Comprehensive River Management Plan

Home , Black Creek (Florida), Clitoria fragrans, Rainbow River, Seminole State Forest, Wekiva River

September 2011

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WEKIVA WILD AND SCENIC RIVER SYSTEM

Florida ______

The Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System was designated by an act of Congress on October 13, 2000 (Public Law 106-299). The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 USC 1247) requires that each designated river or river segment must have a comprehensive river management plan developed. The Wekiva system has no approved plan in place.

This document examines two alternatives for managing the Wekiva River System. It also analyzes the impacts of implementing each of the alternatives. Alternative A consists of the existing river management and trends and serves as a basis for comparison in evaluating the other alternative. It does not imply that no river management would occur. The concept for river management under alternative B would be an integrated program of goals, objectives, and actions for protecting and enhancing each outstandingly remarkable value. A coordinated effort among the many public agencies and entities would be needed to implement this alternative. Alternative B is the National Park Service’s and the Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee’s preferred alternative.

Implementing the preferred alternative (B) would result in coordinated multiagency actions that aid in the conservation or improvement of scenic values, recreation opportunities, wildlife and habitat, historic and cultural resources, and water quality and quantity. This would result in several long- term beneficial impacts on these outstandingly remarkable values.

This Environmental Assessment was distributed to various agencies and interested organizations and individuals for their review and comment in August 2010, and has been revised as appropriate to address comments received. For more information contact Jaime Doubek-Racine, National Park Service, 5342 Clark Road, PMB#123, , Sarasota, FL 34233.

U.S. Department of the Interior  National Park Service

SUMMARY

The Wekiva River System, composed of one of Florida’s principal metropoli- the Wekiva River, Rock Springs Run, tan areas with a rapidly growing Wekiwa Springs Run, and Black Water population. Approximately two million Creek, was designated by the U.S. people reside in the tri-county area Congress as a national wild and scenic according to 2006 estimates by the river in October 2000. Five U.S. Census Bureau. outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) have been identified for the river During the past 30 years, human system: scenic, recreational, wildlife actions and an increasing population and habitat, historic and cultural, have created challenges to managers of and water quality and quantity. In the Wekiva River System’s outstanding accordance with the Wild and Scenic values. Wildlife habitat has been Rivers Act (PL 90-542), these values, fragmented, and numerous exotic the river system’s free-flowing species have invaded natural areas. characteristics, and its immediate Diverse recreation demands have environment ―shall be protected for created conflicts between users and the benefit and enjoyment of present threaten the ecological integrity of and future generations‖ (section 1(b)) the natural resources people come to Wild and Scenic Rivers Act). Unlike enjoy. Water quality and quantity have most rivers in the national wild and also been affected by land use within scenic river system that are managed and around the Wekiva River System. exclusively by either a federal or Important cultural resources have been state agency, the Wekiva River System degraded by visitors who are unaware is considered a partnership wild and of their value or who deliberately scenic river, meaning that it is seek to loot artifacts. jointly managed by a consortium of local stakeholder groups referred to Despite these challenges, resources of as the Wekiva River System Advisory the Wekiva River System remain Management Committee (the advisory relatively intact. Resource managers, management committee) with oversight the public, and all those who enjoy and coordination provided by the the river system must be diligent in National Park Service (NPS). protecting these resources. Without adequate protection, areas of the Section 3(d)(1) of the Wild and Scenic river system may lose their values Rivers Act requires that a when the sights and sounds of modern comprehensive management plan be life intrude on the back country of developed to serve as the basis for the Wekiva River System. protecting a designated river’s values. The Comprehensive River This environmental assessment explores Management Plan developed by the two alternatives for future management Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System of the Wekiva River System. Advisory Management Committee through collaboration with the NPS (summarized as the preferred alternative in this ALTERNATIVE A: CONTINUE CURRENT document) fulfills the requirement of MANAGEMENT (THE NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE section 3(d)(1). REQUIRED BY THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT) The Wekiva River System is in central Florida, including parts of Lake, Alternative A would continue existing Orange, and Seminole counties. The management efforts in the Wekiva River river system is just north of Orlando, System. The so-called ―no-action‖

alternative does not imply the river basin have a long history of cessation of ongoing activities but partnership and cooperation that will provides a baseline for comparison in provide a solid foundation for evaluating the changes and impacts of implementing the plan. the other alternative. Government agencies, including those on the The goals, objectives, and actions are advisory management committee, would separated into five categories, one continue to manage the river system as for each outstandingly remarkable it is currently being managed. value. The following summarizes the Existing agency operations and visitor goals identified for each facilities would remain in place. outstandingly remarkable value.

A comprehensive river management plan Scenic Goals required by Section 3(d)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act would not  Maintain and enhance healthy native be approved under this alternative and plant and animal communities in the so it would be in violation of the Wekiva River System. act.  Maintain and enhance the wild and Alternative A includes the scenic character of the Wekiva continuation of several actions and River System by limiting the activities that benefit outstandingly intrusion of the visual and audi- remarkable values. It would not tory aspects of human development include specific actions that result and activity. in adverse impacts to these values, but would continue other ongoing Recreational Goals trends that may cause adverse impacts.

 Provide opportunities for Alternative A corresponds to the recreation on the Wekiva River continuation of current management System that are compatible with the activities, therefore is not likely to area’s natural and cultural adversely affect special status features and management objectives. species (per compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act). . Alternative A would result in no new  Ensure that river recreation effects on historic and cultural minimizes environmental impacts and resource values but could result in user conflicts and is compatible the continuation of adverse effects on with the preservation of natural some cultural resources under Section and cultural qualities of a 106. national wild and scenic river.

Wildlife and Habitat Goals ALTERNATIVE B: THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE  Protect aquatic and aquatic- dependent organisms and their This alternative proposes an habitats throughout the Wekiva integrated program of goals, River System and its associated objectives, and actions for protecting wetlands. and enhancing each outstandingly remarkable value. A coordinated effort  Maintain habitat quality, landscape among the many public agencies and diversity, and ecosystem entities would be needed to implement connectivity within the Wekiva this alternative. Fortunately, public basin area and associated agencies and local governments of the

iv Summary ecosystems with an emphasis on the level of change is in an acceptable black bear as an umbrella species. range.

 Reduce the impacts of invasive The description of the preferred species and exotic species on alternative appearing in this native species and habitats environmental assessment is a summary throughout the Wekiva River System of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River and its associated wetlands. System Management Plan prepared for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Historic and Cultural Resource Goals System Advisory Management Committee, which is available from the advisory  Identify, protect, and preserve management committee. historic and cultural resources from human-related and natural Alternative B corresponds to the threats. continuation of current management activities in addition to several new or enhanced initiatives protective of  Foster an understanding among the wildlife, therefore it is not likely public of the significance of the to adversely affect special status historic and cultural resources of species (per compliance with Section 7 the Wekiva basin. of the Endangered Species Act).

Overall, the implementation of Water Quality and Quantity Goals alternative B would have no adverse

effect on cultural resources and  Protect instream water quality of values under Section 106 of the the Wekiva River System. National Historic Preservation Act.

 Protect flow regimes of the Wekiva River System. THE NEXT STEP

Alternative B would result in the A draft of the Environmental continuation of existing programs and Assessment was posted on the NPS management efforts in addition to website for public review and comment implementation of several goals, during a 30-day time period between objectives and actions intended to August and September 2010. Comments further protect each outstandingly received during and subsequent to this remarkable value. This alternative were evaluated to produce this would foster the coordination of Environmental Assessment which will be multiagency actions that contribute to accompanied by a decision document — a the protection of scenic values, ―Finding of No Significant Impact‖ — recreation values, wildlife and to document the NPS selection of an habitat values, historic and cultural alternative for implementation. With resource values, and water quality and the signed decision document, the plan quantity values. Alternative B would can then be implemented by the various also create opportunities for federal agencies and organizations under the funding to assist in management and auspices of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic protection efforts. River System Advisory Management Committee. However, this approval does Alternative B also includes a strategy not guarantee that funding will be for implementing a user capacity available for implementation. program that would involve the identification of potential impacts from resource use and an impact monitoring program to determine if the

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...... 1

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSSMENT ...... 3 Introduction ...... 3 A Guide to this Environmental Assessment ...... 3 Need for the Environmental Assessment ...... 4 The Next Step...... 4 Implementation of the Plan ...... 4 Brief Description of the River System...... 4 PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE ...... 9 River Purpose ...... 9 Outstandingly Remarkable Values ...... 9 Scenic Values ...... 9 Recreation Values ...... 9 Wildlife and Habitat Values ...... 9 Historic and Cultural Values ...... 9 Water Quality and Quantity Values ...... 9 PLANNING ISSUES / CONCERNS ...... 10 IMPACT TOPICS – RESOURCES AND VALUES AT STAKE IN THE PLANNING PROCESS ...... 11 Impact Topics to Be Considered ...... 11 Scenic Values ...... 11 Recreation Values ...... 11 Wildlife and Habitat Values ...... 11 Historic and Cultural Resource Values ...... 12 Water Quality and Quantity Values ...... 12 Floodplains and Wetlands...... 12 Impact Topics Dismissed from Further Consideration ...... 12 Certain Cultural Resource Topics ...... 12 Prime and/or Unique Farmland ...... 13 Urban Quality and Design of the Built Environment ...... 14 Air Quality and Night Skies...... 14 Soundscapes ...... 15 Indian Trust Resources ...... 15 Environmental Justice ...... 15 The Socioeconomic Environment ...... 16 RELATIONSHIP OF THIS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TO OTHER PLANNING EFFORTS ...... 17 The Wekiva Parkway ...... 17 Public Land Management Plans ...... 17 Local Government Plans and Agency Regulations ...... 18 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ...... 19 INTRODUCTION ...... 21 Summary of Legislation ...... 21 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 ...... 21 Wekiva River Protection Act of 1988 ...... 21 Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act of 2004 ...... 22 Outstanding Florida Waters ...... 23 River Classification ...... 23 ALTERNATIVE A: CONTINUE EXISTING MANAGEMENT DIRECTION BY AGENCIES ...... 29 Concept ...... 30 River Management ...... 30 Federal Agencies and Programs ...... 30

vii State Agencies and Programs ...... 31 Local Governments ...... 35 ALTERNATIVE B: ENHANCE RESOURCE PROTECTION AND HIGH-QUALITY VISITOR EXPERIENCES (PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE) ...... 36 Concept ...... 36 Boundaries ...... 36 Management Areas Related to Outstandingly Remarkable Values ...... 37 River System Management...... 37 Scenic Values ...... 37 Recreation Values ...... 40 Wildlife and Habitat Values ...... 43 Historic and Cultural Values ...... 47 Water Quality and Quantity Values ...... 51 USER CAPACITY (CARRYING CAPACITY) ...... 60 Overview ...... 60 Desired Conditions for Outstandingly Remarkable Values ...... 61 Existing Visitor Activities ...... 61 Overview of Current and Potential Use-Related Impacts ...... 61 Potential User Capacity Indicators and Related Management Actions ...... 62 Areas for Special Monitoring Attention ...... 65 PROGRAMS AND STUDIES NEEDED ...... 66 Visitor Management and Socioeconomic Impacts ...... 66 Resource Management ...... 66 IMPLEMENTATION ...... 68 Role of Advisory Committee and Wekiva Basin Working Group ...... 68 Interagency Cooperation ...... 68 Funding ...... 68 THE ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE ALTERNATIVE ...... 70 MITIGATIVE MEASURES ...... 72 Cultural Resources ...... 72 Natural Resources ...... 72 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ...... 75

INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION ...... 77 The Wekiva River System ...... 77 Wekiwa Springs and Wekiwa Springs Run ...... 78 Rock Springs and Rock Springs Run ...... 78 Wekiva River ...... 79 Black Water Creek and Seminole Creek ...... 79 Little Wekiva River ...... 79 Springs ...... 80 Demographics ...... 80 Conservation Lands ...... 81 State Lands...... 81 Local Government Lands ...... 86 Private Conservation Lands ...... 86 Management of Public Lands ...... 87 Existing Land Uses and Development on Private Land ...... 88 OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES (RESOURCES THAT COULD BE AFFECTED) ...... 89 Scenic Values ...... 89 Recreation Values ...... 90 Wekiva River and Wekiwa Springs Run ...... 91 Rock Springs Run ...... 93 Black Water Creek...... 94 Wildlife and Habitat Values ...... 95

viii Summary

Background ...... 96 Special Status Species ...... 97 Habitat Connectivity ...... 100 Management Issues ...... 100 Historic and Cultural Resource Values ...... 104 Historical Overview ...... 104 Management Issues ...... 106 Water Quality and Quantity Values ...... 107 Water Quality ...... 108 Water Quantity and River Flow ...... 109 CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 111 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ...... 113

INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY ...... 115 Methods of Assessing Effects ...... 115 Cumulative Effects ...... 116 Current and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions ...... 116 Past Actions ...... 118 Assumptions ...... 119 SCENIC VALUES ...... 121 Methods of Assessing Effects ...... 121 Effects of Alternative A ...... 121 Analysis ...... 121 Cumulative Effects ...... 124 Effects of Alternative B ...... 124 Analysis ...... 124 Cumulative Effects ...... 128 RECREATION VALUES ...... 129 Methods of Assessing Effects ...... 129 Effects of Alternative A ...... 129 Analysis ...... 129 Cumulative Effects ...... 131 Effects of Alternative B ...... 132 Analysis ...... 132 Cumulative Effects ...... 134 WILDLIFE AND HABITAT VALUES ...... 136 Methods of Assessing Effects ...... 136 Effects of Alternative A ...... 136 Analysis ...... 136 Cumulative Effects ...... 142 Effects of Alternative B ...... 142 Analysis ...... 142 Cumulative Effects ...... 148 HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE VALUES ...... 149 Methods of Assessing Effects ...... 149 Effects of Alternative A ...... 150 Analysis ...... 150 Cumulative Effects ...... 152 Effects of Alternative B ...... 152 Analysis ...... 152 Cumulative Effects ...... 154 WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY VALUES ...... 155 Methods of Assessing Effects ...... 155 Effects of Alternative A ...... 155 Analysis ...... 155 Cumulative Effects ...... 157

ix Effects of Alternative B ...... 158 Analysis ...... 158 Cumulative Effects ...... 161 CONCLUSION ...... 162 CHAPTER 5: CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION...... 163

PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT ...... 165 Committee and Public Meetings ...... 165 Consultation with Other Agencies/Officials and Organizations (To Date) ...... 166 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Section 7 Consultation ...... 166 Section 106 Consultation (National Historic Preservation Act) ...... 167 Consultation with Native Americans...... 167 Consultation with Other Agencies and Organizations ...... 168 AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING A COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT ...... 169 APPENDIXES, ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY, SELECTED REFERENCES, AND PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS ...... 171

APPENDIX A: AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION ...... 173 APPENDIX B: EXAMPLES OF ORDINANCES, GUIDELINES AND PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION ...... 176 APPENDIX C: LISTED SPECIES IN THE WEKIVA BASIN AREA ...... 179 APPENDIX D: INVENTORY OF CURRENT CONDITIONS FOR HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE VALUES ...... 181 APPENDIX E: SUMMARY OF HISTORICAL WATER QUALITY AVERAGE DATA FROM THE WEKIVA RIVER AND ROCK SPRINGS RUN IN COMPARISON TO FLORIDA CLASS III SURFACE WATER CRITERIA ...... 183 APPENDIX F: U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CORRESPONDENCE ...... 185 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY ...... 189 REFERENCES...... 192 PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS ...... 197

MAPS

LOCATION ...... 7 CLASSIFICATIONS ...... 27 CONSERVATION LANDS ...... 83

TABLES

TABLE 1. PUBLIC CONSERVATION LANDS IN THE WEKIVA RIVER BASIN AREA ...... 85

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSSMENT

INTRODUCTION Actions directed by management plans or subsequent implementation plans are This Environmental Assessment presents accomplished over time. Budget and analyzes two alternative future restrictions, requirements for directions for the management and use additional data or regulatory of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River compliance, and competing national System. Alternative A consists of park system priorities may prevent existing management efforts and serves immediate implementation of many as a basis for comparison to evaluate actions. Major or especially costly alternative B, which involves actions could be implemented 10 or implementation of the Wekiva Wild and more years into the future. Scenic River System Advisory Management Committee’s comprehensive river management plan. Alternative B A GUIDE TO THIS is the NPS’s preferred alternative. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The potential environmental impacts of both alternatives have been identified This environmental assessment includes and assessed. the components required by NEPA and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in the Comprehensive river management plans following format: Chapter 1 is the are intended to be long-term documents introductory material, the purpose and that establish and articulate a need for the environmental assessment, management philosophy and framework environmental topics that will/will for decision making and problem not be analyzed, and the relationship solving. Key elements of a compre- of this environmental assessment to hensive river management plan include other planning efforts. Chapter 2 the following: contains a description of the existing management as the required ―no-action‖  Describe the existing resource alternative. It also contains a conditions, including a detailed summary of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic description of the outstandingly River System Comprehensive Management remarkable values. Plan, prepared for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Advisory  Define the goals and desired Management Committee, as the preferred conditions for protecting river alternative (alternative B). Chapter 3 system values. is a description of the environmental  Address user capacities. components that could be affected by  Address water quality issues and actions in the alternatives. Chapter 4 instream flow requirements. describes the impacts that would be  Reflect a collaborative approach expected to occur if the alternatives with all stakeholders. were implemented. Chapter 5 is a  Identify regulatory authorities of record of the public involvement and other governmental agencies other pieces of the planning process. involved in protecting river system values.  Include a monitoring strategy to maintain desired conditions.  Develop in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

3 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION NEED FOR THE BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act In 1968, acting upon growing public requires a comprehensive river manage- concern about threatened natural ment plan for each designated river in waterways, Congress passed the Wild the national wild and scenic river and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 90- system. This environmental assessment 542). This act recognizes the values provides compliance with the National of certain rivers and their associated Environmental Policy Act, the ecosystems as outstanding natural Endangered Species Act, the National treasures that must be protected for Historic Preservation Act, and the the enjoyment of future generations. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act for the Several rivers were designated for plan. immediate protection, and additional rivers were authorized for study as THE NEXT STEP potential components of the federally protected system. Since then, Congress A draft of the Environmental has amended the act to either Assessment was posted on the NPS designate or authorize study of website for public review and comment additional rivers. during a 30-day time period between August and September 2010. Comments In 1996, at the request of local received during and subsequent to this advocates, Congress passed Public Law were evaluated to produce this 101-311 authorizing the study of the Environmental Assessment which will be Wekiva River, Rock Springs Run, and accompanied by a decision document — a Seminole Creek as possible additions ―Finding of No Significant Impact‖ — to the national wild and scenic rivers to document the NPS selection of an system. After the ―Wekiva River Study‖ alternative for implementation. With was completed and published in 1999, the signed decision document, the the Wekiva River, together with Wekiwa Comprehensive River Management Plan Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, and can then be implemented by the various Black Water Creek were designated by agencies and organizations under the Congress as a national wild and scenic auspices of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic river on October 13, 2000 (see River System Advisory Management appendix A). The Location map depicts Committee. However, this approval does the federally designated Wekiva Wild not guarantee that funding will be and Scenic River System. available for implementation. The name ―Wekiwa‖ is a legacy of the Seminole Indians who used the area. There IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN has been confusion about the names Wekiwa and Wekiva, and many people use The implementation of the approved them interchangeably. Wekiwa is the Creek/ plan will depend on future funding by Seminole word for bubbling water, hence the managing entities, including the Wekiwa Springs; Wekiva is the Creek/ National Park Service. Approval of Seminole word for flowing water, hence this environmental assessment does not Wekiva River (NPS 1999). guarantee that the funding and staffing needed to implement the plan The Wekiva River together with Rock will be forthcoming. Full Springs Run, Wekiwa Springs Run, and implementation of the plan could be Black Water Creek were selected for many years in the future. protection because they were found to be free-flowing and possessed five outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs)

4 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSSMENT associated with the river environment. Survey (USGS), the official keepers of These values are scenic, recreation, place names for the United States. It wildlife and habitat, historic and is also the spelling of the name in cultural, and water quality and the designating Wild and Scenic Rivers quantity. Act amendment. Locally, it is often spelled as one word (―Blackwater Black Water Creek is the spelling of Creek‖). For consistency, this this tributary to the Wekiva River document will use the former spelling used by the United States Geographic when referring to this tributary.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

6 Purpose and Need for the Environmental Assessment

Location map

7 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Back of map

PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE

RIVER PURPOSE area. Black Water Creek is a recreational resource for the more The purpose of the Wekiva Wild and experienced paddler. Scenic River System designation is to protect the river system and its outstandingly remarkable values for Wildlife and Habitat Values the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Wekiva River System is one of Florida’s most valuable and unusual natural resources because of its OUTSTANDINGLY location in a region of biological REMARKABLE VALUES transition between two climatic zones. The river system provides habitat for Outstandingly remarkable values are three species endemic to the Wekiva the resources or values that make the River basin and for five federally designated segment of river needing or listed threatened or endangered worthy of extra protection offered by species. the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The significance of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System is described as Historic and Cultural Values its outstandingly remarkable values: The Wekiva area is considered to be one of the most important Scenic Values archeological areas in central Florida. Known cultural sites provide Much of the designated river segments evidence that the area has been are in a nearly pristine state and inhabited for more than 10,000 years. present an outstanding opportunity to see an unspoiled part of natural Florida. The visual resources are Water Quality and Quantity Values exceptional. All of the designated river segments are classified as Outstanding Florida Recreation Values Waters, Florida’s highest designation for water quality. Water quality and The Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs Run, quantity are influenced by surface and Rock Springs Run are major, water drainage and groundwater flows nature-based, recreational resources within the Wekiva basin and for central Florida, including the springshed. highly urbanized Orlando metropolitan

PLANNING ISSUES / CONCERNS

During the past 30 years, human must be diligent in protecting these actions and an increasing population resources. Without adequate have created challenges to managers protection, areas of the river system of the Wekiva River System’s may have diminished values when the outstanding values. Wildlife habitat sights and sounds of modern life has been fragmented, and numerous intrude upon the back country of the exotic species have invaded natural river system. areas. Diverse recreation demands often create conflict between users Issues that are associated with and threaten the ecological integrity direct and indirect threats against of the natural resources people come each of the river system’s five to enjoy. outstandingly remarkable values have been identified, and strategies for Despite these challenges, resources protecting those values are addressed of the Wekiva River System remain in the comprehensive river management relatively intact. Resource managers, plan and summarized in this government leaders, the public, and environmental assessment. all those who enjoy the river system

IMPACT TOPICS – RESOURCES AND VALUES AT STAKE IN THE PLANNING PROCESS

An important part of planning is Recreation Values seeking to understand the consequences of making one decision over another. Actions proposed in the To this end, management plans are alternatives could affect recre- accompanied, in this case, by an ational use in the area. In environmental assessment. particular, implementing a user Environmental assessments identify the capacity framework could displace anticipated impacts of possible some visitors, who might decide to actions on resources and on visitors visit other segments of the river and neighbors. Impacts are organized or other areas in the region. The by topic, such as impacts on the visitor experiences offered in visitor experience or impacts on these areas and management of the vegetation and soils. Impact topics areas could change under the focus the environmental impact alternatives proposed in this analysis and ensure the relevance of environmental assessment, so this impact evaluation. The impact topics topic is retained for analysis. identified for this environmental assessment are outlined in this section and are based on the outstand- Wildlife and Habitat Values ingly remarkable values identified in previous studies of the river system. The river system’s mammals, birds, Also included is a discussion of some amphibians, reptiles, and fish are impact topics that are commonly important resources, and are addressed but that are not addressed important also to visitor in this environmental assessment for experiences. Actions proposed in the reasons given. the alternatives could affect fish or wildlife resources. Any loss of habitat or decreases in populations IMPACT TOPICS TO BE CONSIDERED would be of concern to river managers, visitors, and the public. The topics to be considered for detailed impact analysis in this The Endangered Species Act requires environmental assessment are the federal agencies to ensure that outstandingly remarkable values listed their activities will not in the designating legislation for the jeopardize the existence of any Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System. endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical Scenic Values habitat of such species. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Much of the river system is in a Wildlife Service and Florida Fish nearly pristine state. Some proposed and Wildlife Conservation actions could affect scenic value or Commission identified a number of aesthetic resources, so this topic is threatened or endangered species or retained for further analysis. species of special concern associated with the river system. Actions proposed could affect listed species, so this topic is retained for further analysis.

11 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Historic and Cultural Resource Values development has occurred in the floodplain of the Wekiva River Historic and cultural resource values System. typically comprise the cultural resource types recognized and Wetlands directly connected to the described by the NPS — archeological Wekiva River System are found in resources, historic structures, low-lying areas along the river cultural landscapes, ethnographic system and up to 2 miles away. It resources, and museum collections. The is common policy to avoid affecting cultural resource type that may be wetlands and to minimize impacts affected by one or more of the when they are unavoidable. Under alternative actions in this all of the alternatives in this environmental assessment are archeo- environmental assessment, logical resources — those resources facilities proposed for development within the river system that are the should be sited to avoid wetlands physical evidence of past human or to mitigate wetland impacts that activity and can represent both cannot be avoided. Areas that might prehistoric and historic occupations, have wetlands are delineated before so this topic is retained for further construction is permitted. analysis. These topics are included in the discussions and analysis of Water Quality and Quantity Values wildlife and habitat values and water quality and quantity values. The water resources in the river segments are protected and managed under the Clean Water Act of 1977. IMPACT TOPICS DISMISSED Changes in water quality and quantity FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION can affect fish and wildlife populations as well as the health of Some impact topics that commonly visitors. The alternatives could are considered during the planning result in a change in the type or process were not relevant to the level of use, which could affect water development of this environmental quality and/or quantity. This would be assessment because of the of concern to visitors and river following: (a) implementing the managers so this topic is retained for alternatives would have no effect, further analysis. a negligible effect, or a minor effect on the resource or (b) the resource does not occur in the Floodplains and Wetlands planning area. These topics are as follows. Floodplains can exist even where there are no streams or flowing water. This is especially true in Florida, which Certain Cultural Resource Topics is very flat and where connections could exist to the surficial aquifer Certain aspects of cultural and flooding may occur during periods resources that are typically of significant rainfall. Floodplain analyzed in a document of this type impacts have occurred and may continue either are not known to exist in to be permitted, although the water the planning area or would not be management district now requires affected by any proposed actions. compensating storage and attention to These include historic structures, riparian protection zones. cultural landscapes, ethnographic Historically, a significant amount of resources, and museum collections.

12 Impact Topics — Resources and Values at Stake in the Planning Process It is possible that there are some remaining standing historic structures or other resources in these categories Prime and/or Unique Farmland in the river corridors, but no actions proposed in this environmental The 1981 Farmland Protection Policy assessment are anticipated to have an Act (Public Law 97-98) was passed effect on them. to minimize the extent to which federal programs contribute to the Historic structures are those that are unnecessary and irreversible generally more than 50 years old and conversion of farmland to provide insight into the historic nonagricultural uses, and to ensure significance of a place. These may be that federal programs are listed in the National Register of administered in a manner that, to Historic Places; however, there are no the extent practicable, is known historic structures of this type compatible with state, local in the river corridors. governments, and private programs and policies to protect farmland. Ethnographic resources are defined by the NPS as any ―site, structure, Prime farm lands are defined as object, landscape, or natural resource land that has the best combination feature assigned traditional of physical and chemical legendary, religious, subsistence, or characteristics for producing food, other significance in the cultural feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed system of a group traditionally crops and is also available for associated with it.‖ A cultural these uses. Prime farmlands are landscape is a reflection of human permeable to water and air and are adaptation and use of natural not excessively erodible or resources and is often expressed in saturated with water for a long the way land is organized and divided, period of time (Soil Survey Manual, patterns of settlement, land use, USDA Handbook No. 18, October systems of circulation, and the types 1993). of structures that are built. The character of a cultural landscape is Unique farmlands are lands other defined both by physical materials, than prime farmland that are used such as roads, buildings, walls, and for the production of specific, vegetation, and by use reflecting high-value food and fiber crops. cultural values and traditions. They have the special combination of soil quality, location, growing No ethnographic resources or season, and moisture supply needed identified cultural landscapes have to economically produce sustained been brought to the attention of the high quality and/or high yields of planning team, and no actions proposed a specific crop when treated and in the environmental assessment would managed according to acceptable affect these resources more than farming methods. negligibly if they do exist. The NPS does not maintain any museum or According to the Natural Resources archive collections associated with Conservation Service, there are no the Wekiva River System and so has no prime or unique farmlands in Lake, responsibility for this aspect of Orange, or Seminole counties cultural resource management. (http://websoilsurvey. nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.asp For the reasons given above, these x accessed on 6/26/09). Thus, there topics are dismissed from further is no need to evaluate the impacts analysis. of alternatives on this topic.

13 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION There is no major construction or other actions proposed in any of Urban Quality and Design the alternatives that would have of the Built Environment more than a temporary, localized, and negligible effect on local or Consideration of this topic is regional air quality. Under either required by 40 Code of Federal of the alternatives, traffic and Regulations (CFR) 1502.16. The quality recreational use of various sites of urban areas is not a concern in along the rivers would likely this planning project except in the increase as the human population in developed spring areas and at the region continues to increase. developed sites on the river system. This would result in increased Emphasis should be placed on designs, vehicle emissions that would materials, and colors that blend in comprise a slight adverse affect on and do not detract from the natural regional and local air quality. The and built environment. There are effects may be partially mitigated specific actions in the preferred over the long term if national alternative that address some aspects emission and mileage standards for of this topic. Impacts from imple- vehicles are revised. Because there menting either of the alternatives are would be only negligible impacts on anticipated to be negligible, so no air quality, this topic is further consideration of this topic is dismissed from further analysis in necessary. this document.

The protection of open space is an Related to air quality is the aspect of design that can benefit clarity of night skies. The clarity wildlife and habitat, promote aquifer of night skies is important to recharge, and reduce the need for visitor experiences as well as watering and fertilizers. Action steps being ecologically important. Air that promote the protection of open pollution and light pollution from space through innovative design are artificial light sources outside identified in actions steps under the river corridors are diminishing alternative B. the clarity and visibility of night skies. The proposed Wekiva Parkway project has the potential to impact Air Quality and Night Skies night sky viewing.

The Clean Air Act states that land Other than this, the continued managers have an affirmative undeveloped setting of the river responsibility to protect air quality corridors would not contribute from adverse air pollution impacts. adverse effects on night sky viewing opportunities. Although Engine exhaust is the most common air there would be continuing adverse pollutant in the Wekiva basin and is effects on night sky viewing heaviest around urban areas, major opportunities from surrounding roads, and some agricultural development, there are no actions operations. Airborne particulates proposed in either alternative that (e.g., dust and smoke) are generated would affect night skies, so this from construction, agricultural topic is dismissed from further operations, and wildfires (both consideration. naturally ignited and prescribed burns).

14 Impact Topics — Resources and Values at Stake in the Planning Process Soundscapes responsibility is a legally enforceable fiduciary obligation on The natural soundscape along the the part of the United States to Wekiva River System is composed of protect tribal lands, assets, sounds associated with physical and resources, and treaty rights, and biological resources such as birds, it represents a duty to carry out insects, wind through the trees, and the mandates of federal law with flowing water. Audible human-caused respect to American Indian and noise is a direct adverse impact on Alaska Native tribes. natural soundscapes. Natural soundscapes are important to healthy The lands comprising the planning ecosystems as well as positive visitor area are not held in trust by the experiences. Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of Indians due to their Because of the primarily undeveloped status as Indians. Because there nature of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic are no Indian trust resources River System, natural sounds tend to associated with the river system, predominate along most designated this topic was dismissed from segments of the river system. However, further analysis. impacts on the river system’s soundscapes from human-related sources outside the river corridors can be Environmental Justice substantial in certain areas. These areas include noise from traffic on Executive Order 12898, ―Federal State Road 46 (SR 46) where it crosses Actions to Address Environmental over the Wekiva River and noise at Justice in Minority Populations and developed recreation sites such as Low-Income Populations,‖ requires Wekiwa Springs, Rock Springs, and all federal agencies to incorporate private developments. The proposed environmental justice into their actions would not appreciably affect missions by identifying and these sources. addressing disproportionately high and adverse human health or The alternatives presented in this environmental effects of their environmental assessment may result in programs and policies on minorities a change to the distribution or number and low-income populations and of visitors or operations activities communities. in a given area, which could have negligible, beneficial, or adverse For the purpose of fulfilling effects on natural soundscapes, Executive Order 12898, in the depending on the area. However, context of the National because anticipated impacts would be Environmental Policy Act, the minor or less, this topic is dismissed alternatives addressed in this from further analysis. environmental assessment were assessed during the planning process. It was determined that Indian Trust Resources none of the alternatives would result in disproportionately high Secretarial Order 3175 requires that direct or indirect adverse effects any anticipated impacts on Indian on any minority or low-income trust resources from a proposed population or community. The project or action by agencies of the following information contributed Department of the Interior be to this conclusion: explicitly addressed in environmental documents. The federal Indian trust

15 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION The developments and actions in the Native American tribes have and alternatives would not result in any will continue to be consulted. No identifiable adverse human health adverse effects were identified effects. Therefore, there would be no that disproportionately affect the direct or indirect effects on human tribes. health within any minority or low- income population or community. The Socioeconomic Environment The impacts on the natural and physical environment that would occur The socioeconomic environment could due to any of the alternatives would be slightly affected by not disproportionately adversely implementation of actions proposed affect any minority or low-income in alternative B that would monitor population or community, or be and potentially regulate the number specific to such populations or of recreationists and their communities. activities within the geographic area nearest the river system. The The alternatives would not result in implementation of a user capacity any identified effects that would be study and facilities master plan specific to any minority or low-income would be beneficial to resource community. management of the river system. This is further analyzed in Chapter 2.

RELATIONSHIP OF THIS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TO OTHER PLANNING EFFORTS

THE WEKIVA PARKWAY As part of the parkway project, the The Orlando-Orange County Expressway portion of CR 46A through Seminole Authority and Florida Department of State Forest is proposed to be Transportation are in the planning realigned and connect to SR 46 process for the Wekiva Parkway, a farther west, outside the forest and multilane facility that would the primary ecological corridor. This traverse the planning area and cross would reduce the number of animals the Wekiva River at the location of harmed by vehicles and provide the existing State Road 46 (SR 46) habitat connectivity in the state bridge. The Wekiva Parkway and forest. Protection Act, adopted by the Florida legislature in 2004, provides The NPS and Wekiva Wild and Scenic guiding principles for the planning River partners have and will continue and design of this major new road to review actions associated with construction project and requires planning, design, and construction of that the parkway help protect natural the Wekiva Parkway to ensure that resources in several ways. values of the river system are protected. There are currently only two wildlife tunnels (totaling 78 feet) under SR 46 in Lake County (west of the bridge PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT PLANS over the Wekiva River) that provide safe crossings under SR 46 between Various state agencies and local Rock Springs Run State Reserve and governments maintain management plans Seminole State Forest for wildlife for public lands and resources in the such as deer, bobcat, coyote, and Wekiva basin. State land managers bear. This configuration should be include the Florida Department of replaced by an integrated Wekiva Environmental Protection (FDEP), Parkway/SR46 design that provides Division of Recreation and Parks significantly longer elevated spans (which manages Wekiwa Springs State of roadway for wildlife movement and Park, Lower Wekiva River State Park ecosystem connectivity. Instead of Preserve, and Rock Springs Run State the two small existing tunnels, Reserve), the St Johns River Water approximately 1.5 miles of bridging Management District (which manages are proposed for the combined Wekiva lands associated with the Lake Parkway/ SR46 structure. Elevating Norris, Black Water Creek, and the the parkway is expected to greatly portion of the floodplain between the reduce vehicle collisions with Wekiva River and Little Wekiva River animals and reduce habitat known as the Wekiva Buffer Area) , fragmentation. and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services The parkway plan also proposes a new (which manages Seminole State bridge where SR 46 crosses the Wekiva Forest). In addition, the FDEP River. (The current bridge is about Division of Coastal and Aquatic 561 feet long.) This new bridge will Managed Areas manages sovereign span approximately 1800 feet and submerged lands in the Wekiva River should enhance habitat connectivity Aquatic Preserve. and animal movement within the riparian corridor.

17 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCITON The Lake County Water Authority, a This environmental assessment would unique entity established by the pose no conflict with plans of the state legislature, manages lands public land managing agencies. within the Wekiva area around Lake Norris. Local land managers include Seminole County, Lake County, Orange LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANS AND AGENCY County, and the city of Apopka. REGULATIONS Alternative B seeks to improve coordination among these various Pursuant to special pieces of state entities to achieve objectives of legislation, the Wekiva River this environmental assessment. Protection Act, and the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act, various The management plan for public lands local governments and agencies are in the basin includes some future tasked with implementing policies and actions that may increase regulations affecting land use and interpretation and education the protection of natural resources amenities. Revisions to the Wekiva within the Wekiva basin and River Aquatic Preserve Management springshed. Alternative B seeks to Plan are in progress and will include improve coordination between agencies actions that provide educational and governments to more effectively opportunities. achieve those objectives.

CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

INTRODUCTION

Many aspects of the desired future forthcoming. The comprehensive river conditions of the Wekiva Wild and management plan establishes a vision Scenic River System are defined in the of the future to guide day-to-day and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and other year-to-year management of the river national mandates and policies. Within system, but full implementation could these parameters, input was solicited take many years. from the public, government agencies, tribal officials, and other organizations regarding issues and SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION desired conditions for the river. Information about existing visitor use National Wild and and the condition of the river’s Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 resources and facilities was gathered to determine which areas of the river Totaling 41.6 miles, the Wekiva River system attract visitors and which together with Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock areas have sensitive resources. Springs Run and Black Water Creek was designated by Congress as a national Using the above information, two wild and scenic river under Section 3 alternatives were developed to reflect of the Wild and Scenic River Act in a range of ideas for future river October 2000 (PL 90-542). Unlike many management. Alternative A, Continue rivers in the national system which Existing Management Direction, would are entirely managed by federal or continue current management practices state entities, the Wekiva is a and objectives as defined by each partnership wild and scenic river agency. Alternative B, Enhance managed by a consortium of local Resource Protection and High-Quality stakeholders represented by the Wekiva Visitor Experiences (the preferred River Advisory Management Committee alternative) would coordinate (the advisory management committee), management strategies among agencies with oversight by the NPS. Section 7 to achieve the desired visitor of that act requires federal review of experience and maintain more optimal federally assisted projects occurring resource conditions. The complete set in the banks or beds of a wild and of goals, objectives, and action steps scenic river. identified within the Comprehensive River Management Plan has been included in this chapter. Wekiva River Protection Act of 1988

This chapter also describes mitigating The Wekiva River Protection Act, measures that would be used to lessen adopted by the Florida legislature in or avoid negative impacts, future 1988, was an initial step toward studies that would be needed, and the achieving comprehensive protection of environmentally preferred alternative. the Wekiva River System. The legislation required that Lake, Orange, and Additional plans or studies will be Seminole counties adopt comprehensive required before some of the results plan policies and land development proposed in the alternatives are regulations that apply to the achieved. The implementation of any designated Wekiva River Protection alternative also depends on future Area described in the statute. These funding and environmental compliance. policies and regulations were intended This environmental assessment does not to better protect hydrologic guarantee that money will be resources, water quality, habitats,

21 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE and aquatic/wetland-dependent wildlife Wekiva Parkway and species associated with the Wekiva Protection Act of 2004 River System. New policies and regulations included protecting rural This state legislation provided character, limiting development guiding principles for the design of densities, creating river corridor and the Wekiva Parkway, a limited-access wetland setbacks, and establishing facility completing the Orlando protection zones. Also, agencies such beltway and connecting the city of as the St. Johns River Water Apopka to Sanford. The act includes Management District were required to requirements for structures to enhance create additional regulatory standards wildlife movement and habitat to better protect the Wekiva River connectivity and identifies four System as defined in the 1988 act particular properties to be protected (Wekiva River, Little Wekiva River, by acquisition or conservation Black Water Creek, Rock Springs Run, easement near the proposed parkway. To Sulphur Run, and Seminole Creek). ensure greater protection of water Development of Regional Impact resources, the act designated another thresholds in the Wekiva River statutory area, described as the Protection Area were also reduced so Wekiva Study Area, which included much that development plans of a smaller of the groundwater contributing area size would require detailed analysis to the west and south of the original and review. Wekiva River Protection Area.

