @a ell as be avoided based on draft of boat and for given 6qf6qidal, stages; and 8q+ areas known to be seasonally frequented by numbers of manatees. Potential Responsible AqLqe0qucieqs &'-Or anizations' q9 Boards of Education'. County and Municipal Governments Flonq*da Fishq'and Wildlife Conservation Commission Honda Department of Environmental Protection Notq-40q46rq-Profit Conservation'Organizations U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [;and Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Z Wildlife 'U.S. Fish and Service 4q4 Water. Management Districts West Coast- Inland Navigatior District Expected Benefits 44qZq) Increas ed public awareness of habitat and wildlife issues and,increase p blic sup- port and participation. Preliminary Implementation Project The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Iqnc. Pine Island Watershed Natural Resource Assessment Geographic Information System (GIS) Charlotte County Charlotte County's Speaker Bureau Program Environmental Information Center (EIC) Manatee/Seagrass Task Force Charlotte Harbor Environmental Cenferq@ Inc. Habitat and Wildlife Education Seagrass Exhibits Watershed Environmental, Education City of North Port Myakkqahatchee Creek Preservation'Corridor NorthTorqt.Conservatiqon Land Banking-, City of Sanibal Eradication.of Melaqieucaand Brazilian Pepper from Sanibel, Island City of Venice City of Venice Public@ Information and Education' Estero Bay qA0qlarine Laboratory Projed Pod - 'Florida Department of Environmental Protection Aqiqluatic Preserve Management Maps Beker B- (Wingate, Creek) Buffer Preserve Three Lakes Nature Trail Cayo Costa State Park Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve Land Acquisition Charlotte Harbor Estuaries 0qV00qolunte8qer'Water Quality Monitoring, Network8q@q,2q(CHEVW72qQMN) Charlotte -Harbor State 2q1 0qIqtqiffer Preserve Public Education Citizen Support Organization 4q78q(CSO) The- Friends Of The Charlott e Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program 7 Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Citizen Su anization (CSO) Estero Bay Buddies' Coastal Management Workshops Don Pedro Island State Recreation Area Evaluation of. Biological/Physical Impacts of Anchorages rea Gasparilla Island State7 Recreation A Koreshan State Historic Site Lake Howard Water'Quality and Habitat, Restoration. Project Lovers Key State Recreation Area Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Pern-iitting (Regulatory), Aogical Site Mound Key'State Archeo Myakka River State Park- V Myakka Wild and Scenic River Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants, Program) I I .1 @ i @ Paynes Creek State Historic Site. Public Acces's Facilities in Estero Bay-State-Buffer Preserve 1(EBSBP) Public Education Programs Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation-, -South Florida Coastal Ecosystem Restoration- Initiative/Cape Haze Peninsula Melaleuca Removal Project Education and Public Outreach Stump Pass State Recreation Area Team Permitting -- Net Ecosystem Benefit Planning and Permitting Process The Nature's Lovers Guide to Pine Island Fort My, ers Reach Marine- Resources Task Force Treasures of tha- Lee County Manatee Protection Plan Peace River/Manasota. Regional -Water Supply Authority The Peace River Water Authority's Regional Transmission Pipeline Educational- Trails, Polk County Environmental Lands Acquisition Program In-Polk County 'Garden Grove, Pines Stormwater Retrofit@ Project Jan Pqhyl Village Sfo6q!qrqr2qn44qwatq'er Retrofit Project Sanibe.1-Captiva Conservation Foundation Habitat Management and Ecology Program: Prescribed Burning, Wetland and Upland Enhancement, Monitoring, a4qnd Applied Research of Native Flora and Fauna Landscaping for36qWildlife Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Sarasota County, Sarasota County'Public Information Sea Turtle Protection Program Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Managing Selected Anchorages and Harbors - Soutwest Florida Southwest Florida Water Management District Communications Program 0ql6qbqktl-e Time, Inc. Turtle Time, Inc., Education and Motqfitoring Activities U. S. Army Corps U Engineers Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements and Programs 8qV.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 Natiorq@al Estuary Program Wetlands Regulatory Program. Volunteer @Scientific Research Team Marine Research and Education West Coast Inland Navigation District Waterq@vq@y Management for the West Coast Inland Navigation District Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-J/FW-K/FW-0: Develop a shallow water resource* marking pro-! gram that includes establishing "no motor'zones" and 'limited -access zones where appropriate', based on Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) seagrass studies and bird, rookery information. Background The most -feasible mechanismsq16 protect shallow, areas'and bird-rookerqiqes are "no- motor zones" and .,limited access@ areas". Support for implementation requires close coordination between the public and goVernment agencies. Quantifiable Objective - FW-2, FW-3 Areas for.Implementation -Esiuqa6qf6qine'areas of coastal counties within the Char- lottqe Harbor NEP Strategy' 1) Review other qsimiqtar-qPrograms in Other areas of Florida and evaluate potential problems. -Investigate severely scarred areas to determine their locations and boundaries,,.' 3) Establish criteria for resource areas. that' need pro'tectiq6n.- 4) Establish working group-,to determine criteria for no motor zones" or -"idle speed _ qneqs" such as: 0q4- areas -of qsqeverelyscarreqd sqeagrass beds;. 0q44q6- -areas'pfteqn frequented by manatees; qiquid,' 8q4qe waters surrounding significant bird rookeries. 5).- Work with local goq@,eqfnmeqnt and public groups and organizations tqo' implement programs. 6) Establish effective enforcement and assessment mechanisms. 7q) Install aqnd maintain appropriate markers.. 8) Determine areas where enhanceme' t f boating channels would be n o expected to reduce impacts to seagrasqs and, other benthic qc60qmmuqnqiqties. 9) Maintain channels, install navigational signage, and monitor q@seagrasses to determine the -effectiveness of channel enhancements keeping boaters -out of the, fragile areas. Potential Responsible Agencies &'Organizations Coast Guard Aux08qdqiaqryq@ County and Municipal Governments 188qc76qr Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Fishin and Guide Associations Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comim'ssion Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Marine Research Institute Florida Coastal Management Program Local- Power Squadron National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Regional Harbor Board U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serqy' ice West Coast Inland Navigation -District Expected Benefits Reduced boatin impacts to specific sensitive areas and habitats. Monitoring Response, Determination. of Jevel of enforcement.. Prelimin ry Implementation Projects a Charlotte County Manatee/Seagrass Task Force Florida Department of Environmental Protection Citizen Support Organization (CSO) the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. Evaluation of Biological/Physicqdl Impacts of Anchorag 'qes. 2qJ.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, U.S.-Department of the --Interior, Refuge Boundary Buffer Establishment for Land Acquisition of the- J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex Tarpon Bay,8qRecreatioqnal Area Channel Dredging--/Extqension Lee County 4qYessel Management Sarasota County Water Resource Marking Program U.q.Sq. Army Corps of Engineers Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements and Programs U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuarv Program Wetlands Regulatoryq.Program West Coast Inland Navigation District Waterway Managementfor the West Coast Inland Navigation District 196q89 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-U.- Provide additional, support for environmental. compliance and enforcement within the area of the Charlotte Harbor NER Background Existing laws provide a sound,basis for habitat and 'Wildlife protection. However,' the law enforcement agencies responsible -for enforcement of these laws'deserve increased- support. Quantifiable Objective - FW-3 Areas for qjmpl@mentation Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area V* Strategy 1) interact with judges, law enforcement officers, and state attorneys 'through a serious of, workshops on environmental issues, and enforcement. 2) RevieW. existing laws to determine Whether civil fines would provide r deterrents. grqeate 3)' Seek additional support for enforcement agents. Evaluate need for civil penalties for violation's (criminal penalties changed to civil pe nalties thrIough state statute). Recognize enforcement, agencies and individuals (6.g. reward system) who, are active in enforcement of environ'menial regulations. 4) Implement financial incentives' (Wildlife Alert) for pio-active reportiqn g and implementation of existing. laws. 5) qtqncrease public awareness. regarding violaqtionis0qand i0qf0qf0qipacts to resources. 6) Develop an interagency task force to coordinateqand reduce conflicts. 7) Increase the number of law enforcement officers and -vessels, in the Charlotte Harbortudy area'. Potential Responsible Agencies*& Organizations Local and state law enforcement, including: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Co00qmqr0qr4qdssion U.S. Fish -and-Wildlife Service Florida State Attorney Office U.S. Coast Guard `q,q_8q!0q@ounty Sheriffs Departments Florida Marine Patrol Local, Elected Officials' Local Judiciary 92q, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits Reduced violations of existing'0qwildlife and habitat laws.. Monitoring Response Track enforcement, citations, and public awareness. Preliminary Implementation, Projects City of Punta Gorda City of Punta Gorda Manatee Protection Plan City of Venice 'City, of Venice Public Information- and Education, Charlotte County Development Review Process Florida Department'of Environmental Protection Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting (Regulatory) Myakka Wild and Scenic River Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Saddle Creek Restorationand Alternative Mitigation J.N. "Ding" Darling 'National Wildlife Refuge,,4qU.S.. Department of the Interior Interagency Task Force Participation Lee County Manatee Protection Plan National Marine Fisheries Service Fisheries 6qkaqbitat Conservation Program Southwest Florida_Regional Planning Council Managing Selected Anchorages and Harbors - Southwest Florida U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary. Program West- Coast Inland Navigation District Waterway Management for the West C6ast Inland Navigation District 1992q1 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-M: Develop methods to enhance seagrass recovery from prop scarring. Background Seagrasses damaged by prop scamng are very slow tofecover. q1;q(eseaqich suggests 'that slow growth is attributable to-chang@es in- the sediments where. qseagrasq� rqhi- zo0qmes grow. Methods can-be! developed which that reduce seqdgrass stresses'and promote a rapid recovery of damaged areas: Quantifiable Objective'- FW-2, FW-3 Areas for Implementation - Coastal estuarine'areas in the Charlotte Harbor NEP study aq@eq@a Strategy 1) Encourage research into the recovery of seagrass. areas damaged by-'. prop'scamng. 2) Continue seagrass ma ppil4q*'scarring assessments, and concurrent water qqualit efforts. qy monit4qqqKlng Potential Responsible Agencies. & Organizations County and Municipal Governments Florida Marine Research Institute Florida Departiricqiqlitof Environmental Protection- Universities and Research Institutes Water Management Dis tricts 2qWast Coast Inland Navigation District Expected Benefits Enhanced recovery -of damaged seagrass beds. Monitoring Response Determine -if rates of recovery. in experimental4qtes0qt areas' are significan2qt2qlq:y different, q- from natural processes. 1 928q48q!6q!0q:0q:q=2q: Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary Implementation Projects- charloqtte County East Spring Lake Manatee/Seagrass. Task Force. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Southwest Florida Anchorages. Monitoring q9 Lee County J Vessel Management Southwest Florida Water Management District Ongoing Seagrass Mapping Efforts in Lemon Bay and Charlotte Harbor U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean'Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Wetlands Regulatory Program 193 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program N Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-N: Request local delegates to introduce state legislation to require a boater operator's license and support increased presence of enforce- ment officers on marine and fresh waters'. Background Rapid increase in -recreational boat usage has increased the potential for impacts in important habitats:, A boater operator's, license would provide an excellent opportu- nity for 'new, operator's -to become aware of potential boating' impacts to,key re-- sources. Licensing process would teach boater's'the existing laws and regulations regarding natural resources, as well as, ways to reduce damageJo seagrass beds and shallow benthic habitats. TW Quantifiable Objective - 3- Areas -for Implementation - Statewide Strategy 9 1), Investigate legislation from states-that have small boat operators' qUense programs. 2) 'Ask, legislative delegations to, implement boaters to obtain an operator's license. 3) Require knowledge of rule's and regulations pertaining to environmental protection,as part of the program.. 4) Enc6urage legislative delegations to require boaters to obtain 'an operator's license.* 5) Require that boaters have the knowledge of rules and qre ulqations q9 pertainiq!qig to environmental protection as part the pqTograqm. 6) 'Aid and expand, the existing' juvenile license program. 