Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive
Conservation Plan
Yellow-crowned night heron
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge
3860 Tollgate Blvd, Suite 300
Naples, FL 34114
Telephone: 941/353 8442
Fax: 941/353 8640
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
1 800/344 WILD
http://www.fws.gov
November 2000
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge I
Introduction
Purpose of and Need for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan ______________ 1
Overview of the Fish and Wildlife Service __________________________________ 2
Mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service ___________________________________ 2
Description and Mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System ______________ 2
The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge Location ________________________________________________________ 3
History of the Refuge ___________________________________________________ 4
Role of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge __________________ 4
Refuge Function within the Ecosystem, and Ecosystem Priorities_____________ 5
Legel Policy, Administrative Guidelines, and Federal and State Mandates ______ 7
Refuge Agreements _____________________________________________________ 7
Planning Issues and Opportunities
Overview of the Public Involvement Process _______________________________ 8
Scope of Issues and Opportunities_________________________________________ 8
Management Direction
Refuge Purpose ________________________________________________________ 9
Refuge Mission _________________________________________________________ 9
Refuge Vision Statement ________________________________________________ 9
The Management Action ________________________________________________ 9
Goals, Objectives, and Strategies to Support Management Action ____________ 20
Plan Implementation
Partnerships __________________________________________________________ 28
Annual Work Plans ____________________________________________________ 28
Step-Down Plans ______________________________________________________ 28
Funding ______________________________________________________________ 31
Volunteers ____________________________________________________________ 40
Staff _________________________________________________________________ 40
Monitoring and Evaluation ______________________________________________ 40
Table of
Contents
II Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Appendix A.
Finding of No Significant Impact ___________________________________________ 45
Environmental Assessment ________________________________________________ 49
Purpose and Need for Action ____________________________________________ 49
Introduction ________________________________________________________ 49
Alternatives___________________________________________________________ 50
Alternative A: No Action_____________________________________________ 50
Alternative B: Ecosystem Approach ___________________________________ 55
Alternative C: Maximize Public Use Programs on the Refuge _____________ 56
Affected Environment__________________________________________________ 63
Climate ____________________________________________________________ 63
Air Quality _________________________________________________________ 63
Water Resources ____________________________________________________ 64
Geology and Soils ___________________________________________________ 65
Vegetative Habitats and Habitat Management __________________________ 65
Wildlife Diversity ___________________________________________________ 68
Threatened and Endangered Species __________________________________ 70
Public Use, Compatibility, and Environmental Education_________________ 72
Cultural Resources __________________________________________________ 72
Socioeconomic Environment __________________________________________ 72
Environmental Consequences ___________________________________________ 74
Alternative A: No Action_____________________________________________ 74
Alternative B: Ecosystem Approach ___________________________________ 77
Alternative C: Maximize Public Use on the Refuge ______________________ 81
Cumulative Impacts____________________________________________________ 87
Mitigation and Residual Impacts of Alternative B __________________________ 87
Compatibility Determination ____________________________________________ 88
Appendix B.
Legal Policy and Administrative Guidelines __________________________________ 92
Legal Mandates _______________________________________________________ 92
Service-wide Policy Directions ________________________________________ 99
Appendix C.
Scoping and Public Involvement Process____________________________________ 101
Part 1 - Service Responses to Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities __________ 104
Part 2 - Summary of Public Comments and Service Responses on Draft CCP _ 113
Part 3 - Participants ___________________________________________________ 115
Part 4 - Stakeholders __________________________________________________ 115
Part 5 - Mailing List ___________________________________________________ 116
Appendix D.
Intra-Service Section 7 Consultation _______________________________________ 121
Appendix E.
Management Agreement for Certain Lands in Collier County _________________ 129
Appendix F.
References _____________________________________________________________ 133
Appendix G.
Glossary of Terms _______________________________________________________ 135
Appendices
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge III
1. Organization Chart, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior _____ 2
2. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Vicinity Map ________________ 3
3. South Florida Ecosystem Map ___________________________________________ 6
4. Duck Hunting Areas___________________________________________________ 11
5. Co-Managed Submerged Lands _________________________________________ 13
6. Non-Navigable Waters_________________________________________________ 14
7. The South Golden Gate Estates Canal System ____________________________ 15
8. South Golden Gate Estates Restoration __________________________________ 17
9. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Regional
Conservation Lands ___________________________________________________ 18
10. Proposed Lands for Acquisition _________________________________________ 34
11. Exotic Plant Control Areas _____________________________________________ 36
12. Non-Motorized Boat Trail ______________________________________________ 38
13. Proposed Location of Visitor Contact Station _____________________________ 41
14. Interpretive Trail and Observation Tower along Oil Pad Road_______________ 42
15. Project Cost Summary_________________________________________________ 43
16. Organizational Structure for Management of Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge _______________________________________________ 43
17. Organizational Structure for Management of Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge Under Alternative A ____________________________ 55
18. Project Cost Summary Under Alternative C _____________________________ 61
19. Organizational Structure for Management of Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge Under Alternative C ____________________________ 61
20. Issues and Alternatives Matrix _________________________________________ 62
21. Manatee Speed Zones__________________________________________________ 71
22. Summary of Environmental Consequenses by Alternative__________________ 85
23. Public Involvement Survey Form ______________________________________ 102
Figures
IV Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 1
List of Preparers
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Personnel
Roger Beckham
James Clark
Terry Doyle
Andy Eller
Jennifer Harris
Rick Kanaski
Jim Krakowski
Wendell Metzen
Evelyn Nelson
Ben Nottingham
Larry Richardson
Alabama A&M University
Student Interns:
Berrien Barks
Frederick Gardenier
Fesaaha Grebremikal
Phillip West
Research Management
Consultants, Inc.
Louis J. Bridges
Introduction
Purpose of and Need for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Under the provisions of the National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997, the Service is required to develop
comprehensive conservation plans for all lands and waters of the National
Wildlife Refuge System. These plans will guide management decisions and
set forth strategies for achieving the purposes of each refuge unit. The
National Environmental Policy Act ensures that the Service will assess the
environmental impacts of any actions taken as a result of implementing the
Comprehensive Conservation Plan.
This Comprehensive Conservation Plan and appended Environmental
Assessment has been prepared for the Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuge, Collier County, Florida. Its purpose is to identify the
role the refuge will play in support of the mission of the National Wildlife
Refuge System and the South Florida Ecosystem, and how it will address
public concerns for compatible commercial and recreational uses.
The plan outlines issues, concerns, and opportunities expressed to the
Service during a series of public meetings. It also provides a description
of desired future conditions and long-range guidance to accomplish the
purpose of the refuge. This guidance is presented in a listing of refuge
goals, objectives, and strategies resulting from an analysis of various
management alternatives. An environmental assessment of management
alternatives may be found in Appendix A.
The plan will serve as an operational guide for the Refuge Manager over
the next ten to fifteen years.
The plan is also needed to:
provide a clear statement of the desired future conditions when refuge
purposes and goals are accomplished;
provide refuge neighbors and visitors with a clear understanding of the
reasons for management actions on and around the refuge;
ensure that management of the refuge reflects policies and goals of the
National Wildlife Refuge System;
ensure that refuge management is consistent with federal, state, and
county plans;
provide long-term continuity in refuge management; and
provide a basis for operation, maintenance, and capital improvement
budget requests.
2 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Figure 1. Organization Chart, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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“...to conserve, protect, and enhance
the Nation’s fish and wildlife and
their habitats for the continuing
benefit of people.”
...conserve, manage, and restore...
fish, wildlife and plant resources
and their habitats within the United
States...
“...world’s largest collection of
lands set aside specifically for
the protection of fish and wildlife
populations and habitats.”
Overview of the Fish and Wildlife Service
The Fish and Wildlife Service is a federal bureau operated under the
Department of the Interior, the Nation’s principal conservation agency. The
Department has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands
and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise use of our
land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the
environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places,
and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation.
Mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service
The Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal organization through which
the Department of the Interior carries out its responsibilities of working
with others to conserve, protect, and enhance the Nation’s fish and wildlife
and their habitats for the continuing benefit of people. The Service has
major responsibility for migratory birds, endangered species, anadromous
and inter-jurisdictional fish, and certain marine mammals.
Description and Mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System
The Service also manages the National Wildlife Refuge System, the
world’s largest collection of lands set aside specifically for the protection of
fish and wildlife populations and habitats. More than 510 national wildlife
refuges provide important habitat for native plants and many species
of insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals. These refuges
also play a vital role in preserving threatened and endangered species
as well as offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Many have
visitor centers, wildlife trails, and environmental education programs.
Nationwide, more than 25 million visitors annually hunt, fish, observe and
photograph wildlife, or participate in interpretive activities on national
wildlife refuges.
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a
national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management,
and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources
and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and
future generations of Americans.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 3
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Figure 2. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Vicinity Map
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The Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge Location
The refuge is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Naples, Florida,
south of U.S. Highway 41 (Fig 2). The western boundary lies along County
Road 92. The Gulf of Mexico borders the southern boundary, and the
eastern boundary lies just west of Everglades National Park and the
Faka Union Canal at the northern portion of that boundary. A 5-mile
long, 1 1/2-mile wide extension into the Gulf of Mexico is present in
the southeastern portion of the refuge. The Collier-Seminole State Park
extends into the northwestern portion of the refuge from U.S. 41 south to
Blackwater Bay, and encompasses the Royal Palm Hammock Creek and
upper portion of Palm Bay, the upper portion of Blackwater River, and
all of Mud Bay.
4 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
History of the Refuge
The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established
under the provisions of the “Arizona-Florida Land Exchange Act of
1988,” authorized by Public Law 100-696. The Act authorized the
Department of the Interior to convey 68 acres of the Department of
the Interior Indian School property
in Phoenix, Arizona, to Collier
interests in exchange for 108,000
acres in Collier County, Florida.
In addition, the Department
received $34.9 million to establish
Indian education trust funds.
Approximately 35,000 acres were
conveyed to the Service to establish
Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuge and the remaining
acreage was added largely to Big
Cypress National Preserve and
Florida Panther National Wildlife
Refuge. An additional 33.6 acres
of land are under lease with the
Florida Department of
Transportation and lies adjacent to
U.S. 41.
The initial authorization designated December 11, 1991, as the deadline
to consummate the deal. The properties were expected to be transferred
in 1992, however, unresolved issues involving Native American interests
in Phoenix and other problems delayed the transfer. An agreement with
new terms and conditions for closing in December 1992, was established.
The new terms allowed the Collier interests to delay the initiation of $34.9
million in payments into an Indian Education Trust Fund for four years.
This amount, plus interest, will be paid in the form of annual payments
over a period of thirty years. These funds will be used to supplement
educational and child welfare programs, activities, and services for the
benefit of Navajo and Arizona Tribes that were members of the Intertribal
Council of Arizona in 1988. The conveyance of title on all lands was delayed
until December 18, 1996.
Role of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge provides habitat for a wide range of invertebrates, fishes,
amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The refuge and the adjacent
Ten Thousand Islands area provide important habitat for several notable
threatened and endangered species, including the Atlantic loggerhead,
green, Kemp’s ridley, and Hawksbill sea turtles, American crocodile, wood
stork, bald eagle, and West Indian manatee. More than 189 species of
birds, 196 species of fish, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 22
species of mammals use the refuge. The refuge also plays an important
role in the restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem. Lands and waters
of the ecosystem have been critically altered due to environmental and
economic impacts of urbanization, agriculture, and other human activities.
Also important are the recreational uses of the refuge. The public uses
the mangrove ecosystem and greater area of the refuge in a variety
of pursuits, including sportfishing, birdwatching, camping, boating, and
enjoying the aesthetics of the area.
American alligator
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 5
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Anhinga
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
Refuge Function within the Ecosystem, and Ecosystem Priorities
The South Florida Ecosystem encompasses 16.5 million acres of richly
diverse habitats covering the 19 southernmost counties in Florida (Fig. 3).
It is a subtropical region that lies between the Caribbean and temperate
North America. Environmental and economic impacts of urbanization,
agriculture, and other human activities have altered the critical natural
balance between land and water, and the region’s endemic flora and
fauna. Today, the South Florida Ecosystem faces substantial habitat loss
and fragmentation.
The Departments of Interior, Commerce, Army, Justice, and Agriculture,
and the Environmental Protection Agency created the South Florida
Ecosystem Restoration Task Force for the purpose of halting or reversing
ecological degradation. The task force has now expanded to include
the State, Native American Tribes, and the Governor’s Commission for
a Sustainable South Florida. The refuge plays an important role in
integrating the requirements of the Interagency Agreement on South
Florida Ecosystem Restoration and the mission of the National Wildlife
Refuge System.
The following priorities have been determined by the Service for the South
Florida Ecosystem, which includes the Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuge:
Protect and manage units of the National Wildlife Refuge System and
other national interest lands.
Protect, restore, and manage migratory birds and their habitats.
Protect, restore, and manage candidate, threatened, and endangered
species and their habitats.
Protect, restore, and manage wetlands and other freshwater habitats.
Protect, restore, and manage fish and other aquatic species and their
habitats.
Protect, restore, and enhance coastal and estuarine habitats.
Protect, restore, and manage for biodiversity.
6 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Figure 3. South Florida Ecosystem Map
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Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 7
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Legal Policy, Administrative Guidelines, and Federal and State Mandates
Administration of the Department of the Interior, the Fish and
Wildlife Service, and the National Wildlife Refuge System is guided by
International treaties, Federal laws, and Presidential Executive Orders.
Management options of the refuge are further refined by administrative
guidelines established by the Secretary of the Interior and policy
guidelines established by the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Treaties, laws, administrative guidelines, and policy guidelines assist the
Refuge Manager in making decisions pertaining to soil, water, air, flora,
fauna, and other natural resources, historical and cultural resources,
research, and recreation on refuge lands. They also serve as a framework
for cooperation between the refuge and other South Florida Ecosystem
partners. These partners include the National Park Service, National
Resource Conservation Service, Indian Tribes, Florida Department
of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Division
of Forestry, Collier County, and private landowners and organizations.
Select legal summaries of treaties and laws relevant to administration of
the National Wildlife Refuge System and management of the refuge are
provided in Appendix B.