The legislation mainly addressed This act called for numerous actions surface water influences on the river and studies on the part of local system. At the time the legislation governments and state agencies. These was passed, groundwater influences on activities are overseen by the Wekiva the Wekiva River System were not as River Basin Commission, which was well understood as they are at created as part of the legislation. present. The extent of the groundwater Pursuant to the 2004 act, local basin that contributes to spring flow government responsibilities included has only been well defined relatively the adoption of comprehensive plan recently. This groundwater basin, also policies and land development known as the Wekiva springshed, regulations to optimize open space and extends considerably west and south of promote a pattern of development that the Wekiva River Protection Area. is protective of recharge areas, karst Until recently, the Wekiva springshed features, and natural habitat. lacked the protective regulations that Strategies identified in the act to were put into place for the Wekiva accomplish this included clustering, River Protection Area because the greenway plans, land acquisition, springshed is located largely outside conservation easements, low density of the geographic area defined by the development, and best management 1988 act. practices. The act also encouraged local governments to coordinate water supply plans, reuse plans, wastewater treatment, and the replacement of conventional septic systems with performance-based technology where necessary. In addition, the 2004 act required the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health to initiate rulemaking to implement stricter standards that reduce nitrate

22 Introduction loading from wastewater treatment completed in January 2007. Development plants and individual on-site septic of the total maximum daily loads uses systems. (Stricter standards have been the findings published in the PLRG implemented by the FDEP to reduce study to create a regulatory nutrient loading from wastewater requirement for external nutrient and treatment plants; however, additional other pollutant loads. These loads can studies are being pursued by the FDOH be targeted for future reduction in to further assess the contribution of the ―Basin Management Action Plan‖ septic systems to nutrient loading.) that outlines how the adopted total The Act also called upon the St. maximum daily loads will be Johns River Water Management District implemented. Total maximum daily loads to pursue rulemaking that expands the for nitrate and total phosphorus were applicability of protective recharge adopted by the Florida Department of criteria to include the Wekiva Study Environmental Protection in June 2008. Area, combine certain consumptive use and environmental resource permitting processes, and consider reducing the Outstanding Florida Waters volume threshold for consumptive use permits. (The St. Johns River Water The Wekiva River System has been Management District amended its rule designated as an ―Outstanding Florida for lawn and landscape irrigation to Water‖ by the state pursuant to require more water conserving measures Section 303 of the Federal Clean Water below the 100,000 gallon per day Act. The designation is the highest threshold, pursuant to 40C-2.042, level of water quality protection F.A.C. This applies to the Wekiva area within the state. and throughout the district.)

Significant to Wekiva water quality RIVER CLASSIFICATION concerns is a requirement in the act that the St. Johns River Water The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act states Management District develop a that for a river to be eligible for pollutant load reduction goal (PLRG) designation it must be ―free-flowing" for the Wekiva Study Area. Pollutant and must possess one or more load reduction goals are the ―outstandingly remarkable‖ scenic, precursors to TMDLs which require recreational, geologic, fish and reductions in pollutant loadings to a wildlife, historic, cultural, or other water body that are needed to meet similar values. The waters in the water quality goals. The first two Wekiva River System that were steps of the PLRG process are to designated were found to be free determine the nature of a water body’s flowing and to possess five impairment and then identify the outstandingly remarkable values pollutants that are causing (ORVs). These ORVs are scenic, impairment. These steps led to the recreation, wildlife and habitat, conclusion that nitrate and total historic and cultural, and water phosphorus in the Wekiva River and quality and quantity values. Rock Springs Run should be reduced. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act also The act requires the Florida requires that river segments be Department of Environmental Protection classified as wild, scenic, or to adopt total maximum daily loads recreational, depending on the river (TMDLs) for the Wekiva River and Rock segment’s degree of natural character Springs Run. This first required that and use. The classifications are these waterbodies be added to the defined as follows: Impaired Waters List, which was

23 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE Wild river segments — Those rivers (iii) From the northern boundary or sections of rivers that are free of Rock Springs State Reserve of impoundments and generally at the Wekiva River to the inaccessible except by trail, with southern boundary of Rock watersheds or shorelines essen- Springs State Reserve at the tially primitive and waters Wekiva River, approximately 5.9 unpolluted. These represent miles, as a wild river. vestiges of primitive America. (iv) From the southern boundary of Rock Springs State Reserve at Scenic river segments — Those the Wekiva River upstream along rivers or sections of rivers that Wekiwa Springs Run to Wekiwa are free of impoundments, with Springs, approximately 1.2 shorelines or watersheds still miles, as a recreational river. largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible (B) Rock Springs Run — The 8.8 miles in places by roads. from the confluence of Rock Springs Run with the Wekiwa Recreational river segments — Those Springs Run forming the Wekiva rivers or sections of rivers that River to its headwaters at Rock are readily accessible by road or Springs, to be administered in the railroad, that may have some following classifications: development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some (i) From the confluence with impoundment or diversion in the Wekiwa Springs Run to the past. western boundary of Rock Springs Run State Reserve at The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (PL 90- Rock Springs Run, approximately 542) as amended in October, 2000, 6.9 miles, as a wild river. specified the following segments and (ii) From the western boundary of classifications (see also the Rock Springs Run State Reserve Classifications map following the at Rock Springs Run to Rock description). Springs, approximately 1.9 miles, as a recreational river. (A) Wekiva River and Wekiwa Springs Run — The 14.9 miles of the Wekiva (C) Black Water Creek.--The 17.9 miles River from its confluence with the from the confluence of Black Water St. Johns River to Wekiwa Springs, Creek with the Wekiva River to the to be administered in the following outflow from Lake Norris, to be classifications: administered in the following classifications: (i) From the confluence with the St. Johns River to the southern (i) From the confluence with the boundary of the Lower Wekiva Wekiva River to approximately River State Preserve, 0.25 mile downstream of the approximately 4.4 miles, as a Seminole State Forest road wild river. crossing, approximately 4.1 (ii) From the southern boundary miles, as a wild river. of the Lower Wekiva River State (ii) From approximately 0.25 mile Preserve to the northern downstream of the Seminole boundary of Rock Springs State State Forest road to Reserve at the Wekiva River, approximately 0.25 mile approximately 3.4 miles, as a upstream of the Seminole State recreational river. Forest road crossing,

24 Introduction approximately 0.5 mile, as a mile downstream of the SR 44 scenic river. crossing, approximately .9 (iii) From approximately .025 mile, as a wild river. mile upstream of the Seminole (vi) From approximately 0.25 State Forest road crossing to mile downstream of SR 44 to approximately 0.25 mile approximately 0.25 mile downstream of the old upstream of the County Road railroad grade crossing (CR) 44A crossing, (approximately River Mile 9), approximately .6 mile, as a approximately 4.4 miles, as a recreational river. wild river. (vii) From approximately 0.25 (iv) From approximately 0.25 mile upstream of the CR 44A mile downstream of the old crossing to approximately railroad grade crossing 0.25 mile downstream of the (approximately river mile 9), Lake Norris Road crossing, upstream to the boundary of approximately 4.7 miles, as Seminole State Forest a wild river. (approximately River Mile (viii) From approximately 0.25 10.6), approximately 1.6 mile downstream of the Lake miles, as a scenic river. Norris Road crossing to the (v) From the boundary of outflow from Lake Norris, Seminole State Forest approximately 1.1 miles, as a (approximately river mile recreational river. 10.6) to approximately 0.25

25 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

26 Introduction Map Classifications

27 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

Back of map

ALTERNATIVE A: CONTINUE EXISTING MANAGEMENT DIRECTION BY AGENCIES

29 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE CONCEPT Federal Agencies and Programs

Alternative A would continue current Numerous local, state, and federal management practices into the future. agencies have management or regulatory (This is the no-action alternative jurisdiction over the Wekiva Wild and required by the National Environmental Scenic River System. However, none of Policy Act). Its goal would be to the lands in the boundary of the retain the existing visitor experi- system are owned by the federal ences and land use strategies based on government. agency jurisdiction. The comprehensive management plan for the river system National Park Service. The National required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Park Service has oversight of Act would not be implemented. No new partnership wild and scenic rivers to coordinated planning efforts with help communities preserve and manage state, county, and local governments their own river-related resources by and private landowners would be bringing together state, county, and initiated, but ongoing efforts would community interests to preserve the continue. In this alternative, the outstandingly remarkable values for river system would be managed pursuant which the rivers were designated. to existing federal, state, and local Specifically, the NPS allocates funds legislation. ―No action‖ does not for managing the Wekiva Wild and imply discontinuing the present uses Scenic River System and all other or management actions or removing the partnership rivers throughout the existing Wild and Scenic River country. In addition, the NPS is designation. The following provides a responsible for reviewing any and all summary of legislation and agency federally assisted water resources oversight that is currently in place projects, pursuant to Section 7 of the for managing the Wekiva River System, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, that could and that would continue under this affect a wild and scenic river, alternative. particularly its free-flow condition and its outstandingly remarkable Because there would be no approved values. comprehensive river management plan as required by Section 3(d)(1) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is alternative would not be in compliance charged with regulating waters of the with the Act. United States. By definition these waters include coastal and navigable inland waters, lakes, rivers and RIVER MANAGEMENT streams; other intrastate lakes, rivers and streams (including Under alternative A, the Wekiva Wild intermittent streams); and mudflats, and Scenic River System would continue sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, wet to be managed under the Wild and meadows, and certain impoundments. Scenic Rivers Act and according to agency management plans. A full U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The description of the classified segments U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) may be found in this chapter under must be consulted if a federally ―River Classification‖. protected species may be impacted by an activity within its jurisdiction. USFWS staff prepare an independent biological opinion, and an activity may not be authorized unless it is determined that the project is not

30 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) likely to jeopardize the continued interpreting, and restoring natural existence of the species or result in and cultural resources. At all three the destruction of the habitat of the parks, a variety of recreation for the species. visiting public is provided — from canoeing and swimming to guided horseback riding; both horses and State Agencies and Programs canoes are provided by the park concessionaire. Wekiwa Springs State Florida Department of Environmental Park has a 60-site family campground, Protection (FDEP). All of the wild and for large groups there is the and scenic river segments of the park’s youth camp facility. There are Wekiva River System are state waters. four primitive campsites for canoeists The Florida Department of along the both the Wekiva River and Environmental Protection has programs Rock Springs Run, with additional regulating drinking water facilities, sites for hikers and horseback riders. wastewater discharges (domestic and Within the Wekiva River Basin State industrial), landfills (solid waste), Parks boundaries there are more than facilities generating hazardous waste, 80 miles of multiuse trails for the and operations creating air public’s enjoyment of nature, with an discharges. Dredging, filling and/or additional 15-mile canoe/kayak trail construction activities in wetlands along the Wekiva River and Rock associated with private, single-family Springs Run. residences, domestic or industrial wastewater facilities, or landfills In addition to providing public also are regulated by the department. recreation, FPS devotes significant In addition, this department sets time and effort to the protection of water quality standards for the natural and cultural resources. Within different categories of surface waters the Wekiva River Basin State Parks in the state. These standards are boundaries there are 19 distinct found in Chapter 62-302 of the Florida natural community types in both Administrative Code. uplands and wetlands type categories. A number of imperiled species inhabit Florida Division of Recreation and these communities within state park Parks (also called the Florida Park boundaries, and great efforts were Service or FPS). The Florida Division expended to protect their known of Recreation and Parks is under the habitats. These species range from the Florida Department of Environmental Florida scrub jays, gopher frog, Protection. There are three state Sherman’s fox squirrel, and gopher parks that are within the Wekiva Wild tortoises in the uplands communities and Scenic River System. These three to bald eagles, wood storks, limpkins, parks are: Wekiwa Springs State Park, and various species of egret and heron comprising almost 9500 acres; Rock along the river system. Also present Springs Run State Reserve, containing is the American alligator, which has over 14,000 acres; and Lower Wekiva made an amazing recovery from its River Preserve State Park, totaling former status as an endangered approximately 17,400 acres. The total species. The most renowned of acreage of these three parks is nearly designated species on all three 41,000 acres, which is combined under properties is the Florida black bear. one management plan as the Wekiva In managing these species and their River Basin State Parks. habitats, Recreation and Parks division staff use various tools and The Florida Division of Recreation and techniques from prescribed fire to Parks’ mission is to provide resource- active exotic species removal. Various based recreation while preserving, historic and cultural sites have been

31 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE located, cataloged, and protected in pation on various technical advisory all three parks, including the old committees. Aquatic Preserve Ethel cemetery and the numerous management also includes adaptive Timucuan and Seminole middens found management strategies that aim to through the park properties, adapt and adjust to changing resource especially along the river system. management needs.

Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve. Title to submerged lands is held by Florida’s aquatic preserves are the Board of Trustees of the Internal administrated by FDEP’s Office of Improvement Trust Fund (the trustees). Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas as The governor and cabinet, sitting as part of a network that includes 41 the trustees, act as guardians for the aquatic preserves, including the people of the state and regulate the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve. The use of these public lands. Management Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve provides authority for aquatic preserves is an overlay of environmental protection provided in Chapters 258 and 253, measures along the Wekiva River System Florida Statutes. Administrative rules and immediate surroundings, including directly applicable to uses allowed in part of the St. Johns River. The four aquatic preserves are found in long-term goals of the aquatic Chapters 18-20, Florida Administrative preserve program are to protect and Code. enhance ecological integrity; restore areas to their natural condition; Florida Department of Agriculture and encourage sustainable use and foster Consumer Services. The Florida active stewardship by local Department of Agriculture and Consumer communities; and improve management Services (FDACS), Florida Forest through a process based on sound Service, manages more than 27,000 science, consistent evaluation, and acres in east Lake County. Known as continual reassessment. Seminole State Forest, these lands provide essential connectivity in the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve staff Wekiva basin, extending north of Rock are responsible for more than 8,000 Springs Run State Reserve to the Ocala acres of state sovereign submerged National Forest. Although title to lands, which include the entire Wekiva most of Seminole State Forest is held River, the lower 1-mile reach of Rock by the state of Florida as Board of Springs Run, approximately 3 miles of Trustee lands, 2,939 acres surrounding the Little Wekiva River, 3 miles of Black Water Creek are owned by the St lower Black Water Creek, and 20 miles Johns River Water Management District. of the St. Johns River from Interstate 4 in Sanford to State Road (SR) 44, Seminole State Forest is managed by just west of Deland and Lake the Florida Forest Service with the Beresford. goal of protecting and maintaining the native biological diversity of the Resource management activities many ecosystems that comprise the conducted by staff include interagency state forest, while integrating public coordination, evaluation of projects use of the resources. Multiple-use that may impact the aquatic preserve, management promotes recreation, exotic plant control, education timber, wildlife including designated programs, monitoring of wetland birds species, environmental education and and other wildlife including listed other values that benefit Florida species, fostering stakeholder residents and visitors. Land participation in protecting the management activities generally preserve, community assistance, contribute to preserving the natural restoration projects, and partici- ecosystem around much of Black Water

32 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) Creek. Hunting is allowed by permit management districts to require from the Fish and Wildlife permits for the consumptive use of Conservation Commission within parts groundwater and surface water. The St of Seminole State Forest designated as Johns River Water Management District wildlife management areas. Boating on requires a CUP applicant to establish Black Water Creek is also managed that a proposed withdrawal of water through a permit system. meets a three-pronged statutory test: (1) the use must be reasonable- St. Johns River Water Management beneficial; (2) the use must not District. The Wekiva basin is interfere with existing legal uses; entirely within the jurisdictional and (3) the use must be consistent boundaries of the St. Johns River with the public interest. Chapter 40C- Water Management District (SJRWMD or 2, Florida Administrative Code, and ―the district‖). The district oversees the Applicant’s Handbook, Consumptive numerous activities to ensure the Uses of Water incorporated by sustainable use and protection of reference in rule 40C-2.101, F.A.C., water resources on both designated and contain the criteria necessary to undesignated segments. demonstrate that a use meets the three-pronged statutory test. The district holds title to approximately 9700 acres within the Part IV of Chapter 373, Florida Wekiva basin. This includes the 3660 Statutes, authorizes the water acre Lake Norris Conservation Area management districts and the Florida which it manages in cooperation with Department of Environmental Protection the Lake County Water Authority, as to require environmental resource well as 2939 acres adjacent to Black permits for the construction and Water Creek which is managed by the operation of surface water management Florida Forestry Service as part of systems (a term encompassing most land Seminole State Forest. The district development activities) whether in also owns and manages 3074 acres of uplands or wetlands. Criteria that an wetlands and floodplain known as the applicant must meet are contained in Wekiva River Buffer Conservation Area, Chapter 40C-4, Florida Administrative located along the Wekiva and Little Code. Additionally, where any Wekiva rivers. (In conjunction with regulated activity is located in, on, this, the district manages an adjacent or over wetlands or other surface 634 acre parcel for Audubon of waters, the environmental resource Florida.) Finally, the district shares permit applicant must establish that title with Orange County and Lake the activity is not contrary to the County to parcels acquired for public interest, or, if within an conservation near the Wekiva Parkway. Outstanding Florida Water, that the In addition to its land holdings, the activity would be clearly in the SJRWMD has acquired protective public interest. Public interest conservation easements over various criteria for activities affecting privately-owned parcels throughout the surface water and wetlands are basin. contained in Section 373.414, Florida Statutes. The St. Johns Water The district has two primary Management District has adopted regulatory programs, the Consumptive special environmental resource permit Use Permit (CUP) program and the criteria for the Wekiva River Hydro- Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) logic Basin in Chapter 40C-41, Florida program. Administrative Code. A permit applicant proposing a project in this Part II of Chapter 373, Florida basin must meet the criteria in both Statutes, authorizes the water

33 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE chapters 40C-4 and 40C-41, Florida stormwater runoff by conserving Administrative Code. freshwater to improve the streams, lakes and canals in the county. As Sections 373.042 and 373.0421, Florida part of this effort, the Lake County Statutes, in Part I of Chapter 373 Water Authority manages nearly 800 authorize the water management acres that it has acquired for districts to establish minimum flows conservation in the Wekiva basin, and levels (MFLs) of surface waters including Lake Tracy Preserve, Bear and ground waters. These MFLs are Track Preserve, and Wolfbranch Sink. implemented through the consumptive The LCWA also works cooperatively with use and environmental resource the St Johns River Water Management permitting program. The district has District to manage and provide established minimum groundwater levels recreational access to Lake Norris and minimum annual spring flows for Conservation Area. Messant Spring, Palm Spring, Rock Spring, Sanlando Spring, Seminole Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Spring, Starbuck Spring, and Wekiwa Commission. The Florida Fish and Springs. Surface water levels and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) flows have been established for the manages the state’s fish and wildlife Wekiva River and Black Water Creek. resources, including more than 575 Section 373.709, Florida Statutes in species of terrestrial wildlife and Part VII of Chapter 373 requires the 700 species of saltwater and water management districts to develop freshwater fish. Among its several regional water supply plans to ensure functions, FWC issues licenses for that existing and future water demands hunting and fishing, administers are met and water resources and permit programs for incidental take related natural systems are sustained. and relocation, regulates captive The planning period is 20 years, with breeding and possession of wildlife, plans required to be updated at least and performs law enforcement. In every five years. MFLs are addition, the FWC Invasive Plan constraints in planning for Management Section is the lead agency sustainable water supplies. for aquatic plant management in Florida. FWC biologists are engaged in Lake County Water Authority. The Lake various activities relating to County Water Authority (LCWA) is a wildlife and habitat conservation, special agency created by the Florida including research, management, and legislature in 1953 for the following education. purposes: (1) controlling and conserving the freshwater resources of Florida Department of Health. The Lake County; (2) fostering and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) improving the tourist business in the administers several programs to county by improvements to streams, promote public health in coordination lakes and canals in the county; (3) with county health departments, providing recreational facilities for including but not limited to those the tourists, citizens and taxpayers related to disease control, family of the county by a more efficient use health care services, and sanitation. of the streams, lakes and canals in Pursuant to the Wekiva Parkway and the county; (4) improving the fish and Protection Act, the FDOH in aquatic wildlife of the county by coordination with FDEP is charged with improving the streams, lakes and evaluating standards for onsite canals in the county; and (5) wastewater disposal systems to achieve protecting the freshwater resources of nitrogen reductions protective of Lake County through assisting local groundwater quality within the Wekiva governments in the treating of Study Area. Pursuant to the Act, the

34 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) FDOH is authorized to adopt rules as appropriate to reduce nutrient loads, considering measures such as the use of performance-based onsite systems and establishment of a program for the inspection and maintenance of septic systems. This, however, has not occurred. At the direction of Florida legislature, additional studies are being pursued by FDOH to further assess the contribution of septic systems to nutrient loading.

Local Governments

The Wekiva River Protection Act of 1988 (Chapter 359, Part II, Florida Statutes) required that Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties adopt comprehensive plan policies and land development regulations that protect natural resources and rural character within the Wekiva River Protection Area. Policies and regulations control the density and intensity of development in the protection area, as well as prescribe certain regulatory requirements. The Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act, adopted in 2004, expanded upon that framework to require special consideration of springshed and groundwater resources within a designated ―Wekiva Study Area,‖ and emphasized the protection of open space. In addition to county governments, the 2004 legislation applies to all 12 municipalities that are within or partially within the designated study area.

35 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ALTERNATIVE B: ENHANCE RESOURCE PROTECTION AND HIGH-QUALITY VISITOR EXPERIENCES (PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE)

CONCEPT BOUNDARIES

Alternative B, the preferred Section 3(b) of the Wild and Scenic alternative, would seek to enhance Rivers Act requires the establishment natural and cultural resource of boundaries for a river corridor. protection and promote high-quality The act allows for river corridor visitor experiences through a set of boundaries that do not exceed 320 comprehensive management strategies acres of land per river mile, and actions. The outstandingly generally comprising an area 0.25 mile remarkable values as identified in the from the ordinary high water marks on Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System either side of the river. In the case Comprehensive Management Plan (scenic, of the Wekiva River, designated as a recreation, wildlife and habitat, locally managed partnership river, historic and cultural, and water federal land acquisition is expressly quality and quantity) would receive not authorized, and the act does not enhanced protection and management provide the federal administering attention. Current protective measures agency (in this case the NPS) to in place under alternative A would regulate actions on nonfederal lands. continue, including existing management direction of the Wekiva Thus, in accordance with Section 3(b) River System by state and local of the Act, the boundaries of the agencies. The NPS would oversee and Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System coordinate implementation of the are hereby established as a corridor comprehensive river management plan one-quarter (0.25) mile from the with the Wekiva River System Advisory ordinary high water marks on either Management Committee (the advisory side of the rivers for a total width management committee). of one-half mile. Establishment of these boundaries in no way encumbers Approval of the preferred alternative the rights of private landowners or would meet the requirements of Section local or state government entities 3(d)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers with land holdings inside the Act for a comprehensive river boundaries. Further, the boundaries do management plan. not preclude the advisory management committee and others from engaging in The description of alternative B management actions that are beneficial appearing in this chapter includes the to the protection and enhancement of goals, objectives, and action steps of the river’s outstandingly remarkable the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River values that extend outside the System Comprehensive Management Plan boundaries. prepared by the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Advisory Management Com- These statutory boundaries are mittee. The Wekiva Wild and Scenic intended to support the protection of River System Comprehensive Management the river system’s outstandingly Plan is available from the advisory remarkable values via means other than management committee. federal land ownership and federal regulation — such as incentive-based approaches, conservation easements, locally adopted zoning ordinances, and land management actions undertaken by nonfederal land managers (e.g., the

36 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) Florida Department of Environmental proposed goals for management. As Protection). However, Section 7 of the outlined in the following text, each act does require federal regulation of goal has a series of objectives and any federally assisted water resources actions that, if achieved, would project occurring within the bed or contribute to accomplishment of that banks of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic particular goal. River System. The Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System would be managed according to Management Areas Related to the segment classifications to Outstandingly Remarkable Values maintain their outstandingly remarkable values (see following Several of the management objectives Classifications map). Segments and actions called for in the plan to classified as wild would be managed to protect or restore the identified maintain primitive shorelines in an outstandingly remarkable values occur undisturbed state. Segments classified well outside the statutory boundary. as scenic would be managed to maintain The advisory management committee has river values and the largely primitive recognized that some resource and natural-appearing shorelines while management issues — notably water providing some user accessibility. quality and water quantity — More development may exist in segments correspond to resource management classified as recreational, but those areas that involve the entire segments would be managed to offer watershed and springsheds. high-quality recreational opportunities while preserving the outstandingly remarkable values RIVER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT present.

Under alternative B, the agency The following was prepared for the involvement and jurisdiction described Comprehensive River Management Plan by under alternative A would continue. the Wekiva River System Advisory However, with alternative B, the Management Committee. It should be advisory management committee, in recognized that as an advisory group, partnership with the NPS and state and the committee itself does not local land managers, would take the necessarily have authority to lead role in coordinating implement each goal, objection, and multijurisdictional river management action. Authority rests with the issues and ensuring that the manage- individual entity with jurisdiction. ment actions in the plan would be implemented by the appropriate agencies as available staff and Scenic Values funding allows. Goal 1: Maintain and enhance healthy The Comprehensive River Management native plant and animal communities in Plan includes a long-term framework the Wekiva River System. for protecting and managing the identified outstandingly remarkable Objectives values, managing use by visitors, and A. Continue to monitor and control other factors. Under the preferred nuisance and invasive exotic alternative, for each outstandingly vegetation within the Wekiva remarkable value (scenic, recreation, River System using the category wildlife and habitat, historic and I and II lists produced by the cultural, and water quality and Florida Invasive Pest Plant quantity) there are two or more Council as a guide. Species that

37 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE require attention include, but wild and scenic status of are not limited to, hydrilla, the river system. water hyacinth, water lettuce, ii. Compile a list and wild taro, elephant ear, para description of all grass, Chinese tallow, East regulations and guidelines Indian hygrophila, and cattail. for public distribution relating to recreational i. Implement as shown under use of the river system goal 3 for wildlife and that includes the location habitat. of resting, picnic and camping facilities, and B. Assess the impacts associated appropriate put-in and with the proliferation of pull-out areas. invasive exotic fishes such as, iii. Provide materials as needed but not limited to, armored to help concessionaires catfish within the Wekiva River educate their customers System and develop actions for about proper and expanding monitoring and control sustainable use of the strategies. river system. iv. Work with private business i. Implement as shown under and concessionaires to goal 3 for wildlife and improve operational habitat. practices, including but not limited to shoreline C. Monitor and control invasive protection, wake control, exotic invertebrates within the and litter. Wekiva River System, including v. Assess the need to train but not limited to channeled private businesses and apple snails if they become concessionaires about river established, and develop actions stewardship and develop a for expanding monitoring and program if needed. control strategies.

i. Implement as shown under Scenic Values Goal 2: Maintain and goal 3 for wildlife and enhance the wild and scenic character habitat. of the Wekiva River System by limiting the intrusion of the visual and D. Expand current partnerships with auditory aspects of human development private businesses and and activity. concessionaires who operate on the river system or within the Wekiva basin parks to ensure Objectives that their activities are A. In order to minimize visual protective of wild and scenic disturbance, continue to enforce river values and to provide development regulations for unified, supporting messages to private waterfront properties and their clients about the wild and businesses relating to land scenic status of the Wekiva clearing, preservation of native River System and regulations and vegetation, signs and river-based guidelines for its use. structures including but not limited to docks and launch areas i. Develop a set of unified within the Wekiva River System messages that reinforce the corridors. If necessary, improve

38 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) government regulations regarding designing and building the these activities and structures. bridge throughout the process, including but not i. Work with county govern- limited to the Orlando ments and the St. Johns Orange County Expressway River Water Management Authority and Florida District to clearly Department of identify the current Transportation; coordinate relevant regulations. with the Wekiva River Basin ii. Encourage a regime of Commission and the Wekiva strict interpretation and Coalition. enforcement of these ii. Ensure that light intrusion regulations for new is minimized. developments in the river corridor. D. Continue to implement and iii. Develop a checklist for strengthen development assessing the current state regulations and practices for of properties in the river preservation of native corridor for all parameters vegetation, land clearing, listed. structures, and plantings at iv. Use checklists to assess publicly owned recreation areas properties in the river within the Wekiva River System. corridor. v. Develop a plan for i. Assess current regulations communication with and practices and their residents and recreational implementation at all users to remedy problem public recreation areas. areas. ii. Develop plans to remedy any problem areas. B. Support a prohibition of access iii. Put remedies into action for gasoline-powered, motorized according to plans. watercraft to Rock Springs Run and Black Water Creek, except for E. Establish regulations limiting authorized service vessels. the intrusion of artificial light to protect dark skies within the i. Support revisions to river corridor of the Wekiva management plans to achieve River System. this objective. ii. Encourage patrols by off- i. Coordinate with Seminole, duty law enforcement Orange, and Lake County officers. (These patrols governments to establish could have multiple law these regulations. enforcement purposes across ii. Once regulations are the entire system.) established, coordinate with these entities, as C. Ensure that the new road bridge well as the Florida Park proposed for the Wekiva Parkway, Service and the Florida as well as any related Fish and Wildlife construction, is designed to Conservation Commission, on limit its visual and auditory enforcement. intrusion on the Wekiva River. F. Create rules and enforcement i. Coordinate closely with the mechanisms to regulate noise agencies responsible for pollution within the Wekiva River

39 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE System appropriate to the wild, I. Except for the Wekiva Parkway, scenic, or recreational work to ensure that no new roads designations of the different for motor vehicle traffic are river segments. constructed across waters of the Wekiva River System, and ensure i. Establish decibel levels of that any trails for bicycle or acceptable noise in the pedestrian use are limited in three river segments. scale to minimize visual ii. Include assessment of noise intrusion and are located within levels in the recreation existing disturbed areas to impact monitoring and prevent adverse impacts on native management plan. vegetation, shorelines, and iii. Based upon this assessment, riparian corridors. establish, post, and enforce noise regulations i. Monitor the status of and river use guidelines. proposed state and local road projects and engage in G. Redesign the junction of SR 44 planning efforts as and CR 44A to limit visual and necessary to meet this auditory intrusions on Black objective. Water Creek so that only one ii. Coordinate with Orlando- bridge crosses the creek at this Orange County Expressway location. Authority, the Florida Department of i. Coordinate with the Florida Transportation, FDEP Office Department of of Greenways and Trails, Transportation and Lake Florida Trails Association, County to raise this issue and local governments and encourage a new design. regarding the location and ii. Schedule and implement design of trails. reconstruction.

H. Continue to implement and Recreation Values strengthen the existing Adopt-a- River monitoring, control, and Goal 1: Provide opportunities for removal plan for litter along and recreation on the Wekiva River System within the Wekiva River System. that are compatible with the area’s natural and cultural features and i. Continue and assess the management objectives. effectiveness of current litter collection efforts. Objectives ii. Support and as beneficial A. Conduct a Recreation Assessment expand volunteer Adopt-a- to determine who is currently River programs, such as the using the river, how use is Seminole County projected to change, determining Environmental Restoration level of use, and what uses and Volunteers (SERV). levels of use are compatible with iii. Build messages about litter each river segment. control into the river use regulations and guidelines i. Conduct a survey of current as specified in Objective D users of the Wekiva River, above. Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, and Black Water Creek, as well as the

40 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) adjacent section of the St. element of the Facilities Johns River. Master Plan. ii. Research the trends in iv. Seek funding and current and potential use sponsorship opportunities of the Wekiva River System for proposed facilities. using boat registrations for Seminole, Lake, and C. If necessary to protect and Orange counties, as well as secure public access, pursue the visitor information from public acquisition of established public and private access privately operated recreation points along the river sites on the Wekiva River System system. to maintain long-term access for iii. Conduct compatibility and passive recreation in accord with carrying capacity studies the findings of the Recreation to determine what types of Assessment. use and what level of use (including amount, speeds, i. Monitor the status of size of watercraft, etc.) commercial properties with would be appropriate for existing access along the the river system. river system. If a iv. Determine what types of use privately operated access should and should not be site comes up for sale, allowed along the Wekiva consider purchasing the River System. property to maintain v. Determine where different sufficient public access to types of recreation should the Wekiva River System. occur, including where any ii. Revise management plans or access points or recreation develop new plans as sites should be created or appropriate for additional removed (e.g., see the properties. design guidelines in appendix B). D. If necessary to protect and secure public access, pursue the B. Create a Facilities Master Plan public acquisition of new sites that indicates what facilities for river access based upon the should be provided to support the findings of the Recreation uses determined to be appropriate Assessment and Facilities Master by the Recreation Assessment. Plan.

i. Determine which facilities i. Based upon findings of the should be provided to Recreation Assessment, and support the conclusions of in accord with the main- the Recreation Assessment, tenance of all Wild and including: public access Scenic values, determine areas, camping areas, potential sites for public picnic areas, parking, access not currently in restrooms, and boat public ownership. rentals. ii. If one of these targeted ii. Create a map of the sites becomes available, location and type of consider acquisition for facilities needed. purposes of maintaining or iii. Determine a cost estimate improving river access. and priority for each iii. Revise management plans or develop new plans as appro-

41 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE priate for additional the river system or within the properties. Wekiva basin parks to ensure that their activities are protective of Wild and Scenic River values, Recreation Value Goal 2: Ensure that and to provide unified, river recreation minimizes supporting messages to their environmental impacts and user clients about the wild and scenic conflicts and is compatible with the status of the Wekiva River System preservation of natural and cultural and the regulations and qualities of a National Wild and guidelines for its use. Scenic River. i. Develop a set of unified Objectives messages that reinforce the A. Create a recreation impact wild and scenic status of Monitoring and Management Plan the river system. that identifies Limits of ii. Develop a set of unified Acceptable Change (thresholds) regulations and guidelines and management actions for for public distribution ecological and social impacts relating to recreational from recreation. use of the river system that includes the location i. Determine which resources of resting, picnic and should be monitored and camping facilities, and protected within the Wekiva appropriate put-in and River System. pull-out areas. ii. Determine where resources iii. Provide materials as needed that should be monitored to help concessionaires and protected are located educate their customers and map these resources. about proper and iii. For each resource to be sustainable use of the monitored and protected, river system. determine the Limit of iv. Work with private business Acceptable Change, level of and concessionaires to impact, or user capacity improve operational that is acceptable for that practices, including but resource. not limited to shoreline iv. Create a monitoring program protection, wake control, to keep track of resources and litter. and determine if, when, and v. Assess the need to train how they have been altered private businesses and by recreation activities or concessionaires about river other impacts. stewardship and develop a v. Create an action program program if needed. that lays out the steps that will be taken if a C. Support a prohibition of resource has been degraded gasoline-powered, motorized beyond an acceptable level. watercraft on Rock Springs Run vi. Determine who will imple- and Black Water Creek, except for ment the steps needed to authorized service vessels. address resource impacts. i. Work with state agencies to B. Expand current partnerships with extend prohibition of private businesses and motorized water craft on concessionaires who operate on Black Water Creek.

42 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) ii. Assess existing enforcement B. Conduct species-specific surveys of rules associated with followed by annual monitoring for motorized water craft on aquatic invertebrates in the Black Water Creek and Rock Wekiva basin springs, such as the Springs Run, and modify as Wekiwa Springs hydrobe, Wekiwa necessary. siltsnail, and Orlando cave iii. Encourage patrols by off- crayfish, to establish baseline duty law enforcement population levels and document officers. (These patrols population trends. could have multiple law enforcement purposes across i. Contract with aquatic the entire system.) scientists to establish iv. Include guidelines for baseline populations and to monitoring and addressing develop monitoring motorized boat use along protocols for aquatic the river in the Monitoring invertebrates in the Wekiva and Management Plan. basin, including but not v. Ensure that concessionaires limited to the Wekiwa that rent motorized boats Springs hydrobe, Wekiwa within the Wekiva River siltsnail, and Orlando cave System (and the St. Johns crayfish. River) alert their ii. Implement a monitoring customers about limits on program for aquatic motorized boat access in invertebrates using the these areas. protocol. iii. Contract analysis of invertebrate sampling to Wildlife and Habitat Values document population trends.

Goal 1: Protect aquatic and aquatic- C. Continue to monitor the condition dependent organisms and their habitats of, and any changes to, submerged throughout the Wekiva River System and aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds, its associated wetlands. particularly eelgrass beds which are a distinctive component of Objectives the Wekiva River System and A. Coordinate with the St. Johns indicative of a healthy riverine River Water Management District, system. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and i. Consult with aquatic other interested or affected ecologists to determine an parties to ensure adequate water optimal status for eelgrass quantity and quality in the beds within the Wekiva Wekiva River System to maintain a River System and to develop diversity of aquatic and aquatic- a protocol for measuring dependent species and habitats and monitoring the health (see Water Quality and Quantity of eelgrass. section). ii. If needed, based upon monitoring, establish a i. Implement all goals, restoration program for objectives, and strategies eelgrass beds to as described in the water reestablish the optimal quality and quantity condition, with a goal for section. time of completion.