7) Incre ase the number of law enforcement officers and vessels in the 'Charlotte, Harbor study'area. 4qTotential. Responsible Agencies & Organizations. B,4qoater and Fishing 60qQ0qrganiz6qations Coastal Conservatior8qt Association County and Municipal Governments' 28qFl6qr2qidaFish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Local Elected- Officials Not-fo4qi-Profit Conserva6qrion'Organizations Sheriff and Police Departments Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected )Benefits Increased boater. awareness of laws and rules regarding environmental protection. Reduced impacts to criqeal habitats. Preliminary Impletnentaqf8qlqon Projects' City-of Punta Gorda City of Punta [email protected] Protection Plan U.S. 'Environmental Protection Agency La Clean Water Act Se Iction 320 National Estuary Program Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan W-Q:, Ensure uniform compliance and enforcement -of environmental regulations and permitting criteria. Background Existing laws and.pbriqnitting criteria provq@de a sound basis for haqbitaqi and wildlife protection. However, law enforcement agencies responsible for.q6nfoqrce8qment of these laws deserved increased support.- Enforcement of permitting and other envir nmen- tal regulations, should be unqiforiqn throughout the NEP study area. Quantifiable Objective - FW-2, FW-3, 4qM-4 Ar S eas foqr Implementation - EntireCharlotte Harbor NEP'tudy area Strategy 1q@ Identify areq7as of non-compliance 4q4ith. local, state,,distrqict and federal, rules- qand regula tions. qc 2) Cooperate with regulatory agencies to develop proto'olqs for annual reports that track the effectiveness of permit compliance qw'ithin'the Charlotte Harbor NEP study-qarea. 0qaqr 3) Develop i interagency task force to review enforcement of regulations and permitting criteria.- Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations County and Municipal Governments Florida.Department of Environmental Protection FloridaDepartment of Community Affairs Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission U. S Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service V.S. Army, Corps 6f En giqneers Water -Management Districts Expected. benefits Increased awareness of potential -problems with compliance fq,4qexisting -regulations.* - Enhanced preservation of fish and 0qNvildlife habitats under existing regulations. Monitoring Response- Determine. if existing regulations are effective and if post-p6qeqrmit compliance/en- forcement is being adequately implemented as intended by current rules and regulaq- tionsq.. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Preliminary ImplementationProjects Charlotte County Development Review Process City 0qO4qfVqemce City of Venice Public Information and Education Florida Department.of Environmental Protection' Environmental Resources Permitting/Altqernativqe Shoreline Stabilizatqi6n Environmental Resourc8qd 6qPertnittingq/qInvasivqe Exotic 2qVegetativqt Removal Mandatory Phoq�phat0q& Reclamation Perinitting (Regulatory) Myakka Wild and Scenic River Noqh-2qMandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants-Prograqm) Reduce- Propeller Damage to Sqgagrass Beds, Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigatio- n' Hardee County Local Phosphate Mining Regulationqg- Manatee'County -the 0qUS'Fish and Wildlife Interdepartmental Coordination with Service, National Marine Fisheries Service Fisheries Habitat Conservation Program 'Polk. County Garden Grove Pines Stormwater Retrofit Project Sarasota County. - Habitat Improvement: Improve Law Enforcement and Provide Consistent Regulatory -Authority Throughout the Charlotte Harbor NEP Area U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements, and Programs U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program Wetlands Regulatory Program West Coast Inland, Navigaton-District Waterway Management for the West Coast Inland Navigation District 6qA40q@197@ Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-R: Promote development and enhancement of plans and programs to improve fish and shellfish resources. Background There are a number of projects,and plans currently undei consideration by local, regional,tate, and federal agencies related to the maintenance and enhancement \of qtiv fish and shellfish resources. The effec * eness of these programs would be enhanced by closer coordination and joint support among all active-parties. Quantifiable Objective - FW-2 Areas for Implementation - Primaril arine, and coastal waters within y nvenne,estu the 'Charqlott e Harbor NEP 8q4udy, area lot, Strategy 1) Support scallop restoration,programs. 2) Continue and eqi4qpand critical ind0q6endent fisheries monitoring programs. 3) Strengthen regulatory programs that protect vital fisheries habitats including: -submerged aquatic vegetation, qghellfish@ beds., spawning areas, and critical juvenile fish habitats. 4) Encoura and vital qge-programs to restore wetlands seagrasses, fisheries, habitats. 5) Develo6qo and implement management plans for the recovery of depletedcoqinmercial and recreational fishery stocks. q"6q) 'Encourage shellfish enhancement programs, including seeding programs to improve:- fisheries, water quality, and habitat value. '7) Support increased regulation and enforcement'of recreational fisheries. 8) Continue qto improve juvenile fisheries liq@bitat around manmqadqe structures such, as docks, piers, and hardened shorelines. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizatiolqtqs County and Municipal Governments Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Department of Environmental Protection U.S. National Marine Fisl24qwries Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service UqtS. Amy Corps 2qof En 80qpne2qers Water Management Districts Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected- Benefits Enhanced preservation of fish and wildlife habitats. Maintenance of and/or in- creased fish and shellfish resources. Monitoring Response Long-term seasonal studies of fish and shellfish populations to determine changes. caused by natural variation and those associated with human influences. Preliminary Implementation Projects Charlotte County' Artificial Reef Program Manatee/Seagra'ss Task Force City of Punta Gorda' City of Punta Gorda Manatee, Protection Plan Punta Gorda Nature Park Restoration, Phase City of Venice Venice Intracoastal' Waterway park 'Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Management Workshops Evaluation of Biological/Physical Impacts of Anchorages Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation &,Permitting (Regulatory) Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative qMqiltig"qation 6qI4qM "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Department of the Interior J.N. "Din'g" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Annual Water Management Plan Wildlife Drive Water Control Structure Rehabilitation Pr(qJeqcqt Lee County Lee County Artificial Reef Program 'Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc., Enhancement, Monitoring, and Applied Research. of Native Flora and Fauna Habitat Management and Ecology Program: Prescribed Burning, Wetland and Upland Southwest Florida Water Managemenf District Ongoing Seagrass Mapping Efforts i0qn Lemon Bay and Charlotte Harbor U. Sq.- Army Corps of Engineers', Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements 8qdndPrograms U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cle8qdn Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Program 36q@96q@84q@96q199 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-S: Bring environmentally sensitive land under protection through ownership and/or management, and expand conservation areas, re- serves, and preserves. Background Important areas of existing natural habitat are currently threatened with subantial alteration due to- rapid rates of,development. The EP process should encourage, promote, and support efforts b government and private organizations, as well as qy private landpwners to increase the I e xpaqiide'd prq6t ction of these habitats through e conservation, reserve, -preserve, and stewardship Programs. Qqd antiqf0qlableObjective - FWr I 6qEP study-area Areas qfor,]qCmplementation Entire Charlotte Harbor N 'Strategy. 1) 'Identify key habitats in existing natural areas within each basin for-. protection. q@-2) Expand and -enhancehabitat inventory and monitoring -programs. 3) Promote, private stewardship of vital habitats. thrq6ugh incentives and qJechnical assistance to,land owners, local governments, and ot6qh4q&- parties. 4) Develop and'implement public land acquisition programs fqor critical habitat adjacent to public lands. 5) Continue to pursue- "less-thalqf-qfee" simple acquisition proqgrqaqmq� to acqu s water - ire- critical'- lands for fish and wildlife as well a' qmanagement,water -supply, and the conservation and- protection of Water resources. 6) Work withImining companies to develop permanent reserves aqnd preserves from post-rqmned land.. 7) Develop a funding yesource and management plan for acquired lands before p2qyrchase,or acquisition. Potential Responsible Agencies -& Organi2qZation2qg County and- Municipal Governments Florida Department of Environqinenial Protection Florida Fish and Wildlife Cons'ervatior6qi Commission. Land Acquisition Organizations Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Managemetn Plan Mining Industry Not-for-Profit Conservation Organizations Private Property Owners U.S. Fish- and Wildlife Service Water Management Districts Expected Benefits Maintained and preserved critical wildlife habitats. Monitoring Response Keep a running inventory of 1) the existing acreages of each type of identified criti- cal habitat, within the Charlotte Harbor NEP; 2) lands within conservation, reserves, or preserves; an d 3) the annual amount o8qfhabitat converted tqo development. Preliminary Implementation Projects The Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc., Pine Island Watershed Natural6qRe source Assessment Geographic Information System (GIS) Charlotte County Environmental Lands Acquisition Advisory Committee (E6qLAAC) Land Useand Transportation BqUil4qdout Scenario Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc. Habitat Inventory, Monitoring and Protection of Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Managed Siteqg-In Charlotte. County City of Sanibel Sanibel Environmentally Sensitive4qLands Acquisition Program Sanibel Island Beach Maqh,agement Plan Implementation City of Venice Venice Intracoastal Waterway Park Florida qMpaqttmetqit of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve Public Education Citizen, Support Organization, q(CS0qO) The Friends Of The Charlotte, Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. Florida Greenways qand Trails Program Greater, Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem. Management Area2qInitiative Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Peqrqr2qmqitting (Regulatory) -Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) Saddle 80qCreek Restoration and Al ternative Mitigation Team Pen6qnitting 'Net Ecosystem -Benefit Planning and Pernutting Progress The Nature's Lovers Guide to Pine Island 2 0 1 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife. Refuge, U.S. Department' of the -Interior Eq@cpaiqjision of the Acquisition Boundary-of the J.6qN. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex Lee County Lee County Conservation Land Acquisition and. -Stewardship Committee (CLASA Q Manatee County Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (E0qLMAC) Polk County Environmetital0qLands Acquisition Program In Polk County qIMC-Agri.co Peace River Park, Off CR 640, Homeland Vq* Sanibel-Captq:qiva Conservation Foundation, Inc,,_ Habitat'Management and Ecologq@ Program:,Prescribe*d,Buming, 1 Wetland and Upland Enhancement, Monitoring, and 'h of Native Flora and Fauna 7 Applied Researc Landscaping for Wildlife Sarasota County Proposed Acquisition of the Verna, Eastern Ranch 2qands, and Myak.8qkahatc4qbqee Creek Environmentally Sensitive Lands South Florida Water Mqanaq2einent District Save OurRivers Southwest Florida Water Management'District qS2qke Iqdeqfqitifiqc6qAion/Land Acquisition U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section -320 National Estuary Program 202q, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-U: Acquire lands to increase wildlife habitat currently privately held within large, undeveloped, platted areas. Background Within Sarasota; _Charlotte, and Lee counties there aretensive areas of platted, undeveloped lands slatted for future intense single family development. These ar- eas are the rqdqsult,of large land development projects from the q495qQs, 60s, 70s and 80s and are currently laqrgely'v6qkant. Many of these areas were -sold prior to the implementation of -current environmental regulations. Thus, many of these areas. contain, important. habitats that are at risk once landowners choose to'develop their property. Quanti4qf4qlable.8qObjective - FW-1 Areas for Implementation - Entire Charlotte Harbor NEP study area. Strategy 1) Create a tax-exempt Land Trust for the acquisition of wildlife' habitat. Inventory platted lands to identify areas-of critical upland and 6qWetland habitat, 3) Obtain the names and addresses of absentee property owners of targeted undeveloped lands from county tax offices. 4) Contact targeqied property owners requesting: * icome tax te- e land donation in exchange for ii wri off; 4q4- exchange for-eqqtqlivalerqit land in non-targeted areas; 0q42qV permanent wildlife- easement; "and sale of land to the trust. 5) Use acquiredtargeted properties for matching funds from: 0q+ The Trust for Public Lands;, 4- The Natioqrqiqal Audubon Society; The Nature Conservancy; Water Management Districts; Local, State and Federal Agencies; and Private Businesses. 6) The Trust can turn over large acquired tracts to appropriate government entities for management as permanent conservation areas. