ALICO ROAD DISTRIBUTION CENTER (RSW-5)

INDIGENOUS PRESERVE MANAGEMENT PLAN & WETLAND PRESERVE AND MONITORING PLAN

March 2021

Prepared For:

Seefried Properties

Prepared By:

JOHNSON ENGINEERING, INC. 2122 Johnson Street Fort Myers, Florida 33901

JEI # 20149689-065

Exhibit 3.2 Permit No. 36-104928-P 1 of 11

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND ...... 1

2.0 REMOVAL AND CONTROL OF EXOTIC AND NUISANCE PLANTS ...... 2

3.0 SUPPLEMENTAL PLANTING ...... 2

3.1 Target Habitat ...... 3

3.2 Supplemental Planting Plan ...... 3

4.0 HYDROLOGY ...... 5

5.0 PROTECTED SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN CONDITIONS ...... 5

6.0 EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND SIGNAGE ...... 6

7.0 MONITORING PLAN ...... 6

8.0 BASELINE MONITORING RESULTS ...... 7

9.0 REFERENCES ...... 9

Tables:

Table 3.1: Preserve Planting Plan ...... 4

Table 7.1: Annual Compliance Monitoring Report Schedule ...... 7

Table 8.1: Baseline Monitoring Results ...... 8

Table 8.2: Wildlife Species Observed ...... 8

Appendices:

Appendix A: Conservation Easement Map

Appendix B: Deed of Conservation Easement

Appendix C: Photo Documentation of Existing Preserve Conditions

Appendix D: Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s 2019 List of Invasive Species

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Exhibit 3.2 Permit No. 36-104928-P 2 of 11 Alico Road Site (DJX8) March 2021 Seefried Properties

1.0 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Development is proposed across approximately 73.85 acres of land northwest of the Alico Road and Lee Road intersection in Section 4, Township 46 South, Range 25 East in Lee County, Florida. The project area is comprised of three parcels (STRAPs 04-46-25-00-00001.0160; 04- 46-25-00-00001.0100; and 04-46-25-00-00001.0190). A fourth parcel (04-46-25-00-00001.0230) may be added to the development at a later date, but it is not included in the current permit application associated with this indigenous preserve management plan. Included in the proposed development are approximately 9.16 acres of wetland habitats, of which approximately 1.14 acres will be protected under a conservation easement granted to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) in accordance with the SFWMD Application #201216-4891 and Lee County DOS #2020-00146. The functional loss associated with the 8.02 acres of hydric pasture proposed to be impacted will be mitigated through the purchase of wetland credits from the approved mitigation bank. No mitigation credits are being sought for placing the cypress wetland under conservation easement. This report addresses the management activities proposed for the 1.14-acre forested preserve and associated 0.49-acre structural/upland buffer and documents baseline conditions of the preserve area prior to exotic removal and supplemental plantings. The preserve and associated buffer will be placed under conservation easement granted to the SFWMD, as depicted on the map in Appendix A. The signed Deed of Conservation Easement is provided as Appendix B.

The preserve area currently contains approximately 75% exotic vegetation coverage throughout. The canopy is comprised of Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculiformis), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia), and scattered bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). Groundcover is nearly absent with exception of scattered torpedo grass (Panicum repens), coinwort (Centella asiatica), and common dayflower (Commelina diffusa var. diffusa). A dense canopy of exotic vegetation has reduced and degraded the herbaceous strata throughout the preserve. Representative photos of baseline preserve conditions are provided in Appendix C.

-1- Exhibit 3.2 Permit No. 36-104928-P 3 of 11 Alico Road Site (DJX8) March 2021 Seefried Properties