43 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE iii. Contract with fishery monitoring the status of scientists to establish the reptile and amphibian popu- baseline of the bluenose lations associated with the shiner population (a rare river system. fish that favors eelgrass ii. Implement a monitoring beds) within the Wekiva program. River System and to develop a monitoring protocol. G. Expand efforts to promote bear iv. Implement a monitoring awareness and take steps to program to track bluenose decrease human–bear conflicts. shiner populations as an additional indicator of i. Implement multimedia eelgrass health and within presentations for public guidelines of the lands visitors, homeowner monitoring protocol. associations, schools, and private organizations. D. Continue monthly bird surveys on ii. Distribute printed material the Wekiva River System and published by governmental surrounding riverine systems and agencies such as the produce an annual report that Florida Fish and Wildlife assesses trends in bird Conservation Commission or populations. nonprofit conservation organizations. i. Consult with statisticians iii. Encourage or require the and ornithologists for use of bear-proof trash appropriate analysis of receptacles in those parts monthly bird survey data to of the Wekiva basin area assess population trends. with frequent bear ii. Continue monthly bird activity. surveys using volunteers and a quarterly contracted survey. Wildlife and Habitat Goal 2: Maintain habitat quality, landscape diversity, E. Assess the extent to which West and ecosystem connectivity within the Indian manatees use the lower Wekiva basin and associated ecosystems Wekiva River and the various with an emphasis on the black bear as factors associated with their an umbrella species. feeding, movement, and other behaviors in relation to the St Objectives Johns River. A. Support design and construction of the Wekiva Parkway and i. Contract with marine associated roadway modifications, mammalogists to study consistent with purposes of the manatee behavior in and Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act their use of the lower and the National Wild and Scenic Wekiva River. River Act, to enhance habitat connectivity and corridors for F. Establish annual monitoring wildlife movement. programs for reptiles and amphibians. i. Promote cooperation among agencies, local i. Consult with herpetologists governments, and to determine the most conservation organizations effective ways of to complete the Wekiva

44 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) Parkway project in a timely C. Discourage additional new road manner. construction within the Wekiva ii. Ensure the bridging of basin and ecological corridors ample sections of the that could impede the normal Wekiva Parkway to provide movement of bears and other for movement of bears and wildlife, and attempt to avoid other wildlife. the construction or expansion of iii. Manage vegetation, fencing, new roads within public and other features of the conservation land. Address the Wekiva Parkway to potential impact of road facilitate wildlife construction on such wildlife movement. movement through design for iv. Monitor movement and wildlife crossings and other behavior patterns of bears mitigative measures. and other wildlife underneath bridged sections i. Establish policies to of the Wekiva Parkway. discourage new road construction and B. Evaluate and where possible maintenance activities that pursue corrective action to could impede the normal remove impediments to the movement of bears and other movement of bears and other wildlife, and to discourage wildlife between the Wekiva basin the construction or and Ocala National Forest north expansion of new roads of the Wekiva Parkway caused by within public conservation roads and incompatible land uses. land; ensure that any new Address the potential impact of road construction and road construction on such maintenance activities do wildlife movement through design not impede normal movement for wildlife crossings and other of bears and other mitigative measures. wildlife. ii. Consolidate transportation i. Install wildlife improvements within underpasses under roadways existing roadways, provide that cross the Wekiva basin alternatives that remove ecological corridor such as traffic from the basin and SR 44 and CR 42. ecological corridors, and ii. Reconfigure roadways that provide measures that present an unnecessary mitigate the impact of hindrance to wildlife roads on the movement of movement, such as the wildlife. junction of SR 44 and CR 44A at Black Water Creek. D. Identify private lands that iii. Pursue habitat restoration represent missing pieces within or enhancement projects the Wekiva basin portfolio of where needed. public conservation lands and the iv. Remove barriers to wildlife Wekiva-Ocala Greenway project; movement, such as prioritize and pursue such lands structures, walls, or needed for preservation through fences (except where acquisition and/or conservation necessary to guide wildlife easements. to areas of safe passage). i. Pursue programs at the federal, state, and local

45 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE level for the protection of implementation if conservation lands, necessary. including but not limited to (a) encouraging annual G. Continue and improve the state legislative funding implementation of prescribed fire for Florida Forever and as on public conservation lands appropriate its expansion, within the Wekiva basin area, (b) the appropriation of including within ecotones special funding for key (transition areas between acquisitions and easements, different habitat types) and (c) the expansion of local riparian zones. land acquisition and easements programs, and (d) i. Continue and enhance partnerships with private interagency cooperation conservation organizations. with prescribed fire planning and E. Identify private lands with implementation. critical and unique features ii. Establish designated smoke (such as springs or other karst corridors, with ordinances features) or under-represented where needed, to facilitate habitats within the Wekiva basin the work of prescribed and springshed; prioritize and burns. pursue such lands from willing iii. Educate residents about the sellers for preservation through importance of prescribed acquisition and/or conservation fire to maintain healthy easements. ecosystems and reduce the risk of wildfires. i. Consult with local governments, environmental H. Work with agencies, local agencies and conservation governments, and the private organizations such as The sector to encourage the Nature Conservancy and designation of common open space local land trusts for help for the protection of functional in identifying and habitat corridors for wildlife protecting critical and movement in development plans unique features within the within the Wekiva basin area. Wekiva basin and springshed. i. Support the establishment and implementation of city F. Identify areas within the Wekiva and county land development River System floodplain with regulations, and landowner impacted hydrology and develop a incentives, for open space plan to improve the hydrology of preservation on new the associated riparian habitats. developments.

i. Consult with the St. Johns River Water Management Wildlife and Habitat Goal 3: Reduce District to determine if the impacts of invasive species and impacted areas have been exotic species on native species and identified and if a plan habitats throughout the Wekiva River exists to restore System and its associated wetlands. hydrological function. ii. Support the development of a plan and its

46 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) Objectives A. Continue to monitor and control i. Contract with fishery nuisance and invasive exotic biologists to assess any vegetation within the Wekiva impacts of armored catfish River System and its associated on the Wekiva River System. wetlands using the category I and ii. Continue, and expand as II lists produced by the Florida feasible, current efforts Invasive Pest Plant Council as a to remove armored catfish. guide. Species that require iii. Develop a protocol for attention include, but are not monitoring and controlling limited to, hydrilla, water exotic fishes. hyacinth, water lettuce, wild iv. Implement a monitoring and taro, para grass, Chinese tallow, control program for exotic East Indian hygrophila, and fishes using the protocol. cattail. C. Monitor and control invasive i. Continue and expand current exotic invertebrates within the efforts to eradicate and/or Wekiva River System and its control the spread of associated wetlands, including hydrilla, water hyacinth, but not limited to channeled water lettuce, wild taro, apple snails (if they become para grass, and Chinese established), and develop actions tallow. to expand monitoring and control ii. Continue to monitor and strategies. track trends for these and other invasive exotic i. Support research on the species. impacts of channeled apple iii. Continue to monitor the snails on aquatic habitats, spread of East Indian native apple snail hygrophila currently found populations, and limpkin in the Little Wekiva River populations, and adjust and develop a protocol to control strategies as prevent its spread in the appropriate. Wekiva River System as ii. If control is warranted, needed. establish a program to iv. Continue to monitor for the remove channeled apple occurrence of new invasive snails and channeled apple exotic species and snail egg clusters. institute control measures as needed. v. Manage cattail to prevent Historic and Cultural Values expansion to new locations to prevent large-scale Goal 1: Identify, protect, and invasions of in-stream or preserve historic and cultural riparian habitats. resources from human-related and natural threats. B. Assess the impacts associated with the proliferation of Objectives: invasive exotic fishes such as, A. Complete a comprehensive survey but not limited to, armored of the historic and cultural catfish within the Wekiva River resources within the Wekiva System and develop actions for basin, particularly those that expanding monitoring and control are either directly or indirectly strategies.

47 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE functionally related to the river D. Assign at least one trained system. public agency staff member (―Cultural Resources i. Identify and prioritize Coordinator‖) to regularly areas that have not been monitor and implement protection surveyed. and management strategies ii. Survey the areas. associated with historic and iii. Document a description of cultural resources. each new site found. iv. File a record of each site i. Assess staff roles and with the Florida Master availability within each Site File. agency. ii. Create a strategy to assign B. Establish a system to prioritize one person as the Cultural significant historic and cultural Resources Coordinator, resources for protection efforts. specifying the percent of their time that is devoted i. Identify significant to monitoring sites and resources based on existing implementing protection and archeological surveys and management strategies. results of the com- iii. Establish an agreement or prehensive survey in Memorandum of Understanding Objective 1A. to create this position ii. Use expert input as through a partnership of recommended by the Florida multiple agencies. Division of Historical iv. The Cultural Resources Resources to create a Coordinator should focus on priority system. coordinating the iii. The priority system should accomplishment of address items outlined in objectives in this section, the ―BMP Guide‖ (see particularly Objectives 1A, Objective 1C.) 1B, and 1C. iv. Use the priority system to assign a priority to known E. Work with the law enforcement sites and newly discovered divisions of each agency to sites. target high priority sites for regular patrol and enforcement of C. Implement the ―Best Management state cultural resources Practices Guide to Protecting protection laws to deter Archaeological Sites‖ (Florida vandalism and looting. Frequently Bureau of Archaeological patrolled sites receive less Research) to stabilize and vandalism. protect, at a minimum, high priority sites. i. Implement regular communication between i. Create a protocol for resource managers and local implementing the Best law enforcement. Management Practices. ii. Ensure that a list of law ii. Implement the Best enforcement contact Management Practices based information is readily on the priority assigned to available to agency staff. sites. iii. Familiarize law enforcement personnel with high priority sites.

48 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) iv. Use off-duty law An Owner’s Guide to enforcement officers to Protecting Archaeological patrol during weekends and Sites — Preserving and holidays. Protecting Florida’s Archaeological Sites for F. Ensure that law enforcement Future Generations‖, the personnel attend training on document ―Conservation archeological resource Easements Guidebook to protection. Protecting Sites on Private Lands‖ and the Site i. Identify key law Stewardship Agreement. enforcement personnel who need to attend the training I. Establish additional protections that is available from the for Shell Island through Florida Bureau of discussions with Rollins College, Archaeological Research. with advisement from the Florida Division of Historical Resources. G. Continue regular maintenance by public employees and volunteers i. Perform an assessment of at sites that receive regular the Shell Island site to public use to deter vandalism and determine additional site looting. Well maintained sites protections needs. receive less vandalism. ii. Consider all options for additional protection, i. Use resources from the including public Florida Bureau of acquisition. Archaeological Research, such as the Stewardship J. Establish site-specific Volunteer Program and strategies to protect high Sitewatch Program. priority cultural resources from vandalism and looting in H. On private lands, work closely accordance with Best Management with the landowner to protect and Practices. preserve identified priority sites, using Best Management i. Consider strategies Practices as needed. outlined in the BMP guide identified in Objective 1C, i. Establish and implement an such as the use of native outreach protocol to inform groundcover and natural private landowners of the barriers for camouflage. importance of the site(s), ii. As soon as vandalism or why the site(s) should be looting is discovered at a protected, and the site, prevent further resources available to disturbance by immediately assist them in protecting repairing the damage. and managing the site(s). iii. Use expert input to design ii. Refer to the resources of and implement site-specific the Florida Bureau of strategies. Archaeological Research for iv. Coordinate with the Florida guidance on cultural Division of Historical resource protection for Resources before conducting private landowners, any ground-disturbing including the document activities. ―Best Management Practices:

49 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE K. Assess causes of erosion and cultural resources of the Wekiva other forms of natural basin. degradation at high priority sites and take site-specific corrective actions to problems as Objectives: needed. A. Write a comprehensive history of human habitation in the Wekiva i. Consult with an basin area. Use this information archeologist and other to update all documentation (land qualified professionals to management plans, websites, and determine the nature of the printed materials) with an threats and the appropriate accurate account of the history site-specific protection of the basin. measures to stabilize the site. i. Coordinate with historical ii. Coordinate with the Florida societies, etc., to Division of Historical identify a qualified person Resources before conducting or a small team to write a any ground-disturbing comprehensive history of activities. the Wekiva basin area. ii. Publish the history in hard L. Ensure that, wherever feasible, copy and make it, or some all current and future version of it, available recreational trails are routed at online. least 50 feet from cultural iii. Perform an inventory and sites, with adequate natural assessment to identify all vegetation barriers between the documents (land management trail and site to discourage plans, websites, and access. printed materials) that need to be updated. i. Assess the current trail iv. Update the documents system to make sure it identified in the inventory adheres to this objective. and assessment. ii. Evaluate all future proposed trails to ensure B. Ensure that messages provided by that they adhere to this resource managers, private objective. businesses, and concessionaires include clear language to M. Create partnerships with indicate that looting and educational institutions to vandalism of cultural resource promote research of the sites is illegal and that significant historic and cultural enforcement actions will be resources in the Wekiva basin. taken.

i. The Cultural Resources i. Ensure that a consistent Coordinator should identify message is used on any educational institutions signs at all access points and create these to the river system. partnerships. ii. Ensure that historic and cultural resource protection is addressed in Historic and Cultural Goal 2: Foster all river use guidelines. an understanding among the public of the significance of the historic and

50 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) C. Ensure that educational programs vistas associated with the and interpretation of cultural site. resources within the Wekiva basin v. Direct the flow of people include consistent messages about and vehicles to prevent the importance of these damage over the long term. resources.

i. Develop fact sheets on the Water Quality and Quantity Values historic and cultural resources in the Wekiva Goal 1: Protect instream water quality basin. of the Wekiva River System. ii. Include key messages that should be delivered at Objectives every education and public A. Protect springs, surface waters, relations opportunity. wetlands, karst features, and high recharge areas within the D. Incorporate historic and cultural Wekiva basin and springshed research findings into through land acquisition and the educational programs, purchase of conservation interpretation, and public easements. relations materials, as appropriate. i. Support wildlife and habitat Goal 2, Objective i. Provide a summary of 2D, Action i. research findings to agency ii. Create an acquisition education and outreach inventory of potential staff. areas of significance to the Wekiva system, E. Identify and establish at least including high recharge one cultural site within the areas and areas of aquifer basin to be used as a public vulnerability in the Wekiva education site. springshed that may not be in proximity to the river i. Identify a cultural site itself (with special that is appropriate for use emphasis on high recharge as a public education site. areas and areas of aquifer ii. Create messages about vulnerability that also cultural resources and the have habitat value). people who left them in the iii. From the inventory in (ii), Wekiva basin. Include rank the importance of messages created in potential areas, thereby Objective 2C and creating a prioritized list information about proper of potential acquisitions. treatment of the site and iv. From steps (ii) and (iii), rules to prevent determine potential funding disturbance. sources and steps for iii. Ensure that construction of acquisition through structures and facilities existing programs. does not damage the site. v. Investigate/pursue iv. Place interpretive and additional funding educational signs and mechanisms at the federal, related facilities to avoid state, and local level for or minimize visual the protection of intrusion on any scenic conservation lands within

51 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE the Wekiva basin and a presentation be made to springshed, including but the advisory management not limited to committee regarding this appropriation of special revision. funding for key iv. Assess resources used for acquisitions and easements, enforcement purposes among expansion of local responsible agencies. (The government acquisition and St. Johns River Water easements programs, and the Management District and creation and strengthening local governments have of partnerships with their own stormwater private conservation regulations.) organizations. v. Prioritize most important areas and regulations for B. Continue to strictly interpret water quality in the Wekiva the Outstanding Florida Waters River System based on (OFWs) statute for all impacts to (iii), and evaluate whether the Wekiva River System. enforcement resources are sufficient in these areas i. Review proposed activities based on (iv). Make for potential risk of water recommendations for changes quality degradation and in efforts and/or Outstanding Florida Waters priorities based on violations. findings. ii. Investigate any activity that may be causing water D. Continue to monitor the condition quality degradation and of and any changes to submerged pursue corrective actions. aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds, particularly eelgrass beds, which C. Evaluate the effectiveness of are a distinctive component of stormwater treatment techniques, the Wekiva River System and enforcement, and regulations indicative of a healthy riverine currently in place, and as system. appropriate strengthen these provisions. i. Determine an optimal status for eelgrass beds within i. Review and evaluate the the Wekiva River System. effectiveness of the local Based on this government stormwater determination, map areas in master plans in the Wekiva which the condition is basin and springshed. degraded. ii. Encourage local ii. Based on the results of governments to identify (i), work with Wekiva River and as feasible implement Aquatic Preserve personnel the most effective to determine whether stormwater treatment limiting exposure to measures. recreational use or iii. Contact the Florida management changes would Department of Environmental improve the condition of Protection Watershed eelgrass beds. Management staff regarding iii. If needed, based on (i) and the revision of the state (ii), establish a stormwater rule that is restoration program for underway, and request that eelgrass beds to

52 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) reestablish the optimal groundwater and surface condition, with a goal for water nutrient impacts in time of completion. the Wekiva basin and springshed; and ensure that E. Support research and monitoring all information is efforts pertaining to algal appropriately used in any growth, particularly filamentous future decisions and algae, which can indicate the actions. presence of increased nutrients within the Wekiva River System. G. Create and implement a communication program for i. Continue the research residents, businesses, program that was initiated landscaping professionals, and during the Pollutant Load public employees whose work Reduction Goals (PLRG) involves landscaping to address study on the Wekiva River fertilizer application practices and Rock Springs Run. and the harm caused by nutrient ii. Assess whether additional loading to surface water and research and monitoring is groundwater quality. needed. iii. Review findings annually i. Identify a lead agency to and modify research and create this program. monitoring techniques ii. Develop the program based accordingly. on concepts of community based social marketing. F. Support implementation of the Wekiva River System Total Maximum H. Evaluate and implement feasible Daily Loads (TMDLs)/Basin stormwater retrofit projects and Management Action Plan (BMAP) new stormwater treatment program, whose goal is to reduce technologies, both on-site and nutrient loads in the Wekiva regionally, within the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run as basin and springshed to meet well as other water bodies within existing requirements and/or the Wekiva River System. provide innovative treatment approaches for nutrient removal. i. Review the future TMDL evaluations and provide i. Identify potential retrofit input to the Florida projects and technologies Department of Environmental on individual properties Protection on TMDL within the Wekiva basin and development prior to springshed. approval of any revised ii. Select projects for TMDLs. feasibility studies and ii. Promote public, local future construction. government and agency iii. Identify future participation in preparing opportunities for new the Bbasin Management regional stormwater Action Plan and treatment projects. implementation of projects and activities designed to I. Enforce, assess, and as reduce pollutant loads. appropriate strengthen iii. Support research and the regulations of the St. Johns evaluation of new River Water Management District information regarding and state and local governments

53 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE pertaining to sinkholes and other i. In consultation with the karst features that can be a county health departments, direct conduit for nutrients and develop and implement a pollutants into the aquifer, program to ensure the including but not limited to periodic pump-out of adjacent land use, setbacks, existing septic systems. buffers, and discharges. ii. Develop and implement an educational program to i. Request that support (i). representatives of the St. iii. Develop and implement a Johns River Water program of incentives for Management District, property owners who have Florida Department of septic systems within the Environmental Protection, "more vulnerable" and and local governments make "vulnerable" areas of the a presentation to the basin and springshed to advisory management upgrade to performance- committee regarding based systems as existing regulations and appropriate. potential improvements to iv. Create a program to ensure regulations relating to the maintenance of performance- protection of groundwater based systems in the Wekiva quality from nutrients and basin and springshed. pollution via sinkholes and other karst features. K. Evaluate impacts to water ii. Evaluate resources for quality from septic systems enforcement. within areas vulnerable to iii. Prioritize most important surface water contamination areas and regulations for adjacent to the Wekiva River protection of groundwater System, and as appropriate quality in the Wekiva River establish programs to replace System based on (i), and existing systems, retrofit with evaluate whether performance-based systems, or enforcement resources are connect to central sewer sufficient in these areas facilities if in close proximity based on (ii). to a regional wastewater iv. Make recommendations for treatment facility. changes in protection efforts and priorities i. Review and update the based on findings. inventory of properties on septic systems that are J. Encourage proper maintenance of adjacent to Wekiva River existing septic systems System water bodies. throughout the Wekiva basin and ii. Collaborate with the springshed. Within areas Florida Department of identified to be "more vulner- Health to determine age of able" and "vulnerable" by the systems and whether there Wekiva Aquifer Vulnerability are known problems or Assessment, encourage the use of complaints regarding these performance-based onsite systems. wastewater treatment systems as iii. Coordinate with the Florida appropriate. Department of Health and Florida Department of Environmental Protection to

54 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) assess the impact on water projects include wastewater quality of septic systems treatment plant upgrades, adjacent to the Wekiva projects identified in the Little River System. Wekiva watershed, and projects iv. Determine whether recommended in the Wekiva Parkway anticipated water quality and Protection Act Stormwater improvement warrants Master Plan. retrofit or replacement of those septic systems i. Review St. Johns River adjacent to the Wekiva Water Management District River System, or connection and local government to central sewer project listings, using facilities. these to create a ―master v. Depending upon the results project list‖ of ongoing of (iv), develop incentive- projects. Include based programs to offer wastewater treatment plant landowners for retrofit upgrades and shoreline replacement, or connection stabilization. to central sewer facilities ii. Prioritize project list where appropriate. based on impacts to the Little Wekiva River. L. Convert existing urban areas with iii. Refer to action steps for a high density of individual Objective 1F (TMDL/BMAP onsite septic systems to central program) because a final sewer where feasible and BMAP will include a similar environmentally necessary within list of projects. the Wekiva Study Area. N. Enforce, assess, and as i. Expand septic system appropriate strengthen mapping undertaken for TMDL regulations and educational documentation to better map efforts relating to lawn and areas with high septic landscaping practices and the system density, and include responsible use of fertilizers to the entire springshed. limit nutrient loading within the ii. Evaluate central sewer Wekiva basin and springshed. expansion and mandatory hook-up plans of local i. Support implementation and governments. enforcement of the FDACS iii. Consider results of (i) and Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule (ii) in light of aquifer (Rule 5E-1.003(2) Florida vulnerability in high Administrative Code - septic density areas. Labeling Requirements for Prioritize areas based on Urban Turf Fertilizers) and aquifer vulnerability. appropriate nutrient iv. Collaborate with local limitation recommendations governments to incorporate of the Urban Fertilizer results of (iii) into Task Force. central sewer expansion and ii. Evaluate agency legislative mandatory hook-up plans as authority; determine poten- appropriate. tial ways of strengthening agency regulations and M. Support ongoing projects that enforcement regarding improve water quality in the fertilizer use, including Little Wekiva River. These

55 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE expansion of authority as O. Support research regarding the needed. impacts of land application of iii. Strengthen agency reclaimed water from wastewater regulations and enforcement treatment plants (advanced and as appropriate, pursuant to conventional) on shallow (ii). groundwater and the Floridan iv. Evaluate existing local Aquifer to determine if government regulations and additional treatment is required. enforcement relating to turfgrass, landscaping, and i. Invite a representative of fertilizer use; identify the FDEP, SJRWMD or an potential ways of academic establishment to strengthening regulations present information to the and enforcement. advisory management v. Strengthen local government committee regarding what is regulations and enforcement known about the impacts of as appropriate, pursuant to using reclaimed water on (iv). groundwater quality. vi. Continue to support the ii. Based on (i), determine Wekiva Promise initiative, whether research is ongoing an education program that to address data gaps and addresses residential pursue additional research fertilizer use and promotes if appropriate. personal stewardship in iii. Based on (ii), determine protecting the Wekiva River whether reclaimed water basin and springshed. application presents a vii. Work with state agencies potential threat to and local governments to groundwater quality and establish incentive pursue additional programs to reduce turf treatment if determined grass area and promote necessary. landscaping that does not require the intense use of fertilizers. Water Quality and Quantity Goal 2: viii. Request information from Protect Flow Regimes of the Wekiva local wastewater treatment River System. utilities or the Florida Department of Environmental Objectives Protection regarding the typical water quality A. Evaluate existing and proposed concentrations, including withdrawals of water within the nitrates and phosphorus, of Wekiva River basin and springshed reclaimed water intended in light of their potential for irrigation. impact to the Wekiva River ix. Promote education regarding System, and as appropriate the nutrient concentrations strengthen policies and and fertilizer effect in regulations that limit and manage reclaimed water and that water consumption. fertilizer application can be reduced when reclaimed i. Obtain an inventory and map water is used for of existing water with- irrigation. drawals in the Wekiva springshed and basin requiring a Consumptive Use

56 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) Permit (CUP) and develop an existing MFLs as estimate of private appropriate based on (ii). individual wells that do not require a CUP. C. Evaluate the protection of ii. Evaluate impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values Wekiva River System from that may be affected by flows and existing and proposed water levels of the Wekiva River withdrawals. System; determine whether iii. Review new withdrawal additional protection is proposals and provide required, and if so whether such comment during the protection may be achieved by Consumptive Use Permit refinement of MFLs, by a federal process. water reservation pursuant to iv. Continually update Section 13(c) of the Wild and inventory and evaluations Scenic Rivers Act, by a water in (i) and (ii). management district water v. Participate in the reservation pursuant to Section rulemaking process: (1) to 373.223(4), Florida Statutes, or consolidate Environmental by other processes. Resource Permits (ERPs) and Consumptive Use Permits i. Determine if existing flow and (CUPs) for projects water level protection requiring both an ERP and a measures adequately protect CUP that involve irrigation the Outstandingly Remarkable of urban landscapes, golf Values of the Wekiva River courses, or recreation System. areas; and (2) to further ii. If additional protection is limit and manage water needed, determine whether that consumption as may be protection can be best appropriate. achieved by refinement of MFLs, by a federal water B. Support planned efforts to reservation pursuant to evaluate and update existing Section 13(c) of the Wild and Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) Scenic Rivers Act, by a water of the Wekiva River at the State management district water Road 46 bridge. Identify whether reservation pursuant to there is a need for additional Section 373.223 (4), Florida MFLs or revisions to existing Statutes, or by other MFLs to adequately protect the processes. Wekiva River System. iii. Work with the SJRWMD and the National Park Service to take i. Request an identification the most appropriate action (including a MFL map) of based on (ii). and status report on all MFLs within the Wekiva D. Evaluate existing SJRWMD River basin. Environmental Resource Permit ii. Review and comment on the (ERP) and Consumptive Use Permit existing MFLs, proposed (CUP) rules and current MFLs, and the St. Johns enforcement methods that pertain River Water Management to residential, commercial, District’s MFL Priority industrial, and agricultural List and Schedule. water use and landscaping to iii. Pursue the adoption of new identify opportunities for MFLs or the revision of additional water conservation.

57 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE i. In light of results of i. Evaluate existing ERP and Objective 2D, determine the CUP rules and request a need for revisions to presentation from the regulations of the SJRWMD SJRWMD on existing rules to improve water and methodology for permit conservation; revise review. regulations as appropriate. ii. Compare the SJRWMD rules to ii. Revise local government local ordinances. regulations as appropriate. iii. Assess water conservation iii. Work with agencies and enforcement programs and local governments to resources of local govern- establish incentive ments and the SJRWMD. programs to reduce turf iv. Identify opportunities for grass area, promote improving efficiency and landscaping that does not water conservation, such as require intense irrigation, limiting turf grass, and promote other means of requiring Florida-friendly water conservation. landscaping, use of dry retention, preserving non- F. Promote the efficient use of irrigated open space to reclaimed water within the Wekiva reduce water consumption basin and springshed. Evaluate and promote aquifer whether the use of reclaimed recharge, and use of water- water has an adverse impact on efficient fixtures/ Outstandingly Remarkable Values appliances for new that may be affected by flows and construction. water levels of the Wekiva River v. Revise SJRWMD rules and System. Evaluate whether local regulations as transports of water outside of appropriate based on (iv). the Wekiva basin and springshed have an adverse impact on E. Work with the SJRWMD to evaluate Outstandingly Remarkable Values and as appropriate strengthen that may be affected by flows and regulations and incentive water levels of the Wekiva River programs to conserve water within System. the Wekiva basin and springshed, including but not limited to i. Request information from those addressing water the Florida Department of allocation, water consumption, Environmental Protection or water billing rate structures, local wastewater treatment irrigation, and lawn or utilities regarding landscaping practices. Work with existing reclaimed water local governments to evaluate and programs and plans for as appropriate strengthen expansion. regulations and incentive ii. Evaluate whether the use of programs to conserve water within reclaimed water (including the Wekiva basin and springshed, reclaimed water supplies including but not limited to supplemented with those addressing plumbing codes, groundwater or surface installation of irrigation water) can have an adverse systems, lawn and landscaping impact on ORVs that may be ordinances, and water billing affected by flows and water rates. levels.

58 Alternative B: Enhance Resource Protection and High Quality Visitor Experiences (Preferred Alternative) iii. Revise strategies and plans requirements and permitted for the use of reclaimed withdrawal amounts. water as necessary based on iii. Based on (i) and (ii), (i) and (ii), and promote determine whether the use of reclaimed water additional action is needed only where appropriate. to protect groundwater iv. Study whether transports of volume and achieve water outside of the Wekiva compliance with Best basin and springshed can Management Practices and have an adverse impact on Consumptive Use Permits. ORVs that may be affected by flows and water levels. H. Work with local governments, v. Revise strategies and plans agencies, and the private sector for the transport of water, to encourage a more water- as necessary based on (iv). conscious form of development within the Wekiva basin and G. Encourage compliance with Best springshed. Management Practices for irrigation by nursery, i. Promote Low Impact Develop- landscaping, and agricultural ment workshops, such as businesses. those offered by the Program on Resource i. Request information on the Efficient Communities results of Best Management (University of Florida); Practices compliance arrange for workshops to be surveys from the Florida offered in the Wekiva area. Department of Agriculture ii. Coordinate with local and Consumer Services. governments, agencies, and ii. Request information from the private sector to the St. Johns River Water encourage a more water- Management District conscious form of regarding compliance with development using consumptive use permit techniques identified in Objective 2D (iv).

USER CAPACITY (CARRYING CAPACITY)

OVERVIEW e.g., soil loss, vegetation damage). Comprehensive river management plans 3. Identify standards (limits of must address user capacity acceptable change) for the management. User capacity is defined indicators. as the type and level of use that can 4. Monitor indicators to determine be accommodated while maintaining the if there are trends or if desired conditions of a river’s standards are being approached. resources and visitor experiences. 5. Take management action to The following description of a user maintain or restore desired capacity program is included as a conditions. component of preferred alternative B. With limited staffs and budgets, User capacity management involves managers must focus on areas where establishing desired conditions, there are definite concerns and/or monitoring, evaluating, and taking clear evidence of problems. This actions (managing visitor use) to means monitoring should generally ensure that the identified take place where conditions are outstandingly remarkable values are approaching the standards, conditions protected. The premise is that with are changing rapidly, specific and any use on public lands comes some important values are threatened by level of impact that must be visitation, and/or the effects of accepted; therefore it is the management actions taken to address responsibility of the managers to impacts are uncertain. decide what level of impact is acceptable and what management User capacity is addressed in this actions are needed to keep impacts environmental assessment in the within acceptable limits. Instead of following ways: just tracking and controlling user numbers, it may be necessary to more  It outlines desired resource actively manage the levels, types, conditions, visitor experience and patterns of visitor use and other opportunities, and types of public uses as needed to preserve the facilities to support the resource condition of the resources and conditions and visitor experiences quality of the visitor experience. for different areas. The monitoring component of this  It describes the river system’s process helps to evaluate the most pressing use-related resource effectiveness of management actions and visitor experience concerns. and provides a basis for informed This helps managers focus limited management of public use. resources on specific potential indicators and determine what The user capacity management process kinds of baseline information is can be summarized by the following needed. major steps:  It identifies potential indicators that could be monitored in the 1. Establish desired conditions for future to determine if desired resources and visitor conditions are not being met experiences. because of unacceptable impacts 2. Identify indicators (things to from public use. As river managers monitor to determine whether collect more detailed information desired conditions are being met,

60 User Capacity (Carrying Capacity) on use-related concerns, specific maintained or enhanced according to indicators would be selected for the description and management monitoring and corresponding guidelines for each river segment standards (limits of acceptable classification. change) would be identified.  It outlines representative Wildlife and Habitat examples of management actions Wildlife populations and their that might be used to avoid or habitat are protected from further minimize unacceptable impacts from degradation or enhanced through public use. interagency efforts included in  It identifies specific geographic alternative B such as exotic species areas for special monitoring control, habitat restoration, land attention. preservation, wildlife management, and similar projects. The last steps in the user capacity process, which would continue Historic and Cultural indefinitely, involve monitoring the Historic and cultural identified indicators and taking resources/values are preserved in management actions as needed to place. Damage to resources is reduced minimize impacts. As a means for or eliminated. Future projects are providing flexibility in the face of surveyed for cultural resources prior changing conditions, river managers to ground disturbance and impacts are would use an adaptive management mitigated. approach when appropriate. (Adaptive management is a management system Water Quality and Quantity based on clearly identified outcomes, Hydrologic resources are protected monitoring to determine if management from degradation or enhanced through actions are meeting outcomes, and if interagency efforts. not, making changes that would best ensure that outcomes are met or that outcomes are reevaluated.) If new EXISTING VISITOR ACTIVITIES use-related resource or visitor experience concerns arise in the Recreational activities in the Wekiva future, additional indicators and basin include canoeing/kayaking, bank standards would be identified as fishing, boat fishing from motorized needed to address these concerns. and non-motorized boats, pleasure boating, personal watercraft use, picnicking, camping (primitive, DESIRED CONDITIONS FOR developed, and horse), tubing, OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES swimming in undeveloped and developed areas, snorkeling, wildlife watching, Scenic hiking, horseback riding, and The existing scenic resources/values hunting. are protected or enhanced through management actions and plans of the various agencies. The Advisory OVERVIEW OF CURRENT AND Management committee would work with POTENTIAL USE-RELATED IMPACTS other entities to ensure that scenic resources are considered in future This section discusses existing and project planning. potential use-related impacts that may occur in or along the designated Recreational rivers and may pose challenges for Recreational values (including access managing for the desired conditions and appropriate activities) are of the outstandingly remarkable

61 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE values described in this anticipated that they will remain environmental assessment. low.

Existing facilities along the river Intentional as well as inadvertent system generally support enjoyable impacts on cultural resource sites visitor opportunities and protect are a management concern. For resources, and based on projected example, recreational use on Shell trends would continue to function Island is causing impacts from fairly well. Parking areas at the trampling and visitor-created trails. most popular locations often fill to In addition, pothunting (illegal capacity during the summer weekends. digging and taking of artifacts) has As a result, visitors may be occurred there in the past. The frustrated in trying to reach certain island is owned by Rollins College areas and may be turned away or asked and is closed to the public except to wait for an opening. There is only for authorized permitted uses, but one designated campsite (Buffalo Tram this closure is being blatantly Camp) on the Wekiva River. Camping at ignored. Recently FDEP Wekiva River unauthorized sites along the river Aquatic Preserve has partnered with may impact sensitive resources. Rollins College on a Shell Island Protection Initiative. The college In the summer, high volumes of use in donated funds to support this effort Rock Springs Run, Wekiwa Springs Run, as well as a Shell Island Citizen and along certain reaches of the Patrol Initiative. FDEP staff has Wekiva River cause crowded conditions inspected the site, removed litter, at times. Concerns have been removed rope swings, and documented expressed about this issue and its damage to trees and other areas of related impacts on visitor the island. Rope swings continue to experience. If use increases or be put back by violators after they patterns of use change, crowding in are removed. No Trespassing signs, these areas may worsen and/or become Resource Management in Progress more frequent. In addition to signs, and signs describing the crowding, observations in certain site’s value have been installed, but high use areas indicate that use on these have also been vandalized by a the river system is resulting in few violators. When signs are in excessive impacts on the riverbanks place, the general public typically and associated floodplains. Some respects the site; however addition these impacts include proliferation law enforcement actions are required. of informal trails, erosion, vegetation damage and loss, litter, and improper disposal of human waste. POTENTIAL USER CAPACITY INDICATORS AND RELATED Concerns have also been raised about MANAGEMENT ACTIONS impacts to the river system and its scenic values due to unpermitted Although no comprehensive visitor use commercial uses and activities in study or carrying capacity study has certain areas. been performed to date, some of the Florida state parks do have limits on Although most impacts on water the daily visitor capacity based on quality are from sources away from the number of people or vehicles that the river system, impacts from can be accommodated by park visitor use are also a concern (e.g., facilities. Kelly Park, managed by increased sedimentation and E. coli). Orange County, also has a daily user Use levels on Black Water Creek are limit. Boating on Black Water Creek currently quite low, and it is is managed through a permit system by

62 User Capacity (Carrying Capacity) Seminole State Forest. There is a that are contributing to water need for establishing indicators or quality degradation. thresholds (i.e., water quality, amount of trash, bank erosion,  Litter species diversity, condition of Monitoring indicators: amount and archeological resources, visitor type of observed litter in the experience, etc.) to determine the water and on shore limits of capacity for the system as a whole. Management actions that may be considered to avoid or minimize Some potential indicators that may be litter include encouraging monitored to better understand the personal responsibility for waste magnitude and trends of the most disposal, prohibiting disposable pressing use-related concerns containers (e.g., plastic or described in the previous section Styrofoam cups, coolers, etc.), have been identified. Final selection and providing more animal-proof of indicators and standards for waste receptacles. monitoring purposes and implementation of management actions  Impacts on riverbanks such as that affect use will comply with NEPA erosion, vegetation damage or (1969), Section 106 of the National loss, and creation of informal Historic Preservation Act, and other trails laws and regulations as appropriate. Monitoring indicators: overall health of riparian communities, Agencies that have management changes in plant diversity, and responsibility on the river system sedimentation from erosion recognize that visitor use-related impacts may be occurring on their Management actions that may be lands. Managers continue to address considered to avoid or minimize these issues through education, law riverbank impacts include enforcement, and in other ways. encouraging low-impact practices; Potential user capacity indicators directing use to designated areas and management actions may include or facilities; providing more the following (see the description of waste disposal receptacles; alternative B for additional related increasing the number of signs to actions): direct visitors to appropriate facilities; reducing use levels or  Water quality redistributing use to lesser used Monitoring indicators: quality of areas or off-peak times, water including pollutants, designating additional sites for nutrient concentrations, camping or pull-outs, or restoring sediments, and dissolved solids sites if necessary.

Management actions that may be  Improper human waste disposal considered to avoid or minimize Monitoring indicators: direct impacts on water quality related observation or odor to visitor use include encouraging low-impact practices Management actions that may be (e.g., Leave No Trace); providing considered to prevent or minimize more waste disposal facilities; improper human waste disposal redistributing use to lesser used include encouraging proper waste areas or off-peak times; and disposal, providing more toilet reducing/ eliminating certain facilities, directing use to uses, activities, or equipment

63 CHAPTER 2: ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE appropriate facilities, and system, etc.). Different reducing use levels. restrictions or limits based on the type of watercraft  Overcrowding at parking areas (motorboats, personal watercrafts, Monitoring indicators: available canoes/kayaks) may be appropriate. parking spaces and parking in unauthorized areas  Impacts on wildlife and habitat from user activities on the river Management actions that may be system. considered to prevent or minimize Monitoring indicators: population these impacts include providing numbers, apparent health, and advanced planning information that hazards to wildlife. encourages visitation to lesser used areas or at off-peak times, Management actions that may be providing real-time information considered to prevent or minimize about parking availability, adding user-caused impacts include more parking or redesigning providing information on sensitive parking areas for greater species and protective measures, efficiency, and actively redistributing visitation to less redistributing use to other sites critical areas, and limiting the when areas are full. number of watercraft during sensitive periods. Management  Crowding from high use levels at actions that may be considered to developed water play areas prevent hazards to wildlife Monitoring indicators: direct include providing information observation of conflicts and regarding the proper use and visitor complaints disposal of fishing line and tackle, limiting fishing to Management actions that may be certain areas, providing more considered to prevent or minimize animal-proof trash receptacles, crowding at water play areas and discouraging the feeding of include providing information on wildlife. visitor etiquette, encouraging visitation at off-peak times, and  Vandalism and unintentional damage limiting the number of people in a to historic and cultural sites swimming area at one time (first- Monitoring indicators: changes in come first-served, permit system, condition or evidence of etc.). disturbance

 Crowding from high use levels on Management actions that may be certain river segments considered to prevent or minimize Monitoring indicators: direct impacts on cultural resource sites observation of conflicts, visitor include providing more information complaints. on the sensitivity and value of the cultural resources, hardening Management actions that may be or protecting heavily used areas considered to prevent or minimize with special materials, increasing crowding on the river system ranger or law enforcement patrols include providing information on in target areas, educating visitor etiquette, redistributing vendors, using remote monitoring visitation to lesser used areas or techniques, and directing use away off-peak times, and limiting the from (or enforced closure of) number of watercraft on the river particularly vulnerable sites. (first-come first-served, permit

64 User Capacity (Carrying Capacity)

 Impacts on scenic values  Shell Island and other known Monitoring indicators: number and archeological sites type of visual intrusions  popular camping or stopping areas  water play areas (Wekiwa Springs, Management actions that may be Rock Springs, and Wekiva Falls) considered to prevent or minimize for water quality issues impacts on scenic quality include  areas of concentrated watercraft working with state and local use such as near commercial canoe agencies to avoid, minimize or rental facilities and popular mitigate potential negative access sites (e.g., Kings Landing impacts of new development such as sites, Wekiva Island, Wekiva Falls docks, bridges, and recreational canal, and Katie s Landing) facilities. ’  Wekiva River in the vicinity of the concrete bridge at Wekiva AREAS FOR SPECIAL Island (also known as the ―bridge MONITORING ATTENTION to nowhere‖)  Wekiwa Springs Run Areas that warrant special resource  Rock Springs Run and/or visitor experience monitoring attention include the following:

PROGRAMS AND STUDIES NEEDED

In the process of developing a outstandingly remarkable values. cohesive management strategy for the Consider additional enforcement Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System, mechanisms, innovative a number of needed baseline programs interagency cooperation, and and studies were identified. associated staffing needs. Additional data needs would be  Develop a coordinated public identified by the advisory management education/outreach plan to committee as part of the implement and elaborate on the implementation of alternative B. action steps in this plan. After completion and approval of this Education should focus on proper environmental assessment, these etiquette on a wild and scenic programs and studies would need to be river, the importance of completed to fully implement the protecting sensitive resources comprehensive river management plan. (middens, shoreline vegetation, In addition to the planning and data wildlife, etc.), and applicable needs listed below, others may be regulations. identified by the advisory management committee as part of the  As part of an education/outreach implementation of the approved plan, include programs such as alternative. river clean-up (―Adopt-a-River‖), Junior River Rangers, the Wekiva Promise initiative, speaking VISITOR MANAGEMENT AND engagements for advisory SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS committee members, and other similar initiatives.  Complete a visitor experience and  Complete a socioeconomic study of resource protection (VERP) or the river system region, and how similar plan to establish the river uses impact river system carrying capacity concessionaires, local communi- and thresholds (limits of ties, and businesses. acceptable change) for ecological and social impacts from recreation. The plan would define RESOURCE MANAGEMENT compatible uses for each river segment and develop an impact  Coordinate with the Department of monitoring and management Historic Resources to assess and strategy based on a Recreation survey of historic and cultural Assessment that also addresses resources, including an archeo- carrying capacity. (Indicators logical site condition assessment and management strategies for with monitoring and stabilization capacity are discussed in more recommendations. detail under User Capacity.)  Review existing and ongoing  Develop a Facilities Master Plan research, and as appropriate that describes what facilities establish monthly and annual should be provided to support species-specific monitoring uses determined appropriate by programs to establish baseline the Recreation Assessment. population levels and document  Conduct an assessment of trends. enforcement effectiveness of  Coordinate with the FWC Invasive regulations related to protecting Species Management Section to

66 Programs and Studies Needed assess the impacts associated with the proliferation of invasive exotic species, and if necessary, develop actions for expanding monitoring and control strategies.  Coordinate with the Florida Park Service and St Johns River Water Management District to identify areas within the Wekiva River System floodplain with impacted hydrologic resources, review past hydrologic restoration projects, assess current plans to improve the hydrology of riparian habitats, and as needed develop additional plans for improvement.  Evaluate the impact of existing and proposed ground and surface water withdrawal on flows and ecological processes of the Wekiva River System, and determine whether additional programs, policies, and/or regulations, , including revised or additional MFLs or the adoption of reservations of water, are warranted to protect the river system.  Conduct research regarding the impacts of land application of reclaimed water from wastewater treatment plants on shallow groundwater and the Floridan Aquifer to determine if additional treatment or policy changes are required.