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Potential Responsible Agencie's & Organizations - County and Municipal Governments Florida Department of Community Affairs Florida Department of Environmental Protectibn Not-for-Profit Conservation Organizations Private. Property Owners Regioqiaqt Planning Councils Water Management Districts Expected Benefits 'Preserve'd critical upland. and wetland habitats that-are currently platted for future- dqevelo pment. Reduce-urban' sprawl 'and need to provide services to areas outside cuqfrent develop- qM ment. Reduced future development in flood plain areas. Mo '0qnqiqtoring Response Dqevqelop,a geographic information system,(GIS) based inventory of undeveloped platted lands; critical upland-, and NqAietland habitats, and an annual update of ac- quqired lands. Preliminary Implementation Projects The Calusa Land. Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island, Inc. 6qPqine'Isqland Watershed Natural Resource Assessment Geographic Inforiqnatqi4qdnSystem (GIS) Charlotte County -iittee q@ELAA2qQ Environmental Lands Acquisition Advisory Conin City of North Port North Port Conservation land Ban0q4ng City of Sanibel, Sanibel.8q8nqVironment'ally Sensitive Lands AcquisitiqAn P'rogram,. qSanibel,lsland Beach Management Plan' Implementation Sanibel Island Surface Water Management Plan Florida,'Department of 8qvqnviroqn.mental Protection- Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve Land Acquisition Charlotte Harbor, State Buffer Preserve Public Education Citizen Support Organization (CSO) Theq*q,Friends Of The Charlotte Harborq,72qAquatic Preserves, Inc. Florida Greenways and4q7 Trails Program Greater Charlotte Harbor' Ecosystem Management Area Initiative Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation & Permitting' (Regulatory) 6qN Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Non-Mandatory Phosphate Reclamation (Grants Program) AL Saddle Creek Restoration and Alternative Mitigation The Nature's Lovers Guide to Pine Island Lee County Lee County Conservation Land-Acquisition and Stewardship Committee (CLASAC) Sarasota County Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive, Lands Program South Florida Water Management- District Saved, Our Rivers Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council Site Identification/Land Acquisition Strategic Land Aqquisition/Conservation/Preservation Plan For qV*0q* 0 Southwest'Florida -U.S. Environniental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320. National E$tuary Program 64qC6q@96q@84q@205 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FW-V. Identify be potential living \oyster bars for restoration within the estuarine waters 'of the Charlotte Harbor- NEP study area. Identify the potential (recent and historic) dead oyster bar areas for restoration. Associate oyster enhancement with water quality, impr8qqved hydrology, and reassessed recreational harvest levels. Background, areqh of oyster b' Based on the studies by Harris.et. al. (1940), the total aqrs within the waters of the Charlotte Harbor NEP was approximately 400 acres in 1982. This is in comparison to an estimated 800 aces in 1954.- Much of this loss may be,attributqdble to changes lqiich have result d fiom the large increase in the human pq6pulation that Vq* w ha'ye occurred around the Charlotte Harbor complex since the early 1950s. Pqres- ently, many of the remaining historic oyster,bars within the waters of the 6q&EP are in poor condition'. The South Florida Wat ,qe-r Management District (SFWMD) i s currently using oy-s6qZers as part of a valued ecosystem component study to help determine. how 'Potential regulatory changes in the co ntqto0qUed dischargeqg from the Caloqosahatcqhee River may affect estuaiine.communitieq� irqt, San Carlos Bay and lower Pine Island Sound. Habitat Restoration The FloridqaDepartment of Environmental Protection's Shellfish section iqs very fa- miliar with 'acceptable- methods. of recreating and restoring declining, oyster bars. Management processes and their costs are well known for maintaining commercial bars in the panhandle and,big,-2q6en6qd regions of Florida. Such -methods have bee6qh successfully been implemented in otheqr'southeasqierqu and gulf coast estuarine areas. Environmental Factors 4qDo decade-long, 'Wetter than average years and drier q1han average, years -affect the distribution an& abundahce of oyster bars in the Charlotte Harbor qco8qm6qplq@x? The answer iqs probably, "yes." -Salinity- variability -above 20 parts per thousand (ppt) -salinity or bqelow,@0qf0qive ppt is known to affect the presence and 'abundance, of oysters. There is some limited- evidence that there were die-offs of some oyster bars near the fre2q� water' is-- mouth of the river i8qn 1998q1 and, 1998 due to unnaturally excessive 0qlqi0q@ 6qd charges -64q6orn, the, Cal8qoo6qgahatchee R 36qWer. -206q44q50q;0q;8q@ Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Managemetn Plan In -addition many well known, popular oyster bars have declined as a result-of recre ational harvesting., The primary reason for the decline-& in the size of these viable oyster bars-is that, unlike -'natural mortality, ,no cultch is-returned to the bars from such recreational harvesting. Oyster bars have intrinsic value as complex hard bottom.habitat,,for many species, foraging areas for some species, and as temporary night roosting areas for a number of -bird species. Other human use of these bars as habitat includes fishing and bird -hing. IrqLaddition,'oyster bars filter water and can'have a positive effect on water ;44;96q1 quality. Quantifiable Objective - FW-2 Areas for Implementation -Estuarine Waters within t4qhe Charlotte Harbor NEP' study area Strategy 1) Develop a' comprehensive inventory of existing oyster beds and determine the relative health of major bars. 2) Identify areas for restoration based both on historic and current bars. 3) Develop long-term plan for implementation'Of restoration plans, including funding. sources. 4) Implement restoration. 5) Monitor effetiveness of restoration and, if necessary, make modifications based on the results. Potential Responsible Agencies & Organizations County and Municipal Governments Florida Coastal Zone Management Program Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Garqne and Freshwater Fish Commission t Florida Marine Fisheries Commission Florida Marine Research Institute U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, G2qdlf of Mexico Program U.S.q'Fish and Wildlife Service' Water Management Districts 07 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Expected Benefits The presence and abundance of oyster bars can be one of the primary indcators that. more natural hydroperiods have been established for the Caloqosahat0qOee River and other areas where'there have,been major hydrologic alterations of fresq@water in- flows. The increased -opening of shell fishing. areas can also-serve as an indicator of an, improvement in water quality within these estuarine areas. Increasing oyster bar habitat will'also be beneficial.to other fish -and'-wildlife that use these areas, includ- ing many threatened wadingbird'species. Monitoring Response Aerial photography (past, present, and future) conducted by tqhe Water Management Districts and qihe Florida Marine Research Institute can be usedto, identify oyster bar areas. Visual inspections can -then be done to assess the relativqe-heqaqlth of identified-* major bars.- In additqfqbn, the presenceqof oyster larvae in water samples can be qide8q@- tified, for. Whether there is potential for re-establishirqig dead bars.. Correlation be- and tidal range should be determined,aqnd characterized. twqeen oyster.baf elevation s Preliminary Implementation Projects' City qof 0qP0qunt4qa.Gorda. Punta Gorda,Geographic Information System, Florida Department. of Environmental Proteqetion Charlotte'Harbor Estuaries Voluntedr Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHE6qVI2qW6qQ8qMNq) Evaluation of Biol6gical/Physical Impacts of Anchorages Sarasota County Restoration of Oyster Res .oqurces in the Coastal Venice, M Iyakka River,- and Lemon Bay Basiqfqis' Southwest Florida Water Management District Ongoing Seagraq�s'6qMappin'g Effortqsqin Lemon'Bay and Charlotte Harbor 0qU. 8qS.Army Cor0qps.of Engineers Fish and Wildlife Habitat Improvements and Programs U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Section 320 National Estuary Pro gram Volunteer Scientific Research Team, Inc.' Marine Research and Education 2 Charlotte Harbor National Estury Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Managemetn Plan PUBLIC -EDUCATION AND OUT'REACH' "I have learned a great deal about the varioqw'tribuqtaries of the Peace River, the communities along the river', and the impacts of human settlement in the upper river watershed. Glenn E. Heath, T6qA4qCI member, "The most important thing 4qj have learned as a, 4qC4 C' member is the necessit6qyfor qt6q& art of consensus to accomplish the ideal ends. --Anna Bowqditrli, CAC member STATEMENT he Public,Education Strategyof the Charlotte, qflarqbo'r National Estuary. Pro- gram'is to educate and to motivate-the people within the greaqiqor Charlotte Harbor watershed to understand, to partqicipate'in, and to implement the' Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan- (CCMP) for the'- future. D -GOALS PUBLIC E iuc4qATio4qN q1) TO increase public awareness,., understanding, and, support of the action items. in, the Compiehensive Conservation and Management Plan through involvement in educational programqf8qis,q"resource-based activities, and spe- cial 'events. 2) To establish and maintain environmental education efforts0qWith organiza-: tions, educational centers, and government agencies. ral and cultural resources- 3) Toincrease a20qWareness and understanding of the natu of the greater Charlotte Harbor watershed. -4) To- develop stewardship and- a sense of shared responsibility for our estuarq- ie's, rivers, tributaries, and their watersheds. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 7 PUBLIC EDUCATION, OBJECTIVES 1) To maintain a core staff, including'q4 Public Affairs Specialist, at the Char- lotte.Harbor National Estuary Program office to ensure'implementationof the Compehensive Cqi4qmservaitq6n2qaqhd Management Plan. A 2q)- To support and further the educational action'items'of the Comprehensive Conservation andManagement Plan. 3) Tp:assq&ss annually the progress of the Public Education Strategy. To develop future directions based upon the annual assessment. N TA0qiGETAUDIENCES The public -education and outreach efforts of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program attq6riipt to reach a wide audience ofqthe general public. However, specific' -,action plans will target thq& most relevant audience in the particular qhqiqcations where implementation takes -place. These target audi- ences for the strategy are, gro uped into five broad cat- egones. Business and Industry: qo Min ng 4q0- Agriculture 0q4 qe Developers and Real Estate Professionals Hotel and Tourism -q0. Marine Trades/Fisheries' Re Kayaker 4 creqdtion@ Artwork 2qb2q;0qV8qictor MqcGui8q@e 40q+ Transportation Governi4qn6q6nt Educ8qi48qf48qlo52qf52qiql Clubs, O2qiganizations, and Associations Media 21 O72qZq-- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 'ONGOING PUBLIc EDUCATION AND OUTREACHACTIVITIES - (to be continued under implementation) Quarterly Newsletter, A quarterly newsletter is produced,for general distribution. This newsletter pro- vides infoi-mation on topics relevant to the study'area, issues, events, as welt-as updates on program activities. A mailing list of management conference members, public and private organizations, and interested persons is maintained for distribu- tion of the newsletter. The newsletter is also po sted on the program's webqsite. Volunteer Speaker's Bureau' .A group of *volunteer speakers representing the various counties- in the program's study, area have been trained to provide presentations about the program. 'They are equipped witqlqr the necessary materials and audio-visual equipment and contribute significantly to public outreach on behalf of the q14q@rogqram. Resident Orientation Program Tqhe program -funds a project whereby the contractor(s) hold a series of public work- shops to provide information on Florida's natural syste ms and how humans interact. with them. These forums. also provide -an opportunity to suggest and promote re- sponsible actions by Florida's newer residents on behalf of the state's environment. Fact Sheets The program office produces a series of fact sheets that briefly-describ e projects tjiat havebeen undertaken. The fact sheets provide a- synopsis of inform 'ation for the lay audience and can. be used as sound bites,tor the media. Mini-Grants These grants target education-related projects that directly relate to one of -the program's priority problems. Requests up to $3,000 qualify and do not require matching funds. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Drafts Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Portable- Diplays fth-o (Partner qf2qf2qices, organizations, and educational institutions to place displays where.- there willbe a lot. of -trqq8qfqfiq@q)- A poftqable display has been'purchesed:and display itemsave been- developed in- cludifig photographs, maps, and teqkt. The display is being used for general audi- ences at local eve'nts,. conferences, and, .workshops. The display is sufficiently por- table for 'one person to set up and dismantle. Photos and graphics are produced and modifiedlo create different messages as needed. Website The program office regularly maintains, and updates its own home page on the World Wide Web. The World Wide Weqb is globally accessible qto anqy'one with the necq6s- sary equipment and'qIntemqet access. The program's home page has links to other related and appropriate we2qbqs-ites.' Florida Yards aqnd Neighborhoods Program (FYN), The program funds project that encourages 'residents to tailor their landscapes -to become more environmentally. friendly., Tqfqie'FY0qN,offers community workshops, lectures-, meetings, field demonstration events, yard certifications, and other activi- ties to promote participation in its, program., a0qnd to educate thqe'public about the' Charlotte Harbor National Estuary.Program itself. Special Events. (Earth Day, Cqbastfqeqqt,.Estuaries Day; beach clean- qU8qiqs) The program office'coordiiiates events to bring attention to,special environmentally- related cq6qlebrati6ns or activities. Media Relations Use-- of -the media to communicate program activities and relevant issues.is the rnost, effective and.efficient way to reach a broad, general audience. The -progra2qrn office systematically sends out press releas 6q&s at th0qe beginning of every, month to members -Of radio, tele6qiqrision, and the-printed press in- the study area.'