Refuge Agreements
The refuge also operates under the following agreements with state and
local entities:
Interagency Agreement between the Department of the Interior, Big
Cypress National Preserve, and the Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuge for law enforcement;
Local Operational Agreement between the Big Cypress National
Preserve and Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuges for wildfire suppression and prescribed burning;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of the Interior
and the State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection for
wildfire suppression and prescribed burning;
Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of the Interior
and the State of Florida, Department of Agricultural and Consumer
Services, Florida Division of Forestry for wildfire suppression and
prescribed burning;
Management Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with the
State of Florida for co-management of refuge waters below mean high tide
(pending);
Memorandum of Understanding between the Florida Panther and Ten
Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuges and Collier County Sheriff’s
Office for law enforcement;
Lease Agreement between the State of Florida Department of
Transportation and the Fish and Wildlife Service along U.S. 41; and
Endangered Species Cooperative Agreement between the State of
Florida and the Fish and Wildlife Service to coordinate recovery
activities for federally listed species in Florida.
Red-shouldered hawk
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
8 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
Planning Issues and
Opportunities
Overview of the Public Involvement Process
Issue identification provides a basis for initiating the development
of some management objectives and strategies. To ensure that the
future management of the refuge
is reflective of the issues, concerns,
and opportunities expressed by
the public, a variety of scoping
mechanisms was used.
A survey was used to gather
general information on current and
potential refuge operations. This
survey was distributed to
participants of the initial scoping
meeting, and mailed to other
interested and affected parties.
Personal interviews were
conducted during several public
scoping meetings and letters were
mailed to affected and interested
parties to inform them of the
planning process and invite their
participation.
A series of stakeholder meetings and community forums were held to
develop components of the draft plan. The meetings and forums also
allowed for consensus testing of the draft plan components. All stakeholder
meetings and community forums held by the Service were advertised and
opened to the public.
Details of the scoping and public involvement process are provided in
Appendix C.
Scope of Issues and Opportunities
The following key issues that require management decisions were
identified during the scoping process:
Commercial and recreational uses on the refuge
Use of personal watercraft and airboats on the refuge
Habitat protection and wildlife management
Partnerships and cooperative management of resources
Education and public outreach
Research and monitoring
Protection of archaeological resources
Staffing needs
A detailed discussion of the issues, concerns, and opportunities can be
found on pages 104 - 112.
All issues and opportunities posed by the public regarding refuge
management have been addressed in Appendix C, Part 2; and through the
development of comprehensive goals, objectives, and strategies found on
pages 20 - 27.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 9
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
West Indian manatee
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
...essential habitat for
threatened and endangered
species ... noted for its cultural
resources.
...to develop, advance, manage,
conserve and protect the refuge’s
unique estuarine ecosystem and
its fish and wildlife resources
...conserve, protect, and manage
the refuge’s unique subtropical
estuarine ecosystem,
Management Direction
Refuge Purpose
The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established
under the authority of the Florida/Arizona Land Exchange Act in order
to develop, advance, manage, conserve and protect the refuge’s unique
(subtropical) estuarine ecosystem and its fish and wildlife resources
(Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956). The refuge represents a variety of
coastal habitats, including mangrove forests (the most dominant habitat on
the refuge), both freshwater and saltwater marsh systems, interspersed
brackish ponds, and small islands or hammocks of upland habitat.
Refuge Mission
To conserve, protect, and manage the refuge’s unique subtropical estuarine
ecosystem, especially its endangered species, its natural biological
diversity, and its rich cultural resources for the continuing, sustained
benefit of the American people.
Refuge Vision Statement
The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge will be a model for
natural systems management, featuring unique coastal marshes, islands,
and subtropical estuarine mangrove ecosystems. The refuge will provide
essential habitat for threatened and endangered species and be an area
noted for its cultural resources. Through effective management and
partnering, the refuge will provide outstanding recreational opportunities
for present and future generations.
The Management Action
The management action for the refuge is discussed in the following pages.
This approach recognizes the importance of the refuge within the Big
Cypress Watershed of southwest Florida. It also considers actions taken
outside the refuge that may affect the refuge environment, as well as
how refuge programs affect adjacent lands and waters. The alternatives
considered and their impacts, along with the impacts of the management
action, are described in Appendix A.
An ecosystem approach to manage the refuge was chosen due to its
proactive nature of allowing for management of all biological systems. This
results in fewer conflicts between refuge resources and users of the refuge
by identifying potential conflicts early on and resolving them before they
become crises. In the long run, this approach is less disruptive to the
users of the refuge and less costly than a crisis-oriented approach. This
approach primarily meets the needs of the resources, allows for many
of the expressed commercial needs of the public, and allows for public
access to hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation
and environmental education. The basis of this action stems from desired
future conditions of the refuge, and was developed from stakeholder
consensus and as a result of public forums held during the planning
process. The end result is a set of goals, objectives, and strategies related
to key issues which will guide the management of the refuge.
The following pages address how key issues, identified during the scoping
process, will be addressed utilizing an ecosystem approach.
10 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Waterfowl in flight
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Commercial and Recreational Uses on the Refuge:
The refuge was established to protect the important mangrove and marsh
habitats, the rich diversity of native wildlife, and the threatened and
endangered species of the area. Utilizing an ecosystem approach, the day-to-
day management of the refuge will not change significantly. However,
commercial and recreational use will be reviewed and evaluated by the
Service at the end of a 5-year period. The Service cannot predict whether
or not studies will be funded; if they will occur in a timely manner; or, if
research will produce the results needed to make decisions.
A variety of commercial uses occurs on the refuge. Blue and stone crabs
are caught with traditional underwater cage traps. Netting for mullet,
as well as hook and line for other species of fish, occurs on a seasonal
and less frequent basis. Charter fishing is the predominant use with
probably more than thirty fishing guides taking clients to the refuge.
Tour businesses include canoe/camp trips, boat cruises, and shell collection
trips. The Service, in consultation with the State of Florida, will allow all
commercial activities to continue. These activities will be monitored with
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in order to make
future decisions on whether to continue, discontinue, expand, or reduce
their practices.
The refuge is well known to residents and visitors alike who enjoy a
variety of recreational pursuits in its remote waters. Throughout the year,
thousands of sport fishermen pursue a multitude of game fish. Canoe and
kayak float trips and motorized watercraft are common during the winter
months. Overnight stays (camping) at Panther, Hog, and Round Keys also
occur during the winter by boaters mentioned above and by recreational
fishermen. Prior to the refuge’s establishment, duck hunting occurred in
refuge marshes south of U.S. 41 (Fig. 4).
West Indian manatees use refuge waters throughout the year. Collier
County is the third highest area of watercraft-related manatee mortality
in the state. With the predicted boat traffic increase in county waters, it
will be important for the refuge to monitor the impacts of this traffic and
enforce manatee protection areas.
Camping typically is not a preferred use within the National Wildlife
Refuge System. Refuge camping is limited, for the most part, to the
coastal beaches of the Keys mentioned above during the winter months,
when the mosquitoes and flies are limited in number. This use does
not conflict with sea turtle nesting, which occurs in the summer months.
Currently, the number of campers does not appear to have an adverse
affect on the environment of the Keys. Camping has been a long standing
tradition and the area is nationally advertised for this experience. Refuge
camping is directly associated with the primary purposes for which boaters
visit the refuge, which are wildlife observation, fishing, and aesthetic
apreciation of the natural wonders of the Ten Thousand Islands. Camping
will continue to be allowed at present levels on the coastal islands of the
refuge. Refuge usage, including camping, will increase as our recreating
population increases. The impacts of this usage will be continually
monitored, and camping will be addressed in a long-term Public Use
Plan to be coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (Strategy 2.1.4). The Public Use Plan may regulate or restrict
the camping that does occur.
Sport fishing, wildlife observation, and limited, high quality duck hunting
complement the mission and goals of this refuge and will continue to be
allowed and promoted, coupled with monitoring and research to further
evaluate their uses.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 11
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Figure 4. Duck Hunting Areas
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
12 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
White ibis
USFWS Photo by Sue Wall
Use of Personal Watercraft and Airboats on the Refuge:
Presently, personal watercraft and airboats occur infrequently on the
submerged lands of the refuge due to its remoteness. However, these
uses are expected to grow with Collier County’s predicted increase in
population. Both of these access modes are characteristically loud, fast, and
capable of cruising in extremely shallow water. The Service has consulted
with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which is a
co-manager of the adjoining submerged lands (Fig. 5), and has determined
that airboat and personal watercraft use will be allowed to continue.
However, these uses will be studied to better determine whether they
produce negative effects on wildlife,
vegetation, and the aesthetics of
the refuge, and to make informed
decisions on whether to continue,
discontinue, expand or reduce their
practices in the future.
Airboat, swamp buggy, personal
watercraft, and other off-road
vehicles will not be allowed in
shallow freshwater marshes of the
refuge, south of U.S. 41 (Fig.6).
Historical uses of this nature have
been found to disturb vegetation,
wildlife, and drainage of the
wetland marshes in the northern
portion of the refuge.
Habitat Protection and Wildlife
Management:
Routine field work will include
monitoring sea turtle nesting and
manatee activity, collecting baseline information on refuge resources,
managing public use, and monitoring the effects of secondary uses. Habitat
management will focus on the coastal, estuarine, and freshwater marsh
habitats for the protection and enhancement of native wildlife populations;
migratory bird habitats; and threatened, endangered, or candidate species
that rely on these systems. This management approach will also help to
facilitate the restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem, and work to
mitigate the region’s impacts resulting from urbanization, agriculture, and
other human activities. Utilization of an ecosystem approach will help to
provide a haven for threatened and endangered species which permanently
and/or temporarily utilize the area, and maintain a quality recreational
area for compatible public uses of the refuge.
Perhaps the most significant long- and short-term impacts to the refuge’s
habitat and wildlife resources concern the proposed South Golden Gate
Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan. During the period from 1963-71, the
Gulf American Corporation excavated a series of canals that drastically
drained the area and changed its ecology (Fig. 7). The canal system drained
the South Golden Gate Estates and increased freshwater flows into the
Faka Union Canal and consequently, that portion of the Ten Thousand
Islands National Wildlife Refuge area. State biologists, working for the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, have concluded that
the increased freshwater flows have severely impacted the Ten Thousand
Islands estuary. The estuary now has problems with water turbidity, lack
of sea grass growth, and a reduction in fish numbers and sizes. Local
fishing guides claim the same and blame the increased freshwater flow.
Those who fished the area before the construction of the canals talk of clear
water, more grass, and more fish.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 13
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Figure 5. Co-Managed Lands and Submerged Lands
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Figure 6. Non-Navigable Waters
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 15
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Figure 7. The South Golden Gate Estates Canal System
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
16 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Fishing from canoe
USFWS Photo
Through Florida’s “Save our Everglades Program” and funding from the
Department of the Interior, the state is buying thousands of 5-,10- and
20-acre lots from individual landowners to preserve the area as part
of the Picayune Strand State Forest. The South Golden Gate Estates
Hydrologic Restoration Plan (Fig. 8) proposes to restore the hydrology
and sheetwater flow to the area by blocking canals, removing roads, and
pumping water out of canals. The plan will not take effect until all of
the private lots are acquired by the State of Florida. The refuge is in
favor of restoring the South Golden Gate Estates area to its historic flow,
but concerns remain about whether sufficient culverts exist along U.S. 41
to handle the sheetwater flow and whether pumping excess water from
the North Golden Gate Estates
area would flood the South Golden
Gate Estates area with more water
than historically occurred prior to
the canals. The refuge also receives
fresh water in the form of rainfall
and runoff from Fakahatchee and
Picayune Strands.
The refuge will carefully review
and minimize impacts of oil and gas
exploration plans and operations,
moreover, it will make every effort
to gain mineral rights to oil and gas
resources found on the refuge.
Partnerships and Cooperative
Management of Resources:
The refuge overlaps and is
surrounded by other protected
state and federal lands (Fig. 9).
These areas have different
mandates and regulations for protection of this important coastal area.
The agencies will need to work together to share information and
resources to facilitate natural resource protection and quality public use.
An ecosystem approach emphasizes working with the local community,
private land owners, and other jurisdictions to ensure coordinated efforts
toward comprehensive watershed and coastal management as well as
cultural resource protection. This approach will also help maximize the
use of applied research to help partners manage for the rich diversity of
habitats and fish and wildlife resources.
Developing partnerships with entities that lead to overall land and
watershed protection and stewardship of the resources will be a primary
focus. Management and research on the refuge will focus on public
use, fish and wildlife monitoring, habitat and water quality assessments,
partnerships, and watershed restoration. The refuge will distribute
management and applied science information to other agencies and private
land owners.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Cape Romano-Ten
Thousand Islands and Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserves (Fig. 9) overlay
much of refuge’s submerged lands. A cooperative agreement between the
Service and the State of Florida will be needed for the management of
these submerged lands (Appendix E). The proposed South Golden Gate
Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan will likely have a major impact on the
refuge. The Service will participate in the planning of this project to ensure
that the resources of the refuge are not compromised.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 17
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Figure 8. South Golden Gate Estates Restoration
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will have an
increased role in the cooperative management of this refuge. Coordinated
efforts will include law enforcement, protected species management, and
other conservation activities.
Through periodic meetings, communication and coordination with land
managers within the watershed will also occur to effectively conserve
the diverse resources of the ecosystem. In order to protect the natural
resources of the refuge and the South Florida Ecosystem, the public will be
informed of current issues and protection efforts that are needed by way of
news releases to media outlets, along with public meetings and workshops
for major issues. The development of an environmental education program
at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge will be actively pursued.
Education and Public Outreach:
Opportunities for increased environmental education and outreach will be
increased with the ecosystem approach. An Outdoor Recreation Planner will
work with the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Collier
County Environmental Education Consortium, school groups, volunteers,
and local agencies to educate youth and adults of southwest Florida on the
plight of threatened and endangered species and about refuge activities.
An Information Specialist will ensure the same message is delivered to
the public by way of the media. Outreach efforts off the refuge will be
supplemented with the assistance of volunteers and other agencies.
18 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Figure 9. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Regional Conservation Lands
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 19
Prairie warbler
Photo by S. Maslowski
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Research and Monitoring:
Priority will be placed on monitoring, applied research, and studies that
will provide information on the management of coastal systems and
endangered species. This will include monitoring the status and trends
of plant and animal communities, the effect that the proposed South
Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic
Restoration Plan will have on
refuge resources, water quality
monitoring, conducting fire effects
studies, and studies on the impacts
of airboat and personal watercraft
use on refuge resources. The
refuge will distribute management
and applied science information
to other agencies and private
landowners.
Protection of Archaeological
Resources:
There are several documented
archaeological sites on the refuge,
primarily ancient Calusa Indian
shell middens. The Archaeological
and Public Use Management Plans
will include an assessment of the
impacts of public visitation to
these sites and determine how
best to protect them as prescribed
by law. The refuge will work
in close association with state
officials to ensure their protection.
Interpretation and educational programs will be developed to incorporate
these cultural resources. In addition, funding will be pursued to conduct
additional investigation of these sites.