IMPLEMENTATION

ROLE OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND cooperation under the preferred WEKIVA BASIN WORKING GROUP alternative would be to secure the support of state, county, and The proposed management plan as municipal agencies that have outlined in alternative B would guide jurisdiction in the Wekiva basin. the future management of the Wekiva Each agency and local government that National Wild and Scenic River has jurisdiction to manage public System. Interagency cooperation with lands within the Wekiva basin has its the advisory management committee own mission and may produce a would be needed to produce separate management plan based upon coordinated and targeted efforts to its own internal guidelines and implement the plan. The following management planning. Implementation scheme for plan implementation is of the approved Comprehensive River recommended under alternative B. Management Plan would be facilitated if each management plan of agencies The advisory management committee was and local governments is reviewed to established according to NPS rules to ensure compatibility with this plan. be responsible for overseeing the Most agency management plans receive development of the comprehensive periodic updates. It is recommended river management plan. This committee that particular attention be paid to should continue to operate and the Comprehensive River Management oversee plan implementation. The Plan and this environmental Wekiva River Basin Working Group assessment during any updates to (working group), which has met for at ensure compatibility. least 15 years, should consider taking on a supporting role in the A written section on interagency implementation of this plan. Many key cooperation should be a regular part members of the advisory management of all agency plan updates. committee currently serve on the Additionally, it is recommended that working group, whose mission it is to all agencies compare staffing encourage interagency coordination structures for any overlaps or within the Wekiva basin. Implementing deficiencies to optimize staff the management plan would fit well resources. with this mission. It may be advantageous for the advisory management committee and the working FUNDING group to hold occasional joint meetings. Approval of this environmental assessment does not guarantee that funding will be forthcoming INTERAGENCY COOPERATION regardless of which alternative is approved. Funds to implement the It is recognized that there is river management plan would be sought already considerable interagency from a variety of sources. The NPS cooperation occurring among the has funds available for wild and various government agencies that work scenic river management. These funds within the Wekiva basin. This is are disbursed annually on a largely because of the coordinated competitive basis. A portion of the efforts of the Wekiva River Basin funds available are allotted to each Working Group over many years. A NPS region and then disbursed to critical step to achieve interagency

68 Implementation eligible rivers within each region Other funding sources include federal based on need. and state specialized program funds, such as for exotic plant management, Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers and those from private foundations. have been successful in leveraging scarce resources to implement their respective river management plans. Leveraging funds from the private sector; local, state, and federal governments; and the river partners have attained a level of river management that would not be possible with NPS-only support (for examples, see http://www.nps.gov/nero/ rivers/ riversfunding.htm).

THE ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE ALTERNATIVE

The environmentally preferable enhancement are not objectives or alternative is determined by applying goals of the river management the criteria suggested in NEPA of partnership. 1969, which guides the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The Alternative A represents the current council provides direction that the management direction for the Wekiva environmentally preferable alternative Wild and Scenic River System. is the alternative that would best Systemwide planning would occur promote the national environmental primarily through existing efforts of policy as expressed in Section 101 of the Wekiva Basin Working Group and its NEPA: member organizations, but would not have the cohesive, results-oriented 1. fulfill the responsibilities of focus on Wild and Scenic ORVs achieved each generation as trustee of the through implementation of alternative environment for succeeding B (with the Wekiva Wild and Scenic generations; River System Comprehensive Management 2. assure for all generations safe, Plan). The protection of cultural and healthful, productive, and natural resources would be less aesthetically and culturally integrated under alternative A than pleasing surroundings; under alternative B. Alternative A 3. attain the widest range of would not fully realize criteria 1, 3, beneficial uses of the environment 4, and 5. without degradation, risk of health or safety, or other Alternative B, the preferred undesirable and unintended alternative, would lead to increased consequences; management attention to and emphasis 4. preserve important historic, on preserving all wild and scenic cultural and natural aspects of river values. It would aid in our national heritage and protecting and enhancing natural and maintain, wherever possible, an cultural resources (criteria 1, 4, and environment that supports 5). It also would enhance diversity and variety of opportunities for high-quality, individual choice; resource-dependent visitor experiences 5. achieve a balance between through traditional recreational uses population and resource use that (criteria 2 and 3). will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s After careful review of the potential amenities; and resource and visitor impacts, NPS 6. enhance the quality of renewable staff and the advisory management resources and approach the maximum committee have concluded that the NPS attainable recycling of depletable preferred alternative also is the resources. environmentally preferable alternative. Alternative B would Criterion 6 is beyond the scope of enhance the ability of the NPS, this project because: (a) the Wekiva advisory management committee, and Wild and Scenic River System is not partner agencies to protect natural within a national park unit (which and cultural resources while allowing would otherwise address criterion 6 visitors to enjoy a wide range of via agency policy), and (b) the traditional river-related recreational development of local recycling activities. programs and renewable resource

Alternative B would (a) assist in for an appropriate range of visitor providing a high level of protection uses. Thus, this alternative would for natural and cultural resources surpass the other alternative by best while attaining the widest range of realizing the fullest range of neutral and beneficial uses of the national environmental policy goals as environment without degradation; (b) stated in Section 101 of the National contribute to an environment that Environmental Policy Act and supports diversity and variety of consistent with designation of the individual choice; and (c) integrate Wekiva River System as a National Wild resource protection with opportunities and Scenic River.

MITIGATIVE MEASURES

To ensure that implementation of traditional use areas to the actions protects unimpaired natural extent feasible. and cultural resources and the quality of the visitor experience, a  Wherever possible, locate new consistent set of mitigative measures projects and facilities in is recommended to be applied to previously disturbed or existing actions proposed in the plan. developed areas. Design facilities to avoid known or suspected An implementing state agency should archeological resources. perform appropriate environmental review (i.e., those required by state  If previously unknown cultural law and agency requirements) for resources are discovered during these future actions. The project work, all work in the area implementation of an action would should cease until the site can be also need to comply with U.S. Army evaluated by a qualified person Corps of Engineers Section 404 and appropriate treatment can be permits and other applicable state implemented. and local permits.  Design, locate, and construct The following mitigating measures and facilities to avoid or minimize best management practices are adverse effects on cultural recommended to avoid or minimize resources and intrusions into the potential impacts from implementation cultural landscape. of actions. These measures were considered as part of the alternatives in the analyses of NATURAL RESOURCES environmental impacts.

 Conduct surveys for rare, CULTURAL RESOURCES threatened, and endangered species as warranted.

 Agencies should continue to  Locate and design facilities and develop inventories for and actions to avoid adverse effects oversee research about on rare, threatened, and archeological, historical, and endangered species. If avoidance ethnographic resources to better is infeasible, minimize and understand and manage the compensate for adverse effects on resources. rare, threatened, and endangered

species in consultation with the  Conduct archeological site appropriate resource agencies. monitoring and routine protection. Conduct work outside critical Conduct data recovery excavations periods for the specific species. at archeological sites threatened with destruction where protection  To prevent water pollution during or site avoidance during design construction, use best management and construction is infeasible. practices such as erosion control

measures, minimized discharge to  Continue consultations with water bodies, and regular culturally associated American inspection of construction Indian people. Protect sensitive equipment for leaks of petroleum

72 Table 2: Comparison of Environmental Consequences and other chemicals. Minimize the use of heavy equipment in a waterway.

 Design, locate, and construct facilities to avoid or minimize adverse effects on natural resources and visual intrusion into the natural landscape.

CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This chapter describes the existing being owned by the state of Florida environment of the Wekiva Wild and and the St. Johns River Water Scenic River System and the Management District. Other public surrounding region. The chapter is lands owned by various local govern- focused on the outstandingly ments (e.g., county parks), the Lake remarkable values of the river system County Water Authority, and the as identified in the study that led to federal government (Ocala National its designation. Forest) also exist within the watershed, springshed or Wekiva-Ocala The Wekiva Wild and Scenic River ecological corridor. Almost all of the System is in Orange, Seminole, and private lands adjacent to the river Lake counties in north-central system are within Seminole and Lake Florida. The surface watershed, or counties. drainage basin, of the river system is approximately 242 square miles in size, with its northernmost extent THE WEKIVA RIVER SYSTEM reaching into Marion County. The aquifer recharge area, or springshed, The Wekiva River System includes the of the river system extends beyond Wekiva River, Rock Springs Run, Wekiwa this surface water drainage basin Springs Run and Black Water Creek. (primarily to the south and west). The The river system is influenced by interaction between surface and landscapes within two separate groundwater is very complex. Within boundaries. The first is the boundary the springshed, rainwater percolates of the Wekiva River surface water through porous limestone and karst drainage basin. A substantial portion geologic features, and eventually of this area is in public ownership. reaches the Floridan aquifer. This The second boundary is that of the groundwater eventually resurfaces via Wekiva springshed, which encompasses a the many springs throughout the basin much larger landscape within which and flows downstream via surface water percolates and travels through streams and rivers. Groundwater underground strata to eventually generally flows in a southwest-to- emerge at the springs. northeast direction through the springshed. The sizes of the Wekiva The dynamics of this type of river surface water basin and groundwater system are complex, involving capture area make the Wekiva River continual exchanges of groundwater System a primary hydrologic feature of recharge and discharge as well as Orange, Seminole, and Lake counties. surface runoff during rainstorms. The rivers and streams associated with the The Orlando metropolitan area is Wekiva River are fed by both springs south-southeast of the Wekiva River and surface runoff. System. Although the Wekiva River Although the springs provide a itself does not run through the relatively consistent flow of fresh developed north suburbs of Orlando, water throughout the year (in water these developed lands cover the flow volume and temperature), the southern quarter of the river system’s seasonal variations in surface runoff watershed. More than two million flows may be substantial. Elevations people live within 30 miles of the within the Wekiva basin range from sea Wekiva River System. Much of the land level to about 70 feet above sea adjacent to the river system is in level. The local climate is considered public ownership, with the majority subtropical, with an average annual

77 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT temperature of 72 degrees. Daily an agency of the Florida Department of maximum Fahrenheit temperatures in the Environmental Protection. Wekiwa summer are typically in the low to Springs Run flows about 1 mile before mid-90s. The average annual rainfall connecting with Rock Springs Run to in the Wekiva basin is 52 inches, with form the Wekiva River. June through October being the rainiest season. Wekiwa Springs is a second magnitude spring with exposed limestone from the This dynamic hydrological system and Hawthorn Formation just below the the local climate combine to provide water's surface. The spring discharges ideal conditions for a diverse variety about 48 million gallons per day of of natural communities in the river crystal clear water from at least five basin, such as pine flatwoods, wet and horizontal caverns 14 feet below the dry prairie, hydric hardwood hammocks, surface in a kidney shaped pool. The longleaf pine and wiregrass, xeric spring and its vicinity are extremely scrub oak, sand pine scrub, swamp, and popular for swimming and sunning marsh communities. These communities activities. Estimated peak summer use support numerous species of plants and of the main spring area is between animals, some of which are endangered, 1,200 and 1,500 persons per day. The threatened, or species of special bank adjacent to part of the pool has concern. been bulk-headed, and ladders provide swimmer access to the water. This document focuses on the resources Facilities near the main spring area and values of the waterways that are include a canoe concession, snack bar, designated components of the Wekiva playground, two picnic pavilions, Wild and Scenic River System. When restrooms, a visitor center, and paved Congress designated the Wekiva River parking. A portion of the slope System as a National Wild and Scenic leading down to the spring is River in October 2000, the following maintained as a grassy area for sun waterways were included given their bathing, picnicking, viewing nature, unique wild, scenic, and/or and other uses. recreational qualities:

 Wekiva River (wild segments and Rock Springs and Rock Springs Run recreational segments)  Rock Springs Run (wild segments Rock Springs, another second magnitude and recreational segments) spring, is in Kelly Park, a 237-acre park owned by Orange County. Rock  Wekiwa Springs Run (scenic Springs represents one of the few segment) areas in central Florida where the  Black Water Creek (wild, scenic, limestone of the Hawthorn Formation is and recreational segments) exposed. The primary discharge, originating at the base of a partially The Little Wekiva River and Seminole submerged limestone bluff, produces an Creek were not designated as average discharge of about 41.8 components of the wild and scenic million gallons per day. The spring river system. run begins at the spring point of discharge and continues for several hundred feet until it divides into two Wekiwa Springs and Wekiwa Springs Run flows. One flow forms a large public swimming area with concrete retaining Wekiwa Springs is an artesian flow in walls on two sides. Both flows rejoin Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is below the swimming area, and the managed by the Florida Park Service, spring run then flows northward for

78 Introduction and General Description about 1.5 miles before turning south. Rock Springs Run continues southward Black Water Creek and Seminole Creek for approximately 9 miles before meeting Wekiwa Springs Run to form the Black Water Creek is a major tributary Wekiva River. There are no road to the Wekiva River. Its headwaters crossings or bridges over Rock Springs are at Lake Dorr in the Ocala National Run. Most of the land along Rock Forest. Upstream of the confluence Springs Run is in public ownership, with Seminole Creek, Black Water Creek much of which is a floodplain. This is fed by groundwater seepage and a floodplain area is about 3 miles wide, small spring and outflow from Lake east to west. Norris. The creek falls an average of 1.9 feet per mile over 16 miles between Lake Norris and the Wekiva Wekiva River River. It has an expansive floodplain and a sinuous and braided channel with The Wekiva River flows approximately many deadwood snags. Black Water 14.2 miles from the confluence of Creek, from Lake Norris to where it Wekiwa Springs Run and Rock Springs joins the Wekiva River, is included as Run to the St. Johns River. The Wekiva part of the wild and scenic river River is fed by a combination of system. Through this stretch, Black natural springs as well as about 130 Water Creek has four crossings, square miles of watershed in north including Sand Road at mile 4.72 Orange County and northwest Seminole within Seminole State Forest, State County, and approximately 112 square Road 44 (SR 44) at river mile 11.75, miles of watershed in Lake County. County Road 44A (CR 44A)at river mile 11.8, and Lake Norris Road at about One-quarter mile downstream of its river mile 16.8. beginning, the Wekiva River receives discharge from Miami Springs (also Seminole Creek, a tributary of Black known as Sweetwater) Run/Canal. The Water Creek, originates at Seminole area between the inflow from Miami Springs and travels through Seminole Springs and about 3.75 miles farther Swamp before joining Black Water downstream, where the Little Wekiva Creek. Springs contribute a larger River enters, is called Wekiva Swamp. portion of the flow downstream of the Numerous islands characterize this confluence with Seminole Creek than area. The water is often clear, but upstream. Seminole Creek flows across can remain tannic for some time after private lands and is in near pristine a storm. Approximately 6 miles condition. downstream of Wekiwa Springs, the floodplain narrows and sediments For the purpose of this environmental change from organic silts to sand. assessment, it should be noted that From here the river meanders northeast while Black Water Creek is included as towards the St. Johns River. Wekiva part of the officially designated Falls Run/Canal, a 2,000-foot Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System, tributary originating at Wekiva Falls Seminole Creek is not. campground, merges with the Wekiva River just south of the SR 46 bridge. This bridge, at river mile 6.1, is the Little Wekiva River only crossing over the Wekiva River. Black Water Creek joins the Wekiva The Little Wekiva River basin receives River about 1 mile upstream of the drainage from an urbanized 42-square- confluence of the Wekiva River and the mile area west and north of downtown St. Johns River. Orlando. The river flows northward for 15 miles from Lake Lawne just north of

79 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT SR 50 in Orange County through public lands in an area known as the Altamonte Springs in Seminole County. Wekiva springshed. Although the The flow of the Little Wekiva is boundaries of surface watersheds are augmented by five springs. The Little relatively easy to identify, Wekiva River flows into one of the springshed boundaries are more southern arms of the Wekiva Swamp and difficult to define. Furthermore, the on into the Wekiva River about half quality and quantity of water in the way between Wekiwa Spring and where aquifer and springs is affected by the Wekiva River joins the St. Johns land uses just as surface waters are River. Although the Little Wekiva affected by land uses. provides significant source of water into the Wekiva River, it is not included in the Wekiva Wild and Scenic DEMOGRAPHICS River System. All counties in the Wekiva River basin have experienced considerable Springs population growth and urban expansion in recent decades, with the Orlando There are currently 31 named springs metropolitan area being a primary within the basin. Six of these feed growth catalyst. According to U.S. directly or indirectly into the Wekiva Census Bureau estimates for 2008, the River, four feed into Rock Springs largest percentage increase in Run, five feed into the Little Wekiva population in the study area during River, and 16 feed into the Black the past two decades occurred in Lake Water Creek and Seminole Creek County, where population rose from drainage basin. Wekiwa Springs and 152,104 in 1990 to 307,243 in 2008. Rock Springs are second magnitude This amounts to a 102% increase in springs, and the remaining 29 springs less than 20 years. Rapid growth have a lower flow. Taken together, rates have also been experienced in this complex of springs provides Seminole and Orange counties. During hundreds of millions of gallons of the same time period, Seminole County water per day into the various has had a population increase of 43% drainages of the Wekiva River basin. (from 287,529 to 410,854), and Orange County has had a 58% increase (from The water that feeds the springs, 677,491 to 1,072,801). which in turn feeds the headwaters (or spring runs) of two major tributary Of the three counties, Lake County streams for the Wekiva River, is remains the most rural county and has groundwater. Florida’s spring systems the lowest population density. are governed by complex hydrologic According to the 2000 U.S. census, forces that cause water recharge of Lake County had a population density the underlying aquifer through of 221 people per square mile, whereas permeable soils or fissures. After Orange and Seminole counties had traveling through a network of population densities of 988 and 1,186 underground karst conduits and porous people per square mile, respectively. limestone, the water eventually However, as the census information returns to the surface. The water that suggests, Lake County is becoming more appears at springs may have been under and more developed, with increased the ground for days, weeks, months, population and urbanization. The years, or decades depending upon its Interstate 4 corridor in Seminole path from the surface and through the County to the east of the Wekiva River aquifer. Much of the water in the is also being rapidly developed. These Wekiva River System comes from rain trends will likely continue, resulting that falls outside the boundaries of in (1) a decrease in the amount of

80 Introduction and General Description open space land in the Wekiva basin status. See table 3 for a listing of and springshed, and (2) an increase in public conservation lands. recreation pressure on the Wekiva River because of regional population A small portion of the northern Wekiva growth and potential development near basin is also protected as part of the the river system and surrounding Ocala National Forest. public lands.

State Lands CONSERVATION LANDS The state of Florida accounts for the More than 77,000 acres of land in the largest acreage of public land in the Wekiva basin and its environs have Wekiva River basin, in the form of been purchased for conservation and state parks, a state reserve, a state are now managed by public agencies at forest, and sovereign submerged lands the local and state levels. designated as an aquatic preserve. Furthermore, much of the Wekiva Most of Rock Springs Run, much of the National Wild and Scenic River System Wekiva River, and a significant is within or adjacent to public portion of Black Water Creek, run conservation lands (see Conservation through these state-owned lands. Thus, Lands map). This public ownership is the management of these state lands largely why the Wekiva River System plays a very important and direct role remains relatively undeveloped and in protecting and sustaining the holds its wild and scenic river Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System.

81 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

82 Introduction and General Description Conservation Lands map

83 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Back of map

Introduction and General Description

TABLE 1. PUBLIC CONSERVATION LANDS IN THE WEKIVA RIVER BASIN AREA Management Agency Area Managed * Florida Department of Environmental Protection 40,980 acres + Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve (FDEP) Florida Division of Recreation and Parks Wekiwa Springs State Park 9,492 acres ** Rock Springs Run State Reserve 14,083 acres Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park 17,405 acres ***

Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) Approximately 8,000 acres of sovereign submerged lands Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve located ―waterward‖ of ordinary high water on all of the Wekiva River, 3 miles of the Little Wekiva River, 1 mile of Rock Springs Run, and the lower 3 miles of Black Water Creek (may include portions of other lands listed) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer 27,102 acres (includes 2,939 acres owned by Services (FDACS) SJRWMD) Florida Forest Service (FFS) Seminole State Forest St. Johns River Water Management District 6,734 acres (SJRWMD) Lake Norris Conservation Area (with Lake 3,660 acres County Water Authority) Wekiva River Buffer Conservation Area 3,074 acres Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) 784 acres Lake Tracy 445 acres Bear Track Preserve 185 acres Wolfbranch Sink 154 acres Lake County 999 acres Ellis Acres Reserve/Akron Meadows 417 acres Northeast Scrub Preserve 60 acres Mt. Plymouth Lakes 184 acres South Pine Lakes Reserve 128 acres Part of Neighborhood Lakes 210 acres **** (ownership shared with SJRWMD) Orange County 560 acres Kelly Park 237 acres Lake Lucie Conservation Area (Fazio parcel) 160 acres Sandhill Preserve (Strite parcel) 83 acres Part of Pine Plantation 40 acres ***** Apopka Blue Sink (City of Apopka) 40 acres Seminole County 19 acres Wilson’s Landing Park 19 acres TOTAL 77,178 acres + Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve * Federal public lands and private conservation lands are not listed. ** This also includes portions of parcels acquired pursuant to the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act (Neighborhood Lakes and Pine Plantation) managed by FDEP as part of Wekiwa Springs State Park. Portions of Neighborhood Lakes managed by FDEP include 538 acres in state ownership, 316 acres owned jointly by SJRWMD and Orange County, and 521 acres owned by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA). OOCEA lands not required for the Wekiva Parkway will be transferred to the state for conservation. Portions of Pine Plantation managed by FDEP include 345 acres in state ownership. Additionally, FDEP manages 36 acres as part of Wekiwa Springs State Park that was acquired by the state with Pine Plantation. *** This also includes Katie’s Landing, 6 acres managed for river access in cooperation with Seminole County. ****Lake County manages 210 acre of Neighborhood Lakes that it owns jointly with SJRWMD. *****Orange County manages 40 acres of Pine Plantation that was acquired by OOCEA and transferred to the county.

85 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Division of The Lake County Water Authority (a Recreation and Parks (also known as special district created by the the Florida Park Service or FPS) Florida legislature) owns and manages manages approximately 41,000 acres of land in the Wekiva River basin state conservation land in three including Lake Tracy, Wolfbranch Sink, parks: Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Bear Track Preserve. The authority Rock Springs Run State Reserve, and also helps manage the Lake Norris Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Conservation Area. Park. These three parks include stretches of the Wekiva River, Rock Local Government Lands Springs Run, and Black Water Creek. Approximately 8000 acres of sovereign The only significant county-owned submerged lands along the Wekiva River lands that contain portions of the System, as well as a 20-mile segment designated wild and scenic river of the St Johns River are managed by system are Orange County’s Kelly Park the Florida Department of at Rock Springs and Seminole County’s Environmental Protection - Office of Wilson’s Landing Park. The 237-acre Coastal and Aquatic Managed Area as Kelly Park is managed by the Orange part of the Wekiva River Aquatic County Parks and Recreation Division Preserve. of the Community and Environmental Services Department. Kelly Park The Florida Department of Agriculture contains Rock Springs and a short and Consumer Services–Florida Forest segment of Rock Springs Run. The 19- Service (FFS) manages more than 27,000 acre Wilson’s Landing Park is managed acres which comprise Seminole State by the Seminole County Parks and Forest. The state forest contributes Recreation Division of the Leisure to connectivity between state public Services Department. Katie’s Landing, lands and the Ocala National Forest, consisting of 6 acres on the Wekiva and includes segments of Black Water River, is part of Lower Wekiva River Creek Preserve State Park and managed cooperatively by FDEP and Seminole The St. Johns River Water Management County Parks and Recreation Division. District (SJRWMD or the district) Both of these parks in Seminole County holds title to approximately 10,000 serve as boat landing sites for the acres in the basin. 2939 acres owned Wekiva River. by the district adjacent to Black Water Creek is managed by the Florida Other county and municipal parks also Forest Service as part of Seminole exist in the Wekiva River basin, but State Forest. The district’s 3660 acre these do not contain a designated part Lake Norris Conservation Area is of the Wekiva River System. managed cooperatively by the district and Lake County Water Authority. The district also owns and manages 3074 Private Conservation Lands acres of wetlands and floodplain known as the Wekiva River Buffer Audubon of Florida owns a 649 acre Conservation Area, located along the tract of land adjacent to the Wekiva Wekiva River and between the Wekiva River between river mile 9 and river and Little Wekiva rivers. Finally, the mile 10 in Seminole County that is district shares title with Orange encumbered by a conservation easement, County and Lake County to parcels and thus is held for conservation acquired for conservation near the purposes. The land is managed in future Wekiva Parkway.

86 Introduction and General Description conjunction with adjacent SJRWMD Some differences in land and water lands. management are made more apparent by comparing the recreational uses that In 2011, The Nature Conservancy are allowed on each tract of public acquired Hollywood Pines, 631 acres of land. The allowed recreational uses mostly forested wetlands abutting the will be discussed in more detail in Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve on the the ―Recreation Values‖ section later St Johns River in Lake County. The in this chapter. parcel supports habitat connectivity within the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway. The various public land agencies generally have missions that provide In addition to parcels owned by outdoor recreation and nature private conservation organizations, a experiences for the public while 1,600 acre private mitigation bank protecting natural resources. In known as ―Wekiva Mitigation Bank‖ general, most of the county parks in operates within the basin. This bank, Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties permitted by the Florida Department of are managed with a high priority Environmental Protection, is in east placed on active and passive Lake County just south of the proposed recreation in a natural setting. Wekiva Parkway and is surrounded by Although the three state parks in the Rock Springs Run State Reserve. basin (Wekiwa Springs State Park, Rock Wetland and upland restoration occurs Springs Run State Reserve, and Lower on the site in exchange for Wekiva River Preserve State Park) are development impacts elsewhere in the all managed by the Florida Division of basin. Recreation and Parks, they each have slightly different land management Several conservation easements are priorities. For example, Wekiwa held by the state of Florida or St Springs State Park has a relatively Johns River Water on private land, strong emphasis on diverse recreation which are committed to conservation opportunities and public access, and but owned and managed privately. In Rock Springs Run State Reserve and addition to a conservation easement Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park obtained through the permitting of place a higher priority on resource Wekiva Mitigation Bank, FDEP holds protection. Although the latter two easements to approximately 1600 acres parks provide ample recreational of private land within the Wekiva- opportunities and public access, the Ocala Greenway project of Lake County allowable recreational uses and access (Maxwell and Holman parcels). The St. tend to be more passive and/or Johns River Water Management District selective. in total has acquired conservation easements to over 2300 acres of Other public lands in the basin are private land in the Wekiva basin. managed by agencies that hold management priorities in conserving a particular resource, such as a forest MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC LANDS or water. Thus, although the Florida Forest Service, the St. Johns River Most publicly owned land in the Wekiva Water Management District, and the basin is generally managed and used in Lake County Water Authority all allow a way that balances resource public access and recreation, their conservation with public recreation. respective lands are managed in a way Each government agency may have its that places a high priority on own individual management priorities, protecting the resource so that the but they work together to accomplish resource may be available for future shared resource management goals. use.

87 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Exceptions to public ownership include The Florida Department of private agricultural lands and private Environmental Protection, Office of lands that are developed with Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas, residential and commercial land uses. manages more than 8,000 acres of More specifically, some existing sovereign submerged lands, designated single-family residential development as part of the Wekiva River Aquatic and a commercial outfitter are located Preserve. The aquatic preserve just downstream of Kelly Park on Rock includes the Wekiva River and the Springs Run and downstream of Wekiwa lower reaches of Rock Springs Run, Springs on the Wekiva River. Black Water Creek, and the Little Residential development and commercial Wekiva River. The Wekiva River Aquatic outfitters also exist along the middle Preserve also includes a portion of section of the Wekiva River in Lake the St. Johns River, from Interstate 4 and Seminole counties (both upstream just west of Sanford, to SR 44, just and downstream of the SR 46 bridge). west of Deland. Private agricultural lands are primarily along the Black Water Creek All of the wild and scenic river drainage basin, downstream of Lake segments covered in this plan have Norris. A large tract of private been designated as ―Outstanding agricultural and undeveloped land Florida Waters‖ (OFWs) under Chapter referred to as ―Seminole Woods‖ is 62-4 of the Florida Administrative surrounded by Seminole State Forest. Code. Although this status gives these With the exception of grazing that river segments the highest protection occurs on some of the upland fringes from water quality degradation that is of Seminole Woods and silviculture, possible under state regulatory most of this private tract is programs, it does not completely currently in an undeveloped condition. prevent surface water discharges or eliminate all sources of pollution. Larger areas of private lands exist beyond the designated waterways but Public lands are shown on the previous within the Wekiva drainage basin and Conservation Lands map. springshed. These areas include a mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. Development EXISTING LAND USES AND DEVELOPMENT ranges from agricultural uses and very ON PRIVATE LAND low-density rural-residential land uses (predominantly in east Lake As noted in the previous section, much County and northwest Orange County) to of the land adjacent to the Wekiva high-density residential, commercial, River System is in public ownership and industrial urban land uses in the and is managed according to the greater Orlando metropolitan area of conservation and recreation policies Orange and Seminole counties. of the various management entities.

OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES (RESOURCES THAT COULD BE AFFECTED)

Chapter 1 of this environmental scenery in Lake, Seminole, and Orange assessment includes a brief counties is decreasing. Thus, as description of each outstandingly population and urban growth continue, remarkable value identified in the the scenic value of the Wekiva River Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System System will be more and more important Comprehensive River Management Plan to the community and its residents. (scenic, recreation, wildlife and habitat, historic and cultural, and The scenery as one journeys down the water quality and quantity) and why it various reaches of the Wekiva River is outstandingly remarkable. This System matches the scenery that would chapter provides more detailed be expected in each segment’s descriptions and current condition of classification. The wild segments are these values. in their natural state with mostly native vegetation along the banks. The landscapes are primarily floodplain SCENIC VALUES swamp and hydric hammock on Rock Springs Run and the upper Wekiva The Wekiva River System is an River. On Wekiwa Springs Run and the exceptional visual resource on local, lower Wekiva River, a mix of upland state, and national levels. Scenic and wetland vegetation types values include the landscape within predominate close to the river until direct view of the river and existing the river enters the floodplain of the recreation sites and facilities that St. Johns River about 1 mile from the are directly related to the river. confluence. Occasionally, parts of This river system provides ample Rock Springs Run are blocked by downed opportunities for nature observation trees from storms. Although and education, nature photography, and inconvenient for boating, the downed scenery appreciation. Many of the trees can lend a sense of wilderness river segments are in a near-pristine to the river reach and improve aquatic state. As a result, they present the habitat. It should be noted, however, opportunity to see an unspoiled part that downed trees can be a significant of natural Florida. In addition to hazard to beginning paddlers. The being of high quality, the scenic Aquatic Preserve and Invasive Plant resources of the Wekiva River System Management Section of FWC spend are abundant, because the Wekiva River considerable time removing and its tributaries combine to provide navigational hazards throughout the many miles for natural exploration. Wekiva River System. The crystal clear waters of the springs and river system; the Motorized boats, particularly on the unspoiled blackwaters of Black Water Wekiva River, can create visual, Creek; and the mosaic of sandhills, auditory, and even olfactory flatwoods, hammock, scrub, and wetland disturbance for paddlers. Personal communities surrounding the river watercraft (e.g., jet skis) use may be system all contribute to make the area increasing, and if so could create a unique scenic resource of national more impacts. Low-flying airplanes, value. primarily commercial passenger jets banking overhead on approach to the Given the expanding urbanization of Sanford Airport, are a relatively central Florida, the amount and recent phenomenon. Noise and visual quality of open lands and natural disturbance associated with low-flying

89 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT aircraft can diminish the values of Rock Springs Run, requests that its scenic and wild segments of the river patrons do not take beverage system. containers on the water.

Private shoreline development in the Signs on the river can detract from form of residences, boat launch the experience if they are adrift or facilities, docks, and decks have in disrepair. The Florida Division of negatively affected scenic values of Recreation and Parks plan to clean up the river, particularly within the old signs and is in the process of recreational segments. installing new ones.

The visual impact of the SR 46 bridge, Invasive and exotic plant species also in the center of a recreational affect the scenic value of the Wekiva segment of the Wekiva River, is also a River System. When certain reaches disturbance to scenic values. Plans become infested with exotic plants or are in place for a new bridge over the algae blooms, scenic values can be Wekiva River as part of the integrated considered impaired. This adverse Wekiva Parkway/SR46 design. The new impact is particularly noticeable when bridge will have a higher structure invasive aquatic plants take over a spanning more of the riparian reach of river to a point where the corridor. surface water is no longer visible. FWC, FPS, and Aquatic Preserve staff Vandalism, soil compaction, and bank has worked for many years to control erosion occurring on Shell Island and exotic species in the Wekiva River other shell middens along the Wekiva System. River are intrusive and can damage significant cultural resources; these Black Water Creek provides the activities can also remind visitors of potential for a peaceful, scenic the outside world, potentially experience with predominantly native detracting from a wilderness riparian and floodplain vegetation. experience. Similarly, litter along Its narrow and sinuous route through the river system, along the shoreline, the Seminole State Forest, Lower and at the bottom of the river channel Wekiva River Preserve State Park, and detracts from the scenic value of the St. Johns River Water Management river system. The most common litter District lands provides for a items are beer and soda cans, challenging and excellent backcountry typically found during high use paddle. Not all of Black Water Creek seasons. Other items frequently is navigable, depending on water level encountered include plastic bags and and downed trees or other vegetation cups and Styrofoam (cups, bait cups, that may inhibit passage. Roadway coolers). Fishing line and tackle is bridges traverse Black Water Creek at occasionally found in the river or Sand Road, SR 44, CR 44A, and Lake entangled in vegetation along the Norris Road. The bridges over SR 44 shore, or overhanging the water. and CR 44A are very close together, thus magnifying the adverse impact Given the number of canoeists and upon scenic qualities where these two boaters on the Wekiva River System, roads cross the creek. litter clean-up presents a constant challenge for resource managers. Aquatic preserve staff conducts at RECREATION VALUES least 12 cleanups per year with volunteers and often pick up debris The Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs Run, during regular work activities. Kings Rock Springs Run, and Black Water Landing canoe rental, at the top of Creek serve as a major recreational

90 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) resource for central Florida, county), private businesses/boating particularly the large Orlando operations, private residential metropolitan area. Recreational properties, and the St. Johns River. activities in the Wekiva basin include Designated public access along the canoeing/kayaking, bank fishing, boat Wekiva River includes Wilson’s Landing fishing from motor and nonmotorized County Park and Katie’s Landing, with boats, personal watercraft use, Wekiwa Springs State Park providing picnicking, camping (primitive, public access on Wekiwa Springs Run. developed, and horse), tubing, Private canoe/kayak facilities that swimming, snorkeling, wildlife offer access along the Wekiva River watching, hiking, horseback riding, are currently Wekiva Island and Wekiva and hunting. The Wekiva River/Rock Falls Resort. A private canoe/kayak Springs Run Canoe Trail is officially concessionaire also operates within designated as part of Florida’s Wekiwa Springs State Park. statewide system of greenways and trails. Wekiwa Springs State Park. This state park is at the headwaters of the For the purposes of this assessment, Wekiva River and offers a glimpse of access points for recreation are what central Florida looked like when defined as areas where people can the Timucuan Indians fished and hunted access the river system from public or along the river banks long ago. The private lands. Rest stops are places nearly 9500-acre park has more than where people recreating stop their 215,000 visitors and more than 55,000 boats and temporarily get out. campers a year. The main spring area Takeouts are places where people is the most used area in the park, remove their boats from the water or particularly during the peak season. complete their trip and exit the Recreational opportunities at Wekiwa river. Access points, rest stops, and Springs State Park include swimming, takeouts are either designated or hiking, biking, horseback riding, nondesignated, and can be on public or snorkeling, wildlife watching, tubing, private land. picnicking, camping, and canoeing/ kayaking. Wekiwa Springs State Park The recreational opportunities on the Nature Adventures is the park’s canoe/ various waterways of the Wekiva Wild kayak concessionaire that rents and Scenic River System are described approximately 200 boats per day on below. See the previous Conservation weekends and 60 boats per day on week- Lands map for the locations of public days during the busiest season (March lands associated with river-based to November). A concession stand recreation in the Wekiva River System. provides refreshments. Picnic areas and shelters are provided in the areas around Wekiwa Springs and Sand Lake. A Wekiva River and Wekiwa Springs Run playground is located in the spring picnic area, along with a volleyball The Wekiva River and Wekiwa Springs area and horseshoe pit. A museum and Run comprise one of the few remaining visitor center houses exhibits on near-pristine riverine systems in natural and cultural history. The park central Florida, and their natural has 9 miles of equestrian trails, 8 springs have been enjoyed by people miles of biking trails (plus use of since Native Americans first occupied equestrian trails for biking), and this area. Today, people come to the 13.5 miles of trails for hiking. river and run to enjoy the Wekiwa Springs State Park also opportunities provided by their cool, provides 60 full-facility campsites clear waters and diverse ecosystems. (water, electricity, fire pit, picnic Access is from public lands (state and table, and restroom/ showers), along

91 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT with a primitive camping area. Park. The site began as a fish camp, Primitive camping opportunities canoe operation, and private provided along Rock Springs Run within campground in the late 1940s and was Wekiwa Springs State Park include two sold to the state in 2001. The canoe camping sites (Otter Camp and Florida Department of Environmental Big Buck Camp). Protection will continue to manage Katie’s Landing as a canoe/kayak Lower Wekiva River Preserve State launch and takeout site and provide Park. This park spans about 6 miles parking, restrooms, and a picnic of the St. Johns River, the lower 4 facility. In the future, the boat miles of the Wekiva River, as well as concessionaire at Wekiwa Springs State the lower reaches of Black Water Park may offer a shuttle service to Creek. This system of blackwater pick up boaters who rent canoes and streams and wetlands provides habitat kayaks at the state park upstream. for black bears (Ursus americanus Swimming and motorized boat launching floridanus), river otters (Lutra is not permitted due to the Canadensis), American alligators surrounding shallow waters and fragile (Alligator missippiensis), and wood eelgrass beds. storks (Mycteria americana). Although natural resource protection is a Wilson's Landing. This landing is a priority in this state park of 19-acre Seminole County facility approximately 17,400 acres, some developed in 2004 that includes a limited recreational opportunities are small pavilion, a pier on the Wekiva available. Recreational activities River, restrooms, and paved parking include canoeing/kayaking, horseback area. Wilson’s Landing has functioned riding, primitive horse camping, as an unofficial launch and takeout hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. site for canoes and kayaks. Canoeists and kayakers can travel through the park along the St. Johns Rock Spring Run State Reserve. This River, the Wekiva River, and Black reserve also includes a large stretch Water Creek. However, the park’s only of the Wekiva River, which runs along designated launch/ takeout access its eastern boundary. Rock Springs Run point is at Katie’s Landing (described State Reserve is described below in below in more detail). Visitors can the recreation summary for Rock use the self-guided 2.5-mile nature Springs Run. trail at the south end of the park to get an overview of the park, or they Wekiwa Springs State Park — Nature can travel some of the 18 miles of Adventures. This private multiuse trails on foot, horseback, or concessionaire operates out of Wekiwa bike in the northern portion of the Springs State Park. This park. Horses are not allowed in the concessionaire provides canoe and southern portion of the park. The kayak rentals and guided river tours. Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park Visitors launch from the spring and also offers primitive horse camping can paddle down Wekiwa Springs Run opportunities in designated areas of about 1 mile to the Wekiva River or the northern portion of the park. farther. In the future paddlers may Horse stalls and corrals are have the option of continuing on to available. Camping reservations are Katie’s Landing and be returned to the made via Wekiwa Springs State Park. park by the concessionaire.