- Additionally, press re- 7 --leases announce requests for proposals, the distribution of docurn4q&nts and materials, and report the results of projects. 212q,q5 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Mangement Plan -NEW OR UPDATED PUBLIC.- ]EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES" Develop presentations for, the Volunteer Speaker's Bureau The Volunteer Speaker's Bureau currently presents fivreversions of one slideshow program. As the program moves into implementation of, the act-ion plans it will be necessary to update the slideshow programs to convey the infon-nation contained in the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. 'Develop and expand mailing list database The program office continuously updates its mailing list database as requests are made. -These efforts should be continued. However, the Citizens' Advisory Com@ mittee formed an Alliance Subcommittee that produced a document with informa- tionon groups and organizations that the program should be attempting to reach, It is recommended that greater emphasis be placed on increasing the mailing list data Z2qr base and. in increasing participation in the activities of the,. program. Develop data and information, management The Citizens' Advisory Committee recommended that the program serve as a tral location for information on current issues. A strategy for gathering and dis' serninating information should-be developed and implemented. Develop, inteqtqn/volunteer program The Citizen's'-4qAdvisory Committee recommended that volunteers and/or interns be us4q6d to assist witqlqi many of thetasks that need to be accomplished to maintain the program office. A strategy for setting up aqhd supporting a qvolunteer/inteqfqn program should be developed:and implemented. Increase information to "schools and local governments The Citizens 'Advisory Committee recommended. that a mechanism be established to dissemin0qAt0qo information to local government partnersq,on a more consistent basis. Likewise, greate8qf effortsq's2qt0qfould be made to set up partnerships and projects with schools in the study area. 13 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Issue media qreleases The Citizens'Advisory Committee recommended that,media releases that focus on the results'of projects and mini-grants b@ produced. Additionally, the progrdm of-- fice should.continue seeking outside contqhbutors for articles to the newsletter and 'other printed media.' Organize and/6'r facilitate forums for sharing information about watershed-issues The Charl qgarbor,NEP is well suited to serve as an organize .r and: facilitator qd otte forums to discuss issues and to share- information regarding the priority problems. These efforts'should be increased- when the program is in implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. qVqideo8ql4qPublic Service Announcement production 4qThe Citizens' Advisory,Committee recommended that video production be utilized in, during imq@lement6qaqtqioqh -of the- action plans as a tool for public, outreach. N, Largemouth bass AT4q(work by Victor McGuire Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Managemetn Plan GOVERMENT, I ME6qM.ENTATION FINANCING 'Meeting inland. and up the river introduced mq@ again to the fascinatine, riverine ecosystem, quiet and rich in wild- life. 1 hadn't seen this area since I qiq@qas a chq;ld when it N seemed wild and savage. oqw it is incorporated into my concept o home. "- Molly Krival, CAC member This chapter describes how the Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan (CCMP) will be implemented by local governments', agencies, And other watershed q3.q2 stakeholders. This section also details the implementation role of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (NEP) 0qf0qiqf -ensuring that the goals and objectives.- of this plan are achieved. Local government and agency partners in the Charlotte Harbor NEP anticipate signing agreements in the year, 2000 pledging to.carry out the recommendations of the final management plan. The agreements will include specific goals for qqqach partner and qroq@ their responsibilitiesor meeting those goals, along with a timetable for achieving qtq4' them'. The mechanisms, staff, and resources to accomplish these priority actions, how- ever,_are left up to the individual coqmqmqd- nities, who may select the most suitable Options from aniorig a range of alterna- tives.' The first set of preliminary- aqc- tionsq-projects that are planned or under-' way-are. detailed in Volume II of this document. -Theseactionqs' provide some first steps for implementation and provide some ideas fo2qr projects that require 0qaddi- 8qtional partners or financial support.- These qJ projects, however, are only the first steps i8qn the overall implementation of the quan- fit t2qi72qf72qlable objectives and priority actions in this management plan. Bartow City Hall Arqt0q@qvork by Victor McGuire 15 q-qt96q@ 2 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan This approach provides' local conunitment and a list of projects that can begin quickly. Written agreements provide'some assurance that all of the partners are working toward common goals while( providing local flexibility., This approach -not. only'. emphasizes -flexibility, but also allows local ovemmentqg to focus their limited re- sources, in the most cost-effective and -environmentally beneficial manner. Addi- tionally, the implementation strategy outlined in this cql-qiq4pter addresses how these goals and inititives for the Greater Charlotte- Harbor Watershed will be integrated into existing management programs and rq6gquqlatoqry, programs. Existing regional management expenditures also are presented to provide an un- derstan2qdqing of how much-money is currently allocated and where it is going.. Fi- -0qhancqing options that follow illustrate possible sources,of revenue and.qapproachesIto hieved with existing accomplish goals of the plan that f0qmght, not -otherwise bea*c resources. Wherever possible, the Chq@ri6tte Harbor NEP advocates th0q& reallocation and more efficient use of existing revenues to carry, out recommended actiolqfs. TqS ------- f 6qR Y H Venice 36qQty Hall Artwork by Victor McGuire Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan IMPLETING THE. PLAN FOR THE GREATER CA qARLOTTE HARBOR WATERSHE6qL) Successful i.inplementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan willqxeqqu'ire the following: 1q) Finn commitments for action.; '2) Flexibility for local- governments to pq6rsuqe'the most cost'-effective -strategies to achieve a particular goal; 3) Integration of goals and, strategies, into existing regulatory, programs and rules; and 4) Effective- oversight to -ensure that ac-ti-ons are carried out in a timely manner. Conmiitments will be secured through hn implementing agreement that NEP part7 nq&rs expect, to sign in the year 2000, after the final Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan-hqds been qaqppro'qVed. These partqpers'include -the following: Agencies Counties CitiesiqiInd 0qTouqms Regioual 2qhanning Councils qE riviroqpiri2qptal Protection-Agency Charlotte County Arcadia Southwest Florida Florida Coastal Managemeqrqit'Progiam/ 'DeSoto -County- Bartow Central,Florida Florida Department of Community Affairs Hardee County -Cape Coral Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Lee County Foric Myers Florida Depart-inqcrit of Environmental Protection, Manatee County Fort Myers Beach Peace River/ Manas6ta Regional Water Supply Authority Polk County North Port -Smith FloridaWater Management District, Sarasota County Punta Go Irda Southwest Florida Water Management District Sanibel Venice Wqu6qLhqula 24qT6q@eq' goals of the CCMPq, which were detailed in the Introduction chapter, will be the goats of the implementation agreements. 17 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan INTEGRATING THE P LA N I N'TOEXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL RuLE& PROGRAMS e N Once government and agency priority acti6ns to achieve reginal goals are approved by'. the program's Management and Policy Committees, these priority -actions\will-. -be incorporated into state- and federal water quality poqfmits 'addressing direct.or point discharges@ and stormwater management. Local governments will amend their- comprehensive plans to promote, and assure consistency with, the final Coqmprehen, M t sive Conservation- and Management Plan'. The management plan has beendeveloped in cooperation witht'he region's local governments*, broad-based community inq@erq6s'ts, and qenvqironinental agencies at'the local, state, and federal levels,to reach consensus on the pqjan's restoration goals and action plans. -,The Charlotte Harbor NEP also has, coordinated, closely with local environmental alliances devoted to improving and protecting specific regions of the watershed. Key partners in -the Charlotte -Harbor 4qNEP have been these types of alliances. The Water Management, Distriq&t's'Sqfqirjqace Water Ma agq@ qmient and Southwest Florida n improvement (SWIM) Program should play 6qa-key role in the implementation Of the' Comprehensive Conservation and Management Pla n. The South Florida-Water Man- Agement District" Caloosahatchee Advisory Committee and Lower West Coast Wa- ter Supply Plan Committee are important local planning'efforts for water qualiqy andwatersupply. The Estern Bay Agency on Bay Mana em' tissignificqanqfforits g en focus on,the activities in the Estero Bq@ay basin. Additional group's such as qthe Lake Hancock Advisoqiy Committee and the,6qkyakka River Coordination Council also play important roles in their specific 8q*qmtqershe4q&. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FEDEOL CONSISTENCY'REVIEW The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires each National Estuary Program to have a federal consistency review process. This process evaldates fed- eral activities for consistency with the. Comprehensive Conservation and Manage- qmqe4q&Plan(8qqCMP). Federal programs and federally-funded activities must be con- siq@teqrit with this management plan or demonstrate'why cq6nsistency is not possible. The Charlotte Harbor NEP proposes a two:-part strategy for facilitating this review p rocess. Theirst sfrategy'is-tqo encourage earlyqcoordina,tqion and review of projects that potentially, conflict with or further the goals of the plan. The' purpose. of the .early coordiriation step is to identify if and where conflicts exist and to explore options for resolving those conflicts at the earliest possible opportunity. qcqz The'second strategy is to incorporate the existing federal consistency review pro- cess of the State Clearinghouse and Florida Coastal Management Program. These offices coordinate federal consistency reviews in,Florida. The Charlotte Harbor NEP will identify the qiq@pes of federal'activities and programs it wishes to review,- sals receive specific pro within these categories from, the Florida.Coastal wi po qw Management Program via the three. regional planning c6q6uncils in* the S'tudy_ area:, Tai0qnpa Bay; Central Florida; and South2q*est Florida Regional Planning Councils. The Charlotte Harbor NEP will deternqfqine if the, activity is consistent-with pri66qf6qity goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, -If concerns anse, comments will be sent to the Flori sqtal Manage- (CCMP)-. da 6qCoa' ment Program through the representative regional planning council, which accu- mulates all comments from local governments. -in8qf For more information, please refer to "The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Federal Consistenty Report. 219 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ROLES OF THqE CHARLOTTE HARBOR NEIq?'IN OVERSEEING IMPLEMENTATION- The success of the Charlotte Harbor NEP ultimately will-be measured in'the protec- tion and management achieved through implementation of the Corqq2q&ehq@nsive Con- ement Plarq@ servation,and Manag Consequently', a ke I redient for'success is y ing defining who should oversee -implementation of the plan and what oversight should entail. Through qthe program office and the four comrqmttees,.a comprehensive evalu- ation of the goals and'quanti0qf0qiable oqbjectives'established throughthe Charlotte Har-' bor NEP will be conducted five years After the adoption of the plan. to ensure that restor'aqfion efforts and funding areqeffectively targeted.. The Charlotte Harbor NEP itselfqin addition qto thq& projects.'conducted by its partner, organiz ations, has defined- some specific responsibilities to en hance existing efforts and -to, improve coordination among tqhe many active organiqiqAtiolqhs -in the -region. Through the N6qEP office aqnd assistance* from the committees, the N4qEP will conduct the following, activities: qIm2qplemqen t qI8qV6qEP In itiatives Coordinate data management program. 8q4 'Assist in implementation of the long term monitoring strategy. Monitor @Progress and Assist Implemenqtaqiidn Support the, management conference structure and activities.' Monitq6r progress of the implementation of the CC6qM6qPq: Conduct the' biennial review (every two years) of implementation, as required b U.S. EPA, qY 6qW Produce annual "report cards" qon -the environmental status of the' study area., tid-8qperqform grant administration. Prepare the annual workplan a 56q4 Locate -funding sources and 4qgrantq@ for project implementation. 6qP 56q* Conduct 8qihe Federal Consistency review process. 56q4 Assist tfi management conference in qr2qtqiodif0q@0qing the quantifiable objectives arid priority actions, as, needed to meet the program goals. 