Staffing Needs:
The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established
in 1996, and has a staff consisting of a seasonal Park Ranger and a
Wildlife Biologist. This is a young refuge without an adequate budget
or staff. New initiatives are needed to successfully address Service
responsibilities for the refuge and the South Florida Ecosystem over the
next 15 years. These initiatives include an enhanced biological and habitat
monitoring program, a public use management and public education
program, increased coordination with land managers off the refuge, and an
expanded management program for flora and fauna. This action identifies
seven new positions for the refuge (in addition to converting the temporary
Park Ranger to permanent status), and an additional four new positions
to be shared with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge to carry
out Service responsibilities. New positions for Ten Thousand Islands
National Wildlife Refuge include an Assistant Refuge Manager, Biological
Science Technician (Wildlife), Fishery Biologist, Outdoor Recreation
Planner, Mechanic, Maintenance Worker and an Administrative Assistant.
Shared positions with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge include a
Hydrologist, Botanist, Computer Specialist, and Information Specialist.
20 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Wildlife and Habitat
Conservation
Goals, Objectives, and Strategies to Support the Management Action
The following list of goals, objectives, and strategies will be used to
implement the management action. It was developed to reflect the needs
of both the Service and the public (i.e., issues, concerns, and opportunities).
The list of goals, objectives, and strategies specifies not only what the
Refuge Manager will do if funding requirements are met, but also specifies
activities to produce the desired results. Thus, the breakdown of activities
forms a hierarchy for refuge management that encompasses the mission of
the Service, the refuge system, ecosystem priorities, the refuge’s purpose,
and the expressed needs of the public.
Goal
1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south
Florida coastal ecosystem.
Objective
1.1 Identify and determine the status of imperiled species and their
use of the refuge and its habitats.
Strategies
1.1.1 By the year 2001, compile a comprehensive literature
review of past research, monitoring records, and
incidental observations of listed species to document
historical use of the area.
1.1.2 By 2003, conduct a comprehensive inventory of refuge
habitats for listed species, to include, but not limited to, the
following: plants, Florida tree snail, sea turtles, American
crocodile, wood stork, and other wading birds, bald eagle,
white-crowned pigeon, and West Indian manatee.
Objective
1.2 Establish baseline inventory and monitoring procedures for
other refuge species and habitats.
Strategies
1.2.1 By 2002, develop a Wildlife Inventory Plan for the
refuge. Employ a permanent Biological Science
Technician (Wildlife) to assist with inventory projects.
(Special Project 1)
1.2.2 By 2005, develop a comprehensive inventory of refuge
wildlife and habitats, to include, but not limited to,
mammals, migratory and resident birds, fish, reptiles
and amphibians, aquatic insects, and habitat delineations
including submerged grass bed areas.
1.2.3 By 2005, complete a water elevation (surface and ground)
and water quality (salinity and contaminants) monitoring
program on the refuge. (Special Projects 3 and 4)
1.2.4 By 2005, initiate a fisheries inventory program to
establish baseline data. The program would include
creel census, commercial monitoring, and independent
sampling conducted by the refuge or cooperator. (Special
Project 5)
1.2.5 By 2007, develop a Geographic Information System
for the refuge to include vegetation cover, hydrology,
resource locations, soils, and archaeological and historic
sites. (Special Project 2)
1.2.6 Monitor the impacts of sea level rise on refuge habitats.
(Special Project 4)
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 21
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Objective
1.3 Develop and implement management strategies to protect or
enhance endangered species, other wildlife, and their habitats.
Strategies
1.3.1 Enforce boat speed regulations established by the State
to protect manatees and manatee critical habitat.
1.3.2 Initiate a law enforcement program to protect refuge
resources from poaching and over-harvest.
(Special Project 6)
1.3.3 By 2000, develop a plan, with other agencies, to restore
natural sheetwater flows to the refuge in conjunction
with the proposed South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic
Restoration Plan. By 2001, establish an initial monitoring
protocol to evaluate the restoration effort.
(Special Project 4)
1.3.4 By 2002, develop a Fire Management Plan, incorporating
a fire effects study, for the upper freshwater marsh
system to enhance habitat for wintering waterfowl and
other wildlife. (Special Project 7)
1.3.5 By 2003, reduce the incidence of raccoon depredation
on sea turtle nests on Panther Key and adjacent coastal
islands to ensure greater than 60 percent hatchling
success.
1.3.6 Initiate a cooperative program with Collier County
to remove derelict boats from refuge waters that are
potential navigation and contamination threats. By 2005,
have all derelict boats removed from refuge waters.
(Special Project 9)
1.3.7 By 2006, develop a Fisheries Management Plan in
coordination with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission to maintain and/or enhance fishery resources
and their habitats. (Special Project 5)
1.3.8 Using funds from the sale of Federal duck stamps,
the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and
Everglades funding initiatives, acquire approximately
1,640 acres adjacent to the refuge boundary.
(Special Project 8)
1.3.9 Minimize the impacts of oil and gas exploration and
extraction on the refuge by acquiring mineral rights.
1.3.10 Review oil exploration plans to ensure that adverse
impacts to refuge natural and cultural resources are
minimized.
Objective
1.4 Implement an invasive exotic species inventory, monitoring,
and control program.
Strategies
1.4.1 By 2000, further identify and quantify the acreage of
invasive exotic plants on the refuge coastal keys. (Special
Project 10)
1.4.2 By 2004, develop and implement an invasive exotic plant
control program aimed at eradicating 50 percent of the
combined total acreage of the most prolific and/or difficult
to control species on the coastal Keys including lather
leaf, Australian pine, and Brazilian pepper. (Special
Project 10)
22 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Public Use
1.4.3 Identify and quantify acreage of invasive exotic plants in
the area north of the mangrove system. (Special Project 9)
1.4.4 Continue to organize and host an annual invasive
exotic plant workshop for southwest Florida area land
managers. Workshops would continue to focus on new
invaders to the area, control techniques, opportunities
for control equipment and labor cooperation, and other
exotic plant issues. (Special Project 10)
1.4.5 Assess the status of fire ants on sea turtle nesting
beaches and their impact on turtle nest success. If
necessary, implement control measures including the
feasibility of using pesticides during non-nesting months.
1.4.6 Assess the status of other exotic animals on the refuge
through literature review, unpublished data, and direct
observations. By 2007, provide a GIS-based inventory of
species, status, and location.
Goal
2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided by
the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose.
Objective
2.1 Manage recreational activities that affect wildlife and native
habitats.
Strategies
2.1.1 Employ an Assistant Refuge Manager to assess and manage
public use and resource management activities. (Special
Project 11)
2.1.2 By 2000, develop and implement a Waterfowl Hunt Plan. Use
input from local hunters to help develop a quality hunt plan.
2.1.3 By 2000, develop a cooperative management agreement with
the State covering the submerged lands of the refuge (area of
overlapping state/federal jurisdiction) to manage recreational
and other activities.
2.1.4 By 2001, design and implement a study to assess the impacts of
powered watercraft operating in shallow water environments
within the Ten Thousand Islands region on wildlife and
submerged land resources. The study would occur on and off
the refuge within this area. Results would be used to assist
the Service and the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection/Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
in determining future site management options. Incorporate
findings into the Public Use Management Plan.
(Special Project 12)
2.1.5 By 2003, develop a Public Use Management Plan that addresses
the needs of wildlife and their habitat, protects significant
cultural resources, and provides quality visitor opportunities for
present and future visitors. (Special Project 11)
2.1.6 By 2003, develop two brochures; a general brochure containing
a map and information on resources and management, and
a back country use brochure to help visitors navigate and
recreate in the refuge. (Special Project 13 )
2.1.7 By 2004, develop a designated non-motorized boat trail for the
refuge. Incorporate within the trail a wide variety of habitat
types and wildlife observation opportunities. (Special Project 14)
2.1.8 Provide limited signs and markers at strategic locations within
the refuge to assist visitor navigation.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 23
Commercial Use
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Goal
3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and
other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge.
Objective
3.1 By 2002, establish a special use permit process to regulate
commercial activities including co-managed lands and waters.
Strategies
3.1.1 Gather information on current uses within the
co-managed area and assess compatibility.
3.1.2 Explore the feasibility of a common charter fishing guide
permit with Everglades National Park. The permit
would allow a guide who fishes both areas to be covered
by one permit.
3.1.3 Establish application procedures for a refuge special use
permit.
3.1.4 Gather new biological information on commercial uses to
facilitate compatibility determinations as needed.
Objective
3.2 By 2006, develop a program to assess commercially harvested
resources within the refuge.
Strategies
3.2.1 Obtain biennial data by species from the Florida Marine
Research Institute on harvested quantities of finfish,
sport fish, and shellfish from the town of Goodland
and Everglades City. Assess the utility of these data
to determine whether the refuge needs additional
information. (Special Project 5)
3.2.2 Promote, establish, and evaluate commercial monitoring
surveys of finfish, sport fish, and shellfish with state
agencies and local and private entities. Collaborate with
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
on their periodic stock assessments of sport fish and
finfish in the Ten Thousand Islands area. Enlist fishing
guides and fishing club members to report creel statistics
and establish a database. (Special Project 5)
3.2.3 On an annual basis, evaluate harvest and survey
information, along with other environmental data, to
determine population trends of harvested species.
Consult with Florida Department of Environmental
Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission biologists to jointly assess whether refuge
stocks are in danger of depletion. (Special Project 5)
24 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Environmental
Education
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Goal
4.0 Promote the interpretation, education, and appreciation of coastal
natural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands area, and the
importance of conserving them.
Objective
4.1 By 2008, increase local awareness of south Florida ecosystems,
the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and
the refuge through the development and implementation of an
outreach program. (Special Project 16)
Strategies
4.1.1 Establish partnerships with support groups and the
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
to assist with outreach, events, and environmental
education. Work with partners to participate in at
least two outreach events each year that feature
refuge resources (e.g., National Wildlife Refuge Week,
International Migratory Bird Day, Earth Day, Estuary
Day, Fishing Tournaments, etc.).
4.1.2 Become an active member of the Collier Environmental
Education Consortium. Work to increase the
Consortium’s involvement and collaboration in refuge
outreach efforts.
4.1.3 By 2008, collaborate with refuge eco-tour concessionaires
to disseminate refuge and state aquatic preserve
resources and management information to the public.
Encourage permitted eco-tour vendors to attend
orientation programs hosted by Rookery Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve that promote responsible
and informed commercial use of the area.
4.1.4 By 2008, develop at least four lesson plans with Rookery
Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for school
teachers and/or environmental organizations. Subjects
may include, but not limited to, endangered species,
mangrove ecology, responsible public use (i.e., fishing,
boating, camping, etc.), and migratory birds. (Special
Project 15)
4.1.5 Add two new personnel to the Ten Thousand Islands and
Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge Complex staff.
A Visual Information Specialist is needed to coordinate
news events, press releases, and information transfer
to local, state, and national news outlets. An Outdoor
Recreation Planner is needed to coordinate activities
for the proposed Southwest Florida Environmental
Information Center and Goodland visitor contact station,
to develop refuge interpretive displays, outreach
programs for schools and the general public, and to
coordinate refuge volunteer activities. (Special Project 16)
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 25
Cooperative
Management
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Objective
4.2 By the year 2010, develop facilities and associated amenities to
promote public education of the ecosystem and refuge program.
Strategies
4.2.1 Enhance interpretive facilities at a proposed U.S.
41 multi-agency Southwest Florida Environmental
Information Center. Seek cooperative grants to upgrade
exhibits and maintain the center. (Special Project 17)
4.2.2 Establish a visitor contact station and a small office and
dock facility in Goodland to educate visitors on refuge
management and resources, promote appropriate visitor
use, and facilitate refuge operations. Enlist a partner to
acquire the building site by 2002, and establish other
partners to construct facilities by 2004. (Special Project 17)
4.2.3 By 2009, develop the U.S. 41 Oil Pad road into a
walking interpretive trail. Construct trailhead parking
and a wildlife observation tower along the road. Pursue
cost share opportunities with the Florida Department
of Transportation to construct roadside parking.
(Special Project 19)
Goal
5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural
and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Objective
5.1 By 2000, implement a Cooperative Agreement with the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection concerning
management of submerged lands and state islands. The
agreement would allow cooperative designation of law
enforcement authority, resource management responsibilities,
research and monitoring activities, and management of public use.
5.2 Develop agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with
other state, federal, and private entities on management of
resources and human activities. Develop a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection and The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission that would address cooperative resource
management responsibilities, research and monitoring
activities, and management of public use.
Strategies
5.2.1 Continue to maintain the established prescribed and
wildfire agreements with the state, including refuge
neighbors such as Collier Seminole State Park,
Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, and Picayune
Strand State Forest.
5.2.2 Establish a Memorandum of Understanding with
Everglades National Park for emergency services to
include, but not limited to, law enforcement, search
and rescue, fire management, and collaborative resource
management (e.g., general permit for fishing guides,
turtle surveys, and raccoon control on turtle beaches).
5.2.3 Develop challenge cost share agreements to offset cost of
refuge educational/interpretive materials and facilities.
26 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Archaeological
Resources
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
5.2.4 By 2001, establish a plan with Rookery Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve to coordinate search
activities conducted on the refuge and surrounding areas.
5.2.5 Collaborate with other agencies and universities to
conduct water quality and hydrologic studies on the
refuge to assess rehydration efforts and pollutant runoff
from upper reaches of the watershed. (Special Projects
3 and 4)
Objective
5.3 Establish a citizens’ group to promote private and
governmental cooperation and information exchange.
Strategies
5.3.1 Encourage stakeholders involved in the comprehensive
conservation planning process and others to become
involved with this group.
5.3.2 Solicit community involvement and group membership
through local media outlets.
5.3.3 Develop rules and protocols for the citizens’ group to
ensure it does not violate regulations established under
the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972.
Goal
6.0 Protect refuge cultural resources, encourage archaeological
investigations, and promote interpretation and appreciation of the
area’s history.
Objective
6.1 Comply with federal and state historic preservation legislation
and regulations to protect refuge archaeological resources. The
Regional Archaeologist will be responsible for the following
strategies, with the exception of Strategy 6.1.9.
Strategies
6.1.1 Develop a scope of work for a comprehensive
archaeological survey, including a cost estimate
and ranking factors for contractor selection by
September 2001.
6.1.2 Secure funding to conduct a comprehensive refuge-wide
survey which evaluates the status of recorded
archaeological sites, develops a site predictive model, and
identifies research potential.
6.1.3 Develop and implement a site protection plan in
consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office,
federally recognized Native American Nations, and the
professional archaeological community.