Katie’s Landing. This landing is a Wekiva Island. This is a privately public canoe/kayak launch site just owned facility that offers an north of SR 46, and is managed as part opportunity for motorboat, canoe, and of Lower Wekiva River Preserve State kayak launching in addition to bait,

92 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) tackle, food sales. Limited motorboat access Rock Springs Run at Kings storage is also available. This Landing, a private outfitter about a private facility also rents canoes and 0.5 mile downstream from Kelly Park, kayaks. Wekiva Island is also used as or from the Wekiva River farther a takeout point for boats that are downstream. Navigating Rock Springs rented from Kings Landing along Rock Run can be a challenge for beginning Springs Run. paddlers because of fallen trees and submerged vegetation in the run. Three Wekiva Falls Resort. This resort, primitive canoe/kayak campsites along along the Wekiva River, offers the run can be reserved through Wekiwa motorboat tours of the river (seating Springs State Park. capacity of more than 20 people per boat), as well as canoe and kayak Kelly Park. This park is Orange rentals. Resort guests can also use County’s highest use park and is home the marina to launch their boats. to the headwaters of Rock Springs Run. Wekiva Falls Resort has more than 800 Rock Springs bubbles up from a cleft recreational vehicle (RV) sites, along in a limestone outcropping and feeds with laundry, showers, a fishing and the run as it flows to the Wekiva camping supply store, picnic sites, River. The 237-acre park is a popular and a swimming beach surrounding a getaway for local residents and large artesian well that flows to the visitors alike, and it is managed by Wekiva River. the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division (a branch of the Community Wekiva River Haven. This privately and Environmental Services owned facility is downstream of Department). The park has about Katie’s Landing and has closed in 300,000 visitors per year. During the recent years. Before closure, this summer the park often reaches facility rented small motorboats and capacity, causing many potential catered primarily to anglers by visitors to be refused entry. offering bait, food, and other Recreational activities in Kelly Park supplies. The future use and include swimming, snorkeling, tubing, management of this property is picnicking, hiking, biking, unknown. volleyball, wildlife watching, and camping (25 full-facility campsites and a primitive camping area). Many Rock Springs Run visitors rent or bring inner tubes and put them in at Rock Springs. Visitors Rock Springs Run’s diverse scenery, then tube down the 1-mile run to the unique plant communities, and main swimming area. The 20-to 30- excellent paddling opportunities make minute trip winds through limestone it a popular recreation destination. outcroppings and natural pools that The run twists and turns for 8 miles attract many swimmers during warm as it winds its way to the Wekiva months. An extensive series of River through various habitats boardwalks allows access to different including pine flatwoods, marshes, and areas of the park while lessening subtropical and dense hardwood impacts to the shoreline. forests. A few private homes and cabins can be seen for the first 0.25 Rock Springs Run State Reserve. This mile of the run, but the remainder of reserve spans the shoreline of both the run is undeveloped and generally Rock Springs Run and the Wekiva River. pristine as it flows through public Sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, land. Rock Springs and the upper parts swamps, and miles of pristine of Rock Springs Run can be accessed at shoreline make this reserve Kelly Park. Canoeists and kayakers can encompassing over 14,000 acres a

93 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT refuge of natural beauty. Although Wekiwa Springs State Park. This park there are no boat launches on the also includes a large stretch of Rock Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run Springs Run, which runs along its within the reserve, boaters can travel northern border. Wekiwa Springs State through the reserve on both waterways Park is described in the recreation after accessing the river system at a summary for the Wekiva River and designated launch sites upstream or Wekiwa Springs Run. downstream. Reserve visitors can also enjoy bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, canoe camping, horse camping, Black Water Creek and wildlife watching, and hunting. The reserve provides more than 15 This creek flows out of Lake Norris miles of multiuse trails for hiking, and runs through St Johns River Water biking, and equestrian use. Primitive Management District lands, Seminole camping opportunities include two State Forest, a large forested, canoe camping sites (Indian Mound Camp private property, and Lower Wekiva on Rock Springs Run and Buffalo Tram River Preserve State Park on its way Camp on the Wekiva River). Guided to the Wekiva River. As its name trail rides and horse rentals are implies, Black Water Creek is a available. The Florida Park Service beautiful, dark stream, the result of also recently contracted with a tannic conditions in the water. concessionaire to operate a Wekiva Although several miles long, the creek River launch access in the reserve. As is much less accessible than other with Seminole State Forest, hunting is parts of the river system. Black Water allowed in part of Rock Springs Run Creek only has one public canoe State Reserve designated as a wildlife facility at Lake Norris Conservation management area at selected times Area and a few minimally developed during hunting season. No camping or launch sites downstream in Seminole horseback riding is allowed during State Forest lands. Dense vegetation scheduled hunting days. and downed trees make boating on Black Water Creek challenging, but this Kings Landing. This landing is a limited access and undeveloped private canoe livery on the western surroundings provide solitude and end of Rock Springs Run, just backcountry paddling. The creek is not downstream from Kelly Park. The navigable between Lake Norris Road and business currently rents about 100 the confluence of Seminole Creek. canoes per month, with an anticipation (Signs have been installed along the of increased use in the future. Kings creek south of Lake Norris Road, north Landing has been in existence for of CR44A and south of SR44 to warn the decades and was shut down for several public of this condition.) The portion months after the 2004 and 2005 of Black Water Creek within Seminole hurricanes caused widespread damage State Forest east of the confluence and blockage of the run. The business with Seminole Creek and continuing to was purchased in 2007 by its current the Wekiva River is periodically owner who has renovated the facility. cleared to allow passage of small Canoe renters from Kings Landing have watercraft. Access to this section is an 8-mile run down Rock Springs Run to typically from the Black Water Creek Wekiva Island at the upper reach of Day Use area in Seminole State Forest. the Wekiva River. The Wekiva Island Small nonmotorized boats are also operator provides a takeout ramp and sometimes able to access the lower space for vehicle parking and canoe reach of Black Water Creek from its storage for Kings Landing customers. confluence with the Wekiva River. There are no private concessionaires on Black Water Creek.

94 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) amount of planted pine. Available Seminole State Forest. This state recreation activities include hiking, forest includes more than 27,000 acres wildlife viewing, primitive camping, and is managed by the Florida Forest fishing, horseback riding, bicycling, Service (a branch of the Florida and canoeing. Canoes are available for Department of Agriculture and Consumer public use through the Lake County Services). This ecologically diverse Water Authority, which helps manage forest contains 13 different natural the conservation area. Motorized communities — almost all of the vehicles are prohibited. naturally occurring vegetative communities found in central Florida. Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Recreation opportunities in the forest Park. This park also lies along a include hiking, picnicking, camping, significant stretch of Black Water fishing, wildlife watching, biking, Creek. Lower Wekiva River Preserve and hunting. Forest access is State Park is described in the available from SR 44 and SR 46; recreational summary for the Wekiva however, a state forest use permit is River and Wekiwa Springs Run. required for drive-in access. Day use entrance fees are collected at self- service pay stations near the entrance WILDLIFE AND HABITAT VALUES gates. Seminole State Forest provides three designated river access points The complex hydrology of the Wekiva suitable for nonmotorized boats along River basin and area’s climate combine Black Water Creek. Two of the access to create favorable conditions for a points are from campsites and one is a variety of natural communities. Some day use launch site. There are no boat of these natural communities include access points on the Wekiva River. pine flatwoods, wet and dry prairie, More than 20 miles of multiuse trails hydric hardwood hammocks, longleaf are available for hiking, biking, and pine and wiregrass, xeric scrub oak, equestrian use. Seminole State Forest sand pine scrub, swamp, and marsh also provides one primitive canoe communities. These support a campsite on Black Water Creek biologically diverse collection of (Moccasin Springs Camp), four upland, wetland, and aquatic species, primitive campsites along hiking including several that are listed at trails, and two large primitive group the state or federal level as campsites in open fields. As with Rock endangered, threatened, or species of Springs Run State Reserve, hunting is special concern. allowed in part of Seminole State Forest designated as a wildlife Consistent with the National Wild and management area at selected times Scenic River designation, wildlife during hunting season. considered in this environmental assessment will be limited to those Lake Norris Conservation Area. This species whose lives are directly area was purchased by the St. Johns linked to the river system. The River Water Management District to Florida black bear is included for its protect the extensive hardwood swamp regional importance as an umbrella on the western shore of the lake and species and its regular use of the shoreline of Black Water Creek. floodplain swamps along the Wekiva Lake Norris is a spectacular River system. The most relevant area blackwater lake that supports a of the basin to be considered in this variety of bird life, including environmental assessment, relative to abundant osprey. The upland portion of wildlife and habitat, is the 100-year the conservation area consists of floodplain and the Wekiva River improved pasture, scrub, and a small Riparian Habitat Protection Zone.

95 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Invasive exotic species, where they habitat not included in this represent a threat to the continued environmental assessment. Please refer existence of native species, will be to the committee’s management plan for considered within this value. additional information (contact the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System For the purposes of fulfilling Advisory Management Committee). requirements of NEPA, the wildlife species and habitat included in this analysis will be limited to the Background species that are: (a) listed as threatened or endangered at a state or The Wekiva River System watershed is a federal level; and (b) could be mosaic of upland, wetland, and aquatic affected by the proposed action. habitats at the southern end of an Species listed as species of special important wildlife corridor that concern in the state do not connects the Wekiva basin to the Ocala necessitate NEPA analysis. However, National Forest. An extensive this analysis includes some additional floodplain of hardwood forest, as much information on certain species of as three miles wide, provides habitat special concern to help tell the story for several species designated as of the overall ecological system in endangered, threatened, or species of the Wekiva basin. special concern. The Wekiva basin is at a transitional area between It should be noted that during the temperate and subtropical climatic completion of this environmental zones. The species overlaps result in assessment, the Florida Fish and one of the richest floral compositions Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in Florida (NPS 1999). Unusual plant decided to revise its state species found in the Wekiva basin methodology for designating species as include red buckeye, chinquapin, and endangered, threatened, or species of Carolina basswood, species more special concern. As a result, the commonly associated with Appalachia. status of several species identified This richness extends also to plant in this environmental assessment will communities, with fourteen different change. native plant communities identified in the Wekiva basin: In the future, FWC will recognize federally listed species as wet flatwoods ―federally-designated endangered‖ and baygall ―federally-designated threatened‖. mesic flatwoods Species uniquely identified by FWC as floodplain swamp being at risk of extinction will be scrubby flatwoods identified as ―state-designated hydric hammock threatened‖. The state species of sandhills special concern category will be flatwoods/prairie/marsh lake maintained until all species in it are scrub reviewed and either identified as spring-run stream state-designated threatened or removed upland hardwood forest and from the list. Species removed from blackwater stream the state list will continue to be upland mixed forest managed by FWC according to management aquatic and terrestrial cave plan that have or will be developed. xeric hammock

The management plan for the Wekiva This diverse array of natural Wild and Scenic River System provides communities is home to a wide variety additional information on wildlife and of wildlife species. For example, one

96 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) of the state’s largest populations of Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the Florida black bear, currently listed Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation by the state of Florida as a Commission (FWC). Federally listed threatened species, uses the protected species are protected under the terms riparian corridor and surrounding and provisions of the Endangered habitat to move between the Ocala Species Act, and state-listed species National Forest and large patches of are protected under Rules 68A-27.003, conservation lands that comprise the 68A-27.004, and 68A-27.005 of the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway in Orange, Florida Administrative Code. All of Seminole, and Lake counties. The wood these species are also monitored and stork (Mycteria americana), a federal tracked by the Florida Natural Areas endangered species, nests in cypress Inventory (FNAI). trees in the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve and is often observed As noted above, although state foraging in the river shallows. The designated species of special concern bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), live in the Wekiva basin area, this protected under the federal Bald and NEPA analysis focuses only on state Golden Eagle Protection Act, can also and federally designated threatened be seen along the river system. The and endangered species. A list of little blue heron (Egretta caerulea), threatened, endangered, and species of tri-colored heron (Egretta tricolor), special concern that may exist in the and limpkin (Aramus guarauna) are Wekiva basin area, in addition to the state species of special concern. state and federal status of each, are identified in appendix C. The river system also provides food and habitat for the river otter (Lutra Four federally-listed special status canadensis) and American alligator species were originally identified for (Alligator mississippiensis). West compliance review pursuant to Section Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus), 7 of the Endangered Species Act by state and federally listed as this environmental assessment — the endangered, have been observed in the Florida scrub jay, eastern indigo lower reaches of the Wekiva River and snake, East Indian manatee, and wood more recently in upstream locations. stork. The Florida scrub jay is present in scrub and scrubby flatwood Two aquatic invertebrates unique to habitats of the Wekiva basin, the Wekiva River are the Wekiwa including some areas in proximity to Springs hydrobe (Aphaostracon monas) the river system; however the species and the Wekiwa siltsnail (Cincinnatia is not typically associated with the wekiwae) (NPS 1999), found in and water-course of the Wekiva River around the spring area of Wekiwa System or wetlands and floodplain Springs State Park. In addition, the areas adjoining the river system that Orlando cave crayfish (Procabarus fall within the scope of wildlife and acherontis) groundwater sites habitat values addressed by this associated with six or seven spring environmental assessment. cave systems of the lower Wekiva River basin (FDEP 2005). Alternative A corresponds to the continuation of current management activities, and therefore is not Special Status Species likely to adversely affect special status species. Alternative B Special status species in the Wekiva corresponds to the continuation of River basin are those listed as current management activities, in endangered, threatened, or species of addition to several new or enhanced special concern by the U.S. Fish and initiatives intended to further

97 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT protect wildlife and habitat number of human-bear conflict associated with the Wekiva River reports from 1978 to 2002 (3,027). System, and therefore is also not These conflicts include bears likely to adversely affect special breaking into food storage areas, status species. ransacking garbage, and occasionally attacking livestock. A The following is additional chronic problem within information on some special status neighborhoods near bear habitat is species. Once again, although The that individual bears routinely National Environmental Policy Act does seek out garbage from dumpsters or not require the analysis of state garbage that is left in unsecured species of special concern, some of containers outside of residences. the following species narratives are The act of intentionally feeding a provided as background information bear is prohibited in Florida, yet about the Wekiva River System. enforcement is nearly impossible.

Florida black bear (Ursus If a bear has been fed or learns to americanus floridanus) — The consider developed areas as Florida black bear is a species of reliable food sources, consequences regional importance that uses the to the bear can be tragic. When a Wekiva basin, and is currently human/bear conflict becomes listed as threatened by the state. significant, the Florida Fish and Florida black bears occupy a Wildlife Conservation Commission diversity of habitats including may be contacted by a resident who upland forests, wetlands, and expects that the particular bear floodplains. They also frequent the will be trapped and relocated. . riparian corridor. The Florida Trapping and relocating bears black bear is considered an (usually to the Ocala National umbrella species because successful Forest) was attempted in the past; protection of its habitat will however those efforts were time- benefit not only the bear, but many consuming and often unsuccessful. other species within the basin that Therefore today FWC staff collectively constitute a healthy frequently resorts to euthanasia. ecosystem. The bears in the Wekiva River basin are considered part of A multifaceted approach is the larger Ocala bear population, currently used to address bear one of eight recognized bear conflicts within and around the populations in Florida. The Ocala Wekiva basin park system. Bear- population is medium in size proof dumpsters and trash relative to the state’s other receptacles for the parks have been populations, yet it has the highest purchased with funds contributed by roadkill mortality rate. Between Defenders of Wildlife or through 1976 and 2002, 503 of the 1,340 regular state agency budgets. bears killed on Florida roads were Additional bear-proof receptacles from the Ocala population. Bear- have been donated by the U.S. human conflicts are on the rise Forest Service. Educational statewide, primarily on private materials regarding bear-human properties adjacent to or near conflicts include materials conservation lands. There has not designed by the Florida Fish and been a documented incident of a Wildlife Conservation Commission, a black bear harming a person in presentation on bears developed by Florida; however, humans have state staff, and printed materials substantial impacts on bears. The provided to residents of nearby Ocala bear population led in the subdivisions.

98 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) season and the presence of West Indian manatee (Trichechus sufficient water to support manatus) — Manatees are occasional alligators that patrol the waters visitors to the lower Wekiva River and consume raccoons, the primary but typically do not venture far nest predator of wood storks. Wood upriver. For the past several storks forage in shallow (6‖–10‖) years, however, manatees have been waters of marshes, swamps, ditches, observed at Wekiwa Springs, Wekiva canals, and lakes where fish are Island, and other upstream concentrated. Below-normal rainfall locations. Although the St. Johns and the resulting lack of adequate River has been designated as local food resources may have critical habitat for this federally prevented nesting in recent years. endangered species, no waters of the Wekiva River System, addressed Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) — The by this Environmental Assessment, limpkin is currently listed as a are so designated. More boat state species of special concern. traffic entering the Wekiva River Monthly surveys of limpkins and from the St. Johns River could other bird species have been expose manatees to increased conducted by volunteers and Wekiva propeller-caused injuries and River Aquatic Preserve staff in disturbance, especially given the recent years. When compared to narrow and shallow dimensions of surveys conducted in 1992 and 2002, the Wekiva River. the recent surveys indicate a stable population of limpkins in Bald eagle (Haliaeetus the Wekiva basin. The channeled leucocephalus) — Formerly listed as apple snail, or golden snail threatened under the federal (Pomacea canaliculata), a large Endangered Species Act, the bald invasive exotic, has been found in eagle was removed in June 2007 nearby Lake Brantley and may soon because of significant gains in its infest the Wekiva River. It is population. The bald eagle, unknown what effects these exotic however, remains protected under snails may have on the limpkin’s the federal Bald and Golden Eagle main food source, native apple Protection Act. Bald eagles are snails (Pomacea paludosa) or their frequently seen along the Wekiva habitat, and ultimately on limpkins River System preying on fish. There themselves. Channeled apple snails are eight known bald eagle nest feed on eelgrass and are serious sites within the Wekiva River pests in a number of other Protection Area. Annual nest survey countries. flights are conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Bluenose shiner (Pteronotropis Conservation Commission. welaka) — The bluenose shiner has been reported to occur within the Wood stork (Mycteria americana) — Wekiva River System and a limited The wood stork rookery in the number of sites in the panhandle of northeastern area of the basin has Florida. However, its population been unoccupied since at least numbers are not well known in 1999, probably because of either region. It is currently unsuitable water levels in the listed as a species of greatest basin that adversely impact nesting conservation need by the Florida success. Wood stork nesting success Fish and Wildlife Conservation depends on two primary factors — Commission. One specimen of this the availability of adequate food rare minnow species was collected sources at the onset of the nesting during a fish and macroinvertebrate

99 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT study of the Wekiva River in 1999. conservation of these The authors of the report noted invertebrates. that it was found in eelgrass habitat, an important habitat for a number of aquatic species. Habitat Connectivity

Orlando cave crayfish (Procambarus The Wekiva basin is recognized as the acherontis), Wekiwa Springs hydrobe southern part of a contiguous (Aphaostracon monas), and Wekiwa landscape of ecologically connected siltsnail (Cincinnatia wekiwae) — habitat extending from Wekiwa Springs These species are endemic to the State Park northward through the Wekiva River basin and are waterways, wetlands, and uplands of designated as species of Greatest the Wekiva and St Johns river basins Conservation Need by the Florida and into the Ocala National Forest. Fish and Wildlife Conservation The overall health the Wekiva basin Commission because of their ecosystem and the biodiversity of geographically narrow distribution natural communities in it are and because the status and trend of inextricably linked to this larger their populations are unknown (FWC conservation landscape. Establishing a 2007). They are candidates for secure and contiguous corridor of state listing as species of special public conservation lands in this area concern, awaiting further informa- has been a focus of attention of the tion on their current status. Florida Forever Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Project and past land acquisition The Wekiwa Springs hydrobe and programs. Protecting wildlife and Wekiwa siltsnail were discovered in habitat values of the federal Wekiva the 1970s in and near the main Wild and Scenic River System over the spring area of Wekiwa Springs State long term will depend largely on Park, on vegetation and in sand successful completion of this state within the spring boil and in the land acquisition effort. very upper reaches of the spring run. The Orlando cave crayfish is restricted to groundwater sites Management Issues associated with six or seven spring cave systems of the lower Wekiva Invasive and Exotic Species. The River basin (FDEP 2005). This aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial species has been recorded inside habitats in the Wekiva River basin are Wekiwa Springs State Park and is all directly affected by the seen periodically in the spring at introduction and spread of invasive, the mouth of the underwater cavern. exotic plant and animal species. Because these opportunistic species A survey of the Wekiwa Springs often outcompete native species and State Park during May 2002 did not degrade or displace native habitat, find the Orlando cave crayfish. A the overall biodiversity of the Wekiva survey in 1997 also failed to basin and its natural ecosystems are detect any of the three species, threatened by such species. The and the report cited the need to presence and abundance of invasive and sample specifically for these exotic species can be used as an species within the caves and indicator of ecosystem health. springheads. Water quality and quantity and overall condition of Invasive aquatic plants, listed by the the springs are probably the most Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, important issues regarding the such as wild taro (Colocasia esculenta), hydrilla (Hydrilla

100 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) verticillata), water lettuce (Pistia Springs Run and along one section of stratiotes), and water hyacinth the Wekiva River near Katie’s Landing (Eichhornia crassipes), may adversely have been reduced significantly and affect aquatic habitats. These are currently under maintenance invasive aquatic plants are considered control. one of the biggest challenges for public land managers in the Wekiva Some notable invasive and exotic basin. East Indian hygrophila faunal species in the Wekiva River (Hygrophila hydrosperma), an exotic basin are described below. invasive aquatic plant, is established in the Little Wekiva River, but is not Armored catfish (Pterygoplichthys yet widespread in the basin. disjunctivus) — Armored catfish have been seen in large numbers in The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve and Wekiwa Springs. These fish feed on the Florida Fish and Wildlife algae attached to rocks, logs, Conservation Commission Invasive Plant vegetation, and even manatees which Management Section (IPMS) manage these are clearly agitated by them. exotic aquatic plants with periodic Armored catfish excreta is likely herbicide treatments. Wild taro is contributing to increased nutrient especially difficult to control, levels that may further exacerbate requiring multiple treatments each algal blooms and weed infestations. season. Wild taro grows along stream State park staff observations banks and forms large floating mats indicate that these fish are that can impede navigation. Floating increasing erosion of shorelines by mats are generally not treated with burrowing to create spawning herbicides because of their potential cavities. Since 2003, state to break up into smaller pieces and biologists and volunteers have spread to new sites downstream. removed many armored catfish from the Wekiwa Springs area. This IPMS coordinates and contracts with removal is conducted during most of private companies to manage exotic the year and as often as weekly aquatic plants in the Wekiva River during winter cold spells when the System and maintain navigability. The fish tend to concentrate near the aquatic preserve staff focus primarily spring. on various exotic species that the contractor does not treat such as Brown hopolo (Hoplosternum Chinese tallow, para grass, wild taro, littorale) - Brown hopolo were and torpedo grass. Aquatic preserve confirmed in Rock Springs Run in records indicate about 40 acres of 2005. These exotic fish typically exotics are treated each year. One thrive in weedy areas with low staff member works almost full time on oxygen levels. Currently, the brown exotics control and also conducts hopolo is not being targeted for special herbicide treatments for control because further research is hydrilla in Wekiwa Lagoon. Although needed to assess the impact of this this work keeps exotics in check, all fish on the Wekiva River System. of these exotics are prolific, and it is extremely difficult to eliminate Channeled apple snail (Pomacea them. Aquatic preserve staff also canaliculata) — The channeled apple control the proliferation of nuisance snail is an invasive exotic snail cattail (Typha sp.), a native plant from South America that is found in that may impede navigation in some Lake Brantley, near the Wekiva areas of the river system if not River. Although a great potential managed. Nuisance cattails formerly exists for invasion, this species present along one section of Rock has not yet been observed in the

101 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Wekiva River System. The channeled apple snail is much larger than the Road Mortality. Roads in the Wekiva native apple snail that limpkins basin have the highest rate of bear depend upon for food. This species mortality in the state. One hundred has been known to feed on eelgrass bears, the highest rate among all and other native aquatic counties, were killed in vehicle vegetation. The impacts from these collisions in Lake County between 1976 snails on native apple snails and and 1995. State Road (SR) 46 and SR 19 native plants, invertebrates, and in Lake County were identified as fishes are unknown and difficult to having the highest rate of roadkills predict. It is known that channeled during that time period. Wekiva River apple snails feed on eelgrass and State Park staff conducted a study of are serious pests in a number of wildlife use and roadkills near the countries. Limpkins are known to original SR 46 wildlife underpass from feed on channeled apple snails in November 2001 to August 2003, other aquatic systems. including deployment of cameras, installation and maintenance of Habitat Fragmentation. Habitat vegetation to guide wildlife to the fragmentation is the result of large underpass, and conducting track counts blocks of contiguous landscape being near those locations. Wildlife broken into smaller patches, often underpasses on SR 46 and other roads separated by roads and subdivisions. have been shown to decrease roadkill Although much of the Wekiva basin is of bears and other wildlife, ; however in public conservation, it is not all animals, including bear, still die on contiguous. Critical corridors for roads in the basin. To accommodate the wildlife movement contain unprotected safe passage of wildlife, plans for parcels in private ownership, leaving the Wekiva Parkway include elevating them vulnerable to fragmentation. sections of the new parkway system, Roads and development contribute to and relocating the junction of SR 46 habitat fragmentation that and CR 46A outside the primary particularly affects wide-ranging ecological corridor. mammals like the Florida black bear. Birds can also be affected by Recreational Impacts on Wildlife and fragmentation if patches of required Habitat (see also Recreation Values). habitat are not located within Recreation is included here as an sufficient proximity to each other to issue to the extent that it impacts allow population dispersion. wildlife and habitat values. Certain forms of recreation, such as the use Fragmentation causes both a direct and of jet skis and motorboats, may be indirect loss of wildlife habitat. incompatible with the protection of Black bears, for example, favor large habitat and wildlife, depending on the blocks of natural habitat and tend to location or extent of their use. For avoid small patches, roads, and example, motorized watercraft can developments. Thus a divided landscape create noise or wakes that disturb — even one consisting of quality wildlife, and boat propellers can habitat — may lose functionality. damage eelgrass beds or harm manatees. Fragmentation also makes it difficult Even nonmotorized boating can have to maintain natural communities and substantial effects on wildlife manage habitat for wildlife use habitat if the amount of human use is through actions such as prescribed excessive or the timing or location of fire. The ultimate results of the use is inappropriate. Given the fragmentation are diminished heavy recreational use of the Wekiva biodiversity and a loss of usable River System, these types of adverse habitat for wildlife.

102 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) impacts on wildlife and wildlife burns on Wekiwa Springs State Park, habitat already exist in some areas. Rock Springs Run State Reserve, and Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Litter and discarded monofilament Park. According to the management plan fishing line in the river or tangled for these three state parks, the in the tree canopy also pose a threat Florida Park Service attempts to burn to wildlife. at least 6,000 acres of the Wekiva River Basin State Parks each year. The It should be noted that nature-based ability to carry out these programs, recreation and ecotourism, when however, can be hindered by budgetary properly managed, can be an important or staff limitations. asset to the protection of wildlife and habitat by building public aware- In some areas, the ability to conduct ness and appreciation for the Wekiva prescribed burns has been made River System and the national wild & difficult by residential or commercial scenic river program. development located next to or within habitats that require fire, creating Prescribed Fire. Prescribed fire is access and safety issues. Also an important land management tool for residents and businesses often do not maintaining a healthy ecosystem. appreciate the importance of Although fire is often associated with prescribed fire or the dangers of fire the management of upland systems, it suppression. As a result, in some also plays a role in the management of areas land managers have had to resort wetlands and other natural to less effective and more costly communities, including ecotones, that mechanical means of reducing fuel provide important habitat. Fire is a loads. Expanded education and outreach natural component of Florida’s programs for private landowners and ecology, so without it natural business owners in the area would help communities may become overgrown, less improve their understanding of the diverse, or transition to other importance of prescribed fires and the habitat types. Some plant species even dangers of fire suppression. require fire as part of their reproductive life cycle. A regular Nutrient Load Impacts on Biodiversity regimen of burning that mirrors the (See also Water Quality and Quantity frequency of fires that occurred Value). Nutrient loading is included naturally before European settlement here as an issue to the extent that it can significantly contribute to the impacts wildlife and habitat values. health of natural systems. Prescribed Aquatic species and rare invertebrates fire also reduces vegetative fuel associated with spring vents are loads, which decreases the risk of particularly sensitive to water very intense, uncontrolled wildfires quality and an imbalance in nutrient that can be devastating to both content. In addition, invasive aquatic natural systems and private property. species, including algae, thrive on higher nutrient levels in the water. For example, the Florida Forest The proliferation of algae and other Service uses prescribed fire to manage invasive species can have many adverse Seminole State Forest. This is biological effects on individual critical for the maintenance of scrub aquatic wildlife species and natural habitat, which is important to the communities. Increased quantities and Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma frequencies of invasive aquatic coerulescens), a federal and state species and algae in springs, spring threatened species. The Florida Forest runs, and the river channel are Service also works with the Florida symptomatic of a growing problem Park Service to conduct prescribed within the Wekiva River System.

103 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Archaic Period (8000–6000 BC) The natural background level of continued the tradition of hunters and nitrates in Florida springs is gatherers but with increased typically 0.2 milligrams/liter (mg/L) populations. The most readily or less. The Florida Springs Task identifiable sites are the mounds and Force, in its November 2000 report, middens along riverbanks. These identified 1.0 mg/L as a threshold at features are typically domestic refuse which normal spring biological heaps of shell, stone tools, animal functions are degraded. The recently bone, ceramics, and other artifacts. A adopted total maximum daily loads mound or midden may also contain human (TMDLs) identify targets specific to burials, ceremonial artifacts, and the Wekiva River System to be 0.065 other grave items. mg/L for total phosphorus and 0.286 mg/L for nitrates. Springs in the The first major occupation of the St. Wekiva River System have already Johns River valley occurred during the exceeded this level. Mount Taylor Period (6000–2000 BC), as evidenced by large freshwater shell middens; burials in a wet environment; HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE and stemmed, broad-bladed projectile VALUES points. The Orange Period (2000–500 BC) marked the appearance of ceramics, Historic and cultural resource values an apparent increase in population comprise the cultural resource types size, sociopolitical complexity, and recognized and described by the territorial range. The St. Johns National Park Service: archeological Period (500 BC– AD1565) showed a resources, historic structures, continued preference for mound cultural landscapes, ethnographic building, but the later part of the resources, and museum collections. period was also marked by profound This environmental assessment changes in Native American life, primarily addresses archeological including European influences. resources that are the physical European artifacts are occasionally evidence of past human activity and found in St. Johns Period burial can represent both prehistoric and mounds and middens (Milanich and historic occupations. Fairbanks 1980; Milanich 1994). Most of the sites in the Wekiva River basin date from the Orange and St. Johns II Historical Overview periods (ca. 2500 BC to post AD 800) (Weisman 1993). For millennia, the Wekiva basin area has provided abundant natural Although central Florida was not resources for human occupation. The occupied by Europeans during most of spring runs, rivers, hardwood the Spanish-British period, Hernando hammocks, and dense forests offered DeSoto’s Florida expedition (1539- food, water, shelter, and breeding 1540) marked the beginning of a steep sites for many forms of wildlife and decline in the Native American provided excellent plant and animal populations in the state. During the food for human inhabitants. Numerous next 150 years, Timucuan Indians in archeological and historic sites have central and east Florida were forced been recorded in the general region. to migrate or succumbed to European Remains of now extinct Pleistocene diseases. Other tribes fled to north megafauna and large herd animals have Florida from invasions of their been found with the distinctive fluted homelands in Georgia and Alabama in projectile points made by Paleo- the 1700s. The Seminole Indians, who Indians (11,000–8,000 BC). The Early primarily descended from these

104 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) cultures, used the Wekiva River Mellonville (now Sanford). Around 1875 headwaters for hunting and traveled the settlement of Markham was the river as a route to the St. Johns established and supported by the River during the early 1800s. railroad system and Wekiva River. Three sites are connected with this By the 1820s, central Florida was also time period in the Markham Woods area, in use by early European-American set- including an African American cemetery tlers, and the Wekiva River and spring and church. appear on several military maps. There was a minor military road running from The South Florida Railroad broke Fort Mellan (Sanford) to Fort Mason ground in 1880 to connect Sanford, (Eustis), which passed through the Lake Mary, Longwood, and Altamonte spring area. Early maps show little of Springs with Jacksonville. Shortly the Wekiva area other than a trading thereafter the Sanford-Lake Eustis post and trapping area. rail line was built with connections in Sorrento, Mount Dora, Eustis, and In 1842 at the close of the Second the former town of Ethel (in what is Seminole War, Congress passed the now Rock Springs Run State Reserve). Armed Occupation Act giving 160 acres The wooden bridge that crossed the to any man who would live on the Wekiva River (near what is today Lake property and cultivate at least 5 Markham Road) eventually burned down, acres. By the mid-1800s the Wekiva and much of the original rail bed was basin was used by settlers for farming removed. Portions of this railroad and milling lumber and grain. The area network have since been converted into around Rock Springs and Wekiwa Springs a bike trail as part of the Seminole became a focal point for early County Rails to Trails program. settlers. The town of Clay Springs was started around Wekiwa Springs. The The tourism industry also arrived in spring outlet served as a landing spot the 1880s when Wekiwa Springs was for suppliers. still known as Clay Springs. In 1906 the name of Clay Springs was changed Cotton farming and cypress logging to Wekiwa Springs. Facilities at were major crops near Rock Springs Wekiwa Springs included a hotel, a Run, which was dammed to power a sanitarium, cabins, a picnic area, sawmill and a gristmill. Another bathhouses, and a rail toboggan ride. sawmill was built on the upper Wekiva The hotel and other recreational River, and a gristmill operated at facilities operated until the Great Wekiwa Springs until the Civil War. A Depression, after which the buildings mound indicating the site of the dam either burned or were dismantled. for this mill still remains along Mill Creek. During the Civil War a Federal By the late 1800s the making of Company camp was located at Rock turpentine was also an important Springs. economic activity in the area. Many catfaced pines and clay turpentine In 1865, after the Civil War ended, pots can still be found. The logging another homesteading act encouraged of cypress in the bottomlands of the settlers into the area. During this Wekiva and St. Johns rivers also began time, steamships and barges used at this time. Wekiwa Springs as a loading and unloading point. The town of Clay Construction of the first roads in Springs supported a wharf and Lake County began in 1915. Before that warehouse for cargo steamers time, rivers served as the main navigating the St. Johns River to the transportation with steam and Wekiva River from the town of paddlewheel boats. The economic base

105 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT of the region during the first part of Management Issues the 20th century was primarily cattle and ranching, along with farming, Florida Statutes, Chapter 267, citrus groves, lumber, and turpentine. requires that each state agency having From 1900 to 1940 agriculture was a direct or indirect jurisdiction over a major portion of the economy in proposed state or state-assisted Seminole County, with vegetables undertaking shall consider the effect transported all over the country by of the undertaking on any historic rail. Timber logging became widespread property that is included in, or in the region by the late 1930s. eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places Some old logging (or tram) roads and (National Register). The statute railroad grades still exist. One requires that each agency afford the elevated grade occurs in the sandhill Florida Division of Historical community at Wekiwa Springs State Resources (FDHR) a reasonable Park, and runs north-south through the opportunity to comment with regard to entire unit. This grade was such an undertaking. In consultation constructed in the late 1850s for a with the division, each state agency passenger railway from Eustis to must also establish a program to Orlando that never came to fruition, locate, inventory, and evaluate all but it was used to support the timber historic properties under the agency's industry at Wekiwa Springs. ownership or control that appear to qualify for the National Register. Some of the old tramways are still Florida statutes prohibit the removal visible, while others built through of artifacts from these sites without the floodplain swamp and hydric a permit from the Bureau of hammock communities have revegetated Archaeological Research, a bureau with hardwoods. Evidence of old within the division. In addition, all logging equipment and portions of the federally funded projects also require railroad tramway still remain on consultation with division staff under public lands in some areas. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Federally funded In 1941 the Apopka Sportsman’s Club projects are also subject to other purchased land in the Wekiwa Springs laws and executive orders pertaining area from the Wilson Cypress Company to consultation with federally for hunting, fishing, and other recognized tribes. recreational uses. In 1969 the state purchased the property from the Numerous previously recorded and sportsman’s club for Wekiwa Springs documented historic and cultural State Park, which opened in 1970. resources have been catalogued in the Agriculture in the basin shifted Florida Master Site File maintained by largely to silviculture, grazing, and the Florida Division of Historical nurseries during the later part of the Resources. Most previously recorded 20th century. Since the opening of sites in the area have been on state Walt Disney World in 1971, much of lands. However, only small portions of central Florida, including the Wekiva land in the Wekiva basin have been basin, has experienced significant adequately surveyed for cultural growth which continues today. resources. Therefore, it is likely that there are other unrecorded historic and cultural sites present.