0qN -For more detail, please refer to the chapter Public Educationq'and Oqutreqcich." 22 84q0q168q@ Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Public Outreach and Involvement Continue selected activities for public education, as described in the Public Education Strategy. Implement new public involvement activities, with the assistance of the Citizens' Advisory Committee, 'asidentified in the Public Education Strategy- qN - In 1999, the management conference- of the Charlotte Harbor NE0qP decided tocon- tinue the four committees of the conference an d to preserve the existing structure-to oversee- the' implementation--of the plan. The pn m'qary oversight roles of the Char- lotte Harbor NIEP Wilt be on monitor progress in implementation and the'environ- -mental- conditions, assist implementtior, continue public outreach and involvement, and implement the long term monitoring strategy as well as the data management strategy. Specific efforts associated with these functi ons are outlined below. Citizens', Advisory Committee Role The Citizens' Advisory Cotninittqee (CAC) is the critical link betqweqen'the program and the public An active CAC is well-suitqid to provide information about public concerns and sentiments. The committee is also an essential mechanism for dis- persing information to key community Qrganizations- and individuals that may not be directly involved with the program. The primary roles of the CAC during imple menttion are defined as: Assist in the implementation of the outreach strategy; Review public involverr'rent workpqlan components/budget Distribute information and Materiah to other organizations; and Other contributions as needed. . Technical Advisory Committee Role The Technicqdl,,,advisory Committee (TAC) provi'de s a wealth of. 2qUo wledge-an'd a diversity of technical 'expertise to the program and its projects. As more information is gathered and. -new pqr8qqjects4q@ are initiated, additional technical inp0qyt will be needed. The main. roles of the TAC during implementation are defined as: Provide revised technical information about the study area; Exchange information among technical users; Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Provide input on the strenths and weaknesses of the data' management program; Provide input on the strengths-0qdrid weaknesses of the long term monitoring -program,, and -Other technical input- as needed e During imqpqlqe8qm entation, it is rec .cqi4qf4qf4qimended that the TAC and CAC. each should meet quarterly, although they can_meet more often if needed. At le'ast once a year, there'shouqfqd be a joint meeting -of the committees to promote interaction andqeX7 change of information'. The committees 4qmqay wqdrit qTo.hold- ,th eqir individual meetings' qoqn,the same day to allow members tqo attend both sessions. Management Committee Role The continuing role of the Management Committee is also defined. The Manage- ment Committee serves an important role of iqhtegratin 'the desires of the Citizens' Adviso Committee with qthe scientific information from the Technicqdqt Advisory qrqy Committee. The Management Committee members are also primary advisors -to their Pcqilicy'Commiqftee counterparts and are .'therefore, an importqdnt source of accu- rate inforination to elected officials and policy makers. The role qof the 6qManageq@- ment Committee is defined as:, Implement projects; Apply qiqbr additional grant funding; Cocq@'rdinate qtegiqonal efforts; and Check progres's/environm'en'tal results. Policy Committee. Role During implementation, the @Policy Committee continues to be the final decision- maker for program spending, membership, and overall direction. The importance of involving qlocar officials in the" decisions of the program clannot"4qbqe'-overstqdted. q9 The Policy Comn0qu8qf8qf8qiqee's continued activity is equally important for successful imple- mentatiorqi. The role of the Policy Committee'is geqrqierailly defined a's.- 52q+ Support -implementation; 52q+ Periodically review theq'qu4q@anti qt28qy aqcqtqlq;q0q72q)s as fiable ob0qjectiveqfq'and 80qf80qiqriori well as reqcoq'mm2qi4qmd modifications toq,meet program goals, Overseeq'program office;' Aut00qh6qorqiize workplan/0qfund8qIng; and 40qP4q@aise matching hinds. 2 36;72q,76qn6q]2q@28q@ Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan After 'a review of theresposibilities of the Management and Policy Committees, it is recommended that they sh ould meet two to four time.s.pqer year.. One of the strengths of th@ Charlotte Harbor NEP is the alliance of locqdl governinqent. and regulatory agencies for the entire region represq6nted on the Policy Committee. 8qPur local government and agency partners feel tqhat maintaining this decision-mak- ing structure - with regulators and regulated interests working together toward 1qtom- 4 mon goals and assisted by scientific, and citizen advisors,- is critical to assuring impleqn8qrentation of the plan. The "bottom-up" approach to environmental, manage- ment -gives all partners a place in the commitment to tqheqftiture of the,region.. qV*8q+ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Role*,, U.S. EP6qAqhas set aside,$1.2 million, or $300,000 per year over four years q(q@q@ffginn2qmg in October 1999) to assist the Charlotte Harbor NEP in overseeing implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The federal contribu- tion requires a local funding match of qat least 25 percent, to be provided by the NEP's local governments. and agency participants. It should be noted, however, qfhat' the U.S. EPA funding- e 4qpust be -appropriat d annually by Congress, and is therefore dependent upon those- appropriations. The U.S. EPA is also involved as an imple- menqting partner a-long with Ithe many othq6rorganizations iqn the management confer- ence. U.S. EPA has submitted several projects as early implementation programs, which are included in Volume 2. Staff and Local Sponsorship- Maintaining an active program office is necessary to support'corniqmitteqe activities, manage the 8qV. S. EPA gr 'ants and other 8qf8qf8qinding, provide a central information source, and conduct the federal consistency rqe'view process. Maintenance of a coretqa0qf0qf including a director, public inqVolvement specialist, and environmental planner/ad- minister q4s@ recommended along with 8qiaintaining secretarial support through the local sponsor. Throughout tqhe plann'ing'qphase of the Charlotte IHarbor N2qEPthe Southwest Florida Regionat Planning Council (SWFRPC) has been. the sponsor. -A Jocalq, spons or,i2qs required to receiveq'N36qEP funding from U.S. EPA. In keeq* ping with its sponsorship, the council has provided office space, supplies, computers, and secretarial -support for the program office. Unless the existing situation becomes -unwieldy for either party, the management conference recommends that this relationship continue. _2 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan emeni Jq% COST,& FiNA'NCING Support for the activities of the management conference and the program office will. continue 'during implmentation: Additional funding- may also be needed to fund the procjects and programs detailed in the priority actions and the preliminary irrqiPqle- menitation projects. It is anticipated that U.S. EPA will provide core' funding of at qp least $300 000 annually. The' match for our 6qEPA4qNEP -grant should be contributed by a combination of thqe agencies and local governments. - The. distribution and amounts of match nqeeded,should. be detailed into the inter-locqal agreements so that the expectations for each partner are clear and-q@pecific. Tqhe purpose is to provide -'that there are adequate funds to -support. the- annual qi4qhe 6qPeedeqd match inc.ash so' workplan, committee activities, and the program office. !Funding for actual imple- mentation projects, such as monitoring, restoration, and scientific studies,does not need to be administered by the program office-and will likely be in the forms of both,' cash and iqh-kind services. These efforts are needed in addition to the basic financial support, of the program office, committees, and coordination functions.- Co4qf4qts-fqor the implementation of 'each priority action will vary, depending upon the resources of -the organizations carrying out the projects. Some prori2qo'actions can be conducted with existing staff and infrastrquctquiqne; others require substantial -new di ir 2qj ost of each priority efforts to be decated,fowarqd the@ completion. Estimatin the c action based upon the existing resources of a "'generic" -organization 'qVq@as qdetq7er- rqg mined to be too 'coarse 4q@qf an estimate to be useful to the individual partners. ln@ stead, each -organization has estimated the reso2q&ces they. -will require (if any) -to -complete the implementation projects detailed in Volume 2. As implementation continues and new projects areqdetailqed, specific- cost estiqrrqiates will be - determined., basedpon. the cost-effective use of existing resources aqnd -a clear return on investment. , Additional funds required to implement the prqiq6riqty actions in his management plan will.be obtained through many sources. Possibl4q& sources q6f existing and additional funding arq6 described in'an appendix report to this qdoqcqui0qnqent, 1999 Funding Sources Inventory for, the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed.'.- 22488q@ Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Several themes have been identified to trect funding and resources towar8qfunding the comprehensive management plan for the Greater Charlotte Harbor Wafershed Maintain -existing levels of expenditures for program's making cost-effective contributions qto!restoratio n goals; Evaluate programs- that fall short of these aims aqnd investigate opportunities to S, redirect resources,to accomplish more with public dollar' Aggressively pursue state and federal funding, assistance for -watershed man- agement; Promote public-private partnerships with the potential for real economic and. natural resource benefits; Support local option taxes, when deemed essential for the implementation. of action plans; and Pursue new funding sources beyond those described above only if strategies fail to achieve adequate progress towards management and implementation. If additional funds are necessary in the future, the Charlotte Harbor NEP has identi fied various funding sources for local and, state partners to consider. These include VIA three broad categories of.revenue sources- Debt instruments, such as long-term munqi cipal bonds or the state 'revolving Joan fund, that support large projects involving substantial engineering and t-A construction., -such as waste,,water treatment and reuse- facilities;. Recurring sources,'such as taxes or user fees, that might be utilized for resto- ration purposes, although this would probably ,require budget allocations qo0qn the part of local governments; qand Short-term revenue sources,such as,federal, state and private grants, which can,provide short-term financing for projects. Their availability in the future is uncertain, but these sources have been aggressively and successfully pursued by NEPs, agency, and local governrnent partners. 40qC96q@8q@q'68q@q-225 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Managemetn Plan Revenue sources are summarized and evaluated in *a separate report available from the Charlotte Harbor NEP. The report notes that some revenue sources are currently -not being used to their full legal capacity. Federal grants and various debt'i nistru- merits fall-into this category. Most local g6vernments level advalorem (property) taxes, but operate below the maximum qmillaqge cqap, although. the margin may be small in some 4q6ases. Impact and user fees2p2pa funding mechanism for envirormen- tal programs also appear to be under utilized by qlqoqcaql'goqvqernments.The report"allso-.- notes that other funding mechanisms that- are allowed by law but has limited local --implementation, such as a'saltwater fishing licq@nse surchage and a marine fuel sur- tax.-. Some of these revenue sourceqg.4qmayevq&n serve as ince ntives fqor eqnviro rimentally responsible behavior, as this chart illustrates: Funding Source Incentive Mechanism User fees Fe2qAased on usage, reduces impact on.resource. Anchorage fees Reduce.anchor damage to nearshore'areas. Pri,q@ilege fees' Ca2qh q6e inq@plq@qmentedto manage use at public facilities. Stormwqa ter utility May reduce runoff pollution from propertieq@ by encouraging oh-site fees retention/stormwater tqrqqatment.. lqni2qpct fees Reduce septic tanks and qpaq@kage treatm ent pqla*nts. Fines and penalties Encourage cq6mpliqance with environmental laws. Marine qfueqf surtax Reduce use' of marine fuels anqA associated ollution. 4qP Shellfish license qiees' Encourage local shellfish management plans.' Sufficient funding,for implementation projects is critical to the long-term manage-, ment, improvement, and, protection of the Greater Charlotte 6qRaqi6qbor Watershed. Continued efforts will b2qe required to 44qwo8qr4q@ with federal, state, regional, and lo0q&a6qI 0qpartners to secure sufficient -implementation funding. The continued activities of the management co8qh76qference and its members will be of.great agssist2qdnceq. to these activities. .22 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan MONITORING WATERSHED -IMPROVEMENTS. EXCHANGING INFORMATION 'AS a phosphate industry member to the Charlotte Harbor NEP Citizens Advisory Committee I appreciate, -more now than ever, the needfor our industry communicating the. ship we responible environment and reclamation steward practice." - E.E. (Ernie) Helms, C8qAC member Efforts to monitor the'status and health of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed are central to the Success of implementation, Monitoring enables c6qfq@imunities to measure the return on,investment for management efforts and allows enviromnental managers to validate or refocus their activities. An effective monitoring program provides the data necessary to assess the status and trends in the health and abundance of the harbor's wildlife and habitats. This information allows local governments and agencies to evaluate progress made in regional,restoration and protection. The data also provide insights'into tqhqe effec- tiverqiess of current manageqi8qf8qf8qienqi strategies,. indicating whq6n goals have been met, if actions should continue, or whether more- stringent efforts are warranted.