Justin Eddy
From: Patty Frantz Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2017 10:26 AM To: Joyce Chisolm; Justin Eddy; Gayle Nipper; Yolanda Velazquez Subject: FW: Alafia River Mit Bank CompleteClarificationResponse_03062017 Attachments: PLANS.pdf
Please upload to App Id 696643. Thanks.
From: sharon [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2017 1:31 PM To: Patty Frantz
Hi and good afternoon Pat and John:
With respect to what I sent you Monday, I found a minor discrepancy in the ‘Plans” Component. The oversight lies in Mitigation Plan Tables 4 & 6 that I had not fixed after the changes to access. Please discard the “Plans” pdf package sent on Monday and replace it with what is attached.
Table 1 and UMAM Parts I & II are correct. The number of credits should be 35.52 not 35.48 as shown in Parts I & II but not Table 4.
The correction is on Table 4: adjust score 7.15 to 7.19 credits with 89.93 acres for Mitigation Category U2.
The corrected adjustment on Table 6 is: 1.77 to 1.78
In the Bank Credits segment attached with the “Plans” the acres were updated to reflect the corrected 89.93 U2 acres.
Thank you and my apologies for the oversight…
Sharon Collins TerraBlue Environmental P.O. Box 135 Homosassa Springs, FL 34447 386-878-3064 [email protected]
From: sharon [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 20, 2017 9:57 AM To: Patty Frantz ([email protected]); John Emery ([email protected]); Adrienne Vining ([email protected]) Cc: Campbell McLean ([email protected]) Subject: RE: Alafia River Mit Bank CompleteClarificationResponse_03062017
Hi and good morning Pat, John and Adrienne:
As mentioned below, for your internal use to make your search for approved documents easier I sent you a table.
1 Also, for your internal use in permitting ease please see:
Selection of the essential permitting components previously submitted and approved per the 03132017 table; and Balance of the BOCC‐approved ARCE certification package re March 1, 2017 agenda
Note that the “PLANS” attachment is the combined set of approved Mitigation Plan, Forestry Stewardship Plan, Management with Monitoring Plan, UMAM & credit ledger draft.
I made one change and it is the date in the Financial Assurance documents‐‐replacing 2016 with 2017. When recorded, the approved draft conservation easement will reflect 2017 not 2016.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you for your assistance on permitting the ARMB.
Sharon Collins TerraBlue Environmental P.O. Box 135 Homosassa Springs, FL 34447 386-878-3064 [email protected]
From: sharon [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 6:53 PM To: Campbell McLean ([email protected]); Patty Frantz ([email protected]); John Emery ([email protected]); Adrienne Vining ([email protected]) Subject: Alafia River Mit Bank CompleteClarificationResponse_03062017
Hi and good afternoon Pat, John and Adrienne:
The Clarification Response sent on March 6, 2017 completes the partial responses previously sent on and related to the Response and updated responses. Because the SWFWMD suggested several changes to submitted documents and these were incorporated into the Responses, a few documents replaced earlier editions. With respect to the March 6, 2017 Response, to only make your search for documents that will become a part of the permit easier, I have prepared a draft table identifying which dated or submitted document is the latest and WMD‐ approved version. This table is not part of the Response but your use. Also, for your benefit and ease to find them on your web portal as previously sent, I will attach those documents that are the essential components—these should come to you on Friday. In addition, as asked I will forward on the balance of the ARCE approval certification package—which, as already mentioned in one of the earlier emails, may also be found in the BOCC’s website for the March 1, 2017 meeting agenda.
Thanks.
Sharon Collins TerraBlue Environmental P.O. Box 135 Homosassa Springs, FL 34447 386-878-3064 [email protected] 2
3
MITIGATION BANKING PLAN
for
ALAFIA RIVER MITIGATION BANK
Submitted to:
SWFWMD
Submitted for:
Gulf Ridge Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America 13228 N. Central Avenue Tampa, FL 33612
Submitted by:
TerraBlue Environmental, LLC P.O. Box 135 Homosassa Springs, Florida 34447
Prepared by:
------Sharon Collins Owner/Principal Ecologist
Date: Updated August 4, 2015
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 0
1.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW
1.1 INTRODUCTION The Gulf Ridge Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America (GRC) proposes to establish the Alafia River Mitigation Bank (ARMB) within 469 of 476 acres of private lands, which extend into and bound to more than 3 miles of the Alafia River that Gulf Ridge Council owns in Hillsborough County, Florida (Figures 1 & 2, Appendix I). Under federal and State regulations, the project would be permitted as a mitigation bank for the federal (Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)) and state (Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)) agencies.
The purpose of the ARMB and GRC’s goal is to enhance and restore the ARMB site to a more natural character, reminiscent of the way the property looked and functioned historically, a goal based on a watershed approach to restoration and enhancement of aquatic resources and, thus, ensuring an essential link in the Alafia River’s wildlife corridor. Permit issuance of the ARMB also provides a mechanism for the GRC not only to enhance the ARMB’s habitats but also to benefit and contribute to the health of the Alafia River and downstream Tampa Bay estuary.
In addition, the mitigation bank will provide up-front mitigation credit to GRC to be used for sale or transfer to other private and public entities to offset impacts to wetland systems resulting from their development projects. The withdrawal of credits from the Bank will be in accordance with project needs. GRC reserves the right to enter into formal agreement with appropriate entities to purchase mitigation use rights within the bank parcels. GRC expects to retain management and financial responsibility to assure that this Mitigation Plan is fully and properly implemented (Section 7.0 and Appendix II).
Establishment of the Alafia River Mitigation Bank (ARMB) will allow consideration for aquatic, water resource needs for sustainable and enhanced water quality, water supply, flood protection, and watershed functions within the Alafia River watershed. Although tied to mitigation-based credits, this project is an essential link for the long-term enhancement, as well as protection, of significant water resources and wildlife habitat connected not only to the Alafia River but also to the Tampa Bay estuary. Credits will be created through enhancement, as well as increased protection measures assured through actions executed by GRC. Once established, the ARMB will be perpetually maintained in its restored natural condition.
By permit issuance of the State Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) this document will establish environmental restoration and enhancement activities at the ARMB. A mitigation bank-specific and SWFWMD-approved Conservation Easement will be prepared and recorded by the GRC in Hillsborough County public records prior to an initial credit release on the ARMB (See Appendix IV). Implementation of individual enhancement actions included in this Mitigation Plan may precede the recording of the Conservation Easement to allow a more rapid release of credits once the ARMB is permitted and the ARMB’s Conservation Easement is in place. Mitigation actions will ensure that the ARMB is permanent and self-perpetuating. Appropriate financial mechanisms will be executed by the GRC to ensure financial responsibility (Appendix IV).
The Alafia River is more than 24 miles long and a major tributary of Tampa Bay. The ARMB property forms the Alafia River’s shoreline for more than 3 miles or nearly 1/10 the River’s total length. The ARMB lies above the sovereignty lands elevation of the River. A sovereignty safe line was determined and approved by Tampa Port Authority through FDEP documentation (Appendix IV). The Alafia River is a regionally significant ecosystem and wildlife corridor, supporting rich, biodiverse habitats. The River feeds vast plant and wildlife habitats.
The ARMB is an integral part of the River’s ecosystem. The ARMB contains one of the most extensive, remaining natural landscapes on the River in Hillsborough County. On the ARMB, the extensive Alafia River’s floodplain contains historic riverine oxbows, numerous meandering floodplain sloughs, hydric
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 1 hammocks, bottomland hardwood forested wetlands, cypress swamps, and sinkholes. ARMB’s capacity to retain floodwaters, filtrate and transport nutrients and sediments, improve water quality, and control the timing and influx of freshwater is important to downstream estuaries associated with Tampa Bay. ARMB’s capacity for water storage is huge and water can be spread out over a large expanse of its floodplain to reduce flood peaks, a cost-effective flood control mechanism. Furthermore, the ARMB contains some of the rarest upland habitats in the region, though now overgrown and fire-suppressed.
This Mitigation Plan provides background information on the ARMB site and outlines the proposed actions and expected results of implementing the bank. This Plan is designed to establish the framework for conservation over the ARMB as a whole by establishing how the component parts work together in a complimentary manner.
1.2 LOCATION The proposed ARMB is located in southern Hillsborough County, north of Lithia Springs, Florida. The property site (Boy Scouts of America Camp Alafia) is a 476-acre area located adjacent to and north of Lithia- Pinecrest Road, west of SR 39, in Sections 9, 10, 15 & 16, Township 30S, Range 21East, with central latitude/longitude coordinates of 27.877299/-82.197669 (Figures 1 & 2). This property includes, and is immediately adjacent to and bordered by the Alafia River. Surrounding the property are agricultural lands, utility easement lands owned by Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Hillsborough County public lands, and State of Florida public lands. The Alafia River State Park is nearby, as is Lithia Springs County Park and is connected to Alderman-Ford State Park. The Alafia River Mitigation Bank site lies near the Lithia and Fish Hawk communities. The southernmost areas of the property connects the Alafia River to both sides of Lithia- Pinecrest Road. The ARMB is located within the Alafia River watershed.
1.3 SUMMARY OF HISTORIC & EXISTING CONDITIONS 1.3.1 Historic Perspective Historically, the Alafia River was home to and used by the Tocobaga Indians. The Alafia River was called the “River of Fire” due to its tannic color. Agricultural operations, cypress harvesting, and phosphate mining arrived in the early 1900’s and these human-based operations caused both subtle and dramatic changes to the Alafia River corridor. The ARMB site is no exception. By the early 1900’s, the ARMB site was altered, and used for cattle, timber and turpentine operations, as well as access for riverine transport. Beginning in the 1930’s the ARMB site was harvested, roads were constructed, and ditches were excavated.
More than 30 years ago, the GRC acquired substantial lands on the Alafia River. For more than 30 years, GRC has used the ARMB as a primitive wilderness site for passive recreation, inclusive of camping, fishing, hiking, exploring, and canoeing. Several primitive campsites and nature trails were created. These, as well as the roads and firebreaks, have been used and maintained by the GRC since the 1970’s (Figures 4-5, 12). The GRC has retained the 476-acre ARMB, but their other adjacent lands have been sold to Hillsborough County.
1.3.2 Existing Conditions The ARMB landscape is a function of the Alafia River. The ARMB extends into and forms the border of the River for nearly 3 miles, thus influencing the River’s health. The ARMB is comprised of an extensive floodplain ecosystem with approximately 318 acres of historic riverine oxbows, floodplain sloughs, hydric hammocks, bottomland wetlands, cypress swamps, sinkholes, river and riverine embankment, and hydric pine flatwoods. The ARMB is also comprised of approximately 151 acres of upland pine flatwoods, successional hardwood hammocks, and relic scrub uplands-now overgrown and fire-suppressed. The River’s embankment is steeply sloped except where relic oxbow or slough waters enter and exit the ARMB.
By clearing the property in the 1900’s, historic communities were affected. Longleaf pine, scrub, and sandhill communities have been replaced by successional oak hardwoods, and exotics have encroached. Uplands have become heavily overgrown due to a long period of fire suppression. Wetlands are stressed and distressed. The construction of roads and excavation of drainage ditches has affected normal sheetflow and onsite hydrology on the ARMB. Oxbows and sloughs have become filled with debris and garbage, obstructing historic water
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 2 patterns. Obstructions within riverine sloughs and oxbows, drainage functions by ditches and construction of roads, as well as periods of prolonged drought, would serve to alter historic water levels and hydroperiods, and this condition may have allowed shifts in vegetation, transition from hydric to mesic, and an infestation of exotic species. Exotic plant species, such as Japanese climbing fern and skunk vine, are present. Trespassing and unauthorized hunting, horseback riding, motorcycling, and poaching have also influenced and contributed to the ARMB’s existing and degraded conditions. Trespassing onto the ARMB has diminished the integrity of the ARMB’s riverine shoreline where vegetation has been replaced by erosion, barren soil and garbage and likely diminished wildlife utilization. These conditions are expected to continue without establishment of the ARMB. Existing soils are shown on Figure 3. Existing vegetative communities are shown on Figure 4 (Appendix I) and a description of the FLUCCS community types and associated vegetation and soils is provided below in Section 2.0.
In 2002, the GRC granted a perpetual conservation easement to Hillsborough County over the ARMB property. The County does not have title to the property, but merely a limited right of use as a holder of a conservation easement. GRC did not receive direct compensation for this conservation easement. Instead, the easement was granted to persuade Hillsborough County to release a reverter interest on another GRC property. The existing conservation easement does not have a property-specific management plan attached to it. Though Hillsborough County is dedicated to protecting lands under conservation, due to budget deficiences they have been unable to do so. Therefore, the current and future ecological function and characteristics of the ARMB have not and are not anticipated to be maintained, enhanced, or restored through Hillsborough County actions.
1.4 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED MITIGATION The proposed ARMB has been identified for a regional mitigation bank that will be used to vegetatively and hydrologically enhance and restore wetland and upland habitats, enhance floodplain storage capabilities, provide regional watershed improvements, increase wildlife utilization potential within a regional wildlife corridor, ensure the protection of enhanced communities, and ensure archaeological protection. The proposed ARMB is being created to provide a regional mitigation bank that will serve the needs of development interests in the Alafia River Basin, within Hillsborough and Polk Counties, as well as the Plant City, Lakeland, Brandon, Riverview, Tampa and Fish Hawk areas. GRC’s goal is to restore the ARMB site to a more natural character, reminiscent of the way the property looked and functioned historically, a goal based on a watershed approach to restoration and enhancement of aquatic resources. The goal of the GRC is consistent with providing economically efficient and flexible mitigation opportunities, while fully compensating for wetland and other aquatic resource losses in a manner that contributes to long-term ecological functioning of the Alafia River watershed where the ARMB is located.
This Mitigation Plan identifies restoration and enhancement opportunities at the ARMB and describes actions that will be performed to effect beneficial changes. Specific objectives include: re-establishment of surface water flows and wetland hydroperiods; river embankment stabilization; rehabilitation and enhancement of overgrown and fire-suppressed habitats; facilitation of the regeneration of converted and previously harvested wetlands and uplands; restoration of historic communities through forestry stewardship actions such as introduction of prescribed burns and exotic species treatments; granting a mitigation bank- specific conservation easement to ensure viable bank preservation; and removal of trespassing through security measures. Proposed mitigation actions (Sections 3.1-3.6) are affiliated with targeted habitats described below (Sections 4.2 and 6.2-6.3). These mitigation categories are shown on Figure 5 (Appendix I).
Implementation of hydrologic improvements will enhance the onsite water environment. These actions will improve and contribute to the improvement of on-site water management capabilities and functions, re- hydrate the ARMB, and recreate a historically natural flow and exchange of riverine and floodplain waters. Though these efforts may be partially immeasurable, these efforts should produce improved wetland functions, restore surface water flows and enhance habitat quality. Existing property roads influence the passage of water from one side of the roads to the other, evidenced by washouts and that the roads serve as “rivers” during heavy rainfall events. Therefore, low-water crossings will be added to roads where appropriate
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(Appendix I, Figures 5 & 8b). In some areas, ditch plugs will be placed in designated ditches. Excessive debris material located within riverine oxbows and/or sloughs will be removed, as feasible. In addition, there are several historic historic riverbeds and slough systems that no longer connect directly to the River except at extreme flood elevations. Infusion of riverine water by deepening one of these systems is proposed to rehydrate stressed wetlands and provide water storage functions where water can be spread out over ARMB wetlands (Section 3.3).
Implementation of vegetative improvements will restore and enhance onsite communities to produce optimal habitat diversity. Wetland communities influenced by historic cypress harvesting, fire suppression and water input will be enhanced by applying forestry stewardship actions as well as hydrologic improvements. Upland communities altered by clearing, fire suppression and hardwood succession will be enhanced and/or restored by applying forestry stewardship actions. Selective thinning and removal of canopy trees and overgrown shrub layers will be initiated by thinning and mechanical reduction techniques. A prescribed burn program will be initiated and become an ongoing mechanism to benefit and restore onsite communities. After selective thinning and prescribed burns actions have been initiated, regeneration of native species within target communities should occur. Exotic species eradication efforts will be initiated and treatments to control exotic species growth will be applied. A Forestry Stewardship Plan has been developed for the ARMB, which describes the forestry improvements in detail (Appendix II).
Appropriate wildlife management techniques will be used to produce optimal diversity of habitats and species populations. Wildlife management will occur through the above-described forestry management activities and enforced hunting restrictions. Wildlife game species have been hunted illegally and without monitoring on the ARMB for many years. There are feral hogs on the ARMB. Feral hogs are known to cause severe damage to natural communities. Security measures to prevent illegal hunting and trespassing, combined with the control of feral hogs are wildlife management tools that the GRC will utilize. Several Listed Species are known to or could potentially inhabit the ARMB, and an integral goal of the ARMB is to maintain and improve habitats for these species.
Protection of potential cultural resources on the ARMB is a priority. An archaeological survey would be conducted prior to any enhancement activity that would cause disturbance to the two sites identified in DHR’s master file. If archaeological resources are identified or are found within the ARMB, provisions will be made in the mitigation plan to ensure that the archaeological site(s) receives protection according to State Division of Historical Resources (DHR) recommendations.
1.5 SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS The ARMB represents an opportunity to enhance and ensure the protection of regionally significant water resources and to enhance and restore integrally connected rare upland habitats within the Alafia River ecosystem. With its “Alafia River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan, August 2001,” SWFWMD recognizes the value of the River, with potential restoration efforts and ecosystem management of its habitats. Therefore, by the ARMB’s establishment as a mitigation bank, the ARMB would become a major contributor to the health of the River and the Tampa Bay estuaries.
The ARMB would become an integral component of applying a watershed approach to water resource needs within the Alafia River Basin and Tampa Bay Watershed. Because the property extends into and is directly bounded to the Alafia River for more than three (3) miles, the proposed ARMB will have significant mitigation and ecological value on a regional level, as well as on a local scale. The entire ARMB is an essential link to ensuring the protection of and sustained management of waters and conservation corridor lands within the Alafia River Basin. The ARMB will not only have significant ecological and mitigation value on a local scale, but also on a regional level because of its watershed enhancement potential, and its connection to conservation corridors along the Alafia River. The ARMB property lies within lands identified by Hillsborough County within the Florida Greenway system (Natural Greenway Corridor as designated on the Hillsborough Greenway Master Plan), the South Hillsborough Wildlife Corridor, and connects to the Fish Hawk Creek/Alafia River Corridor Preserve. Thus, the ARMB provides an essential link in assuring the long-term
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 4 enhancement, restoration, and protection of this corridor. The agency-approved and mitigation bank-specific conservation easement that will be placed upon the ARMB will ensure that the expanse of the ARMB land is preserved in perpetuity according to mitigation banking standards.
Though historically high quality habitats dominated the ARMB, it has been degraded by human-influenced actions. Therefore, the proposed ecological value of the ARMB site to the region and regional watershed has potential for significant improvement. Hydrologic conditions that have been impaired will be returned to the “hydrologic balance.” Altered riverine habitats would be enhanced. Another benefit that will occur on the ARMB is that once established, upland habitats will be restored providing diversity to areas that had been cleared, used for agricultural operations, and left to become overgrown and fire-suppressed. Rare upland habitat areas in the region would benefit. The Forestry Stewardship Plan will allow the regeneration of diverse forested and herbaceous ecosystems, which will in turn provide an increase in wildlife food sources. Both the relative isolation of the property’s floodplain communities and its remaining historic plant communities is beneficial for improving wildlife populations, including some that are listed as endangered or threatened. It was not GRC’s intent to allow the property to degrade without consideration for future regional impacts to the Alafia watershed and aquatic resources. GRC will resume its responsbility for future land management such that the ARMB’s goals and objectives are successfully achieved and sustained.
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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
2.1 EXISTING VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES 2.1.1 General The ARMB is comprised of approximately 318 acres of wetlands and 151 acres of uplands. The most prevalent wetlands are floodplain wetlands. The most prevalent upland community types are hammocks. Historically, the dominating uplands on the ARMB were likely longleaf pine flatwoods and scrub uplands. By the early 1900’s, the ARMB site was altered, and used for cattle, timber and turpentine operations, as well as access for riverine transport. Uplands and wetlands were harvested. Uplands were cleared for agriculture and have subsequently become heavily overgrown due to a long period of fire suppression. The clearing removal of ARMB native communities and successional regrowth by less desirable species with the long suppression of fire, as well as the lack of water and reduction in hydroperiods, have stressed and distressed ARMB’s uplands and wetlands. Hydrologic features include the Alafia River and extensive, hydrologically connected wetlands associated with the Alafia River. Roads constructed through the uplands and wetlands, and drainage ditches excavated across wetlands, affect normal sheetflow and onsite hydrology. Riverine oxbows are filled with debris and garbage, obstructing historic water patterns. Because these alterations affect water levels and hydroperiods, this condition may have allowed shifts in vegetation, transitioning from hydric to mesic, and an infestation of exotic species. Years of neglect, drainage alterations and fire suppression in adjacent uplands have produced wetland and upland communities overgrown with less desirable species. Despite pre-ARMB (existing) prohibitions, widespread trespassing and unauthorized hunting, horseback riding, motorcycling and poaching is present. Trespassing onto the ARMB from the Alafia River has diminished the integrity of the ARMB’s riverine shoreline. Wildlife game species have been hunted illegally and without monitoring on the ARMB for many years. Adjacent landowners utilize the property without authorization for frequent horseback riding, ATV/motocycle riding and hiking. These actions have also influenced and contributed to the ARMB’s existing and degraded conditions. This activity has likely also had an adverse impact on species populations and utilization. Large patches of barren soil in ARMB’s upland and wetland communities are the result of uprooted and consumed vegetation and disturbed soils caused by an overpopulation of feral hogs. Feral hogs have significantly degraded ARMB habitats, since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native vegetation. An overview of the existing conditions, vegetative communities and species are noted in the summary table and descriptions below. Detailed descriptions of pre- bank conditions will be provided in the Baseline Monitoring event subject to permit issuance.
Historic plant communities were recognized by identification of soils, existing plant growth, and scrutiny of historic aerial photographs (1938-1970). A review of available information indicates that the ARMB once supported sandhill, scrub uplands and pine flatwoods where slash, longleaf and/or sand pines were widespread. Vegetation mapping was performed following the Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCFCS, FL Dept. Transportation, 1999), and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey (Hillsborough County, 1991 & Soil Survey Website). The ARMB vegetative community (FLUCCS) map was prepared using SWFWMD’s land use maps for reference, 1999 and 2004 color-infrared, as well as 2011-2013 true-color Digital Orthoquad aerial photographs, and by extensive field investigations. Vegetative descriptions of the ARMB refer to habitat mapping efforts conducted during 2013- 2014. A description of the FLUCCS community types and associated vegetation and soils is provided below. Soils are shown on Figure 3. Vegetative communities (FLUCCS) are shown on Figure 4. Table 1 below provides a listing of habitat communities occuring on the ARMB. Pre-Bank to Targeted vegetative composition are listed in Tables 4 (Section 4.3) and Tables A-E (Sections 6.1-6.3).
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Table 1. Existing and Targeted Vegetative Communities Summary Table Existing Existing Vegetative Targeted Vegetative Targeted Mitigation Category (Assess.Area) Acres FLUCCS Communities Communities FLUCCS Forested Floodplain W1 – Floodplain Wetlands 615 Floodplain Wetlands 615 305.89 Wetlands Enhancement NonForested Floodplain W2 – NonForested Floodplain 641 Floodplain Wetlands 641 0.92 Wetlands Wetlands Enhancement Hydric Pine W3 – Hydric Pine Flatwoods 625 Hydric Pine Flatwoods 625 11.17 Flatwoods Enhancement Wetland Total Credit Acres 317.98 427 Oak Hammock Oak Hammock U1 – Oak Hammock Enhancement 427 30.32 434 Mesic Hammock Mesic Hammock U2 – Mesic Hammock Enhancement 434 89.93 411 Pine Flatwoods Pine Flatwoods U3 – Pine Flatwoods Enhancement 411 23.33 436 Scrub Uplands Scrub Uplands U4 – Upland Scrub Enhancement 436 4.83 Upland Total Credit Acres 148.41 Total Credit Acres 466.39 ARMB NonCredit Acres Included in Conservation Easement 740 Roads Roads Roads Na 2.38 814 TECO Enhance Rights Easement Easement Na 0.06 GRC Property NonBank Areas GRC NonBank Area (Wilderness & Recreational Parcel) 6.55 GRC NonBank Property (TECO Easement Area) 0.45 * Note: Potential temporary wetland impacts and acres associated with hydrologic enhancement actions are shown in Table 4, Section 4.2.
2.1.2 Listed Flora The Alafia River Basin supports a diverse and rich mix of forested and aquatic habitats. Several listed threatened and endangered plant species have the potential to occur on the ARMB. A few of these include: Florida golden aster (Chrysopsis floridana), butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis), needlepalm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), wild coco (Eulophia alta), hand fern (Ophioglossum palmatum), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), giant airplant (Tillandsia utriculata), Florida bonamia (Bonamia grandiflora), Pine pinweed (Lechea divaricata), widespread polypody (Pecluma dispersa), and sandhill milk vine (Matelea pubiflora). To date the following Listed species have been noted: royal fern (Osmunda regalis), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), and giant airplant (Tillandsia utriculata). Listed plant and faunal species that have the potential to occur within the ARMB, as well as their preferred habitat types, are summarized in Table 2 below and Table 3 (Section 2.5).
Table 2. Listed Species with Potential to Occur on the ARMB, Listed Species Status and Preferred Habitats Listed Species Potential in Hillsborough Co. Area USFWS FFWCC Preferred Habitats Andropogon arcatus - pinewoods bluestem N T Sandhill, scrub and sand pine habitats Bonamia grandiflora - Florida bonamia T E Sandhill, scrub and sand pine habitats Centrosema arenicola - sand butterfly pea N E scrubby pine flatwoods and xeric uplands Chrysopsis floridana - Florida golden aster E E scrubby pine flatwoods and xeric uplands Encyclia tampensis - Florida butterfly orchid N T forested wetlands, bottomland forest Eulophia alta - wild coco N T forested wetlands, bottomland forest Lechea divaricata - pine pinweed N T scrubby pine flatwoods and xeric uplands Matelea pubiflora - sandhill milkvine N sandhill Ophioglossum palmatum - hand fern N E forested wetlands, bottomland forest Osmunda cinnamomea - cinnamon fern N SSC forested wetlands, hydric pine flatwoods Osmunda regalis - royal fern N E forested wetlands, bottomland forest Pecluma plumula - plume polypody N E forested wetlands, bottomland forest Pecluma ptilodon - swamp plume polypody fern N forested wetlands, bottomland forest Pteroglossaspis ecristata - giant orchid N T scrubby pine flatwoods and xeric uplands Tillandsia utriculata - giant airplant N E epiphyte in shrublands and pine flatwoods T-Threatened E-Endangered SSC-Species Special Concern N-NonListed
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 7 2.1.3 Wetlands Floodplain Wetlands/Bottomland Swamps (615) -- This community is a mosaic of forested hammocks interspersed with deeper swamp components, sloughs, meandering passageways, cypress islands, sinkholes, and depressional ponds and pockets. This interconnnected system directly connects to the Alafia River and its ecological function is dependent on the Alafia River, as is the River dependent on the floodplain. The sloughs lie lower in the floodplain and are often relatively open, steeply sloped with undulating elevations. The ecological function of the sloughs is dependent on the Alafia River, as is the River dependent on the sloughs. Some sloughs slope and drain towards the River, some slope into the floodplain bringing riverine water onsite when river elevations are suitable, and some act as riverine “overflow” drainageways which also bring water onto the property during heavy rainfall and/or at peak storm events. There is an old riverbed which historically once functioned to bring water onto the ARMB. Access roads have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and hydrology by bisecting wetlands and obstructing surface water flows. In the past, only a few culverts were placed under ARMB roads which cross through floodplain wetlands, in areas that are subject to road wash outs. Water is transported via ditches directly into the River rather than being dispersed into wetlands. This community is supported by Winder fine sand-frequently flooded soils. Winder fine sand-frequently flooded soils are described as frequently flooded with a high water table within 10-12 inches for 2-6 months of the year. However, though the soils are classified as hydric, field investigations over a span of 2 years show that the existing, pre-bank soil conditions are predominately dry, disturbed, unsaturated and nonflooded. Since the presence of saturated soils or standing water during the year is characteristic of swamps, at least after rainfall events, the lack of saturation and standing water depicts the stressed condition of these wetlands. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively closed and dominated largely by water oak (Quercus nigra), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), species which are FAC to FACW. Few cypress canopies remain, and these appear to have been components of historic river beds or oxbows prior to the harvesting for cypress. Shrub layers are dominated by cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), caesar weed (Urena lobata), and greenbriar (Smilax auriculata). Groundcover, if and where present, is dominated by caesar weed, peppervine (Ampelopsis arborea), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa), and woodsgrass (Chasmanthium sp), species which are FAC to FACW. There are other species sporadically noted within the floodplain wetlands, but not prevalent. Hydrologic alterations, combined with lack of habitat management actions are evident by species composition which supports drier species. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species, especially groundcover layers, which are less indicative of wetlands. Caeser weed is widespread, covering at least 10% of the shrub and groundcover layers within the floodplain. Lygodium was noted throughout the hydric hammock and cypress areas of the floodplain. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs have degraded these swamps since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the swamp soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native vegetation. Mucky and barren soil patches are evident. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the floodplain wetlands, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species. Native species noted during field investigations were rare and generally by the River. Those noted include: river otter, great blue heron, cardinal, robin, mockingbird, red-shouldered hawk, water moccasin, gray squirrel, American alligator, opossum, various frogs, and raccoon.
NonForested Floodplain Wetlands (641) – These areas are depressions within the forested floodplain swamps that contain a mix of herbaceous groundcover and open water. These areas are connnected to the Alafia River by floodplain sloughs and their ecological function is dependent on the Alafia River, as is the River dependent on these communities. Some sloughs slope and drain towards the River, some slope into the floodplain bringing riverine water onsite when river elevations are suitable, and some act as riverine “overflow” drainageways which also bring water onto the property during heavy rainfall and/or at peak storm events. Access roads have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and hydrology by bisecting wetlands and obstructing surface water flows. This community is supported by Winder fine sand- frequently flooded soils. Winder fine sand-frequently flooded soils are described as frequently flooded with a
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 8 high water table within 10-12 inches for 2-6 months of the year. The ponds are fringed with canopy species such as cypres and red maple. The following species dominate these areas: maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), bluestem (Andropogon sp.), beakrush (Rhynchospora sp.), various sedges, Carolina aster (Aster caroliniana), water hyssop (Bacopa sp.), paspalum (Paspalum sp.), tickseed (Coreopsis leavenworthii), pluchea (Pluchea odorata), coinwort (Centella asiatica), saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia),water hoarhound (Lycopus rubellus), duckweed (Lemna minor), climbing hempweed (Mikania scandens), chainfern and cinnamon fern. Lygodium was noted. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected. Mucky and barren soil patches are evident. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize these nonforested areas, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species.
Hydric Pine Flatwoods (625) – These are pine flatwoods which contain hydric characteristics. This area is a transitional zone between the adjacent mesic hammock/pine flatwoods and the floodplain areas. This community is overgrown and has not been thinned or burned in many years. Access roads have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and hydrology by bisecting these wetlands and obstructing surface water flows. These roads are in areas that are subject to road wash outs, and during heavy rainfall events water is not dispersed to bisected wetlands but flows within the road(s) which acts as a drainage conveyance. This community is supported by Winder fine sand-frequently flooded and St. Johns fine sand soils. St. Johns fine sand soils are characterized by a seasonal high water table typically within a depth of 15 inches below ground surface for 2-6 months. Though these soils are classified as hydric, field investigations over a span of 2 years show predominately dry, disturbed and unsaturated soils. Since the presence of saturated soils at least during a portion of the year is characteristic of hydric pine flatwoods and these soils, the lack of saturation depicts the condition of these wetlands. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively open and dominated largely by a mix of slash and longleaf pine, cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), species which are FAC to FACW. Shrub layers are dominated by caesar weed (Urena lobata), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and greenbriar (Smilax auriculata). Groundcover is dominated by caesar weed, peppervine (Ampelopsis arborea), Virginia chainfern (Woodwardia virginica), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), and woodsgrass (Chasmanthium sp), species which are FAC to FACW. Regeneration of pine seedlings (trees less than five (5) inches in diameter) was almost non-existent. There are other species sporadically noted within this community, but without dominant presence. Hydrologic alterations, combined with lack of habitat management actions are evident by species composition which supports drier species. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species, especially groundcover layers, which are less indicative of wetlands. Caeser weed is widespread, covering at least 10% of the shrub layer within this hydric flatwoods community. In its pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species which could otherwise utilize the hydric pine flatwoods habitat. Barren soil patches are evident. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize these flatwoods wetlands, feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, gray squirrel, armadillo, Sherman’s fox squirrel, Florida pine snake, and eastern indigo snake, which could otherwise utilize the hydric pine flatwoods habitat. It is anticipated that there is in excess of several hundred hogs on the ARMB. This is problematic since each female has the potential to give birth to two litters each year with at least 3-7 in each litter. Native species noted during field investigations were rare and include: wild turkey, mockingbird, cardinal, and gray squirrel.
NonBank Area: Riverine Open Water (510) – Though outside the ARMB boundary, since the Alafia River forms the entire north and western boundary of the ARMB and ARMB’s ecological functions are subject to the River’s influence, the Riverine community is described herein. The ARMB lies above the sovereignty lands elevation of the River, an elevation of 13.5 NGVD29 determined and approved by Tampa Port Authority through FDEP documentation (Appendix IV). This community is the Alafia River with its river oxbows and sovereignty land area. Three miles of River front the ARMB, most of it is steeply sloped. There are oxbows adjacent to the main body of the River. Oxbows and sloughs have become filled with debris and garbage, obstructing historic water patterns. Swiftly flowing water flows, or would flow, down both the River and through its oxbows. River depth varies. Its benthic layer is sand with a marl limestone base. Submerged
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 9 aquatic vegetation is absent in both the River and oxbows. The River’s shoreline is partially vegetated, with barren soil slopes mixed with cypress and cypress knees. Within the River and along its shoreline, few fish or invertebrates were noted, and these include: forage fish, small mouth bass, mullet, American alligator, water moccasin, great blue heron, duck species, and red shouldered hawk.
2.1.4 Uplands Pine Flatwoods (411) – These are pine flatwoods, dominated by longleaf pines, but which may include scattered sand pines and a variety of oak species integrated with the pine. Pine flatwoods were once prevalent onsite but were harvested. This community’s acreage is what is left of historic pine flatwoods and is minimal due to harvesting. This community has not been thinned, managed or burned in many years. Its fire regime has been altered. Its habitat was converted to pasture years ago. There are altered species and altered dominance of species. Soils are disturbed by feral hogs and vegetation uprooted. This community is supported by Myakka, Tavares-Milhopper, and Candler fine sand soils, which are nonhydric soils. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively closed and dominated by longleaf pine and laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia). Shrub layers are dense, overgrown, and dominated by greenbriar (Smilax auriculata), devil’s stick (Aralia spinosa), possum haw (Ilex decidua), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), caesar weed (Urena lobata), and grapevine (Vitis sp.). Groundcover is sporadic, but where present, is dominated by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), caesar weed (Urena lobata), dog fennel, and yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens). The presence of pine seedlings is almost non-existent. Years of neglect and fire suppression have produced upland communities densely overgrown with vines and shrubs. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species, especially groundcover layers, which are not a diversified species assemblage typical of pine flatwoods. A lack of habitat management actions is evident by the dense shrub layer, less than optimal species composition and lack of natural regeneration of pine seedlings. Caeser weed is present, covering at least 5% of the shrub layer within this flatwoods community. Though minimal, exotic plant species, are present. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species, species such as the white-tailed deer, wild turkey, armadillo, opossum, bobcat, gray squirrel, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and eastern indigo snake, which could otherwise utilize the pine flatwoods habitat. Native species or evidence of species noted to date are: a few older gopher tortoise burrows, wild turkey, robin, cardinal, mockingbird, gray squirrel and opossum.