Small test pits have been excavated in several of the mounds revealing pottery fragments, animal bones, and

106 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) shells. Several points and pottery scatter sites, 5 isolated finds, a fragments have been found by swimmers burial mound, a site with the remains and divers in and around the main of a windmill, an American homestead spring outlet at Wekiwa Springs State site (19th century), a site with the Park. In many areas along Rock Springs remains of a sawmill (including Run and the Wekiva River, midden sites segments of railroad grade and are found on the accessible dry land, historic road), and an American site and some sites are used extensively as (20th century of unknown type) (see resting and picnic locations by appendix D for a complete list). boaters and canoeists, leading to degradation. All of these elements certainly have regionally significant resource values At present, there are 54 known and may well have national archeological sites on public lands in significance but have not been studied the Wekiva basin area (see appendix for inclusion as National Historic D). Fifty of these sites are in the Landmark sites. aquatic preserve or state parks and include an underwater shipwreck, 32 middens, a prehistoric village site, 4 WATER QUALITY AND pre-ceramic lithic waste scatter QUANTITY VALUES sites, 3 African American sites including a cemetery and church, an Water resources are critical to the artifact scatter site, 4 isolated nature of a national wild and scenic finds, a cemetery from the Ethel river. Water quality is linked to land settlement, a burial mound, a logging uses and human activities in and along tramway, and a refuse site with the the river corridor and in the larger remains of a windmill. The other four region that contributes groundwater sites are in the Wekiva River Buffer and surface water to the Wekiva River Conservation Area (a site of unknown System. Flow volume and rate are also type), Seminole State Forest (a affected by human activities and long- limited surface scatter of pottery term climate patterns that affect from a probable campsite), and Kelly rainfall, which is the fundamental Park (evidence of pre-Columbian source of water for the river system. settlement and an early homestead Because water quality and quantity site). Tramways constructed for depend on both the surface water logging during the late 19th century drainage basin and the groundwater and early 20th century severely capture area of springs in the Wekiva altered hydrological regimes over vast River System, the surface watershed areas within the Wekiva basin. To and springshed are both considered restore hydrology, culverts have been when analyzing this value. installed along various tramways. Several miles of tramway have been Given the influence of land use on removed in Rock Springs Run State surface water and groundwater, the Reserve and Lower Wekiva River rapid conversion of natural and Preserve State Park. Tramways have agricultural lands to urban or also been breached (partially removed) suburban development throughout much in Seminole State Forest as mitigation of the watershed and springshed poses projects. a threat to water quality and water quantity in the Wekiva River System. On private lands in the vicinity of For example, intense development can the Wekiva River, there are 36 known lead to a reduction in spring flow archeological sites including 7 because of greater demand for water middens, 3 prehistoric habitations, a from the aquifer and an increase in lithic waste scatter, 15 artifact impervious surfaces that reduce

107 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT infiltration. Pollutant and nutrient The wide range of water quality loading can also be worsened by attributes in the Wekiva Wild and intense development that brings Scenic River System is particularly increased use of chemicals and distinctive compared to other Florida fertilizers for lawns and landscaping, rivers — ranging in appearance from runoff from roads, and wastewater the very clear waters of spring discharges to surface water and outlets and spring runs to the groundwater. naturally dark tannic waters found in Black Water Creek. The wide range of All of the waterways in the Wekiva water quality attributes also Wild and Scenic River System are contributes to a high diversity of classified as Outstanding Florida aquatic communities and habitats that Waters, the state’s highest support numerous animal and plant designation for water quality. The species, including invertebrates that character of the water ranges from the are unique to springs of the Wekiva crystal-clear flows from the artesian River System. Appendix E, which springs and spring runs to the tannin- summarizes historical water quality colored waters of blackwater creeks data for the Wekiva River and Rock and streams. Water quality and Springs Run, shows the considerable quantity, which are affected by spring differences in these river segments, flow and drainage from adjacent land, especially for conductivity, color, contribute to the popularity of the total organic carbon, and chlorophyll- springs and river system as a. recreational resources and to the overall health and integrity of A detailed review of the water quality ecosystems in the basin. status of the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run was included in the recent Additional significant information on PLRG study (Mattson et al. 2006). water quality and quantity is included These waterways have high concentra- in the management plan under the tions of dissolved minerals because of subsections titled: their natural setting in an area influenced by karst geology. However - Recent Initiatives Pursuant to the water quality in some reaches is also Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act influenced by inflows of surface water with dark color and acidity from - Strategies to Reduce Nutrient Loads decomposing vegetation.

- Strategies to Conserve Groundwater A distinctive characteristic of the Wekiva River is that spring flow is a significant component of the total Water Quality flow of the river. Therefore, the water quality of the freshwater Much of the material in this section springs that contribute to the Wekiva is cited from the pollutant load is especially important to the river’s reduction goal (PLRG) study (Mattson overall water quality. Based on et al. 2006) that was completed by the average annual flow rates, the two St. Johns River Water Management largest springs in the Wekiva River District as directed by the Wekiva System are Wekiwa Springs and Rock Parkway and Protection Act. Additional Springs, which are among the most water quality data was drawn from the southern of east Florida’s freshwater semiannual ―EcoSummary‖ reports by springs. These two springs are FDEP staff. situated next to limestone outcroppings, which are rare in central Florida and indicate that the top of

108 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) the Floridan Aquifer is at or near the phosphorus for the Wekiva River. land surface. However, even with these declines, the concentrations greatly exceed those Studies completed during the 2000 FDEP considered healthy for a spring-fed statewide stream bioassessment program river system. Nitrate concentrations included sampling for the Wekiva River within waterways associated with both and Rock Springs Run. Results show the Wekiwa River and Rock Springs Run high concentrations of nitrate in both were found to be high (> 1 mg/L) at waterways — higher than those in 95% the spring outlets. This corresponds of other Florida waterways — and to observations that the highest nutrient levels high enough to biomass of attached algae was found in potentially support high levels of and around the springs. algal growth in both waterways. The groundwater that contributes to Elevated nitrate concentrations are a each of the springs in the Wekiva concern for many of Florida’s River System may be strongly freshwater springs (Florida Springs influenced by land use activities that Task Force 2000 and 2006). A are far from the river system itself, concentration of 0.20 mg/L is widely such as agriculture and urban or cited as the naturally occurring suburban development. Due to latency baseline (background concentration) in the transport of nutrients through for Florida springs. In some of the the aquifer, agricultural activity in springs of the Wekiva River System, past years may still be affecting nitrate concentrations greatly exceed water quality of the springs as well. the threshold of 0.35 mg/L used by FDEP staff to indicate potential groundwater-surface water impacts. The Water Quantity and River Flow high levels of nitrates in the springs that feed the Wekiva River System are Maintaining the volume of water and believed to be related to present and discharge characteristics are past agricultural uses as well as important management considerations present urban/suburban land uses. for any river system. This is particularly important to sustaining a Contributors to nitrogen levels in the wild and scenic river given the effect Wekiva River System include but are that flow has on aquatic communities, not limited to individual onsite ecosystem processes, water quality, wastewater disposal systems (e.g., and river recreation. For the Wekiva septic systems), centralized River System, water volume and flow wastewater treatment plants, and characteristics are influenced by fertilizer applications to spring flow, water storage agricultural land and urban/suburban characteristics of adjacent landscapes. Nitrogen is also floodplains, and land use (including introduced to the river system through agriculture and urban or suburban natural processes such as atmospheric development). The impacts of deposition and decay of organic development that took place before material; however these sources current stormwater management correlate to much lower background practices went into effect are also nitrate concentrations that exist particularly important (prior to the within the environment absent human mid-1980s). impacts (< 0.2 mg/L). It should be noted that development Trend analysis since 1984, done as has affected the Little Wekiva River part of the PLRG study, shows a to a much greater degree than the decline in nitrate and total Wekiva and has changed this

109 CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT tributary’s flow characteristics so resources and ecology of the area from that peak flow rates are higher, harm caused by water withdrawals. resulting in channel scouring and Pursuant to the Wekiva Parkway and erosion. Although the Little Wekiva Protection Act, minimum flows and River is not included in the national levels for Rock Springs and Wekiwa wild and scenic river system, these Springs were reviewed and analyzed problems still translate into Wekiva again, and were determined to be River impacts downstream. sufficiently protective of the water resource. A reevaluation of the Wekiva Approximately half of the Wekiva River minimum flow at the SR 46 bridge River’s flow originates from springs. is planned for 2013. Flow data for Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs show a trend of decreasing To ensure that the Wekiva River System spring flow from the early 1970s until minimum flows and levels and other 2003. Decreasing flow trends were also environmental resources in the area noted for springs along the Little are protected, the St. Johns River Wekiva River (Palm, Sanlando, and Water Management District recently Starbuck Springs). Factors that may be amended its consumptive use permitting causing this decline include the rules regarding the use of effects of urbanization and reduced groundwater, with specific limitations recharge because of increased on the amount of additional impervious surface, groundwater groundwater that can be developed pumping from the Wekiva springshed, within a geographic area designated as and a long-term decline in annual the Central Florida Coordination Area. rainfall. Studies indicate that This area includes some, but not all, urbanization of the Rock Springs of the Wekiva springshed. groundwater contributing area has been responsible for a 10% to 15% decrease The St. Johns River Water Management in spring flow. Urbanization that District is currently updating its results in a loss of groundwater 2005 regional water supply plan. This recharge, such as loss of infiltration plan, like the existing plan, will because of pavement, can also be an include conservation measures, important factor in flow declines. alternative water supply development projects, and water resource In 1992 the St. Johns River Water development projects intended to meet Management District adopted minimum the demands of existing and future flows and levels (MFLs) for the Wekiva water users and ensure the River at SR 46, Black Water Creek at sustainability of water resources and SR 44, and eight springs along the related natural systems. The plan is Wekiva and its tributaries (Messant, required pursuant to Section 373.709, Miami, Palm, Rock, Sanlando, Seminole, F.S. Starbuck, and Wekiwa). These levels are intended to protect the water

110 Outstandingly Remarkable Values (Resources That Could Be Affected) CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is perhaps the most freshwater systems. For example, the far-reaching and irreversible threat freshwater of some inland rivers may the national park system has ever become brackish by mixing with more faced (NPCA 2007). Climate change in sea water, or a rise in seal level this context refers to a suite of could result in the intrusion of salt human-accelerated changes occurring in water into the aquifer of freshwater Earth’s atmospheric, hydrologic, and springsheds. oceanic systems. These changes, including increased global air and Many places in the world have already ocean temperatures, widespread melting observed and recorded changes that can of snow and ice, and rising global be attributed to climate change, and average sea level, provide unequivocal trends suggest that a drying of evidence that the climate system is historically wetter landscapes within warming. the Wekiva basin and springshed may be occurring. This too can result in Although the warming trend, commonly changes to the health and distribution referred to as global warming, is of natural communities. discernable over the entire past century and a half, recent decades Climate change is a long-term have exhibited an accelerated warming phenomenon. The likelihood that rate with 11 of the last 12 years significant effects will be seen ranking among the 12 warmest years on during the life of the river record. Most of the observed management plan is fairly certain, but temperature increase can be attributed the impacts on the Wekiva River System to human activities that contribute have not been specifically determined greenhouse gases. These greenhouse at this time. gases —particularly carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels — Implementing either alternative in cause Earth’s atmosphere to act like a this environmental assessment would blanket and trap the sun’s heat. While have very little effect on the the insulating effect (or greenhouse cumulative level of greenhouse gases effect) of our atmosphere is important or other climate change factors (e.g., to living systems, the rapid increase carbon footprint) when viewed in greenhouse gases since the mid-19th regionally. However, there are several century has turned the thermostat up management directions that individual higher than to what our systems are agencies could take that would reduce adapted. their contribution to climate change. Examples of these include adding Although climate change is a global insulation and weather-proofing to phenomenon, it manifests differently existing buildings, employing solar in different places. One of the most panels to generate electricity, using dramatic effects of global warming is high-mileage vehicles, protecting the impact on sea level. A rising sea native vegetation and planting trees level could affect natural and that absorb carbon, and providing cultural resources, and is likely to educational messages about reducing interfere with public use and our impact on the climate. These enjoyment of coastal and low-lying programs and others could be parks. In addition to possible implemented under either of the impacts to Florida’s low-lying land alternatives and would contribute areas, this encroachment of sea water towards the global effort to reduce could also alter the aquatic human-caused climate change. conditions and chemistry of inland

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112

CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

113

INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY

The National Environmental Policy Act parameters must be analyzed. The requires that environmental assess- potential impacts of the two ments disclose the environmental alternatives are described in terms impacts of a proposed federal action of four impact measurement criteria: (e.g., the impact from the type, context, duration, and implementation of the approved intensity. alternative). This chapter provides a discussion of the potential impacts Type: The beneficial and adverse that the two alternatives could have impacts on the river system’s values on the outstandingly remarkable are determined by comparing the values of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic anticipated changes resulting from River System: scenic, recreation, implementing alternative B to the wildlife and habitat, historic and results of continuing current cultural, and water quality and management direction (alternative A). quantity. The consideration of these effects provides a measurable basis Context: The scope of impacts for comparing the advantages and considered are limited to those that disadvantages of each alternative. could potentially affect values of the Wild and Scenic River System. The The alternatives presented in this context refers to the setting or document should provide broad geographic scope of the impact to the direction on how the river system river resource or value. In this could be managed. Because the analysis, impacts are measured potential consequences of the relative to the following two context alternatives are sometimes broad and levels: conceptual, they can be analyzed only in general terms. More detailed  Localized: Impacts would be environmental documents may need to limited to a specific site or be prepared before undertaking some specific segment of river within a specific actions in this 0.25-mile distance from the river. environmental assessment.  Widespread: Impacts would occur over a larger area or in multiple For each impact topic, a description areas within the Wekiva River of the potential positive and adverse System basin, springshed, or effects that could result from the ecological corridor. actions proposed in each alternative is presented. This is followed by an Duration: Duration refers to the explanation of cumulative effects \. length of time the impact affects the A conclusion that assesses the resource or value. In this analysis, overall impact of both alternatives impact duration is defined as and provides a justification for follows: selecting the preferred alternative follows those discussions.  Short-term: Impacts would be one

year or less in duration.

METHODS OF ASSESSING EFFECTS  Long-term: Impacts would extend beyond one year. Impacts may last

When assessing the potential impacts for many years, or may be on the outstandingly remarkable permanent. values of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System, several impact

115 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Intensity: Intensity refers to the Current and Reasonably degree of the impact to the river Foreseeable Actions resource or value. Impact intensity is measured for adverse effects, and Other planning or development quantified as negligible, minor, activity now being implemented or moderate, and major. Because the that would be implemented in the definitions of intensity varies by reasonably foreseeable future was type of resource value, the various considered in identifying cumulative intensities are defined separately actions. Such actions are considered for each impact topic analyzed in in conjunction with the effects of this document. However, the each alternative to determine if they definitions for duration, type, and would have any additive effects on a context apply to all impact topics. particular natural resource, cultural resource, or visitor use. Some of these actions are in the early CUMULATIVE EFFECTS planning stages, so the evaluation of cumulative effects was based on a The regulations of the CEQ, which general description of the project. administers NEPA, require that Because the specific effects of some cumulative effects be assessed in the actions cannot be determined at this decision-making process for federal time, the cumulative impact analysis projects. Cumulative effects are is qualitative and general. defined in 40 CFR 1508.7 as follows: Land Use and Development. Urban and . . . the impact on the suburban land development in environment which results from unincorporated lands of Lake, Orange, the incremental impact of the and Seminole counties, as well as in action when added to other past, several municipal jurisdictions, has present, and reasonably had and will continue to have foreseeable future actions, effects. Nearby communities such as regardless of what agency Apopka to the southwest, Altamonte (federal or non-federal) or Springs to the south, Lake Mary to person undertakes such other the east, and the unincorporated area actions. of Sorrento to the west have had considerable expansion over the last In this document, cumulative impacts several decades. Residential have been considered for all impact subdivisions, such as in the Markham topics and both alternatives. Woods area, have been constructed on previously undeveloped lands east of To determine potential cumulative the Wekiva River. Current county impacts, other projects and actions regulations and other building codes in the Wekiva River watershed, require a setback from the river’s springshed, and ecological corridor edge for houses, but there are direct that contribute impacts to the Wekiva impacts to the river when access Wild and Scenic River System were (docks, boat ramps, etc.) is created. identified. Staff from various agencies were consulted and research Continued urban and suburban growth was conducted to develop the list and development could lead to the below. following:

 increased light pollution and adverse effect on dark night skies  more recreation pressure

116 Introduction and Methodology

 increased demands for water from provide a total of 78 feet of safe the aquifer or surface waters that crossing for animals such as deer, could reduce water quantity. bobcat, coyote and bear. As  higher concentrations of chemicals presently planned, the Wekiva (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) to Parkway/SR46 redesign would the watershed and springshed from replace these two tunnels with development and agriculture that wildlife bridges totaling nearly could impact water quality. 6,000 feet — more than 76 times the current crossing space. These  more traffic on roads in the area crossings will enhance habitat and that cross the river system connectivity by providing animals that could fragment habitat or with greater opportunities to sever wildlife corridors, and safely move between Rock Springs could create more noise and Run State Reserve and Seminole pollution. State Forest. An 800-foot-long  more development that could bridge is also planned for part of fragment habitat or sever wildlife the Wekiva Parkway that bisects corridors one of the properties acquired for  an increase in impervious surfaces conservation as part of the from development that could impact project. groundwater recharge.  Longer bridge across the Wekiva River: The parkway plan proposed a These potential effects are generally new bridge where SR46 crosses the associated with growth and Wekiva Rver. (The current bridge development. It should be noted that is about 561 feet long.) This new several agency regulatory programs bridge will span approximately (such as the consumptive use permit 1800 feet and should enhance and environmental resource permit habitat connectivity and animal programs) are intended to limit movement within the riparian adverse impacts on water resources. corridor. (See the description of agency Realignment of County Road 46A: regulatory roles in Chapter 2 under  Closing CR 46A through Seminole Alternative A.) State Forest will reduce the

number of animals harmed by

vehicles and provide greater Wekiva Parkway. The Orlando-Orange habitat connectivity in the County Expressway Authority and the forest. As planned, CR46A would be Florida Department of Transportation realigned to connect with SR46 are in the planning process for the farther west, outside of Seminole Wekiva Parkway, a multilane facility State Forest. that would traverse the planning area and cross the Wekiva River at the Recreation Development. Facilities location of the existing SR 46 at three state parks and Seminole bridge. The 2004 Wekiva Parkway and State Forest, county parks, and Protection Act provides guiding private enterprises have created principles for the planning and outlets for outdoor recreation in the design of this major new road region. Various improvements can be construction project and requires anticipated. that the parkway help protect natural resources in several ways:  Possible expansions in facility development and commercial uses on  Extensive wildlife crossings: various private properties have Currently, two wildlife tunnels been proposed (e.g., amenities and under SR 46 in east Lake County facilities for recreation and

117 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES other active commercial uses at Agency Regulatory Actions. Numerous sites such as Wekiva Falls Resort, federal, state, and local agencies Wekiva Island, and other similar have and will continue to have a commercial operations.) regulatory role in the protection of natural resources affecting the  Improvements at the Wekiva River Wekiva River system including the Basin State Parks (e.g., Katie’s quality and quantity of surface and Landing access and picnic area ground water, wildlife, habitat, and development) allow for safer and land use. (See the description of more convenient access to the agency regulatory roles in chapter 2 river for recreationists and may under alternative A.) These agencies increase the level of use. Planned include: development of a new interpretive center convenient to the three  Florida Department of state parks would increase the Environmental Protection level of information and education  Florida Fish and Wildlife visitors receive about the area Conservation Commission and the river system. This could lead to an increased stewardship  Florida Department of ethic among river users. Agriculture and Consumer  The Florida Division of Recreation Services and Parks is working with partners  Florida Department of Health to maintain the Florida National  St Johns River Water Management Scenic Trail in Lower Wekiva River District Preserve State Park and is planning to develop an extension  Seminole, Lake, and Orange of the West Orange Trail along the counties and various western perimeter of Wekiwa municipalities Springs State Park.  Lake County Water Authority  Lake County, Seminole County,  National Park Service (pursuant Orange County and private to the Wild and Scenic River interests are planning development Act) of public recreational trails through the basin and crossing the  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wekiva River. Crossings at both  U.S. Army Corp of Engineers the Wekiva Parkway bridge and along the old railway crossing south of SR 46 have been Past Actions discussed. The Florida Department of Transportation completed a The following past actions have feasibility study in 2010 which contributed to cumulative effects on provided cost estimates for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River incorporating the trail crossing System: with the Parkway bridge. Agriculture. In the past, lands Public Land Management. Various state throughout the Wekiva River System and local agencies manage public watershed and springshed were lands for conservation and will directly and indirectly affected by continue to do so. (See the agricultural land uses that ranged description of agency land management from intensive citrus farming to roles in chapter 2 under alternative cattle and sheep grazing. As a A.) result, large acreages of native vegetation communities have been

118 Introduction and Methodology displaced to accommodate these uses. industrial development. Much of this These land use activities have led to development has occurred in an the loss and fragmentation of habitat inefficient pattern of urban and and wildlife populations, caused an suburban sprawl that has negatively alteration of soil strata, and affected natural resources, including introduced several nonnative plant species, habitat, and water species to the area. One of the most resources. This pattern of significant and long-lasting impacts development has been coupled with an from agricultural land uses in the extensive network of roads and Wekiva River basin and springshed infrastructure that has contributed stems from the use of fertilizers. to habitat fragmentation. Because the Wekiva River System is Furthermore, septic systems, very dependent on groundwater wastewater treatment plants, discharge (i.e., spring flow), the fertilizers, and pollution have river system’s water quality is contributed to degradation of surface directly correlated to the water and ground water quality. quality of the groundwater throughout the river system’s springshed. The creation of Walt Disney World and Nitrogen from agricultural other major tourist attractions in fertilizers that migrates into the the Orlando area in the 1970s greatly groundwater of the springshed accelerated the spread and level of continues to discharge into the development. surface water via the many springs in the area. This nitrogen feeds algal Construction of the SR 46 bridge over blooms and other invasive vegetation the Wekiva River has altered the that can displace native aquatic river channel and inhibited natural vegetation and reduce dissolved growth of shoreline vegetation under oxygen in the river system and the bridge. springs. The greatest offset to the negative Because groundwater may take several impacts of development in the region years or even decades to move has been the public acquisition of horizontally and vertically through land for preservation surrounding the the deep and shallow aquifers in the Wekiva River System; however, springshed, fertilizer use from past critical gaps remain in this years continues to have adverse conservation landscape. effects on surface water quality in the basin. Although most large agricultural operations have been Assumptions replaced, there are plant nurseries and tree farms in the area using Several assumptions have been made fertilizers and pesticides. about past, present, and future conditions in the region so that the Urban and Suburban Development. A cumulative effects could be analyzed, variety of widespread development particularly in regard to future actions have occurred in the region. actions. The following assumptions apply to this assessment: Over time, privately owned land that was previously undeveloped or in some  The types of river uses that are form of agriculture (such as citrus occurring now will continue, and groves, orchards and livestock in addition there may be new, operations, or silviculture) have different future uses. been gradually replaced by  Additional land development for residential, commercial, and commercial and residential land

119 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES uses, recreation, tourism, and/or neighborhood recreation agriculture, and road construction area. have occurred, are occurring, and  Although efforts to minimize will continue to occur, which impacts are occurring, land uses could put greater stress upon in rural areas of the watershed values of the Wekiva River System and the springshed, such as because of habitat loss, agriculture, wastewater disposal, fragmentation, degradation of and the application of landscape water resources, and recreational fertilizers, will continue to be a impacts. source of nutrient loading and  In order of controlling pollutants into the surface and jurisdiction, federal, state, ground waters that feed the Wekiva regional, and local regulations River System. affecting stormwater and recharge  The flows of surface and ground will continue to manage how water water in the Wekiva River System is released from or retained by will continue to be directly development in the watershed and affected by weather patterns and springshed. trends that will increase or  The growing population in the decrease flows (floods, region will generate increased hurricanes, droughts, etc.). recreation and public access  Public land managers will continue pressure on the river system. This to implement and revise management growing pressure will result from plans that describe intended the decline in other available management activities, including natural areas and the preference the use of prescribed fire. of more local residents to use the Wekiva River System as a community

120

SCENIC VALUES

METHODS OF ASSESSING EFFECTS exceptionally favorable consequences that are either very To provide a measurement for intrusive or very beneficial to the quantifying the intensity of the visitors’ experience on the river impacts on scenic values, the system or along shorelines. definitions for impact intensity and thresholds are included below. EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE A Negligible: The action would not have any noticeable or measureable Analysis changes to natural scenery, natural sounds, or other natural aesthetics The scenic values and aesthetic on the river system, as seen or resources of the Wekiva Wild and heard from the river system or from Scenic River System could be affected adjacent vantage points along the by the following. shorelines. Minor: The effects on scenic or Invasive and Exotic Vegetation. aesthetic value would be detectable Despite active, multiagency control and measurable, but very limited in efforts, the proliferation of invasive scale and degree. The action would and/or exotic vegetation is a change natural scenery, natural continuing challenge throughout the sounds, or other natural aesthetics basin in all waters of the Wekiva on the river system, but the River System. This threat would likely effects would be of little continue in the future and might consequence and would not disturb worsen over time if the native natural or improve the visitors’ experience communities become further stressed by on the river system or its encroaching development, public use, shorelines. and nutrient loading of the river Moderate: The effects on scenic or system, or if existing state funding aesthetic value would be apparent levels for exotic control are not and would have some influence on maintained. If invasive vegetation the visitor experience. The action became dominant, it could outgrow and would change natural scenery, replace existing native vegetation, natural sounds, or natural destroy native plant diversity, and aesthetics that would have notable take over entire reaches of the river consequences that are either system, thus diminishing scenic intrusive or beneficial to the values. Also, although the cattail visitors’ experience on the river (Typha latifolia) is considered a system or along shorelines. native plant, it has posed recurrent However, the consequences are not problems to the river system by widespread, severe, or choking off various segments of the exceptionally favorable. rivers from time to time. Major: The effects on scenic or aesthetic value would be very A significant threat to scenic value apparent and would have direct and is the proliferation of algae often substantial influence on visitor seen coating native eel grass beds experience. The action would result within the river system and rocks near in considerable changes to natural the springs. Excessive growth of scenery, natural sounds, or natural algae, hydrilla, and other invasive aesthetics that would have aquatic species could be caused by widespread, severe, or elevated nitrate levels within the

121 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES springshed and surface water drainage Wekiva River in the recreational basin. segment north and south of the SR 46 bridge. Houses, associated residential Alternative A would continue the structures, docks, shoreline decks, current multiagency control efforts and the cleared vegetation around such and expand these efforts if and when structures have considerable adverse additional funding becomes available. effects on the scenic and aesthetic values of the river system. Because Contractors for the Bureau of Invasive alternative A maintains the status quo Plant Management do much of the exotic of agency involvement and action on vegetation control, with assistance this issue, this alternative would from the Florida Park Service and the have no new effect on the preservation Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve. These of natural shorelines. The shoreline existing efforts are aggressive, impact is particularly noticeable on intensive, and because of the prolific residential developments that were nature of exotics, often temporarily constructed before the implementation successful in controlling various of local government and agency invasive species. Occasionally, the regulations that require setbacks and efforts are not enough in some river riparian habitat protection. The wild segments (e.g., in years when invasive and scenic segments of the river plant proliferation is substantial).. system are generally free of these visual disturbances. Litter. Litter on the surface, bottom, and shoreline of the Wekiva In addition to residential River System is a recurring problem in development, public access and several areas. This litter diminishes recreational uses also contribute to the scenic and aesthetic value for the loss of natural shorelines and people accessing the river system for riparian vegetation in some areas. its scenery and wild surroundings. Impacts are seen at public access Alternative A would continue the points or commercial locations, and current litter cleanup efforts, which also in undeveloped areas. This site- are effective and successful when specific shoreline impact often conducted. However, these efforts are results from vegetation trampling by not enough to control litter to a boaters taking breaks off the river. point where it does not affect scenic These impacts occur at unofficial value. Aquatic preserve staff conducts canoe takeouts, at social trails along about 12 cleanups per year with the shoreline, and at active, assistance from volunteers. The unofficial shoreline recreation sites aquatic preserve staff also assists in (e.g., rope swings, wading areas, cleaning litter on the water surface etc.). and shoreline during other management activities on the river system. Divers Impacts to shoreline vegetation could and snorkelers are periodically used become worse with anticipated future to clean up litter off the bottom of increases in recreation demands on the the river. Independent volunteer river system and development. groups, such as Keep Seminole Alternative A would not change current Beautiful and the Seminole protection of the scenic quality of Environmental Restoration Volunteers natural shorelines from these also perform cleanups. recreation and land development activities. Shoreline Vegetation. The loss of natural shoreline and riparian Middens. Similar to the previous vegetation caused by residential issue of shoreline development and development is quite evident along the vegetation trampling, the many shell

122 Scenic Values middens along these waterways also fast-moving watercraft (boats or contribute to the scenic and aesthetic personal watercraft) disrupt the value of the Wekiva River System. otherwise serene air and water However, vandalism, disturbances, conditions that are common to the vegetation trampling, and the use of Wekiva River. These impacts could the middens as on-river restrooms all become even worse if the use of result in a notable visual disturbance motorized watercraft on the river to the resource. These activities and system increases in the future. their impacts are currently monitored Alternative A would not result in a by various state agency staff. reduction of these impacts. However, enforcement is limited, resulting in a continued adverse Roads, Bridges, and Trails in the effect on scenic and aesthetic values. River Viewshed. The proposed Wekiva Impacts to middens could become worse Parkway and its proposed bridge to with anticipated future increase in replace the existing SR 46 bridge recreation demands on the river might add to the intrusiveness of system. human impact on the river system, both visually and audibly. The Wekiva Recreation Demand and Crowding. The Parkway and the new bridge will be scenic and aesthetic value of the larger than the existing two-lane road river system is diminished on busy and bridge. This could create a recreation days when many notable increase in visual disturbance motorboaters, canoeists, kayakers, to the river corridor’s viewshed. In and/or tubers populate the Wekiva addition, the anticipated higher River, Wekiwa Springs Run, and/or Rock speeds and volume of vehicles on the Springs Run. Adverse visual impacts of new bridge, particularly trucks, could many boats in the viewshed and noise create additional noise disturbances disturbances from loud boats and in this segment of the river. The individuals are common on heavily used Wekiva Parkway bridge is currently in river segments on such days. This the design and review stage. To date, visual and aesthetic impact would various agencies and organizations continue to be an issue because the with interests in the Wekiva River river system has several access points System have raised concerns regarding (both public and private), and because the bridge design in an attempt to a systemwide user capacity limit has minimize and mitigate impacts. The SR not been established. Furthermore 44, CR 44A, and Lake Norris Road these impacts could become worse in bridges over Black Water Creek also the future with anticipated increases disturb the scenic values of the river in population and recreation demand. system on Black Water Creek. Members Alternative A would maintain the of the advisory management committee status quo in terms of managing these would continue to work with state and impacts, and therefore would have a local agencies concerning road, trail, negligible effect on controlling and bridge construction to mitigate visual and noise disturbances from adverse impacts on scenic and recreational use and crowding on the aesthetic values of the river system.. river system. Also, a regional trail connection Motorized Watercraft. The noise, across the Wekiva River is being gasoline fumes, and water disturbances planned. Crossing locations that have caused by motorized watercraft on the been discussed include the proposed Wekiva River could generate adverse Wekiva Parkway bridge, as well as a impacts on the river’s scenic and possible trail bridge across the aesthetic value. In particular, loud Wekiva River at the old railroad motors, gasoline fumes, and wakes from crossing south of SR 46. To date,

123 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES members of the advisory management committee have been involved in the Cumulative Effects trail planning discussions. Some members have expressed concerns about As discussed above, scenic and other the impacts of a trail bridge at the natural aesthetic values in the river old railroad crossing on the Wekiva system corridor could be adversely Wild and Scenic River System. Other affected by continued private land members have expressed that development along the shorelines recreational use and public (e.g., docks), road, trail, and bridge appreciation of the Wekiva Wild and development, and light pollution along Scenic River System could be enhanced shorelines and overhead from nearby by such a crossing. Alternative A urbanized areas. In addition, the would maintain the existing level of scenic and aesthetic value of the involvement in the planning, design, Wekiva River System would also and review of the Wekiva Parkway continue to be adversely affected by bridge and a possible regional trail. noise from commercial jets flying overhead to and from the nearby Although significant coordination has Orlando Sanford International Airport. occurred between transportation Continued and possibly increasing agencies, conservation agencies and uncontrolled public access to the nonprofit organizations on the Wekiva river system would also continue to Parkway, this same high level of have adverse effects on the scenic and coordination has not occurred with aesthetic values of the river system. respect to other transportation For example, future expansions of the facilities impacting the Wekiva River private commercial boating operations System. A more holistic approach would along the river system could have be beneficial to ensure that Piecemeal adverse effects (e.g., Wekiva Island, decisions regarding transportation Wekiva Falls Resort). Many of these infrastructure do not have adverse threats and impacts would likely impacts on scenic values over time. increase or worsen in the future Alternative A would not address this because of the projected increases in issue to the extent that it could be population growth and recreational addressed under alternative B. demand in the future. Light Pollution. Artificial light Alternative A would continue to pollution associated with residential maintain the existing level of action and commercial land development near on these issues. A continuation and the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River increase of existing impacts to scenic System has adverse effects on the dark values would be expected under skies over the river corridor and alternative A. surrounding lands. The effects could be localized or widespread (e.g., lights from developments shining along EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE B shorelines or a brightened night sky from nearby urbanized areas, Analysis respectively). The current actions under alternative A would have a Implementing alternative B, the negligible effect on this threat to preferred alternative, would increase the scenic values of the Wekiva River management emphasis and interagency System. The impact of light pollution coordination on preserving the scenic would likely increase in the future and aesthetic values on the Wekiva because population growth and Wild and Scenic River System. This continued development is expected in holistic and collaborative approach many areas of the Wekiva River basin. could strengthen the protection and enhancement of these values when

124 Scenic Values compared to the current conditions and Alternative B would continue the management efforts. The scenic and current litter cleanup efforts, which aesthetic value of the Wekiva River are effective and successful when System could be affected by the conducted (as described in the following. alternative A analysis above). However, alternative B would also make Invasive and Exotic Vegetation. As a distinct effort to establish, described in alternative A, despite support and strengthen Adopt-A-River active, multiagency control efforts, programs such as has been established the proliferation of invasive and by Seminole County, which would exotic vegetation is a continuing provide direct assistance in challenge throughout the Wekiva River monitoring and removing litter in the System. If invasive vegetation becomes Wekiva River System. As for public dominant, it could outgrow and replace education efforts, alternative B would existing native vegetation, destroy promote events and media announcements native plant diversity, and take over that encourage the public to directly entire reaches of the river system, experience and learn about the Wekiva thus diminishing scenic values. Wild and Scenic River System and understand its status and health. An Alternative B would continue the informational ―branding initiative‖ existing multiagency invasive and for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River exotic vegetation monitoring and System would complement these outreach control efforts for species such as efforts, with unified signs at all hydrilla, water hyacinth, water river crossings and access points. lettuce, wild taro, elephant ear, para grass, Chinese tallow, East Indian Furthermore, this alternative would hygrophila, and cattail. These efforts expand current partnerships with would increase if and when additional private businesses and concessionaires funding becomes available. The Florida who operate on the Wekiva River System Fish and Wildlife Conservation to ensure that their activities Commission Invasive Plant Management protect wild and scenic river values Section would continue to work with and provide unified, supportive assistance from the Florida Park messages to their clients about the Service and the Wekiva River Aquatic Wekiva River System and guidelines for Preserve on this matter. Alternative B its use. This active public awareness also calls for a coordinated effort by and outreach effort could help with the advisory committee, agencies, and litter control by making boaters and local governments to advance other river users more aware of the strategies (such as those identified effects of their actions on the river in the Wekiva Basin Management Action system. Plan when adopted) for reducing nutrient loading from surface and Shoreline Vegetation. The loss of ground water sources, which in turn natural shoreline and riparian would limit the excessive growth of vegetation caused by residential algae and other invasive aquatic development is quite evident along the species. Wekiva River in the recreational segment north and south of the SR 46 Litter. Litter on the surface, bridge. Houses, associated residential bottom, and shoreline of the Wekiva structures, docks, shoreline decks, River System is a recurring problem in and vegetation clearing around such several areas. This litter diminishes structures have substantial adverse the scenic and aesthetic value for effects on the scenic values of the people accessing the river system for river system. Alternative B includes its scenery and wild surroundings. actions aimed at improving the

125 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES regulatory control and code value would likely increase or worsen enforcement of development near the if not actively addressed. Alternative Wekiva River System. To minimize B would include an expansion of visual disturbance, alternative B current partnerships with private emphasizes the importance of businesses and concessionaires who waterfront development regulations operate on the Wekiva River System and that are enforced and effective by have a public awareness/outreach working with local governments. These component. efforts would emphasize the protection of native vegetation along the This alternative would also include riparian corridors and limitation and efforts to educate the public via minimization of visual impacts from events and media announcements that signs and river-based structures encourage the public to directly (e.g., docks, launch areas, and experience and learn about the Wekiva overlooks) to the Wekiva River System. Wild and Scenic River System and to understand its status and health. An If necessary, alternative B would also informational ―branding initiative‖ promote the improvement or expansion for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River of local government regulations on System would complement these outreach these riverfront activities and efforts, with unified signs at all structures (beyond what is currently river crossings and access points. regulated). These efforts would be These efforts could help reduce complemented by an educational program shoreline impacts by making boaters aimed at local government planners and and other river users more aware of decision makers to provide information the implications of their actions on about the river system and strategies the river system. for protection. In addition to effects on private land development in the Middens. Similar to the previous river corridors, alternative B also issue of shoreline development and has an objective to implement and vegetation trampling, the many shell strengthen development guidelines, middens along these waterways also regulations, and practices related to contribute to the scenic and aesthetic public recreational areas on the value of the Wekiva River System. Wekiva River System. These guidelines However, vandalism, disturbances, and practices would emphasize vegetation trampling, and the use of preservation of native vegetation, several easily accessible middens as minimized land clearing, minimized on-river restrooms all result in a structures, and reclamation plantings. notable visual disturbance. Alternative B includes a series of Secondly, alternative B would help objectives and actions that would address the problem of shoreline protect the middens as cultural vegetation trampling from public resource sites. This alternative access and recreational use. These includes enhanced efforts to monitor impacts often result from boaters and protect cultural resources, taking breaks along the river, and including middens, as well as to occur at unofficial canoe takeouts, at educate the public regarding their social trails along the shoreline, and significance. In addition, actions at active shoreline recreation sites. described earlier to protect shoreline All of these activities have adverse vegetation as part of alternative B effects on the scenic and aesthetic would also have the beneficial effect value of the Wekiva River System. With of protecting midden sites. the projected increase in recreation demand and regional population in the future, these threats to the scenic

126 Scenic Values Recreation Demand and Crowding. As Roads, Bridges, and Trails in the described in alternative A, the scenic River Viewshed. The proposed Wekiva and aesthetic value of the river Parkway bridge (to replace the system is diminished on busy existing SR 46 bridge) might add to recreation days when many the intrusiveness of human impact on motorboaters, canoeists, kayakers, the river, both visually and audibly. and/or tubers populate the Wekiva The new bridge will be larger than the River, Wekiwa Springs Run, and/or Rock existing bridge. This could create a Springs Run. Adverse visual impacts of notable increase in visual disturbance many boats in the viewshed and noise to the river corridor’s viewshed. In disturbances from loud boats and addition, the anticipated higher visitors are common on heavily used speeds and volumes of vehicles on the river segments on such days. The new bridge, particularly trucks, could objectives and actions for recreation create additional noise disturbances management in alternative B could help in this segment of the river. The remedy this issue if they are done Wekiva Parkway bridge is currently in effectively. By completing a the design and review stage. recreation assessment, creating a Alternative B calls for coordination recreation facility master plan, between the advisory committee, partnering with private businesses and environmental agencies, and concessionaires, assessing and transportation agencies regarding monitoring user capacity (see ―User design and construction of the Wekiva Capacity‖ section in Chapter 2) Parkway. establishing thresholds for visitor experience, and developing several The SR 44, CR 44A, and Lake Norris public education programs, alternative Road bridges over Blackwater Creek B could have a positive effect on also disturb the scenic values of the controlling visual and noise river system on Blackwater Creek. disturbances from heavy recreational Alternative B includes objectives and use on the river system. actions that encourage the Florida Department of Transportation and Lake Motorized Watercraft. As in County to pursue a new design of the alternative A, the noise, gasoline SR 44 and CR 44A junction so that only fumes, and water disturbances caused one bridge crossing of Black Water by motorized watercraft on the Wekiva Creek is necessary at that location. River could generate adverse impacts on the river’s scenic and aesthetic Alternative B would also include an value. The objectives and actions for action that works to ensure that no recreation management, scenic value new roads for motor vehicles are protection, and public education in constructed across waters of the alternative B would help minimize Wekiva River System. these adverse effects from motorized watercraft. The alternative B actions Also, as discussed in the impact would also include supporting existing analysis of alternative A, a regional motorized watercraft restrictions on trail connection across the Wekiva Rock Springs Run and additional River is being considered by Seminole motorized watercraft restrictions on County and Lake County. Two possible Black Water Creek. Use and noise alignments/crossings have been levels from watercraft would be considered: on the proposed Wekiva assessed and monitored. Regulations Parkway bridge and on a new trail affecting the number of watercraft, bridge south of SR 46 at the old rail- speed, and noise for various segments road alignment. Members of the of the river system would be improved. advisory management committee have been involved in the trail planning

127 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES discussions. Some members have beneficial, and localized to expressed concerns about the visual widespread. and ecological impact of a trail bridge at the old railroad crossing on the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Cumulative Effects System. Other members have expressed that recreational use and public As discussed above and in alternative appreciation of the Wekiva Wild and A, scenic and other natural aesthetic Scenic River System could be enhanced values in the river system corridor by such a crossing. Alternative B could be adversely affected by includes an action to ensure that any continued private land development trails for bicycle or pedestrian use along the shorelines (e.g., docks), across the river system would minimize road, trail, and bridge development, visual intrusion. and light pollution along shoreline and overhead from nearby urbanized Light Pollution. Artificial light areas. In addition, the scenic and pollution associated with residential aesthetic value of the Wekiva River and commercial land development near System would also continue to be the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River adversely affected by noise from System has adverse effects on the dark commercial jets flying overhead to and skies over the river corridor and from the nearby Orlando Sanford surrounding lands. The effects could International Airport. The continued be localized or widespread (e.g., and possibly increasing uncontrolled lights from developments shining along public access to the river system shorelines or a brightened night sky would also continue to have adverse from nearby urbanized areas, effects on the scenic and aesthetic respectively). Alternative B includes values of the river system. For an action that promotes the example, future expansions of the establishment of local government private commercial boating operations regulations that limit the intrusion along the river system could have of artificial light to protect dark adverse effects (e.g., Wekiva Island, skies on the river corridor. These Wekiva Falls Resort). efforts would be complemented by educational programs that would Many of these impacts could worsen in provide information about the wild and the future because of continued scenic river system and the importance population growth and recreation of dark nighttime skies. This demand. However, alternative B alternative also includes an action includes multiple objectives and that would discourage exposed lighting actions that could help minimize or on the proposed Wekiva Parkway bridge. mitigate the impact of these threats, As a result, alternative B could and thus would contribute to protec- result in impacts that are long term, ting scenic values.