6.1.4 Approach the Miccosukee and Seminole Nations for
information on and input into the management of
significant cultural and sacred sites located within the
refuge.
6.1.5 Work with the State Historic Preservation Office to
ensure confidentiality of cultural resource data within the
refuge and the State of Florida.
6.1.6 By 2000, work with the State Historic Preservation
Office to formally establish which refuge management
actions require its review and comment.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 27
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
6.1.7 Develop a GIS layer for refuge archaeological and
historic sites. The archaeological/historic layer would
mesh with existing layers for habitat types and
vegetative cover, hydrology, resource locations, and
soils being developed by the refuge staff. The cultural
parameters would be defined by 2000.
6.1.8 Assess the impact of camping and other related activities
on significant cultural resources of the refuge.
6.1.9 By 2000, ensure that all refuge law enforcement officers
take the Archaeological Resources Protection Act
training course.
6.1.10 By 2001, negotiate an agreement with the Florida
State Museum, or other appropriate facilities, for the
permanent curation of archaeological collections and
associated documentation derived from archaeological
investigations on the refuge.
Objective
6.2 By 2008, develop a cultural resources interpretation and
education program.
Strategies
6.2.1 By 2002, compile a comprehensive literature review
of past archaeological, anthropological, and historical
investigations within and near the refuge. Produce an
annotated bibliography to document the region’s history
and the utility of the scientific methodology. (Regional
Archaeologist)
6.2.2 By 2002, work with local Native American communities
to develop an education program regarding their cultural
heritage. (Regional Archaeologist)
6.2.3 By 2008, develop an interpretive exhibit on refuge
cultural resources and history for use in refuge’s visitor
center.
Objective
6.3 Promote and secure funding for additional scientific
investigations of refuge cultural resources.
Strategies
6.3.1 Identify potential avenues of archaeological and historic
investigations and promote interdisciplinary research
such as the Southwest Florida Project directed by Dr.
Marquardt of the University of Florida, Gainesville.
(Regional Archaeologist)
28 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Yellow-crowned night heron
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Plan Implementation
The future of this refuge, like most national wildlife refuges, is dependent
upon a public constituency that is aware of refuge resources, mandates,
and environmental issues, and is willing to work towards resolving them.
The expanded educational, recreational, and partnership opportunities
outlined in this plan will help build and maintain this needed constituency.
Promoting the refuge as a natural and recreational asset of Collier County
will enhance the refuge’s image and help expand local support.
Partnerships
Implementation of this plan will rely on partnerships formed with
landowners in the watershed, volunteers and interested citizens, farm
and conservation organizations, and appropriate governmental agencies.
Cooperating landowners within the refuge watershed will be offered
incentives and/or compensation
through cost-sharing agreements
for applying conservation and
environmental friendly farming
practices, and for creating,
maintaining, or enhancing habitat
for wildlife.
Annual Work Plans
Future annual work plans will be
written to reflect the priorities
and intent of the plan. When
discretionary funding and staff
resources are available, they will be
used to implement components of
the plan.
Step-Down Plans
This plan provides conceptual
guidance for future expansion,
management, and development of
the refuge. Additional plans will
be needed in order to implement
some of the strategies. These range
from wildlife inventory and site
development plans to a fire management plan. Refuge staff will need to look
for innovative partnerships with local professional and business groups to
assist in preparing and implementing some of the step-down plans.
Future step-down plans for the refuge include:
Wildlife Inventory Plan
Vegetation Inventory Plan
Biological Research Plan
Habitat Management Plan
Fire Management Plan
Pest and Invasive Exotic Plant Control Plan
Public Use Management Plan
Waterfowl Hunt Plan
Sign/Exhibit Plan
Visitor Contact Station Site Plan
Fishery Management Plan
Archaeological Plan
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 29
Green Treefrog
Photo by Larry W. Richardson
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
The following goals along with their related objectives and strategies will
form the basis of individual management plans:
Archaeological Plan
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Goal 6.0 Protect refuge cultural resources, encourage archaeological
investigations, and promote interpretation and appreciation of the
area’s history.
Biological Research Plan
Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida
coastal ecosystem.
Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided
by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose.
Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and
other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge.
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Fire Management Plan
Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida
coastal ecosystem.
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Fishery Management Plan
Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida
coastal ecosystem.
Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and
other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge.
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Habitat Management Plan
Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida
coastal ecosystem.
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
30 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Pest and Invasive Exotic Plant Control Plan
Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida
coastal ecosystem.
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Public Use Management Plan
Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida
coastal ecosystem.
Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided
by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose.
Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and
other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge.
Goal 4.0 Promote the interpretation, education, and appreciation of coastal
natural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands area, and the importance
of conserving them.
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Goal 6.0 Protect refuge cultural resources, encourage archaeological
investigations, and promote interpretation and appreciation of the
area’s history.
Sign/Exhibit Plan
Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided
by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose.
Goal 4.0 Promote the interpretation, education, and appreciation of coastal
natural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands area, and the importance
of conserving them.
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Vegetation Inventory Plan
Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida
coastal ecosystem.
Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and
other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 31
Visitor Contact Station Site Plan
Goal 4.0 Promote the interpretation, education, and appreciation of coastal
natural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands area, and the importance
of conserving them.
Waterfowl Hunt Plan
Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided
by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose.
Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners,
organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed.
Wildlife Inventory Plan
Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources,
especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural
values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida
coastal ecosystem.
Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and
other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge.
Funding
While the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was formally
established on December 18, 1996, it has received no organizational funding
to date. Rather, a portion of the budget allocated to Florida Panther
National Wildlife Refuge has been used for funding projects on the
refuge. Limited funding has been available to conduct some sea turtle nest
monitoring since 1991 and aerial manatee surveys since 1997.
In 1993, $75,000 of no-year money was allocated to fund a “Hurricane
Andrew Damage Assessment” of the Ten Thousand Islands area. This study
assessed the impacts of Hurricane Andrew to nesting sea turtle habitat
and to evaluate flora and fauna within the Ten Thousand Islands. In 1994,
the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve was contracted
to conduct the flora and fauna surveys. A final report entitled, “Resource
Damage Assessment of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Following Hurricane Andrew” was completed in March 1997. In 1995,
the Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Unit of the University of Florida in
Gainesville was contracted to conduct a sea turtle study. In 1997, Graduate
Student Ahjond S. Garmestani completed his masters thesis on the study
entitled, “Sea Turtle Nesting in the Ten Thousand Islands of Florida.”
In addition, Everglades funding was used in 1996 to purchase a shallow
draft boat and motor to conduct research and law enforcement on the new
refuge. An additional boat was purchased in 1998.
The first staffing for the refuge occurred in 1997 when a temporary Park
Ranger (GS-7) was employed. A permanent Wildlife Biologist (GS-11) was
employed in 1998.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
32 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
The following summary provides a list of refuge projects as identified in
the goals, objectives, and strategies for Ten Thousand Islands National
Wildlife Refuge:
Project 1. Enhance Biological Assessment
Baseline resource assessment will be a high priority task for this new
refuge. A Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) is needed to assist
with the actual collection and processing of field data. Initial equipment
requirements include a vehicle ($20,000); a boat and motor ($20,000); and
computer hardware ($3,000) for a subtotal of $43,000. The recurring base
funds including salary, employee benefits, training needs, and survey flight
time are estimated at $110,000/year. Total startup costs for this project
total $153,000.
Project 2. Establish a Geographic Information System (GIS)
To meet the refuge goal of assessing wildlife, habitat, and the impacts
of management, a Computer Specialist with experience in geographic
information systems is needed. This person will digitize wildlife use and
habitat type on and off the refuge. This system type analysis will also
be used to evaluate the impacts of the proposed South Golden Gate
Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan that will likely have a major impact
on this refuge. This person will also assist other staff members and
cooperating agencies with their GIS needs. This position will be shared
with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. New hardware will also
be required including digitizing equipment, computer, printer, and plotter.
The estimated initial startup for hardware, software, and training costs are
$30,000 and the recurring base funds including salary, employee benefits,
and administrative and equipment needs are estimated at $100,000/year.
Project 3. Water Contaminants Monitoring and
Evaluation Program
Freshwater flows from sources north of the refuge are suspected to
contain compounds from agricultural and urban influences. A water quality
monitoring program is needed to document these potential contaminants
and to establish a baseline water quality index for the refuge. An
outside contractor will be employed to collect the samples and test for
levels of heavy metals, organo-phosphates, mercury, and other suspected
contaminants. A 2-year sampling protocol will begin by 2002, with a report
furnished by 2004. The cost of the study is estimated at $120,000.
Project 4. Enhance Watershed Assessment Capabilities
A Hydrologist is needed to fully assess the impacts of various surface
projects planned on and off the refuge within the watershed. One such
project is the re-hydration of the South Golden Gate Estates, which will
affect both Ten Thousand Islands and Florida Panther National Wildlife
Refuges. In addition, there is a need to monitor surface and ground
water elevations, salinity, and sea level rise on the refuge, especially as it
relates to refuge habitats. The Hydrologist will also provide information
to adjacent land managers, as well as county, state, and federal land
planning efforts for south Florida. This position will be shared with Florida
Panther National Wildlife Refuge. The recurring base funds including
salary, employee benefits, and administrative and equipment needs are
estimated at $100,000/year.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 33
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Project 5. Enhance Fishery Management Capabilities
A Fishery Biologist is needed to fully assess the impacts of various
recreational and commercial fishing activities, and to evaluate the effects
of the South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan on refuge
fisheries. This person will work closely with adjacent land management
agencies to ensure proper management of the fishery resource in the area.
Initial equipment requirements include a vehicle ($20,000), collection and
monitoring apparatus such as nets, seines, etc., ($15,000), and computer
hardware ($3,000) for a subtotal of $38,000. The recurring base funds
including salary, employee benefits, and administrative and equipment
needs are estimated at $100,000/year. Total startup costs for this project
total $138,000.
Project 6. Increase Law Enforcement Assistance
The refuge receives a large amount of public use, both recreational and
commercial, while providing essential habitat for a number of endangered
species. A permanent Park Ranger position is needed to ensure that
secondary use activities remain compatible with refuge resources. In
addition, since drug trafficking has been documented to occur in the area,
this position will also help protect the safety of refuge visitors. The refuge
already has a temporary Park Ranger on staff. This temporary position
will be converted to a permanent position. The recurring base funds
including salary, employee benefits, and equipment and training needs are
estimated at $70,000 year.
Project 7. Develop a Fire Effects Study For the Coastal Marsh
The coastal marshes within the northern portions of the refuge contain
grasses, sedges, rushes, and other wetland species that require occasional
burns to maintain healthy communities. These marshes also contain animal
species that require these habitats for food and cover. A fire effects study
is needed to ascertain the timing, frequency, and required fuel and weather
conditions for prescribed burning of these areas. The study will also focus
on timing the fires to promote healthy plant and animal communities.
This study will be contracted out to a university for research under the
direction of refuge staff. The 3-year study will be initiated by the year 2002
and will cost approximately $20,000 per year, for a total of $60,000.
Project 8. Acquire 1,640 Acres Adjacent To The Refuge Boundary
Several private land parcels exist adjacent to the refuge that, if acquired
(under the condition of willing sellers), will facilitate the administration
and management of the refuge and the ecosystem (Fig. 10). The proposed
lands for acquisition are as follows:
Area 1. Section 32, Township 52 South, Range 27 East: 640 acres (lands
and waters associated with Tripod Key);
Area 2. Southwest quarter of Section 36, Township 51 South, Range 27
East: 194 acres (wetlands surrounded by state and federal holdings);
Area 3. Portions of Sections 29 and 30, Township 51 South, Range 27
East: approximately 800 acres (lands that could provide additional
recreational possibilities, but will need some restoration); and
Area 4. One-to-two acres within the town of Goodland. The Service will
rent or purchase a site on the water. The site will serve as a visitor
contact station, office site for staff, boat and equipment storage,
and a ready launch area for Service activities. Alternatively, the
Service may work toward enhancing the existing Rookery Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve-Goodland Bay Research
Facility for use by both agencies.
The estimated funds needed for these acquisitions total $1.6 million.
34 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
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Figure10. Proposed Lands for Acquisition
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 35
Project 9. Remove Derelict Boats From Refuge Waters
Several derelict (abandoned, dumped) boats occur on the refuge which
are potential navigation hazards and sources of contamination. Many of
the vessels are located in a narrow bay between Goodland and Palm Bay,
however, other vessels are scattered throughout the refuge. The Service
will work cooperatively with Collier County and the State of Florida to
remove these vessels. An estimated $25,000 is needed in cost share funds
to safely remove these vessels.
Project 10. Enhance Refuge Habitats
A Botanist is needed to conduct plant surveys, develop a Vegetative
Inventory Plan, and coordinate invasive exotic plant control on the refuge.
This position will be shared with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
At least seven invasive exotic species of plants occur on the refuge. Lather
leaf, Australian pine, and Brazilian pepper are found along coastal areas
and Brazilian pepper is commonly found inland (Fig. 11). These species
typically grow in dense stands that crowd out the native species. In
addition, Australian pine interferes with sea turtle nesting as the extensive
root system prohibits turtles from digging nests. This project will assist
in stopping the encroachment of these invasive plants by supporting a
control program including a seasonal plant control crew consisting of two
seasonal workers ($20,000), spray equipment ($5,000), and herbicide costs
($5,000). In addition, the Service will sponsor an annual Invasive Exotic
Plant Workshop. The workshop will provide a forum where state, federal,
and private land managers of southwest Florida can meet and discuss
problem plants, successful control techniques, equipment and project
partnerships, and network on the invasive exotic plant problem. The
estimated cost for this project is $30,000 annually for four consecutive
years and additional recurring base funds including salary, employee
benefits, administrative and equipment needs of $110,000.
Project 11. Enhance Refuge Administrative and
Public Use Programs
Additional staff are required to manage the recreational and commercial
activities on the refuge. An Assistant Manager will be hired to develop
a Public Use Management Plan, Waterfowl Hunt Plan, and cooperative
agreements for management of submerged lands. One of the first tasks of
this assistant will be to conduct a survey of commercial and recreational
uses of the refuge, and administer special use permits for commercial
uses and other activities that require a permit. This position will be
stationed at the proposed Goodland Visitor Contact Station. In addition,
a permanent Administrative Assistant is needed to handle the increased
administrative workload associated with this and other new positions. The
Assistant Manager’s salary, benefits, training, and annual equipment needs
are estimated at $70,000/year and those for the Administrative Assistant
are estimated at $30,000/year.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
36 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Figure 11. Exotic Plant Control Areas
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Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 37
USFWS Photo
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Project 12. Assessment of Watercraft Impacts on Wildlife and
Shallow Water Estuarine Resources in the Ten Thousand Islands
This cooperative study, in conjunction with the Rookery Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve, will assess the impacts of powered
watercraft operating in shallow water environments within the Ten
Thousand Islands region on wildlife and submerged land resources. The
study area will include coastal areas from Rookery Bay to Everglades
National Park including the submerged lands of the refuge. Potential
parameters for impact assessment include wildlife/bird populations,
seagrass, non-vegetated substrate, and user conflict. Results of this
study will assist state and federal managers in determining future site
management options. The cost for this project will be cooperatively
secured through state and federal funding and is estimated at $170,000 per
year for a total of $510,000.