Oak Hammock (427) – Xeric hammocks are hardwood forested communities with a closed canopy of live oak. The current xeric hammock lies on a higher elevation within the ARMB and likely once dominated by the scrubby flatwoods or longleaf pine communities. Though longleaf pine, live oak, turkey oak, scrub live oak (Quercus geminata) may have once been dominant in these areas of the ARMB, they have been replaced by dense and closed live oak canopies. A lack of habitat management actions is evident by a less than optimal species composition. Years of neglect and fire suppression have produced densely overgrown vines and shrubs under the closed canopy of live oak. This community is supported by Tavares-Milhopper and Candler fine sand soils which are well-drained, infertile, sandy soils. In its pre-bank condition, the canopy is closed and dominated by live oak. Shrub layers are dense, overgrown, and dominated by dense and lowgrowing saw palmetto, greenbriar (Smilax auriculata), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), caesar weed (Urena lobata), and grapevine (Vitis sp.). There are also a few scattered myrtle oak (Quercus myrtifolia), fetterbush (lyonia lucida), and tarflower (Befaria racemosa) species present. Groundcover is generally absent due to the dense layers of saw palmetto, but where growing in the few open patches, groundcover is very sparsely vegetated by wiregrass (Aristida stricta), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), gopher apple (Licania michauxii), runner oak (Quercus pumila), grapevine, Virginia creeper and yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens). Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species, especially groundcover layers, which are not a diversified species assemblage typical of xeric hammocks. Caeser weed is present with coverage of at least 5%. Though minimal and currently no greater than 5%, exotic plant species, such as skunkvine, potato vine and cogan grass, are present. In its pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected, except that the presence of feral hogs is evident in the hammocks. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species, species such as white-tailed deer, bobcat, opossum, gray squirrel,
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 10 eastern indigo snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, wild turkey, armadillo, gopher tortoise and tortoise commensals, which could otherwise utilize the oak hammock habitat. Native species noted to date include: gray squirrel and opossum.
Mesic Hammock (434) – These areas consist of upland forests which generally lie between the xeric and hydric hammocks. They may be historic or successional growth hammocks. Years of neglect and fire suppression have produced a successional growth into a mesic hammock community, densely overgrown with vines and shrubs. This community is supported by Myakka, Tavares-Milhopper, Lake and Candler fine sand soils, which are well-drained, infertile, sandy soils. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively closed, and the trees present are dominated by laurel oak, with some growth by red cedar, sweetgum, longleaf pine, and pignut hickory (Carya glabra). Shrub layers are dense, overgrown, and dominated by possum haw (Ilex decidua), devil’s stick (Aralia spinosa), coralbean, viburnum (Viburnum obovatum), sparkleberry (Vaccinium myrsinites), caesar weed, grapevine, and greenbriar. Groundcover layers are sparsely vegetated and much of the ground is uprooted, barren and disturbed from feral hog activity. Where sparsely vegetated, the dominant species are camphorweed (Pluchea sp.), Virginia creeper, caesar weed, and woodsgrass (Chasmanthium sp). Caeser weed is present with a coverage of at least 10%. Exotic plant species, such as cogan grass, are present. A lack of habitat management actions is evident by a less than optimal species composition and presence. The presence of animals is less than expected in the mesic hammocks. Feral hogs have degraded these uplands since they have degraded native vegetation and destabilized soil surfaces, producing large barren swaths of disturbed soils. The hogs directly compete with native species found in hammocks, species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise and its commensals, and Florida black bear, a significant limiting factor for populations of these native species. Native species or evidence of native species noted to date are: a few older gopher tortoise burrows, cardinal, mockingbird, and gray squirrel.
Scrub Uplands (436) – This community is a previously harvested scrub community. After harvesting, this community regenerated with a few typical scrub upland species but is predominately lacking species and a diversified composition typical for this community. Scrub uplands are relatively open upland areas dominated by scrub oak. Sand pines (Pinus clausa) may be present but not dominant. This community is one which has become rare and considered imperiled. This community is supported by Myakka fine sand soils. Years of neglect and fire suppression have have allowed this community to become densely overgrown with saw palmetto, greenbriar and grapevine. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively open and scattered. The canopy trees were sparse and dominated by scrub oak, live oak, sand pine and longleaf pine. The shrub layer is dense, overgrown, and dominated by saw palmetto. Tarflower (Befaria racemosa) and rusty lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea) are minimally present. Groundcover is sparse. Species noted includes prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.), Elliott’s milkpea (Galactia elliotti), wiregrass (Aristida stricta), shiny blueberry, runner oak, witchgrass (Dichanthelium commutatum), and lichen reindeer moss (Cladonia sp.). A lack of habitat management actions are evident by the dense shrub layer, less than optimal species composition and lack of natural regeneration of scrub canopy, shrub and groundcover species. Caeser weed is present, covering at least 1% of the shrub layer. Exotic species presence is less than 1% in its existing, pre-bank condition. In its existing, pre- bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected, except that the presence of feral hogs is evident. Groundcover and soils are somewhat disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species, species such as white-tailed deer, bobcat, opossum, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, wild turkey, armadillo, gopher tortoise and tortoise commensals, which could otherwise utilize the scrub habitat. Native species, and/or evidence of use by native species, noted to date include: gray squirrel, robin, armadillo and gopher tortoise.
Roads (740) -- The property is accessible to vehicles authorized by the GRC and there are several unpaved woods roads within the ARMB site. There are several nature trails located on the ARMB.
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 11
2.2 SOILS Soils are classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Soils have been identified on the ARMB by using NRCS soil databases. Both the Soil Survey Manual for Hillsborough County and the NRCS Web Soil Survey were used to identify soils on the ARMB. The soil classifications found within the ARMB are shown in the attached Figure 3. There are low-lying hammock, sand ridge--xeric knoll (rare), sand depressional, flats and flatwoods soils on the ARMB. The floodplain soils are very poorly drained hydric soils that are rich in organic layers. Wetland communities dominate these soils. Sand depression soils are poorly drained, hydric soils, often adjacent to Flats or Flatwoods soil landscapes. The sand ridge-knoll soils are upland soils, non-hydric with marine sediments (sand), and which can be well drained. The Flats soils are known as the slough soils, and they are poorly drained, hydric soils with marine sediments, and may be frequently flooded. The Flatwoods soils are upland soils that are poorly drained and non-hydric with marine sediments. Using NRCS data, in general, the soils are classified as Basinger depressional, Candler, Fort Meade Loamy, Immokalee, Lake, Myakka, Ona, St. Johns, Seffner, Tavares-Milhopper and Winder fine sands. There are other soils onsite, but these are the major compositions. The fine sands may be non-hydric or hydric. The depressional fine sands are hydric. The hydric soils on the ARMB are: Basinger fine sand-depressional and Winder fine sand.
Basinger-Holopaw-Samsula-depressional -- This is a hydric soil found in the swamps, particularly cypress. It is nearly level and very poorly drained soil that may be flooded for prolonged periods. It is characterized by a seasonal high water table typically within a depth of 10 inches or above surface for 2-6 months. On the ARMB it supports cypress, forested floodplain swamps and slough wetlands.
Candler fine sand – This is an upland soil that is well drained and is characterized by a gentle sloping topography. The seasonal high water table is typically at least 80 inches below ground surface. On the ARMB, it covers much of the northeastern upland area. It is considered suitable to support the sandhill vegetative community—an increasingly rare community in Hillsborough County. Since this community was historically cleared, it currently does not support a sandhill community but a combination of mesic oak, xeric oak and longleaf pine flatwoods all densely overgrown.
Fort Meade Loamy fine sand – This is an upland soil which is well drained, nearly level to gently sloping, and is characterized by a very dark loamy sand surface layer underlain by lighter loamy sand. The seasonal high water table is typically at least 72 inches below ground surface. It is typically found in the sandhill vegetative community but since this community was historically cleared, it currently does not support a sandhill community but mesic oak, densely overgrown.
Immokalee fine sand – This is typically a nonhydric soil that is a poorly drained, nearly level and sandy. It is characterized by a seasonal high water table typically within a depth of 10 inches below ground surface for more than 2 months of the year. It is considered suitable to support pine flatwoods and occur on flatwoods and in depressions. On the ARMB, it supports mesic hammock and pine flatwoods vegetative communities located closer to the floodplain.
Lake fine sand – This is an upland soil that is excessively well drained and is characterized by a nearly level to gently sloping topography. The seasonal high water table is typically at least 80 inches below ground surface. It is considered suitable to support the sandhill and longleaf pine flatwoods vegetative community. These soils are located by the southeastern ARMB area and they support the mesic hammock communities.
Myakka fine sand -- This is typically a nonhydric soil that is a poorly drained, nearly level and sandy. It is characterized by a seasonal high water table typically within a depth of 10 inches below ground surface for 1-4 months and to a depth of 40 inches for the balance. It is typically associated with pine flatwoods. On the ARMB, it supports the mesic hammock and pine flatwoods vegetative communities.
Ona fine sand -- This is a nonhydric soil that is a poorly drained, nearly level, and sandy soil. It is characterized by a seasonal high water table typically within a depth of 10 inches below ground surface for 1-4
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 12 months and to a depth of 40 inches for the balance. On the ARMB, it supports the mesic hammock and pine flatwoods vegetative communities in proximity to Myakka fine sands.
St. Johns fine sand -- This is typically a nonhydric soil that is a poorly drained, nearly level and sandy soil that lies on low-lying plains on flatwoods. It is characterized by a seasonal high water table typically within a depth of 15 inches below ground surface for 2-6 months. On the ARMB, it supported the cleared areas for pasture and currently supports the mesic hammock and pine flatwoods vegetative communities.
Seffner fine sand -- This is typically a nonhydric flatwoods soil that is a somewhat poorly drained, nearly level, and sandy. It occurs on the edges of depressions and low ridges in the flatwoods. It is characterized by a seasonal high water table typically within a depth of 0-20 inches below ground surface for 2-6 months and greater than 60 inches for much of the year. On the ARMB, it supported the cleared areas for pasture and currently supports pine flatwoods vegetative communities.
Tavares-Milhopper fine sand -- This is an upland soil that is excessively well drained and is characterized by a nearly level to gently sloping topography. The seasonal high water table is typically at least 80 inches below ground surface. It is typically found on low ridges with longleaf pine/turkey oak sandhills and pine flatwoods. Since this community was cleared, it does not currently support a sandhill community but a combination of mesic and xeric oak hammocks and and longleaf pine flatwoods all densely overgrown.
Winder fine sand – This is a hydric soil found in the floodplains of the Alafia River or low-lying sloughs within pine flatwoods. It is nearly level and poorly drained soil that may be flooded for prolonged periods. It is characterized by a seasonal high water table typically within a depth of 10 inches for 2-6 months. On the ARMB, it supports the forested floodplain swamp and slough wetlands vegetative communities.
2.3 HYDROLOGY The ARMB extends to, and is directly bounded to, the Alafia River for more than three (3) miles. The Alafia River watershed encompassess more than 400 square miles. The Alafia River flows from its source in Polk County north of Mulberry flowing south towards Lithia and onto Tampa Bay. The 24-mile long Alafia River is a major tributary of Tampa Bay. Rivers export nutrients, detritus, and other materials to the estuaries. Freshwater’s influence on coastal ecosystems extends beyond fisheries but also bird and mammal abundance.
Due to the prolonged drought, the Alafia River, not the Hillsborough River, is currently the largest contributer of freshwater entering into Tampa Bay. According to SWFWMD data, in April 2014 stream water level elevations above NAVD 1988 fluctuated from 10.1 to 9.2 feet. Daily flows may reach up to 600 cfs and decrease below 60 cfs (cubic feet/second).
Though fed by several springs, the Alafia River is considered a blackwater river since its waters are filled with tannins, leaf detritus, and other organics. The River’s substrate is a combination of sand with shell sediments overlain over extensive marl outcroppings. It is composed of karst terrain and when the river waters are low, the karst topography is readily visible. There are shoals and Class I rapids in the Alafia River fronting the ARMB. There are historic riverine oxbows adjacent to the main body of the River. Sand substrates and marl outcroppings floor the oxbows as well, often clogged with fallen trees, accumulated debris, and garbage. The River is generally turbid, especially after heavy rainfall, and relatively clear at extreme water level lows. Water velocity is swift. The River is steeply banked, its shoreline clayey with evidence of erosion, and its top of bank fluctuates from several feet above river bottom to more than 20 feet.
The Alafia River carries a volume of freshwater from its source to Tampa Bay, passing and hydrating the ARMB enroute. It has extensive floodplains that support complex and diverse plant communities—such as found on the ARMB. Their distribution is determined by minute changes in topography and an average length of inundation or hydroperiod. The frequency, duration, and intensity of higher and lower water flows in the Alafia River can affect the location of the riverbed and vegetative composition on the ARMB. The ARMB borders nearly one-tenth of the Alafia River’s length, thus it will benefit from hydrologic
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 13 improvements once the ARMB is permitted. The ARMB includes and is part of a significant hydrological and ecological connection to river and creek systems (Alafia River and Turkey Creek) and extensive swamps onsite. ARMB’s direct hydrological connection to the Alafia River, Lithia Springs, Tampa Bay, and Turkey Creek contributes to the health of the Alafia River watershed.
Hydrologic features of the ARMB include the Alafia River and extensive, hydrologically connected forested and herbaceous wetlands associated with the Alafia River. This hydrologically connected floodplain wetland mosaic is characterized by floodplain sloughs, historic riverine oxbows, hydric hammocks, floodplain forested wetlands, cypress swamps, and sinkholes. The River delivers freshwater to ARMB wetlands through old river oxbows and an extensive network of sloughs. Surface water also flows toward the River through the network of sloughs and several excavated ditches. Within normal or average periods, ARMB floodplain wetlands should be hydrated and functional. However, much of the ARMB wetlands have been noted to be dry, even after heavy rainfall events. ARMB’s wetlands are stressed and distressed from lack of water. The Alafia River Mitigation Bank site is located within the Alafia River Basin. General hydrological maps for the ARMB, which include maps showing the locations of existing culverts are shown in Figure 8 and engineering plans. Topographic and LIDAR maps indicate that the overall elevation of the property ranges from 20’ NGVD near the River up to 50 feet. Most of the wetlands on the ARMB lie at elevations between 20-30 feet (Figure 9 and engineering construction plans). Surface water conditions were characterized by using published data from the SWFWMD, US Geological Service, and data collected by Hillsborough County.
Access roads have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and hydrology by bisecting wetlands and altering surface water flows. Only a few culverts have been installed under ARMB roads. As a result, after heavy rainfall events, the roads are either washed out or flow with water. Ditches have been excavated and with that excavation, wetlands lying within the floodplain drain toward or directly into the River. There are several oxbows and sloughs that have become filled with debris and garbage, obstructing historic water patterns. Some directly connect with the River at low elevations, sloping toward it and exiting through “cuts” in the River’s embankment. Some also directly connect with the River at low elevations, sloping away from it, entering into the floodplain through “cuts” in the River’s embankment. Others appear to be overflow slough systems and/or old riverbeds that are at higher elevations along the River’s top of bank and extend inland. Obstructions within riverine sloughs and oxbows, and alterations in surface water patterns by excavation of ditches and construction of roads, combined with periods of prolonged drought, would serve to alter historic water levels and hydroperiods. This condition may have allowed shifts in vegetation, a transition from hydric to mesic, and an infestation of exotic species such as Lygodium. Years of neglect, drainage alterations and fire suppression in adjacent uplands have produced wetland communities overgrown with less desirable species.
2.4 FORESTRY Existing uplands have been historically altered by clearcutting and harvesting actions. Subsequent years of neglect and fire suppression have produced upland communities densely overgrown with vines and shrubs. Exotic plant species are present. According to 1938 aerial photographs and soil data presented in the Hillsborough County Soil Survey, it appears that the historic communities were sandhill and longleaf pine flatwoods. These have been replaced by the densely overgrown successional hardwoods and mesic hammocks. Evidence of historic plant community types is exhibited by the growth of species such as turkey oak, sand pine and longleaf pine, lupine and wiregrass. Existing wetlands were also historically altered by harvesting cypress. Evidence of old, cut cypress stumps remain. Its been years since habitat management actions such as land or timber management, prescribed burns, best management practices or other forestry stewardship actions have been conducted. These conditions are expected to continue without establishment of the ARMB mitigation bank.
2.5 WILDLIFE Pine flatwoods soils and vegetation provide habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, skunks, opposums, raccoons, gray squirrels, warblers, tohees, crested fly-catchers, a variety of songbirds, and quail. The sandy knolls and upland ridge soils and vegetation provide habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, warblers, quail, anoles, lizards, and skinks. The forested floodplain, hardwood wetlands and depressional
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 14 hydric soils provide habitat for a variety of waterfowl and wading birds, water moccasins, otters, gray squirrels, opossums, various toads, white-tailed deer, raccoons, bobcats, and salamanders. Within these habitats, there are non-Listed species with the potential to occur on the ARMB. Non-Listed native species noted to date include: white tailed deer, wild turkey, opossum, gray squirrel, raccoon, black racer snake, mud turtle, water moccasin, mullet, large-mouth bass, mosquitofish, red-shouldered hawk, osprey, coopers hawk, river otter, a few songbirds and wading birds, and several species of butterflies.
It is notable that no wildlife except feral hogs is currently abundant. The only species noted in abundance are invasive feral hogs. The feral hogs on the ARMB appear to be causing substantial damage to vegetation. Feral hogs have degraded ARMB communities since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native vegetation. Mud and sandy patches devoid of vegetation have been noted during field investigations. It is anticipated that there are numerous hogs on the property and likely in excess of several hundred over the 470 acres since each female has the potential to give birth to two litters each year with at least 3-7 in each litter. Hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize ARMB communities. Feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for native species and affects utilization by species which could otherwise use ARMB communities. Juvenile gopher tortoises are known to be a food source for feral hogs. There are no hunt clubs or public/private hunting authorized on these private lands. Hunting, except for a limited control of feral hogs, is prohibited by the GRC. Wildlife game species have been hunted illegally and without monitoring on the ARMB for many years. This activity has likely had an adverse impact on species populations. These conditions are expected to continue without establishment of the ARMB.
Prior to submittal of the permit application, field investigations were conducted by TerraBlue Environmental. These efforts were concentrated on noting any species while onsite, and identifying habitats which could be suitable for Listed Species. There are several state and federally listed wildlife species which have the potential to occur on the ARMB. Listed species generally investigated included the Florida black bear, Florida scrub- jay, southern bald eagle, Florida sandhill crane, wood stork, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Southeastern American kestrel, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, various herons and egrets, American alligator, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and other species. Bird rookeries and other communal nesting areas were also investigated though none were found. Species that have the potential to occur within the ARMB, as well as their preferred habitat types, are described below and summarized in Table 3. Several were observed and these Listed species include: American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), wood stork (Mycteria Americana), little blue heron (Egretta caerulea), and gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus).
Table 3. Listed Species-Potential to Occur on ARMB-Listed Species Status-Preferred Habitats Federal State Listed Species USFWS FFWCC Habitat Inhabits xeric oak scrub, sand pine scrub, breed in shallow grassy Rana capito - gopher frog N SSC ponds or ditches, uses gopher tortoise burrows Inhabits bottomland forests, marshes and open water or Ajaia ajaja - roseate spoonbill N SSC mudflats, roosts in shrubs and trees, forages in shallow water Aphelocoma coerulescens - Florida scrub-jay T T Inhabits low, open xeric oak scrub habitats Inhabits bottomland forest, wetlands/rivers, nests among cypress Aramus guarauna - limpkin N SSC knees or groundcover and tall trees Athene cunicularia floridana - Florida burrowing owl N SSC Inhabits sandhills, ruderal communities, dry prairies Egretta caerulea - little blue heron N SSC Inhabits wetlands and rivers, nests in shrubs and trees Egretta thula - snowy egret N SSC Inhabits wetlands and rivers, nests in shrubs and trees Egretta tricolor - tricolored heron N SSC Inhabits wetlands and rivers, nests in shrubs and trees Eudocimus albus - white ibis N SSC Inhabits wetlands and rivers, nests in shrubs and trees Inhabits open rangeland, pastures, fencelines. Nest in natural Falco sparverius paulus - SEAmerican kestrel N T cavities of dead trees and abandoned woodpecker nests Inhabits marshes and wet prairies, nests in marshes and forages Grus canadensis pratensis - Florida sandhill crane N T in open grassy areas & pastures Haliaeetus leucocephalus - bald eagle N N Inhabits forested wetlands/uplands near water. Nests in tall trees
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along coasts, rivers and lakes
Inhabits forested wetlands/uplands near water. Nests in tops of Mycteria americana - wood stork E E trees in cypress or mangrove swamps Inhabits open water areas with fish, nests in tall structures and Pandion haliaetus - osprey N SSC trees near water Inhabits sandhills, xeric oak scrub, sand pine scrub, and scrubby Podomys floridanus - Florida mouse N SSC flatwoods. Uses gopher tortoise burrows Inhabits sandhills w/some pine, mesic flatwoods w/low ground Sciurus niger shermani - Sherman's fox squirrel N SSC cover Alligator mississippiensis - American alligator T(S/A) SSC Inhabits marshes, swamps, ponds, estuaries, rivers Inhabits wetlands and uplands, particularly on xeric uplands and Drymarchon couperi - eastern indigo snake T T scrubby flatwoods Gopherus polyphemus - gopher tortoise N T Sandhills, xeric oak scrub, sand pine scrub, scrubby flatwoods Inhabits sandhills, xeric oak scrub, sand pine scrub, and scrubby Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus - Florida pine snake N SSC flatwoods. Uses gopher tortoise burrows T-Threatened E-Endangered SSC-Species Special Concern
Threatened, Endangered and Species of Special Concern noted or have the potential to occur include:
Limpkin (Aramus guarana) - The limpkin is a reclusive bird that inhabits forested swamps, mangrove swamps and marshes. The limpkin feeds primarily on the native mollusk Ampullariidae commonly known as the Apple snail. Currently it is a State-Listed species of special concern, but FFWCC has recommended its removal from the list. Limpkins are common to the Alafia River.
Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea), Snowy egret (Egretta thula), Tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor), and White ibis (Eudocimus albus) - These wading birds all have similar life histories, and inhabit marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds and coastal systems. Each is currently State-Listed as Species of Special Concern. The FFWCC has recommended listing little blue heron and tricolored heron as threatened and recommended removal from the list for snowy egret, and white ibis. These species have been observed on ARMB within wetlands and along the River. There are no known rookeries.
Southeastern American kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus) - This is the resident subspecies of the kestrel, to be distinguished from its larger cousin, Falco sparverius sparverius, which is a winter visitor to Florida. The southeastern kestrel requires three components for optimal habitat: large, open fields for foraging, snags for nesting, and snags, fence lines or telephone poles as perching sites from which to hunt. It is a State-Listed threatened species. This species has the potential to occur.
Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) - The Florida sandhill crane is a non-migratory subspecies of Grus canadensis. Sandhill cranes nest in shallow marshes and wet prairies, and forage for prey in the marshes and open fields. It is a State-Listed threatened species. Sandhill cranes have the potential to occur near marsh wetlands.
Wood stork (Mycteria americana) -This species requires feeding areas in the form of pools or ditches in which fish congregate and they nest in forested swamps. It is a federal-listed endangered species. Wood storks have been seen on ARMB, have the potential to occur, but no breeding colonies have been reported.
Southern bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - The bald eagle is a species of interest due to its status as a national symbol and its special status under the Federal Bald Eagle Protection Act. Eagles can be seen flying over many habitat types, but they require water bodies for feeding, and large trees near feeding areas for nesting. This species is protected under the Federal Bald Eagle Protection Act. This species was noted by the River, have the potential to occur, but no eagle nests were noted on the ARMB.
Sherman's fox squirrel (Sciurus niger shermani) - The Sherman's fox squirrel is the largest of the three fox squirrel subspecies that occur in Florida. While its population is declining, this squirrel is still fairly common within its optimum habitat of longleaf pine-turkey oak sandhills. It is State-Listed as a species of special
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 16 concern. This species has not been observed but has the potential to occur on the ARMB in pine forests as well as forested wetland areas.
American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) - After being legally protected for several years, the alligator has made a population comeback, and are now fairly common in areas that will support them. Alligators can be found in most types of wetlands that have standing water and ample food supplies. While the alligator is listed as a listed threatened species it is subject to regulated hunts in Florida. This species has been observed on the Alafia River embankment.
Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) - The indigo snake is a habitat generalist, using a variety of habitats from mangrove swamps to xeric uplands. During winter months, however, it can typically be found in uplands utilizing the burrows of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) as shelter. These snakes require large tracts of natural, undisturbed habitat. It is federal-listed threatened species.
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) - The gopher tortoise is a key component in the determination of habitat suitability for endangered species because of the large number of other animals that will use tortoise burrows for one or more of their life requisites. While it is common to find tortoises in uplands, the preferred habitats are xeric (scrub) uplands and high pine flatwoods. It is State-Listed as threatened. Gopher tortoises, as well as active burrows, have been observed on the ARMB within hammocks and pine flatwoods.
Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) - This snake is another tortoise burrow commensal organism, utilizing both tortoise burrows and the tunnels of pocket gophers (Geomys pinetis). Preferred habitat of the pine snake is xeric (scrub) uplands, and to a lesser extent, flatwoods and other mesic uplands. It is listed as a State species of special concern. The pine snake has not been noted, but it has the potential to occur in pine uplands.
Gopher frog (Rana capito) - The gopher frog is a gopher tortoise burrow commensal organism, utilizing the burrows for shelter, and breeding in nearby wetlands. Prime gopher frog habitat includes xeric uplands, especially longleaf pine-turkey oak associations, with nearby (within one mile), seasonally flooded marshes or ponds. It is listed as a State species of special concern. This species has not been noted, but it has the potential to occur.
Florida mouse (Podomys floridanus) - The Florida mouse is one of the two mammal species that are endemic to Florida. It typically lives within gopher tortoise burrows in fire-maintained, xeric uplands. It is listed as a State species of special concern, but the FFWCC has recommended its removal from the list. This species has not been noted onsite, but it has the potential to occur.
2.6 DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL Prior to the selection of this site for the ARMB, TerraBlue Environmental investigated the potential for wetland impacts that could be assigned to future development within the geographic service area. Adjacent lands may be suitable for development. Due to an existing conservation easement, the ARMB has minimal potential for future development as explained in Section 1.3.2 above. However, there are realistic “without ARMB” and “Existing” threats of continued degradation and risks if the ARMB is not permitted. These are: 1) the sale of the property if the land becomes unusable by GRC; 2) revocation of the existing conservation easement due to non-compliance with its provisions (a revocation of the conservation easement could faciliate future development); and 3) continual degradation of ecologically valuable communities due to economic conditions and lack of revenue-based incentives (such as could be provided with the mitigation bank). The value of sustainable enhancement on the ARMB is vitally important to the Alafia River watershed. With establishment of the Alafia River Mitigation Bank, there are provisions for enhancement, with planned hydrological improvement to significant Alafia River water resources; provisions for assured protection, enhancement and restoration of integrally connected rare upland habitats; and provisions for protection of any archaeological sites and site materials. If this property is not established as a mitigation bank it will continue to degrade and become
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 17 overrun by exotic vegetation, thus strangling native composition and condition, and would be subjected to sale or revocation of the conservation easement. The property is a rare, highly desirable and undeveloped segment of the Alafia River.
Encumbrances: In 2002, the GRC authorized the grant of a perpetual conservation easement to Hillsborough County over the property. This easement was recorded in 2004. The County does not have title to the property, but merely a limited right of use as a holder of a conservation easement. Prior to permit issuance, a copy of the Title Report will be provided the SWFWMD. GRC, in agreement with Hillsborough County, will amend or remove the existing conservation easement so that the ARMB, bank-specific and SWFWMD- approved conservation easement may be recorded prior to the release of credits in order to meet permitting requirements. The County easement is found in: INSTR # 2004305969; O BK 14103 PG 0478; Pgs 0478-492; (15 pgs), recorded 08/05/2004 03:49:59 PM Hillsborough County.
2.7 ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES The State Division of Historical Resources (DHR) was contacted with respect to “Master File” identification of archaeological site material presence. By review of the Master File, two sites on the ARMB were noted by the DHR (Appendix IV). During TerraBlue Environmental’s preliminary field investigations in 2013, no archaeological material was noted.
2.8 OTHER EXISTING CONDITIONS GRC has owned and managed several primitive “wilderness camp” properties since 1922. Each are currently managed under GRC principles which include a “leave no trace” philosophy and a respect for the natural condition of the GRC property being managed and utilized. When on the ARMB site, GRC boy scouts engage in activities which are focused on passive recreation, such as camping, canoeing, nature hiking, and environmental awareness activities. The ARMB is accessible to vehicles authorized by the Boy Scouts of America and there are several unpaved access roads within. Nature trails have been blazed and maintained. The GRC uses the ARMB as a “wilderness tract” and emphasizes that damage to land occurs when it is trampled and therefore avoids creating permanent-looking campsites or damaging native vegetation. There are 5 designated primitive, wilderness campsite areas (A-F) located within ARMB’s uplands (Figure 4). Limited access to the ARMB is authorized by Gulf Ridge Council for specific uses. These are: 1) access by and authorized by GRC for activities which include, but are not limited to, permitting activities, maintenance, surveys, conducting assessments and land management operations; 2) hunting by permit for control of feral hogs; 3) Boy Scout camping and sanctioned activities; 4) access to conduct mitigation bank permit activities and management; 5) powerline and utility easement(s) access and maintenance; and 6) access for road and trail management and maintenance.
There is one 6.71-acre area which is situated on the eastern boundary of the GRC land at the intersection of the TECO easement and River. It is excluded from the ARMB and will be used by the GRC for passive recreational and administrative uses. This 6.71-acre area is owned by GRC, is excluded from existing and future conservation easement requirements, and will lie outside of the ARMB to allow potential housing for an onsite manager for the boy scouts, canoe storage and canoe launch access to the Alafia River, and pavillions for the boy scouts.
There is also a Tampa Electric Company (TECO) utility easement which borders the eastern property boundary. The overall easement averages a 200-foot wide width with a series of above ground concrete and wooden utility poles. GRC owns approximately 0.51acres of the TECO easement area by the Alafia River. Except for 0.06 of the 0.51 acres, the TECO easement area will be excluded from the ARMB. The TECO easement is cleared and maintained by TECO.
There are no mineral rights or other known encumbrances which will affect the contemplated use of the property. No mineral resource extraction activities have occurred to date. There are two capped wells and an old outhouse left abandoned in mesic hammock areas. The ARMB does not show evidence of illegal dumping which would include: heavy equipment, boats, trailers, and cars. No dumped structures or illegal
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 18 impoundments containing hazardous materials have been noted and no storage tanks have been noted. There has been debris left onsite as a result of trespassing. Currently, there are no fences constructed around the perimeter of the ARMB to prevent trespassing and poaching except for one fence with 3 access gates off Lithia-Pinecrest Road.
2.9 ECOREGION The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines an Ecoregion as an area of general similarity in ecosystem and in the type, quality, and quantity of environmental resources. Ecoregions were defined to serve as a spatial framework for management, and monitoring of ecosystems. Ecoregions are directly applicable to resource regulation and management by state agencies, including: 1) development of biological criteria and water quality standards; 2) establishment of management goals for non-point-source pollution; and 3) integrated ecosystem management. North America has been divided into 15 broad, Level I ecological regions. North America has been further divided into 50 level II ecological regions that are intended to provide a more detailed description of the large ecological areas nested within the Level I regions. Level III ecological regions describe smaller ecological areas nested within Level II regions. Level IV ecological regions describe additionally separated ecological areas nested within the Level III areas. At level III, the continent currently contains 182 ecological regions. The Southern Coastal Plain Level III Ecoregion is nested within the Level II Mississippi Alluvial and Southeast USA Coastal Plains Ecoregion which is nested within the Eastern Temperate Forest Level I Ecoregion. Hillsborough County lies within the Southern Coastal Plain Level III Ecoregion. The ARMB lies within the Southwestern Florida Flatwoods Level IV Ecoregion.
The Southern Coastal Plain ecoregion extends from South Carolina and Georgia through much of central Florida, and along the Gulf coast lowlands of the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi, and eastern Louisiana. The ecoregion is characterized by flat plains, as well as barrier islands, coastal lagoons, marshes, and swampy lowlands along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. This ecoregion is lower in elevation, with less relief and wetter soils, than the Southeastern Plains ecoregion to its north. Natural vegetation was once dominated by longleaf pine flatwoods and savannas. This ecoregion also had and consists of other communities that support slash pine flatwoods, cypress, and mixed forested canopies.
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3.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION
3.1. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES This mitigation plan identifies enhancement opportunities at the ARMB and will describe actions to produce beneficial changes. The mitigation plan for the ARMB includes proposed mitigation actions that will improve and protect on-site water management capabilities of approximately 470 acres located within the ARMB. GRC’s goal is to restore the ARMB site to a more natural character, reminiscent of the way the property looked and functioned historically, a goal based on a watershed approach to enhancement of aquatic resources. This goal promotes enhanced water quality, water supply, flood protection and watershed functions within the Alafia River watershed. Management of habitat for Listed and other wildlife species will be a high priority. Habitat enhancement onsite will occur through implementation of hydrologic, vegetative and wildlife improvements, as well as increased protection for preserved and enhanced ARMB habitats.
The objective of this mitigation plan is to identify enhancement opportunities at the ARMB, and describe general actions that will effect those changes. The objective of the ARMB is to enhance regionally significant landscapes by creating a regional mitigation bank that will also serve the needs of development interests in Hillsborough, Polk and Manatee Counties, as well as the Tampa, Lithia, Plant City, Brandon and Lakeland areas.
Specific objectives include: x Enhanced security and protection with ARMB establishment; x Hydrologic enhancement of ARMB wetlands, waters and historic riverine oxbows; x Vegetative enhancement of wetland communities; x Vegetative enhancement of upland communities; and x Promote wildlife utilization potential
To achieve these objectives, achieve targeted habitat conditions and meet success criteria, specific actions will be completed. These are described below and in Sections 4.0 and 6.0. By completion of specific mitigation activities and by establishment of the ARMB, approximately 466 bank credit-acres will be enhanced.
In brief, the proposed mitigation actions to achieve ARMB objectives include: x Increased security measures by ARMB protection will occur by: 1) execution of a mitigation bank-based, compliance-based, accountability and schedule-conditioned conservation easement; 2) removal of and prevention of unauthorized human-caused adverse impacts; and 3) installation of security measures such as a perimeter fence with locked gates and surveillance. x Hydrologic enhancement will occur on the ARMB by: 1) excavated recontouring of an old river bed and installation of hydrologic improvements such as 5 low water crossings and 3 ditch plugs. x Vegetative enhancement of wetland communities will occur by: 1) excavated recontouring of an old river bed; 2) installation of hydrologic improvements such as 5 low water crossings and 3 ditch plugs; treatments for exotic species control to ≤1% coverage; and 3) reduction of feral hogs to restore degraded community structures. x Vegetative enhancement of upland communities and hydric pine flatwoods will occur by: 1) forestry stewardship actions such as mechanical reduction of overgrown shrub layers, selective canopy thinning and the application of prescribed burns; 2) installation of hydrologic improvements; 3) treatments for exotic species control to ≤1% coverage; and 4) reduction of feral hogs to restore degraded community structures. x Wildlife utilization improvement potential will occur by a combination of several measures, but primarily through reduction of invasive feral hogs and fencing with locked gates along the TECO easement. Overall, wildlife utilization improvement potential will occur through: 1) increasing security by installing onsite security measures such as surveillance and a perimeter fence with locked gates along the TECO easement and similar locking devices on other access points to control trespassing, unauthorized horseback riding, and illegal hunting activities; 2) implementing land uses compatible with increased
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protection and preservation of ARMB habitats; 3) reducing feral hog populations which will remove current wildlife barriers and destruction of food sources for native species created by the overpopulation of feral hogs; 4) enhanced protection with compliance-based prohibitions via a bank-based conservation easement; and 5) hydrologic and forestry stewardship actions which promote recruitment of desirable plants and habitat conditions for native species. These actions maintain and improve habitats for potential Listed species, in particular, the wetland-dependent species; x Archaeological protection will occur by: identification, protection and preservation of any noted archaeological resources via DHR protocols; and x Implementation of a monitoring program to ensure mitigation success criteria are met.
Because of the types of mitigation activities involved, it is anticipated that the ARMB will require some long- term management after the natural systems are improved and become self-perpetuating. GRC will ensure that all necessary management activities will be completed and continued in perpetuity, as applicable. Proposed mitigation categories are shown on Figures 5, and 8b-8c.