128

RECREATION VALUES

METHODS OF ASSESSING EFFECTS intrusive or very beneficial to the visitors’ experiences on the river To provide a measurement for system. quantifying the intensity of the impacts on recreation values, the definitions for impact intensity and EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE A thresholds are included below: Analysis Negligible: The action would not have any noticeable or measureable The recreation values of the Wekiva changes to available recreational Wild and Scenic River System could be opportunities on the river system affected by the following. or to the recreational experience of visitors. River system users Recreation Demand and Crowding. The would likely be unaware of any recreation values of the Wekiva River associated effects. System become limited or degraded on Minor: The effects on recreation busy days when many swimmers, values would be detectable and motorboaters, canoeists, kayakers, measurable, but very limited in and/or tubers populate high use areas scale and degree. The action would of the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs yield changes to available Run, and/or Rock Springs Run. recreational opportunities on the Generally, as the number of river river system or to the recreational visitors increases, the number of experience of visitors, but the visitor conflicts increases and the effects would be of little quality of the visitor experience consequence. decreases. This results from Moderate: The effects on recreation overcrowding in the river system, values would be apparent and would which limits the available water for have some influence on the visitor free and uninhibited recreation. As experience. The action would yield population growth continues throughout changes to available recreational the region, recreation demands would opportunities or to the likely increase, compounding the issue recreational experience that would further. Currently, there are no have notable consequences that are coordinated, interagency systems in either intrusive or beneficial to place to measure, monitor, and the visitors’ experiences on the regulate the increasing recreation river system. However, the demands on the overall river system consequences would not be and the competing recreational uses of widespread, severe, or different sections on the river exceptionally favorable. system. Alternative A would continue Major: The effects on recreation current management efforts, but would values would be very apparent and not comprehensively address this issue would have direct and substantial to the extent that it could be under influence on visitor experiences. alternative B. The action would yield considerable changes to available recreational Public and Private Access to the River opportunities or to the System. Much of the Wekiva River, recreational experience that would Wekiwa Springs Run, and Rock Springs have widespread, severe, or Run lie within public lands (e.g., exceptionally favorable state parks, state forest). Official consequences that are either very river system access points on the

129 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES public lands are controlled and Although most boaters only access the limited to a very few number of sites. rivers via designated entry/exit Given the limited number of public points, many visitors currently are access points, visitor use capacity getting out of their boats and using could be effectively monitored and nondesignated sites for resting, managed at these public access areas. picnicking, and camping (including Many of these public access sites some easily accessible midden sites). already have established restrictions Some areas are being used heavily as on the numbers of tubes and boat party spots by various groups. This rentals they allow or on the number of uncontrolled access often has other vehicles allowed into the respective adverse impacts on natural and park. However, in these cases, visitor cultural resources and aesthetic volume is restricted according to the values of the river system. This issue individual site management plans, would be compounded as recreational which might not take into account the use increases. volume of users from other access points along the water. Alternative A would continue current management and enforcement efforts Private access to the river system related to shoreline camping and exists at many locations, particularly resting sites, but would not address along the Wekiva River. In addition to this issue to the extent that it could private boat rental sites and ramps be under alternative B. such as Wekiva Island, Wekiva Falls Resort, and Kings Landing (on Rock Navigational Hazards. Boat navigation Springs Run), every private property hazards, such as downed trees and along the Wekiva River has rights other vegetation, are a recurring under Florida statute for access to problem and are removed as soon as the water. The volume of watercraft is possible by various land and water not controlled at these private access management agencies according to sites. established policy. Immediately after storms, however, there might be Negative impacts relating to visitor multiple areas that are blocked by capacity and river system access could fallen trees or other debris. During become worse as recreation demands times of low water levels, navigation increase in the future. Alternative A can be very difficult in some areas maintains the current management when underwater logs, branches, and actions affecting private and public other obstructions are closer to the access to the Wekiva River System. water surface. However, this challenging setting can contribute to Shoreline Rest Stops and Campsites. the ―wild‖ nature of the boating Designated shoreline campsites along experience. Alternative A would the river system are quite limited continue managing and removing (six total). Rock Springs Run has navigational hazards in the Wekiva three designated campsites, the Wekiva River System. River has one, and Black Water Creek has two. Pull-out areas and rest stop Motorized Watercraft. Motorized sites along these waterways are also watercraft could disturb and compete limited. The only designated places with more passive recreational currently available to pull out, rest, visitors such as canoeists and or picnic are at the designated kayakers, particularly those going on campsites or at park landings and the river system for nature marinas. If the campsites are already appreciation and wildlife observation. occupied, the number of available The noise and wake generated by most designated rest stops decreases. motorized boats have adverse effects

130 Recreation Values on these users. Use of motorized facilities and seeking funds to watercraft on the Wekiva River System address this issue would continue.. also could cause disturbance to submerged vegetation, such as eelgrass Public Education and Interpretation. beds, and create shoreline wake Education and resource interpretation impacts that cause erosion. These programs in public recreation areas effects would likely increase as are integral to making the public boating demands on the river system aware of various natural and cultural increase in the future. resources and issues, site history, stewardship opportunities, preferred An increase in the use of personal visitor behavior guidelines, and watercraft (e.g., jet skis) along the official regulations. Educational and river corridor is also likely. Jet interpretive signs are a common and skis contribute to user conflicts and widespread medium used for such environmental damage. The ability of programs. Currently, educational and jet skis to access very shallow water interpretive signs are relatively allows them to access areas where only limited and/or dispersed along the nonmotorized boats could otherwise Wekiva River system. Given the number access. The noise from these crafts of river system users and multiple also disturbs other people on the access points, many visitors to the waterway. The availability, small river system might not be informed of size, and speed of these craft make important information that might them attractive to young or otherwise affect their experience on inexperienced operators and can lead the river system or might alter their to serious safety concerns. behavior while on the river system. If visitors become more aware of the No coordinated effort is currently in issues affecting the river system and place to regulate the volume of its values, they might be more willing motorized watercraft use where it is and likely to avoid behaviors that permitted. To date, jet skis have been have adverse impacts on natural and limited primarily to several cultural resources and to the watercraft operated by residents with experience of other visitors. property on the river system and indidivudals entering the Wekiva River Alternative A would maintain the from the St Johns River. current level of activities and Restroom Facilities. With the actions that relate to visitor exception of the centralized restroom education. facilities at adjacent state parks, sanitary facilities are currently lacking along the river system. Lack Cumulative Effects of funding to provide and maintain sanitary facilities has been a factor Recreation values of the Wekiva River in preventing this issue from being System could be adversely affected by addressed. Given the unavailability of development and population increases restrooms, users who access various in the region. Expanded or new boating shoreline sites throughout the basin operations along the Wekiva River for swimming, picnicking, or camping System could accompany this growth, often use the waterways, banks, and although new marinas are discouraged immediate uplands and accessible in the currently adopted Wekiva River middens as restrooms. This results in Aquatic Preserve Management Plan. If unsanitary conditions at several unrestricted private and public access heavily used recreation sites along to the river system occurs in the the shoreline and at middens. Under future (i.e., without visitor use Alternative A, planning for restroom capacity limits), this projected

131 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES recreation demand increase could have EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE B substantial effects on the recreation values. Overcrowding and user Analysis conflicts could become problematic. Because alternative A maintains the Implementing alternative B, the current management levels related to preferred alternative, would increase the effects of increased recreation management emphasis and interagency demand and river accessibility, a coordination for preserving and continuation and increase of current improving the recreation values on the impacts on the recreation values could Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System. be expected. When compared to the current conditions under alternative A, the However, the expansion and improvement holistic and collaborative management of existing and new water access sites improvement actions included in could also have positive effects on alternative B would help enhance the recreation values of the river visitor experience as well as protect system. Future expansion of boat other values of the river system. launch/takeout sites on both public Visitor recreation on the Wekiva River and private lands could offer visitors System could be affected by the improved amenities and opportunities following. for enjoying the Wekiva River System. For example, the Florida Park Service Recreation Demand and Crowding. The is in the process of improving the recreation values of the Wekiva River Katie’s Landing boat launch/takeout System become limited or degraded on with better shore facilities and busy days when many swimmers, amenities (e.g., restrooms, picnic motorboaters, canoeists, kayakers, areas, expanded parking). The and/or tubers populate certain high management plan for the three Florida use areas along the Wekiva River, state parks in the basin includes some Wekiwa Springs Run, and/or Rock future actions that might increase Springs Run. This results from interpretation and educational overcrowding in the river system, programs in the parks. Revisions to which limits the available open water the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve for free and uninhibited recreation. Management Plan may also contain an As population growth continues education component, support for more throughout central Florida, recreation coordinated recreational management, demands would likely increase, and support for some of the strategies compounding the issue further. outlined under alternative B. Alternative B includes a series of Except for new strategies that may be objectives and actions that would included in the revised Wekiva River generate: (1) a recreation assessment, Aquatic Preserve Management Plan, (2) a facilities master plan, (3) a Alternative A would continue current recreation monitoring and management recreation management efforts and plan; and (4) an education program likely have little effect on potential that could help river system users river accessibility improvements. understand the value, status, and Alternative A would not address health of the Wekiva River System. recreational coordination and Collectively, these actions would management to the extent that it could assess current resource and recreation be addressed under alternative B. conditions, determine which resource are in need of protection, and establish user capacity (see ―User Capacity‖ section in Chapter 2) for various resources, values, and impacts

132 Recreation Values (natural resources, visitor Shoreline Rest Stops and Campsites. experience, litter, etc.) that would Designated shoreline campsites, be used as monitoring and enforcement pullouts, and rest stops along the thresholds. This overall effort would river system are quite limited. Use of create indicators and standards that nondesignated sites generates multiple would help identify appropriate adverse effects on natural and visitor use capacities on the river cultural resources, as well as the system. scenic quality of the river system. Via the proposed recreation assessment Public and Private Access to the River and the facilities master plan System. Although many of the public efforts, alternative B would include river system access sites already have actions that assess the existing use established restrictions on the patterns at both designated and numbers of tubes and boat rentals they nondesignated sites and determine the allow or on the number of vehicles appropriate number, location, and allowed into the park, their allowed use at camping, picnic, and respective visitor volumes are rest stop sites along the shorelines restricted according to the individual of the river system. By implementing site management plans (which might not such a plan, adverse impacts on other take into account the volume of users river resources and values could be from other access points along the contained and possibly reduced. water). Furthermore, private access to the water exists at many locations, Navigational Hazards. Boat navigation particularly along the Wekiva River. hazards, such as downed trees and other vegetation, are a recurring An intergovernmental effort to problem and are removed as soon as measure, assess, monitor, and control possible by various land and water total visitor use volume (via both management agencies according to public and private access points) established policy. As with would help alleviate many of the alternative A, alternative B would adverse resource impacts and continue the current level of managing diminished visitor experience quality. and removing navigational hazards in Alternative B includes actions that the Wekiva River System. target the visitor capacity issue (e.g., the recreation assessment and Motorized Watercraft. The noise and the monitoring and management plan). wake generated by most motorized boats In addition, this alternative includes and personal watercraft (e.g., jet actions that emphasize public agency skis) have adverse effects on the more purchase of commercial properties with passive recreational activities of private access to the river system (if canoeists and kayakers, particularly and when the properties and necessary those using the river system for they become available). This would nature appreciation and wildlife allow public agencies to maintain and observation. Use of motorized improve public access to the water, watercraft on the Wekiva River System and would allow the agencies to better could also disturb submerged monitor and control visitor use vegetation and create shoreline wake volumes on the river system. To be impacts that cause erosion. These most effective, this effort should effects would likely increase if include identifying total capacity and boating on the river system increases determining appropriate control in the future. mechanisms for both private and public access points. Various actions included in alternative B would aim to provide better monitoring and management of

133 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES motorized watercraft and their stewardship opportunities, preferred impacts. The proposed recreation visitor behavior guidelines, and assessment would help determine official regulations. Educational and appropriate volumes, speeds, sizes, interpretive signs are common and and locations of motorized watercraft widespread medium used for such use in the river system. The proposed programs, but educational and recreation impact monitoring and interpretive signs are somewhat management plan would subsequently limited along the Wekiva River System. help quantitatively monitor the Given the number of river system users effects of motorized watercraft on the and multiple access points, many Wekiva River by establishing resource visitors to the river system might not and value impact thresholds. be informed of important information that might otherwise affect their Alternative B would also support the experience on the river system or existing prohibition of gasoline might alter their behavior while on powered watercraft on Rock Springs Run the river system. and the additional prohibition of gasoline powered watercraft on Black Alternative B would include provisions Water Creek. Lastly, alternative B that establish partnerships with includes actions that would establish private businesses, concessionaires, partnerships with private businesses agencies and other appropriate and concessionaires who operate boat entities, which could foster visitor rentals and boat ramps on the Wekiva education. This alternative would also River System. These partnerships could include efforts to educate the public help encourage these businesses to via events and media announcements educate their customers on watercraft that encourage the public to directly regulations and appropriate behavior. experience and learn about the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System and Restroom Facilities. With the understand its status and health. exception of the centralized restroom Also, an informational ―branding facilities at adjacent state parks, initiative‖ for the Wekiva Wild and sanitary facilities are currently Scenic River System would complement lacking along the river system. Given these outreach efforts, with unified the unavailability of restrooms along signs at all river crossings and the river system, boaters who access access points. various shoreline sites throughout the basin for swimming, picnicking, or Cumulative Effects camping often use the waterways, banks, and the immediate uplands and Recreation values of the Wekiva River middens as restrooms. Alternative B System could be adversely affected by includes actions that would assess anticipated development and population current public use facilities such as increases in the region. Expanded or restrooms, generate a facilities new boating operations along the master plan, and seek ways to fund the Wekiva River System could accompany implementation of the plan. These this growth. If unrestricted private actions could collectively improve and public access to the river system restroom availability. continues (i.e., without visitor use capacity limits), this projected Public Education and Interpretation. recreation demand increase could have Education and resource interpretation substantial effects on the recreation programs in public recreation areas values. Overcrowding and user are integral to making the public conflicts could become problematic. aware of various natural and cultural The management plan for the three resources and issues, site history, Florida state parks in the basin

134 Recreation Values includes some future actions that managing the uses accordingly. Thus, might increase interpretation and alternative B would contribute to educational programs in the parks, preserving and enhancing recreation which could have a positive effect on values. recreation values. Revisions to the In addition, the expansion and Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve improvement of existing and new river Management Plan may also contain an system access sites, where education component, support for more appropriate, could have positive coordinated recreational management, effects on the recreation values. and support for some of the strategies Future expansion of boat outlined under this alternative. launch/takeout sites on both public and private lands could offer improved Alternative B includes multiple amenities and opportunities for actions and provisions that could help enjoying the Wekiva River System that minimize the impact of these threats are complimented by other alternative by assessing current recreation B actions. Some examples of such conditions, determining appropriate improvements are mentioned in the recreation use levels and impact analysis of alternative A. thresholds for various resources, and

135

WILDLIFE AND HABITAT VALUES

This section includes analyses that species, a measurable change to a discuss the impacts of the population or individuals of a alternatives on the outstandingly species could occur, and it would remarkable value of wildlife and be of consequence to the species, habitat that contribute to the Wekiva but it probably would result in a River System. This analysis is based not likely to adversely affect on the very close ecological opinion from the U.S. Fish and interconnectedness of the diverse Wildlife Service. species and habitats in this riparian Major: The effects on wildlife and corridor. Only those species that habitat would be very apparent and would be affected by the river would have direct and substantial management plan are addressed in this influence on the ecology of the environmental assessment. river system. The action would yield considerable changes to habitat value and multiple species METHODS OF ASSESSING EFFECTS that have widespread or substantial consequences. For special status To provide a measurement for species, a noticeable, measurable quantifying the intensity of the change could occur in a population impacts on wildlife and habitat or individuals of a species, values, the definitions for impact resulting in a severely adverse or intensity and thresholds are included majorly beneficial and possibly below: permanent effect on the species. The action would result in a likely Negligible: The action would not have to adversely affect opinion from any noticeable or measureable the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service changes to habitat or individual if adverse, or a not likely to species. For special status adversely affect opinion if the species, the change would result in impact is beneficial. a no effect opinion from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Minor: The effects on wildlife and EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE A habitat would be detectable and measurable, but very limited in Analysis scale and degree. The action would yield changes to habitat value or The wildlife and habitat values of the individual species that are minimal Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System and of little consequence. For could be affected by the following. special status species, the action would result in a not likely to Loss or degradation of Riparian and adversely affect opinion from the Aquatic Plant Communities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. riparian and aquatic plant communities Moderate: The effects on wildlife along the waterways of the Wekiva and habitat would be apparent and River System are integral to the would have some influence on the wildlife habitat quality of the entire ecology of the river system. The river system. In some areas, plant action would yield changes to communities are adversely affected by habitat value or species that have recreational use of the river system notable consequences, but that are and by development along certain not widespread, severe, or highly segments of the river system. The loss favorable. For special status or degradation of riparian vegetation

136 Wildlife and Habitat Values caused by public access and continue the current level of recreational use primarily results recreation management and development from vegetation trampling by boaters controls, and thus would not likely accessing the water or taking shore- contribute notable new measures to line breaks. These impacts, which further protect riparian plant often occur at unofficial canoe communities from these threats. takeouts and at several active shoreline recreation sites (e.g., rope Loss or degradation of aquatic and swings, wading areas, etc.),contribute riparian communities can also occur as to the fragmentation, loss and/or the result in changes to water quality degradation of riparian habitat along caused by nutrient loading or the Wekiva River System. pollution or changes to flow. These effects are discussed under ―Water Similarly, the loss or degradation of Quality and Quantity Effects on native aquatic vegetation could result Wildlife and Habitat.‖ from recreational uses such as motorboating and jet skiing. Boat In the future, negative impacts upon propellers, anchors, and jet ski riparian and aquatic plant communities engines chop or churn up native could increase with anticipated growth aquatic plant communities, causing the in the region, potential new devel- aquatic plants to lose their flowering opment along the river system upper portion or become uprooted or corridor, and recreation demand in the otherwise damaged. In certain shallow basin. areas of the Wekiva River System, damage to eel grass has occurred. Recreation Disturbances to Wildlife. Under current conditions, most damaged Wildlife and habitat in the Wekiva areas located in-stream recover over River System is directly affected by time, however this may not continue to the proximity, frequency, and degree be the case if use increases. of human recreation activities along the river corridor. Likewise, the In addition, recreational use of the behavior of individual birds, river system could introduce more reptiles, mammals, and fish is nonnative, invasive vegetation to the directly affected by the presence of river system (e.g., via boat motors humans. Aquatic and riparian habitat and trailers). Once introduced, along the river corridors in the invasive, exotic plants often system could be adversely affected by outcompete native plants and recreational uses such as boating, subsequently displace the native swimming, tubing, fishing, or even riparian plant communities of the wildlife or nature viewing depending river system. on how loud, how often, and how close the recreational use is to the Threats of loss and degradation of wildlife habitat or individual. The riparian vegetation in and along the degree of habitat impact might also Wekiva River System are also caused by have a temporal component, when the land development along certain timing of the human disturbance segments , particularly along coincides with critical wildlife privately-owned section of the Wekiva behaviors (nesting, feeding, River in the recreational segment migrating, etc.). north and south of the SR 46 bridge. The wildlife habitat in these areas A secondary (or indirect) effect could has been degraded by development such also result when wildlife species that as houses and associated structures, are more sensitive to human residential landscaping, docks, and disturbances are displaced and shoreline decks. Alternative A would replaced by higher numbers of more

137 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES adaptive, generalist species (e.g., for some sensitive species might raccoons), which might further disrupt occur. the local ecology. Biodiversity typically diminishes over time under Alternative A would continue the these conditions. The recreational use current multiagency control efforts impact on wildlife and habitat could and expand these efforts if and when be compounded if the population-driven additional funding becomes available. recreation demand increases in the The Fish and Wildlife Conservation future. Commission Invasive Plant Management Section is responsible for invasive Litter and dangerous materials exotic vegetation control, with discarded along the river system also assistance from the Florida Park pose a threat to wildlife. Food Service and the Wekiva River Aquatic materials that are poisonous to Preserve. These efforts are often wildlife or are enclosed in successful in controlling various nondigestible wrapping can harm or invasive species, but occasionally kill. Foreign objects, such as plastic efforts are not adequate in some river bags, soda can rings, lead sinkers, segments (e.g., in years when invasive rope, and metal with sharp edges, can plant proliferation is severe or hurt or entangle wildlife. Unretrieved widespread). Currently invasive fishing line and lures caught in the aquatic exotic plants are under water or in overhanging vegetation can maintenance control. also hurt, entangle, and in some cases prevent and animal from feeding, which Invasive and Exotic Fish and can result in death. Invertebrates. In addition to the threat of invasive plant proliferation Alternative A would maintain the in the Wekiva River System, exotic current levels of recreation fish and exotic invertebrates threaten management and litter control. the habitat and populations of the many native plant and wildlife Invasive and Exotic Vegetation. The species. These exotic species include proliferation of invasive and exotic the armored catfish, brown hopolo, and vegetation is a continuing challenge could include the channeled apple throughout the Wekiva River System. snail (see Chapter 3 for more This proliferation could have information). widespread and detrimental effects on wildlife and habitat. Species that Alternative A would continue the continue to require attention include, current levels of monitoring and but are not limited to, hydrilla, invasive species removal (e.g., water hyacinth, water lettuce, wild armored catfish removal in Wekiwa taro, elephant ear, para grass, Spring). If the populations of armored Chinese tallow, East Indian catfish or brown hopolo increase hygrophila, and cattail. Although substantially, or if an infestation of several state agencies have channeled apple snail occurs, the contributed to aggressively fighting current levels of invasive species this threat, the challenge would control might not be adequate to likely continue in the future. If mitigate their impacts. exotic plant infestations increase, the diversity and health of the native Multijurisdictional Approach to plant communities could decrease, Habitat Management. Wildlife and resulting in diminished fish and habitats in or affecting the Wekiva wildlife habitat. When infestations River System cross many jurisdictional are severe, a complete loss of habitat and property ownership boundaries. This has sometimes resulted in

138 Wildlife and Habitat Values inconsistent habitat management Black bears, for example, favor large practices and varying regulatory blocks of natural habitat and tend to controls across the basin. Given the avoid small or isolated patches, number of public land and water roads, and developed areas. Thus a management agencies with proprietary divided landscape — even one and regulatory interests in the Wekiva consisting of quality habitat — might River basin (local, state, and lose functionality. Fragmentation also federal), an opportunity exists for an hinders the ability to maintain intergovernmental, collaborative natural communities and manage habitat effort that considers wildlife and for wildlife use through processes habitat protection issues from a more such as prescribed fire. The ultimate regional approach. Although results of fragmentation are interagency coordination exists on diminished biodiversity and a loss of some levels and on some management usable habitat for wildlife. issues in the Wekiva basin and ecological corridor, it is not Another negative consequence of inclusive to all jurisdictions, all fragmentation is an increased land ownerships, all management difficulty in managing lands for issues, and/or all habitats. habitat value. For example, it is more Alternative A would continue the challenging to apply prescribed fire current level of coordination, to smaller patches of land and to including through the Wekiva Basin lands interspersed with or located Working Group and Wekiva coalition of next to developed areas. environmental organizations, but would not have the same comprehensive level To date, managing agencies and of coordination that could be achieved environmental organizations have under alternative B. achieved certain measures to limit habitat fragmentation in the Wekiva Habitat Fragmentation. Over the past River basin (e.g., incorporation of 50 years, several habitats and natural wildlife underpasses into the design communities in the Wekiva River basin of SR 46 and the Wekiva Parkway, have been fragmented by roads, significant land acquisition, and residential and commercial adoption of riparian habitat protect development, and public or private zone regulations). Although partially recreation sites. Fragmentation is the successful, however, these efforts result of larger blocks of contiguous have not fully addressed the issue of habitat being broken into smaller habitat fragmentation and wildlife patches. For example, maintaining a mobility at a regional level. diversity of wildlife along the Wekiva Additional work is especially needed River system that includes the Florida to ensure that State Road 44 does not black bear relies on protecting a become a barrier to wildlife movement. corridor of functionally connected Alternative A represents a habitat to the Ocala National Forest. continuation of ongoing efforts. Alternative A would contribute to Fragmentation has occurred on and minimizing habitat fragmentation in between upland habitats, wetland the Wekiva River basin, but with the habitats, riparian habitats, and even potential for continued development, on some aquatic habitats. these efforts may not achieve the same Fragmentation also occurs if patches level coordination that could be of required avian habitat are not achieved with alternative B and could located within sufficient distances become inadequate to achieving for population dispersion. necessary habitat connectivity. Fragmentation causes both a direct and indirect loss of wildlife habitat.

139 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Wildlife Mortality on Roads. Traffic algal blooms, infestations of invasive on the numerous public roads and exotic vegetation, and direct highways that intersect wildlife population loss of some sensitive habitat and ecological corridors endemic aquatic invertebrate species. creates a serious hazard for many Higher order species on the food wildlife species. Wildlife mortality chain, such as the limpkin, which on roads (or roadkill) is an ongoing feeds on the native apple snail, could problem in the Wekiva River basin. also be negatively impacted. Black bears have been particularly vulnerable in past years. This If not adequately addressed, nutrient wildlife threat would only worsen as loading might affect more springs and traffic volumes on roads increase with river segments and to greater degrees anticipated population growth in the in the future. In the Wekiva River region and potential development in System, nitrogen has been determined the area. To date, various public land to be the controlling factor and agencies and organizations, such as therefore the most important to the Wekiva Coalition, have worked with address. Collectively, the many transportation agencies to minimize nutrient sources in the Wekiva the threat and impact of wildlife watershed and springshed have mortality on roads in the area. These considerable adverse effects on water efforts have included the installation quality. These sources include but are of wildlife underpasses on existing not limited to fertilizers used on State Road 46 and planning for more lawns and landscaping in residential effective crossing structures on the and commercial areas, fertilizers used proposed Wekiva Parkway. Even greater by agriculture, effluent from septic efforts and coordination may be systems, and effluent from wastewater required on other roads, such as State treatment plants. Road 44, however to protect wildlife as traffic volume and development Pollution from automobile fluids, pressure increases. commercial and industrial waste, household chemicals, and medical Water Quality and Quantity Effects on substances also pose a threat to the Wildlife and Habitat. Impacts on Wekiva River System through surface water quality and quantity could have water drainage and groundwater several adverse effects on aquatic infiltration. systems and wildlife habitat. Finally, reduced flows from the As described in the analysis of water springs and within the waterway quality impacts, certain recreational threaten the health of the Wekiva activity degrades water quality and River System, and consequently its thereby has adverse impacts on wildlife and habitat values. A growing wildlife and habitat values. Examples population creates increased demands of this include localized erosion and for water which are likely to generate sedimentation due to trampling of increased utility requests for aquatic vegetation and shoreline withdrawals of water from the aquifer areas, leaking fuel and turbidity for consumption (drinking, irrigation, caused by watercraft, and some forms industry, and personal use), resulting of litter in the waterway. in a reduced volume of water emerging from the springs. This could in turn Nutrients from within the basin and negatively impact the normal function springshed of Lake, Seminole, and of aquatic systems and the species Orange counties contribute to the using those systems. Water withdrawal degradation of aquatic communities. could also alter the concentration of This has resulted in the formation of nutrients within the spring run and

140 Wildlife and Habitat Values river system. Similarly, the capture jurisdiction in the Wekiva basin and of stormwater that would normally springshed. These efforts are intended drain naturally to the river system to have a positive effect in limiting could impact surface water flows, as water quantity and quality impacts to could the potential extraction of the Wekiva River System. surface water for consumptive use. Impacts to the flows and levels of the However, as development continues to Wekiva River System have the potential occur in the area, efforts to protect to alter the extent of submerged areas water quality and quantity could and wetlands and the overall become more challenging. Population ecological balance of the river growth could also bring a notable system. increase in the number of developed residential properties served by Agencies are currently implementing septic systems and an increase in several measures to protect water chemically maintained lawns and quantity. The SJRWMD has adopted landscaping. These changes in the minimum flows and levels for the local landscape and land uses could Wekiva River System and associated continue and collectively increase the springs, and administers a consumptive threat of water quality impacts on the use permit program intended to limit Wekiva River System, which in turn existing and future water withdrawals would adversely affect wildlife and and prevent unacceptable drawdowns. In habitat. addition, the SJRWMD has prepared a regional water supply plan, which Alternative A would continue the includes alternative water supply current level of water quality and projects, to meet future water demands quantity monitoring and regulation by and sustain related natural systems. government agencies, but without Special Environmental Resource Permit comprehensive multiagency rules by DEP and SJRWMD also require collaboration specific to Wekiva River that predevelopment recharge is System ORVs. maintained in high recharge areas. Natural Resource Inventories and Likewise, agencies are addressing Monitoring. The flora and fauna of pollution and nutrient loading in the Wekiva River basin is spread several ways. The SJRWMD Environmental across a mosaic of lands managed by Resource Permit program requires the multiple state and local agencies, as construction and operation of well as large and small tracts of stormwater management systems to interspersed private lands that are reduce pollutants in receiving waters. within these jurisdictions. As a Similarly, DEP has adopted TMDLs for result, counting and monitoring of nutrients in the Wekiva River System wildlife and plant populations and is currently developing a Basin throughout the basin is challenging Management Action Plan. DEP is also without a centralized effort. Without pursuing rulemaking to adopt numeric a collective, basinwide inventory and nutrient criteria and more stringent monitoring program, decision-making on stormwater treatment requirements for issues that affect wildlife and new development. The Wekiva Promise habitat is difficult. Currently, initiative is an educational program federal, state, and local agencies that DEP supports as well. monitor selected species populations on a jurisdiction basis and support or Alternative A would continue current permit a variety of other research and management actions and regulatory monitoring efforts that contribute to efforts by various federal, state, the knowledge base. Alternative A and local government agencies with

141 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES would continue this level of wildlife and plant inventorying and monitoring. EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE B

Prescribed Fire. Wildfire is an Analysis important attribute in maintaining healthy, diverse natural communities. Implementing alternative B, the Fire helps prevent the proliferation preferred alternative, would increase of invasive, exotic plant species and management emphasis and interagency maintain a healthy distribution and coordination on protecting wildlife density of native species. In fact, and habitat of and affecting the some plant species even require fire Wekiva River System. The actions to facilitate seed propagation as part associated with this collaborative, of their natural life cycle. Because holistic approach of alternative B wildfire has historically been could have positive effects on suppressed, various land management wildlife and habitat when compared to agencies in the Wekiva basin have current conditions and management incorporated prescribed fires into efforts. Wildlife and habitat could be their land management activities to affected by the following. replicate natural process. Alternative A would continue current prescribed Loss or degradation of Riparian and fire actions according to existing Aquatic Plant Communities. As management plans. described in the impact analysis of alternative A, the riparian and aquatic plant communities along the Cumulative Effects waterways of the Wekiva River System are integral to the wildlife habitat As discussed above, many existing and quality of the entire river system. foreseeable future effects and trends Recreational use along the river in the Wekiva River System, basin and system and development are adversely ecological corridor could adversely affecting these plant communities in impact wildlife and habitat, including several areas. The loss or degradation special status species. Examples of of riparian vegetation results from these include degradation of habitat vegetation trampling by boaters and disturbance of wildlife from accessing the water or taking increased recreational use, invasive shoreline breaks along the river and exotic species, habitat system. As mentioned in the fragmentation caused by roads and alternative A analysis, the loss or development, wildlife mortality on degradation of native aquatic vegeta- road, and water resource impacts. Many tion and introduction of invasive or of these threats and impacts would exotic plants could also result from likely increase or worsen with recreational uses such as motorboating increases in population, development, and jet skiing. Loss or degradation of roads and traffic volume, and aquatic and riparian communities can recreational demand. also occur as the result of changes to water quality caused by nutrient Alternative A would continue and loading or pollution or changes to maintain the existing level of action water volume, as discussed under on these issues. Because existing ―Water Quality and Quantity Effects on management and regulatory efforts Wildlife and Habitat.‖ would continue, alternative A would be not likely to adversely affect special Alternative B would help address the status species (determined as per problem of damage to riparian compliance with Section 7 of the vegetation from recreational use. With Endangered Species Act). the projected increase in recreation

142 Wildlife and Habitat Values demand and regional population in the protection of native vegetation along future, these threats to habitat would the riparian corridors. likely increase if not actively addressed. Alternative B would include If necessary, alternative B would also analysis of the extent of damage to promote the improvement or expansion riparian habitats, an expansion of of local government regulation of current partnerships with private riverfront activities and structures businesses and concessionaires who (beyond what is currently regulated). operate on the Wekiva River System, These efforts would be complemented by and involve a public aware- an educational program that would be ness/outreach component. This aimed at local government planners and alternative would also include efforts decision-makers to provide information to educate the public via events and about the river system and its social media announcements that encourage the and ecological values. public to directly experience and learn about the Wekiva Wild and Scenic Alternative B also has an objective to River System and understand its status support implementation and and health. An informational ―branding strengthening development regulations initiative‖ for the Wekiva Wild and and practices at publicly owned Scenic River System would complement recreation areas on the Wekiva River these outreach efforts with unified System. These guidelines for public signs at all river system crossings agencies would emphasize the and access points. These efforts could preservation of native vegetation, help reduce shoreline and instream minimized land clearing, minimized impacts by making boaters and other structures, and reclamation plantings. river system users more aware of the effects of their actions on the river Recreation Disturbances to Wildlife. system. In addition to these As described in the impact analysis educational efforts, alternative B for alternative A, wildlife and encourages patrols by off-duty law habitat values of the Wekiva River enforcement officers to assist in the System are affected by the proximity, enforcement of motorboat restrictions. frequency, and degree of human recreation activities on or near the As described in alternative A, river system. A secondary effect could vegetation and wildlife habitat in also result when wildlife species that some parts of the Wekiva River System are more sensitive to human has been degraded by development such disturbances are displaced and as houses, residential landscaping, replaced by higher numbers of more docks, and shoreline decks. adaptive, generalist species. Alternative B includes actions aimed Biodiversity typically diminishes over at improving the regulatory control time under these conditions. In and code enforcement of development addition, litter and dangerous near the Wekiva River System, as materials discarded along the river necessary. (See also Scenic Values system threaten wildlife that might Goal 2, Objective A). As a way to ingest or be hurt by these foreign minimize impacts to wildlife habitat materials. along shorelines and riparian corridors, alternative B would promote The impact of recreational use on waterfront development regulations wildlife and habitat could be that are enforced and effective by compounded if the population-driven emphasizing collaboration by local recreation demand increases in the governments and agencies. These future. efforts would focus in part on the

143 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES Alternative B would include an Species that continue to require expansion of current partnerships with attention include, but are not limited private businesses and concessionaires to, hydrilla, water hyacinth, water who operate on the Wekiva River lettuce, wild taro, elephant ear, para System, which includes a public grass, Chinese tallow, East Indian awareness/outreach component. This hygrophila, and cattail. Increasing alternative would also include efforts these efforts would occur if and when to educate the public via events and additional funding becomes available. media announcements that encourage the The Fish and Wildlife Conservation public to directly experience and Commission Invasive Plant Management learn about the Wekiva Wild and Scenic Section would continue to work with River System and understand its status assistance from the Florida Park and health. An informational ―branding Service and the Wekiva River Aquatic initiative‖ for the Wekiva Wild and Preserve on this matter. Scenic River System would complement these outreach efforts, with unified Invasive and Exotic Fish and signs at all river system crossings Invertebrates. As discussed in the and access points. These efforts could alternative A impact analysis, exotic help minimize recreational fish and exotic invertebrates also disturbances on wildlife by making threaten the habitat and populations boaters and other river system users of many native plant and wildlife more aware of the implications of species. These exotic species include their actions on the river system. the armored catfish, brown hopolo, and Alternative B also supports the tenets could include the channeled apple of the Wekiva Promise initiative. snail in the future.