Project 13. Develop Refuge Brochures
Along with the expected increase in public use on the refuge will come
a need to provide more information to users. This project will include
the development of two refuge brochures for general distribution to
the public. The first brochure will contain a map of the refuge with
printed information on natural resources and management activities. The
second brochure will contain a more detailed map of the back country
areas of the refuge. The map will display navigational aids, deep water
channels, and other aids to help visitors navigate and recreate on the
refuge. Partnerships will be sought to assist in the production of these
informational brochures. The estim
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| Rating | |
| Title | Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan |
| Description | Planning document for Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge |
| FWS Resource Links | http://www.fws.gov/floridapanther/TenThousandIslands/ |
| Subject |
Document Wildlife refuges Planning |
| Location |
Region 4 Florida |
| FWS Site |
TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE |
| Publisher | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Date of Original | November 2000 |
| Type | Text |
| Format | |
| Item ID | tenthousand.pdf |
| Source | NCTC Conservation Library |
| Language | English |
| Rights | Public domain |
| File Size | 16363596 Bytes |
| Original Format | Document |
| Length | 144 |
| Full Resolution File Size | 16363596 Bytes |
| Transcript | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Yellow-crowned night heron Photo by Larry W. Richardson Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 3860 Tollgate Blvd, Suite 300 Naples, FL 34114 Telephone: 941/353 8442 Fax: 941/353 8640 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD http://www.fws.gov November 2000 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge I Introduction Purpose of and Need for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan ______________ 1 Overview of the Fish and Wildlife Service __________________________________ 2 Mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service ___________________________________ 2 Description and Mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System ______________ 2 The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Refuge Location ________________________________________________________ 3 History of the Refuge ___________________________________________________ 4 Role of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge __________________ 4 Refuge Function within the Ecosystem, and Ecosystem Priorities_____________ 5 Legel Policy, Administrative Guidelines, and Federal and State Mandates ______ 7 Refuge Agreements _____________________________________________________ 7 Planning Issues and Opportunities Overview of the Public Involvement Process _______________________________ 8 Scope of Issues and Opportunities_________________________________________ 8 Management Direction Refuge Purpose ________________________________________________________ 9 Refuge Mission _________________________________________________________ 9 Refuge Vision Statement ________________________________________________ 9 The Management Action ________________________________________________ 9 Goals, Objectives, and Strategies to Support Management Action ____________ 20 Plan Implementation Partnerships __________________________________________________________ 28 Annual Work Plans ____________________________________________________ 28 Step-Down Plans ______________________________________________________ 28 Funding ______________________________________________________________ 31 Volunteers ____________________________________________________________ 40 Staff _________________________________________________________________ 40 Monitoring and Evaluation ______________________________________________ 40 Table of Contents II Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Appendix A. Finding of No Significant Impact ___________________________________________ 45 Environmental Assessment ________________________________________________ 49 Purpose and Need for Action ____________________________________________ 49 Introduction ________________________________________________________ 49 Alternatives___________________________________________________________ 50 Alternative A: No Action_____________________________________________ 50 Alternative B: Ecosystem Approach ___________________________________ 55 Alternative C: Maximize Public Use Programs on the Refuge _____________ 56 Affected Environment__________________________________________________ 63 Climate ____________________________________________________________ 63 Air Quality _________________________________________________________ 63 Water Resources ____________________________________________________ 64 Geology and Soils ___________________________________________________ 65 Vegetative Habitats and Habitat Management __________________________ 65 Wildlife Diversity ___________________________________________________ 68 Threatened and Endangered Species __________________________________ 70 Public Use, Compatibility, and Environmental Education_________________ 72 Cultural Resources __________________________________________________ 72 Socioeconomic Environment __________________________________________ 72 Environmental Consequences ___________________________________________ 74 Alternative A: No Action_____________________________________________ 74 Alternative B: Ecosystem Approach ___________________________________ 77 Alternative C: Maximize Public Use on the Refuge ______________________ 81 Cumulative Impacts____________________________________________________ 87 Mitigation and Residual Impacts of Alternative B __________________________ 87 Compatibility Determination ____________________________________________ 88 Appendix B. Legal Policy and Administrative Guidelines __________________________________ 92 Legal Mandates _______________________________________________________ 92 Service-wide Policy Directions ________________________________________ 99 Appendix C. Scoping and Public Involvement Process____________________________________ 101 Part 1 - Service Responses to Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities __________ 104 Part 2 - Summary of Public Comments and Service Responses on Draft CCP _ 113 Part 3 - Participants ___________________________________________________ 115 Part 4 - Stakeholders __________________________________________________ 115 Part 5 - Mailing List ___________________________________________________ 116 Appendix D. Intra-Service Section 7 Consultation _______________________________________ 121 Appendix E. Management Agreement for Certain Lands in Collier County _________________ 129 Appendix F. References _____________________________________________________________ 133 Appendix G. Glossary of Terms _______________________________________________________ 135 Appendices Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge III 1. Organization Chart, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior _____ 2 2. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Vicinity Map ________________ 3 3. South Florida Ecosystem Map ___________________________________________ 6 4. Duck Hunting Areas___________________________________________________ 11 5. Co-Managed Submerged Lands _________________________________________ 13 6. Non-Navigable Waters_________________________________________________ 14 7. The South Golden Gate Estates Canal System ____________________________ 15 8. South Golden Gate Estates Restoration __________________________________ 17 9. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Regional Conservation Lands ___________________________________________________ 18 10. Proposed Lands for Acquisition _________________________________________ 34 11. Exotic Plant Control Areas _____________________________________________ 36 12. Non-Motorized Boat Trail ______________________________________________ 38 13. Proposed Location of Visitor Contact Station _____________________________ 41 14. Interpretive Trail and Observation Tower along Oil Pad Road_______________ 42 15. Project Cost Summary_________________________________________________ 43 16. Organizational Structure for Management of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge _______________________________________________ 43 17. Organizational Structure for Management of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Under Alternative A ____________________________ 55 18. Project Cost Summary Under Alternative C _____________________________ 61 19. Organizational Structure for Management of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Under Alternative C ____________________________ 61 20. Issues and Alternatives Matrix _________________________________________ 62 21. Manatee Speed Zones__________________________________________________ 71 22. Summary of Environmental Consequenses by Alternative__________________ 85 23. Public Involvement Survey Form ______________________________________ 102 Figures IV Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 1 List of Preparers U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Personnel Roger Beckham James Clark Terry Doyle Andy Eller Jennifer Harris Rick Kanaski Jim Krakowski Wendell Metzen Evelyn Nelson Ben Nottingham Larry Richardson Alabama A&M University Student Interns: Berrien Barks Frederick Gardenier Fesaaha Grebremikal Phillip West Research Management Consultants, Inc. Louis J. Bridges Introduction Purpose of and Need for the Comprehensive Conservation Plan Under the provisions of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service is required to develop comprehensive conservation plans for all lands and waters of the National Wildlife Refuge System. These plans will guide management decisions and set forth strategies for achieving the purposes of each refuge unit. The National Environmental Policy Act ensures that the Service will assess the environmental impacts of any actions taken as a result of implementing the Comprehensive Conservation Plan. This Comprehensive Conservation Plan and appended Environmental Assessment has been prepared for the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Collier County, Florida. Its purpose is to identify the role the refuge will play in support of the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the South Florida Ecosystem, and how it will address public concerns for compatible commercial and recreational uses. The plan outlines issues, concerns, and opportunities expressed to the Service during a series of public meetings. It also provides a description of desired future conditions and long-range guidance to accomplish the purpose of the refuge. This guidance is presented in a listing of refuge goals, objectives, and strategies resulting from an analysis of various management alternatives. An environmental assessment of management alternatives may be found in Appendix A. The plan will serve as an operational guide for the Refuge Manager over the next ten to fifteen years. The plan is also needed to: provide a clear statement of the desired future conditions when refuge purposes and goals are accomplished; provide refuge neighbors and visitors with a clear understanding of the reasons for management actions on and around the refuge; ensure that management of the refuge reflects policies and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System; ensure that refuge management is consistent with federal, state, and county plans; provide long-term continuity in refuge management; and provide a basis for operation, maintenance, and capital improvement budget requests. 2 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 1. Organization Chart, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior ���� “...to conserve, protect, and enhance the Nation’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of people.” ...conserve, manage, and restore... fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States... “...world’s largest collection of lands set aside specifically for the protection of fish and wildlife populations and habitats.” Overview of the Fish and Wildlife Service The Fish and Wildlife Service is a federal bureau operated under the Department of the Interior, the Nation’s principal conservation agency. The Department has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural and cultural resources. This includes fostering wise use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. Mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service The Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal organization through which the Department of the Interior carries out its responsibilities of working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance the Nation’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of people. The Service has major responsibility for migratory birds, endangered species, anadromous and inter-jurisdictional fish, and certain marine mammals. Description and Mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System The Service also manages the National Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest collection of lands set aside specifically for the protection of fish and wildlife populations and habitats. More than 510 national wildlife refuges provide important habitat for native plants and many species of insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals. These refuges also play a vital role in preserving threatened and endangered species as well as offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Many have visitor centers, wildlife trails, and environmental education programs. Nationwide, more than 25 million visitors annually hunt, fish, observe and photograph wildlife, or participate in interpretive activities on national wildlife refuges. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 3 Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 2. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Vicinity Map �� ��� ��� ��� �� �� �� �� The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Refuge Location The refuge is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Naples, Florida, south of U.S. Highway 41 (Fig 2). The western boundary lies along County Road 92. The Gulf of Mexico borders the southern boundary, and the eastern boundary lies just west of Everglades National Park and the Faka Union Canal at the northern portion of that boundary. A 5-mile long, 1 1/2-mile wide extension into the Gulf of Mexico is present in the southeastern portion of the refuge. The Collier-Seminole State Park extends into the northwestern portion of the refuge from U.S. 41 south to Blackwater Bay, and encompasses the Royal Palm Hammock Creek and upper portion of Palm Bay, the upper portion of Blackwater River, and all of Mud Bay. 4 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan History of the Refuge The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established under the provisions of the “Arizona-Florida Land Exchange Act of 1988,” authorized by Public Law 100-696. The Act authorized the Department of the Interior to convey 68 acres of the Department of the Interior Indian School property in Phoenix, Arizona, to Collier interests in exchange for 108,000 acres in Collier County, Florida. In addition, the Department received $34.9 million to establish Indian education trust funds. Approximately 35,000 acres were conveyed to the Service to establish Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and the remaining acreage was added largely to Big Cypress National Preserve and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. An additional 33.6 acres of land are under lease with the Florida Department of Transportation and lies adjacent to U.S. 41. The initial authorization designated December 11, 1991, as the deadline to consummate the deal. The properties were expected to be transferred in 1992, however, unresolved issues involving Native American interests in Phoenix and other problems delayed the transfer. An agreement with new terms and conditions for closing in December 1992, was established. The new terms allowed the Collier interests to delay the initiation of $34.9 million in payments into an Indian Education Trust Fund for four years. This amount, plus interest, will be paid in the form of annual payments over a period of thirty years. These funds will be used to supplement educational and child welfare programs, activities, and services for the benefit of Navajo and Arizona Tribes that were members of the Intertribal Council of Arizona in 1988. The conveyance of title on all lands was delayed until December 18, 1996. Role of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge The refuge provides habitat for a wide range of invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The refuge and the adjacent Ten Thousand Islands area provide important habitat for several notable threatened and endangered species, including the Atlantic loggerhead, green, Kemp’s ridley, and Hawksbill sea turtles, American crocodile, wood stork, bald eagle, and West Indian manatee. More than 189 species of birds, 196 species of fish, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 22 species of mammals use the refuge. The refuge also plays an important role in the restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem. Lands and waters of the ecosystem have been critically altered due to environmental and economic impacts of urbanization, agriculture, and other human activities. Also important are the recreational uses of the refuge. The public uses the mangrove ecosystem and greater area of the refuge in a variety of pursuits, including sportfishing, birdwatching, camping, boating, and enjoying the aesthetics of the area. American alligator Photo by Larry W. Richardson Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 5 Comprehensive Conservation Plan Anhinga Photo by Larry W. Richardson Refuge Function within the Ecosystem, and Ecosystem Priorities The South Florida Ecosystem encompasses 16.5 million acres of richly diverse habitats covering the 19 southernmost counties in Florida (Fig. 3). It is a subtropical region that lies between the Caribbean and temperate North America. Environmental and economic impacts of urbanization, agriculture, and other human activities have altered the critical natural balance between land and water, and the region’s endemic flora and fauna. Today, the South Florida Ecosystem faces substantial habitat loss and fragmentation. The Departments of Interior, Commerce, Army, Justice, and Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency created the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force for the purpose of halting or reversing ecological degradation. The task force has now expanded to include the State, Native American Tribes, and the Governor’s Commission for a Sustainable South Florida. The refuge plays an important role in integrating the requirements of the Interagency Agreement on South Florida Ecosystem Restoration and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The following priorities have been determined by the Service for the South Florida Ecosystem, which includes the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge: Protect and manage units of the National Wildlife Refuge System and other national interest lands. Protect, restore, and manage migratory birds and their habitats. Protect, restore, and manage candidate, threatened, and endangered species and their habitats. Protect, restore, and manage wetlands and other freshwater habitats. Protect, restore, and manage fish and other aquatic species and their habitats. Protect, restore, and enhance coastal and estuarine habitats. Protect, restore, and manage for biodiversity. 