3.2 VEGETATIVE ENHANCEMENT: FORESTRY STEWARDSHIP ACTIONS The historic removal of ARMB native communities and subsequent dense regrowth by less desirable species, in combination with fire suppression, feral hog destruction, and lack of water and reduction of hydroperiods, have stressed and distressed ARMB’s uplands and wetlands. Vegetative improvement actions and appropriate wildlife management actions will enhance and produce optimal diversity of habitats and species. It is anticipated that completion of prescribed burns, mechanical and vegetative reduction/thinning of overgrown canopy trees, shrub and groundcover, and treatment of noted exotic plants, in conjunction with restoring hydrologic balance, will vegetatively enhance Mitigation Categories W3, U1-U4, as well as benefit W1 & W2. An associated benefit to wetland dependent species which utilize the upland and wetland communities is anticipated.
A Forestry Stewardship Plan (FSP) has been developed for the ARMB. The actions to accomplish vegetative enhancement are more fully described in the Forestry Stewardship Plan (Appendix II). Success criteria for these actions are described herein in Sections 6.0-6.3.
In brief, vegetative enhancement actions to achieve targeted success are: x Selective thinning (including cabbage palms) and reduction of canopy trees and overgrown shrub layers. These actions will be completed by thinning and mechanical reduction techniques applied to overgrown uplands and hydric flatwoods; x Initiating and completing prescribed burns, as appropriate for the targeted habitat type, to reduce the densely overgrown vegetative composition and allow recruitment by desirable native species; x Executing both a mitigation bank-restrictive conservation easement and installation of security measures to ensure viable protection over enhanced habitats; and x Initiating and sustaining treatment to control exotic species and their invasive potential.
3.3 HYDROLOGIC ENHANCEMENT ACTIONS Alterations to the historic drainage patterns on the ARMB by construction and excavation, as well as the lack of water and reduction in hydroperiods have stressed and distressed ARMB’s wetlands. Water level data was obtained from SWFWMD monitoring stations within the Alafia River in the vicinity of the ARMB. This data was reviewed and supports that River water levels have been sufficient to carry water into ARMB wetlands. Topographic and hydrologic information was obtained by review of historic aerial photographs, USGS Quadrangle Maps, SWFWMD LIDAR data, USDA-NRCS Hillsborough County Soil Survey, and by numerous field investigations. Engineering modeling and engineering construction plans were prepared for the hydrologic improvements to ensure their viability in enhancing onsite wetlands. Site investigations were conducted after rainfall events, and information has been gathered through direct observations of the general drainage patterns onsite. From this information, the areas which will be enhanced by the proposed hydrological improvements will be Mitigation Categories W1-W3 (Table 4, Figures 5 & 8b). It is anticipated
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 21 that ARMB wetlands will receive hydrologic enhancement by the combination of improvements described below. Success from these actions are described in Sections 6.0-6.3 herein.
The completion of a combination of hydrologic improvement activities, together with implementation of forestry stewardship actions, will enhance on-site water management capabilities. There are pockets within the floodplain which currently exhibit conditions transitioning from hydric to mesic. The hydrologic improvement actions described below should reverse this trend and enhance wetland functions, water levels and hydroperiods. The combination of hydrologic improvements not only would reasonably enhance ARMB wetlands but also contribute to the health and prosperity of the Alafia River Basin, the Alafia River and its tributaries, and ARMB uplands for wetland dependent species. All hydrologic improvements on the ARMB will be completed above agency-designated sovereignty lands elevation. Locations, dimensions and construction details are shown on attached figures and engineering construction plans.
Field investigations have shown that there are historic sloughs and river beds connected to the Alafia River which may bring water onto the ARMB or had the potential to bring water onsite. While several of these carry water at flood water levels, others are set at lower elevations and an interchange of water is feasible at low river water depths. Field investigations have shown that there is an old river bed (ORB) which is a historic hydrologic connection to the Alafia River. The ORB would be restored by recontouring its configuration, graded and contoured so that water from the River may enter, be dispersed across ARMB wetlands and rehydrate ARMB wetlands. By the excavation and recontouring of this historic river bed additional river water will be diverted to most of the mitigation bank area’s wetlands. It is anticipated that hydrologic enhancement efforts of the historic river bed system (Old River Bed Hydrologic Enhancement (ORBHE)) will benefit and rehydrate Mitigation Categories W1-W3. Mitigation Categories W1-W2 floodplain wetlands and W3 Hydric Pine Flatwoods benefit by these actions. These actions improve and restore a historical connection on the upstream side of the ARMB. The engineering analysis (see engineering component and construction plans) indicates that the restoration of the old river bed will allow a discharge of more than 900 acre-feet of water over ARMB wetland acres during a 2 year to 2.33 year storm event instead of the existing 146-154 acre-feet. This is a considerable increase of water to sheetflow over ARMB’s stressed wetlands. For a scale of magnitude, this is an average of 5.4 inches over the ARMB wetlands. The old river bed will be excavated using equipment suitable for its excavation and completed such that it minimizes damage to desirable canopy trees in the areas adjacent to the footprint of the targeted river bed. The recontoured river bed will be stabilized to prevent downstream erosion and sedimentation. The excavation activities will be completed in accordance with as-built permitted criteria, according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings. Excavation would be conducted such that it prevents future erosion and sediment transport into the River and adjacent wetland areas. This effort would allow a passage of water currently unavailable for dispersal except at extreme flood stages and, therefore, contribute to the rehydration of stressed wetlands.
Field investigations have shown that there are several roads which obstruct the natural flow of water between wetlands or act as water conveyances directing water away from the bisected wetlands. It is anticipated that by the installation of 5 low water crossings (LWC) in road areas constructed between wetland systems, Mitigation Categories W1-W3 will be enhanced. This action will allow: 1) a return of natural sheet flow between severed or altered wetlands; 2) remove obstructed water passage; 3) restore hydrologic balance to these wetlands; and 4) eliminate road washouts (Figure 8b). This restores historic sheet flow that will provide enhancement to “downstream” and “upstream” wetlands. These improvements will not have any adverse impacts on adjacent properties. The low water crossings will be constructed within road footprints to match wetland grade on either side of the road(s) while also allowing continued vehicular access across the low water crossings. They will be constructed of stone to provide vehicle support and stability when submerged during the wet season. They will be stabilized to prevent erosion and sedimentation. The low water crossings will be constructed in accordance with as-built permitted criteria, according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings. Low water crossings will act as broad-crested weirs capable of passing base and peak flows. There are 3 pre-existing culverts within existing road segments installed to match wetland grade on either side of the road(s) while also allowing continued vehicular access across the culverted
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 22 crossing(s). One will be replaced by a low water crossing while the other two will be maintained, and, when appropriate, repaired or replaced. Any new culverts will be set at elevations that will maintain adequate hydrology in the dry season. Roadway stabilization at these locations will also prevent future erosion and sediment transport into adjacent wetland areas.
Field investigations have shown that there are several ditches connected to the Alafia River which direct water away from the ARMB. Several of these were excavated alongside onsite access roads, while others were excavated from within the floodplain wetlands to drain water from the ARMB out to the Alafia River. These ditches have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and hydrology onsite. These ditches may redirect a volume of water into the Alafia River, increasing the potential to carry artificial water volumes into Tampa Bay’s estuarine system. Hydrologic improvements are anticipated by the installation of 3 ditch plugs (DP) within designated onsite ditches to remove drainage effects, which will in turn assist with water storage capabilities. They will be constructed according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings. They will be stabilized to prevent erosion and sedimentation. It is anticipated that installation of low water crossings and ditch plugs will hydrologically enhance Mitigation Categories W1-W3.
Field investigations have shown that there are also historic riverine oxbows and sloughs which deflect water from the River onto the ARMB or have the potential to bring water onsite. Two riverine oxbows (OX) carry river water through the ARMB site before reentering the main channel of the Alafia River. Since the River delivers freshwater to ARMB wetlands through these old river oxbows and its extensive network of sloughs, obstructions and accumulated debris alter this. Accumulated man-made garbage and debris obstruct water flow in the oxbows. Selective removal of man-made obstructions and debris, as feasible, from oxbows and connective sloughs will enhance onsite water capacities and helps promote naturalized water flow within the River for downstream benefit. It is anticipated that selective removal of accumulated debris and materials within riverine oxbows will contribute to hydrologically enhancing Mitigation Categories W1-W3.
The property and the River contain karst characterisitics. There are sinkholes located within the floodplain wetlands which are bounded by steeply sloped embankments and connective sloughs which terminate at the River. These sinkholes may have originated as springs, but are now partially filled by mucky sediment and no discernable flow was noticed within them. Removal of the mucky sediment would be beneficial for these rare formations but prohibitive costs prevent this effort. The sinkholes will receive the benefit of enhanced wetland functions, water levels and hydroperiods on the ARMB, and benefit from wildlife management actions described herein.
3.4 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Native communities were altered. Because these communities are densely overgrown and are fire suppressed, native wildlife are affected. An overpopulation of feral hogs is present. Because invasive feral hogs destroy native vegetation used as food and shelter for native species, native wildlife are affected. Because appropriate habitat protection measures are absent to control trespassing and unauthorized horseback riding and hunting by nearby residents, native wildlife are affected. The combination of alterations, especially the destructive presence by feral hogs, has created barriers for optimal wildlife utilization. Specific wildlife management actions would improve the potential for, and opportunity for, native species to better use the ARMB and thrive. The ARMB will be managed for the benefit of wildlife, and management will focus on reducing wildlife barriers, increasing the availability of food, water and shelter. Vegetative and hydrologic enhancement actions benefit wildlife by improving the availability of food, water and desirable shelter.
In addition, reducing feral hog numbers will remove wildlife barriers created by the presence of an overpoulation of feral hogs and their destruction of food sources for native species. Feral hog control is a component of wildlife management that benefits landscape criteria for wildlife. Since feral hog presence is extensive, the hogs are causing extensive damage to soils and to habitats by tearing, disturbing and destroying shrub and groundcover layers. Left unmanaged, the feral hogs on the ARMB will continue to destroy native plants and disrupt native species utilization. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize ARMB’s uplands and wetlands, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 23 species.Though hunting of feral hogs is currently authorized, to date control efforts have not been initiated. GRC-sanctioned hunting and/or trapping is authorized and will be applied to control feral hogs. Hunting and/or trapping measures should improve habitat conditions for nonListed and Listed species utilization. It is anticipated that at least 10-15 hogs will be harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and annually thereafter. The estimated range of harvests will be based on the hog population numbers to be estimated prior to initiating hunting and/or trapping efforts. Success from these actions are described in Section 6.0 herein.
To promote wildlife utilization on the ARMB and further protect ARMB resources, security measures will be adopted. To date, there are no viable measures implemented to achieve this. The majority of the trespassing to illegally hunt and ride horses on the ARMB occurs by crossing through the TECO easement. By installing a perimeter 3-strand, barbed wire fence with locked gates along the TECO easement and similar locking devices on other access points, trespassing, unauthorized horseback riding, and illegal hunting activities will be controlled. Four (4) locked gates will be erected on this perimeter fence to control access onto the ARMB. Access to the ARMB will be authorized by GRC for its sanctioned uses and for the management of the ARMB. Because no public access has been identified for the foreseeable future, the gates along the perimeter fences will remain locked against general public access. (Note: until Hillsborough County develops and permits a plan approved in writing by the GRC for controlled access, and constructs the infrastructure for a future public access trail into ARMB’s eastern boundary fence at a cost to the County, public access is not authorized. Also, these 2 future public access trails and their use will be restricted to two locations as depicted on Figure 13). To prevent fragmentation of the wildlife corridor and to ensure that species may move freely within the corridor, no fence will be constructed on the River or interior floodplain wetland boundaries. The existing fence erected along Lithia-Pinecrest Road with 3 locked gates will be maintained to prevent and control access onto the ARMB. Two additional gates will be erected along access points at the County/ARMB boundary (Figure 12). Posts with signage will be erected at the intersections of River Road with Council and Scout Roads to promote compliance with ARMB criteria and targeted conditions. Appropriate “no trespassing” and “ARMB conservation area” signage will be installed along the length of the ARMB which identifies the ARMB’s conservation classification and prohibitions for trespassing, poaching and unauthorized hunting.
In addition to fencing for the ARMB, after permit issuance, GRC will install a computer interfaced surveillance system at a strategic point along the installed ARMB perimeter fence. Surveillance data will be collected for an initial one year period after permit issuance to not only document any attempted, future unauthorized entries but to discourage unauthorized entries. Installed gates and surveillance data will be monitored at least once per month during this period for signs of trespassing or unauthorized uses. Damaged locked gates will be repaired monthly as needed. If surveillance documents unauthorized entries onto the ARMB, the GRC, at its discretion, shall have the opportunity to take legal actions against those trespassing.
Within one year after permit issuance, but specifically on a volunteer basis and not directly applied to ARMB security, mitigation bank credits, or perpetual management, GRC will also install an onsite manager for its passive recreational and NonBank operations. It is cost prohibitive for the GRC to employ an onsite manager for the ARMB. However it is anticipated that the presence of the onsite manager in proximity to the ARMB will indirectly benefit the ARMB and discourage unauthorized activities such as trespassing. GRC and/or its designated entity (which may include the onsite manager) would be responsible for designated, controlled access through the fence gates.
The above measures are wildlife management tools which the GRC will apply to remove access barriers and promote wildlife utilization. Once established, the ARMB should be capable of supporting a variety of wildlife species. Although a greater number and diversity of animal species are expected to occur as a result of implementation of the ARMB, their presence is not proposed to be a success criterion for the release of credits, and will not be verified through monitoring. Instead, success will be documented through completion of preventative actions and hog harvest data.
3.5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROTECTION ACTIONS The State Division of Historical Resources (DHR) was contacted for their review and comment prior to
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 24 permit application submittals. By review of DHR’s Master File, two sites on GRC land were noted (Appendix IV). One is located on GRC land by the River where the historic railroad bed was constructed and is currently under the maintained TECO easement. The other is a floodplain wetland area located near the southern boundary of the ARMB in proximity to Lithia-Pinecrest Road. Protection of potential cultural resources on the ARMB is a priority. Preliminary field investigations were conducted during 2013-2014 to identify the presence of archaeological materials in these two areas, as well as other areas along the River. No archaeological materials have been noted to date. A program to facilitate the protection of archaeological resources will be initiated via this method: if archaeological resources are found within the ARMB, provisions will be made in the mitigation plan to ensure that the ARMB site receives protection according to the DHR recommendations. Because this is a proposed mitigation bank with almost no earthwork, archaeological protection, if materials are found on the ARMB, would be relatively straightforward.
3.6 PRESERVATION: PROTECTION OF ENHANCED HABITATS ACTIONS ARMB communities and the wildlife that have the potential to use the ARMB communities will benefit by the installation of significant security measures and adoption of a more restrictive conservation easement with ARMB establishment. Security measures to protect ARMB’s enhanced natural communities, and the wildlife which have the potential to use the ARMB, are described in Section 3.4 above, and shown on Figure 12. As indicated above in Section 3.4, increased preservation and prevention measures to protect enhanced habitats for native wildlife utilization and to control trespassing, illegal hunting and unauthorized horseback riding on the ARMB will be adopted. Existing roads and nature trails, future public access trails (as applicable), and any future firebreaks will be clearly marked (Figures 11-13). Installed gates and surveillance data will be monitored at least once per month for signs of trespassing or unauthorized uses. Any damage to the locked gates will be repaired monthly as needed. For increased security and protection measures, existing unauthorized signage and structures encouraging access onto ARMB land will be removed. Access will be restricted and dedicated uses will be authorized only by GRC. These efforts would compliment wildlife management efforts. Success from these actions are described in Section 6.0 herein.
There is an existing conservation easement on the ARMB, placed through a transaction occurrence more than 10 years ago. A more (not less) restrictive, SWFWMD-approved, ARMB conservation easement will replace, by amendment, the conservation easement recorded by Hillsborough County. Increased protection by establishment of the ARMB and its more restrictive conservation easement criteria is viable as indicated in Sections 3.4 and 3.6 above and as outlined in Table 8, Section 11, below.
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 25
4.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION CREDITS
4.1 CREDIT RELEASE METHOD The Alafia River Mitigation Bank will be established in one phase. Acreages and credits available for each mitigation category within the ARMB are shown on the attached Figures and Tables 4-6 below. The initial credit release will be issued upon recording the ARMB approved, designated Conservation Easement. Additional credit releases are tied to meeting success criteria identified in Section 6.0 herein.
As credits are released to the ARMB, Gulf Ridge Council will be permitted to withdraw and sell ARMB credits to offset wetland impacts from private and public sector clients to compensate for wetland impacts on projects within the approved geographic service area of the ARMB. The credits necessary to offset specific wetland impacts will be based upon the type and quality of wetlands being impacted by the project(s) and is subject to agency approval. A running total of credits and debits will be maintained by Gulf Ridge Council and reported to the agencies following every monitoring event. Each permit application that proposes to use the ARMB will contain an up-to-date account of the credits available, credits used, and the number of credits proposed to offset the project impacts. Simultaneous with issuance of the permit authorizing wetland impacts and the use of the ARMB for mitigation credits, SWFWMD will verify all changes to the credit balance and process the modification to the ARMB permit.
4.2 MITIGATION CATEGORIES AND CREDITS The ARMB is currently comprised of approximately 318 wetland and 148 upland credit-acres from 151 upland acres (Figure 5). Wetlands and uplands will be enhanced by actions described above. The targeted communities and overall enhancement actions to achieve the targeted conditions are described under the mitigation category classifications presented below.
There are several different mitigation categories and these, with the proposed acres and credits, are shown in Tables 4-6 below. The credits are derived according to the criteria listed in Tables 4-6. The Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) was used to calculate the Relative Functional Gain (RFG) or number of credits for each mitigation category (Parts I & II, Appendix II). The amount of credits available for the ARMB will be the product of a multiplier based on the calculated credits, the acreage of each mitigation category type, and the tasks completed or success criteria met. It is anticipated that neither the GRC NonBank Area parcel nor the GRC NonBank TECO utility easement under GRC ownership will receive mitigation credits.
For reference: Table 4 below provides a summary of proposed mitigation activities per habitat and mitigation category. Table 5 below provides a summary of the proposed mitigation categories, acres and UMAM credits. Table 6 below provides the % and number of credits to be released by completion of tasks or success criteria. Section 2.1 (with Sections 2.2--2.8) above identifies the pre-bank, existing conditions on the ARMB. Sections 3.1--3.6 above describes hydrologic, vegetative, wildlife and protection actions proposed to achieve targeted success on the ARMB. Section 4.3 describes the specific, targeted post-bank conditions for each mitigation category on the ARMB. Sections 6.0--6.3 below provide a summarized description of pre-bank vs targeted bank conditions, actions and success criteria associated with those enhancement actions. Section 6.3, Tables A-E provide success criteria that enables credits identified in Tables 4-6 to be released. Plant Lists A-E provide a listing of desirable species for success criteria.
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 26
Table 4. Summary of Targeted Mitigation Categories, Acres and UMAM Credits* Mitigation Category ID Credit Acres ∆ Delta UMAM Credits W1 – Floodplain Wetlands Enhancement 305.89 0.075 22.94 W2 – NonForested Floodplain Wetlands Enhancement 0.92 0.07 0.06 W3 – Hydric Pine Flatwoods Enhancement 11.17 0.08 0.84 Wetland Subtotal 317.98 23.84 U1 – Oak Hammock Enhancement 30.32 0.08 2.43 U2 – Mesic Hammock Enhancement 89. 0.08 7.1 U3 – Pine Flatwoods Enhancement 23.33 0.08 1.87 U4 – Upland Scrub Enhancement 4.83 0.04 0.19 Upland Subtotal 14. 11.64 Total ARMB Credit Acres 46. 35. *There are additional acres in the ARMB which receive no credits and are not identified in this credit table
Table 4a. Summary of Targeted Mitigation Categories, Acres and UMAM Credits* Potential Hydrologic Enhancement Actions Temporary Wetland Impact Area Approximate Dimensions Approximate Acres ORBHE See construction plans ≤1.27 acres 3 Ditch Plugs 10’ x 10’ = 100 sq’ x 3 ≤ 0.006 acres 5 Low Water Crossings (Within Existing Roads) Variable lf x width x 5 ≤0.065 acres *With the hydrologic improvements there is the potential for temporary impacts during the enhancement procedure. These are potential impacts within existing ditches, roads and an old river bed. The engineering construction plans show cross and plan view segments for each. Debris removal within the river oxbows areas would not include dredging or filling activities.
4.3 SPECIFIC TARGETED MITIGATION CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS Mitigation Category W1 &W2–Floodplain Wetlands (Forested (615) & NonForested (641)) Enhancement These habitats will be enhanced to become enhanced floodplain wetlands with the mosaic of forested hammocks interspersed with deeper swamp components, sloughs, cypress islands, sinkholes, and depressional ponds and pockets. W1 is the forested floodplain wetlands. W2 is the nonforested component embedded within the floodplain wetlands. Winder fine sand soils typically would show water elevations within 10-12 inches of the surface for 2-6 months of the year. The presence of saturated soils or standing water during the year is characteristic of swamps. Field investigations have shown that the pre-bank soil conditions are predominately dry, disturbed, unsaturated and nonflooded. Hydrologic alterations, combined with lack of habitat management actions are evident by species composition which supports drier species. Because of these conditions, enhancement actions to benefit and improve this community are proposed. This habitat area will be hydrologically enhanced by several improvement efforts, and increased water elevations in ARMB wetlands for a longer duration should produce a correlated increase in aquatic species and/or there may be a shift from faculative toward more faculative-wet and/or obligate vegetation. Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II (Appendix II). Additional descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,”and the FSP, success criteria from these actions are provided in Section 6.0, and the communities shown on Mitigation Plan Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans.
As described in Section 3.2, by the excavation and recontouring of a historic, old river bed this action will divert additional river water to ARMB wetlands with dispersal across the wetlands to rehydrate them, and improve and restore a historical connection on the upstream side of the ARMB. By the recontoured excavation of the ORBHE, the volume of water entering and the capability for water storage on the ARMB is expected to increase. The engineering analysis (see engineering component and construction plans) indicates that the restoration of the old river bed will allow a discharge of more than 900 acre-feet of water over all ARMB wetland acres during a 2 year to 2.33 year storm event instead of the existing 146-154 acre-feet. This is a considerable increase of water to sheetflow over the ARMB’s stressed wetlands. For a scale of magnitude. this is an average of 5.4 inches over the ARMB wetlands. By the installation of 5 low water crossings within roads bisecting wetlands and installation of 3 ditch plugs in onsite ditches which drain the floodplain wetlands, it is anticipated that these actions will result in a more naturalized sheetflow and reduce “flashy” inundation periods. By the selective removal efforts of debris and garbage within noncredit, riverine oxbows of the
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 27 ARMB, these wetlands, as well as the Alafia River will benefit by an unobstructed water flow. By completion of hydrologic improvements this mitigation category area should either show: 1) an increase in water elevations based on an annual average from data collected from recording data loggers/piezometers. Collected water level data should indicate a longer duration of saturation, that stages and hydroperiod are appropriate; or 2) a reduction in the presence of upland groundcover species from data collected by vegetative monitoring event(s). Data should indicate a beneficial shift in vegetation from FAC and FACW species to species more typical for these wetlands, such as those described in Table E and Plant List E.
Selective thinning of cabbage palms is proposed within the W1 floodplain. Selective thinning of cabbage palms should benefit species composition by opening up the floodplain canopy to allow herbaceous growth. Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to displace native communities. Though currently minimal, exotic species are present in these wetlands. Lygodium was noted, especially within the hydric hammock and cypress areas of the floodplain. Caeser weed is widespread, covering at least 10% of the groundcover layer within the floodplain. Pre-bank infestation levels will be documented during the Baseline monitoring event. It is anticipated that the floodplain community will be vegetatively enhanced by the treatment and control of noted species. These actions would continue to reduce and/or maintain an infestation level to ≤ 1% for exotics and ≤ 5% for nuisance species.
Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these floodplain wetlands and disrupt species utilization within. Feral hogs have degraded ARMB communities since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native vegetation. “Mud pits” devoid of vegetation have been noted during field investigations within the floodplain. It is believed that there is in excess of several hundred feral hogs on the ARMB since each female has the potential to give birth to two litters each year with at least 3-7 in each litter. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the floodplain wetlands, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species. This affects utilization by species which could use these wetlands. Hog hunting and/or trapping efforts each year on the ARMB would enhance not only the community structure of this mitigation category but also reduce barriers for native wildlife, including those Listed. Hog hunting and/or trapping efforts would also promote the availability of food sources (such as oak mast) for native wildlife. Also, since unauthorized public access and hunting has been uncontrolled, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats, the installation of onsite security measures will reverse this. Though not tied to a credit release, by the above actions, species composition should become more typical of the floodplain wetlands mitigation category. These species may include, but are not limited to: great blue heron, water moccasin, American alligator, opossum, various frogs, raccoon, river otter, bobcat, white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, barred owl, swallow-tailed kite, red-shouldered hawk, osprey, wild turkey, woodpeckers, various songbirds, turtles, wood stork, southern bald eagle, eastern indigo snake, limpkin, short-tailed hawk, and yellow-crowned night-heron.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for this targeted community. Subsequent water level data collection and annual short-term monitoring events will be used to provide measurable documentation for the successful enhancement of the mitigation category. As shown in Table E, by these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage(s) to document how this area is trending towards success, and final success criteria with a final credit release associated with success.
Mitigation Category W3–Hydric Pine Flatwoods Enhancement (625) This community will be enhanced to become an enhanced hydric pine flatwoods, dominated by longleaf and/or slash pines. The community lies between the floodplain wetlands and upland pine flatwoods communities. Hydric pine flatwoods are pine canopies with a sparse or absent shrub layer and a dense groundcover of grasses, herbs, and low shrubs. However, the density of these layers varies dependent on its soils and its fire history. For soils supporting these hydric flatwoods, the seasonal high water table typically lies within a depth of 15 inches below ground surface for 2-6 months. The presence of saturated soils or standing water during the year is characteristic of hydric pine flatwoods. As stated under existing conditions,
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 28 impacts such as man-made features and lack of management have degraded these wetlands. Access roads have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and hydrology. Because of these conditions, enhancement actions to benefit and improve this community are proposed. This habitat area will be hydrologically enhanced by several improvement efforts, and increased water elevations in ARMB wetlands for a longer duration should produce a correlated increase in aquatic species and/or there may be a shift from faculative toward more faculative-wet and/or obligate vegetation. In addition, shrub reduction and introduction of scheduled prescribed burns in these wetlands, are expected to enhance these hydric flatwoods. Future annual monitoring efforts should provide evidence of plant species more indicative of hydric pine flatwoods than noted prior to mitigation bank establishment. The reduction of the overgrown shrub layer will be aimed to achieve desirable species as described in Table B and Plant List B. Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. Additional descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,”and the FSP, success criteria from these actions are provided in Section 6.0, and the communities shown on Mitigation Plan Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans.
By the excavation and recontouring of a historic, old river bed this will divert additional river water to most of the mitigation bank area’s wetlands by improving and restoring a historical connection on the upstream side of the ARMB. The W3 wetlands will be hydrologically enhanced by this effort, with dispersal across the wetlands to rehydrate them. The engineering analysis (see engineering component and construction plans) indicates that the restoration of the old river bed will allow a discharge of more than 900 acre-feet of water over all 318 ARMB wetland acres during a 2 year to 2.33 year storm event instead of the existing 146-154 acre feet. This is a considerable increase of water to sheet flow over the ARMB’s stressed wetlands. For a scale of magnitude. this is an average of 5.4 inches over the ARMB wetlands. By the recontoured excavation of the ORBHE, the volume of water entering and the capability for water storage on the ARMB is expected to increase. Flow rates, especially following rainfall events, should be greater, so that flushing will be improved. By the installation of low water crossings within roads bisecting wetlands and installation of ditch plugs in onsite ditches which drain these wetlands, it is anticipated that these actions will result in a more naturalized sheetflow between bisected wetlands, improved hydrologic function such that water passage is between wetlands and not flowing down roads or ditches, and reduced “flashy” inundation periods. By completion of hydrologic improvements this habitat should show either: 1) an increase in water elevations based on an annual average from data collected from recording piezometers. Collected water level piezometer data should indicate a longer duration of saturation, that stages and hydroperiod are appropriate; or 2) a reduction in the presence of upland groundcover species from data collected by vegetative monitoring event(s). Data should indicate a beneficial shift in vegetation from FAC/FACW species to FACW/OBL species, such as those described in Table B and Plant List B.
Because this community is overgrown, lacking optimal species, and is fire-suppressed, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community. This community will be enhanced by reducing the dense shrub coverage, by selective thinning of hardwood canopy trees, including laurel oaks, and by the introduction of scheduled prescribed burns. Mechanical reduction of the shrub layers will enhance this community and will be used as a tool to achieve optimal diversity and benefits to wildlife while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires. In addition, cabbage palms may be selectively removed to open up the canopy for recruitment of groundcover species. The introduction of a prescribed burn is in conjunction with shrub layer reduction and will be completed after thinning and mechanical efforts have been completed. By these actions, it is anticipated that not only recruitment of desirable pine flatwoods species will result but also a structure that is typical of hydric flatwoods. By these actions, the native community structure will be enhanced. Regeneration of native species will provide optimal habitat for wetland dependent species, both listed and nonlisted. Future annual monitoring efforts should provide evidence of plant species more indicative of hydric pine flatwoods than noted prior to mitigation bank establishment. By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) selective thinning in the hydric pine flatwoods reduced the overall laurel oak species and cabbage palms to a coverage not exceeding 5%, thus opening the relatively closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire- suppressed and 60% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage while also
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 29 reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List B; 4) species composition is typical of the targeted mitigation category as shown in Table B. Hydric pine flatwoods are slash and/or longleaf pine canopies with a sparse or absent shrub layer and a dense groundcover of grasses, herbs, and low shrubs.
Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to cover native communities. Though currently approximately ≤ 1% coverage, exotic species, such as Lygodium, were noted. Caeser weed is widespread, covering at least 10% of the groundcover layer within. It is anticipated that the this flatwoods community will be enhanced by annually treating noted exotic species, thus further reducing and/or maintaining an infestation level to ≤ 1% for exotics and ≤ 5% for nuisance species. Pre-bank infestation levels will be documented during the Baseline monitoring event.
Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these wetlands and disrupt species utilization within. As previously described, feral hogs have degraded the ARMB communities. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the hydric pine flatwoods, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species. This affects utilization by species which could use these wetlands—species such as white-tailed deer, rabbit, black racer snake, gray fox, and fox squirrel. Wildlife management is a tool used to enhance this natural community. Hog hunting and/or trapping efforts would enhance not only the community structure of this habitat but also promote use by and reduce barriers for wildlife use. By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions within the ARMB should show by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance and yearly thereafter. By the above actions, though not a direct measure for success and credits, increased wildlife utilization is anticipated. Since unauthorized public access and hunting has been uncontrolled, with adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats, security measures described in Section 3.4 above will be applied. Though not directly tied to a credit release, by the above actions, species composition should become more typical of the targeted hydric pine flatwoods mitigation category. These species may include, but are not limited to: white-tailed deer, wild turkey, armadillo, gray squirrel, a variety of birds including the swallow-tailed kite, Sherman’s fox squirrel, southeastern Am. kestrel, southern bald eagle, and eastern indigo snake.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. By these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
Mitigation Category U1 – Oak Hammock Enhancement (427) This habitat will be enhanced to become and enhanced oak hammock. This community will remain dominated by a live oak canopy. Oak hammocks contain a more or less closed canopy dominated by desirable species that include live oaks. Oak hammocks are also comprised of a moderately vegetated shrub layer and a variably sparse to moderately vegetated groundcover of grasses, herbs, and low shrubs. A typical shrub layer is usually open with saw palmetto, rusty and shiny lyonia, sparkleberry, black cherry, American beautyberry, common persimmon, Hercules’ club, and yaupon. The groundcover layer is generally very sparse or absent, but may contain some scattered wiregrass, witchgrass or forbs. Grape and greenbriar vines are common. Because this community is overgrown and fire-suppressed, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community. By selectively thinning oaks in the canopy, by reducing the >80% coverage of overgrown shrub layers, and subsequent introduction of a prescribed burn, it is anticipated that recruitment of desirable species and a community structure associated with oak hammocks will result. The introduction of the prescribed burn(s) will be completed after thinning and mechanical efforts have been completed to prevent catastrophic damage to live oaks. By these actions, the native community structure will be enhanced. Regeneration of native species will provide optimal habitat for wetland dependent species, both listed and nonlisted. Future annual monitoring efforts should provide evidence of shrub and groundcover
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 30 plant species more indicative of hammocks as described in Table C and Plant List C. By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) selective thinning in the oak hammocks reduced laurel oaks to a coverage not exceeding 5%, thus opening the relatively closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and ≥80% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List C; and 4) species composition is typical of the targeted mitigation category as shown in Table C.
Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. Additional descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,”and the FSP, success criteria from these actions are provided in Section 6.0, and the communities shown on Mitigation Plan Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans.
Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to cover native communities. Caeser weed is present with a coverage of at least 5%. Though currently no greater than 2%, exotic plant species, such as skunkvine, potato vine and cogan grass, are present. It is anticipated that this hammock community will be enhanced by annually treating noted exotic species in conjunction with other forestry stewardship actions, thus further reducing and maintaining an infestation level to ≤ 1% for exotics and ≤ 5% for nuisance species. Pre-bank infestation levels will be documented during the Baseline monitoring event.
Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these uplands and disrupt species utilization within. As previously described, feral hogs have degraded the ARMB communities. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize these hammocks, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species—species which may include the gopher frog, gopher tortoise, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and Florida pine snake. This affects utilization by species which could use these uplands. Wildlife management is a tool used to enhance this natural community. Hog hunting and/or trapping efforts would enhance not only the community structure of this habitat but also promote the availability of food sources (such as oak mast) for native species and increased native wildlife presence. By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions within the ARMB should show by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance and yearly thereafter. By the above actions, wildlife access to and from this community will no longer be restricted by barriers which include feral hog presence and densely overgrown barriers. Since unauthorized public access and hunting has been uncontrolled, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats, increased security measures will reverse this. Though not tied to a credit release, by the above actions, species composition should become more typical of oak hammocks. These species may include, but are not limited to: white-tailed deer, bobcat, opossum, gray squirrel, eastern indigo snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, barred owl, wild turkey, gopher tortoise, gopher frog, black racer, box turtle, coral snake, oak toad, Florida pine snake, armadillo, woodpeckers, and a variety of songbirds.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. As described in Table C, by these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release for final success criteria attained.
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Mitigation Category U2 –Mesic Hammock Enhancement (434) This habitat will be enhanced to become an enhanced mesic hammock. Mesic hammocks are classified as a well-developed evergreen hardwood and/or palm forest dominated by a variety of oak species but not dominated by live oak. A variety of oaks, southern magnolia, cabbage palm, pignut hickory, and American beautyberry are trees characteristic of this community. Because this community is overgrown with species not optimal for this community and is fire-suppressed, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community. By reducing canopy species such as laurel oak and pine, by reducing the >80% dense shrub coverage, and by introduction of scheduled prescribed burns, it is anticipated that not only recruitment of desirable hammock species will result but also a structure that is typical of mesic hammocks. Cabbage palms, if and where present, will be selectively removed and laurel oaks will be selectively thinned. The introduction of a prescribed burn will be completed after vegetative reduction and mechanical efforts have been completed to prevent catastrophic damage to hardwoods. Hunting and/or trapping feral hogs will benefit native plant composition since much of this community has been degraded by hogs rooting and leaving large patches of soil devoid of vegetation. By these actions, the native community structure will be restored. Recruitment of native species will provide optimal habitat for wetland dependent species, both listed and nonlisted. The reduction of the shrub layer will be aimed to achieve a shrub layer coverage that is supported by desirable target species as described in Table C and Plant List C. By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should be enhanced whereby: 1) selective thinning reduced laurel oaks to a coverage not exceeding 25%, thus opening the relatively closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and 80% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; and 3) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List C.
Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. Additional descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,”and the FSP, success criteria from these actions are provided in Section 6.0, and the communities shown on Mitigation Plan Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans.
Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to cover native communities. Though currently approximately ≤ 2% coverage, exotic species such as cogan grass were noted. Caeser weed was noted within this community, covering approximately 5% of the groundcover layer within. It is anticipated that this hammock community will be enhanced by annually treating noted exotic species in conjunction with other forestry stewardship actions, thus further reducing and maintaining an infestation level to ≤ 1% for exotics and ≤ 5% for nuisance species. Existing infestation levels will be documented during the Baseline monitoring event.
Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these uplands and disrupt species utilization within. As previously described, feral hogs have degraded the ARMB communities. In the pre-bank condition, much of the ground is uprooted, barren and disturbed from feral hog activity. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize these hammocks, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species. This affects utilization by species which could use these uplands. Wildlife management is a tool used to enhance this natural community. Hog hunting and/or trapping efforts would enhance not only the community structure of this habitat but also promote the availability of food sources for native species and increased native wildlife presence. By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions within the ARMB should show by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and thereafter annually. By the above actions, wildlife access to and from this community will no longer be restricted by barriers which include feral hog presence, trespassing, and overgrown barriers. Vegetative and wildlife actions should produce increased wildlife utilization, including utilization by Listed species indicated above. Since trespassing, unauthorized horseback riding and illegal hunting occurs, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats, increased security measures will be applied as described above in Section 3.4 and 3.6.
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Though not tied to a credit release, by the above actions, species composition should become more typical of the targeted mesic hammock mitigation category. These species may include, but are not limited to: white- tailed deer, bobcat, wild turkey, gray squirrel, gopher tortoise and its commensals, armadillo, a variety of songbirds, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and eastern indigo snake.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. As described in Table C, by these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
Mitigation Category U3 – Pine Flatwoods Enhancement (411) This community will be enhanced to become an enhanced pine flatwoods. Pine flatwoods are characterized as open canopy forests of variably spaced pine trees. Pine flatwoods are longleaf pine canopies (with slash and sand pine), with a sparse or moderately open shrub layer and a denser groundcover of grasses, herbs, and low shrubs. However, the density of these layers varies dependent on its soils and its fire history. These pine flatwoods are fire-dependent, overgrown and fire-suppressed. Because this community is overgrown with species not optimal for this community and is fire-suppressed, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community. This community will become an enhanced pine flatwoods, dominated by longleaf pines with an inclusion of slash and sand pines. By reducing the >60% dense shrub coverage, and introduction of scheduled prescribed burns, it is anticipated that not only recruitment of desirable pine flatwoods species will result but also a structure that is typical of flatwoods. The introduction of a prescribed burn program is in conjunction with shrub layer reduction and will be completed after thinning and mechanical efforts have been completed to prevent catastrophic damage to the pine trees. Cabbage palms will be selectively removed and laurel oaks selectively thinned. By these actions, the native community structure will be restored. Regeneration of native species will provide optimal habitat for wetland dependent species, both listed and nonlisted. Future annual monitoring field investigations should provide evidence of plant species more indicative of pine flatwoods. The reduction of the overgrown shrub layer will be aimed to achieve a shrub layer that is supported by desirable target species as described in Table A and Plant List A. By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) selective thinning in the pine flatwoods reduced the laurel oak species and cabbage palms to a coverage not exceeding 5%, thus opening the relatively closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire- suppressed and 60% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List A; and 4) species composition is typical of the targeted mitigation category as shown in Table A.
Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. Additional descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,”and the FSP, success criteria from these actions are provided in Section 6.0, and the communities shown on Mitigation Plan Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans.
Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to cover native communities. Caeser weed is present, covering at least 5% of the groundcover layer within. It is anticipated that this flatwoods community will be enhanced by annually treating noted exotic species, thus further reducing and maintaining an infestation level to ≤ 1% for exotics and ≤ 5% for nuisance species. Pre-bank infestation levels will be documented during the Baseline monitoring event.
Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these uplands and disrupt species utilization within. As previously described, feral hogs have degraded the ARMB communities, since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 33 vegetation. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the flatwoods, feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species, species such as the white-tailed deer, wild turkey, armadillo, opossum, bobcat, gray squirrel, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and eastern indigo snake, which could otherwise utilize the pine flatwoods habitat. Many of the grasses or forbs in pine flatwoods are sources of food for numerous small animals. Wildlife management is a tool used to enhance this natural community. Hog hunting and/or trapping efforts would enhance not only the community structure of this habitat but also promote the availability of food sources for native species and reduce barriers for potential native wildlife usage. By the above actions, wildlife access to and from this community will no longer be restricted by barriers which include feral hog presence and densely overgrown barriers. Since trespassing, unauthorized horseback riding and illegal hunting occurs, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats, increased security measures will be applied as described above in Section 3.4. Though not tied to a credit release, by the above actions, species composition should become more typical of the targeted flatwoods. These species may include, but are not limited to: white-tailed deer, wild turkey, armadillo, opossum, gray squirrel, bobcat, pine warblers, great horned owl, a variety of woodpeckers and songbirds, swallow-tailed kite, red-shouldered hawk, Sherman’s fox squirrel, southeastern American kestrel, southern bald eagle, box turtle, gopher tortoise, gopher frog, FL mouse, pine woods tree frog, FL pine snake, and eastern indigo snake.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. As described in Table A, by these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
Mitigation Category U4 – Scrub Uplands Enhancement (436) This community will be enhanced to become an enhanced scrub uplands. This community will remain characterized as scrub upland and will be enhanced from its current degraded condition. Scrub communities occupy higher ridge elevations, have well-drained, infertile, sandy soils, are supported by high intensity and infrequent fires, and their species are adapted to fire and xeric conditions. Scrub community composition includes a variety of scrub oaks with sand pine in the canopy and subcanopy, as well as a relatively dense shrub layer and relatively sparse groundcover. This community is a previously harvested scrub community. Because this community is overgrown and is fire-suppressed, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community. The introduction of a prescribed burn will be completed after vegetative reduction and mechanical efforts have been completed to prevent catastrophic damage to existing native species. By reducing the shrub coverage, and introduction of scheduled prescribed burns, it is anticipated that recruitment of desirable scrub species will result to achieve a community structure typical of scrub uplands. Regeneration of native species will provide optimal habitat for wetland dependent species, both listed and nonlisted. The reduction of the overgrown shrub layer will be aimed to achieve a shrub layer coverage that is supported by desirable target species as described in Table D and Plant List D. By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should be enhanced by showing that: 1) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and 60% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage; and 2) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List D.
Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. Additional descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,”and the FSP, success criteria from these actions are provided in Section 6.0, and the communities shown on Mitigation Plan Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans.
Caeser weed is present, covering at least 1% of the shrub layer. Exotic species presence is less than 1% in the pre-bank condition. Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to cover native communities. It is anticipated that this scrub community will be enhanced by annually treating noted exotic species in conjunction with other forestry stewardship actions, thus further reducing and maintaining an infestation level
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 34 to ≤ 1% for exotics and ≤ 5% for nuisance species. Existing infestation levels will be documented during the Baseline monitoring event.
Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these uplands and disrupt species utilization within. As previously described, feral hogs have degraded the ARMB communities. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize scrub uplands, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of native species, species such as white-tailed deer, bobcat, opossum, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, wild turkey, armadillo, gopher tortoise and tortoise commensals, which could otherwise utilize the scrub habitat. Wildlife management is a tool used to enhance this natural community. Hog hunting and/or trapping efforts would enhance not only the community structure of this habitat but also promote availability of food sources and increased native wildlife presence. By the above actions, wildlife access to and from this community will no longer be restricted by barriers which include feral hog presence and densely overgrown barriers. By the implementation of these actions, the ARMB should show a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and thereafter annually. Increased wildlife, including wetland dependent Listed species such as the eastern indigo snake, is anticipated by completion of vicinity hydrologic improvements, as well as improvements to community structure. Since trespassing, unauthorized horseback riding and illegal hunting occurs, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats, increased security measures will be applied as described above in Section 3.4. Though not tied to a credit release, by the above actions, species composition should become more typical of the targeted scrub uplands. These species may include, but are not limited to: white-tailed deer, wild turkey, armadillo, gopher tortoise, Florida mouse, gopher frog, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, bobcat, scrub lizard, Florida pine snake, gray squirrel, spotted skunk, a variety of birds including the swallow-tailed kite, southeastern American kestrel, bald eagle, and eastern indigo snake.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. As described in Table D, by these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
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Table 5. Brief summary of targeted mitigation categories and enhancement actions Mit ID Mitigation Action Description W1 – Floodplain Forested Hydrologic-Vegetative-Wildlife Enhancement— Wetlands Enhancement Hydrologic Improvements (ORBHE-LWC-DP)/ Vegetative-Exotic Species Control/Wildlife Management W2 – Floodplain NonForested Hydrologic-Vegetative-Wildlife Enhancement— Wetlands Enhancement Hydrologic Improvements (ORBHE-LWC-DP)/ Vegetative-Exotic Species Control/Wildlife Management W3 – Hydric Pine Flatwoods Hydrologic-Vegetative-Wildlife Enhancement— Enhancement Hydrologic Improvements (ORBHE-LWC)/ Vegetative-Exotic Species Control/Wildlife Management Vegetative-Wildlife Enhancement— U1 –Oak Hammock Enhancement Vegetative-Reduction/Thin/Prescribed Burns/ Regeneration /Exotic Species Control /Wildlife Management/Adjacent Wetland Enhancement for Wetland Dependent Species Vegetative-Wildlife Enhancement— U2 – Mesic Hammock Exotic Species Control /Vegetative-Reduction/Thin/Prescribed Burns/ Regeneration/Revegetation Enhancement /Wildlife Management /Adjacent Wetland Enhancement for Wetland Dependent Species Vegetative-Wildlife Enhancement— U3 – Upland Pine Flatwoods Exotic Species Control /Vegetative-Reduction/ Prescribed Burns/ Regeneration/Wildlife Management / Enhancement Adjacent Wetland Enhancement for Wetland Dependent Species Vegetative-Wildlife Enhancement— U4 – Upland Scrub Enhancement Exotic Species Control /Vegetative-Reduction/ Prescribed Burns/ Regeneration /Wildlife Management
Table 6. Overall % Credit Release by Task or Success Criteria & Release Schedule # Credit Release TASK & SUCCESS CRITERIA %Credit Release (35.48) ARMB- restrictive Conservation Easement & Financial Assurance execution 10 3.55 Installation security measures/Feral hog controls (protection of enhanced habitats) 3 1.06 Complete Initial Shrub Reduction /Tree Thin per FSP 10 3.55 Complete Initial Burn Mitigation Categories U1-U4, W3 per FSP 10 3.55 Complete Initial Exotic species controls per Mit Plan & FSP 2 0.71 Complete Hydro--LWC/DP per Mit Plan 5 1.7 Complete Hydro--ORBHE Restoration per Mit Plan 10 3.55 Hydro Yr 1 Success Documentation per Mit Plan 5 1.7 Hydro Yr 2 Success Documentation per Mit Plan 5 1.7 Trending Success-Annual Veg Monitoring per Tables A-E & Mit Plan 5 1.7 Interim Success-Annual Veg Monitoring per Tables A-E & Mit Plan 15 5.3 Final Success-Annual Veg Monitoring per Tables A-E & Mit Plan 20 7.10
5.0 ECOLOGICAL VALUE
5.1 CURRENT VALUE The ARMB is an important aspect of locally protected waters and conservation corridor lands. The current ecological value to the region and regional watershed is moderate and can be significantly improved. In their current state, the onsite wetlands are stressed, have been degraded by drainage, hydrologic regimes and agricultural uses, but still provide value to wetland-dependent wildlife. Upland communities have been cleared, harvested, fire-suppressed and have become overgrown with species which do not support historic habitats. The ARMB site is strategically placed for wildlife utilization in Hillsborough County, though in its current condition wildlife presence is minimal. Illegal trespassing by unauthorized hunters and boaters has been an issue, one which may be contributing to the paucity of observed wildlife on the ARMB. The ARMB is bordered by adjacent conservation, utility transmission, residential and agricultural landscapes, each contributing to its current condition.
ARMB’s direct hydrological connection to the Alafia River, Lithia Springs, Turkey Creek and Tampa Bay contributes to the health of the Alafia River watershed and Tampa Bay. The Alafia River affects water storage capabilities of the wetlands on the ARMB. At flood stages, it should carry significant volumes of water across ARMB wetlands via an extensive series of sloughs. Low river water depths, combined with obstructions and
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 36 accumulated debris in the riverine oxbows and sloughs, may alter this. Insufficient water flows onto the ARMB may influence the function of its floodplain sloughs and wetlands. The ARMB wetlands have the potential to affect water volumes in the Alafia River. Onsite ditches redirect a volume of water into the Alafia River, increasing the potential to carry artificial water volumes into Tampa Bay. Therefore, onsite drainage has the potential to increase freshwater input into an estuarine system downstream.
The location of the ARMB places it within a 24 mile long regional wildlife corridor of wetlands and uplands isolated from human development. The range of historic plant communities is beneficial for wildlife populations, including those which are listed as endangered or threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC).
According to information provided in “Wildlife Habitat Conservation Needs in Florida; Updated Recommendations for Strategic Habitat Conservation Areas, 2009”11% of the total lands within Hillsborough County are now classified as Strategic Habitat Conservation Areas (SHCA) as opposed to 1994 in which 5% were classified as SHCA lands. These areas are identified as SHCA for the following species: Florida Burrowing owl, Cooper’s hawk, short-tailed hawk, swallow-tailed kite, as well as Florida mouse, Florida scrub-jay and striped newt. Also, the total lands within the Tampa Bay region which are now managed for conservation is 15% and these areas include portions of the Withlacoochee State Forest, Green Swamp and SWFWMD lands. Furthermore, there are no other mitigation bank sites in the Alafia River Basin.
In their current state, the wetland systems have been degraded by drainage, successional growth, and exotic species infestation, but still provide value to wetland-dependent wildlife. Upland communities, which would otherwise have provided food and habitat for wildlife, have been largely replaced with fire-suppressed and densely vegetated hardwoods. Species and age diversity of trees are minimal.
5.2 PROPOSED VALUE The proposed ARMB has been identified for a regional mitigation bank that will be used to enhance floodplain storage capabilities, provide regional watershed improvements, increase wildlife utilization potential and establish a regional wildlife corridor, and allow for archaeological protections. It will be used to offest wetland impacts associated with development projects located within the Alafia River Basin. Another priority will be riverine improvements onsite and downstream. By establishment of the ARMB, GRC’s mitigation design will protect, enhance and restore significant Alafia River water resources and integrally connected rare upland habitats. These actions will improve hydrology and habitat conditions to a more naturalized condition, approximating their historic character. Management of habitat for threatened and endangered species (Listed) and other wildlife species will be one beneficial priority. The mitigation bank- specific conservation easement that will be placed upon the ARMB will ensure that the expanse of the ARMB land is preserved, enhanced, and managed in perpetuity according to mitigation banking standards. The Alafia River is a regionally significant habitat and wildlife corridor, supporting rich, biodiverse habitats. The ARMB contains one of the most extensive, remaining natural landscapes on the River in Hillsborough County. Thus, the ARMB will provide an essential link in assuring the long-term enhancement and restoration, as well as protection, of a significant regional habitat corridor.
The proposed ecological value of the ARMB site to the region and regional watershed is high. By establishment of the ARMB, actions completed on the ARMB will contribute to the health of the Alafia River watershed and Tampa Bay. The ARMB will not only have considerable ecological and mitigation value on a local scale, but also on a regional level because it extends into and is directly bounded to the Alafia River for more than three (3) miles and because of its connection to County and State conservation corridors which are connected to the Alafia River. The 24-mile long Alafia River is a major tributary of Tampa Bay. The ARMB property lies within lands identified by Hillsborough County within the Florida Greenway system (Natural Greenway Corridor as designated on the Hillsborough Greenway Master Plan), the South Hillsborough Wildlife Corridor, and connects to the Fish Hawk Creek/Alafia River Corridor Preserve. The ARMB, in conjunction with the Alafia River, is essential to downstream estuaries by its capacity to retain floodwaters, filtration, and transport of nutrients and sediments, improve water quality, and control the timing and influx
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 37 of freshwater. The ARMB is essential to water storage, spreading water out over a large expanse of its floodplain to reduce nutrient loading in the River and reduce flood peaks, a cost-effective flood control mechanism. The ARMB contains historic riverine oxbows, numerous meandering floodplain sloughs, hydric hammocks, bottomland hardwood forested wetlands, cypress swamps, and sinkholes. The hydroperiod of these will be enhanced. Altered riverine habitats would be enhanced. Hydrologic conditions that have been impaired by the construction of property roads and ditches will be returned to the “hydrologic balance.”
The Alafia River feeds vast wildlife habitats. The ARMB site is strategically placed for wildlife utilization in Hillsborough County, and with habitat, hydrologic and wildlife enhancements it is anticipated that wildlife presence will increase. Stressed ARMB wetlands will be enhanced to provide maximized value to wetland- dependent wildlife. There are animal species, including Listed species, which would benefit from ARMB’s enhancement actions. The ARMB will provide significant wetland-dependent wildlife habitat, particularly for species such as the Florida sandhill crane, a variety of birds and reptiles, the American alligator and eastern indigo snake. The ARMB will also provide significant upland wildlife habitat in Hillsborough County, particularly for species such as the scrub jay, gopher tortoise and gopher tortoise commensals. Since illegal trespassing has been an issue, security measures will be engaged. Security measures would provide protection for future populations of wildlife and habitat conditions. The emphasis of traditional wildlife management is three-fold: maximization of game species production, maximization of wildlife diversity (both game and non- game species), and preservation of interior or area-sensitive species. At the ARMB, emphasis will be placed upon maximizing species diversity and increasing carrying capacity. Through vegetation and hydrologic improvements, the functionality of wildlife habitats will improve. A special emphasis will be placed on supporting a range of protected plant and animal species. With establishment of the Alafia River Mitigation Bank an essential link in a regional riverine wildlife corridor is ensured.
The Alafia River feeds vast plant habitats. Since the ARMB includes some of the rarest upland habitats in the region another benefit that will occur on the ARMB once established is that there will be natural forested canopy habitats, providing diversity to areas that had been cleared, used for agricultural operations, and left to become overgrown and fire-suppressed. There are indications of remnant scrub and sandhill communities. These rare upland communities will be enhanced and restored to support historic, native habitats. Once restored, there are rare and unusual plants species, including Listed species, which prefer these habitats and would benefit from restoration.
It is GRC’s intent to contribute to the preservation and improvement of the Alafia watershed and its aquatic resources. Establishment of the ARMB will provide the GRC the opportunity to prevent their property from continued degradation in addition to ensuring an improved landscape. With establishment of the ARMB, GRC will resume its responsbility for future land management such that the ARMB’s goals and objectives are successfully achieved and sustained.
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6.0 SUCCESS CRITERIA AND MONITORING
6.1 OVERALL SUCCESS CRITERIA For determining whether each applicable community is adequately successful, and whether the final credit releases are warranted, the Mitigation Categories must meet these general conditions in addition to the relevant specific success criteria for the targeted mitigation category as described in Tables A-E below: x The mitigation bank is in compliance with Mitigation Bank Permit conditions; x Applicable mitigation category activities have been completed and successful; x Enhancement areas should continuously trend toward final success; x Evidence of wildlife use, appropriate for the targeted community type; x Evidence of reduction in invasive feral hog populations by harvest data; x The final credit release for an assessment area will not occur until it has achieved final success as defined in this document.
Overall hydrological success criteria for Mitigation Categories W1-W3: Improvement to wetland hydrology shall be considered successful when it has been demonstrated that: x Low water crossings and ditch plugs have been completed to designated as-built specifications; x ORBHE excavation has been completed to designated as-built specifications; x Site specific debris has been removed within oxbows, as appropriate and documented by photographs; x Wash outs, erosion or other indications of channelized water flow are not evident; x Exotic vegetation are reduced to ≤1% cover and/or nuisance vegetation are reduced to ≤5% cover; and x Data is based on an annual average from data collected from recording piezometers. Data should either indicate an increase in water elevations when compared to conditions prior to installation of hydrologic improvements; or x Data should otherwise indicate a reduction in the presence of upland groundcover species from data collected by vegetative monitoring event(s).
Overall vegetative success criteria for Mitigation Categories U1-U4 and W3: Improvement to targeted habitats shall be considered successful when it has been demonstrated that the actions and criteria described in Sections 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 herein and the FSP have been successfully initiated, completed and/or attained as applicable. Natural recruitment should assure that native vegetation appropriate to the habitat types will dominate the ARMB. Progressive enhancement or trending towards success provides environmental lift for which credits may be released incrementally prior to achieving final success criteria. Therefore, a set of interim and final success criteria have been identified to document functional enhancement. In order to release credits by achieving interim success, communities shall meet or exceed the criteria for that level of success. Interim criteria indicate that: x The enhancement areas are improving in function by increases in groundcover indicative of target composition described in Tables A-E; x There is evidence of recruitment by desirable shrub and canopy species; Exotic vegetation are reduced to ≤1% cover and/or nuisance vegetation are reduced to ≤5% cover. Final success criteria indicate that: x The enhancement areas improved in function indicative of target composition described in Tables A-E; x Exotic and nuisance vegetation are maintained to ≤1% and ≤5% cover, respectively; x Evidence of recruitment of plant species appropriate to targeted community; x Plant species are healthy, growing, and reproducing as appropriate and in assemblages and densities appropriate for the target community; x Native plant community composition remains in same or better condition compared to baseline monitoring.
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Overall wildlife management success criteria for Mitigation Categories W1-W3, U1-U4: x There is a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested in the ARMB after permit issuance; x The enhancement areas are improved in function by documentation of species indicative of target composition identified in Plant Lists A-E; x There is documentation of annual feral hog harvests, providing evidence of reduction of invasive species; x There is documentation of security measures completed for the preventing illegal hunting and trespassing.
6.2 SPECIFIC MITIGATION CATEGORY PRE-BANK VS TARGETED SUCCESS CRITERIA
Mitigation Category W1 &W2–Floodplain Wetlands (Forested (615) & Herbaceous (641)) Enhancement This interconnnected system directly connects to the Alafia River and its ecological function is dependent on the Alafia River, as is the River dependent on the floodplain. This community is supported by Winder fine sand-frequently flooded soils which are hydric. Field investigations over a span of 2 years show that the pre- bank soil conditions are predominately dry, disturbed, unsaturated and nonflooded. In its pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively closed and dominated largely by water oak, laurel oak, cabbage palm, and sweetgum. Densely vegetated shrub layers are dominated by cabbage palm, caesar weed, and greenbriar. Groundcover, if and where present, is dominated by caesar weed, peppervine, cinnamon fern, wild coffee, and woodsgrass. These species are FAC to FACW. Hydrologic alterations, combined with lack of habitat management actions are evident by species composition which supports drier species. Though currently minimal, exotic species are present in these wetlands. Lygodium was noted, especially within areas containing cypress. Caeser weed covers at least 20% of the shrub and groundcover layers within the floodplain. The extensive presence of feral hogs is widespread. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Numerous mucky and barren soil patches are evident. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the floodplain wetlands, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species. Native species noted during field investigations were rare and generally by the River. Those noted include: great blue heron, cardinal, mockingbird, water moccasin, gray squirrel, American alligator, opossum, various frogs, and raccoon. Because of these conditions, enhancement actions to benefit and improve this community are proposed.
This habitat will be enhanced to become an enhanced floodplain wetland with its mosaic of forested hammocks interspersed with deeper swamp components, sloughs, cypress islands, sinkholes, and depressional ponds and pockets. W1 is the forested floodplain wetlands. W2 is the nonforested component embedded within the floodplain wetlands. Winder fine sand soils typically would show water elevations within 10-12 inches of the surface for 2-6 months of the year. The presence of saturated soils or standing water during the year is characteristic of swamps. By the installation of low water crossings within roads bisecting wetlands and installation of ditch plugs in onsite ditches which drain the floodplain wetlands, it is anticipated that these actions will result in a more naturalized sheetflow and reduce “flashy” inundation periods. By the selective removal efforts of debris and garbage within sloughs and/or riverine oxbows, these wetlands, as well as the Alafia River, will benefit. By the recontoured excavation of the ORBHE, the volume of water entering and the capability for water storage on the ARMB is expected to increase. Increased water elevations in ARMB wetlands for a longer duration should produce a correlated increase in aquatic species. There may also be a shift toward more faculative-wet and/or obligate vegetation.
The actions identified to enhance this community are predominately hydrologic improvements, but also will include vegetative and wildlife management prescriptions. Descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions” and shown on Mitigation Plan Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans. In summary, the improvements for this mitigation category are:
Hydrologic improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) excavation of an existing old river bed to recontour it to divert Alafia River water onto the ARMB, bring additional, historic water onto the ARMB to be dispersed across ARMB wetlands, rehydrating
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them. By the excavation and recontouring of this historic, old river bed (ORBHE) this will improve and restore a historical connection on the upstream side of the ARMB; 2) installation of 5 low water crossings in road areas constructed between wetland systems to allow the natural sheet flow of water between severed or altered wetlands, removing obstructed water passage and restoring hydrologic balance to these wetlands; and 3) installation of 3 ditch plugs within onsite ditches to remove drainage effects.
Vegetative improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) selective thinning of cabbage palms to optimize the species composition by opening the relatively closed canopy to allow herbaceous growth. No prescribed burns in wetlands (except for hydric pine flatwoods described below) are proposed; and 2) initial reduction and sustained reduction of exotic species by control treatments. Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to displace native communities.
Wildlife Management improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) reduction of invasive feral hogs by hunting and/or trapping measures to improve habitat conditions for nonListed and Listed species utilization. Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these wetlands and disrupt species utilization; 2) installation of increased security measures to control illegal hunting and remove trespassing effects and barriers detrimental for native species populations and utilization; and 3) completion of the combination of vegetative and hydrologic improvements to provide the opportunity for optimal species utilization.
By completion of hydrologic improvements this mitigation category area should either show: 1) an increase in water elevations based on an annual average from data collected from recording piezometers. Collected water level piezometer data during a 2 year period should indicate a longer duration of saturation, that stages and hydroperiod are appropriate; or 2) a reduction in the presence of upland groundcover species from data collected by vegetative monitoring event(s). Data should indicate a beneficial shift in vegetation from FAC and FACW species to species more typical for these wetlands, such as those described in Table E and Plant List E. In addition, hydrologic improvements shall be considered successful when it has been demonstrated: 3) installation of low water crossings, ditch plugs and ORBHE actions have been completed; and 4) by installation of low water crossings and ditch plugs, there is minimal to no evidence of road wash outs, erosion or other indications of unnatural channelized water flow in roads.
By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) reduction and sustained reduction of exotic species by control treatments to a presence of ≤1% coverage and it is anticipated that enhancemend actions should result in ≤ 5% nuisance species; and 2) the species composition is typical of the targeted habitat as shown in Table E & Plant List E.
By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions the ARMB area should show: 1) by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and thereafter annually (based on # of hogs, harvests may be adjusted); and 2) documentation of applicable activities associated with the ARMB to control and monitor the prevention of illegal hunting and trespassing.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. By these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
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Mitigation Category W3–Hydric Pine Flatwoods Enhancement (625) This hydric pine flatwoods community is connected to the floodplain wetlands and lies between the floodplain wetlands and upland pine flatwoods communities. These flatwoods are fire-dependent but overgrown and fire-suppressed. Field investigations over a span of 2 years show predominately dry, disturbed and unsaturated soils. Since the presence of saturated soils, at least during a portion of the year, is characteristic of hydric pine flatwoods, the lack of saturation depicts the condition of these wetlands. In its pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively closed with a mix of slash and longleaf pine, cabbage palm, laurel oak and sweetgum. Shrub and groundcover layers are dominated by FAC to FACW species. Recruitment by pine seedlings is almost non-existent. Existing conditions exhibit growth of species, especially groundcover layers, which are less indicative of wetlands. Caeser weed is widespread, covering at least 10% of the shrub layer within this hydric flatwoods community. In its pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, gray squirrel, armadillo, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and eastern indigo snake, which could otherwise utilize the hydric pine flatwoods habitat. Barren soil patches are evident. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize these flatwoods, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species. It is anticipated that there is in excess of several hundred hogs on the ARMB. Native species noted during field investigations were rare and include: mockingbird, cardinal, and gray squirrel. Because of these conditions, enhancement actions to benefit this community are proposed.
This community will be enhanced to become an enhanced hydric pine flatwoods, dominated by longleaf and/or slash pines. For soils supporting these hydric flatwoods, the seasonal high water table typically lies within a depth of 15 inches below ground surface for 2-6 months. By the installation of low water crossings within roads bisecting wetlands and installation of ditch plugs in onsite ditches which drain these wetlands, it is anticipated that these actions will result in a more naturalized sheetflow, improved hydrologic function such that water passage is between wetlands and not flowing down roads or ditches, and reduced “flashy” inundation periods. By the recontoured excavation of the ORBHE, the volume of water entering and the capability for water storage on the ARMB is expected to increase. Flow rates, especially following rainfall events, should be greater, so that flushing will be improved. Increased water elevations in ARMB wetlands for a longer duration should produce a correlated increase in aquatic species. There may also be a shift toward more faculative-wet and/or obligate wetland vegetation. By reducing the >60% dense shrub coverage, and introduction of scheduled prescribed burns, it is anticipated that not only recruitment of desirable pine flatwoods species will result but also a structure that is typical of hydric flatwoods. Cabbage palms will be selectively removed to reduce their presence. The introduction of a prescribed burn is in conjunction with shrub layer reduction and will be completed after thinning and mechanical efforts have been completed. Future annual monitoring field investigations should provide evidence of plant species more indicative of hydric pine flatwoods than noted prior to mitigation bank establishment. The reduction of the overgrown shrub layer will be aimed to achieve desirable target species as described in Table B and Plant List B.
The actions identified to enhance this community are a combination of improvements, including hydrologic, vegetative and wildlife management prescriptions. Descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,” provided in the FSP, and shown on Mitigation Plan Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans. In summary, the improvements for this mitigation category are:
Hydrologic improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) recontoured excavation of an existing old river bed to bring additional, historic Alafia River water onto the ARMB to be dispersed across ARMB wetlands, rehydrating them. By the excavation and recontouring of this historic, old river bed (ORBHE) this will improve and restore a historical connection on the upstream side of the ARMB; 2) installation of 5 low water crossings in road areas constructed between wetland systems to allow the natural sheet flow of water between severed or altered wetlands, removing obstructed water passage and restoring hydrologic balance to these wetlands; and 3) installation of 3 ditch plugs within ditches to reduce drainage of the floodplain wetlands.
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Vegetative improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) selective thinning of hardwood canopy trees, including laurel oaks, to optimize the species composition for the enhanced hydric flatwoods by opening the relatively closed canopy. In addition, cabbage palms may be selectively removed to open up the canopy for groundcover recruitment; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and densely overgrown shrub layers as a tool to reduce the overgrown shrub layer coverage for optimal diversity and benefits to wildlife while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) initiation of a prescribed fire regime to further reduce nondesirable, invasive species and facilitate the recruitment of fire-dependent species typical of this targeted hydric pine flatwoods area; and 4) initial reduction and sustained reduction of exotic species by control treatments. Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to displace native communities.
Wildlife Management improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) reduction of invasive feral hogs by hunting and/or trapping measures to improve habitat conditions for nonListed and Listed species utilization. Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these flatwoods and disrupt species utilization within; 2) installation of increased security measures to control illegal hunting and remove trespassing effects and barriers detrimental for native species populations and utilization; and 3) completion of the combination of vegetative and hydrologic improvements to provide the opportunity for optimal species utilization.
By completion of hydrologic improvements this mitigation category area should either show: 1) an increase in water elevations based on an annual average from data collected from recording piezometers. Collected water level piezometer data during a 2 year period should indicate a longer duration of saturation, that stages and hydroperiod are appropriate; or 2) a reduction in the presence of upland groundcover species from data collected by vegetative monitoring event(s). Data should indicate a beneficial shift in vegetation from FAC/FACW species to FACW/OBL species, such as those described in Table B and Plant List B.
In addition, hydrologic improvements shall be considered successful when it has been demonstrated: 3) installation of low water crossings, ditch plugs and ORBHE actions have been completed; and 4) by installation of low water crossings and ditch plugs, there is minimal to no evidence of road wash outs, erosion or other indications of unnatural channelized water flow in roads.
By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) selective thinning in the hydric pine flatwoods reduced the laurel oak species and cabbage palms to a coverage not exceeding 5%, thus opening the relatively closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and 60% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List B; 4) species composition is typical of the targeted mitigation category as shown in Table B. Hydric pine flatwoods are slash and/or longleaf pine canopies with a sparse or absent shrub layer and a groundcover of grasses, herbs, and low shrubs. However, the density of these layers varies dependent on its soils and its fire history; and 5) treatment to control exotics to ≤ 1% and ≤ 5% for nuisance species.
By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions within the ARMB should show: 1) by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and thereafter annually (based on number of hogs, harvests may be adjusted); and
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2) documentation of applicable activities associated with the ARMB to control and monitor the prevention of illegal hunting and trespassing.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. As described in Table B, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
Mitigation Category U1 – Oak Hammock Enhancement (427) This oak hammock community is largely embedded within mesic hammocks which are not dominated by live oak. The community is supported by Tavares-Milhopper and Candler fine sand soils which are well-drained, infertile, sandy soils. In its pre-bank condition, this oak hammock community is densely canopied with live oak. Shrub layers are also dense, overgrown, and dominated by low-growing saw palmetto. Greenbriar, sparkleberry, caesar weed, grapevine, and fetterbush were minimally noted as well. Groundcover is generally absent due to the dense layers of saw palmetto, but where growing in a few open patches, groundcover noted includes wiregrass, bracken fern, gopher apple, runner oak, Virginia creeper and yellow jessamine. Existing conditions exhibit a plant species structure which is not diversified and typical of oak hammocks. Caeser weed is present with a coverage of at least 5%. Though minimal, exotic plant species, such as skunkvine, potato vine and cogan grass, are present. In its pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected, except that the presence of feral hogs is evident in the hammocks. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species, species such as white-tailed deer, bobcat, opossum, gray squirrel, eastern indigo snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, wild turkey, armadillo, gopher tortoise and tortoise commensals, which could otherwise utilize the oak hammock habitat. Native species noted to date include: gray squirrel and opossum. Because of these conditions, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community.
This habitat will be enhanced to become and enhanced oak hammock. This community will remain dominated by a live oak canopy. Oak hammocks contain a more or less closed canopy dominated by desirable species that include live oaks. Oak hammocks are also comprised of a moderately vegetated shrub layer and a variably sparse to moderately vegetated groundcover of grasses, herbs, and low shrubs. By selectively thinning oaks in the canopy, by reducing the >80% dense shrub coverage, overgrown shrub layers and groundcover, and subsequent introduction of a prescribed burn, it is anticipated that recruitment of desirable species and a community structure associated with oak hammocks will result. The introduction of the prescribed burn(s) will be completed after thinning and mechanical efforts have been completed to prevent catastrophic damage to live oaks. Future annual monitoring field investigations should provide evidence of shrub and groundcover plant species more indicative of hammocks as described in Table C and Plant List C.
The actions identified to enhance this community are a combination of improvements, including vegetative and wildlife management prescriptions. Descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,” provided in the FSP, and shown on Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans. In summary, the improvements for this mitigation category are:
Vegetative improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) selective thinning of laurel oaks, to not only optimize the species composition but to also reduce the presence of atypical species coverage, thus opening the predominately closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and densely overgrown shrub layers as a tool to reduce the overgrown shrub layer coverage for optimal diversity and benefits to wildlife while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) initiation of a prescribed fire regime to further reduce nondesirable, invasive species and facilitate the recruitment of fire-dependent species typical of this targeted oak hammock area; and 4) initial reduction and sustained reduction of exotic species by control treatments. Left unmanaged, exotic species such as potato vine and cogan grass have the potential to displace native species.
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Wildlife Management improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) reduction of invasive feral hogs by hunting and/or trapping measures to improve habitat conditions for nonListed and Listed species utilization; 2) installation of increased security measures to control illegal hunting and remove trespassing effects and barriers detrimental for native species populations and utilization; and 3) completion of vegetative improvements to provide the opportunity for optimal species utilization. By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) selective thinning in the oak hammocks reduced laurel oaks to a coverage not exceeding 5%; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and ≥80% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and allowed recruitment of fire- dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List C; 4) species composition is typical of the targeted mitigation category as shown in Table C; and 5) treatment and control of exotics to ≤ 1% and ≤ 5% for nuisance species.