- Monitoring the changqqs cause0qd.by management actions in ,a water shed is not as simple as qpotqinting8qf8qish or measuring water quality., Watersheds, by their very na- ture, are dynamic svstemqs. Populations'of fish, birds, and other organisms fluctuate with natural cycles. Water quality also, varies, particularly as seasonal and annua weather patterns change. The task of tracking environmental changes in an estuary can be difficult - and distinguishing chqdn es q9 "paused by human actions from' q.natu- ral variations- can-be even more difficult. Charlotte Habor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan The Charlotte Harbor NEP is establishing a regional. monitoring strategy, including efforts to 'measure changes in water,quality, quantity; and habitat. 'These efforts utilize- the existing organizations and measurement efforts already occurringin the region. Many programs, both public: and privately funded, contribute to the overall knowledge of the study area. Once monitoring information is collected, it is also, important that the facts are ana- lyzed and -made widel y available. Both the general public and technical users are interested in the information that is collected. To promote the availability and ac- cessibility of environmental information, a data management strategy is also de- tailed. Providing -accurate information to scientists, reporters,teachers, and voters will enhanc e good decision-making and management. EXISTING MONITORING PROGRAMS One of the first projects conducted, by the, Charlotte Harbor NEP was to document the existing monitoring programs in the study area. Public agencies such as local governments, state resource agencies, -and federal -offices were- queried about their monitoring. programs.' Private organizations such as industrial facilities, not-for- profit, and volunteer groups were also surveyed and their efforts were documented. The results demonstrated- that there are many programs, both small and large, that measure Water quality, water flows and levels, habitats, and wildlife populations. These efforts, however, are geographically -specific and are often. conducted for, a limited period of time. The usefulness of the collected information, therefore, var- ies greatly depending on, the, collection, method, the& length - of the dataset, and the time in- which it was collected. Despite the limitations to the universal use of the Many datasets in the region,it was still helpful for the technical community to be Aware of what programs were alread y -being conducted. The Compendium of Existing Monitoring Programs facilitated the technical com- munityto share information and to be more. efficient -with their monitoring resources. Sites could now be selected to build upon previous datasets or to complement exist- ing programs.', The. compendium provided an initial assessment of the monitoring efforts in the region. q_Y For more information, see the Compen-, dium of Existing Monitoring Programs in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Water 228 shed, Charlotte Harbor NEP. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan BASICS OF DEVELOPING- A MONITORING PROGRAM To measure the effectiveness of bur management efforts, monitoring information is needed that specifically answers the question,"Are we reaching our management plan's quantifiable objectives?" A process was defined to create an effective moni- toring program that provides information to answer this important question. The following steps-were outlined to create the long term monitoring strategy for the Greate'r Charlotte Harbor Watershed: List the environmental conditions (e.g. 'program goals)identified in the Comprehensive - Conservation and Management Plan as specific improve- ments expected to -result from the. recommended management and,regulatory actions. Translate,these goals into specific monitoring objectives. Select specific indicators to address, each monitoring -objective. Review existing monitoring programs; identify programs that -are measuring the same 'or similar indicators. Define the sampling design: fix ed stations, randomized stations, and/or stratified designs. Select methods -for collecting and processing samples. Test the ability,of the, proposed program to meet performance criteria. Striped mullet Artwork by. Victor McGuire 229 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Mangement Plan APPROACHES' TO, MONITORING Experience- related to monitoring programs, dAta acquisition, and -data analysis sup- ports the idea that -focusing on,very specific questions will provide more useful -in- formation than programs that have, vague- objectives. Monitoring program objec- tives should reflect public concerns, existing research, and perhaps modeling efforts to refine our knowledge of a particular issue. Monitoring programs are able to answer or help guide questions about an issue that c -an be made more, understandable .with quantitative information and analysis. The actual design of a monitoring program should refl ect,the uncertainty associated with the chosen approach' and the extent of the area for which management,decisions are being considered. Different monitoring designs are employed when different man- agement questions are asked. As the quantifiable objectives and priority actions for the CCMP were developed, the actions were designed to be measurable as pos sible. With. this specificity, our progress can be measured through corresponding monitoring eff orts. Of course, with, any data 'collection effort it is important that the. equipment work's, properly and that the samples or counts are accurately measured. Additionally, it is important to know how the sites were selected. When fixed stations are monitored, samples are taken, at the same location each time samples are collected., The fixed station approach provides very good information about how the conditions at. -that place change over time. The information may not be applicable, however, to any other sites. Therefore, sampling at fixed stations allows us. to conclude a -lot with relatively few samples about a particular site, but the information is difficult to ex- trapolate to, other,areas. Taking samples with -census coverage, *is used, when the inform ation has geographic characteristics suitable -for. mapping. -This type of measurement is very complete over a large area, but may-hot provide much detail about changes at a specific site the 'Way fixed' station MOnitoring can. A third approach, using. a stratified random design, can also be used. The stratified random method picks sites -randomly for each time samples are taken,so long as the sites have specific characteristics. Since the sites are picked randomly, the, results sites have specific ch, are'very strong' statistically and are very reliable. The weakness of the-stratified random method is that samples should be taken over a -very long time period -to make For additional information, see Long Term Monitoring Strategy and Gap 230 Analysis. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan conclusions about any particular site. If the status of a particular locati on is a con- cem, conclusions can be drawn more rapidly with a fixed station design. Finally, a before-and-after approach can be used to measure if a desired event has occurred or whether something has been done. For. example, when measuring the amount of conservation -lands that. have been acquired, for quantifiable objective FW- 1, conservation lands, should -be counted prior to implementation of the Com- prehensive Conservation and Management Plan and during each year of imple- mentation. - Then the change in the total amount of conservation lands can be com- puted and monitored. This type of measurement is the simplest,measurement to make, as long as the information is collected at the desired time intervals to make the computation. -,Each of the quantifiable objectives and priority actions in this management plan has been evaluated on how to measure our progress towards achieving them and the status of the- resources of 'Concern. For each quantifiable objective and priority action, a: specific monitoring approach 'or approaches have -been identified. With- this, information, we will develop specific monitoring plans for each plan compo- nent. Further, these approaches have been compared to the existing -information that is available and information gaps that have been identified. -The- specific monitoring programs will focus on these. gaps and ensuring'that'sufficient infOrmation'is col- lected to assess the status and trends of our quantifiable objectives. Photo by David Moldel Researchers, Tom Riese and Peggy Wilzbach, study the seagrass beds in Charlotte Harbor. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan SPECIFIC MONITORING EFFORTS Marine/Coastal/Estuarine/ Tidal Rivers Core Analytes Monitoring will be conducted to measure Analyte/Parameter Method PAR (light attenuation, k) approved RAMP protoco long term trends as well as to measure specific progress,in the priority -actions. secchi disc- 20 cm temperature EPA (1983), 170.1 Ambient water quality monitoring in ma- rine and estuarine areas will be conducted salinity, SM [17th Ed., 25.213 (from conductivity) with a. stratified,. randomized approach specific conductance' EPA (1983), 120.1 and the parameters measured as described dissolved oxygen EPA (1983), 360.1- in the. accompanying tables. The study pH. EPA (1983), 150.1 area has been divided into -six geographic color (PCU) EPA (1983) 110 3 'strata, to ensure that each 'basin- can be (spectrometer) RAMP method issue characterized. At least 30 samples will turbidity (NTU) EPA (1983), 180,1 be taken within -each geographic strata per total suspended solids, EPA (1983), 160.2 year with an estimated annual total cost chlorophyll-a (corrected for SM 16th Ed., 1002G, SM phaeophytin) -Of $104,000. Some-parameters are rec- 17th .Ed., 10200 H ommended as core analytes to be mea- total nitrogen calculation (TKN + N02-NO3-N) sured-at all locations, others are desig- total Kjeldahl nitrogen SM 17th Ed., 4500-N nated `optional" as they are, only impor- org B or C tant at,certain sites, times-of year, or for total ammonia nitrogen A(l983) 350.1 RAMP method issue 'very specific pollutant problems. total nitrite+nitrate nitrogen EPA (1983), 353.2 dissolved orthophosphate EPA (1983), 365.1 Freshwater systems will be monitored (requires fi I ration) primarily at fixed stations, particularly total phosphor EPA (1983), 365.1 or 365.4 stations that correspond to gages that total organic carbon EPA 415.2 measure flow. Coupling water'quality in-- formation with flow, measurements allows scientists to compute total loads, which On is a- critical, piece of information about the watershed, especially in the development of total maximum daily joads (TMDLs). -Additional parameters need Optional Marine/Coastal/Estuarine/ Tidal Rivers Analytes to be measured in freshwater systems Analyte/Parameter Method -.such as chloride, sulfate, total carbon-, dissolved silica and am monia. USGS 102700-8 (autoanalyzer) 5-day biochemical EPA (1983), 405.1 Habitat will be measured thorough the oxygen demand total-coliform bacteria SM 9221B (most probable use, of maps produced by geographic number)/SM 9222B information- systems (GIS) that track (membrane filter), land use changes, public land acquisi- fecal coliform bacteria SM 9221C (most probable, number /SM 9222D tion, and 'private property, desig hated (mern rane filter) as conservation lands. Seagrass extent 232 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Lakes and Non Tidal Rivers Core Analytes will be measured nd mapped every two Analyte/Parameter Method to three years through the use -of aerial photography _and periodic ground- secchi disc Lakes only, 20 cm. truthing. temperature EPA (1983), 170.1 dissolved oxygen EPA (1983), 360.1 Measuring these parameters will provide- PH EPA (1983), 150.1 color (PCU) EPA (1983) 110.3 a comprehensive evaluation of any (spectrometer) RAMP changes occurring in the watershed over method issue - time. By recording these parameters., the turbidity (NTU) EPA (11983), 180.1 data will identify pollution trends and the total suspended solids EPA (1983), 160.2 magnitude of change. This monitoring chlochlorophyll-a (corrected for SM 16th Ed., 1002G, SM phaebphytin) 17th Ed., 10200 H will be conducted through many partners -total nitrogen Calculation (TKN + N02-NO3-N) to. reduce overall costs, increase the use of the information, and to prevent dupli- total Kjeldahl nitrogen SM 17th Ed., 4500-N org B or C cation of effort. The Technical Advisory total ammonia nitrogen A (1983),350.1 RAMP Committee is- the central forum to dis- method issue cuss monitoring practices and coordina- total nitrite+nitrate nitrogen EPA (1983), 353.2 tion. Examples of the existing monitor- dissolved orthophosphate' EPA (1983), 365.1 (requires field filtration) ing programs incorporated into this strat- total phosphorus EPA (1983), 365.1 or 365.4 egy include counties (Sarasota, Manatee, chloride EPA 300.0 Charlotte, Lee and Polk Counties), South sulfate EPA 300.0 and Southwest Florida Water Manage- total organ c carbon EPA 415.2 ment Dis tricts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and U.S. Geo- logical Survey. Additional wildlife and habitat monitoring programs will- also be utilized including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries -Ser- vice, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. I> Monitoring results will be conveyed in - Optional Marine/Coastal/Estuarine II the program's newsletter, during the Tidal Rivers Analytes Technical Advisory Committee meetings,' 'a M hod and the Charlotte Harbor Information Re- Analyte/Parameter Method source Center described in this chapter. dissolved silica USGS 102700-8 (autoanalyzer) These communication methods were se- lected based upon our,surveys of both 5-day biochemical EPA (1983)405.1 oxygen demand public and technical information users. 