2.0 REMOVAL AND CONTROL OF EXOTIC AND NUISANCE PLANTS

Exotic vegetation removal will comply with the most current list of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s Category I and II, as may be modified over time. The current list of Category I and II exotics is provided in Appendix D of this report for reference. Prior to the Time-Zero Monitoring Event it is proposed that mechanical removal of all exotic/nuisance species and dead trees be conducted followed by supplemental plantings in accordance with Lee County Land Development Codes. The proposed mechanical removal will utilize a hydro-axe cutting the exotic trees to their base. The base of the tree will then be treated with the appropriate herbicide. It is also proposed that equipment be used to remove all large-downed trees from the preserve area. Without the removal of these downed trees, it is unlikely that the proposed herbaceous coverage will be able to be met. Following the supplemental planting, exotic plants shall be removed quarterly during the first year and semi-annually every year after that or when they reach more than 10% coverage. Additionally, native and/or non-native ornamentals, not part of the existing indigenous vegetative community, are not allowed within the preserve area and may be removed at any time. If once established, ladder fuels (i.e., vines and nuisance shrubs) become problematic, this plan shall allow for the treatment of such ladder fuels as needed. Treatment of ladder fuels will be coordinated with the SFWMD and Lee County.

3.0 SUPPLEMENTAL PLANTING

Restoration of the forested wetland will commence following the proposed mechanical removal. Plant selection for the canopy, shrubs, and groundcover shall be restored as described based on the Florida Land Use, Cover and Classification System Code (FLUCFCS) Code 621, Cypress. The exact number and type of species proposed is based upon the existing indigenous vegetation within the wetland habitat. Native vegetation within the preserve area shall be planted in a manner that mimics a natural plant community and shall not be maintained as landscaping. Natural recruitment of native groundcover may be used in areas where native groundcovers would be expected to regenerate on their own.

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3.1 Target Habitat

The preserve area is comprised of a disturbed cypress wetland habitat. The target habitat is a forested wetland with 50% crown closure. Supplemental plantings provided to meet a restoration standard of a combined (canopy, mid-canopy, and groundcover) minimum 80% coverage by desirable wetland native vegetation. Surrounding the preserve area will be a structural/upland buffer with a minimum 15’ width and average 25’ width throughout. The replanting plan as proposed will help augment natural recruitment of native desirable species reducing the opportunity for exotic nuisance species to regrow throughout the preserve. The targeted habitat for the restored forested wetland includes supplemental plantings based upon planting 50% of the canopy stratum, 5% of the mid- canopy stratum, and 50% of the groundcover stratum to achieve the restoration standard of a combined 80% cover by native vegetation. It is anticipated this planting strategy, along with natural recruitment once the exotics and downed trees are removed, will allow for meeting restoration success within three years.

3.2 Supplemental Planting Plan

The preserve area includes approximately 1.14 acres of disturbed cypress wetland and 0.49 acres of associated structural/upland buffer. The replanting plan includes native desirable species indicative of this habitat as listed in Table 3.1. Similar native plants may be exchanged for the native plants listed in Table 3.1 if approved by the preserve manager.

1. Total numbers of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species are provided by each habitat type in Table 3.1. The contractor must plant at least three different tree species and five different herbaceous species from the lists below, as applicable to the target habitat. Substitutions must be approved by the preserve manager. Plant materials are to be clustered to mimic a natural system.

2. Approximately 40% of the trees shall be a minimum 6-gallon/6’ in height and 60% shall be 3-gallon/6’ in height at time of installation. The number of trees has been determined based upon planting 25’ and 15’ on center and described in Table 3.1.

-3- Exhibit 3.2 Permit No. 36-104928-P 5 of 11 Alico Road Site (DJX8) March 2021 Seefried Properties

Table 3.1 Preserve Planting Plan FLUCFCS 621 (1.14 acres = 49,658.4 sq. ft.) Common Min. Scientific Name Quantity Spacing Name Size/Height 16 40% - 6 gal./6’ 25’ o.c. Trees – quantity based on 50% cover 67 60% - 3 gal./6’ 15' o.c. Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum 10 6 gal Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum 43 3 gal Red Maple Acer rubrum 3 6 gal Red Maple Acer rubrum 12 3 gal Dahoon Holly Ilex cassine var. cassine 3 6 gal Dahoon Holly Ilex cassine var. cassine 12 3 gal Shrubs – quantity based on 10% cover 12 1 gal. / 2’ 15’ o.c. Myrsine Myrsine cubana 6 1 gal Pond Apple Annona glabra 6 1 gal 70% -1 gal. Herbaceous – quantity based on 50% cover 2,759 30% - 2” 3’ o.c. liners/bare root St Johns Wort Hypericum spp. 385 1 gal Cordgrass Spartina bakeri 389 1 gal Spikerush Eleocharis cellulosa 415 bare root Arrowhead Sagittaria lancifolia 415 bare root Swamp Fern Telmatoblechnum serrulatum 385 1 gal Leather Fern Acrostichum danaeifolium 385 1 gal Bushy Andropogon 385 1 gal Bluestem glomeratus var. glomeratus Structural/Right-of-way Buffer (0.49 acres = 21,344.4 sq. ft.) Trees - quantity based on five (5) trees / 100 linear 10 6 gal. / 6’ 25’ o.c. feet. Dahoon Holly Ilex cassine var. cassine 5 6 gal Natchez crape Lagerstroemia indica 5 6 gal myrtle