By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions within the ARMB should show: 1) by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and thereafter annually (based on number of hogs, harvests may be adjusted); and 2) documentation of applicable activities associated with the ARMB to control and monitor the prevention of illegal hunting and trespassing.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. As described in Table C, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
Mitigation Category U2 –Mesic Hammock Enhancement (434) This mesic hammock community is the largest upland community on the ARMB. This community had been harvested, with subsequent successional regeneration by a canopied mix of hardwoods with pines. This community is overgrown with species not optimal for this community and is fire-suppressed. In its pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively closed, and the trees present are dominated by laurel oak, with a variable presence of red cedar, sweetgum, longleaf pine, and pignut hickory. Shrub layers are dense, overgrown, and dominated by possum haw, devil’s stick, saw palmetto, coralbean, sparkleberry, caesar weed, grapevine, and greenbriar. Groundcover layers are sparsely vegetated and much of the ground is uprooted, barren and disturbed from feral hog activity. Where vegetated, groundcover species noted include camphorweed, Virginia creeper, caesar weed, and woodsgrass. In the pre-bank condition, exotic species presence was minimal with no greater than 2% coverage, and caeser weed covers at least 5% of the groundcover/shrub layers. A lack of habitat management actions are evident by a less than optimal species composition and presence. The presence of animals is less than expected in the mesic hammocks. Feral hogs have degraded these uplands since they have degraded native vegetation and destabilized soil surfaces, producing large barren swaths of disturbed soils. The hogs directly compete with native species found in hammocks, species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise and its commensals, and Florida black bear, a significant limiting factor for populations of these native species. Native species or evidence of native species noted to date are: a few older gopher tortoise burrows, cardinal, mockingbird, and gray squirrel. Because of these conditions, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community.
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This habitat will be enhanced to become an enhanced mesic hammock. Mesic hammocks are classified as a well-developed evergreen hardwood and/or palm forest dominated by a variety of oak species but not dominated by live oak. A variety of oaks, southern magnolia, cabbage palm, pignut hickory, and American beautyberry are trees characteristic of this community. By reducing canopy species such as laurel oak and cabbage palm, by reducing the >80% dense shrub coverage, and by introduction of scheduled prescribed burns, it is anticipated that recruitment of desirable hammock species will result. Laurel oaks and cabbage palms (where present) will be selectively thinned. Damaged or diseased pines may be selectively removed, as applicable, to prevent damage to other trees. The introduction of a prescribed burn will be completed after vegetative reduction and mechanical efforts have been completed to prevent catastrophic damage to hardwoods. Hunting and/or trapping feral hogs will benefit native plant composition since much of this community has been degraded by hogs, with large patches of soil devoid of vegetation noted. By these actions, the native community structure will be restored. Recruitment of native species will provide optimal habitat for wetland dependent species, both listed and nonlisted. The reduction of the shrub layer will be aimed to achieve a shrub layer coverage that is supported by desirable target species as described in Table C and Plant List C.
The actions identified to enhance this community are a combination of improvements, including vegetative and wildlife management prescriptions. Descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,” provided in the FSP, and shown on Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans. In summary, the improvements for this mitigation category are:
Vegetative improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) selective thinning of laurel oaks, cabbage palms and pine, to not only optimize the species composition for the enhanced mesic hammock mitigation category but to also reduce the presence of atypical species coverage, thus opening the relatively closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and densely overgrown shrub layers as a tool to reduce the overgrown shrub layer coverage for optimal diversity and benefits to wildlife while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) initiation of a prescribed fire regime to further reduce nondesirable, invasive species and facilitate the recruitment of fire-dependent species typical of this targeted oak hammock area; and 4) initial reduction and sustained reduction of exotic species by control treatments. Left unmanaged, exotic species such as potato vine and cogan grass have the potential to displace native communities.
Wildlife Management improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) reduction of invasive feral hogs by hunting and/or trapping measures to improve habitat conditions for nonListed and Listed species utilization; 2) installation of increased security measures to control illegal hunting and remove trespassing effects and barriers detrimental for native species populations and utilization; and 3) completion of vegetative improvements to provide the opportunity for optimal species utilization.
By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) selective thinning in the oak hammocks reduced laurel oaks to a coverage not exceeding 25%, thus opening the relatively closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and 80% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List C; 4) species composition is typical of the targeted mitigation category as shown in Table C; and 5) treatment and control of exotics to ≤ 1% and ≤ 5% for nuisance species.
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By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions within the ARMB should show: 1) by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and thereafter annually (based on number of hogs, harvests may be adjusted); and 2) documentation of applicable activities associated with the ARMB to control and monitor the prevention of illegal hunting and trespassing.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. As described in Table C, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
Mitigation Category U3 – Pine Flatwoods Enhancement (411) These are pine flatwoods, dominated by longleaf pines but which may include scattered sand pines and a variety of oak species integrated with the pine. This pine flatwoods community is connected to the hydric pine flatwoods, and mesic hammocks. These flatwoods are fire-dependent but with years of neglect, they are overgrown and fire-suppressed. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively closed and dominated by older longleaf pine and laurel oak. Shrub layers are dense, overgrown, and dominated by saw palmetto, greenbriar, devil’s stick, possum haw, sparkleberry, caesar weed, and grapevine. Groundcover is sporadic, but where present the species include bracken fern, caesar weed, dog fennel, and yellow jessamine. The presence of pine seedlings is essentially non-existent. Existing conditions do not show a diversified species assemblage typical of pine flatwoods. A lack of habitat management actions are evident by the dense shrub layer, less than optimal species composition and lack of natural recruitment of pine seedlings. Caeser weed is present, covering at least 10% of the shrub layer within this flatwoods community. Though minimal, exotic plant species, such as cogan grass was noted. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species, species such as the white-tailed deer, wild turkey, armadillo, opossum, bobcat, gray squirrel, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and eastern indigo snake, which could otherwise utilize the pine flatwoods habitat. Native species or evidence of species noted to date are: a few older gopher tortoise burrows, wild turkey, robin, cardinal, mockingbird, gray squirrel and opossum. Because of these conditions, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit this community.
This community will be enhanced to become an enhanced pine flatwoods. Pine flatwoods are characterized as open canopy forests of variably spaced pine trees. Pine flatwoods are longleaf pine canopies (with slash and sand pine), with a sparse or moderately open shrub layer and a denser groundcover of grasses, herbs, and low shrubs. However, the density of these layers varies dependent on its soils and its fire history. This community will become an enhanced pine flatwoods, dominated by longleaf pines with an inclusion of slash and sand pines. By reducing the >60% dense shrub coverage, and introduction of scheduled prescribed burns, it is anticipated that not only recruitment of desirable pine flatwoods species will result but also a structure that is typical of flatwoods. The introduction of a prescribed burn program is in conjunction with shrub layer reduction and will be completed after thinning and mechanical efforts have been completed to prevent catastrophic damage to the pine trees. Cabbage palms will be selectively removed and laurel oaks selectively thinned. By these actions, the native community structure will be restored. Future annual monitoring field investigations should provide evidence of plant species more indicative of pine flatwoods. The reduction of the overgrown shrub layer will be aimed to achieve a shrub layer that is supported by desirable target species as described in Table A and Plant List A.
The actions identified to enhance this community are a combination of improvements, including vegetative and wildlife management prescriptions. Descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,” provided in the FSP, and shown on Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans. In summary, the improvements for this mitigation category are:
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Vegetative improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) selective thinning of hardwood canopy trees such as laurel oaks, to not only optimize the species composition for the enhanced flatwoods areas but to also reduce the presence of atypical species coverage, thus opening the relatively closed canopy. In addition, cabbage palms may be selectively removed to open up the canopy for recruitment of groundcover species; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and densely overgrown shrub layers as a tool to reduce the overgrown shrub layer coverage for optimal diversity and benefits to wildlife while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) initiation of a prescribed fire regime to further reduce nondesirable, invasive species for recruitment of fire-dependent species typical of this targeted pine flatwoods area; and 4) initial reduction and sustained reduction of exotic species by control treatments. Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to displace native communities.
Wildlife Management improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) reduction of invasive feral hogs by hunting and/or trapping measures to improve habitat conditions for nonListed and Listed species utilization. Left unmanaged, the excessive population of feral hogs will continue to eliminate the native plants of these flatwoods and disrupt species utilization within; 2) installation of increased security measures to control illegal hunting and remove trespassing effects and barriers detrimental for native species populations and utilization; and 3) completion of the combination of vegetative and hydrologic improvements to provide the opportunity for optimal species utilization.
By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) selective thinning in the pine flatwoods reduced the laurel oak species and cabbage palms to a coverage not exceeding 5%, thus opening the relatively closed canopy; 2) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and 60% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 3) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by desirable species as shown in Plant List A; 4) species composition is typical of the targeted mitigation category as shown in Table A; and 5) treatment and control of exotics is ≤ 1% and ≤ 5% for nuisance species.
By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions within the ARMB should show: 1) by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and thereafter annually (based on number of hogs, harvests may be adjusted); and 2) documentation of applicable activities associated with the ARMB to control and monitor the prevention of illegal hunting and trespassing.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. As described in Table A, by these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
Mitigation Category U4 – Scrub Uplands Enhancement (436) This community is a previously harvested scrub community. After harvesting, this community regenerated with a few typical scrub upland species but is predominately lacking species and a diversified composition typical for this community. Years of neglect and fire suppression have have allowed this community to become densely overgrown with saw palmetto, greenbriar and grapevine. In its pre-bank condition, the canopy is relatively open, and canopy trees include scrub oak, live oak, sand pine and longleaf pine. The
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 48 shrub layer is dense, overgrown, and dominated by saw palmetto. Groundcover is sparse. Species noted includes: prickly pear cactus, Elliott’s milkpea, wiregrass, shiny blueberry, runner oak, witchgrass, and reindeer moss. A lack of habitat management actions are evident by the dense shrub layer, less than optimal species composition and minimal natural recruitment of scrub canopy, shrub and groundcover species. Caeser weed is present, covering at least 2% of the shrub layer. Exotic species presence is less than 1% in the pre-bank condition. In its existing, pre-bank condition, the presence of animals is less than expected, except that the presence of feral hogs is evident. Groundcover and soils are somewhat disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs present a limiting factor for populations of native species, species such as white-tailed deer, bobcat, opossum, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pigmy rattlesnake, wild turkey, armadillo, gopher tortoise and tortoise commensals, which could otherwise utilize the scrub habitat. Native species, and/or evidence of use by native species, noted to date include: gray squirrel, robin, armadillo and gopher tortoise. Because of these conditions, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community.
This community will be enhanced to become an enhanced scrub uplands. This community will remain characterized as scrub upland and will be enhanced from its current degraded condition. Scrub communities occupy higher ridge elevations, have well-drained, infertile, sandy soils, are supported by high intensity and infrequent fires, and their species are adapted to fire and xeric conditions. Scrub community composition includes a variety of scrub oaks with sand pine in the canopy and subcanopy, as well as a relatively dense shrub layer and relatively sparse groundcover. Because this community is both overgrown and fire- suppressed, enhancement actions are proposed to benefit and improve this community. The introduction of a prescribed burn will be completed after vegetative reduction and mechanical efforts have been completed to prevent catastrophic damage to existing native species. By reducing the >60% dense shrub coverage, and introduction of scheduled prescribed burns, it is anticipated that recruitment of desirable scrub species will result to achieve a community structure typical of scrub uplands. The reduction of the overgrown shrub layer will be aimed to achieve a shrub layer coverage that is supported by desirable target species as described in Table D and Plant List D.
The actions identified to enhance this community are a combination of improvements, including vegetative and wildlife management prescriptions. Descriptions of enhancement actions are provided in Sections 3.1-3.6 “Actions,” provided in the FSP, and shown on Figures 5, 8a-8b, 10-12, as well as on ARMB engineering plans. In summary, the improvements for this mitigation category are:
Vegetative improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and densely overgrown shrub layers as a tool to reduce the overgrown shrub layer coverage for optimal diversity and benefits to wildlife while also reducing the fuel load to prevent catastrophic wildfires; 2) initiation of a prescribed fire regime to further reduce nondesirable, invasive species and facilitate the recruitment of fire-dependent species typical of this targeted pine flatwoods area; and 3) initial reduction and sustained reduction of exotic species by control treatments.
Wildlife Management improvements are and will enhance this area by: 1) reduction of invasive feral hogs by hunting and/or trapping measures to improve habitat conditions for nonListed and Listed species utilization; 2) installation of increased security measures to control illegal hunting and remove trespassing effects and barriers detrimental for native species populations and utilization; and 3) completion of vegetative improvements to provide the opportunity for optimal species utilization.
By completion of the initial forestry stewardship actions for vegetative improvements, this mitigation category should show that: 1) mechanical reduction of fire-suppressed and 60% overgrown shrub layers reduced the shrub layer to a maximum 40% coverage; 2) the initial prescribed fire reduced nondesirable, invasive species and facilitated the recruitment of fire-dependent groundcover species typical of this targeted mitigation category area with coverage by
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desirable species as shown in Plant List D; 3) species composition is typical of the targeted mitigation category as shown in Table D; and 4) treatment and control of exotics to ≤ 1% and ≤ 5% for nuisance species. Left unmanaged, exotic species have the potential to cover this native community.
By the implementation of the initial wildlife management actions within the ARMB should show: 1) by annual harvest reports, a reduction of invasive feral hogs by at least 10-15 hogs harvested within the ARMB after permit issuance, and thereafter annually (based on number of hogs, harvests may be adjusted); and 2) documentation of applicable activities associated with the ARMB to control and monitor the prevention of illegal hunting and trespassing.
Baseline documentation, to be completed upon permit issuance, will document the pre-bank conditions for comparison with those targeted for final success of the mitigation category. Additional descriptions of targeted conditions are provided in UMAM Parts I & II. As described in Table D, by these actions, there is an interim credit release associated with an interim success criteria stage to document how this area is trending towards success. There is a final credit release associated with final success criteria achieved.
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6.3 SPECIFIC MITIGATION CATEGORY SUCCESS CRITERIA: TABLES & PLANT LISTS For determining whether each applicable community is adequately successful, and whether the final credit releases are warranted, the mitigation categories must meet these specific conditions as described in Tables A- E and applicable Plant Lists A-E below.
Table A – Success Criteria for Pine Flatwoods Enhancement ARMB Interim Final Criterion Pre-Bank Notes: See Plant List A below Success Success % cover cabbage palm/laurel oaks via selective ≥10 ≤10 ≤5% Average over assessment area(s) thinning actions Pine species ≥ 20’ tall ≤100 ≤100 ≤100 Measured by trees per acre % aerial coverage shrub cover (ie saw palmetto etc) ≥60% ≤60% ≤40% Average over assessment area(s) by reduction shrub layers and species controls % cover exotic species/% cover nuisance species ≥1%/≥5% ≤1%/≤5% Average over assessment area(s) by enhancement actions Measured as % of areas not Groundcover minimum % cover target species ≤20% ≥20% ≥50% covered by trees or shrubs Minimum of 1 successful prescribed burn na yes *Per FSP *In accordance with FSP Documentation feral hog reduction by Harvest over entire ARMB not yes yes hunting/trapping harvest records by each habitat area Documentation of increased security Yes Yes In accordance with Mit Plan measures per mitigation plan
Plant List A Desirable species may include but are not limited to: longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), slash pine (Pinus elliottii), saw palmetto (Seronoa repens), lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shiny blueberry (Vaccinium mysinites), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), possum haw (Viburnum nudum), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), wiregrass (Aristida stricta), and yellow jessamine (Gelsemium spp.).
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Table B – Success Criteria for Hydric Pine Flatwoods Enhancement ARMB Interim Final Criterion Pre-Bank Notes: See Plant List B below Success Success Documentation increase water elevation or documentation reduction upland groundcover No Yes Yes by completion of hydrologic improvements Documentation naturalized water passage between wetlands – ie reduced/minimal to no Yes Yes road wash outs Pine species coverage ≥ 20’ tall: trees per acre ≤50 ≤50 ≤50 Measured by trees per acre % cover cabbage palm/laurel oaks by reduction ≥10 ≤10 ≤5% of cabbage palms/laurel oaks % aerial coverage shrub cover by reduction ≥60% ≤40% ≤40% Average over assessment area(s) shrub layers and species controls % cover exotic species/% cover nuisance species ≤1%/≥10% ≤1%/≤5% ≤1%/≤5% by enhancement actions Overall within entire Groundcover minimum number of target species 2 5 20 assessment area; not required each acre Measured as % of areas not Groundcover minimum % cover target species ≤40 ≥40% ≥60% covered by trees or shrubs Minimum of 1 successful prescribed burn na yes *Per FSP *In accordance with FSP Documentation feral hog reduction by Harvest over entire ARMB not yes yes hunting/trapping harvest records by each habitat area Documentation of increased security Yes Yes In accordance with Mit Plan measures per mitigation plan
Plant List B Desirable species may include but are not limited to: longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), slash pine (Pinus elliottii), bays (Persea spp), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), lyonia (Lyonia lucida), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), St. Johns wort (Hypericum spp), yellow-eyed grass (Xyris spp), beaksedges (Rhyncospora spp), soft rushes (Juncus spp), and bog button (Lachnocaulon spp).
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Table C – Success Criteria for Mesic and Oak Hammocks Enhancement ARMB Interim Final Criterion Pre-Bank Notes: See Plant List C below Success Success % aerial cover canopy--by reduction laurel ≥80% ≤75% ≤75% oaks/pines/cabbage palms % cover Pine species ≥ 20’ by reduction pines ≥20% ≤20% ≤20% Measured by trees per acre ≥10% U1 ≤5% U1 ≤5% U1 % cover laurel oaks by reduction laurel oaks Average over assessment area(s) ≥25% U2 ≤25% U2 ≤25% U2 % aerial coverage shrub cover by reduction saw ≥80% ≤60% ≤40% Average over assessment area(s) palmetto/ dense shrubs, and species controls % groundcover species coverage by reduction of Overall, measured as % of areas ≤10% ≥ 10% ≥ 10% dense shrub not covered by trees or shrubs % cover exotic species/% cover nuisance species ≤2%/≥5% ≤1%/≤5% ≤1%/≤5% by enhancement actions Successful prescribed burn to reduce dense shrub layers and facilitate recruitment fire-dependent yes species Documentation feral hog reduction by Harvest over entire ARMB not yes yes hunting/trapping harvest records by each habitat area Documentation of increased security Yes Yes In accordance with Mit Plan measures per mitigation plan
Plant List C For Oak Hammocks, desirable species may include but are not limited to: live oak (Quercus virginiana), turkey oak (Quercus laevis), water (Quercus nigra) and/or laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), saw palmetto (Seronoa repens), lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shiny blueberry (Vaccinium mysinites), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), wiregrass (Aristida stricta), gopher apple (Licania michauxii), runner oak (Quercus pumila), beaksedges (Rhyncospora spp), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) , and witchgrass (Dichanthelium spp).
For Mesic Hammocks, desirable species may include but are not limited to: live, water and/or laurel oaks, red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), saw palmetto (Seronoa repens), lyonia (Lyonia lucida), shiny blueberry (Vaccinium mysinites), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), possum haw (Viburnum nudum), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), wiregrass (Aristida stricta), American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), gopher apple (Licania michauxii), runner oak (Quercus pumila), witchgrass (Dichanthelium spp), Hercules’ club (Zanthoxylum americanum), and yellow jessamine (Gelsemium spp.)
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Table D – Success Criteria for Scrub Uplands Enhancement ARMB Interim Final Criterion Pre-Bank Notes: See Plant List C below Success Success % aerial coverage shrub cover by reduction saw ≥60% ≤60% ≤40% Average over assessment area(s) palmetto/ dense shrubs, and species controls % groundcover species coverage by reduction of Overall, measured as % of areas ≤10% ≥ 10% ≥ 20% dense shrub not covered by trees or shrubs Overall within entire Groundcover minimum number of target species ≤5 5 7 assessment area; not required within each acre % cover exotic species/% cover nuisance species ≤1%/≥1% ≤1% ≤1%/≤5% by enhancement actions Successful prescribed burn to reduce dense shrub yes and facilitate recruitment fire-dependent species Documentation feral hog reduction by Harvest over entire ARMB not yes yes hunting/trapping harvest records by each habitat area Documentation of increased security Yes Yes In accordance with Mit Plan measures per mitigation plan
Plant List D Desirable species may include but are not limited to: Scrub (Quercus inopina), myrtle(Quercus myrtifolia), sand live and/or chapman’s oak (Q. geminata/Quercus chapmanii), sand pine (Pinus clausa), rusty lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), tarflower (Bejaria racemosa), shiny blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifusa), Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), pinweed (Lechea spp), wiregrass (Aristida stricta), gopher apple (Licania michauxii), runner oak (Quercus pumila), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), and pawpaw (Asimina triloba).
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Table E – Success Criteria for Floodplain Wetlands Enhancement ARMB Interim Final Criterion Pre-Bank Notes: See Plant List E Success Success Documentation increase water elevation or documentation reduction upland ------Yes groundcover by completion of hydrologic improvements Documentation naturalized water passage between wetlands – ie reduced/minimal Yes Yes to no road wash outs Average trees over entire W1 Assessment 200-250 200-250 Average over entire W1 Area Area Shrub/subcanopy % composition target ≤80% ≥80% ≥80% species Groundcover % composition target ≤60% ≥60% ≥60% FACW/OBL species Groundcover minimum number of target Overall within entire assessment ≤3 ≥3 ≥6 species area; not required within each acre % cover exotic species/% cover nuisance ≤1%/≤5 ≤2%/≥10% ≤1%/≤5% species by enhancement actions % Documentation feral hog reduction by Harvest over entire ARMB not by yes yes hunting/trapping harvest records each habitat area Documentation of increased security Yes Yes In accordance with Mit Plan measures per mitigation plan
Plant List E Desirable species include but are not limited to: water oak (Quercus nigra), swamp laurel oak (Quercus laevis), red maple (acer rubus), cypress (Taxodium spp), sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), pop ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), American elm (Ulmus americana), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), swamp bay (Persea palustris), royal (Osmunda regalis), cinnamon (Osmunda cinnamomea) and/or chain (Woodwardia virginica) ferns, swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), soft rush (Juncus spp), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), blueflag iris (Iris pseudacorus), bog button (Lachnocaulon spp), St. Johns wort (Hypericum spp), carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), yellow-eyed grass (Xyris spp), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), spikerush (Eleocharis spp), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), and sedges (Carex spp).
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6.4 MONITORING
Monitoring will be implemented to document changes in the ecological condition of the ARMB ecosystems, wetland and upland. There is quantitative and qualitative monitoring of the enhanced ARMB habitats to document successful achievement of targeted goals and objectives. The monitoring program for the ARMB is divided into two phases: short-term monitoring and long-term monitoring.
6.4.1 Short-term Monitoring Program To assure that the desired affects are achieved, wetland and upland areas will be monitored. The short-term monitoring program is anticipated for the first five years after permit issuance. However, short term monitoring is based on attainment of interim and final success criteria. If interim and final success attainment is reached prior to completion of the first five years of monitoring, short term monitoring will cease and long term monitoring would commence. Short term monitoring will include vegetative and hydrologic monitoring efforts, as well as routine inspections associated with short and long term management plans. Monitoring reports will address the overall condition of the ARMB, and will list the specific management activities that have been implemented during the monitoring period. Each activity will be addressed, listing its objectives, implementation techniques and achievements.
Short-term Annual Vegetative Monitoring The short term quantitative vegetative monitoring components are described below, but include species composition and percent cover by wetland/upland species and presence of exotic/nuisance species. The quantitative vegetative monitoring will commence with a baseline monitoring report. A baseline monitoring event will be conducted on the ARMB after permit issuance and prior to initiation of enhancement actions to document vegetative conditions along established pedestrian transects. Annual short term monitoring will be conducted in the fall quarter after enhancement activities are conducted to ensure vegetative success of the project. Reports will be submitted in December of each monitoring year. Reports will be completed and submitted annually for an anticipated five year period and/or with credit release requests associated with interim and final success attainment. Credits may be released if vegetative performance standards are meeting interim and/or final success criteria after enhancement actions have been completed during this first five year period. If vegetative performance standards are not meeting success criteria in the first five years, additional short term monitoring may be extended an additional two (2) years for a total of 7 consecutive years of short- term monitoring. Success criteria for each habitat type is fully described in Section 6.0-6.3 herein. The goal of the monitoring program will be to evaluate the success in reestablishing native vegetative communities, and directly measure the improvement progress within the enhancement areas. Multiple vegetative monitoring transects will be established with at least one representative 100’ to 300’ variable length transect established in each of the mitigation categories. The transects are to provide adequate coverage for targeted mitigation areas. Each will also be permanently marked in the field with metal stakes. The proposed vegetative transect locations are provided in Figure 10.
Vegetative conditions within the habitat types will be documented with photographs. The photos will be taken at representative locations, and these photopoints will be permanently marked in the field with metal stakes. In addition, all areas of earthwork for ARMB improvements will be photographed. Any special points of interest will likewise be photographed. All photopoints will be shown on a notated aerial photograph submitted with the report.
Monitoring shall document the following criteria: 1) Percent aerial coverage; 2) Species lists (diversity qualification); 3) Exotic species presence; and 4) Target species success reporting.
Vegetative success, as described in Section 6.0 herein, in all of the vegetatively enhanced areas, will be determined using several methods. Tree canopy species and coverage will be recorded. Existing shrub and groundcover vegetation in the wetlands and uplands will be sampled, identified, and percent coverages will be determined. Three quadrats, each ten meter square, will be used to collect shrub and tree data at the two endpoints and midpoint of each transect. One meter quadrats will be established every 50 feet along the
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 56 transect line to identify ground layers. Herbaceous monitoring data from transects will be analyzed to help determine the success of the mitigation project. The percent composition and aerial coverage of target canopy, shrub and groundcover species, species identification and number of target species within the quadrats will be monitored. The presence of desirable species according to the success criteria outlined in Tables A-E will document vegetative success. The species composition should be representative of and typical for the targeted upland community type (mitigation category). In addition, within the wetland transects, each plant species will be assigned a wetland indicator status (Obligate, FacWet, Upland, etc.) according to the methods pursuant to F.S. Chapter 62-340 standards. The aerial coverages will then be averaged for each transect and numbers will be assigned to the various wetland indicator status rankings (Obligate=1, FacWet=2, etc.). The relative percent cover of each species in a transect will be multiplied by the wetland indicator status number and then summed to determine the Prevalence Index Value (PIV) for the transect. Mitigation progress can then be expressed as both absolute coverage and as a numeric value that reveals the relative “wetness” or “dryness” of the system. Using these methods, it will be possible to track both the colonization of new plant species and species composition. Data should indicate a beneficial shift in vegetation from FAC and FACW species to FACW/OBL species which are more typical and desirable for the wetland communities.
The Mitigation Plan’s actions are also meant to increase and diversify the habitat for wildlife populations that presently use the ARMB or the surrounding area. Wildlife observations as a component of the annual vegetative monitoring is an indirect measure of the success of the mitigation activities. Wildlife observations will be based on incidental observation and species lists will be made of observed wildlife throughout the monitoring program. Wildlife data, inclusive of invasive feral hog data, will be presented annually with each fall quarter monitoring report.
Annual Hydrologic Monitoring The goal of the hydrologic monitoring program will be to evaluate the success in reestablishing hydrologic balance. Success criteria for hydrologic improvements is fully described in Section 6.0 herein. Though the ARMB wetlands may have been saturated but not inundated for several years, there is the potential for water elevations to rise and equalize with hydrologic improvements. As such, 4 recording piezometers will be strategically placed within wetland areas. Their locations are provided on Figure 10. Daily recorded hydrologic monitoring will begin at least one month prior to the installation of hydrologic enhancement activities to provide baseline information. Daily recorded data from the automatically recording piezometers will be collected every 2-3 months for a minimum of two years after the completion of the hydrologic improvements to measure hydrology and to evaluate success. Collected water level piezometer data should indicate an overall longer duration of saturation. As a result, it is expected that a baseline, first and second annual report will be submitted to document water elevation data. Thereafter, water level data will not be required. However, if hydrologic performance standards are not meeting success criteria described in Section 6.0 in the first two years, additional monitoring may be extended for an additional two (2) years for a total of 4 consecutive years of short-term monitoring. Rainfall data will be obtained and recorded from the nearest available source to correlate with the water levels and vegetation data, to help determine overall results. The baseline and first annual hydrologic monitoring reports will be submitted concurrently with vegetative monitoring reports.
The following elements will be documented in each of the above reports, as applicable: x Report content x Photographic evidence of earth work & existing vegetative conditions at photo points x Location & size of any culverts, ditch plugs, and low-water crossings, as applicable x Hydrologic conditions via water level readings & rainfall data x Figures depicting locations of hydrologic and forestry stewardship activities x Log of forestry stewardship, hydrologic enhancement and maintenance activities x Recent aerial photos (as available by FDOT, County and/or SWFWMD) x Observed wildlife and narrative discussions of wildlife use x Vegetative transect monitoring data
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6.4.2 Long-term Monitoring Program Once the short-term monitoring period has been completed, long-term qualitative narrative reports will be submitted annually. This report will include a general narrative discussion with an emphasis on describing conditions that relate to how the ARMB is continuing to meet (or not meet) the success criteria as described in Section 6.0 herein. It will include observations throughout enhanced wetlands and uplands to note general health of enhanced wetlands and uplands, hydrologic conditions and presence of exotics. Also included will be a description of maintenance activities and proposed ARMB activities to be conducted during the upcoming year, if/as known. The report shall summarize an assessment of the overall success of the ARMB. If additional credits remain to be released, more detailed information will be included to show the progress of the ARMB toward the credit release milestone. The qualitative, long term monitoring events will be conducted during the fall within the months of September-November. The long term report will be submitted in December of the monitoring event.
The following elements will be documented in each report: x Report content x Recent aerial photographs (as available by FDOT, County and/or SWFWMD) x Figures depicting locations of hydrologic and forestry stewardship activities x Log of any maintenance activities on the ARMB x Permanently selected land-based photographs depicting general ARMB conditions x Proposed actions for the upcoming year
7.0 MAINTENANCE AND LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT
7.1 MAINTENANCE GRC or their successors will be permitted to maintain property fences and access roads within the ARMB. All new culverts and low-water crossings, as well as existing culverts and ditch plugs, will be maintained on an as- needed basis. Fire breaks will be installed, replaced and/or maintained within the bank, as needed during prescribed burns. Fire breaks will be temporary and their anticipated locations are shown on Figure 11. However, locations, or location adjustments if needed, will be determined by a certified burn specialist prior to the prescribed burn. Because of the minimum amount of construction to be done, maintenance is expected to be minimal. A three-strand wire fence with and properly posted no trespassing signs will be used to mark and secure the perimeter of the bank site along public roads and known access points bordering County- owned and TECO lands. A minimum of 4 locked gates with connective fencing will be erected to control access from all public and private roads onto the bank site. No Trespassing signs will be posted at the gates as well as regularly spaced intervals along the Alafia River. Any pre-existing signs at the River on the proposed ARMB, which erroneously encourages public access onto GRC land, will be removed. Additional security measures are described in preceding Sections. ARMB shall perform all work necessary to achieve and maintain success criteria in perpetuity.
7.2 SHORT & LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT Upon permit issuance of the ARMB, GRC will initiate the construction activities needed to enhance the ARMB and achieve success criteria outlined within the mitigation banking plan. There are short term and long term management activities associated with maintaining the ARMB in its enhanced condition to ensure that the ARMB is and remains a viable mitigation bank. All land management will be the responsibility of GRC or their successors according to the approved Mitigation Plan. GRC is dedicated to establishing the ARMB as a viable mitigation bank. The ARMB will be managed to minimize human impacts, and to verify that the Mitigation, Forestry Stewardship and Management Plans are in compliance. There are long-term property management and maintenance activities. To ensure that long-term maintenance funding is available in perpetuity, an appropriate financial assurance mechanism will be established for the ARMB. Upon placement of an ARMB’s conservation easement, funds will be placed in the financial assurance mechanism account. The short and long term management actions are described below. The schedule of short term and
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 58 long term management actions is depicted on Table 7, Section 10.0 below.
Hydrologic Improvements & Management Actions There are hydrologic improvements which will be constructed. Their installations will ensure that there is perpetual hydrological enhancement to existing wetland landscapes. GRC or their designated land management entity(s) will construct, install and/or excavate the hydrological improvements. GRC will be the responsible entity for their completion, short term and long-term management. Hydrologic improvement actions are fully described in Section 3.3 herein.
Short Term: There is an old river bed (ORB) which will be restored by recontouring its configuration (ORBHE) to promote the rehydration and hydrologic enhancement of the floodplain wetlands. The old river bed will be excavated in accordance with permitted, as-built specifications, using equipment suitable for its excavation and completed such that it minimizes damage to desirable canopy trees in the areas adjacent to the footprint of the targeted river bed. The recontoured river bed will be stabilized to prevent downstream erosion and sedimentation. The excavation activities will be completed in accordance with permitted, as-built specifications, according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings. Low water crossings (LWC) will be constructed within existing road segments and constructed to match wetland grade on either side of the road(s) while also allowing continued vehicular access to, through and beyond the low water crossings. The low water crossings will be constructed in accordance with permitted, as-built specifications, according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings. Low water crossings will be constructed to act as broad-crested weirs capable of passing base and peak flows. They will be constructed of stone to provide vehicle support and stability when submerged during the wet season. They will be stabilized to prevent erosion and sedimentation. There are pre-existing culverts within existing road segments installed to match wetland grade on either side of the road(s) while also allowing continued vehicular access to, over and beyond the culverted crossing(s). Any new culverts will be set at elevations that will maintain adequate hydrology in the dry season. Roadway stabilization at these critical locations will also prevent future erosion and sediment transport into adjacent wetland areas. Ditch plugs (DP) will be installed within designated ditches. They will be constructed in accordance with permitted, as-built specifications, according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings. They will be stabilized to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Riverine oxbows (OX) and sloughs carry river water through the ARMB site before reentering the main channel of the Alafia River. The oxbows are obstructed by accumulated man-made garbage and debris. Selective removal of man-made obstructions and debris, as feasible, from oxbows and connective sloughs will enhance onsite water capacities and helps promote naturalized water flow within the River for downstream benefit. In addition, GRC proposes to periodically remove man-made debris along the ARMB’s 3-mile length of River owned by the GRC. For each of the above construction actions, GRC will provide oversight during construction periods to ensure compliance with the permitted construction plans. GRC will utilize their resources for the excavation, filling and restoration of the ORBHE area, as well as for the ditch plug and oxbow enhancements. As described in Section 6.2, GRC will install strategically placed piezometers for data collection of water elevations at least one month prior to completion of the hydrologic improvement activities. GRC will conduct a baseline monitoring event prior to initiation of the hydrologic enhancement actions which will include hydrologic and vegetative data collection, as described herein.
Long Term: The old river bed (ORBHE) will be inspected and maintained in its restored condition to ensure that it continues to function to promote the rehydration and hydrologic enhancement of the floodplain wetlands. Once the recontouring has been completed, the river bed and its access road will be routinely inspected. This access road will be maintained annually. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that the recontoured river bed does not meet design criteria, it will be maintained, repaired and/or recontoured pursuant to permitted criteria within a reasonable period of time after the inspection. ARMB access roads (Figure 5) will be maintained to ensure perpetual access to the hydrologic improvements. The installed low water crossings will be maintained such that the passage of water is not obstructed and therefore reducing the enhancement benefits. Once constructed, access roads and the low water crossings will be routinely inspected. The LWCs will be maintained as needed for the first 2 years, and thereafter, both the roads and LWCs will be annually inspected and maintained. If during the routine inspections, it is determined
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 59 that the low water crossing(s) is not functional, it will be repaired within a reasonable period of time after the inspection. The culverts will be maintained, repaired and/or replaced such that the passage of water is not obstructed and therefore reducing the enhancement benefits. Once constructed, the access roads and the culverts will be routinely inspected and maintained on a semi-annual basis. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that the culvert(s) is not functional, it will be repaired, replaced or maintained within a reasonable period of time after the inspection. The ditch plugs will be maintained such that the ditch’s artificial drainage effect is removed and therefore reducing the enhancement benefits. Once constructed, the ditch plugs will be routinely inspected and maintained by semi-annual maintenance efforts as needed. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that the ditch plug(s) is not functional, it will be repaired within a reasonable period of time after the inspection. Once the initial debris removal activities have been completed, the oxbows will be routinely inspected and maintained by semi-annual maintenance efforts as needed. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that the passage of water is blocked by debris, the oxbow(s) will be maintained within a reasonable period of time after the inspection.