221B (most probab total coliform bacteria SM 9 le By providing information. in these man- numBer)/SM 9222B (membrane filter) ners, both types of audiences will have fecal coliform bacteria SM 922 1 C (most probable access to the information in a format that they prefer. number)/SM 9 22D (membrane filter) 2 33 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Mangement Plan ENHANCED INFORMATION' AND, EXCHANGE A data management strategy is- a, required element of each National Estuary\ Pro- gram. The purpose of these activities is to assist with the following needs: Provide information aboutthe technical information that is available;- Facilitate the exchange of information among different organiz ations; and Support efforts for the- analysis.of scientific information. The general public, engineers, managers, and scientists desire relevant resource in- formation in a timely and easy-to-use manner. -Government agencies,may be ca- pable of reducing over-lapping data acquisition efforts and filling in data gaps with- out significantly increasing budgets and personnel 'if the" are aware of efforts outside their individual organizations. Providing timely information. by -maximizing the existing systems is the goal of a Examples of I m portant- Environmental Data' coordinated information management, analysis, and exchange process. Rainfall Map (spatial) information. Members of the Charlotte Harbor NEP manage- land use information ment conference, both citizens andtechnicalmem- Groundwater levels bers, provided the information. for the data. man- Population growth agement strategy. The first objectives of the Char- Water quality lotte Harbor NEP data management strategy are Wildlife populations. designed to: Habitat River flow Pollutant loads Identify data gaps;. Identify data needs;-and. Identify access' and exchange needs: 0nce the needs were described'the strategy identified the organizations to fill data nc gaps. It also identifies tools. such as geographic information systems (GIS) to ana- lyze-information. The strategy documents preliminary coordination efforts needed with local institutions who collect and store data. Finally, the strategy documents specific recommendations for actions to fill data-gaps,mechanism for-the coordi- nation of analyses, and the facilitation of,information exchanges among organiza- tions. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Through a process of meetings,workshops, a d surveys, the data gaps and needs were identified. The needs of both the general public and scientists were consid ered. Participants.were interested in both maximizing the use of data. that has al- ready been collected and also identifying information that is-needed to make good decisions. Scientists were concerned about preventing overlapping efforts in,re- search And monitoring, and to, ensure that the data. used for management decisions were reliable. Non-technical participants such as- property owners, students, and reporters were interested in promotingthe availability of clear, accurate analyses of 'A under- data in terms that a lay person ca stand. Identified Data Gaps & Needs- Not surpri singly, once public and techni- cal users were surveyed,-it was demon- Create a regional data exchange' strated that both the types of information system. needed and,their format were different -Document existing datacollection between scientists and the. general pub- efforts. lic. Scientists had greater ability to use Utilize new technologies to information in electronic forms; they ac- promote infor mation exchange. tually preferred information to be trans- Compile site-specific land use ferred in a computer-compatible format. information., Teachers,, reporters, students' and voters Encourage cumulative impact preferred more general information and assessments. information in paper format such as Identify critical information needs. books and newsletters. Evaluate the effectiveness of a centralized database system. Photo by Melissa Upton Volunteers monitor sea turtle nesting sites on the beaches of Sanibel island. 235 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive and Management Plan CHARLOTTEHARBOR INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTER The data management strategy recommends that an information resource center be established at Florida Gulf Coast University Library. The center, which has, already been established, includes both. a web site and a -special collection located at the library. The website is located at http://library.fgcu.edu/cnep/. The materials are reviewed and catalogued by the trained librarians at the university. The Charlotte Harbor NEP continues to financially support the establishment of the center, the website, and the initial accumulation of reports and materialsfor the special. collec- tion. The total cost to-establish the center.and collect-the existing materials will be -approximately $60,000,which has -already, been budgeted and funded. Once the collection -contains the watershed's existing reports and-analyses, the li- brary will support the on-going maintenance of the collection, lending of materials through inter-library loan, and the website. Since a primary mission the univer- sity is to support environmental education and understanding, the support of this collection is complementary to the goals of the university. Additionally, through the Southwest Florida Library Network, materials located at the Florida Gulf Coast University Library can be requested at any public library in the system. The colle- tion can be searched through a, custom search engine and, in the case of short' reports or papers, be viewed and printed directly from the website. Thepublic can access the website through personal com- puters or with the computers available at b gion's ary each public li rary in the re libr network. Photo right: Corey Franklin,. of the Polk County Natural Resources and Drainage Division,, collects water quality stormwater samples> 236 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan ON-GOINGDATA-- COLLECTION AND INFORMATION SHARING As new reports and.papers are generated, the Technical Advisory Committee will encourage the technical community to submit new information to the library and its special collection. Actual datasets with monitoring information will not be stored at the Charlotte Harbor Information Resource Center.- Instead, monitoring. pro- grams are encouraged to enter their information in STORET, as required by moni- toring efforts receiving state funding. There is no cost to the program for the state STORET system. The STORET system does not provide, statistical, graphical, and, report generating tools. Most scientists prefer to use their own statistical software to analyze data. However, the Charlotte Harbor,Information Resource Center has, sponsored the library's aquisition of ArcExplorer software and some 6f the major spatial datasets to provide universal access to projects and maps created with the' -geographic information system (GIS) software called "ArcInfo". ArcInfo is the -most common GIS software used by both the public and private sectors. The Charlotte Harbor NEP will review the monitoring efforts and-data management efforts at least once every two years to assess performance and correct problems. The 'progress -of the monitoring and data management systems. will be reported to the management conference, included in newsletter articles, and described. in th biennial review submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Photo by David Moldal, 'Volunteers test water samples early in the morning Matlacha Pass. 237 J ------------------------- Shrimp,trawler- Artwork by Victor McGuire ,@@ ryl@ 238 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Mangement Plan REFERENCES Central Florida Regional Planning Council. 1997. Strategic Regional. Policy Plan, Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Bartow, Florida. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. 1999. Federal Consistency Report North Fort Myers, Florida, 19 pp. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. 1998. Our Southwest Florida Natural Resources and Economy, FS-99-1, Charlotte Harbor National- Estuary Program, North Fort M ers, Florida. Estevez, Ernest D. 1998. The Story of the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, Prepared for Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, ,y Program, North Fort Myers, Florida, 135 pp. Hazen and Sawyer.'1998. Estimated Economic Value of Resources, Prepared for Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, North Fort Myers, Florida'. Post,Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan. 1998. Framework'for Action: Quantifiable Objectives and Proposed Action Plans for the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, Technical Report No. 98-04, Prepared -for Charlotte Harbor National Estuary, Program, North Fort Myers' Florida. Post, Buckley, Schuh, & Jernigan. 1999. Synthesis of Existing Information, ..Volume 1: A Characterization of Water Quality,Hydrologic Alterations, and Fish and Wildlife Habitat in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, Technical Report 99-02, Prepared for Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, North Fort Myers, Florida. Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. 1998. Base,Programs Analysis, Volume 1: Description of the Existing Laws, Policy, and Resource Management Structure in the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, Technical Report No. 98-01, Prepared for Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, North Fort Myers, Florida. 239 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.. 1998. Base Programs Analysis, -Volume 2: Connections and Gaps, Technical Report No. 98-03, Prepared for Charlo'tte' -Harbor National Estuary Program, North, Fort Myers, Florida. Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council.- 1995. Strategic,Regional Policy- Plan, Southwest Florida RegionaI. Planning Council, North Fort Myers; Florida. W. DexterBender and Associates., 1997.. Compendium of Existing Monitoring Programs -in. the Greater Charlotte Harbor Watershed, Technical Report No. 97-03, Prepared- for Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, North Fort Myers, Florida. W. Dexter Bender and Associates., 1999.. Long Term Monitoring -Strategy and, Gap Analysis- (Draft. Prepared for Charlotte Harbor-National-Estuary Program, North Fort M yers, Florida, 59 pp. 240 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan GLOSSARY algae - a group of small aquatic.plants; occur as one-celled, filaments, or colo- nial; having no true root, stem or leaf; the base -of the aquatic food chain. algae bloom - a heavy growth of algae in a body of water; blooms commonly caused by high concentrations of nutrients in the water column. anoxic - a condition of no oxygen in a water body. anthropogenic - resulting from human activities. aquifer -.a water-storing underground, rock formation. atmospheric deposition - the transfer of pollu tants and nutrients suspended.in the air to the, ground or open Water; deposition commonly metals and compounds. of nitrogen and sulfur. beach re-nourishment - the process of pumping sand onto eroded beaches.; material for this process commonly taken from channels and off-shore resources. beneficiation an industrial process to transform phosphate pebble (rock) into commercially marketable phosphate. The process is an energy intensive activity-, benthic - referring to the bottom of a body of water.. Best Management Practices (BMP) - A practice or combination of practices that provide the most effective and practicable means of controlling point and nonpoint pollutants at levels compatible With environmental quality goals. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) - The quantity of oxygen demand present -in a sample. as measured by a specific test. A major objective of conventional wastewater treatment is to reduce the biochemical oxygen demand so thathe oxygen content of the water body will not. be significantly, reduced. Although B0D is not a specific compound, it is defined as a conventional pollutant under the federal Clean Water Act. biodiversity - A network of composition, structure, -and function of a given system that encompasses the natural biological wealth, of organisms. Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan brackish - water with salinity common to estuaries; this condition has a salinity concentration between fresh and marine. carnivore - flesh-.eating org anism. coliform bacteria - a type of bacterium that in high concentrations indicates a Polluited water body; this type occurs in animal feces. deep-well injection --a process whereby a liquid, -usually treated water or waste water, is pumped underground detritus-- small particles of rock, sand, and/or dead organic and disintegrating vegetation. dredge spoil - sand and/or mud removed from the bottom of a water bod after dredging ecosystem - a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms- with their environment. effluent.