*Shrubs - quantity based on 50% cover 47 3 gal. / 2-3’ 15’ o.c.

Cocoplum Chrysobalanus icaco 20 3 gal Firebush Hamelia patens 27 3 gal Herbaceous - quantity based on 50% cover 1,186 1 gal 3’ o.c. Muhly grass Muhlenbergia capillaris 1,186 1 gal

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3. A dense mid-canopy is generally not characteristic of the target habitat and would decrease sunlight to the groundcover stratum as well as increase fuel load and ladder fuels, which could potentially transport a ground-fire into the canopy when the system is mature. To reduce the potential for ladder fuels in the future and allow for a more diverse groundcover, shrubs shall be planted to provide approximately 5% coverage throughout. Shrubs shall be a minimum of 1-gallon container size and planted 15’ on center.

4. Herbaceous plantings shall include 70% of 1 gallon container size and 30% of 2” liners/bare root, planted approximately 3’ on center. If additional plantings are required after 2 years to meet restoration standards, they will be based upon the same plant palette as used here.

5. The upland buffer will provide the right of way buffer where it is adjacent to the right of way. In this area five (5) native trees shall be planted per 100 linear feet and a double hedge will be present.

6. At least 80% of the proposed supplemental plantings must survive the first year. If mortality exceeds this standard, additional plantings will need to be installed to maintain restoration standards.

4.0 HYDROLOGY

The stormwater management portion of the project has been designed to discharge water into the wetland preserve after having been treated to State water quality standards. This has been designed on a control elevation of 14’ NAVD as determined by the surface water engineers. The appropriateness of amount/duration of water within the wetland preserve will be evaluated during monitoring through evidence of biological indicators and general health of the wetland plantings.

5.0 PROTECTED SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN CONDITIONS

A protected species management plan is not included for the preserve area. No direct signs of listed species utilization were observed during the site review of baseline preserve conditions. However, with the increased ecological function anticipated as a result of the preserve’s

-5- Exhibit 3.2 Permit No. 36-104928-P 7 of 11 Alico Road Site (DJX8) March 2021 Seefried Properties

management plan, listed species may utilize the preserve area in the future. No adverse impacts to listed species are anticipated as a result of the proposed management activities. Any listed species utilization will be noted in the monitoring reports and an applicable management plan will be provided, if necessary.

6.0 EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND SIGNAGE

Appropriate preserve signage will be installed within the upland buffer surrounding the preserve area. Please refer to the engineering/construction plans for the development/preserve interface section detail that illustrates preserve signage and placement. Additionally, educational materials will be made available within the proposed facility. Should the development experience compliance issues, additional management guidelines may be considered in the future in coordination with SFWMD and Lee County staff.

7.0 MONITORING PLAN

Annual qualitative monitoring will be conducted to determine the health of the wetland preserve in terms of vegetation and hydrology. The monitoring plan will be implemented upon receipt of all necessary permits. It will last for a three-year period and consist of five reports. Each report will include qualitative observations via panoramic photo documentation. The panoramic photographs will be taken from two locations shown on the Conservation Easement Map (Appendix A). Wildlife observations, water levels, and general health of the supplemental plantings will also be recorded during monitoring events and included in the reports.