6 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 3. South Florida Ecosystem Map ���� ���� Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 7 Comprehensive Conservation Plan Legal Policy, Administrative Guidelines, and Federal and State Mandates Administration of the Department of the Interior, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Wildlife Refuge System is guided by International treaties, Federal laws, and Presidential Executive Orders. Management options of the refuge are further refined by administrative guidelines established by the Secretary of the Interior and policy guidelines established by the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Treaties, laws, administrative guidelines, and policy guidelines assist the Refuge Manager in making decisions pertaining to soil, water, air, flora, fauna, and other natural resources, historical and cultural resources, research, and recreation on refuge lands. They also serve as a framework for cooperation between the refuge and other South Florida Ecosystem partners. These partners include the National Park Service, National Resource Conservation Service, Indian Tribes, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, South Florida Water Management District, Florida Division of Forestry, Collier County, and private landowners and organizations. Select legal summaries of treaties and laws relevant to administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System and management of the refuge are provided in Appendix B. Refuge Agreements The refuge also operates under the following agreements with state and local entities: Interagency Agreement between the Department of the Interior, Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge for law enforcement; Local Operational Agreement between the Big Cypress National Preserve and Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuges for wildfire suppression and prescribed burning; Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of the Interior and the State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection for wildfire suppression and prescribed burning; Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of the Interior and the State of Florida, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, Florida Division of Forestry for wildfire suppression and prescribed burning; Management Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Florida for co-management of refuge waters below mean high tide (pending); Memorandum of Understanding between the Florida Panther and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuges and Collier County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement; Lease Agreement between the State of Florida Department of Transportation and the Fish and Wildlife Service along U.S. 41; and Endangered Species Cooperative Agreement between the State of Florida and the Fish and Wildlife Service to coordinate recovery activities for federally listed species in Florida. Red-shouldered hawk Photo by Larry W. Richardson 8 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Photo by Larry W. Richardson Planning Issues and Opportunities Overview of the Public Involvement Process Issue identification provides a basis for initiating the development of some management objectives and strategies. To ensure that the future management of the refuge is reflective of the issues, concerns, and opportunities expressed by the public, a variety of scoping mechanisms was used. A survey was used to gather general information on current and potential refuge operations. This survey was distributed to participants of the initial scoping meeting, and mailed to other interested and affected parties. Personal interviews were conducted during several public scoping meetings and letters were mailed to affected and interested parties to inform them of the planning process and invite their participation. A series of stakeholder meetings and community forums were held to develop components of the draft plan. The meetings and forums also allowed for consensus testing of the draft plan components. All stakeholder meetings and community forums held by the Service were advertised and opened to the public. Details of the scoping and public involvement process are provided in Appendix C. Scope of Issues and Opportunities The following key issues that require management decisions were identified during the scoping process: Commercial and recreational uses on the refuge Use of personal watercraft and airboats on the refuge Habitat protection and wildlife management Partnerships and cooperative management of resources Education and public outreach Research and monitoring Protection of archaeological resources Staffing needs A detailed discussion of the issues, concerns, and opportunities can be found on pages 104 - 112. All issues and opportunities posed by the public regarding refuge management have been addressed in Appendix C, Part 2; and through the development of comprehensive goals, objectives, and strategies found on pages 20 - 27. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 9 Comprehensive Conservation Plan West Indian manatee Photo by Larry W. Richardson ...essential habitat for threatened and endangered species ... noted for its cultural resources. ...to develop, advance, manage, conserve and protect the refuge’s unique estuarine ecosystem and its fish and wildlife resources ...conserve, protect, and manage the refuge’s unique subtropical estuarine ecosystem, Management Direction Refuge Purpose The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established under the authority of the Florida/Arizona Land Exchange Act in order to develop, advance, manage, conserve and protect the refuge’s unique (subtropical) estuarine ecosystem and its fish and wildlife resources (Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956). The refuge represents a variety of coastal habitats, including mangrove forests (the most dominant habitat on the refuge), both freshwater and saltwater marsh systems, interspersed brackish ponds, and small islands or hammocks of upland habitat. Refuge Mission To conserve, protect, and manage the refuge’s unique subtropical estuarine ecosystem, especially its endangered species, its natural biological diversity, and its rich cultural resources for the continuing, sustained benefit of the American people. Refuge Vision Statement The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge will be a model for natural systems management, featuring unique coastal marshes, islands, and subtropical estuarine mangrove ecosystems. The refuge will provide essential habitat for threatened and endangered species and be an area noted for its cultural resources. Through effective management and partnering, the refuge will provide outstanding recreational opportunities for present and future generations. The Management Action The management action for the refuge is discussed in the following pages. This approach recognizes the importance of the refuge within the Big Cypress Watershed of southwest Florida. It also considers actions taken outside the refuge that may affect the refuge environment, as well as how refuge programs affect adjacent lands and waters. The alternatives considered and their impacts, along with the impacts of the management action, are described in Appendix A. An ecosystem approach to manage the refuge was chosen due to its proactive nature of allowing for management of all biological systems. This results in fewer conflicts between refuge resources and users of the refuge by identifying potential conflicts early on and resolving them before they become crises. In the long run, this approach is less disruptive to the users of the refuge and less costly than a crisis-oriented approach. This approach primarily meets the needs of the resources, allows for many of the expressed commercial needs of the public, and allows for public access to hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation and environmental education. The basis of this action stems from desired future conditions of the refuge, and was developed from stakeholder consensus and as a result of public forums held during the planning process. The end result is a set of goals, objectives, and strategies related to key issues which will guide the management of the refuge. The following pages address how key issues, identified during the scoping process, will be addressed utilizing an ecosystem approach. 10 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl in flight Photo by Larry W. Richardson Comprehensive Conservation Plan Commercial and Recreational Uses on the Refuge: The refuge was established to protect the important mangrove and marsh habitats, the rich diversity of native wildlife, and the threatened and endangered species of the area. Utilizing an ecosystem approach, the day-to- day management of the refuge will not change significantly. However, commercial and recreational use will be reviewed and evaluated by the Service at the end of a 5-year period. The Service cannot predict whether or not studies will be funded; if they will occur in a timely manner; or, if research will produce the results needed to make decisions. A variety of commercial uses occurs on the refuge. Blue and stone crabs are caught with traditional underwater cage traps. Netting for mullet, as well as hook and line for other species of fish, occurs on a seasonal and less frequent basis. Charter fishing is the predominant use with probably more than thirty fishing guides taking clients to the refuge. Tour businesses include canoe/camp trips, boat cruises, and shell collection trips. The Service, in consultation with the State of Florida, will allow all commercial activities to continue. These activities will be monitored with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in order to make future decisions on whether to continue, discontinue, expand, or reduce their practices. The refuge is well known to residents and visitors alike who enjoy a variety of recreational pursuits in its remote waters. Throughout the year, thousands of sport fishermen pursue a multitude of game fish. Canoe and kayak float trips and motorized watercraft are common during the winter months. Overnight stays (camping) at Panther, Hog, and Round Keys also occur during the winter by boaters mentioned above and by recreational fishermen. Prior to the refuge’s establishment, duck hunting occurred in refuge marshes south of U.S. 41 (Fig. 4). West Indian manatees use refuge waters throughout the year. Collier County is the third highest area of watercraft-related manatee mortality in the state. With the predicted boat traffic increase in county waters, it will be important for the refuge to monitor the impacts of this traffic and enforce manatee protection areas. Camping typically is not a preferred use within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Refuge camping is limited, for the most part, to the coastal beaches of the Keys mentioned above during the winter months, when the mosquitoes and flies are limited in number. This use does not conflict with sea turtle nesting, which occurs in the summer months. Currently, the number of campers does not appear to have an adverse affect on the environment of the Keys. Camping has been a long standing tradition and the area is nationally advertised for this experience. Refuge camping is directly associated with the primary purposes for which boaters visit the refuge, which are wildlife observation, fishing, and aesthetic apreciation of the natural wonders of the Ten Thousand Islands. Camping will continue to be allowed at present levels on the coastal islands of the refuge. Refuge usage, including camping, will increase as our recreating population increases. The impacts of this usage will be continually monitored, and camping will be addressed in a long-term Public Use Plan to be coordinated with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Strategy 2.1.4). The Public Use Plan may regulate or restrict the camping that does occur. Sport fishing, wildlife observation, and limited, high quality duck hunting complement the mission and goals of this refuge and will continue to be allowed and promoted, coupled with monitoring and research to further evaluate their uses. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 11 ���� ���� ���� Figure 4. Duck Hunting Areas Comprehensive Conservation Plan 12 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan White ibis USFWS Photo by Sue Wall Use of Personal Watercraft and Airboats on the Refuge: Presently, personal watercraft and airboats occur infrequently on the submerged lands of the refuge due to its remoteness. However, these uses are expected to grow with Collier County’s predicted increase in population. Both of these access modes are characteristically loud, fast, and capable of cruising in extremely shallow water. The Service has consulted with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which is a co-manager of the adjoining submerged lands (Fig. 5), and has determined that airboat and personal watercraft use will be allowed to continue. However, these uses will be studied to better determine whether they produce negative effects on wildlife, vegetation, and the aesthetics of the refuge, and to make informed decisions on whether to continue, discontinue, expand or reduce their practices in the future. Airboat, swamp buggy, personal watercraft, and other off-road vehicles will not be allowed in shallow freshwater marshes of the refuge, south of U.S. 41 (Fig.6). Historical uses of this nature have been found to disturb vegetation, wildlife, and drainage of the wetland marshes in the northern portion of the refuge. Habitat Protection and Wildlife Management: Routine field work will include monitoring sea turtle nesting and manatee activity, collecting baseline information on refuge resources, managing public use, and monitoring the effects of secondary uses. Habitat management will focus on the coastal, estuarine, and freshwater marsh habitats for the protection and enhancement of native wildlife populations; migratory bird habitats; and threatened, endangered, or candidate species that rely on these systems. This management approach will also help to facilitate the restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem, and work to mitigate the region’s impacts resulting from urbanization, agriculture, and other human activities. Utilization of an ecosystem approach will help to provide a haven for threatened and endangered species which permanently and/or temporarily utilize the area, and maintain a quality recreational area for compatible public uses of the refuge. Perhaps the most significant long- and short-term impacts to the refuge’s habitat and wildlife resources concern the proposed South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan. During the period from 1963-71, the Gulf American Corporation excavated a series of canals that drastically drained the area and changed its ecology (Fig. 7). The canal system drained the South Golden Gate Estates and increased freshwater flows into the Faka Union Canal and consequently, that portion of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge area. State biologists, working for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, have concluded that the increased freshwater flows have severely impacted the Ten Thousand Islands estuary. The estuary now has problems with water turbidity, lack of sea grass growth, and a reduction in fish numbers and sizes. Local fishing guides claim the same and blame the increased freshwater flow. Those who fished the area before the construction of the canals talk of clear water, more grass, and more fish. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 13 Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 5. Co-Managed Lands and Submerged Lands ���� ���� �� ���� 14 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge �� ��� ���� �� Figure 6. Non-Navigable Waters Comprehensive Conservation Plan Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 15 ��� ���� ���� Figure 7. The South Golden Gate Estates Canal System Comprehensive Conservation Plan 16 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Fishing from canoe USFWS Photo Through Florida’s “Save our Everglades Program” and funding from the Department of the Interior, the state is buying thousands of 5-,10- and 20-acre lots from individual landowners to preserve the area as part of the Picayune Strand State Forest. The South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan (Fig. 8) proposes to restore the hydrology and sheetwater flow to the area by blocking canals, removing roads, and pumping water out of canals. The plan will not take effect until all of the private lots are acquired by the State of Florida. The refuge is in favor of restoring the South Golden Gate Estates area to its historic flow, but concerns remain about whether sufficient culverts exist along U.S. 41 to handle the sheetwater flow and whether pumping excess water from the North Golden Gate Estates area would flood the South Golden Gate Estates area with more water than historically occurred prior to the canals. The refuge also receives fresh water in the form of rainfall and runoff from Fakahatchee and Picayune Strands. The refuge will carefully review and minimize impacts of oil and gas exploration plans and operations, moreover, it will make every effort to gain mineral rights to oil and gas resources found on the refuge. Partnerships and Cooperative Management of Resources: The refuge overlaps and is surrounded by other protected state and federal lands (Fig. 9). These areas have different mandates and regulations for protection of this important coastal area. The agencies will need to work together to share information and resources to facilitate natural resource protection and quality public use. An ecosystem approach emphasizes working with the local community, private land owners, and other jurisdictions to ensure coordinated efforts toward comprehensive watershed and coastal management as well as cultural resource protection. This approach will also help maximize the use of applied research to help partners manage for the rich diversity of habitats and fish and wildlife resources. Developing partnerships with entities that lead to overall land and watershed protection and stewardship of the resources will be a primary focus. Management and research on the refuge will focus on public use, fish and wildlife monitoring, habitat and water quality assessments, partnerships, and watershed restoration. The refuge will distribute management and applied science information to other agencies and private land owners. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Cape Romano-Ten Thousand Islands and Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserves (Fig. 9) overlay much of refuge’s submerged lands. A cooperative agreement between the Service and the State of Florida will be needed for the management of these submerged lands (Appendix E). The proposed South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan will likely have a major impact on the refuge. The Service will participate in the planning of this project to ensure that the resources of the refuge are not compromised. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 17 Comprehensive Conservation Plan Figure 8. South Golden Gate Estates Restoration The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will have an increased role in the cooperative management of this refuge. Coordinated efforts will include law enforcement, protected species management, and other conservation activities. Through periodic meetings, communication and coordination with land managers within the watershed will also occur to effectively conserve the diverse resources of the ecosystem. In order to protect the natural resources of the refuge and the South Florida Ecosystem, the public will be informed of current issues and protection efforts that are needed by way of news releases to media outlets, along with public meetings and workshops for major issues. The development of an environmental education program at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge will be actively pursued. Education and Public Outreach: Opportunities for increased environmental education and outreach will be increased with the ecosystem approach. An Outdoor Recreation Planner will work with the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Collier County Environmental Education Consortium, school groups, volunteers, and local agencies to educate youth and adults of southwest Florida on the plight of threatened and endangered species and about refuge activities. An Information Specialist will ensure the same message is delivered to the public by way of the media. Outreach efforts off the refuge will be supplemented with the assistance of volunteers and other agencies. 18 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Figure 9. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Regional Conservation Lands Comprehensive Conservation Plan Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 19 Prairie warbler Photo by S. Maslowski Comprehensive Conservation Plan Research and Monitoring: Priority will be placed on monitoring, applied research, and studies that will provide information on the management of coastal systems and endangered species. This will include monitoring the status and trends of plant and animal communities, the effect that the proposed South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan will have on refuge resources, water quality monitoring, conducting fire effects studies, and studies on the impacts of airboat and personal watercraft use on refuge resources. The refuge will distribute management and applied science information to other agencies and private landowners. Protection of Archaeological Resources: There are several documented archaeological sites on the refuge, primarily ancient Calusa Indian shell middens. The Archaeological and Public Use Management Plans will include an assessment of the impacts of public visitation to these sites and determine how best to protect them as prescribed by law. The refuge will work in close association with state officials to ensure their protection. Interpretation and educational programs will be developed to incorporate these cultural resources. In addition, funding will be pursued to conduct additional investigation of these sites. Staffing Needs: The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1996, and has a staff consisting of a seasonal Park Ranger and a Wildlife Biologist. This is a young refuge without an adequate budget or staff. New initiatives are needed to successfully address Service responsibilities for the refuge and the South Florida Ecosystem over the next 15 years. These initiatives include an enhanced biological and habitat monitoring program, a public use management and public education program, increased coordination with land managers off the refuge, and an expanded management program for flora and fauna. This action identifies seven new positions for the refuge (in addition to converting the temporary Park Ranger to permanent status), and an additional four new positions to be shared with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge to carry out Service responsibilities. New positions for Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge include an Assistant Refuge Manager, Biological Science Technician (Wildlife), Fishery Biologist, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Mechanic, Maintenance Worker and an Administrative Assistant. Shared positions with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge include a Hydrologist, Botanist, Computer Specialist, and Information Specialist. 20 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Goals, Objectives, and Strategies to Support the Management Action The following list of goals, objectives, and strategies will be used to implement the management action. It was developed to reflect the needs of both the Service and the public (i.e., issues, concerns, and opportunities). The list of goals, objectives, and strategies specifies not only what the Refuge Manager will do if funding requirements are met, but also specifies activities to produce the desired results. Thus, the breakdown of activities forms a hierarchy for refuge management that encompasses the mission of the Service, the refuge system, ecosystem priorities, the refuge’s purpose, and the expressed needs of the public. Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Objective 1.1 Identify and determine the status of imperiled species and their use of the refuge and its habitats. Strategies 1.1.1 By the year 2001, compile a comprehensive literature review of past research, monitoring records, and incidental observations of listed species to document historical use of the area. 1.1.2 By 2003, conduct a comprehensive inventory of refuge habitats for listed species, to include, but not limited to, the following: plants, Florida tree snail, sea turtles, American crocodile, wood stork, and other wading birds, bald eagle, white-crowned pigeon, and West Indian manatee. Objective 1.2 Establish baseline inventory and monitoring procedures for other refuge species and habitats. Strategies 1.2.1 By 2002, develop a Wildlife Inventory Plan for the refuge. Employ a permanent Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) to assist with inventory projects. (Special Project 1) 1.2.2 By 2005, develop a comprehensive inventory of refuge wildlife and habitats, to include, but not limited to, mammals, migratory and resident birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, aquatic insects, and habitat delineations including submerged grass bed areas. 1.2.3 By 2005, complete a water elevation (surface and ground) and water quality (salinity and contaminants) monitoring program on the refuge. (Special Projects 3 and 4) 1.2.4 By 2005, initiate a fisheries inventory program to establish baseline data. The program would include creel census, commercial monitoring, and independent sampling conducted by the refuge or cooperator. (Special Project 5) 1.2.5 By 2007, develop a Geographic Information System for the refuge to include vegetation cover, hydrology, resource locations, soils, and archaeological and historic sites. (Special Project 2) 1.2.6 Monitor the impacts of sea level rise on refuge habitats. (Special Project 4) Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 21 Comprehensive Conservation Plan Objective 1.3 Develop and implement management strategies to protect or enhance endangered species, other wildlife, and their habitats. Strategies 1.3.1 Enforce boat speed regulations established by the State to protect manatees and manatee critical habitat. 1.3.2 Initiate a law enforcement program to protect refuge resources from poaching and over-harvest. (Special Project 6) 1.3.3 By 2000, develop a plan, with other agencies, to restore natural sheetwater flows to the refuge in conjunction with the proposed South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan. By 2001, establish an initial monitoring protocol to evaluate the restoration effort. (Special Project 4) 1.3.4 By 2002, develop a Fire Management Plan, incorporating a fire effects study, for the upper freshwater marsh system to enhance habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wildlife. (Special Project 7) 1.3.5 By 2003, reduce the incidence of raccoon depredation on sea turtle nests on Panther Key and adjacent coastal islands to ensure greater than 60 percent hatchling success. 1.3.6 Initiate a cooperative program with Collier County to remove derelict boats from refuge waters that are potential navigation and contamination threats. By 2005, have all derelict boats removed from refuge waters. (Special Project 9) 1.3.7 By 2006, develop a Fisheries Management Plan in coordination with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to maintain and/or enhance fishery resources and their habitats. (Special Project 5) 1.3.8 Using funds from the sale of Federal duck stamps, the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Everglades funding initiatives, acquire approximately 1,640 acres adjacent to the refuge boundary. (Special Project 8) 1.3.9 Minimize the impacts of oil and gas exploration and extraction on the refuge by acquiring mineral rights. 1.3.10 Review oil exploration plans to ensure that adverse impacts to refuge natural and cultural resources are minimized. Objective 1.4 Implement an invasive exotic species inventory, monitoring, and control program. Strategies 1.4.1 By 2000, further identify and quantify the acreage of invasive exotic plants on the refuge coastal keys. (Special Project 10) 1.4.2 By 2004, develop and implement an invasive exotic plant control program aimed at eradicating 50 percent of the combined total acreage of the most prolific and/or difficult to control species on the coastal Keys including lather leaf, Australian pine, and Brazilian pepper. (Special Project 10) 22 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Public Use 1.4.3 Identify and quantify acreage of invasive exotic plants in the area north of the mangrove system. (Special Project 9) 1.4.4 Continue to organize and host an annual invasive exotic plant workshop for southwest Florida area land managers. Workshops would continue to focus on new invaders to the area, control techniques, opportunities for control equipment and labor cooperation, and other exotic plant issues. (Special Project 10) 1.4.5 Assess the status of fire ants on sea turtle nesting beaches and their impact on turtle nest success. If necessary, implement control measures including the feasibility of using pesticides during non-nesting months. 1.4.6 Assess the status of other exotic animals on the refuge through literature review, unpublished data, and direct observations. By 2007, provide a GIS-based inventory of species, status, and location. Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose. Objective 2.1 Manage recreational activities that affect wildlife and native habitats. Strategies 2.1.1 Employ an Assistant Refuge Manager to assess and manage public use and resource management activities. (Special Project 11) 2.1.2 By 2000, develop and implement a Waterfowl Hunt Plan. Use input from local hunters to help develop a quality hunt plan. 2.1.3 By 2000, develop a cooperative management agreement with the State covering the submerged lands of the refuge (area of overlapping state/federal jurisdiction) to manage recreational and other activities. 2.1.4 By 2001, design and implement a study to assess the impacts of powered watercraft operating in shallow water environments within the Ten Thousand Islands region on wildlife and submerged land resources. The study would occur on and off the refuge within this area. Results would be used to assist the Service and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection/Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in determining future site management options. Incorporate findings into the Public Use Management Plan. (Special Project 12) 2.1.5 By 2003, develop a Public Use Management Plan that addresses the needs of wildlife and their habitat, protects significant cultural resources, and provides quality visitor opportunities for present and future visitors. (Special Project 11) 2.1.6 By 2003, develop two brochures; a general brochure containing a map and information on resources and management, and a back country use brochure to help visitors navigate and recreate in the refuge. (Special Project 13 ) 2.1.7 By 2004, develop a designated non-motorized boat trail for the refuge. Incorporate within the trail a wide variety of habitat types and wildlife observation opportunities. (Special Project 14) 2.1.8 Provide limited signs and markers at strategic locations within the refuge to assist visitor navigation. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 23 Commercial Use Comprehensive Conservation Plan Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge. Objective 3.1 By 2002, establish a special use permit process to regulate commercial activities including co-managed lands and waters. Strategies 3.1.1 Gather information on current uses within the co-managed area and assess compatibility. 3.1.2 Explore the feasibility of a common charter fishing guide permit with Everglades National Park. The permit would allow a guide who fishes both areas to be covered by one permit. 3.1.3 Establish application procedures for a refuge special use permit. 3.1.4 Gather new biological information on commercial uses to facilitate compatibility determinations as needed. Objective 3.2 By 2006, develop a program to assess commercially harvested resources within the refuge. Strategies 3.2.1 Obtain biennial data by species from the Florida Marine Research Institute on harvested quantities of finfish, sport fish, and shellfish from the town of Goodland and Everglades City. Assess the utility of these data to determine whether the refuge needs additional information. (Special Project 5) 3.2.2 Promote, establish, and evaluate commercial monitoring surveys of finfish, sport fish, and shellfish with state agencies and local and private entities. Collaborate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on their periodic stock assessments of sport fish and finfish in the Ten Thousand Islands area. Enlist fishing guides and fishing club members to report creel statistics and establish a database. (Special Project 5) 3.2.3 On an annual basis, evaluate harvest and survey information, along with other environmental data, to determine population trends of harvested species. Consult with Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists to jointly assess whether refuge stocks are in danger of depletion. (Special Project 5) 24 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Comprehensive Conservation Plan Goal 4.0 Promote the interpretation, education, and appreciation of coastal natural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands area, and the importance of conserving them. Objective 4.1 By 2008, increase local awareness of south Florida ecosystems, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the refuge through the development and implementation of an outreach program. (Special Project 16) Strategies 4.1.1 Establish partnerships with support groups and the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to assist with outreach, events, and environmental education. Work with partners to participate in at least two outreach events each year that feature refuge resources (e.g., National Wildlife Refuge Week, International Migratory Bird Day, Earth Day, Estuary Day, Fishing Tournaments, etc.). 4.1.2 Become an active member of the Collier Environmental Education Consortium. Work to increase the Consortium’s involvement and collaboration in refuge outreach efforts. 4.1.3 By 2008, collaborate with refuge eco-tour concessionaires to disseminate refuge and state aquatic preserve resources and management information to the public. Encourage permitted eco-tour vendors to attend orientation programs hosted by Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve that promote responsible and informed commercial use of the area. 4.1.4 By 2008, develop at least four lesson plans with Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for school teachers and/or environmental organizations. Subjects may include, but not limited to, endangered species, mangrove ecology, responsible public use (i.e., fishing, boating, camping, etc.), and migratory birds. (Special Project 15) 4.1.5 Add two new personnel to the Ten Thousand Islands and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge Complex staff. A Visual Information Specialist is needed to coordinate news events, press releases, and information transfer to local, state, and national news outlets. An Outdoor Recreation Planner is needed to coordinate activities for the proposed Southwest Florida Environmental Information Center and Goodland visitor contact station, to develop refuge interpretive displays, outreach programs for schools and the general public, and to coordinate refuge volunteer activities. (Special Project 16) Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 25 Cooperative Management Comprehensive Conservation Plan Objective 4.2 By the year 2010, develop facilities and associated amenities to promote public education of the ecosystem and refuge program. Strategies 4.2.1 Enhance interpretive facilities at a proposed U.S. 41 multi-agency Southwest Florida Environmental Information Center. Seek cooperative grants to upgrade exhibits and maintain the center. (Special Project 17) 4.2.2 Establish a visitor contact station and a small office and dock facility in Goodland to educate visitors on refuge management and resources, promote appropriate visitor use, and facilitate refuge operations. Enlist a partner to acquire the building site by 2002, and establish other partners to construct facilities by 2004. (Special Project 17) 4.2.3 By 2009, develop the U.S. 41 Oil Pad road into a walking interpretive trail. Construct trailhead parking and a wildlife observation tower along the road. Pursue cost share opportunities with the Florida Department of Transportation to construct roadside parking. (Special Project 19) Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Objective 5.1 By 2000, implement a Cooperative Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection concerning management of submerged lands and state islands. The agreement would allow cooperative designation of law enforcement authority, resource management responsibilities, research and monitoring activities, and management of public use. 5.2 Develop agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with other state, federal, and private entities on management of resources and human activities. Develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that would address cooperative resource management responsibilities, research and monitoring activities, and management of public use. Strategies 5.2.1 Continue to maintain the established prescribed and wildfire agreements with the state, including refuge neighbors such as Collier Seminole State Park, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, and Picayune Strand State Forest. 5.2.2 Establish a Memorandum of Understanding with Everglades National Park for emergency services to include, but not limited to, law enforcement, search and rescue, fire management, and collaborative resource management (e.g., general permit for fishing guides, turtle surveys, and raccoon control on turtle beaches). 5.2.3 Develop challenge cost share agreements to offset cost of refuge educational/interpretive materials and facilities. 26 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Archaeological Resources Comprehensive Conservation Plan 5.2.4 By 2001, establish a plan with Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to coordinate search activities conducted on the refuge and surrounding areas. 5.2.5 Collaborate with other agencies and universities to conduct water quality and hydrologic studies on the refuge to assess rehydration efforts and pollutant runoff from upper reaches of the watershed. (Special Projects 3 and 4) Objective 5.3 Establish a citizens’ group to promote private and governmental cooperation and information exchange. Strategies 5.3.1 Encourage stakeholders involved in the comprehensive conservation planning process and others to become involved with this group. 5.3.2 Solicit community involvement and group membership through local media outlets. 5.3.3 Develop rules and protocols for the citizens’ group to ensure it does not violate regulations established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972. Goal 6.0 Protect refuge cultural resources, encourage archaeological investigations, and promote interpretation and appreciation of the area’s history. Objective 6.1 Comply with federal and state historic preservation legislation and regulations to protect refuge archaeological resources. The Regional Archaeologist will be responsible for the following strategies, with the exception of Strategy 6.1.9. Strategies 6.1.1 Develop a scope of work for a comprehensive archaeological survey, including a cost estimate and ranking factors for contractor selection by September 2001. 6.1.2 Secure funding to conduct a comprehensive refuge-wide survey which evaluates the status of recorded archaeological sites, develops a site predictive model, and identifies research potential. 6.1.3 Develop and implement a site protection plan in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, federally recognized Native American Nations, and the professional archaeological community. 6.1.4 Approach the Miccosukee and Seminole Nations for information on and input into the management of significant cultural and sacred sites located within the refuge. 6.1.5 Work with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure confidentiality of cultural resource data within the refuge and the State of Florida. 6.1.6 By 2000, work with the State Historic Preservation Office to formally establish which refuge management actions require its review and comment. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 27 Comprehensive Conservation Plan 6.1.7 Develop a GIS layer for refuge archaeological and historic sites. The archaeological/historic layer would mesh with existing layers for habitat types and vegetative cover, hydrology, resource locations, and soils being developed by the refuge staff. The cultural parameters would be defined by 2000. 