- water released into the environment; commonly from waste water treatment processes or industrial processing. epiphytes - refers to growing on the surface. Epiphytes are a generalclassifica tion of algae commonly attached to seagrasses. estuary - a semi-enclosed land and water interface where fresh water mixes with marine, waters, allowing unique plants and animals to -thrive; tidal -mixing actions are common in an estuary. eutrophic -.a water quality condition typified by high productivity and nutrient inputs, with periods of oxygen deficiency from algae decomposition. This condi- tion can be accelerated by pollution. exotic species - a plant or animal species not native to an ecosystem. -fauna - animals of -a region. flora - plants of a region. Y Y--- 54 Opall CompieSenjive Conjervalron andMavayemenf Yan groundwater - water stored in underground- sand rock formations; replenished from surface infiltration. habitat - the specific place or environment where a p4rticular plant or animal lives. An organisms habitat must provide all the basic requirements for life and should be free of, harmful contaminants. dition of low hypoxia*a con dissolved oxygen in *the-water- hypoxia typically indicates less than or equal to two milligram's of oxygen per liter. inlet - a short, -narrow waterwa - connecting a ba or la oon with the sea. y 9 Intertidal - the area of bay/bottom that is alternately covered with water and then exposed due to the rise and fall of tide waters. littora.1 drift - the parallel movement of suspended sand along the beach;. drift caused by wave and tidal action. mangrove - a salt-tolerant,'sub-tropical tree found,in estuarine and marine environments; mangrove leaves are an int&gral part of the-food web. non-point source pollution -,pollution from no specific source. This type of pollution is generally from surfac@, ground, or. rain Water coming iri.contact with contaminants on the land or air such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, animal waste, gasoline, vehicle exhaust, powerplant emissions@, and liquid -waste fronr failing household septic tank systems. This Source of pollution is difficult to measure., nutrients - any substarfee required by organisms for normal growth and mainte- nance. Mineral nutrients usually refer to inorganic substances derived from soil and water. Excessive amounts of nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, may result in excessive growth of algae, leading to oxygen depletion and water quality degradation. photosynthesis - the synthesis of organic matter-from inorganic substrates using, light as a source of energy. plankton -.passively floging or, weakly motile microscopic plant and animal life; refers to various spScie,s 'of plants and animals at the base of the aquatic food, chain. 243 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan point source pollution - pollution from a specific source such as, a stormwater pipe, -waste water plant discharge, or industrial discharge easier to-quantify this source. red tide characterized by an above average concentration of the toxic phy- toplankton Gymnodinium breve; red tide causesfish and,manatee mortality and shellfish contamination; process -thought to be linked to high, freshwater flows and nutrients into'. marine- 'waters. rookery the breeding or nursery ground of birds or animals. -runoff the portion of precipitation on the. land that reaches, a water body. SAV - abbreviation for "submerged- aquatic vegetation," including seagrasses and other emergent aquatic vegetation., salinity - a measure of the dissolved salts in a water body, especially of sodium, magnesium, and potassium. salt marsh- coastal ecosystems with communities of salt tolerant plants occupy- ing intertidal zones that are at least- occasionally inundated with salt water, refers to a type of marsh that -exists at interface of land and marine waters. saltern - a -tidal area, where sea water evaporates and salt concentrates. saltwater intrusion - a process of high salinity groundwater moving inland and mixing with low salinity groundwater; intrusion commonly results from, over pumping groundwater resources. sea grass - extremely productive flowering marine. plants found -in estuaries and shallow open shelves off the coast; sea grass provides habitat for numerous fishes and invertebrates. Three common species exist in Florida (turtle grass, manatee grass, and shoal grass). seawall - a wall or embankment constructed along ashore to reduce erosion from. -wave action; the structure greatly- reduces -tidal habitat. septic tank system, - a system of tanks and porous pipes in which. waste water. is treated by aerobic -and'anaerobic bacterial- decomposition in the surrounding soil; septic systems are a common source. of pollution to surface and groundwater if not functioning properly. 244 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan stormwater runoff- - water from rain, often' carrying oils, trash, dissolved metals, and other pollutants. Storm -water is a major source of pollution to rivers,- lakes, and estuarine waters. tide - periodic rising and falling of the oceansresulting from lunar and solar forces acting upon the,rotating earth. Tide action strongly influences estuarine plants, animals, and bottom'con-figuration. tributary- a body of water that supplies a larger body of -water. trophic state - the nutritional status of a particular body of water. Nitrogen and phosphorus, the principal waterborne 'nutrients, commonly influence the trophic state. turbidity - a measurement of water clarity; caused by a suspension of fine solids. uplands teffestrial areas above the influence of tide waters. urbanization - the conversion of low density open spaces to high density-human development such as houses or 'shopping malls; processdecreases the volume of groundwater/ infiltration and increases storm water runoff. watershed a drainage area or basin in which'all land and. water areas drain or flow toward a central collector such as a. stream, river,- or lake at a lower elevation. wetland - an ecosystem defined by unique plants, soils, and hydrology; plants' in wetlands are adapted to tolerate wet conditions. zooplankton - microscopic animals that float freely in water, graze on detritus particles, bacteria, and algae, and may be consumed by fish. 245 Ail* 4 SIP AV Re d. should&red hawk Artwokk by Victor KcGuire' 246tZ@--_-@_v Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan LIST OFACRONYMS -ABM Agency for Bay Management (Estero Bay) ACEE Advisory Committee on Environmental Education ACOE Army Corps of Engineers ADCP Acoustic Doppler, Current Profiler AGWQMP Agricultural Ground-Water Quality Monitoring Program AIRMoN Atmospheric lntegrated Research Monitoring Network ASR Aquifer Storage and Recovery AWWA American Water Works Association BEST Biomonitoring Environmental Status and Trends BMP Best Management Practice BoCC Board of Coun Commissioners ty BOMP Bureau of Mine Reclamation BPA Base Programs Analysis, BSLER Bureau of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources CAC Citizens" Advisory Committee CARL Conservation and Recreation Lands CCMP Comprehensive 'Conservation and Management Plan CCU Charlotte, County Utilities CDBG Community Development Block Grant CDM Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. CES(a) Center for Environmental Studies CES(b) Cooperative Extension Service CFRPC Central Florida Regional Planning Council CHASBP Charlotte Harbor Aquatic & State Buffer Preserves CHEC Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center CHEVWQMN Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network CLASAC Conservation Lands Acquisition and Stewardship Committee, CMP Clean Marina Program COE Army Corps of Engineers CREW Corkscrew, Regional Ecosystem Watershed CROW Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife CRP Conservation Reserve Program: CSO Citizen Support Organization CWA Clean Water Act CWM Comprehensive Watershed Management CWMP Caloosahatchee Water Management Plan Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act. CZARA Coastal Zone, Act Re-authorization Amendm ents DCA Department of Community Affairs DEP Department of Environmental Protection DO Dissolved Oxygen DOA Department.of Agriculture Doc Department of Commerce 'DOD Department of Defense DOH Department of Health DOI Department of the Interior DOT Department of Transportation DRI Development,of Re ional Impact DRP Division of Recreation & Parks DW -Domestic Water DWMP District Water Management Plan EAR, Evaluation and Appraisal. Report. EBA&BP Estero Bay Aquatic & Buffer_Preserves EBB Estero Bay Buddies. ECARP Environmental -Service Conservation Acreage Reserve Program ELMAC Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee EM Ecosystem Management EMA Ecosystem Management Area EMAP Environmental-Monitoring and Assessment Program EMC Ecosystem Management Coordinator -'Water Quality Assessment Section EMWQAS Ecosystem Management EPA Environmental Protection Agency EPCRA Emergency Planning. and Community Right-to-Know-Act EQJP Environmental- Quality Incentives Program ERD(a) Environmental Research and Design, Inc. ERD(b) Environmental Resources Division- ERP Environmental Resource Permitting ESIP Environmental Integration Services Program' ESQG Exempt Small Quantity Generators FAC Florida Administrative Code FACEE Florida Advisory Committee on Environmental Education FCHAP Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic- Preserves FCT Florida Communities Trust FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDOT Florida, Department of Transportation FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FFWCC Florida Fish and -Wildlife,Conservation Commission 248 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan FGCU Florida Gulf Coast University FIP Forestry Incentives Program FIPR Florida Institute of Phosphate Research FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map FL Florida FLUCCS Florida Land Use/Cover Classification _System FMRI. Florida Marine Research Institute FRDAP Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program FS Florida Statutes FW Fish and Wildlife Habitat Loss FY&N Florida Yards -& Neighborhoods Program GCHEMA Greater Charlotte Harbor Ecosystem Management Area- GDC General'Development Corporation GFC Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission GICIA Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association GIS Geographic -Information System GPS Global Positioning System HA Hydrologic Alterations HUD Department of Housing and Urban Development IFAS Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences IR- Infrared ISTEA Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act IW Industrial Water, IWRM Integrated Water-Resources Monitoring LDR 'Land Development Regulation LE/AD Lakes Education/Action Drive LOS Level of Service, LPA Local Planning Agency, LRTP Long Range Transportation Plan LSU Louisiana State University LWC LowerWestCoast M/WBE Minority or Women Owned Business Enterprise MFL Minimum Flows and Levels, MGATV Manatee Government Access: Television MOA Memorandum of Agreement MOU Memorandum of Understanding MPO Metropolitan, Planning Organization MPRSA Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act MS4 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System MSFCMA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act MSSW Management and Storage of Surface Waters Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan MTC -Manufacturing Technology' Center NADP/NTN National Atmospheric Deposition Program/ -Nation\al Trends Network NAWQA National.WAter Quality Assessment Program NB S' National Biolgical Service NEP National, Estuary Program NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NEXTEA National Economic Crossroads Transportation Efficiency Act NGVI) -National Geodatic Vertical Datum NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NPDES National.Pollutant Discharge Elimination System- NPS Nonpoint Source NRCS Natural Resources- Conservation Service NRPS Natural Res'ources Planning Section NWR National Wildlife Refuge OFW Outstanding Florida Waters OGT Office of Greenways and Trails P2 Pollution Prevention P2000 Preservation 2000 P-2000 Preservation 2000 PA Priority Action PLRG Pollution Load Reduction Goals POTWS Publicly Owned Treatment Works PR/MRWSA Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority PSA Public\ Service Announcement PSC Public Service Commission QO Quantifiable Objective QWIP Quality of Water Improvement Program RBNERR Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve RC&D, Resource Conservation. and Development Program RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RPC Regional Planning- Council SARA "Superfund" Amendments and Reauthorization Act SCCF Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation SD South District, Florida Departm e'nt of Environmental Protection SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act SFWMD - South Florida Water Management District SOR Save Our Rivers SRF State Revolving Fund 250 Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Draft Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan Strategic Regional Policy Plan SRPP SWAMP Surface Water Assessment and Monitoring Program SWD Southwest District, Florida Department of Environmental. Protection SWFRPC Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council SWFWMD Southwest- Florida Water Management District swim Surface Water- -Improvement and Management SWMMP Surface Water Management Master Plan. SWUCA Southern Water Use Caution Area SwUP. Stormwater Utility Program TAC Technical Advisory Committee TBNEP Tampa Bay NEP TBRPC Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council TDS Total Dissolved Solids TEA21 Transportatlon Equity Act for the 21st Century TIITF The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund TKN Total Kjedahl Nitrogen TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load TSI Trophic State Index TSS Total Suspended Solids UIC Underground Injection Control UEP Utility Expansion Program UPREPC Upper Peace River Ecosystem Planning Committee USC :United States Code USCG United States Coast Guard USDA United States Department of Agriculture USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geologic Survey UST Underground Storage Tank VSR Volunteer Scientific Research WCIND West Coast Inland Navigation District WCS Water Control Structure WET Water Efficient Toilet WICP Water Information Coordination Program WMD Water Management District WQ Water Quality Degradation WRM Wetlands Resource Management WRP Wetland Reserve Program WUP Water Use Permit WWTP Waste Water Treatment Plant 251 Ox-all GompreSegarve Conjeroafiv@n and'Arana yemeni For additional c ies of this book, please contact us@.. OP Pr char'otte. Harbor National Estuary ogram 4980 Bayline Drive', 4th Floor North Fort Myers,. Florida 33917_ 941199@-_17@7 http://wwwtharlotteharborriep'.com, 2,52Z @;@J 3 6668 14104 5841