The monitoring plan will consist of a Baseline, Time-Zero (within 60 days of completion of exotic removal and supplemental plantings), and three Annual Monitoring Reports. The Baseline Report is provided in Section 8.0 below. The annual reports will document the status and trends within the preserve area for a period of three (3) years. Although it is anticipated that the level of planting proposed will meet the intended success criteria after two (2) years, if it appears the wetland preserve area is not meeting the intended success criteria of 80% combined cover of native wetland vegetation, coordination will occur with SFWMD and Lee County staff to establish additional corrective measures. Table 7.1 provides the anticipated reporting schedule for the annual compliance monitoring.

-6- Exhibit 3.2 Permit No. 36-104928-P 8 of 11 Alico Road Site (DJX8) March 2021 Seefried Properties

Table 7.1 Annual Compliance Monitoring Report Schedule

Monitoring Monitoring Report Report Due Date Baseline Report March 1, 2021 Time-Zero Monitoring June 1, 2022 Report First Annual Report June 1, 2023 Second Annual Report June 1, 2024 Third Annual Report June 1, 2025

8.0 BASELINE MONITORING RESULTS

The Baseline Monitoring Event was conducted on January 26, 2021 and consisted of an assessment of the qualitative vegetation and hydrologic conditions throughout the preserve area. Percent coverage was estimated for all dominant species occurring in the canopy, subcanopy, and herbaceous strata. The indicator status, as listed and defined in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Vegetative Field Indicator Lists for Chapter 62-340 Florida Administrative Code (FAC), was determined for each species identified, as shown in Table 8.1.

During the Baseline Monitoring Event, average mean coverage by exotic and nuisance vegetation was approximately 75% throughout the preserve area. Canopy and subcanopy strata were dominated by earleaf acacia, Brazilian pepper, bald cypress, and melaleuca. Groundcover vegetation was contained to the perimeter of the preserve area and consisted of torpedo grass, coinwort, common dayflower, and dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium). During the baseline monitoring, the soils in the preserve area were saturated, and no areas of standing water were observed. Panoramic photographs were taken to document site conditions and are provided in Appendix C. Observations of wildlife species utilizing the mitigation area were documented during the Baseline Monitoring Event and are listed in Table 8.2.

-7- Exhibit 3.2 Permit No. 36-104928-P 9 of 11 Alico Road Site (DJX8) March 2021 Seefried Properties

Table 8.1 Baseline Monitoring Results

Baseline STATE FLEPPC Stratum Scientific Name Common Name % Status Category Cover

Groundcover

Centella asiatica Coinwort FACW 5.00

Bidens pilosa Beggar's ticks FAC 3.00

Panicum repens Torpedo grass FACW I 15.00

Eupatorium capillifolium Dog fennel FAC 4.00

Urena lobata Caesarweed NL I 3.00

Commelina diffusa var. diffusa Common dayflower FACW 5.00 Plant Total 35.00 Open Total 65.00

Subcanopy

Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper FAC I 15.00

Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia FAC I 5.00

Syzygium cumini Java plum FAC I 5.00 Plant Total 25.00 Open Total 75.00 Canopy

Acacia auriculiformis Earleaf acacia FAC I 30.00

Taxodium distichum Bald cypress OBL 10.00

Schinus terebinthifolia Brazilian pepper FAC I 10.00

Melaleuca quinquenervia Melaleuca FAC I 20.00 Plant Total 70.00 Open Total 30.00

Table 8.2 Wildlife species observed.

Common Name Scientific Name Birds Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Mammals Gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

-8- Exhibit 3.2 Permit No. 36-104928-P 10 of 11 Alico Road Site (DJX8) March 2021 Seefried Properties

REFERENCES

Doran, J. Douglas, Cotton K. Randall, and Alan J. Long. 2004. Circular 1445/FR 147: Fire in the Wildland-Urban Interface: Selecting and Maintaining Firewise Plants for Landscaping. School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/document_fr147

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Chapter 62-340.450 Vegetative Index.

Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) 2019 List of Invasive Plant Species. Fall 2019.

Lee County Development Order DOS2000-00020.

Long, Alan J. 2002. FOR 70/FR061: Benefits of Prescribed Burning, one of a series of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR061

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1, Uniform Fire Code, Florida. 2007. Chapter 17, Wildland Urban Interface. pp 1-126.

NFPA 1144. 2002. Standard for Protection of Life and Property from Wildfire.

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