Vegetative Improvement Actions There are vegetative improvements which will be completed. Their completion will ensure that there is perpetual ecological/vegetative enhancement to existing landscapes. Vegetative improvement actions will be used to produce optimal diversity of habitats. GRC or their designated land management entity(s) will conduct the vegetative improvements. GRC will be the responsible entity for their completion, short term and long-term management.Vegetative improvement actions are fully described in Section 3.2 and Section 6.0 herein.
Short Term: As described in Section 2.1 above, there are uplands which are densely overgrown. There are access roads which allow ingress to the majority of these uplands. GRC will conduct or their designated land management entity will conduct vegetative improvements. Selective removal of canopy trees and overgrown shrub layers will enhance these habitats. Reduction actions will be completed by selective thinning and mechanical techniques. Removal of vegetation will be completed through the use of chopping, grinding, or a Brown tree cutter, all actions which can reduce the number of smaller diameter trees or reduce areas of dense understory vegetation such as palmetto. Where native plants are attempting to colonize, the native plants will be protected to the greatest extent possible so that they remain after trees are removed. There are uplands which are fire-suppressed. The initial prescribed burn will be conducted by a certified burn specialist according to an approved burn plan prior to, concurrent with or after thinning efforts as described in the Forestry Stewardship Plan. Initiating prescribed burns will enhance these habitats. GRC’s to-be-designated burn specialist will conduct prescribed burns. Temporary firebreaks will be considered and these are previously described in the FSP and their locations depicted on Figure 11 (Attachment I). A contingency plan will be provided if natural recruitment does not occur after five years of annual monitoring efforts are completed. There are exotic plants growing within the ARMB communities. GRC will identify noted areas of exotic species infestation in a baseline monitoring event. GRC will conduct an initial exotic species control treatment over noted infestations. Appropriate approved and recommended chemical herbicide treatment applications will be used. Chemical control measures may include the following, as appropriate: 1) Skunkvine: cut vine 5-6 feet above ground and by spraying apply an application of 1-3% Garlon 3A or 4 below cut; 2) Lygodium: cut vine 5-6 feet above ground and by spraying apply an application of 1-2% Rodeo or 2% Garlon 3A or 2-4% Rodeo (light infestations) below cut; and 3) Air Potato: spray an application of 1- 2% Roundup or Touchdown Pro.
Long Term: Once these initial vegetative and prescribed burn actions have been completed, the enhanced habitats will be inspected annually and maintained. The access roads will be maintained by mowing and selective tree removal as necessary for safe vehicular access to conduct mitigation bank activities. The goal is to burn on a rotational basis while maintaining needed flexibility, and as appropriate for the targeted habitat type to reduce a densely overgrown vegetative composition and facilitate regrowth of fire-dependent native species. Temporary fire breaks or fire plow lines may be placed by using appropriate equipment such as a flat plowing disk harrow in order to contain and manage the burns (Figure 11). After each prescribed burn is completed, a certified burn specialist overseeing the burn will prepare and sign documentation showing, at a
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 60 minimum, the area successfully burned, the date of the burn and an assessment of the success of the burn. The burn plan and post-burn documentation will be submitted with applicable FSP annual reports. Re- colonization by desirable native plant species is expected after thinning and prescribed burns have been initiated. After the initial treatment, GRC staff or their designated specialist will conduct annual maintenance inspections. Randomly selected areas, ARMB perimeters, and access road areas will be annually inspected for spot treatments. If exotic species are noted during routine inspections and/or treatment events, the species will be logged with its location and the date of inspection. New exotic species occurrences will be manually or chemically treated within 30 days after the annual inspections.
Wildlife Improvement Actions There are feral hogs on the ARMB. Hog presence is extensive and they cause substantial damage to vegetative compositions. Though hunting of feral hogs is currently authorized, control efforts have not been initiated. Feral hog control is a management task associated with the exotic species control program as well as a component of wildlife management and wildlife improvements. GRC-sanctioned hunting/trapping will be allowed to control feral hogs on the ARMB. It is anticipated that a minimum of 10 hogs may be harvested per year. Wildlife management actions are fully described in Section 3.4 and Section 6.0 herein.
Short Term: Feral hogs will be hunted and/or trapped, and controlled on the ARMB upon permit issuance. An initial population control effort will be implemented and harvest data collected for submittal with the annual reports.
Long Term: The property will be routinely inspected for feral hogs and the removal of feral hogs will be conducted at least annually and/or as needed. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that hog controls are ineffective, adaptive management will be considered.
Security and Enhanced Preservation/Protection Actions There is substantial, unauthorized hunting and trespassing on the ARMB. ATV use, hunting, horseback riding and alcohol use, as well as non-Boy Scout sanctioned camping has been a a significant problem on the ARMB. To remove adverse impacts and activities, added security measures will be initiated by the GRC. Security and protection actions are fully described in Sections 3.4, 3.6 and 6.0 herein.
Short Term: A mitigation bank-restrictive conservation easement will be recorded to ensure feasible protection of the ARMB. Security measures will be adopted. To date, there are no viable measures implemented to achieve this. The majority of the trespassing to illegally hunt and ride horses on the ARMB occurs by crossing through the TECO easement. By installing a perimeter 3-strand, barbed wire fence with locked gates along the TECO easement and similar locking devices on other access points, trespassing, unauthorized horseback riding, and illegal hunting activities will be controlled. Four (4) locked gates will be erected on this perimeter fence to control access onto the ARMB. Access to the ARMB will be authorized by GRC for its sanctioned uses and for the management of the ARMB. Because no public access has been identified for the foreseeable future, the gates along the perimeter fences will remain locked against general public access. (Note: until Hillsborough County develops and permits a plan for controlled access, and constructs the infrastructure for a future public access trail into ARMB’s eastern boundary fence at a cost to the County, public access is not available. Also, future public access is restricted to two locations as depicted on Figure 13). To prevent fragmentation of the wildlife corridor and to ensure that species may move freely within the corridor, no fence will be constructed on the River or interior floodplain wetland boundaries. Additional gates will be erected along access points at the County/ARMB boundary and GRC NonBank Area and ARMB (Figure 12). Pedestrian gates with signage will be erected at the intersections along River and Scout Roads to promote compliance with ARMB criteria and targeted conditions, as well as limited future public access to River and Scout Roads. Appropriate “no trespassing” and “ARMB conservation area” signage will be installed along the length of the ARMB which identifies the ARMB’s conservation classification and prohibitions for trespassing, poaching and unauthorized hunting. In addition to fencing for the ARMB, after permit issuance, GRC will install a computer interfaced surveillance system at a strategic point along the installed ARMB perimeter fence. Surveillance data will be collected for an initial one year period after permit issuance to not only document
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 61 any attempted, future unauthorized entries but to discourage unauthorized entries. If surveillance documents unauthorized entries onto the ARMB, the GRC, at its discretion, shall have the opportunity to take legal actions against those trespassing.
Within one year after permit issuance, but specifically on a volunteer basis and not directly applied to ARMB security, mitigation bank credits, or perpetual management, GRC will also install an onsite manager for its passive recreational and NonBank operations. It is cost prohibitive for the GRC to employ an onsite manager for the ARMB. However it is anticipated that the presence of the onsite manager in proximity to the ARMB will indirectly benefit the ARMB and discourage unauthorized activities such as trespassing. GRC and/or its designated entity (which may include the onsite manager) would be responsible for designated, controlled access through the fence gates.
Long Term: Newly installed and pre-existing gates and fences will be maintained. Signage which prohibits unauthorized access and uses contrary to the ARMB, and identifies the ARMB as a preserved, enhanced landscape will be posted along the Alafia River and on access road intersections. Appropriate no trespassing signs will be posted at the gates as well. In addition, all unauthorized, but installed signage and structures encouraging access onto ARMB land will be removed. The above measures are wildlife management tools which the GRC will utilize, as well as security measures to ensure that the ARMB remains viable. Furthermore, once the ARMB is established, the security structures will be inspected annually and maintained as needed. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that these security controls are ineffective, adaptive management will be considered.
Long Term Maintenance Actions GRC or their successors will be permitted to maintain property fences and access roads within the ARMB. All new culverts and low-water crossings, as well as existing culverts and ditch plugs, will be maintained on an as- needed basis, subject to the above criteria. Fire breaks will be installed, replaced and/or maintained within the bank, as needed and subject to the above criteria. Because of the minimum amount of construction to be done, maintenance is expected to be minimal. ARMB shall perform all work necessary to achieve and maintain success criteria in perpetuity.
8.0 MITIGATION SERVICE AREA
The service area includes the Alafia River Basin, which corresponds to the footprint location of the ARMB. The location of the bank and the geographic area it will serve are shown in Figure 7. The footprint of the ARMB lies in the Alafia River Basin and is close to Peace River and Little Manatee River Basins.
9.0 ANTICIPATED USE
It is anticipated that most of the mitigation credits will be used to offset impacts associated with private and public projects within the geographic service area. Use of the ARMB will not affect the application of normal ACOE/SWFWMD permitting criteria dealing with wetland impact avoidance and minimization.
10.0 ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE
Implementation of the proposed management activities will commence upon issuance of the appropriate permits. The installation of hydrologic improvements, removal of the exotic vegetation and selected species would be completed within a reasonable timeframe after permit issuance. Bank activities are expected to occur over a five-year period. The sequence of activities given below is a relative estimate to be used as a guideline. Variations in this schedule may be authorized with concurrence of the appropriate permitting agencies upon written request. Credit releases will be dependent on completion of activities. The anticipated schedule is shown in Table 7 below.
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 62
Table 7. Anticipated Schedule for Mitigation Bank Activities. Activity Schedule Implementation Recordation ARMB Conservation Easement(s) & Financial Upon permit issuance Assurance Mechanisms Implementation increased security actions Upon permit issuance Implementation Mitigation Plan Upon permit issuance Implementation Forestry Stewardship Plan Upon permit issuance Complete initial vegetative reduction actions 30 days after permit issuance Complete initial prescribed burn actions 30-90 days after initial vegetative reductions Complete initial exotic species treatments 90-180 days after permit issuance Complete initial Feral hog controls 30-90 days after permit issuance Complete LWC/DP/OXHE hydrologic enhancement actions 30-180 days after permit issuance Complete ORBHE hydrologic enhancement actions 30-365 days after permit issuance Document interim hydrologic success via monitoring After completion hydrologic actions Document final hydrologic success via monitoring After attainment interim success Document interim success (trending towards success) via monitoring After completion FSP enhancement actions Document final success achieved via monitoring After attainment interim success Conduct annual inspections As appropriate Conduct monitoring & complete annual reports Annually
11.0 FINANCIAL ASSURANCE AND PROPERTY INTEREST
The ARMB is privately owned and managed by the GRC and will be managed according to the approved ARMB Mitigation Plan, which has been developed in conjunction with and made a part of the permit application package. GRC will be the responsible entity for long-term management. It will provide financial assurances for appropriate construction, management, and maintenance on the ARMB. GRC will retain ownership of the ARMB. GRC is dedicated to establishing the ARMB as a mitigation bank. As indicated above in Section 7.2, Hillsborough County does not and will not have an ownership interest in the ARMB, but will retain compatible interest right in the ARMB. GRC holds title to the ARMB site and expects to continue to retain ownership. However, GRC retains the ability to transfer or sell its interest in the ARMB. Any transfer or sale will be done in accordance with the statutes and rules that govern mitigation banks.
GRC will provide sufficient financial assurances to manage the bank in perpetuity through funding, as applicable, short-term (construction) and long-term (perpetual) trust funds, formatted to follow state and federal guidelines. As stated above, prior to placement of the ARMB conservation easement, sufficient funds will be placed in the Trust Fund for the area covered by the conservation easement. Financial assurance documents are provided in Appendix IV.
To attain credits, the ARMB will execute a conservation easement and implement the hydrologic and vegetative manipulations as described herein. Only earned credits will be released to the ARMB and the agencies will have the needed assurance that the mitigation is in place and functioning as planned.
Table 8 is attached below. It references existing vs proposed conservation easement restrictions, allowances and prohibitions.
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12.0 REFERENCES
• USDA–Soil Conservation Service. 1991. Hydric Soils of the United States. In Cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils. USDA-SCS, Washington, DC. Soil Survey of Hillsborough County, Florida 1974. Soil Data Mart. • USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. Major Land Resource Areas in Florida. www.mo15.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/mlra_fl.html • R.L. Myers&J.J. Ewel (ed.) Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central FL Press, Orlando, Fl. • USDA –Soil Conservation Service. 1980. 26., Ecological Communities of FL., USDA-SCS, Washington, DC. • Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). 2010. Guide to the natural communities of Florida: 2010 edition. Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Tallahassee, FL. • HillsboroughCounty Water Atlas., www.hillsborough.wateratlas.usf.edu. • SWFWMD.2001.Alafia River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. • SWFWMD/HillsboroughCounty.HDREngineering.2010. Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve Management Plan. • HillsboroughCountyELAPP.FishHawkCreek/AlafiaRiver Corridor Preserve document. • HillsboroughCounty.2013. ELAPP Report to Board of Co. Commissioners. 2012 Annual Report. • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2011. Florida’s 67 Wildlife Legacy Initiative. Florida’s State Wildlife Action Plan. Tallahassee, Florida, USA. • Endries, M., B. Stys, G. Mohr, G. Kratimenos, S. Langley, K. Root, R. Kautz.2009.Wildlife Habitat Conservation Needs in FL.Fish&Wildlife Research Institute Tech. ReportTR15.x+178p. • Godfrey, R. and J. Wooten. 1979. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Southeastern United States: Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons. Univ. Ga. Press, Athens. • Kautz, R. S., Gilbert, D. T. and G. M. Mauldin. 1993. Vegetative Cover in Florida Based on 1985-1989 Landsat Thematic Mapper Imagery., Florida Scientist 56: 135-154. • Abrahamson, W.G., and D.C. Hartnett. 1990. Pine flatwoods and Dry Prairies. p. 103–149. In R.L Myers and J.J. Ewel (ed.) Ecosystems of Florida. Univ. Central Florida Press, Orlando, FL. • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) Integrated Wildlife Habitat Database and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission published materials. • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2005. Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative. • FFWCC. 1994. Cox, J., R. Kautz, M. MacLaughlin, and T. Gilbert. Closing the Gaps in Florida’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation System. Tallahassee, Fl. • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission [FFWCC]. 2006. Florida’s Endangered Species, Threatened Species and Species of Special Concern, Official List. • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Threatened and Endangered Species, Official List. • Noss, R. F. 1987. Protecting Natural AreasinFragmented Landscapes.Natural Areas Jrnl 7:2–13. • Noss, R. F. 1992.TheWildlands Project:Land Conservation Strategy.Wild-EarthSpecialIs:10–25. • Cox, J., and R. Kautz. 2000. Habitat Conservation Needs of Rare and Imperiled Wildlife in Florida. FFWCC, Office of Environmental Services, Tallahassee, Fl. • Florida’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. Tallahassee, Florida, USA. • FL DEP and Florida Greenways Coordinating Council. 2004. 2004 Update and Prioritization of Florida’s Trail Network.FDEP, Office Greenways and Trails.Tallahassee, FL. • Noss, R. F., and C. A. Cooperrider. 1994. Saving nature’s legacy: protecting and restoring biodiversity. Defenders of Wildlife and Island Press, Washington, D.C. • Florida Natural Areas Inventory, FL Ecological Greenways Network and Critical Lands and Waters Identification Project, and Nature Conservancy databases. • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Migratory Birds of the Southeast. www.fws.gov/southeast/birds • Knight, A. L., and J. B. Oetting. 2006. Florida Forever Conservation Needs Assessment Technical Report. Version 2.1. Florida Natural Areas Inventory. Tallahassee, Florida. • Maps: National Wetland Inventory Database, US Geological Survey Quadrangle topographic maps, 1943, 1957, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2009-2012 SJRWMD & FDOT Orthoquad Aerial Photographs.
TerraBlue Environmental POBox 135 Homosassa Springs FL 34447 [email protected] 386-878-3064 64
FORESTRY STEWARDSHIP PLAN
FOR
ALAFIA RIVER MITIGATION BANK
Date: May 22, 2015 Updated October 04, 2016
Submitted for:
Gulf Ridge Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America 13228 N. Central Avenue Tampa, FL 33612
Submitted by:
TerraBlue Environmental, LLC P.O. Box 3606 Plant City, Florida 33563
Prepared by:
------Sharon Collins Owner/Principal Ecologist
1.0 BACKGROUND Pine flatwoods and hardwood forests once dominated a considerable portion of the State of Florida. Today, however, much of these forests have been significantly altered by human activity, including intensive silviculture. Based on review of 1938, 1939, 1948 & 1957 aerial photographs and Hillsborough County Soil Survey data, it is believed that the Alafia River Mitigation Bank (ARMB) also once supported cypress sloughs and extensive pine flatwoods, as well as rare sandhill and scrub upland communities, where turkey oaks, longleaf, sand and slash pines were widespread. Conversion of the historic forested canopy within ARMB began with land clearing activities to make way for agricultural use. The historic logging of cypress, hardwoods, oaks, and pines from within forested wetlands and uplands has had a dramatic impact on the ARMB landscape. Native tree species such as turkey oak, longleaf pine, sand pine, various hardwoods, and cypress were harvested, and these areas were likewise replaced with pasture. Only a few old, large longleaf pines, turkey oaks, and cypress trees remain on the ARMB. In the early 1900’s the existing pine trees or “pine orchards” as they were referred to then, were also used as a source of turpentine.
After the property was cleared and harvested, subsequent years of neglect and fire suppression have produced upland communities densely overgrown with vines and shrubs. These are successional communities which no longer reflect their historic vegetative composition. The longleaf pine, sandhill and scrub uplands of years past are now dominated by a oak and mesic hammock character, dominated by either a closed canopy of live oak or a mixture of live and laurel oak with longleaf and sand pine, as well as other hardwood species. However, evidence of historic plant community types is exhibited by the remnant and minimal regrowth of species such as turkey oak, sand pine, lupine, and wiregrass. Fire suppression for more than 70 years has obstructed desirable plant growth within these fire-dependent communities. Exotic plant species are present. No shrub layer reduction, thinning, harvesting, prescribed burns, or other forestry stewardship actions on the ARMB has occurred in more than 20 years. These existing conditions are expected to continue without establishment of the ARMB.
This Forestry Stewardship Plan (FSP) has been developed to promote and use various forestry stewardship (improvement) activities to restore the ARMB to a more natural character. The result will be a mosaic landscape of self-sustaining, diverse forested and nonforested communities that will provide high quality habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. These, combined with feral hog population controls, are expected to increase density and diversity of game and non-game species.
To assist with preparing a habitat enhancement plan and define the targeted habitat types, the probable, historic plant communities were identified by review of existing soil characteristics, plant growth, and analysis of 1938-1957 historic aerial photographs. According to the US Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Hillsborough County Soil Survey, there are vegetative communities that are typically associated with specific soils. As referenced above, a review of available information indicates that the property once supported scrub upland communities, oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, forested floodplain wetlands and cypress.
The FSP initially describes vegetative conditions and the types of enhancement to be applied to the ARMB. The FSP, in conjuction with the Mitigation Plan, further describes the activities to be undertaken within each mitigation category.
2.0 EXISTING VEGETATIVE CONDITIONS The overall existing vegetative conditions are described within the Mitigation Plan (Section 2.0). In general, the current condition supports mesic and oak hammocks covering more than 80% of the uplands, and floodplain forested wetlands which cover most of the ARMB’s wetlands. There are approximately 151 acres of uplands which include not only the hammocks but also pine flatwoods and scrub uplands. The hammocks are successional hardwoods now overgrown and fire-suppressed.
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All uplands are fire-suppressed and overgrown with dense shrub layers. There are approximately 318 acres of wetlands on the ARMB. The most prevalent wetlands are floodplain wetlands.
3.0 FORESTRY STEWARDSHIP DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES
3.1 OVERVIEW As part of this FSP, forestry management practices will be implemented to improve and maximize age, species and niche diversity of habitats and populations of native flora and fauna. Implementation of vegetative improvements, such as prescribed burns, reduction of overgrown vegetation by selective vegetative thinning and mechanical reduction measures, and treatments to control exotic vegetation described in this FSP, will enhance, improve and furthur protect onsite vegetative communities. Uplands will benefit, and wetlands will also benefit by these actions, combined with hydrologic enhancement actions.
The summarized goals of the Forestry Stewardship Plan are: x Enhance, and maintain health and diversity in the wetland communities; x Restore communities to their natural state and promote age, species and niche diversity; x Enhance, maintain and preserve uplands as buffers to protect wetlands; x Manage the forested communities for a variety of plants and animals; x Increase the quality of habitat for wildlife and supply of food sources; x Utilize adaptive management techniques in order to achieve sustainable forests and natural resource goals over time; and x Create self-sustaining native communities.
Vegetative improvement actions will be used to produce optimal diversity of habitats. These are: x Selective thinning (including cabbage palms) and reduction of canopy trees and overgrown shrub layers; x Initiating and completing prescribed burns as appropriate for the targeted habitat type; x Natural recruitment; and x Initiating treatments to control exotic species and their invasive potential.
3.2 FORESTRY STEWARDSHIP ACTIONS One essential component of the ARMB forestry stewardship plan is enhancement of vegetative communities and habitat enhancement on this property. Described below are the specific forestry stewardship practices to be performed, and performed in each mitigation category.
3.2.1 Vegetative Reduction All of the forested uplands have been historically harvested. By clearing the property in the early 1900’s, historic communities have been replaced by successional oak hardwoods. Uplands have become heavily overgrown with densely vegetated shrub, groundcover, and vine layers due to a long period of fire suppression. Forestry Stewardship actions to reduce the overgrown layers will be completed by thinning, mechanical techniques and prescribed fire to be applied to overgrown uplands and hydric pine flatwoods. The use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) shall be encouraged when conducting these actions.
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Selective thinning will assist with the recovery of a natural landscape. By selective thinning of existing canopy trees such as live oak, laurel oak and cabbage palm trees, overgrown habitat areas should revert to more natural communities. Damaged or diseased pines may be selectively removed to prevent damage to other trees. Thinning actions not only include canopy tree reduction but also the reduction of densely vegetated shrub and groundcover layers. Excessively overgrown saw palmetto is an example of shrub/understory layers to be selectively thinned. Thinning will enhance wildlife habitat and reduce potential wildfire threats, as well as reduce the current understory fuel loads. Where native plants are attempting to colonize, the native plants will be protected to the greatest extent possible so that they remain after trees are removed. Selective, noncommercialized, removal of dense cabbage palm coverage is a management tool to be applied as well. Selective removal of cabbage palms would include only those trees which are between 10-24 feet in height and their removal must be completed such to avoid damaging adjacent canopy trees. These actions should be conducted during the dry season. Specific targets are described in Section 4.0 by each mitigation category.
Selective thinning actions also include the reduction of densely vegetated shrub and groundcover layers by mechanical applications. The application of chopping, grinding, or use of a Brown tree cutter, can reduce the number of stems of smaller diameter trees or reduce areas of dense understory vegetation such as palmetto.
The above actions will open the canopy, as well as shrub layers, in the pine, hammock and scrub communities to allow increased sunlight and new growth opportunities by native species, and thereby enhancing these habitats for wildlife. These actions should reduce undesirable canopy coverage by at least 5% and reduce the shrub composition in the U1-U4, W3 mitigation categories by at least 20% and up to 40%. These actions enhance accessibility to and within habitats for species such as gopher tortoises or wetland dependent species. When fire is suppressed in gopher tortoise habitats, small trees, shrubs, and vines grow making it difficult for the gopher tortoise to move around and eventually the dense growth shades out plants that gopher tortoises eat. Vegetative reduction actions benefit gopher tortoises by improving the accessibility to and availability of desirable food. By vegetative reduction, the overall target cover for the U1 oak hammocks is a ≥5% reduction of canopy, ≥40% reduction in shrub layers, and ≥10% coverage by desirable groundcover species. The overall target cover for the U2 mesic hammocks is a ≥5% reduction of canopy, ≥40% reduction in shrub layers, and ≥10% coverage by desirable groundcover species. The overall target cover for the U3 pine flatwoods is a ≥5% reduction of cabbage palm/oak canopy, ≥20% reduction in shrub layers, and ≥50% coverage by groundcover species. The overall target cover for the U4 scrub uplands is a ≥20% reduction in shrub layers and ≥20% coverage by desirable groundcover species. The overall target cover for the W3 hydric pine flatwoods is a ≥5% reduction of canopy, ≥20% reduction in shrub layers, and ≥60% coverage by groundcover species. The above actions will commence within 30-90 days upon permit issuance of the ARMB.
3.2.2 Prescribed Burns Pine flatwoods and oak uplands are fire-dependent communities that include many fire-dependent species, such as longleaf pine, sand pine and wiregrass. Because prescribed burns of appropriate habitats will promote the goals of the Forestry Stewardship Plan, this Plan also describes the proposed use of prescribed fire on the ARMB. Therefore, in order to promote understory reduction to assure the regeneration, recruitment and health of native communities, fire will be introduced to appropriate habitats through prescribed burning. Prescribed burning will enhance wildlife habitat, reduce existing understory fuel loads, reduce the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires and promote regeneration of desirable plant species which thrive on or are dependent upon the presence of fire for growth. Prescribed fire, in conjunction with the above-referenced selective thinning measures should ensure the future health of restored communities. These efforts will help to create a diversity of habitat types.
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The prescribed burn program will begin within 30-90 days after completion of the vegetative reduction actions described in Section 3.2.1. Prescribed burning is a component of the initial enhancement activities. All prescribed burns will be done in accordance with the FSP. The burn plan will be prepared by a certified prescribed burn manager, in accordance with this FSP prior to obtaining the burn permit from Division of Florida, and in accordance with local, state and federal laws. After each prescribed burn is completed, the certified burn specialist will provide signed documentation and a description of the burned area(s), as well as the results of the burn. The post- burn documentation, including the mitigation categories burned, will be submitted with annual monitoring reports identified in the Mitigation Plan.
Overall, the prescribed burning program will include an initial burn and secondary burns over time. The burn areas will be split into units to limit the size of each area to be burned in a day. Areas will also be subdivided by habitat type since each have different burn management requirements. Prior to each burn, the areas to be burned will be defined on the day of the burn. Temporary firebreaks are proposed to be constructed by disking along existing roads within the burn units to accomplish the goals of the burn program. Techniques for burning will be dependent on weather conditions at the time of the proposed burn. Varying fire intensity levels will be considered for the benefit of wildlife and habitat conditions. Initially, the timing of prescribed burns will be targeted for the dormant season (December-March) to help reduce damage to canopy trees and to increase the successful removal of fuel loads. Depending on suitable fuel and climatic conditions, after the initial prescribed burn is completed, future prescribed burns will be encouraged during the early summer growing season (April-June) to promote the reproduction and establishment of desirable species and the health of natural communities. Initial prescribed burns in the mesic pine flatwoods will occur within 30-90 days after completion of the vegetative reduction measures. These areas will be burned to further open the understory for recruitment of target, native species. Subsequently, the burn rotation is targeted for a 2-7 year rotation, commencing after the initial burn. Initial prescribed burns in the hydric pine flatwoods will occur within 30-90 days after completion of the vegetative reduction measures. These areas will be burned to further open the understory for recruitment of target, native species. The burn rotation would be 2-8 years after the initial burn. Initial prescribed burns in the hammocks will occur within 30-90 days after completion of the vegetative reduction measures. These areas will be burned to further open the understory for recruitment of target, native species. The burn rotation would be 8-12 years for U1 (Oak Hammock) and 5-8 years for U2 (Mesic Hammock) after the initial burn. Initial prescribed burns in the scrub uplands will occur within 30-90 days after completion of the vegetative reduction measures. These areas will be burned to further open the understory for recruitment of target, native species. The burn rotation would be 8-12 years after the initial burn.
3.2.3 Exotic Species Control Invasive or exotic species are generally aggressive and fast-growing. If not controlled or contained, exotics will completely alter a natural ecosystem. Identification, inspection, and control of nuisance and exotic vegetation will be actively pursued. Though the existing infestation level on the ARMB is minimal, because exotic species are aggressive and fast-growing with the ability to overcome native communities without management to control their encroachment, the ARMB will require an exotic species control program. After the initial baseline inspection and treatment of noted exotic species, annual inspections will be completed with subsequent annual treatments on species noted during the annual inspections, thus further reducing and maintaining an infestation level to ≤ 1% for exotics and ≤ 5% for nuisance species. Nuisance and exotic species which have been noted on the ARMB include: Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), Skunk vine (Paederia foetida), Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), Air-potato (Dioscorea bulbifera), Caesar weed (Urena lobata), and Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), each a FLEPPC Category I. Category I species are those which have the ability to “alter native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. Appropriate herbicides and
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methods approved and recommended by regulatory agencies, will be used. The objective is to treat any exotic infestations so that ≤ 1% cover is maintained on the ARMB. Chemical control measures may include, as appropriate for the following species: 1) Skunkvine: cut vine 5-6 feet above ground and by spraying apply an application of 1-3% Garlon 3A or 4 below cut; 2) Lygodium: cut vine 5-6 feet above ground and by spraying apply an application of 1-2% Rodeo or 2% Garlon 3A or 2-4% Rodeo (light infestations) below cut; and 3) Air Potato: spray an application of 1-2% Roundup or Touchdown Pro.
3.2.4 Protection of Existing Native Plant Species Desirable native vegetation, such as turkey oak, lupine and wiregrass, will be encouraged to thrive. Any Listed plant species noted during forestry activities will be protected to the greatest extent feasible. These species may include: Florida golden aster (Chrysopsis floridana), butterfly orchid (Encyclia tampensis), needlepalm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), hand fern (Ophioglossum palmatum), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), giant airplant (Tillandsia utriculata), Florida bonamia (Bonamia grandiflora), pine pinweed (Lechea divaricata) and widespread polypody (Pecluma dispersa).
3.2.5 Catastrophic Natural Events Catastrophic events, such as wildfire and wind storms, are part of Florida’s natural environment. If such an event should occur at the Alafia River mitigation bank, then the GRC should contact the District to determine a course of action. If required by the District, an Adaptive Management Plan will be reviewed and approved by the District before implementation by the GRC. Because this property is actively used by GRC, protection from wildfire is important. Several roads have been created and these will be maintained as part of GRC’s wildfire protection efforts. GRC will create and retain the ability to create additional temporary fire breaks, if/as appropriate. Because this property is actively used by GRC, protection from wildfire is important. Several roads have been created and these will be maintained as part of GRC’s wildfire protection efforts. GRC will create and retain the ability to create additional temporary fire breaks, if/as appropriate.
3.2.6 Flexibility The FSP is designed to enhance and maintain the ARMB as a mosaic of natural communities. In recognition of the dynamic nature of these natural communities, the FSP requires flexibility based on unforeseen circumstances. Non-intensive forestry stewardship practices designed to further the enhancement of the ARMB will be allowed after ARMB establishment, even though not specifically contemplated by the FSP.
4.0 FORESTRY STEWARDSHIP MITIGATION CATEGORIES The enhancement efforts on the Bank site are divided into several mitigation categories, not all of which directly receive forestry stewardship actions. The mitigation categories are:
W1 Floodplain Forested Wetlands Enhancement W2 Floodplain NonForestedWetlands Enhancement W3 Hydric Pine Flatwoods Enhancement U1 Oak Hammock Enhancement U2 Mesic Hammock Enhancement U3 Pine Flatwoods Enhancement U4 Scrub Uplands Enhancement
Mitigation categories U1-U4 are the upland communities of the FSP. The W1-W3 wetland mitigation categories will also benefit from hydrologic improvements, exotic species control
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treatments, and forestry stewardship actions. These habitat types (mitigation categories) are fully described in the Mitigation Plan. However, below is a brief description, for each mitigation category, of the forestry stewardship enhancement actions:
W1 & W2 - Floodplain Wetlands Enhancement Harvesting hardwoods and cypress will continue to be prohibited from these wetlands. However, selective removal of cabbage palms will be a tool used to open canopy densities within overgrown and stressed wetlands. This effort has the potential to allow for groundcover species to generate, increase foraging opportunities and improve wildlife utilization. Identification, inspection, and control of nuisance and exotic vegetation will be actively pursued. Exotic species were noted. Caesar weed is prevalent. Lygodium was noted as well. An exotic species control program will be initiated according to criteria described in Section 3.2.3 above. Appropriate treatments, using methods approved and recommended by regulatory agencies, will be used. As described in the Mitigation Plan, Section 6.2, these wetlands will be enhanced by reestablishment of native communities in adjacent uplands, as well as receiving hydrologic enhancement benefits. The canopy, understory and groundcover may typically include a variable composition by species such as identified in Plant List E of the mitigation plan. The canopy, understory and groundcover may typically include success criteria conditions identified in Table E of the mitigation plan (Section 6.3).
W3 - Hydric Pine Flatwoods Enhancement This category includes hydric pine flatwoods located in areas that were historically pine flatwoods. Slash and/or longleaf pine, as well as cabbage palm and laurel oak, may be selectively thinned using traditional logging equipment to reduce the canopy cover. Shrub and understory vegetation, such as cabbage palm, saw palmetto, wax myrtle, vine and caesar weed will be selectively reduced by thinning and/or mechanical reduction methods. The targeted community is to achieve a hydric pine flatwoods canopy which is at least 14 trees per acre (as it is now) to no more than 50 trees per acre – a density designed to approximate hydric pine flatwoods. In this area, thinning of trees will be focused on removing diseased trees and leaving as many dominant trees as possible to ensure the best quality seed source for future colonization. Thinned pines will be transported from these areas to reduce the risk of insect infestations and fire. Thinning will enhance wildlife habitat and reduce potential wildfire threats, as well as reduce the current understory fuel loads. An initial prescribed burn will be completed after thinning as a viable compliment to the thinning and mechanical control efforts. It is anticipated that this mitigation category may be burned thereafter every 2-8 years. Exotic species were noted. Caesar weed is prevalent. An exotic species control program will be initiated according to criteria described in Section 3.2.3 above. As described in the Mitigation Plan, Section 6.2, the actions identified to enhance this community are a combination of improvements, including hydrologic, vegetative and wildlife management prescriptions. The canopy, understory and groundcover may typically include a variable composition by species such as identified in Plant List B of the mitigation plan. The canopy, understory and groundcover may typically include species conditions identified in Table B of the mitigation plan (Section 6.3).
U1 - Oak Hammock Enhancement By clearing the property in the 1900’s, historic communities such as longleaf pine, scrub and sandhill communities have been replaced by successional oak hardwood hammocks. These hammocks have become densely canopied with live oaks and are heavily overgrown due to a long period of fire suppression. Live oaks will be selectively thinned to reduce the canopy cover. Shrub and understory vegetation, such as dense saw palmetto will be selectively reduced by thinning and/or mechanical reduction methods. Tree thinning will focus on removing diseased trees to ensure the best quality seed source. Thinning will enhance wildlife habitat and reduce potential wildfire threats, as well as reduce the current understory fuel loads. An initial prescribed burn will be completed within the oak hammocks after thinning though it is expected that some oaks may be damaged by fire. It is recognized that oak hammocks generally do not carry fire well due to green foliage and a lack of fuel
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consistency. However, the prescribed fire should be a viable compliment to the thinning and mechanical control efforts. After the initial prescribed burn, it is anticipated that this mitigation category may be burned every 8-12 years. Exotic species were noted. An exotic species control program will be initiated according to criteria described in Section 3.2.3 above. As described in the Mitigation Plan, Section 6.2, after these initial efforts have been completed, this habitat will be open to increased sunlight with anticipated regeneration of desirable species which are fire-dependent. The canopy, understory and groundcover may typically include success criteria conditions identified in Plant List C and Table C of the mitigation plan (Section 6.3).