6.1.8 Assess the impact of camping and other related activities on significant cultural resources of the refuge. 6.1.9 By 2000, ensure that all refuge law enforcement officers take the Archaeological Resources Protection Act training course. 6.1.10 By 2001, negotiate an agreement with the Florida State Museum, or other appropriate facilities, for the permanent curation of archaeological collections and associated documentation derived from archaeological investigations on the refuge. Objective 6.2 By 2008, develop a cultural resources interpretation and education program. Strategies 6.2.1 By 2002, compile a comprehensive literature review of past archaeological, anthropological, and historical investigations within and near the refuge. Produce an annotated bibliography to document the region’s history and the utility of the scientific methodology. (Regional Archaeologist) 6.2.2 By 2002, work with local Native American communities to develop an education program regarding their cultural heritage. (Regional Archaeologist) 6.2.3 By 2008, develop an interpretive exhibit on refuge cultural resources and history for use in refuge’s visitor center. Objective 6.3 Promote and secure funding for additional scientific investigations of refuge cultural resources. Strategies 6.3.1 Identify potential avenues of archaeological and historic investigations and promote interdisciplinary research such as the Southwest Florida Project directed by Dr. Marquardt of the University of Florida, Gainesville. (Regional Archaeologist) 28 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Yellow-crowned night heron Photo by Larry W. Richardson Comprehensive Conservation Plan Plan Implementation The future of this refuge, like most national wildlife refuges, is dependent upon a public constituency that is aware of refuge resources, mandates, and environmental issues, and is willing to work towards resolving them. The expanded educational, recreational, and partnership opportunities outlined in this plan will help build and maintain this needed constituency. Promoting the refuge as a natural and recreational asset of Collier County will enhance the refuge’s image and help expand local support. Partnerships Implementation of this plan will rely on partnerships formed with landowners in the watershed, volunteers and interested citizens, farm and conservation organizations, and appropriate governmental agencies. Cooperating landowners within the refuge watershed will be offered incentives and/or compensation through cost-sharing agreements for applying conservation and environmental friendly farming practices, and for creating, maintaining, or enhancing habitat for wildlife. Annual Work Plans Future annual work plans will be written to reflect the priorities and intent of the plan. When discretionary funding and staff resources are available, they will be used to implement components of the plan. Step-Down Plans This plan provides conceptual guidance for future expansion, management, and development of the refuge. Additional plans will be needed in order to implement some of the strategies. These range from wildlife inventory and site development plans to a fire management plan. Refuge staff will need to look for innovative partnerships with local professional and business groups to assist in preparing and implementing some of the step-down plans. Future step-down plans for the refuge include: Wildlife Inventory Plan Vegetation Inventory Plan Biological Research Plan Habitat Management Plan Fire Management Plan Pest and Invasive Exotic Plant Control Plan Public Use Management Plan Waterfowl Hunt Plan Sign/Exhibit Plan Visitor Contact Station Site Plan Fishery Management Plan Archaeological Plan Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 29 Green Treefrog Photo by Larry W. Richardson Comprehensive Conservation Plan The following goals along with their related objectives and strategies will form the basis of individual management plans: Archaeological Plan Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Goal 6.0 Protect refuge cultural resources, encourage archaeological investigations, and promote interpretation and appreciation of the area’s history. Biological Research Plan Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose. Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge. Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Fire Management Plan Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Fishery Management Plan Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge. Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Habitat Management Plan Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. 30 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Pest and Invasive Exotic Plant Control Plan Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Public Use Management Plan Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose. Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge. Goal 4.0 Promote the interpretation, education, and appreciation of coastal natural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands area, and the importance of conserving them. Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Goal 6.0 Protect refuge cultural resources, encourage archaeological investigations, and promote interpretation and appreciation of the area’s history. Sign/Exhibit Plan Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose. Goal 4.0 Promote the interpretation, education, and appreciation of coastal natural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands area, and the importance of conserving them. Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Vegetation Inventory Plan Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge. Comprehensive Conservation Plan Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 31 Visitor Contact Station Site Plan Goal 4.0 Promote the interpretation, education, and appreciation of coastal natural resources of the Ten Thousand Islands area, and the importance of conserving them. Waterfowl Hunt Plan Goal 2.0 Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities, guided by the refuge’s vision and mission, and compatible with its purpose. Goal 5.0 Promote cooperation among agencies, private landowners, organizations, and other stakeholders in the management of natural and cultural resources within the Big Cypress Watershed. Wildlife Inventory Plan Goal 1.0 Conserve, enhance, and protect the fish and wildlife resources, especially threatened and endangered species, and the other natural values supported within the refuge portion of this unique south Florida coastal ecosystem. Goal 3.0 Co-manage sustained-yield commercial harvesting, guiding, and other enterprises that are compatible with the purpose of the refuge. Funding While the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was formally established on December 18, 1996, it has received no organizational funding to date. Rather, a portion of the budget allocated to Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge has been used for funding projects on the refuge. Limited funding has been available to conduct some sea turtle nest monitoring since 1991 and aerial manatee surveys since 1997. In 1993, $75,000 of no-year money was allocated to fund a “Hurricane Andrew Damage Assessment” of the Ten Thousand Islands area. This study assessed the impacts of Hurricane Andrew to nesting sea turtle habitat and to evaluate flora and fauna within the Ten Thousand Islands. In 1994, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve was contracted to conduct the flora and fauna surveys. A final report entitled, “Resource Damage Assessment of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Following Hurricane Andrew” was completed in March 1997. In 1995, the Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Unit of the University of Florida in Gainesville was contracted to conduct a sea turtle study. In 1997, Graduate Student Ahjond S. Garmestani completed his masters thesis on the study entitled, “Sea Turtle Nesting in the Ten Thousand Islands of Florida.” In addition, Everglades funding was used in 1996 to purchase a shallow draft boat and motor to conduct research and law enforcement on the new refuge. An additional boat was purchased in 1998. The first staffing for the refuge occurred in 1997 when a temporary Park Ranger (GS-7) was employed. A permanent Wildlife Biologist (GS-11) was employed in 1998. Comprehensive Conservation Plan 32 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan The following summary provides a list of refuge projects as identified in the goals, objectives, and strategies for Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge: Project 1. Enhance Biological Assessment Baseline resource assessment will be a high priority task for this new refuge. A Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) is needed to assist with the actual collection and processing of field data. Initial equipment requirements include a vehicle ($20,000); a boat and motor ($20,000); and computer hardware ($3,000) for a subtotal of $43,000. The recurring base funds including salary, employee benefits, training needs, and survey flight time are estimated at $110,000/year. Total startup costs for this project total $153,000. Project 2. Establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) To meet the refuge goal of assessing wildlife, habitat, and the impacts of management, a Computer Specialist with experience in geographic information systems is needed. This person will digitize wildlife use and habitat type on and off the refuge. This system type analysis will also be used to evaluate the impacts of the proposed South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan that will likely have a major impact on this refuge. This person will also assist other staff members and cooperating agencies with their GIS needs. This position will be shared with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. New hardware will also be required including digitizing equipment, computer, printer, and plotter. The estimated initial startup for hardware, software, and training costs are $30,000 and the recurring base funds including salary, employee benefits, and administrative and equipment needs are estimated at $100,000/year. Project 3. Water Contaminants Monitoring and Evaluation Program Freshwater flows from sources north of the refuge are suspected to contain compounds from agricultural and urban influences. A water quality monitoring program is needed to document these potential contaminants and to establish a baseline water quality index for the refuge. An outside contractor will be employed to collect the samples and test for levels of heavy metals, organo-phosphates, mercury, and other suspected contaminants. A 2-year sampling protocol will begin by 2002, with a report furnished by 2004. The cost of the study is estimated at $120,000. Project 4. Enhance Watershed Assessment Capabilities A Hydrologist is needed to fully assess the impacts of various surface projects planned on and off the refuge within the watershed. One such project is the re-hydration of the South Golden Gate Estates, which will affect both Ten Thousand Islands and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuges. In addition, there is a need to monitor surface and ground water elevations, salinity, and sea level rise on the refuge, especially as it relates to refuge habitats. The Hydrologist will also provide information to adjacent land managers, as well as county, state, and federal land planning efforts for south Florida. This position will be shared with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. The recurring base funds including salary, employee benefits, and administrative and equipment needs are estimated at $100,000/year. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 33 Comprehensive Conservation Plan Project 5. Enhance Fishery Management Capabilities A Fishery Biologist is needed to fully assess the impacts of various recreational and commercial fishing activities, and to evaluate the effects of the South Golden Gate Estates Hydrologic Restoration Plan on refuge fisheries. This person will work closely with adjacent land management agencies to ensure proper management of the fishery resource in the area. Initial equipment requirements include a vehicle ($20,000), collection and monitoring apparatus such as nets, seines, etc., ($15,000), and computer hardware ($3,000) for a subtotal of $38,000. The recurring base funds including salary, employee benefits, and administrative and equipment needs are estimated at $100,000/year. Total startup costs for this project total $138,000. Project 6. Increase Law Enforcement Assistance The refuge receives a large amount of public use, both recreational and commercial, while providing essential habitat for a number of endangered species. A permanent Park Ranger position is needed to ensure that secondary use activities remain compatible with refuge resources. In addition, since drug trafficking has been documented to occur in the area, this position will also help protect the safety of refuge visitors. The refuge already has a temporary Park Ranger on staff. This temporary position will be converted to a permanent position. The recurring base funds including salary, employee benefits, and equipment and training needs are estimated at $70,000 year. Project 7. Develop a Fire Effects Study For the Coastal Marsh The coastal marshes within the northern portions of the refuge contain grasses, sedges, rushes, and other wetland species that require occasional burns to maintain healthy communities. These marshes also contain animal species that require these habitats for food and cover. A fire effects study is needed to ascertain the timing, frequency, and required fuel and weather conditions for prescribed burning of these areas. The study will also focus on timing the fires to promote healthy plant and animal communities. This study will be contracted out to a university for research under the direction of refuge staff. The 3-year study will be initiated by the year 2002 and will cost approximately $20,000 per year, for a total of $60,000. Project 8. Acquire 1,640 Acres Adjacent To The Refuge Boundary Several private land parcels exist adjacent to the refuge that, if acquired (under the condition of willing sellers), will facilitate the administration and management of the refuge and the ecosystem (Fig. 10). The proposed lands for acquisition are as follows: Area 1. Section 32, Township 52 South, Range 27 East: 640 acres (lands and waters associated with Tripod Key); Area 2. Southwest quarter of Section 36, Township 51 South, Range 27 East: 194 acres (wetlands surrounded by state and federal holdings); Area 3. Portions of Sections 29 and 30, Township 51 South, Range 27 East: approximately 800 acres (lands that could provide additional recreational possibilities, but will need some restoration); and Area 4. One-to-two acres within the town of Goodland. The Service will rent or purchase a site on the water. The site will serve as a visitor contact station, office site for staff, boat and equipment storage, and a ready launch area for Service activities. Alternatively, the Service may work toward enhancing the existing Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve-Goodland Bay Research Facility for use by both agencies. The estimated funds needed for these acquisitions total $1.6 million. 34 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan ���� �� ���� Figure10. Proposed Lands for Acquisition Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 35 Project 9. Remove Derelict Boats From Refuge Waters Several derelict (abandoned, dumped) boats occur on the refuge which are potential navigation hazards and sources of contamination. Many of the vessels are located in a narrow bay between Goodland and Palm Bay, however, other vessels are scattered throughout the refuge. The Service will work cooperatively with Collier County and the State of Florida to remove these vessels. An estimated $25,000 is needed in cost share funds to safely remove these vessels. Project 10. Enhance Refuge Habitats A Botanist is needed to conduct plant surveys, develop a Vegetative Inventory Plan, and coordinate invasive exotic plant control on the refuge. This position will be shared with Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. At least seven invasive exotic species of plants occur on the refuge. Lather leaf, Australian pine, and Brazilian pepper are found along coastal areas and Brazilian pepper is commonly found inland (Fig. 11). These species typically grow in dense stands that crowd out the native species. In addition, Australian pine interferes with sea turtle nesting as the extensive root system prohibits turtles from digging nests. This project will assist in stopping the encroachment of these invasive plants by supporting a control program including a seasonal plant control crew consisting of two seasonal workers ($20,000), spray equipment ($5,000), and herbicide costs ($5,000). In addition, the Service will sponsor an annual Invasive Exotic Plant Workshop. The workshop will provide a forum where state, federal, and private land managers of southwest Florida can meet and discuss problem plants, successful control techniques, equipment and project partnerships, and network on the invasive exotic plant problem. The estimated cost for this project is $30,000 annually for four consecutive years and additional recurring base funds including salary, employee benefits, administrative and equipment needs of $110,000. Project 11. Enhance Refuge Administrative and Public Use Programs Additional staff are required to manage the recreational and commercial activities on the refuge. An Assistant Manager will be hired to develop a Public Use Management Plan, Waterfowl Hunt Plan, and cooperative agreements for management of submerged lands. One of the first tasks of this assistant will be to conduct a survey of commercial and recreational uses of the refuge, and administer special use permits for commercial uses and other activities that require a permit. This position will be stationed at the proposed Goodland Visitor Contact Station. In addition, a permanent Administrative Assistant is needed to handle the increased administrative workload associated with this and other new positions. The Assistant Manager’s salary, benefits, training, and annual equipment needs are estimated at $70,000/year and those for the Administrative Assistant are estimated at $30,000/year. Comprehensive Conservation Plan 36 Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge Figure 11. Exotic Plant Control Areas ���� ���� �� �� Comprehensive Conservation Plan Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge 37 USFWS Photo Comprehensive Conservation Plan Project 12. Assessment of Watercraft Impacts on Wildlife and Shallow Water Estuarine Resources in the Ten Thousand Islands This cooperative study, in conjunction with the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, will assess the impacts of powered watercraft operating in shallow water environments within the Ten Thousand Islands region on wildlife and submerged land resources. The study area will include coastal areas from Rookery Bay to Everglades National Park including the submerged lands of the refuge. Potential parameters for impact assessment include wildlife/bird populations, seagrass, non-vegetated substrate, and user conflict. Results of this study will assist state and federal managers in determining future site management options. The cost for this project will be cooperatively secured through state and federal funding and is estimated at $170,000 per year for a total of $510,000. Project 13. Develop Refuge Brochures Along with the expected increase in public use on the refuge will come a need to provide more information to users. This project will include the development of two refuge brochures for general distribution to the public. The first brochure will contain a map of the refuge with printed information on natural resources and management activities. The second brochure will contain a more detailed map of the back country areas of the refuge. The map will display navigational aids, deep water channels, and other aids to help visitors navigate and recreate on the refuge. Partnerships will be sought to assist in the production of these informational brochures. The estim |
| Tag | Library-Source-CCPs |
| Date created | 2012-10-05 |
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