U2 - Mesic Hammock Enhancement By clearing the property in the 1900’s, historic communities such as longleaf pine, scrub and sandhill communities have been replaced by successional mesic hammocks. These hammocks have become canopied with laurel oaks and are overgrown due to a long period of fire suppression. Mesic hammocks are adversely affected by exotic species, especially feral hogs, by fire suppression, and alterations in adjacent communities. Mesic hammock uplands are fire-dependent communities that include fire-dependent species such as longleaf pine, sand pine and wiregrass. Laurel oaks, and cabbage palm (where present) will be selectively thinned to reduce the canopy cover. Selective thinning of pine trees may be considered, as applicable, to remove diseased trees to ensure the best quality seed source for future colonization. Shrub and understory vegetation will be reduced by thinning and/or mechanical reduction methods. Tree thinning will focus on removing diseased trees to ensure the best quality seed source. Thinning will enhance wildlife habitat and reduce potential wildfire threats, as well as reduce the current understory fuel loads. An initial prescribed burn will be completed within these hammocks after thinning though it is expected that some oaks may be damaged by fire. The prescribed fire should be a viable compliment to the thinning and mechanical control efforts. It is anticipated that this mitigation category may be burned every 5-8 years. Exotic species were noted. An exotic species control program will be initiated according to criteria described in Section 3.2.3 above. After these initial efforts have been completed, this habitat will be open to increased sunlight with anticipated regeneration of desirable species which are fire- dependent. As described in the Mitigation Plan, Sections 6.2, the actions identified to enhance this community are a combination of improvements, including the vegetative actions described. The canopy, understory and groundcover may typically include success criteria conditions identified in Plant List C and Table C of the mitigation plan (Section 6.3).
U3 - Pine Flatwoods Enhancement This category includes pine flatwoods located in areas that were historically pine flatwoods. Laurel oak, cabbage palm, longleaf and sand pine trees may be selectively thinned using traditional logging equipment to reduce the canopy cover. Shrub and understory vegetation, such as saw palmetto, Florida privet, sparkleberry, persimmon, caesarweed, devil’s stick and coralbriar vine will be selectively reduced by thinning and/or mechanical reduction methods. The targeted community is to achieve a pine flatwoods canopy which is ≤100 trees per acre–a density typical of pine flatwoods. In this area, thinning of trees will be focused on removing diseased trees and leaving as many dominant trees as possible to ensure the best quality seed source for future colonization. Thinned pines will be transported from these areas to reduce the risk of insect infestations and fire. Thinning will enhance wildlife habitat and reduce potential wildfire threats, as well as reduce the current understory fuel loads. An initial prescribed burn will be completed after thinning as a viable compliment to the thinning and mechanical control efforts. It is anticipated that this mitigation category may be burned thereafter every 2-7 years. Exotic species were noted. Caesar weed is prevalent. An exotic species control program will be initiated according to criteria described in Section 3.2.3 above. The canopy, understory and groundcover may typically include success criteria conditions identified in Plant List A and Table A of the mitigation plan (Section 6.3).
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U4 – Upland Scrub Enhancement By clearing the property in the 1900’s, historic communities such as scrub and sandhill communities have been replaced or altered by successional oak hardwood growth. When scrub uplands are fire- suppressed for a long time, some of the oaks may become dominant and the community becomes a xeric hammock, a man-made community that may have retained only remnant scrub species. These scrub uplands are heavily overgrown due to a long period of fire suppression. Scrub uplands are fire- dependent communities that include many fire-dependent species. Shrub layers will be thinned from U4 uplands to reduce the dense cover. Overgrown vegetation will be selectively reduced by thinning and/or mechanical reduction methods. To the extent feasible, scrub oak species will be protected during thinning operations. Thinning will enhance wildlife habitat and reduce potential wildfire threats, as well as reduce the current understory fuel loads. A prescribed fire program should benefit this fire-dependent community and be a viable compliment to thinning and mechanical control efforts. An initial prescribed burn will be completed after the initial vegetative reduction has been completed. Thereafter, it is anticipated that this mitigation category may be burned every 8-12 years. Exotic species were noted. An exotic species control program will be initiated according to criteria described in Section 3.2.3 above. After these initial efforts have been completed, this habitat will be open to increased sunlight with anticipated regeneration of desirable species which are fire- dependent. The canopy, understory and groundcover may typically include success criteria conditions and coverages identified in Plant List D and Table D of the mitigation plan (Section 6.3).
5.0 MONITORING AND SUCCESS CRITERIA
The goal of the monitoring program is to evaluate the success in re-establishing native vegetative communities, and directly measure the natural recruitment progress of the pine flatwoods, hammocks, and other forested enhancement areas. Monitoring plan details are described in the Mitigation and Short/Long Term Management Plans.
Vegetative success, in all of the vegetatively enhanced areas, will be determined using several methods, as described in the mitigation plan. Existing shrub and groundcover vegetation in the wetlands and uplands will be sampled, identified, and percent coverages will be determined. Tree canopy species and coverage will be recorded. Herbaceous monitoring data from transects will be analyzed to help determine the success of the mitigation project. In addition to overall visual estimates, quantitative sampling will be used to determine changes in vegetative components and to determine the similarity with historic conditions on the property. The canopy, understory, and groundcover may typically include species, conditions, and coverages as identified in the Plant Lists A-E and Tables A-E of the mitigation plan.
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SHORT AND LONG TERM MANAGEMENT PLANNING
1.0 Overview Upon permit issuance of the ARMB, GRC will initiate the construction activities needed to enhance the ARMB and achieve success criteria outlined within the mitigation banking plan. There are short term and long term management activities associated with maintaining the ARMB in its enhanced condition to ensure that the ARMB is and remains a viable mitigation bank.
All land management will be the responsibility of GRC or their successors according to the approved Mitigation Plan. GRC is dedicated to establishing the ARMB as a viable mitigation bank. The ARMB will be managed to minimize human impacts, and to verify that the Mitigation, Forestry Stewardship and Management Plans are in compliance. There are long-term property management and maintenance activities. To ensure that long-term maintenance funding is available in perpetuity, an appropriate financial assurance mechanism will be established for the ARMB. Upon placement of an ARMB’s conservation easement, funds will be placed in the financial assurance mechanism account.
The short and long term management actions are described below. The schedule of short term and long term management actions is depicted on Table 7 located in Section 10.0 of the Mitigation Plan and attached below as well.
Table 7. Anticipated Schedule for Mitigation Bank Activities. Activity Schedule Implementation Recordation ARMB Conservation Easement(s) & Financial Upon permit issuance Assurance Mechanisms Implementation increased security actions Upon permit issuance Implementation Mitigation Plan Upon permit issuance Implementation Forestry Stewardship Plan Upon permit issuance Complete initial vegetative reduction actions 30 days after permit issuance Complete initial prescribed burn actions 30-90 days after initial veg. reductions Complete initial exotic species treatments 90-180 days after permit issuance Complete initial Feral hog controls 30-90 days after permit issuance Complete LWC/DP/OXHE hydrologic enhancement actions 30-180 days after permit issuance Complete ORBHE hydrologic enhancement actions 30-365 days after permit issuance Document interim hydrologic success via monitoring After completion hydrologic actions Document final hydrologic success via monitoring After attainment interim success Document interim success (trending towards success) via monitoring After completion FSP enhancement actions Document final success achieved via monitoring After attainment interim success Conduct annual inspections As appropriate Conduct monitoring & complete annual reports Annually
2.0 Hydrologic Improvements & Management Actions There are hydrologic improvements which will be constructed. Their installations will ensure that there is perpetual hydrological enhancement to existing wetland landscapes. GRC or their designated land management entity(s) will construct, install and/or excavate the hydrological improvements. GRC will be the responsible entity for their completion, short term and long-term management.
Short Term: There is an old river bed (ORB) which will be restored by recontouring its configuration (ORBHE) to promote the rehydration and hydrologic enhancement of the wetlands. The old river bed will be excavated using equipment suitable for its excavation and completed such that it minimizes damage to desirable canopy trees in the areas adjacent to the footprint of the targeted river bed. The recontoured river bed will be stabilized to prevent downstream erosion and sedimentation. The excavation activities will be completed according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings. Low water crossings (LWC) will be constructed within existing road segments and constructed to match wetland grade on either side of the road(s) while also allowing continued vehicular access across the low water crossings. The low water crossings will be constructed according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings, constructed to act as broad-crested weirs capable of passing base and peak flows. They will be constructed of stone to provide vehicle support and stability when submerged during the wet season. They will be stabilized to prevent erosion and sedimentation. There are pre-existing culverts within existing road segments installed to match wetland grade on either side of the road(s) while also allowing continued vehicular access to, over and beyond the culverted crossing(s). Any new culverts will be set at elevations that will maintain adequate hydrology in the dry season. Roadway stabilization at these critical locations will also prevent future erosion and sediment transport into adjacent wetland areas. Ditch plugs (DP) will be installed within designated ditches. They will be constructed according to the criteria shown in the ARMB construction drawings. They will be stabilized to prevent erosion and sedimentation. Riverine oxbows (OX) and sloughs carry river water across the ARMB before reentering the main channel of the Alafia River. The oxbows are obstructed by accumulated man- made garbage and debris. Selective removal of man-made obstructions and debris, as feasible, from oxbows and connective sloughs will enhance onsite water capacities and helps promote naturalized water flow within the River for downstream benefit. For each of the above construction actions, GRC will provide oversight during construction periods to ensure compliance with the permitted construction plans. GRC will utilize their resources for the excavation, filling and restoration of the ORBHE area, as well as for the ditch plug and oxbow enhancements. GRC will install strategically placed piezometers in the floodplain for data collection of water elevations at least one month prior to completion of the hydrologic improvement activities and for a two-year period afterward. GRC will conduct a baseline monitoring event prior to initiation of the hydrologic enhancement actions which will include hydrologic and vegetative data collection, as described in Section 7.0.
Long Term: The old river bed (ORBHE) will be inspected and maintained in its restored condition to ensure that it continues to function to promote the rehydration and hydrologic enhancement of the wetlands. Once the recontouring has been completed, the river bed and its access road will be routinely inspected. The roads will be maintained annually. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that the recontoured river bed does not meet design criteria, it will be maintained, repaired and/or recontoured pursuant to permitted criteria within a reasonable period of time after the inspection. ARMB access roads (Figure 5) will be maintained to ensure perpetual access to the hydrologic improvements. The installed low water crossings will be maintained such that the passage of water is not obstructed and therefore reducing the enhancement benefits. Once constructed, the low water crossings, as well as the access roads will be routinely inspected. The LWCs will be maintained as needed for the first 2 years, and thereafter, both the roads and LWCs will be annually inspected and maintained. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that a low water crossing is not functional, it will be repaired within a reasonable period of time after the inspection. The culverts will be maintained, repaired and/or replaced such that the passage of water is not obstructed and therefore reducing the enhancement benefits. Access roads and the culverts will be routinely inspected and maintained on an annual basis. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that a culvert is not functional, it will be repaired, replaced or maintained within a reasonable period of time after the inspection. The ditch plugs will be maintained such that the ditch’s artificial drainage effect is removed. Once constructed, the ditch plugs will be routinely inspected and maintained by annual maintenance efforts as needed. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that a ditch plug is not functional, it will be repaired within a reasonable period of time after the inspection. Once the initial debris removal activities have been completed, the oxbows will be routinely inspected and maintained by semi-annual maintenance efforts as needed. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that the passage of water is blocked by debris, the oxbow(s) will be maintained within a reasonable period of time after the inspection.
3.0 Vegetative Improvement Actions There are vegetative improvements which will be completed. Their completion will ensure that there is perpetual ecological/vegetative enhancement to existing landscapes. Vegetative improvement actions will be used to produce optimal diversity of habitats. GRC or their designated land management entity(s) will conduct the vegetative improvements. GRC will be the responsible entity for their completion, short term and long-term management.
Short Term: There are uplands which are densely overgrown. There are access roads which allow ingress to the majority of these uplands. GRC will conduct or their designated land management entity will conduct vegetative improvements. Selective removal of canopy trees and overgrown shrub layers will enhance these habitats. Reduction actions will be completed by selective thinning and mechanical techniques. Removal of vegetation will be completed through the use of chopping, grinding, or a Brown tree cutter, all actions which can reduce the number of smaller diameter trees or reduce areas of dense understory vegetation such as palmetto. Where native plants are attempting to colonize, the native plants will be protected to the greatest extent possible so that they remain after trees are removed. There are uplands which are fire-suppressed. The initial prescribed burn will be conducted by a certified burn specialist according to an approved burn plan prior to, concurrent with or after thinning efforts as described in the Forestry Stewardship Plan. Initiating prescribed burns will enhance these habitats. GRC’s to-be-designated burn specialist will conduct prescribed burns. A contingency plan will be provided if natural recruitment does not occur after five years of annual monitoring efforts are completed. There are exotic plants growing within the ARMB communities. GRC will identify noted areas of exotic species infestation in a baseline monitoring event. GRC will conduct an initial exotic species control treatment over noted infestations. Appropriate approved and recommended chemical herbicide treatment applications will be used. Chemical control measures may include the following, as appropriate: 1) Skunkvine: cut vine 5-6 feet above ground and by spraying apply an application of 1-3% Garlon 3A or 4 below cut; 2) Lygodium: cut vine 5-6 feet above ground and by spraying apply an application of 1-2% Rodeo or 2% Garlon 3A or 2-4% Rodeo (light infestations) below cut; and 3) Air Potato: spray an application of 1-2% Roundup or Touchdown Pro.
Long Term: Once these initial vegetative and prescribed burn actions have been completed, the enhanced habitats will be inspected annually and maintained. The access roads will be maintained by mowing and selective tree removal as necessary for safe vehicular access to conduct mitigation bank activities. The goal is to burn on a rotational basis while maintaining needed flexibility, and as appropriate for the targeted habitat type to reduce a densely overgrown vegetative composition and facilitate regrowth of fire-dependent native species. Temporary fire breaks or fire plow lines may be placed by using appropriate equipment such as a flat plowing disk harrow in order to contain and manage the burns (Figure 11). After each prescribed burn is completed, a certified burn specialist overseeing the burn will prepare and sign documentation showing, at a minimum, the area successfully burned, the date of the burn and an assessment of the success of the burn. The burn plan and post-burn documentation will be submitted with applicable FSP annual reports. Re-colonization by desirable native plant species is expected after thinning and prescribed burns have been initiated. After the initial treatment, GRC staff or their designated specialist will conduct annual maintenance inspections. Randomly selected areas, ARMB perimeters, and access road areas will be annually inspected for spot treatments. If exotic species are noted during routine inspections and/or treatment events, the species will be logged with its location and the date of inspection. New exotic species occurrences will be manually or chemically treated within 30 days after the annual inspections.
4.0 Wildlife Improvement Actions There are feral hogs on the ARMB. Hog presence is extensive and they cause substantial damage to vegetative compositions. Though hunting of feral hogs is currently authorized, control efforts have not been initiated. Feral hog control is a management task associated with the exotic species control program as well as a component of wildlife management and wildlife improvements. GRC- sanctioned hunting/trapping will be allowed to control feral hogs on the ARMB. It is anticipated that a minimum of 10 hogs may be harvested per year.
Short Term: Feral hogs will be hunted and/or trapped, and controlled on the ARMB upon permit issuance. An initial population control effort will be implemented and harvest data collected for submittal with the annual reports.
Long Term: The property will be routinely inspected for feral hogs and the removal of feral hogs will be conducted at least annually and/or as needed. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that hog controls are ineffective, adaptive management will be considered.
5.0 Security and Enhanced Preservation/Protection Actions There is substantial, unauthorized hunting and trespassing on the ARMB. ATV use, hunting, horseriding and alcohol use, as well as non-Boy Scout sanctioned camping has been a a significant problem on the ARMB. To remove adverse impacts and activities, added security measures will be initiated by the GRC.
Short Term: A mitigation bank-restrictive conservation easement will be recorded to ensure feasible protection of the ARMB. Security measures will be adopted. To date, there are no viable measures implemented to achieve this. The majority of the trespassing to illegally hunt and ride horses on the ARMB occurs by crossing through the TECO easement. By installing a perimeter 3-strand, barbed wire fence with locked gates along the TECO easement and similar locking devices on other access points, trespassing, unauthorized horseback riding, and illegal hunting activities will be controlled. Four (4) locked gates will be erected on this perimeter fence to control access onto the ARMB. Access to the ARMB will be authorized by GRC for its sanctioned uses and for the management of the ARMB. Because no public access has been identified for the foreseeable future, the gates along the perimeter fences will remain locked against general public access. (Note: until Hillsborough County develops and permits a plan approved in writing by the GRC for controlled access, and constructs the infrastructure for a future public access trail into ARMB’s eastern boundary fence at a cost to the County, public access is not authorized. Also, these 2 future public access trails and their use will be restricted to two locations as depicted on Figure 13). To prevent fragmentation of the wildlife corridor and to ensure that species may move freely within the corridor, no fence will be constructed on the River or interior ARMB floodplain wetland boundaries. Two additional gates will be erected along access points at the County/ARMB boundary (Figure 12). Posts with signage will be erected at the intersections of River Road with Council and Scout Roads to promote compliance with ARMB criteria and targeted conditions. Appropriate “no trespassing” and “ARMB conservation area” signage will be installed along the length of the ARMB which identifies the ARMB’s conservation classification and prohibitions for trespassing, poaching and unauthorized hunting. In addition to fencing for the ARMB, after permit issuance, GRC will install a computer interfaced surveillance system at a strategic point along the installed ARMB perimeter fence. Surveillance data will be collected for an initial one year period after permit issuance to not only document any attempted, future unauthorized entries but to discourage unauthorized entries. If surveillance documents unauthorized entries onto the ARMB, the GRC, at its discretion, shall have the opportunity to take legal actions against those trespassing.
Within one year after permit issuance, but specifically on a volunteer basis and not directly applied to ARMB security, mitigation bank credits, or perpetual management, GRC will also install an onsite manager for its passive recreational and NonBank operations. It is cost prohibitive for the GRC to employ an onsite manager for the ARMB. However it is anticipated that the presence of the onsite manager in proximity to the ARMB will indirectly benefit the ARMB and discourage unauthorized activities such as trespassing. GRC and/or its designated entity (which may include the onsite manager) would be responsible for designated, controlled access through the fence gates.
Long Term: Newly installed and pre-existing gates and fences will be maintained. Signage which prohibits unauthorized access and uses contrary to the ARMB, and identifies the ARMB as a preserved, enhanced landscape will be posted along the Alafia River and on access road intersections. Appropriate no trespassing signs will be posted at the gates as well. Because Hillsborough County proposes future public access on two trails which are also segments of ARMB roads (Scout and River Roads) within landscapes to be enhanced within the ARMB boundary, Hillsborough County shall (at a cost to Hillsborough County not GRC) be required to: 1) install trash receptacles clearly outside of the ARMB on land owned by the County and perform regular trash maintenance; 2) maintain both Scout and River Roads such that they are clean and usable in accordance with ARMB criteria; and 3) maintain, replace or repair GRC- installed ARMB signage in accordance with ARMB criteria. Hillsborough County shall be required to repair and/or replace GRC-installed ARMB signage within 60 days of written notice by GRC requesting such actions. Also, if surveillance or other security measures indicate an occurrence of public access causing damage to the ARMB, its enhanced vegetative, hydrologic or wildlife conditions, including but not limited to damage or destruction of locked gates, fences and signage, Hillsborough County shall, at their cost, replace such damaged structures or conditions within 30 days of written notice by GRC requesting such actions. In addition, all unauthorized, but installed signage and structures encouraging access onto ARMB land will be removed. The above measures are wildlife management tools which the GRC will utilize, as well as security measures to ensure that the ARMB remains viable. Furthermore, once the ARMB is established, the security structures will be inspected annually and maintained as needed. If during the routine inspections, it is determined that these security controls are ineffective, adaptive management will be considered.
6.0 Long Term Maintenance Actions GRC or their successors will be permitted to maintain property fences and access roads within the ARMB. All new culverts and low-water crossings, as well as existing culverts and ditch plugs, will be maintained on an as-needed basis, subject to the above criteria. Fire breaks will be installed, replaced and/or maintained within the bank, as needed and subject to the above criteria. Because of the minimum amount of construction to be done, maintenance is expected to be minimal. ARMB shall perform all work necessary to achieve and maintain success criteria in perpetuity. 7.0 Monitoring and Annual Reporting Actions Monitoring will be implemented to document changes in the ecological condition of the ARMB ecosystems, wetland and upland. There is quantitative and qualitative monitoring of the enhanced ARMB habitats to document successful achievement of targeted goals and objectives. The monitoring program for the ARMB is divided into two phases: short-term monitoring and long-term monitoring. These are described in the Mitigation Plan and are further described herein.
7.1 Short-term Monitoring Program To assure that the desired affects are achieved, wetland and upland areas will be monitored. The short-term monitoring program will be done for the first five years after permit issuance. It will include vegetative and hydrologic monitoring efforts, as well as routine inspections associated with short and long term management plans. Monitoring reports will address the overall condition of the ARMB, and will list the specific management activities that have been implemented during the monitoring period. Each activity will be addressed listing its objectives, implementation techniques and achievements.
7.1.1 Short-term Annual Vegetative Monitoring The quantitative vegetative monitoring components are described below but include species composition and percent cover by wetland/upland species and presence of exotic/nuisance species. The quantitative vegetative monitoring will commence with a baseline monitoring report. A baseline monitoring event will be conducted on the ARMB to document existing vegetative conditions along established pedestrian transects. For a consecutive 5 year period, annual monitoring will be conducted in the fall quarter after enhancement activities are conducted to ensure vegetative success of the project. Reports will be submitted in December of each year. It will be conducted for the first five years and submitted with credit release requests associated with interim and final success attainment. If vegetative performance standards are not meeting success criteria in the first five years, additional short term monitoring may be extended an additional three (3) years for a total of 8 consecutive years of short-term monitoring. The goal of the monitoring program will be to evaluate the success in reestablishing native vegetative communities, and directly measure the improvement progress within the enhancement areas. Multiple vegetative monitoring transects will be established, with at least one 100-300’ length transect in each of the mitigation categories. These transects will be placed to provide adequate coverage for targeted mitigation areas, and they will also be permanently marked in the field with metal stakes. Vegetative transect locations are provided in Figure 10.
Vegetative conditions within polygon types will be documented with photographs. The photos will be taken at representative locations, and these photopoints will be permanently marked in the field with metal stakes. In addition, all areas of earthwork and water control will be photographed. Any special points of interest will likewise be photographed. All photopoints will be shown on a notated aerial photograph submitted with the report.
Monitoring shall document the following criteria: 1) Percent aerial coverage; 2) Species lists (diversity qualification); 3) Exotic species presence; and 4) Target species success reporting.
Vegetative success, in all of the vegetatively enhanced areas, will be determined using several methods. Tree canopy species and coverage will be recorded. Existing shrub and groundcover vegetation in the wetlands and uplands will be sampled, identified, and percent coverages will be determined. Three quadrats, each ten meter square, will be used to collect shrub and tree data at the two endpoints and midpoint of each overall 300’ transect. One meter quadrats will be established every 50 feet along the transect line to identify ground layers. Herbaceous monitoring data from transects will be analyzed to help determine the success of the mitigation project. The percent composition and aerial coverage of target canopy, shrub and groundcover species, species identification and number of target species within the quadrats will be monitored. The presence of desirable species according to the success criteria outlined in Tables A-E of the mitigation plan will document vegetative success. In addition, within the wetland transects, each plant species will be assigned a wetland indicator status (Obligate, FacWet, Upland, etc.) according to the methods pursuant to F.S. Chapter 62-340 standards. The aerial coverages will then be averaged for each transect and numbers will be assigned to the various wetland indicator status rankings (Obligate=1, FacWet=2, etc.). The relative percent cover of each species in a transect will be multiplied by the wetland indicator status number and then summed to determine the Prevalence Index Value (PIV) for the transect. Mitigation progress can then be expressed as both absolute coverage and as a numeric value that reveals the relative “wetness” or “dryness” of the system. Using these methods, it will be possible to track both the colonization of new plant species and species composition.
The Mitigation Plan is also meant to increase and diversify the habitat for wildlife populations that presently use the ARMB or the surrounding area. Wildlife monitoring as a component of the annual vegetative monitoring is an indirect measure of the success of the mitigation activities. Wildlife monitoring will be based on incidental observation and species lists will be made of observed wildlife throughout the monitoring program. Wildlife monitoring data will be presented annually with each fall quarter monitoring report.
7.1.2 Short-term Annual Hydrologic Monitoring The goal of the hydrologic monitoring program will be to evaluate the success in reestablishing hydrologic balance. Success criteria for hydrologic improvements is fully described in Section 6.0 herein. Though the ARMB wetlands may have been saturated but not inundated for several years, there is the potential for water elevations to rise and equalize with hydrologic improvements. As such, 4 recording piezometers will be strategically placed within wetland areas. Their locations are provided on Figure 10. Daily recorded hydrologic monitoring will begin at least one month prior to the installation of hydrologic enhancement activities to provide baseline information. Daily recorded data from the automatically recording piezometers will be collected every 2-3 months for a minimum of two years after the completion of the hydrologic improvements to measure hydrology and to evaluate success. Collected water level piezometer data should indicate an overall longer duration of saturation. As a result, it is expected that a baseline, first and second annual report will be submitted to document water elevation data. Thereafter, water level data will not be required. However, if hydrologic performance standards are not meeting success criteria described in Section 6.0 in the first two years, additional monitoring may be extended for an additional two (2) years for a total of 4 consecutive years of short-term monitoring. Rainfall data will be obtained and recorded from the nearest available source to correlate with the water levels and vegetation data, to help determine overall results. The baseline and first annual hydrologic monitoring reports will be submitted concurrently with vegetative monitoring reports.
The following elements will be documented in each of the above reports, as applicable: x Report content x Photographic evidence of earth work & existing vegetative conditions at photo points x Location & size of any culverts, ditch plugs, and low-water crossings, as applicable x Hydrologic conditions via water level readings & rainfall data x Figures depicting locations of hydrologic and forestry stewardship activities x Log of forestry stewardship, hydrologic enhancement and maintenance activities x Recent aerial photos (as available by FDOT, County and/or SWFWMD) in years 1, 2, and 5 x Observed wildlife and narrative discussions of wildlife use x Vegetative transect monitoring data 7.2 Long-term Monitoring Program Once the short-term 5 year monitoring period has been completed, long-term qualitative narrative reports will be submitted annually. This report will include a general narrative discussion with an emphasis on describing conditions that relate to how the ARMB is continuing to meet (or not meet) the success criteria. It will include observations throughout enhanced wetlands and uplands to note general health of enhanced wetlands and uplands, hydrologic conditions and presence of exotics. Also included will be a description of maintenance activities and proposed ARMB activities to be conducted during the upcoming year, if/as known. The report shall summarize an assessment of the overall success of the AMRB. If additional credits remain to be released, more detailed information will be included to show the progress of the ARMB toward the credit release milestone. The qualitative, long term monitoring events will be conducted during the fall within the months of September-November. The long term report will be submitted in December of the monitoring event. The following elements will be documented in each report:
x Report content x Recent aerial photographs (as available by FDOT, County and/or SWFWMD) x Figures depicting locations of hydrologic and forestry stewardship activities x Log of any maintenance activities on the ARMB x Permanently selected land-based photographs depicting general ARMB conditions Alafia River Mitigation Bank (ARMB) -- UMAM Credit Table with Acres Existing Conditions With Bank Conditions March 23, 2015 Credits Temp Adj Mitigation Category Acres UMAM LU WQ CC LU WQ CC Delta Lag Risk Delta SCORE W1 – Floodplain Wetlands Enhancement 305.89 22.94 8 8 8 9 9 9 0.1 1.07 1.25 0.075 22.94 W2 – NonForested Floodplain Wetlands Enhancement 0.92 0.06 9 8 8 9 9 9 0.07 1 1 0.07 0.06 W3 – Hydric Pine Flatwoods Enhancement 11.17 0.84 8 8 7 8 9 9 0.1 1.07 1.25 0.08 0.84 Wetland Subtotal 317.98 23.84 23.84 U1 – Oak Hammock Enhancement 30.32 2.43 8 7 8 9 0.1 1.07 1.25 0.08 2.43 U2 – Mesic Hammock Enhancement 89. 7.1 8 7 8 9 0.1 1.07 1.25 0.08 7.1 U3 – Pine Flatwoods Enhancement 23.33 1.87 8 7 8 9 0.1 1.07 1.25 0.08 1.87 U4 – Upland Scrub Enhancement 4.83 0.19 8 8 8 9 0.05 1.07 1.25 0.04 0.19 Upland Subtotal 14 11.6 11.6 Total ARMB Credit Acres 46 35. 35. ALAFIA RIVER MITIGATION BANK – -XO\ 2015 PARTS I & II – QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION/ QUANTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT AREA
PART I -- QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION Project Name: Alafia River Mitigation Bank (ARMB) Application Number: Assessment Area/Number : FLUCCS Code: (W1 = 615-Forested Floodplain Wetlands
W1 -- Floodplain Forested Wetlands Enhancement W2 = 641-NonForested Floodplain Wetlands) W2 -- Floodplain Herbaceous Wetlands Enhancement Acres: W1 Forested = 305.89 & Mitigation Type: Enhancement W2 NonForested = 0.92 Basin/Watershed: Alafia River Affected Waterbody (Class): III Geographic relationship to & hydrologic connection with wetlands, other surface waters, uplands:
These Alafia River floodplain wetlands are bounded to the Alafia Significant Nearby features & Uniqueness: River for a length of 3 miles. The Alafia River floodplain wetlands The Alafia River Ecosystem. These are regionally environmentally sensitive and are regionally significant and hydrologically connected wetlands significant wetlands which interact with the Alafia River waters and its ecosystem. For which are part of and directly connected to the Alafia River. Their the region, these form an extensive swath of wetlands and are several miles in length ecological function is dependent on the Alafia River, as is the River and approximately one mile in width. In addition, the W1 wetlands lie adjacent to dependent on its floodplain.These hold and discharge water to the Hillsborough County ELAPP & SWFWMD’s Alafia River Conservation Corridors. Alafia River and are an integral part of the Alafia River. These wetlands are also connected to upland hammocks and pine flatwoods. Functions: Assessment Area Description: The W1 & W2 habitats are high quality forested and nonforested wetlands. However, they exhibit disturbance to hydrology, soils, vegetative structure and/or wildlife W1 includes floodplain forested wetlands to be enhanced by utilization, with disturbance caused by feral hogs and human interaction. Their hydrologic improvements. The W1 wetlands are larger, contiguous ecological function is dependent on the Alafia River, as is the River dependent on the systems that make up the floodplain wetlands of, and integrally floodplain.These wetlands hold and discharge water to the Alafia River and are an connected with, the Alafia River. The W2 wetlands are nonforested integral part of the Alafia River. Degradation to water storage and discharge capacities systems embedded within the larger, contiguous W1 forested in these floodplain wetlands would have a direct affect on downstream waters of the floodplain wetlands of the Alafia River. These wetlands are Alafia River and Tampa Bay estuarine system. These areas provide support to wildlife, connected to other conservation lands of regional significance. provides for life cycles, wildlife utilization is less than optimal due to excessive feral hog presence. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species, especially groundcover layers, which are less indicative of wetlands, species which are FAC to FACW. Except after heavy rainfall periods, soils noted during 2013-2015 field investigations have not been saturated or inundated. These wetlands form an essential link of an extensive wildlife corridor along the River, are regionally significant and environmentally sensitive.Under ARMB, they would provide critical corridor functions to the regional wildlife corridor. Detailed descriptions of existing functions are located in the Mitigation Plan: Section 2.1 Anticipated Wildlife Use by Literature Review: White-tailed deer, river otter, bobcat, opossum, raccoon, gray squirrel, mockingbird, red-shouldered hawk, kingfisher, blue jay, Anticipated Listed Species Use: grackle, migratory warblers, great blue heron, wild turkey, barred Bald eagle, eastern indigo snake, wood stork, American alligator, great blue heron, owl, red-bellied woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, wood duck, Florida sandhill crane, osprey, little blue heron, tri-colored heron, snowy egret, white tufted titmouse, swallowtail kite, cardinal, aquatic turtles, bull frog, ibis, limpkin, black crowned night heron. green tree frog, common toad, water mocassin, black racer snake, eastern mud snake, ribbon snake, cricket frog, and salamanders. Additional Relevant Factors: Management actions “with bank” will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. Observed Evidence of Wildlife Use: Because there is unauthorized public access, the likelihood of continued degradation by Within the floodplain wetlands, the following species have been unauthorized use and feral hog damages without bank is high.The existing easement noted: American alligator, water moccasin, feral hogs, cardinal, allows the construction of additional public access trails and allows unlimited, crow, robin, great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, turkey vulture, undefined public access throughout the floodplain wetlands.The existing easement does warblers, mockingbird, bluejay, river otter, and gray squirrel. Feral not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any hog use and damage is extensive. conservation measures. With ARMB establishment, public access would be restricted,
no public access trails will be constructed in these wetlands and conservation actions are accountable. PART II – QUANTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT AREA Project Name: ARMB Application Number: Assessment No: W1 Assessment By: Sharon Collins FLUCCS Code: 615 Date: August 2012—March 2014 Acres: W1 = 305.89 The adjacent landscape is a combination of the Alafia River, its hydrologically connected wetland systems, upland hammocks, and conservation lands. Wildlife access to and from this community is partially restricted by hydrologic impediments and densely overgrown uplands along its eastern boundary. Wildlife access, under the existing, pre-ARMB conservation easement, could be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in the floodplain wetlands that are currently authorized without the ARMB. Furthermore, the presence of feral hogs is widespread. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs have degraded these swamps since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the swamp soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native vegetation. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the floodplain wetlands, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species. Functions are provided to fish and wildlife downstream but would be adversely affected with continued lack of management. This Location/Landscape category discharges into the Alafia River and downstream habitats are dependent on the continued viability, quantity and quality of Support: discharges from these wetlands. Unauthorized hunting has been uncontrolled, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats. Because there is feral hog damages and unauthorized public access, the likelihood of continued degradation by unauthorized use without bank is high. The existing easement allows the construction of additional public access trails and allows unlimited, undefined public access throughout the floodplain wetlands. The existing easement does not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures. w/o/current with With Bank, management actions will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. With ARMB, any potential future public access 8 9 would be restricted to one existing road (River Road), no public access trails will be constructed in these wetlands and conservation actions are accountable. Wildlife access, under the ARMB conservation easement, would not be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in the wetlands. Because hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the floodplain wetlands, feral hogs will be hunted and/or trapped to reduce their impact on native species populations. By the installation of a perimeter fence with locked gates along the eastern TECO easement boundary, unauthorized access would be substantially removed. The banker has the ability to increase security, implement land uses which would be compatible with increased protection of these wetlands. Furthermore, this mitigation category would: 1) be better protected by a more restrictive conservation easement with accountability on the uses of land (see Mitigation Plan: Table 8); 2) be adjacent to enhanced uplands and landscapes that would allow the area to provide near optimal functions to fish and wildlife; 3) be treated to control exotic species within a defined coverage cap and timelines to maintain a ≤1% exotic plant species presence; and 4) benefit Alafia River’s downstream fish and wildlife and functions by hydrologic efforts. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Hydrology and water quality support & benefit wildlife. However, water levels and flows are influenced by roads and ditches constructed and excavated within these wetlands, altering their normal flow and flow patterns. The lack of water and reduction in hydroperiods have stressed and distressed ARMB’s wetlands. Roads bisecting these wetlands have few and insufficient culverts. The roads impede and/or alter the flow of water between wetlands. Site inspections indicate that the roads alter normal water flows. Washouts are present after heavy rainfall events. Water is also being transported down roads rather than across through the wetland systems. There are several ditches excavated to direct water to the River. Several of these were excavated alongside onsite roads, while others were excavated from within the floodplain wetlands. These ditches have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and hydrology onsite. There are sloughs and riverine oxbows connected to the Alafia River which have the potential to bring water onsite. There is an old riverbed which once distributed water across these wetlands. Delivery of freshwater to onsite wetlands has been altered, Water Environment: producing conditions drier than expected. Water level indicators are indistinct and inconsistent with expected hydrologic conditions. Frequency and duration of inundation is less than optimal. Presence or evidence of use by animal species was less than expected. Water environment is expected to continue to be affected by these conditions. w/o/current with With bank, hydrologic improvements will provide optimal hydrologic connectivity across these wetlands to the Alafia River. With 8 9 Bank, hydrology and water quality will improve to provide near optimal functions to fish and wildlife. Permanent and stabilized improvements will be added to rehydrate these wetlands, allow a natural flow, and eliminate road washouts and altered water passage. Selectively recontouring by deepening a historic, old river bed would allow dispersal of water across these wetlands and contribute to the rehydration of stressed wetlands. By the recontoured excavation of the ORBHE, the volume of water entering and the capability for water storage on the ARMB is expected to increase. The engineering analysis (see engineering component and construction plans) indicates that the restoration of the old river bed will, during a 2 year to 2.33 year storm event, produce a considerable increase of water to sheetflow over the ARMB’s stressed wetlands. Adding 5 low water crossings will restore naturalized sheet flow between bisected wetlands. Ditch plugs will be strategically added to designated ditches to remove the artificial drainage effect, which will in turn assist with water storage capabilities. It is anticipated that these actions will result in a more naturalized sheetflow and reduce “flashy” inundation periods. Selective removal of debris from oxbows will enhance onsite water capacities and help promote naturalized water flow within the River for downstream benefit. Frequency and duration of inundation, and soil moisture should become more typical and appropriate for the wetland system. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species, especially groundcover layers, which are less indicative of wetlands. Groundcovers are disturbed by hog activity. However, desirable plant species and groundcover vegetation are present. There is evidence of natural recruitment, but disturbances have occurred. Vegetation zonation appears generally appropriate but species atypical of saturated soils Community are present, indicating a lack of saturation. As described above, community structure is likely to be diminished as the floodplain Structure: wetlands would be subject to continued disturbance by unauthorized uses, plant destruction by feral hogs and lack of management.
Hydrologic alterations would continue to affect full growth potential by appropriate species within these wetlands.
by completion of hydrologic improvements and initiation of forestry stewardship actions, the vegetative community should w/o/current With bank, provide conditions which enhance and support optimal function to benefit fish and wildlife. By hydrologic actions, species may shift with from FAC/FACW to FACW/OBL. By the selective reduction of cabbage palm density should open the canopy to allow recruitment 8 9 by native species. Vegetation should represent the natural community and should indicate species typical of this wetland system. With
bank, by executing a mitigation bank-restrictive conservation easement; and by initiating and sustaining treatment/control of exotic
species, natural recruitment and distribution should result. Long term management of this assessment area should guarantee long term sustainability of the plant community where plant cover should be composed of native species representative of this system. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Score= Delta = 0.1 RFG = 0.075 Time lag: 1.07 current with Risk Factor: 1.25 0.80 0.90 Preservation Factor: na 22.94 credits PART II – QUANTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT AREA Project Name:ARMB Application Number: Assess No: W2 Assessment By: Sharon Collins FLUCCS Code: 641 Date: August 2012—March 2014 Acres: W2 = 0.92 The adjacent landscape is hydrologically connected forested W1 wetlands. Wildlife access, under the existing, pre-ARMB conservation easement, could be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in the floodplain wetlands that are currently authorized without the ARMB. The presence of feral hogs is widespread. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize these Location/Landscape floodplain wetlands, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor for populations of those species. Functions are provided to fish and Support: wildlife downstream but would be adversely affected with continued lack of management. The existing easement allows the construction of additional public access trails and allows unlimited, undefined public access throughout the floodplain wetlands. The existing easement does not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures. With Bank, management actions will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. Wildlife access, under the ARMB conservation easement, would not be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in the wetlands. Because hogs directly compete with current with native species that may utilize the floodplain wetlands, feral hogs will be hunted and/or trapped to reduce their impact on native 9 9 species populations. By the installation of a perimeter fence with locked gates along the eastern TECO easement boundary, unauthorized access would be substantially removed. The banker has the ability to increase security, implement land uses which would be compatible with increased protection of these wetlands. Furthermore, this mitigation category would: 1) be better protected by a more restrictive conservation easement with accountability on the uses of land (see Mitigation Plan:Table 8); and 2) benefit Alafia River’s downstream fish and wildlife and functions by hydrologic efforts. Hydrology and water quality support & benefit wildlife. However, water levels and flows are influenced by roads and ditches constructed and excavated within these wetlands, altering their normal flow and flow patterns. The lack of water and reduction in hydroperiods have stressed and distressed ARMB’s wetlands. Water is also being transported down roads rather than across through the wetland systems. There are several ditches excavated to direct water to the River. Several of these were excavated alongside onsite roads, while others were excavated from within the floodplain wetlands. These ditches have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and hydrology onsite. There are sloughs and riverine oxbows connected to the Alafia River which have the potential to bring water onsite. There is an old riverbed which once distributed water across these wetlands. Delivery of freshwater to onsite wetlands has been altered, producing conditions drier than expected. Water level indicators are indistinct and inconsistent with expected hydrologic conditions. Frequency and duration of inundation is less than optimal. Presence or evidence of use by animal Water Environment: species was less than expected. Water environment is expected to continue to be affected by these conditions.
With bank, hydrologic improvements will provide optimal hydrologic connectivity across these wetlands to the Alafia River. With
Bank, hydrology and water quality will improve to provide near optimal functions to fish and wildlife. Permanent and stabilized current with improvements will be added to rehydrate these wetlands, allow a natural flow, and eliminate road washouts and altered water passage. 8 9 Selectively recontouring by deepening a historic, old river bed would allow dispersal of water across these wetlands and contribute to
the rehydration of stressed wetlands. By the recontoured excavation of the ORBHE, the volume of water entering and the capability for
water storage on the ARMB is expected to increase. The engineering analysis (see engineering component and construction plans) indicates that the restoration of the old river bed will, during a 2 year to 2.33 year storm event, produce a considerable increase of water to sheetflow over the ARMB’s stressed wetlands. Adding 5 low water crossings will restore naturalized sheet flow between bisected wetlands. Ditch plugs will be strategically added to designated ditches to remove the artificial drainage effect, which will in turn assist with water storage capabilities. It is anticipated that these actions will result in a more naturalized sheetflow and reduce “flashy” inundation periods. Selective removal of debris from oxbows will enhance onsite water capacities and help promote naturalized water flow within the River for downstream benefit. Frequency and duration of inundation, and soil moisture should become more typical and appropriate for the wetland system. Hydrologic conditions should support ecological values of the area. Actions that improve “Water Environment” are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Desirable plant species are present and groundcover vegetation cover is generally appropriate. There is evidence of regeneration and Community natural recruitment, and regenerating plants are in good condition, but disturbances have occurred. Hydrologic alterations would Structure: continue to affect full growth potential by appropriate species within these wetlands. With bank, by completion of hydrologic improvements, the vegetative community should provide conditions which enhance and support optimal function to benefit fish and wildlife. Vegetation should represent the natural community and should indicate species current with typical of this wetland system. With bank, by executing a mitigation bank-restrictive conservation easement; and by initiating and 8 9 sustaining treatment/control of exotic species a natural recruitment and distribution should result. Long term management of this assessment area should guarantee long term sustainability of the plant community where plant cover should be composed of native species representative of this system. However, since community structure improvements are likely to be immeasurable no community structure lift is proposed. Score= Delta = 0.07 RFG = 0.07 Time lag: 1.0 current with Risk Factor: 1.0 0.83 0.90 Preservation Factor: na 0.06 credits
PART I – QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION Project Name: Alafia River Mitigation Bank (ARMB) Application Number: Assessment Area/Number : FLUCCS Code: 625 W3 – Hydric Pine Flatwoods Enhancement Mitigation Type: Enhancement Acres: W3 = 11.17 Basin/Watershed: Alafia River Affected Waterbody (Class): Geographic relationship to & hydrologic connection with wetlands, other surface waters, uplands: Significant Nearby features &/or Uniqueness: The Alafia River Ecosystem. These W3 areas are hydric pine flatwoods buffer areas which predominately lie hydric flatwoods interact with the floodplain wetlands which interact with the between and are connected to the larger, floodplain wetlands, upland pine Alafia River waters and its ecosystem. flatwoods and mesic hammocks. Functions: Assessment Area Description: The W3 habitat is a moderate quality forested wetland. However, it has been historically cleared. It exhibits disturbance to hydrology, soils, vegetative structure W3 are pine flatwoods which contain hydric characteristics. This area is a and/or wildlife utilization, with disturbance caused by feral hogs and human transitional zone between the adjacent mesic hammock/pine flatwoods interaction. These wetlands hold and discharge water to the Alafia River in and the floodplain areas. This community is overgrown and has not been conjunction with floodplain wetlands. Degradation to water storage and discharge thinned or burned in many years. W3 Hydric Pine Flatwoods includes capacities in these floodplain wetlands would have a direct affect on downstream historically harvested flatwoods to be enhanced by various improvements waters of the Alafia River and Tampa Bay estuarine system. These areas provide and land management actions (described in the Mitigation Plan). Access support to wildlife, provides for life cycles, wildlife utilization is less than optimal. roads have contributed to altering the historic drainage patterns and Vegetation is overgrown and fire-suppressed. Existing conditions exhibit growth of hydrology by bisecting these wetlands and obstructing surface water flows. plant species, especially groundcover layers, which are less indicative of wetlands, These roads are in areas that are subject to road wash outs, and during species which are FAC to FACW. Caesar weeds is prevalent, Except after heavy heavy rainfall events water is not dispersed to bisected wetlands but flows rainfall periods, soils noted during 2013-2015 field investigations have not been within the road(s) which acts as a draiange conveyance. saturated or inundated. The adjacent roads serve to alter naturalized water passage. Hydrology is affected. Under ARMB, they would contribute to critical corridor functions to the regional wildlife corridor. Detailed descriptions of existing functions are located in the Mitigation Plan: Section 2.1.
Anticipated Wildlife Use by Literature Review: Anticipated Listed Species Use:
White-tailed deer, wild hog, gray squirrel, armadillo, mockingbird, blue Sherman’s fox squirrel, eastern indigo snake, Florida pine snake. jay, red-shouldered hawk, Carolina wren, pine warbler, migratory warblers, pileated woodpecker, opossum, raccoon, black racer snake, green tree frog, cricket frog, bobwhite quail, and bobcat.
Additional Relevant Factors: Management actions “with bank” will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. Because there is unauthorized public access, the likelihood of continued degradation by unauthorized use and feral hog damages without bank Observed Evidence of Wildlife Use: is high.The existing easement allows the construction of new public access trails and allows unlimited, undefined public access throughout these flatwoods. The Wild turkey, feral hog, gray squirrel, cardinal existing easement does not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures. With ARMB establishment, public access would be restricted, no public access trails will be constructed in these wetlands and conservation actions are accountable. With bank management, these wetlands will be hydrologically enhanced and maintained in their enhanced condition. Note: Please refer to the Mitigation Plan for detailed descriptions.
PART II – QUANTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT AREA Project Name: ARMB Application Number: Assessment No: W3 Assessment By: Sharon Collins FLUCCS Code: 625 Date: August 2012-March 2014 Acres: W3 = 11.17 The adjacent landscapes are the hydrologically connected floodplain wetlands, upland hammocks and pine flatwoods. This and adjacent habitats have been historically cleared and altered, with various levels of impairment prior to ARMB. Wildlife access to and from this community is partially restricted by roads and adjacent densely overgrown upland barriers. Wildlife access, under the existing, pre-ARMB conservation easement, could be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in these hydric flatwoods. It is part of an upland/wetland pine matrix with a reduced level of hydrologic connectivity to other wetlands habitats due to road construction and alteration. Furthermore, the presence of feral hogs is widespread. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs have degraded these flatwoods since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native vegetation. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the flatwoods, feral hogs present a significant limiting Location/Landscape factor for populations of those species. This category discharges into the floodplain wetlands and downstream habitats are dependent Support: on the continued viability, quantity and quality of discharges from ARMB wetlands. Unauthorized hunting has been uncontrolled,
with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats. Because there is feral hog damages and unauthorized public access, the
likelihood of continued degradation by unauthorized use without bank is high. The existing easement allows the construction of
additional public access trails and allows unlimited, undefined public access throughout these flatwoods. The existing easement does
not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures. w/o/current with management actions described in the Mitigation Plan will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. With 8 8 With Bank, ARMB, any potential future public access would be restricted, no new public access trails will be constructed in these wetlands and
conservation actions are accountable. Wildlife access, under the ARMB conservation easement, would not be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in these flatwoods. Because feral hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the flatwoods, feral hogs will be hunted and/or trapped on the ARMB. By the installation of a perimeter fence with locked gates along the eastern TECO easement boundary, unauthorized access into these flatwoods would be substantially removed. The banker has the ability to increase security, implement land uses which would be compatible with increased protection. Furthermore, this mitigation category would: 1) be better protected by a more restrictive conservation easement with accountability on the uses of land (see Mitigation Plan: Table 8); 2) be adjacent to enhanced uplands and landscapes that would allow the area to provide near optimal functions to fish and wildlife; 3) be treated to control exotic species within a defined coverage cap and timelines to maintain a ≤1% exotic plant species presence. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Hydrology and water quality support & benefit wildlife. However, water levels and flows are influenced by roads constructed and excavated within these wetlands, altering their normal flow and flow patterns. The lack of water and reduction in hydroperiods have stressed and distressed ARMB’s wetlands. Water is also being transported down roads rather than across the wetlands. Delivery of freshwater to onsite wetlands has been altered, producing conditions drier than expected. Water level indicators are indistinct and inconsistent with expected hydrologic conditions. Frequency and duration of inundation is less than optimal. Presence or evidence of use by animal species was less than expected. Water depth is not well suited for the natural community, which is expected to Water Environment: cause changes in species, age classes and densities. Water environment is expected to continue to be affected by these conditions. With bank, hydrologic improvements will provide optimal hydrologic connectivity between bisected wetlands and to floodplain wetlands. With bank, hydrology and water quality will support and benefit wildlife. Water levels and flows should approximate w/o/current with natural conditions. Soil moisture should be appropriate. Introduction of a controlled burn program will produce typical fire 8 9 frequency. With Bank, the hydrologic improvement and forestry stewardship actions should show a reduction in hydrologic stress signs and should indicate natural hydrologic conditions. Permanent and stabilized improvements will be added to rehydrate these wetlands, allow a natural flow, and eliminate road washouts and altered water passage. By the recontoured excavation of the ORBHE, the volume of water entering and the capability for water storage on the ARMB is expected to increase. The engineering analysis (see engineering component and construction plans) indicates that the restoration of the old river bed will, during a 2 year to 2.33 year storm event, produce a considerable increase of water to sheetflow over the ARMB’s stressed wetlands. It is anticipated that these actions will result in a more naturalized sheetflow and reduce “flashy” inundation periods. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Plant cover is overgrown hydric pine flatwoods, and species composition is and will remain less than optimal without bank management and forestry stewardship activities. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species, especially groundcover layers, which are less indicative of wetlands. Groundcover is disturbed by hog activity. There is evidence of natural recruitment, but disturbances have occurred. Past harvesting actions have produced an age and size distribution of vegetation that is atypical.Vegetation zonation appears generally appropriate but species atypical of saturated soils are present, indicating a lack of saturation. As described above, community structure is likely to be diminished as these flatwoods would be subject to continued Community Structure: disturbance by unauthorized uses, plant destruction by feral hogs and lack of management. Hydrologic alterations would continue to
affect full growth potential by appropriate species within these wetlands.
by completing forestry stewardship activities and hydrologic improvements described in the Mitigation Plan, these w/o/current with With bank, hydric pine flatwoods should produce appropriate and desirable plant cover and provide conditions which support optimal function 7 9 to benefit fish and wildlife. By the selective reduction of cabbage palm and laurel oak densities, this should open the canopy to allow
recruitment by native groundcover species. By opening the canopy and reducing the shrub layers, and introducing a fire regime,
vegetation should exhibit evidence of regeneration and recruitment, and age and size distribution should become more typical of the system. Vegetation should represent species typical of this wetland system. With bank, by executing a mitigation bank-restrictive conservation easement; and by initiating and sustaining treatment/control of exotic species, natural recruitment and distribution should result. Long term management of this assessment area should guarantee long term sustainability of the plant community where plant cover should be composed of native species representative of this system. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Score= Delta = 0.10 RFG = delta / (t-factor x risk) = 0.08 current with Time lag: 1.07 0.77 0.87 Risk Factor: 1.25 0.84 credits
PART I – QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION Project Name: Alafia River Mitigation Bank Application Number: Assessment Area/Number: U1 – Oak Hammock Enhancement FLUCCS Code: 427 Mitigation Type: Enhancement Acres: U1 = 30.32 Basin/Watershed: Alafia River Affected Waterbody (Class): Geographic relationship to & hydrologic connection with wetlands, other surface waters, uplands: Significant Nearby features & Uniqueness: U1 areas are oak hammock areas which are embedded within and Few natural xeric oak communities remain in the region along the Alafia River adjacent to mesic hammocks connected to floodplain forested wetlands. Assessment Area Description: Functions: The U1 habitats are moderately high quality forested uplands. However, they exhibit These are oak hammocks with a dense, closed canopy of live oak. They disturbance to soils, vegetative structure and wildlife utilization, with disturbance are likely successional and they were clearcut harvested by the 1940s. caused by feral hogs and human interaction. These are densely vegetated live oak The hammocks are xeric, are found on ARMB’s higher elevations, hammocks which were historically harvested, with evidence of regeneration of species contain soils which support live oak communities, are adjacent to the such as turkey oak, skyblue lupine and wiregrass. They provide adequate food mesic hammocks. The shrub layer is densely vegetated with saw sources, refuge and canopy to wildlife but wildlife access is limited by densely palmetto. The hammocks are overgrown and fire-suppressed. Feral hog vegetated shrub and canopy layers and the presence of feral hogs. These areas are fire- damage is extensive. suppressed. Under ARMB, they would provide critical corridor functions to the regional wildlife corridor. Detailed descriptions of existing functions are located in the Mitigation Plan: Section 2.1. Anticipated Wildlife Use by Literature Review:
Anticipated Listed Species Use: White-tailed deer, wild hog, gray squirrel, various bird species, armadillo, gray fox, opossum, raccoon, black racer snake, common toad, Eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise, gopher frog, and Florida pine snake oak toad, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, bobwhite quail, bobcat, barred owl and wild turkey. Additional Relevant Factors: Management actions “with bank” will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. Because there is unauthorized public access, the likelihood of continued degradation by unauthorized use is high. The existing easement allows the Observed Evidence of Wildlife Use: cardinal, warblers, gopher tortoise, construction of new public access trails and allows unlimited, undefined public access feral hog, gray squirrel and wild turkey. through these oak hammocks.The existing easement does not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures. With Bank, the ARMB conservation easement restricts land uses and conservation actions would be accountable.
PART II – QUANTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT AREA Project Name: ARMB Application Number: Assessment No: U1 Assessment By: Sharon Collins FLUCCS Code: 427 Date: August 2012—March 2014 Acres: 30.32 The adjacent landscape is upland mesic hammocks. Wildlife access to and from this community is partially restricted by densely overgrown vegetation. Wildlife access, under the existing, pre-ARMB conservation easement, could be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in the hammocks--currently authorized without the ARMB. Furthermore, the presence of feral hogs is widespread. Feral hogs have degraded these hammocks since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native Location/Landscape vegetation. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the oak hammocks, feral hogs present a significant limiting Support: factor for populations of those species. Functions are provided to wetland dependent wildlife species downstream. Unauthorized hunting has been uncontrolled, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats. The existing easement allows unlimited, undefined public access within these hammocks and does not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures. With Bank, management actions will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. With ARMB, no public access trails will be w/o/current with constructed, wildlife access in these uplands would not be affected, and conservation actions are accountable. Feral hogs will be hunted 8 8 and/or trapped to reduce their impact on native species populations. By the installation of a perimeter fence with locked gates along the eastern TECO easement boundary, unauthorized access would be substantially removed. The banker has the ability to increase security, implement land uses which would be compatible with increased protection of these uplands. Furthermore, this mitigation category would: 1) be better protected by a more restrictive conservation easement with accountability on the uses of land (see Mitigation Plan: Table 8); 2) be adjacent to enhanced uplands that would allow the area to provide near optimal functions to wildlife; and 3) be treated to control exotic species within a defined coverage cap and timelines to maintain a ≤1% exotic plant species presence. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species which are overgrown and/or composed of undesirable or inappropriate plant species. This area had been harvested. Plant cover and species composition is and will remain less than optimal without bank management and Community Structure: forestry stewardship activities. Species coverage is described in the Mitigation Plan, Section 2.1.4. There is however evidence of appropriate, native species, as well as regeneration by live oak and saw palmetto. Vegetative structure is disturbed by hog activity. As described above, these uplands would be receive continued disturbance by unauthorized uses, plant destruction by feral hogs and lack of w/o/current with management. 7 9 With bank, by initiation of forestry stewardship actions, the vegetative community should provide conditions which enhance and support optimal function to benefit wildlife. By opening the canopy and reducing the shrub layers, and introducing a fire regime, evidence of natural recruitment, age and size distribution should become typical of the system. By the selective reduction of laurel oak density, this should open the canopy to allow recruitment by native species. Long term management of these communities will guarantee their long term sustainability. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Score= Delta = 0.10 RFG = delta / (t-factor x risk) = 0.08 w/o/current with Time lag: 1.07 0.75 0.85 Risk Factor: 1.25 2.43 credits PART I – QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION Project Name: Alafia River Mitigation Bank Application Number: Assessment Area/Number: U2 Mesic Hammock Enhancement FLUCCS Code: 434 Mitigation Type: Enhancement Acres: U2 = 89. Basin/Watershed: Alafia River Affected Waterbody (Class): Geographic relationship to & hydrologic connection with wetlands, other Significant Nearby features & Uniqueness: surface waters, uplands: Few natural upland areas remain on Alafia River not converted by development. U2 areas are mesic hammock areas which are embedded within and These uplands are important for both wetland and upland dependent species which adjacent to xeric hammocks and floodplain forested wetlands. utilize the Alafia River corridor. Assessment Area Description: These areas consist of upland forests which generally lie between the Functions: xeric and hydric hammocks. They may be historic or successional growth t hammocks. They were harvested and cleared. Years of neglect and fire The hammocks provide adequate food sources, refuge and canopy to wildlife bu suppression have produced densely overgrown hammocks with a wildlife access is somewhat limited by overgrown and densely vegetated shrub and partially closed canopy which is dominated by a variety of oak and canopy layers. These areas are fire-suppressed. Note: Please refer to the Mitigation conifer species. Feral hog damage is extensive. Plan for detailed descriptions. Anticipated Wildlife Use by Literature Review: Anticipated Listed Species Use: White-tailed deer, wild hog, gray squirrel, various bird species, armadillo, gray fox, opossum, raccoon, black racer snake, green tree frog, Eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise and commensal species. common toad, oak toad, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, bobwhite quail, and bobcat. Additional Relevant Factors: Management actions “with bank” will optimally promote natural ecological Observed Evidence of Wildlife Use: conditions. Because there is unauthorized public access, the likelihood of continued degradation by unauthorized use and feral hog damages without bank is high.The Various bird species, gopher tortoise, feral hog, and gray squirrel existing easement allows the construction of additional public access trails, allows unlimited, undefined public access, and does not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures.
PART II – QUANTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT AREA Project Name: ARMB Application Number: Assessment No: Assessment By: Sharon Collins FLUCCS Code:434 Date: August 2012-March 2014 Acres: U2 = 89. The adjacent landscape is oak hammocks and floodplain wetlands. This habitat has been altered, with subsequent impairments prior to ARMB. The adjacent uplands were also historically cleared. Wildlife access to and from this community is partially restricted by densely overgrown vegetation. Wildlife access, under the existing, pre-ARMB conservation easement, could be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in the hammocks--currently authorized without the ARMB. Furthermore, the presence of feral hogs is widespread. Feral hogs have degraded these hammocks since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native Location/Landscape vegetation. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize mesic hammocks, feral hogs present a significant limiting Support: factor for populations of those species. Functions are provided to wetland dependent wildlife species downstream. Unauthorized hunting has been uncontrolled, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife and habitats. The existing easement allows unlimited, undefined public access within these hammocks and does not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures. With Bank, management actions will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. With ARMB, no public access trails will be w/o/current with constructed, wildlife access in these uplands would not be affected, and conservation actions are accountable. Feral hogs will be hunted 8 8 and/or trapped to reduce their impact on native species populations. By the installation of a perimeter fence with locked gates along the eastern mesic hammock boundary along the TECO easement, unauthorized access would be substantially removed. The banker has the ability to increase security, implement land uses which would be compatible with increased protection of these uplands. Furthermore, this mitigation category would: 1) be better protected by a more restrictive conservation easement with accountability on the uses of land (see Mitigation Plan: Table 8); 2) be adjacent to enhanced uplands and wetlands that would allow the area to provide near optimal functions to wildlife; and 3) be treated to control exotic species within a defined coverage cap and timelines to maintain a ≤1% exotic plant species presence. With Bank, the banker has the ability to implement land uses which would be compatible with protection and conservation of these uplands once ARMB is established.Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species which are overgrown and fire-suppressed. This area had been harvested. Though the majority of the plant cover is composed of appropriate but densely overgrown plant species, plant cover and species composition is and will remain less than optimal without bank management and forestry stewardship activities. Species coverage is described in the Community Structure: Mitigation Plan, Section 2.1.4. Substantial damage to community structure is ongoing by feral hogs. These uplands would be receive continued disturbance by unauthorized uses, destruction by feral hogs and lack of management. by initiation and completion of forestry stewardship actions described in the Mitigation Plan, the vegetative community w/o/current with With bank, should provide conditions which enhance and support optimal function to benefit wildlife. By reducing canopy species such as laurel 7 9 oak and pine, by reducing the dense shrub coverage, by opening the canopy, and by introduction of scheduled prescribed burns, it is anticipated that not only recruitment of desirable hammock species will result but also a structure that is typical of mesic hammocks. Laurel oaks selectively thinned. By the selective reduction of laurel oak density, this should open the canopy to allow recruitment by native species. Long term management will guarantee long term community sustainability. Reduction of feral hog populations should allow regeneration of native species. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Score= Delta = 0.10 RFG = delta / (t-factor x risk) = 0.08 w/o/current with Time lag: 1.07 0.75 0.85 Risk Factor: 1.25 7.1 credits PART I – QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION Project Name: Alafia River Mitigation Bank Application Number: Assessment Area/Number : FLUCCS Code: 411 U3 – Pine Flatwoods Enhancement Mitigation: Enhancement Acres: U3 = 23.33 Basin/Watershed: Alafia River Affected Waterbody (Class): Geographic relationship to & hydrologic connection with wetlands, other Significant Nearby features &/or Uniqueness: surface waters, uplands: U3 areas are pine flatwoods areas which are bordered by hydric pine Pine flatwoods communities along the Alafia River have been largely converted to flatwoods and mesic hammocks. residential development or commercial uses. Assessment Area Description: Functions: These communities were once widespread but was harvested and cleared by the These are pine flatwoods communities which are relatively open and 1940s. It is fire suppressed and overgrown. It provides adequate functions to wildlife dominated by longleaf pine and a variety of oak species integrated with and provides suitable food sources, shelter and refuge. Pine flatwoods soils and the pine. They are overgrown with vines and shrub layers, as well as vegetation have been disturbed by historic clearing actions. Access is obstructed by nuisance species such as caeser weed. They are characterized by a low and overgrown shrub layers. It exhibits disturbance to soils, vegetative structure and/or flat topography, relatively poorly drained, acidic and sandy soils, and wildlife utilization, with disturbance caused by feral hogs and human interaction. supported by frequent fires. The soils are flatwoods soils. Feral hog Caesar weeds is prevalent. Under ARMB, these flatwoods would contribute to damage is evident. critical corridor functions to the regional wildlife corridor. Detailed descriptions of existing functions are located in the Mitigation Plan: Section 2.1.4. Anticipated Wildlife Use by Literature Review: Anticipated Listed Species Use: White-tailed deer, wild hog, gray squirrel, bird species, armadillo, opossum, raccoon, black racer snake, green tree frog, common toad, oak Sherman’s fox squirrel, eastern indigo snake, southern bald eagle, Florida pine toad, cricket frog, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, snake, flatwoods salamander, gopher tortoise and commensal species. bobwhite quail, bobcat, and cottontail rabbit. Additional Relevant Factors: Management actions “with bank” will optimally promote natural ecological Observed Evidence of Wildlife Use: conditions. Because there is unauthorized public access, the likelihood of continued White-tailed deer, feral hog, wild turkey, gray squirrel, armadillo, various degradation by unauthorized use and feral hog damages without bank is high.The bird species, gopher tortoise, Florida pine snake. existing easement allows the construction of additional public access trails, allows unlimited, undefined public access, and does not provide accountability for initiating, completing or perpetual management of any conservation measures. PART II – QUANTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT AREA Project Name:ARMB Application Number: Assessment No: U3 Assessment By: Sharon Collins FLUCCS Code: 411 Date: August 2012-March 2014 Acres: 23.33 The adjacent landscapes are upland hammocks and hydric pine flatwoods which have been historically cleared and altered. Wildlife access to and from this community is partially restricted by roads and adjacent overgrown upland barriers. Wildlife access, under the existing, pre-ARMB conservation easement, could be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in these flatwoods. The presence of feral hogs is widespread. Groundcover and soils are disturbed by hog activity. Feral hogs have degraded these flatwoods since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through soils causing significant damage Location/Landscape to vegetation. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the flatwoods, feral hogs present a significant limiting factor Support: for populations of those species. Because there is feral hog damages and unauthorized public access, the likelihood of continued degradation by unauthorized use without bank is high. The existing easement does not provide accountability for conservation measures, and allows the construction of new public access trails and unlimited, undefined public access in these flatwoods. With Bank, management actions described in the Mitigation Plan will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. With ARMB, any potential future public access would be restricted, no new public access trails will be constructed, wildlife access would not be w/o/current with affected, and conservation actions are accountable. Because feral hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the flatwoods, 8 8 feral hogs will be hunted and/or trapped on the ARMB. By the installation of a perimeter fence with locked gates along the eastern TECO easement boundary, unauthorized access into these flatwoods would be substantially removed. The banker has the ability to increase security, implement land uses which would be compatible with increased protection. Furthermore, this mitigation category would: 1) be better protected by a more restrictive conservation easement with accountability on the uses of land (see Mitigation Plan: Table 8); 2) be adjacent to enhanced landscapes that would allow the area to provide near optimal functions to wildlife; 3) be treated to control exotic species within a defined coverage cap and timelines to maintain a ≤1% exotic plant species presence. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Plant cover is overgrown, and species composition is and will remain less than optimal without bank management and forestry stewardship activities such as thinning and prescribed burns. Past harvesting actions removed historic canopies. These flatwoods are fire- dependent but with years of neglect, they are overgrown and fire-suppressed. However, plant cover is composed of appropriate species Community typical of pine flatwoods. There is evidence of natural recruitment, but disturbances have occurred. Groundcover is also disturbed by hog Structure: activity. The community structure is likely to be diminished as these flatwoods would be subject to continued disturbance by unauthorized uses, plant destruction by feral hogs and lack of management. With bank, by completing forestry stewardship activities and hydrologic improvements described in the Mitigation Plan, these pine w/o/current flatwoods should produce appropriate and desirable plant cover and provide conditions which support optimal function to benefit fish and with wildlife. By the selective reduction of laurel oak densities, this should open the canopy to allow recruitment by native groundcover species. 7 9 By opening the canopy and reducing the shrub layers, and introducing a fire regime, vegetation should exhibit evidence of recruitment more typical of the system. Vegetation should represent species typical of this wetland system. With bank, by executing a mitigation bank- restrictive conservation easement; and by initiating and sustaining treatment/control of exotic species, natural recruitment and distribution should result. Long term management of this assessment area should guarantee long term sustainability of the plant community where plant cover should be composed of native species representative of this system. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. w/o/current with Delta = 0.10 RFG = delta / (t-factor x risk) = 0.08 Time lag: 1.07 0.75 0.85 Risk Factor: 1.25 1.87 credits PART I – QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION Project Name: Alafia River Mitigation Bank Application Number: Assessment Area/Number: U4 –Scrub Enhancement FLUCCS Code: 4 Mitigation Type: Enhancement Acres: U4 = 4.83 Basin/Watershed: Alafia River Affected Waterbody (Class): Geographic relationship to & hydrologic connection with wetlands, Significant Nearby features & Uniqueness: other surface waters, uplands: U4 areas are scrub habitats embedded Few natural scrub communities remain in the region along the Alafia River. They are within and adjacent to hammocks/floodplain wetlands. considered imperiled and rare. Assessment Area Description: Functions: These are scrub areas which are relatively open upland areas on the ARMB and dominated by scrub oak and saw palmetto. These unique These are scrub uplands which were historically harvested. After harvesting, this scrub communities typically occupy higher ridge elevations, have well- community regenerated with a few typical scrub upland species but is predominately drained, infertile, sandy soils, are supported by high intensity and lacking species and a diversified composition typical for this community. These areas infrequent fires, and their species are adapted to fire and xeric conditions. are fire-suppressed. U4 provides some food sources, refuge and canopy to wildlife. This community appears to have retained some of the composition that However, disturbance to soils, vegetative structure and wildlife utilization are defines it as a scrub upland but is overgrown with saw palmetto and fire- exhibited, with disturbances caused by feral hogs and human interaction. Wildlife suppressed. It is found in Myakka fine sand soil. access is restricted by overgrown shrub layers and feral hog presence. Detailed descriptions of existing functions are located in the Mitigation Plan: Section 2.1. Anticipated Wildlife Use by Literature Review:
Anticipated Listed Species Use: White-tailed deer, wild hog, gray squirrel, various bird species, opossum, raccoon, common toad, oak toad, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoise and commensal species. pygmy rattlesnake, bobcat and wild turkey. Additional Relevant Factors: Observed Evidence of Wildlife Use: There is potential to enhance community structure to scrub uplands by forestry Robin, gopher tortoise, gray squirrel, armadillo, feral hog. stewardship actions, benefitting wildlife which typically thrive in scrub uplands.
PART II – QUANTIFICATION OF ASSESSMENT AREA Project Name: ARMB Application Number: Assessment No: U4 Assessment By: Sharon Collins FLUCCS Code: 4 Date: August 2012—March 2014 Acres: 4.83 The adjacent landscape are historically cleared communities. The adjacent landscape is upland hammocks. Wildlife access to and from this community is partially restricted by densely overgrown vegetation. Wildlife access, under the existing, pre-ARMB conservation easement, could be affected by the construction of new public hiking trails in the scrub and adjacent hammocks--currently authorized without the ARMB. Feral hogs have degraded these uplands since they have consumed, knocked down, rubbed, and trampled native vegetation, as well as rooted through the soils causing significant damage since rooting destabilizes soil surfaces and weakens native Location/Landscape vegetation. Since hogs directly compete with native species that may utilize the scrub and adjacent hammocks, feral hogs present a Support: significant limiting factor for populations of those species. Functions are provided to wetland dependent wildlife species. Unauthorized
hunting has been uncontrolled, with ongoing adverse impacts to wildlife. The existing easement allows unlimited, undefined public
access within these uplands and does not provide accountability for any conservation measures.
management actions will optimally promote natural ecological conditions. With ARMB, no public access trails will be With Bank, constructed in the scrub, wildlife access in these uplands would not be affected, and conservation actions are accountable. Feral hogs will w/o/current with be hunted and/or trapped on the ARMB. By the installation of a perimeter fence with locked gates along the eastern boundary along the 8 9 TECO easement, unauthorized access would be substantially removed. The banker has the ability to increase security, implement land
uses which would be compatible with increased protection of these uplands. This mitigation category would: 1) be better protected by a more restrictive conservation easement with accountability on the uses of land (see Mitigation Plan: Table 8); 2) be adjacent to enhanced uplands that would allow the area to provide near optimal functions to wildlife; and 3) be treated to control exotic species within a defined coverage cap and timelines to maintain a ≤1% exotic plant species presence. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Existing conditions exhibit growth of plant species which are overgrown and fire-suppressed, with densely overgrown shrub layers. This area had been harvested. Plant cover and species composition is and will remain less than optimal without bank management and Community Structure: forestry stewardship activities. There is however evidence of appropriate, native species. Species coverage is described in the Mitigation
Plan, Section 2.1.4. Vegetative structure is disturbed by hog activity. As described above, these uplands would be receive continued
disturbance by unauthorized uses, plant destruction by feral hogs and lack of management. w/o/current with by initiation of forestry stewardship actions described in the Mitigation Plan and Forestry Stewardship Plan, the vegetative 8 8 With bank, community should provide conditions which enhance and support optimal function to benefit wildlife. By opening the canopy and
reducing the shrub layers, and introducing a fire regime, the community structure should become typical of the system. Reduction of
feral hog populations should promote regeneration by native species. Long term management of these communities will guarantee their long term sustainability. Actions are described in the Mitigation Plan: Sections 3.2-3.6, 4.3 and 6.2-6.3. Score = Delta = 0.05 RFG = delta / (t-factor x risk) = 0.04 w/o/current with Time lag: 1.07 0.8 0.85 Risk Factor: 1.25 0.19 credits
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