In addition to education, alternative Alternative B would continue and B would address recreation expand the current levels of disturbances to wildlife through monitoring and invasive species actions such as regulating or removal. This alternative includes restricting the use of motorized actions that would directly assess the watercraft, reestablishing an ―adopt- impacts associated with the a-river program‖ to assist in river proliferation of invasive exotic cleanups, using animal-proof garbage fishes and invasive exotic containers,and implementing user- invertebrates within the Wekiva River capacity thresholds to limit System and develop actions for disturbance. expanding monitoring and control strategies. Invasive and Exotic Vegetation. The proliferation of invasive and exotic Multijurisdictional Approach to vegetation is a continuing challenge Habitat Management. As described in throughout the Wekiva River System. the impact analysis of alternative A, Managing agencies work to prevent most the different wildlife and habitat common exotic species from dominating being addressed in this environmental any one part of the river system. When assessment cross many jurisdictional invasive vegetation becomes dominant, and property ownership boundaries. they typically crowd out more diverse This has resulted in sometimes native plants. This could decrease, or inconsistent habitat management perhaps even eliminate, the value of practices and varying regulatory native habitat in some areas. controls Alternative B would continue the existing multiagency invasive and Alternative B would result in a exotic vegetation monitoring and comprehensive land and water control efforts in the Wekiva basin. management effort that applies a more

144 Wildlife and Habitat Values holistic approach. In addition to critical wildlife movement coordinating river management goals corridors or that possess unique and objectives, the river management habitat features throughout the plan would also promote collaborative Wekiva basin and ecological management of upland, wetland, corridor; riparian, and aquatic habitat by (2) encourage the incorporation of providing the management agencies in habitat connection corridors on the basin an additional support property development plans ; mechanism that facilitates interagency (3) discourage additional new road cooperation. The plan could also construction within the Wekiva encourage consistent, resource-based basin that could impede the normal land use regulations across local movement of wildlife and avoid the government jurisdictions, where appro- construction of new roads through priate. This could have positive conservation lands; effects on wildlife and habitat (4) establish smoke corridors and values. These efforts would be improve interagency cooperation complemented by an educational program regarding prescribed fire; aimed at local government planners and (5) address the potential impact of decision-makers to provide information road construction on such wildlife about the river system and its social movement through design for and ecological values. wildlife crossings and other mitigative measures; and Habitat Fragmentation. As described (6) educate local government in the impact analysis for alternative planners, decision makers, and the A, several habitats and natural public on the importance of communities in the Wekiva basin have ecosystem connectivity and been fragmented by roads, residential strategies to protect it. and commercial development, developed recreation sites, and some recreation Wildlife Mortality on Roads. Traffic activities. The negative results of on the numerous public roads and fragmentation are diminished highways that intersect the area biodiversity and a loss of usable creates a serious hazard for many habitat for wildlife. Another adverse wildlife species. This wildlife threat impact is the increased difficulty in would only worsen as traffic volumes managing lands for habitat value. For on roads increase with anticipated example, it is more challenging to population growth in the region and apply prescribed fire to smaller potential development in the area. As patches of land and to lands discussed in the alternative A interspersed with or located next to analysis, various public land agencies developed areas. and organizations, such as the Wekiva Coalition, have worked with Alternative B would provide greater transportation agencies to minimize focus and emphasis on the importance the threat and impact of wildlife of intergovernmental coordination to mortality on roads in the area. These achieve habitat contiguity than efforts have included the installation alternative A. In addition to of wildlife underpasses on existing providing a broad, interagency State Road 46 and planning for more mechanism for land management, the effective crossing structures on the proposed management plan under proposed Wekiva Parkway. alternative B includes objectives that Alternative B would promote and (1) promote the acquisition of improve such efforts and would also public lands or conservation pursue mitigation or removal of easements on lands that are gaps in existing impediments or threats to

145 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES wildlife movement from roads, substances also pose a threat to the particularly between the Wekiva basin Wekiva River System through surface and the Ocala National Forest. This water drainage and groundwater alternative would also discourage infiltration. additional new road construction within the Wekiva basin that could Finally, reduced flows from the impede wildlife movement or notably springs and within the waterway increase the risk for wildlife threaten the health of the Wekiva mortality. River System, and consequently its wildlife and habitat values. A growing Water Quality and Quantity Effects on population creates increased demands Wildlife and Habitat. As discussed in for water which are likely to generate the impact analysis of alternative A, increased utility requests for impacts to water quality and quantity withdrawal of water from the aquifer have several adverse effects on for consumption (drinking, irrigation, aquatic systems and wildlife and industry, and personal use), resulting habitat. in a reduced volume of water emerging from the springs. This could in turn As described in the analysis of water negatively impact the normal function quality impacts, certain recreational of aquatic systems and the species activity degrades water quality and using those systems. Water withdrawal thereby adversely impacts wildlife and could also alter the concentration of habitat values. Examples of this nutrients within the spring run and include erosion and sedimentation due river system. Similarly, the capture to trampling of aquatic vegetation and of stormwater that would normally shoreline areas, leaking fuel and drain naturally to the river system turbidity caused by watercraft, and impacts surface water flows, as could litter in the waterway. the potential extraction of surface water for consumptive use. Impacts to Nutrients from contributing areas of the flows and levels of the Wekiva Lake, Seminole, and Orange counties River System have the potential to have resulted in degradation of alter the extent of submerged areas aquatic communities in the form of and wetlands, and the overall algal blooms, infestations of invasive ecological balance of the river exotic vegetation, and direct system. population loss of some sensitive endemic aquatic invertebrate species. As discussed in the alternative A Higher order species in the food chain analysis, agencies are currently that rely upon aquatic species could implementing several measures to also be negatively impacted. Many protect water quantity. The SJRWMD has nutrient sources in both the Wekiva adopted minimum flows and levels for watershed and springshed collectively the Wekiva River System and associated contribute to adverse effects on water springs, and administers a consumptive quality. These sources include but are use permit program intended to limit not limited to fertilizers used on existing and future water withdrawals lawns and landscaping in residential and prevent unacceptable drawdowns. In and commercial areas, fertilizers used addition, the SJRWMD has prepared a by agriculture, effluent from septic regional water supply plan, which systems, and effluent from wastewater includes alternative water supply treatment plants. projects, to meet future water demands and sustain related natural systems. Pollution from automobile fluids, Special Environmental Resource Permit commercial and industrial waste, rules by DEP and SJRWMD also require household chemicals, and medical

146 Wildlife and Habitat Values that predevelopment recharge is Alternative B includes many actions maintained in high recharge areas. that would improve water quality and quantity. Refer to the analysis of Likewise, agencies are addressing water quality and quantity impacts of pollution and nutrient loading in alternative B for an explanation of several ways. The SJRWMD Environmental these actions. Resource Permit program requires the construction and operation of Natural Resource Inventories and stormwater management systems to Monitoring. As described in reduce pollutants in receiving waters. alternative A, the flora and fauna of Similarly, DEP has adopted TMDLs for the Wekiva basin are spread across a nutrients in the Wekiva River System mosaic of lands managed by multiple and is currently developing a Basin state and local agencies, as well as Management Action Plan. DEP is also large and small tracts of interspersed pursuing rulemaking to adopt numeric private lands that are within these nutrient criteria and more stringent jurisdictions. Counting and monitoring stormwater treatment requirements for of wildlife and plant populations new development. The Wekiva Promise throughout the basin can be initiative is an educational program challenging. Currently, federal, that DEP supports as well. state, and local agencies monitor selected species populations on a jurisdiction basis and support or Alternative B would continue and, as permit a variety of other research and appropriate, improve management monitoring efforts that contribute to actions and regulatory controls that the knowledge base. are administered by various federal, state and local government entities. Alternative B would promote an In addition, alternative B would increased level of wildlife and plant promote a collaborative and expanded inventory and monitoring. This effort of water quality monitoring and alternative includes objectives that control in the Wekiva basin and would pursue springshed. This alternative includes several actions that target reduced (1) species-specific surveys followed nutrient loading of the river system by annual monitoring for aquatic by minimizing existing nutrient invertebrates in the Wekiva River sources and avoiding future sources. System and springs such as Wekiwa Springs hydrobe, Wekiwa siltsnail, Alternative B would also continue and, and Orlando cave crayfish; as appropriate, improve management (2) a continued effort to monitor actions and regulatory controls to the condition of, and any changes protect the flow regime of the Wekiva to, submerged aquatic vegetation River System. These include actions beds, particularly eelgrass beds; related to monitoring, management, and (3) monthly bird surveys on the water conservation. Alternative B Wekiva River System and surrounding would also promote a multiagency riverine systems, and an annual collaborative effort to enhance report that assesses trends in bird protection of the water quantity of populations; the Wekiva River System. The proposed (4) an assessment of the extent to actions in this alternative could which West Indian manatees use the affect current and future land uses Wekiva River and the various throughout the Wekiva watershed and factors associated with their springshed. feeding, movement, and other behaviors in relation to the St. Johns River;

147 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES (5) annual monitoring programs for this land management tool becomes more reptiles and amphibians; accepted and understood by the public, (6) actions to monitor movement and more widespread use of prescribed fire behavior patterns of bears and might occur in the Wekiva basin. other wildlife, including the use of wildlife crossings; (7) consultation with local Cumulative Effects governments, environmental agencies, and conservation Many existing and foreseeable future organizations to identify critical effects and trends could continue to and unique features for protection; adversely affect wildlife and habitat, and including special status species. (8) expansion of monitoring of Examples of these include degradation invasive and exotic vegetation, of habitat and disturbance of wildlife fish, and invertebrates within the from increased recreational use, Wekiva River System in conjunction invasive and exotic species, habitat with control efforts. fragmentation caused by roads and development, wildlife mortality on Prescribed Fire. Wildfire is an road, and changes to water quality and important attribute in maintaining quantity. Many of these threats and healthy, diverse natural communities. impacts could increase or worsen in Fire helps prevent the proliferation the future with increases in of invasive, exotic plant species and population, development, roads and maintain a healthy distribution and traffic volume, and recreational density of native species. Some plant demand. species even require fire to facilitate seed propagation as part of Alternative B would address these their natural life cycle. As described effects and trends through specific in the impact analysis of alternative actions and a focus on greater A, various land management agencies in coordination among agencies and the Wekiva River basin have partners. Because existing management incorporated prescribed fires into efforts would continue in addition to their land management activities to these actions, alternative B would be replicate the natural process that has not likely to adversely affect special been historically suppressed. status species (determined as per Alternative B would continue and compliance with Section 7 of the improve these current prescribed fire Endangered Species Act). actions in the basin. Furthermore, as

148

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE VALUES

METHODS OF ASSESSING EFFECTS Because this environmental assessment is written by a federal agency, a In this environmental assessment, Section 106 summary is included in the impacts on historic and cultural impact analysis sections. The Section resource values are described in terms 106 summary is an assessment of the of type, context, duration, and effect of the undertaking intensity, which is consistent with the regulations of the CEQ that (implementation of the alternative) implement NEPA. These impact analyses based on the criterion of effect and are intended to comply with the criteria of adverse effect found in requirements of both NEPA and Section the advisory council’s regulations. 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The NPS must To provide a measurement for comply with these laws for federal quantifying the intensity of the undertakings. Actions by a state or impacts on historic and cultural county agency would need to comply resource values, the definitions for with Florida state laws and impact intensity and thresholds are regulations. included below.

In accordance with the Advisory Negligible: The effects on the Council on Historic Preservation’s resource(s) would be barely regulations (36 CFR Part 800, measurable, with no perceptible Protection of Historic Properties), a consequences on the historic and determination of either adverse effect cultural resource values of the or no adverse effect must also be made river system. The Section 106 for affected National Register listed determination of effect for or eligible cultural resources. An properties listed or eligible for adverse effect occurs whenever an listing on the National Register impact alters, directly or indirectly, would be no adverse effect. any characteristic of a cultural Minor: The effects on the resource that qualifies it for resource(s) would be discernible, inclusion in the National Register, but would not diminish or benefit e.g. diminishing the integrity (or the the historic and cultural resource extent to which a resource retains its values of the river system. The historic appearance) of its location, determination of effect for Section design, setting, materials, 106 would be no adverse effect. workmanship, feeling, or association. Moderate: The effects on the Adverse effects also include resource(s) would be discernible, reasonably foreseeable effects caused and would diminish or benefit the by the alternatives that would occur historic and cultural resource later in time, be farther removed in values of the river system. If distance, or be cumulative (36 CFR resources are diminished, the 800.5, Assessment of Adverse Effects). determination of effect for Section A determination of no adverse effect 106 would be adverse effect. A means there may be an effect, but the memorandum of agreement is executed effect would not diminish the among the NPS and applicable state characteristics of the cultural or tribal historic preservation resource that qualify it for inclusion officer and, if necessary, the in the National Register. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in accordance with 36 CFR 800.6(b). Measures identified

149 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES in the memorandum of agreement to professional archeologists, however, minimize or mitigate adverse additional undocumented sites may impacts reduce the intensity of exist in the basin. impact under NEPA from major to moderate. As a result of this limited approach, Major: The effects on the resource(s) gaining an understanding about would be immediately discernible, historical resources within a larger and would severely diminish or regional context is challenging. The greatly benefit the historic and existing archeological and historical cultural resource values of the data point to a long and rich human river system. If resources are history in the river basin, extending diminished, the determination of over 10,000 years. However, without a effect for Section 106 would be basinwide understanding of the adverse effect. Measures to historic resources in the region, minimize or mitigate adverse decision-making on issues that might impacts cannot be agreed upon, and affect these properties becomes more the NPS and applicable state or difficult. tribal historic preservation officer and/or advisory council are Alternative A would continue the unable to negotiate and execute a current agency and project-specific memorandum of agreement in survey approach. accordance with 36 CFR 800.6(b). Monitoring Archeological Resources. Impacts on archeological resources are EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE A a result of both natural and human causes. Naturally occurring impacts Analysis include erosion, animal burrowing, slumpage, and tree fall. Human As stated in Chapter 1, this activities also play a role in the environmental assessment addresses degradation of both submerged and primarily archeological resources that terrestrial archeological sites. Shell are the physical evidence of past middens are particularly vulnerable to human activity and can represent both the effects of people, which include prehistoric and historic occupations. vandalism, looting, shell mining, The following would affect these bulldozing, vegetation trampling, and resource values. littering. Several midden sites represent the only visible and Research and Surveys. The historic accessible high ground along various and cultural resources of the Wekiva river segments. At least 18 shell River basin are spread across a mosaic middens on the riverbanks in the state of lands managed by various state and parks have been impacted by these local agencies, as well as large and activities. small tracts of interspersed private lands. Some of the lands within Although most boaters only access the Seminole State Forest have been rivers via designated entry/exit surveyed for archeological resources. points, many visitors are getting out Only portions of the three state parks of their boats and using nondesignated (Lower Wekiva River Preserve State areas, including midden sites, for Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, resting, or picnicking. Some areas are and Wekiwa Springs State Park) have also being used heavily as party spots been systematically surveyed due to for various groups. Boaters who access the high cost of surveying and lack of various shoreline sites often use the funding. Some public and private lands riverbanks, including several middens, have been selectively examined by as restrooms. The use of archeological

150 Historic and Cultural Resource Values sites in this manner results in the impacts could become worse with continuing degradation of these anticipated future increases in resources. recreation demand and regional population growth. Agencies with jurisdiction under existing state law and regulation are Public Education and Interpretation. required to monitor and protect Education and resource interpretation archeological resources. Under programs in public recreation areas alternative A, these actions would are integral to making the public continue. The three state parks, aware of various cultural resource Seminole State Forest, and the St. issues, site history, stewardship Johns River Water Management District opportunities, visitor guidelines, and all have guidelines and personnel official regulations. Currently, trained to recognize sites and to educational and interpretive signs monitor ground-disturbing activities regarding the history and culture of in consultation with the Florida the region are relatively limited in Division of Historical Resources. The the Wekiva River basin. For example, St. Johns River Water Management in the Rock Springs Run State Reserve, District has one archeologist and uses there is an interpretive boardwalk consultants as needed. Seminole State built next to a midden known as Twin Forest also has one archeologist. Law Mounds. enforcement personnel would receive training in archeological resource The management plan for the three protection as staff time and budgets Florida state parks in the basin permitted. The state agencies also includes some future actions that have access to the Bureau of might increase interpretation and Archaeological Research Stewardship educational amenities in the parks. Volunteer Program and the Sitewatch However, given the number of river Program. system users and the multiple access points, many visitors to the river Unlike state land holdings, county and system might not be aware of important municipal laws and regulations information that might affect their generally do not provide a legal experience or might alter their framework for law enforcement in behavior while on the river system. If regard to archeological and historic visitors become more aware of the sites, although some land use codes river system’s cultural history, they require that these resources be taken might be more likely to avoid into account for planned ground- behaviors that have adverse impacts to disturbing activities associated with shell middens and other archeological land development. With the exception sites. Over the past year, a new of human burials, private lands are partnership between Rollins College generally exempt from state and and the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve federal laws governing historical and has resulted in several inspections archeological resources. Land and clean-up activities at Shell development activities that require Island. Aquatic preserve staff have federal funding or permitting are posted ―No Trespassing‖ signs and subject to federal preservation laws. educational signs advising users of the importance of resources on Shell Because of the fragmented jurisdiction Island; however these signs have been in the river system under alternative repeatedly torn down by adamant A, monitoring would be sporadic and offenders. Law enforcement actions are protection limited, resulting in a necessary to remedy this situation. continued adverse effect on historic Alternative A maintains the current and cultural resource values. These

151 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES level of activities and actions that management efforts, this holistic and relate to visitor education.. collaborative approach could strengthen resource protection and enhance this value. The following Cumulative Effects would affect historic and cultural resource values. The historic and cultural resource values of the river corridor has been Research and Surveys. As stated in and could continue to be adversely alternative A, the historic and affected by private land development cultural resources of the Wekiva River along the shorelines, public projects, basin are spread across a mosaic of and increased recreational use due to lands managed by various state and population growth in the region. The local agencies, as well as large and ongoing and possibly increasing public small tracts of interspersed private access to the river system would also lands that are within multiple local continue to have long-term, minor to government jurisdictions. Given the moderate, adverse, and localized to number of agencies with proprietary widespread impacts on the and regulatory interests in the Wekiva archeological sites and historic River basin, an opportunity exists for landscapes of the river system. a collaborative, intergovernmental Alternative A would continue and effort that considers cultural maintain the existing level of action resource protection issues from a more on these issues. holistic, regional perspective. Because alternative B would institute Actions taken by agencies might affect a river system management plan that cultural resources. For example, relates to many of the surrounding prescribed fires could adversely public and private lands, this affect surface artifacts or historic alternative could result in a structures, if any are present. comprehensive resource management Agencies are encouraged to conduct effort. cultural resource surveys or clearances before commencing To date, under this alternative, the potentially disturbing activities to following research studies have been avoid or mitigate adverse effects identified: caused by such actions.  Native American cultural heritage Alternative A would result in no new in the region effects on historic and cultural  a comprehensive history of public resource values but would continue lands, including all known historic adverse effects on some cultural and cultural properties resources under Section 106.  the history of industry and

transportation development in the

context of economic activities such EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE B as farming, timber, turpentine production, and tourism Analysis  land conservation, private land Implementing alternative B, the grants, and public land acquisition preferred alternative, would increase and development (e.g., state parks and forests, the role of the Apopka management emphasis and interagency coordination to preserve the historic Sportsmen’s Club, the Seminole and cultural resources of the Wekiva Woods property, and the Spanish Wild and Scenic River System. When Land grants) compared to the current conditions and

152 Historic and Cultural Resource Values Under alternative B, areas that have ―Best Management Practices (BMPs) not been previously surveyed would be Guide to Protecting Archaeological identified and prioritized. These Sites‖ to stabilize and protect, at a areas would be surveyed and minimum, the high priority sites. A documented, and a record of each memorandum of understanding could be resource (site, building, landscape or created to establish this position historic district) would be recorded through a partnership of multiple with the Florida Division of agencies. Historical Resources. Also under alternative B, a system to prioritize Also, additional law enforcement significant resources would be personnel could receive training in established for monitoring and archaeological resource protection protection purposes (see following through the Bureau of Archaeological monitoring section). Research. Off-duty law enforcement officers could patrol high priority This alternative would involve a sites on weekends and holidays. multijurisdictional, coordinated approach to survey and research, This alternative emphasizes shoreline providing the information needed for vegetation stabilization, which would agencies and private landowners to also contribute to the protection and make informed decisions about land stabilization of shell middens and management practices and protection of other archeological sites. Alternative historic properties. Information from B would include continued consultation these regional studies could also be with the Florida Division of Histori- used by state agencies, tribes, local cal Resources, particularly in regard governments, and communities to to planned ground-disturbing educate local residents and visitors activities. about the rich cultural heritage of the Wekiva River System and Alternative B also has an objective to surrounding area. implement and strengthen development regulations and practices at publicly Monitoring Archeological Resources. owned recreation areas along the Numerous archeological sites including Wekiva River System. These guidelines shell middens are present along the for public agencies would emphasize waterways and contribute to the preservation of native vegetation, historic and cultural resource values minimized land clearing and facilities of the Wekiva River System. As stated construction, and reclamation in alternative A, impacts on plantings. Where feasible, current and archeological resources are a result future trails would be rerouted at of both natural and human causes. least 50 feet from archeological sites and have adequate vegetative barriers Alternative B includes a series of to discourage access. These actions objectives and actions that would help would help to preserve or improve the to protect these archeological sites. condition of both archeological sites These include assigning at least one and historic landscapes. trained public agency staff member (―Cultural Resource Coordinator‖) to Public Education and Interpretation. regularly monitor resources and Education and resource interpretation implement protection and management programs in public recreation areas strategies. In addition, this are integral to making the public alternative includes the aware of cultural resource issues, implementation of the state Division site history, stewardship of Historical Resources (Bureau of opportunities, preferred visitor Archaeological Research Division’s) behavior guidelines, and official

153 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES regulations. Educational and affect surface artifacts or historic interpretive signs are typically the structures, if any are present. most common medium used for such Agencies would be encouraged to programs. Currently, educational and conduct cultural surveys or clearances interpretive signs are somewhat before commencing potentially limited in the Wekiva River basin. disturbing activities to avoid or mitigate adverse effects caused by The management plan for the three such actions. Florida state parks in the basin includes some future actions that Alternative B includes multiple might increase interpretation and actions and provisions that could help educational amenities on public lands. minimize or mitigate the impact of However, given the number of river various threats, and thus would help system users and multiple access protect resources that contribute to points, many visitors to the river the value of the river system. system might not be aware of important Overall, implementing alternative B information that might affect their would have no adverse effect on experience or might alter their cultural resources and values under behavior while on the river system. Section 106 of the National Historic Alternative B would include provisions Preservation Act. that establish partnerships with private businesses, concessionaires, and other appropriate entities that could foster visitor education. As part of this effort, local and state agencies in the basin could cooperatively establish a systemwide educational and interpretive program that sends a consistent message to visitors about river use and behavior, as well as educates them on the Wekiva River System’s natural and cultural resources, its history, and threats.

Cumulative Effects

Historic and cultural resource values of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System have been and could continue to be adversely affected by private land development along the shorelines (e.g., docks), public projects, and increased recreational use due to population growth in the region. The continued and likely increasing public access to the river system would also continue to have adverse effects on the historic and cultural resource values of the river system.

Actions taken by agencies might affect cultural resources. For example, prescribed fires could adversely

154

WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY VALUES

METHODS OF ASSESSING EFFECTS Effects of Recreational Uses on Instream Water Quality. The water To provide a measurement for quality of the Wekiva River System has quantifying the intensity of the been degraded by various recreation impacts on water quality and quantity activities in high use areas. Boaters, values, the definitions for impact swimmers, and tubers who access the intensity and thresholds are included shorelines and middens while below. recreating throughout the river system have contributed to shoreline erosion Negligible: The action would not have and sedimentation in the water by any noticeable or measureable climbing and walking on unstable changes on water quality or water slopes. These activities have also quality conditions. displaced shoreline vegetation in Minor: The effects on water resources several areas in the system. Once the would be detectable and measurable, shoreline vegetation is lost, the but very limited in scale and slopes are even more susceptible to degree. The action would yield erosion and sedimentation. changes to water quality or water Irresponsible users have also quantity that are minimal and of deposited litter (e.g., cans, plastic little consequence. waste) in the water. Over time Moderate: The effects on water littering can contribute to resources would be apparent and degradation in water quality. would have some influence on river health. The action would yield Motorized watercraft also have adverse changes to water quality or water effects on instream water quality quantity that have notable through lost engine fuel, turbidity, consequences, but that are not and propeller damage to native aquatic widespread, severe, or highly vegetation . (Healthy aquatic favorable. vegetation, including eel grass beds, Major: The effects on water resources can benefit water quality.) would be very apparent and would have direct and substantial In the future, these impacts could influence on river system health. become worse with anticipated The action would yield considerable increases in regional population and changes to water quality or water recreation demand. Alternative A would quantity that have widespread and maintain current actions in terms of severe or exceptionally favorable managing the impact of recreation. consequences. Effects of Land Use on Instream Water Quality. Nutrient loading and pollution have several adverse effects EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE A on aquatic systems. Nutrients from contributing areas of Lake, Seminole, Analysis and Orange counties are causing degradation of the aquatic communities The water quality and quantity values that were key factors in the Wekiva of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Wild and Scenic River designation. System could be affected by the Nutrient loading and pollution could following. threaten the river system to even greater degrees in the future.

155 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES High nutrient levels contribute to the Wekiva River System through algal blooms, infestations of invasive surface water drainage and groundwater or exotic vegetation, and direct infiltration. population loss of some sensitive endemic species. Measuring, reducing, As new development occurs in the and mitigating these water quality Wekiva basin and springshed, the effects is challenging because effects of land use and land use nutrient loading to the river system practices on water quality could has many sources. Nutrient loading of become worse. Future population growth the river system occurs through th could also bring an increase in the both surface water and groundwater number of residential properties flows. Thus, to fully assess impacts served by septic systems and an from nutrient loading, land uses increase in chemically maintained and throughout the surface watershed and fertilized lawns and landscapes. Both the groundwater springshed must be of these changes in the local considered. Depending on the location landscape could increase the threat of within the basin or springshed and the adverse water quality impacts on the topography or underground composition, Wekiva River System. a particular land use could contribute nutrient loading to the surface water Alternative A would continue the (via runoff), to the groundwater (via current management actions and groundwater recharge), or both. The regulatory efforts of the various watershed and springshed of the Wekiva state and local government agencies River System cover a very large land that have jurisdiction in the Wekiva area. Complicating matters, the River basin and springshed, including watershed and springshed boundaries the TMDL program, development of a extend across several government Wekiva Basin Management Action Plan, jurisdictions and a variety of land actions required in the Wekiva area by use types (e.g., from high-density, special state legislation, and support urban residential lands to open, of the Wekiva Promise initiative. agricultural lands). Different land uses and land use practices contribute Effects of Land Use on Flow Regimes different levels of nutrient loading. (Water Quantity Conditions). Instream flow throughout the Wekiva River In the Wekiva River System, nitrogen System is affected by several factors has been determined to be the throughout the watershed and controlling factor and therefore most springshed. Land development, important from the standpoint of increasing water demand, and climatic nutrient loading. Collectively, the variations and events are notable many nitrogen sources in the Wekiva factors that affect flows in the watershed and springshed have Wekiva River System. considerable adverse effects on water quality. These sources include, but As development continues, the amount are not limited to, fertilizers used of impervious surface area would on lawns and landscaping in continue to increase. This landscape residential and commercial areas, alteration could directly diminish fertilizers used by agriculture, groundwater recharge, which in turn, effluent from septic systems, and diminishes spring flows into the river effluent from wastewater treatment system. An increase in impervious plants. In addition to nutrient surfaces can also alter the surface loading, pollution from automobile flow regimes of an area due to greater fluids, commercial and industrial evaporation loss and the redirection waste, household chemicals, and of stormwater. medical substances pose a threat to

156 Water Quality and Quantity Values Because the Wekiva River System is be beneficial, enhancing the heavily dependent on spring flows, it protection of the Wekiva River System is more sensitive to changes in and all of its associated resource groundwater levels. An increasing values. regional population and expanding urban area would continue to increase demands on central water supply Cumulative Effects systems that rely on groundwater wells. Impacts on the Wekiva system A variety of state, regional, and may also occur if surface waters from local government policies and the Wekiva River System are used as a regulatory actions have contributed to supply source for future water the protection of water quality and demands. flow regimes. To date, management actions by multiple agencies have Although citrus and crop production helped protect the flow regime in the are in decline, other forms of Wekiva River System. In 2007 the agriculture, such as indoor foliage district concluded that the existing nurseries, continue to use significant assigned minimum flows and levels for quantities of water as well. these springs were adequate to protect the system from ―significant harm‖. A Ultimately, instream flows also district reevaluation of the Wekiva directly affect several other values River minimum flows and levels is of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River scheduled for 2013. Although minimum System. The condition of water flows and levels are being met quality, historic and cultural presently, increased water demand in resource values, wildlife and habitat, the basin and springshed could and recreational uses are all contribute to reduced flows. This dependent on adequate instream flows. pressure would likely be compounded by Thus, major alterations to flows in the increased demand from future the Wekiva River System could affect population growth in the region. several other values that contribute to the Wild and Scenic River Currently, various agencies are taking designation. steps to reduce pollution and nutrient loading in the Wekiva basin and Agencies have implemented several springshed. Some examples of existing programs to address the potential agency actions are as follows: impacts of land use on flow regimes. These include existing consumptive use (1) The St. Johns River Water and environmental resource permitting Management District has developed programs with special Wekiva basin and Pollutant Load Reduction Goals springshed recharge criteria, (PLRGs) for Wekiwa Springs, the floodplain protection criteria, Wekiva River, Rock Springs, and minimum flows and levels requirements, Rock Springs Run that establishes and water conservation requirements. nutrient loading targets and analyzes discharges into waters Alternative A would continue these that have impaired water quality. current actions to protect the flow FDEP has used these PLRGs to adopt regime of the Wekiva River System. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) However, with land use changes, thresholds. population growth and the increased (2) The Florida Consumer Task Force water demand that would accompany this has recommended a model ordinance growth, additional comprehensive, for local governments to enforce intergovernmental coordination and, as fertilizer levels. appropriate, additional actions would

157 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES (3) The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has Effects of Recreational Uses on established requirements for Instream Water Quality. As described advanced wastewater treatment in in alternative A, recreation in the the Wekiva Study Area. Wekiva River System has contributed to (4) The Florida Department of Health a degradation of water quality. has proposed draft nutrient load Boaters, swimmers, and tubers who reduction rules for domestic onsite access the shorelines and middens have wastewater disposal systems. (These contributed to shoreline erosion and are on hold pending legislative sedimentation in the river system by action). climbing and walking on unstable (5) The Florida Department of slopes. These activities have also Environmental Protection has displaced shoreline vegetation in adopted Total Maximum Daily Loads several areas. Irresponsible users for Wekiwa Springs, the Wekiva have also deposited litter in the River, Rock Springs, and Rock water, which contributes to Springs Run, as well as several degradation in water quality. lakes and stream sections within Motorized watercraft also have adverse the basin and outside of the Wild effects on water quality through and Scenic designated waterways. spilled engine fuel and propeller Under existing law, FDEP will damage to native aquatic vegetation develop a Basin Management Action (which impacts water quality). With Plan to meet TMDLs. the projected increase in recreation demand and regional population in the As discussed above, water quality and future, these threats to water quality water quantity conditions of the river would likely increase or worsen if not system could be adversely affected by adequately addressed. increased recreational use, increased development, and increased water The objectives and actions for demands due to population growth. recreation management in alternative B could help remedy or minimize this Alternative A would continue the issue if they are funded and implementation of existing programs to implemented effectively. By completing address these issues. a recreation assessment, creating a recreation facility master plan, and EFFECTS OF ALTERNATIVE B assessing and monitoring user capacity thresholds for water quality, Analysis alternative B could have a positive effect on maintaining or improving Implementing alternative B, the water quality conditions related to preferred alternative, would enhance recreational use in the river system. actions and interagency coordination The expansion of partnerships with on protecting the water quality and private businesses and concessionaires quantity in the Wekiva River System. who operate on the Wekiva River System When combined with the ongoing (which would include a public management efforts described by awareness/outreach component) could alternative A, the actions associated serve as a preventive measure to with the collaborative, holistic reduce shoreline impacts by making approach of alternative B could have users more aware of the implications positive effects on water quality and of their actions on the river system. water quantity issues. The water quality and water quantity conditions Another preventive measure under this in the Wekiva River System could be alternative would be the development affected by the following. of events and media announcements that

158 Water Quality and Quantity Values encourage the public to experience and use and land use practices on water learn about the Wekiva Wild and Scenic quality could become worse. Future River System and understand its status population growth could also bring a and health. notable increase in the number of residential properties served by Effects of Land Use on Instream Water septic systems and an increase in Quality. As described in alternative chemically maintained and fertilized A, nutrient loading and pollution have lawns and landscapes. Both of these several adverse effects on aquatic changes in the local landscape could systems, including the degradation of increase the threat of adverse water the aquatic communities that were key quality impacts on the Wekiva River factors in the Wekiva Wild and Scenic System. River designation. Nutrient loading and pollution might threaten the river Alternative B would continue and, as system to even greater degrees in the appropriate, improve management future. actions and regulatory controls that are administered by various state and Deteriorated water quality conditions local government entities (see in the Wekiva River System caused by alternative A). In addition, high nutrient levels can contribute to alternative B would promote a algal blooms, infestations of invasive collaborative and expanded effort of exotic vegetation, and direct water quality monitoring and control population loss of some sensitive in the Wekiva basin and springshed. endemic species. Measuring, reducing, This alternative includes numerous and mitigating these water quality actions that target reduced nutrient effects is challenging because loading into the river system by nutrient loading to the river system minimizing existing nutrient sources has many sources. The watershed and and avoiding future sources. The springshed of the Wekiva River System proposed actions in this alternative cover a very large land area. would affect current and future land Complicating matters, the watershed uses throughout the Wekiva watershed and springshed boundaries extend and springshed. Some examples of these across several government alternative B objectives and related jurisdictions and a variety of land actions are as follows: use types. (1) Protect springs, wetlands, Sources of nutrient loading include surface waters, karst features, but are not limited to fertilizers and high groundwater recharge used on lawns and landscaping in areas in the basin and springshed residential and commercial areas, through land acquisition and fertilizers used by agriculture, conservation easements. effluent from septic systems, and (2) Continue to strictly interpret effluent from wastewater treatment the ―Outstanding Florida Waters‖ plants. In addition, pollution from statute by reviewing and automobile fluids, commercial and investigating activities that may industrial waste, household chemicals, degrade water quality. and medical substances pose a threat (3) Evaluate and as appropriate to the Wekiva River System through strengthen stormwater management surface water drainage and groundwater ordinances and regulations. infiltration. (4) Support the implementation of the Wekiva River System Total Maximum In the future, as development Daily Loads/Basin Management continues to occur in the Wekiva basin Action Plan program; and review and springshed, the effects of land and comment on future total

159 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES maximum daily load evaluations by state agencies. (5) Develop a communication program Effects of Land Use on Flow Regime for residents, businesses, (Water Quantity Conditions). As landscaping professionals, and described in alternative A, instream public employees to address flow of the Wekiva River System is fertilizer application practices affected by several factors throughout and the harm caused by nutrient the watershed and springshed. Land loading to surface water and development, increasing water demand, groundwater quality. Continue to and climatic variations and events are support the tenets of the Wekiva some of the most notable factors that Promise initiative. affect instream flows in the Wekiva (6) Evaluate and implement feasible River System. stormwater retrofit projects to meet existing requirements and As development continues in the Wekiva identify new projects to provide springshed, the amount of impervious innovative nutrient removal surface area would continue to treatment. increase, which could diminish ground- (7) Assess and as appropriate water recharge and spring flows into strengthen local and state the river system. An increase in regulations on setbacks, buffers, impervious surfaces can also alter the and allowable land uses and surface flow regimes of an area due to discharges near karst features. greater evaporation loss and the (8) Encourage proper maintenance of redirection of stormwater. septic systems and as appropriate retrofitting with performance- Because the Wekiva River System is based on-site wastewater treatment heavily dependent on spring flows, it systems that minimize nutrient is more sensitive to changes in loading. groundwater levels. An increasing (9) Convert existing urban areas regional population and expanding with a high density of individual urban area would also continue to onsite septic systems to central increase demands on central water sewer where feasible and supply systems that rely on environmentally necessary. groundwater wells. This growth may (10) Enforce, assess, and as also have considerable effects on the appropriate strengthen regulations Wekiva System if surface waters in the and education efforts of state basin are used as a supply source for agencies and local governments these future water demands. relating to lawn and landscaping practices and the responsible use Although citrus and crop production of fertilizer; and promote are in decline, other forms of education on the fertilizer agriculture, such as indoor foliage effects of using reclaimed water nurseries, continue to use significant for irrigation. quantities of water as well. (11) Support research and monitoring regarding the impacts of land Agencies have implemented several application of reclaimed water on programs to address the potential shallow groundwater and the impacts of land use on flow regimes. Floridan Aquifer. These include existing consumptive use (12) Support additional research and environmental resource permitting relating to the health of aquatic programs with special Wekiva basin and vegetation and algal growth that springshed recharge criteria, can be indicators of nutrient floodplain protection criteria, levels.

160 Water Quality and Quantity Values minimum flows and levels requirements, water outside of the basin or and water conservation requirements. springshed has an adverse impact. (6) Encourage nurseries, landscaping contractors, and agricultural Alternative B would continue and, as operations to comply with appropriate, improve management irrigation best management actions and regulatory controls to practices. protect the flow regime of the Wekiva River System. In addition, alternative B would promote an expanded, Cumulative Effects collaborative, intergovernmental effort to protect this hydrologic As discussed above, the water quality resource. The proposed actions in this and water quantity conditions of the alternative would affect current and Wekiva River System could be adversely future land uses throughout the Wekiva affected by recreational use, watershed and springshed. Some development, water demands, and land examples of these alternative B use activities. Many of these threats objectives and related actions are as could increase in the future with follows: continued development and population growth throughout the region. A. (1) Support planned efforts to update existing minimum flows and levels and determine if additional Alternative B includes multiple or revised minimum flows and levels actions and provisions that could help are needed throughout the basin to minimize the impact of these threats protect the Wekiva River System. and thus could contribute to (2) Evaluate existing and proposed protecting water quality and the water water withdrawals and participate quantity. In addition, land management in rulemaking processes that would agencies in the area have management help strengthen policies and plans that target the public regulations that further limit acquisition of private lands in water consumption, as appropriate. critical groundwater recharge areas (3) Evaluate the outstandingly (e.g., Florida State Parks and the St. remarkable values of the Wekiva Johns River Water Management River System that are affected by District). flows and water levels to determine if additional actions are needed to protect them. (4) Work with agencies, local governments, and the private sector to promote water conservation measures that relate for example to water rate structures, irrigation systems, fixtures and appliances, landscaping, low-impact development standards, and designs that protect nonirrigated open space. (5) Promote the efficient use of reclaimed water in the basin and springshed and evaluate whether the use of reclaimed water (including supplemented reclaimed water sources) has an adverse impact; evaluate whether the transport of

161 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES CONCLUSION

Alternative A would result in the recreational demands increase in the continuation of existing programs and future. management efforts that benefit outstandingly remarkable values Finally, through continuing including scenic, recreation, cooperation with the National Park wildlife and habitat, historic and Service, alternative B provides cultural resources, and water quality greater opportunities for federal and quantity. However due to various funding to implement actions threats to the river system and its identified. values relating largely to greater impacts of regional population growth For all of these reasons, Alternative and recreation demand, some long term B would result in long-term, adverse impacts to outstandingly localized and widespread beneficial remarkable values of the Wekiva Wild impacts, and is therefore the and Scenic River System could result preferred alternative. that range from minor to moderate, and localized to widespread. Alternative A corresponds to the continuation of current management Under Alternative B, existing activities, and therefore is not programs and management efforts would likely to adversely affect special continue as well; however, those status species, determined as per efforts would be enhanced by the compliance with Section 7 of the implementation of several additional Endangered Species Act. Alternative B goals, objectives and actions corresponds to the continuation of intended to further protect current management activities, in outstandingly remarkable values. addition to several new or enhanced These actions include but are not initiatives intended to further limited to research and monitoring, protect wildlife and habitat evaluating the efficacy of current associated with the Wekiva River regulations and management efforts, System, and therefore is also not and implementing improvements as likely to adversely affect special appropriate. Overall, the status species, determined as per coordinated, multiagency actions compliance with Section 7 of the contained in alternative B would Endangered Species Act. Alternative A contribute to the protection of would result in no new effects on scenic values, recreation values, historic and cultural resource values wildlife and habitat values, historic but would continue adverse effects on and cultural resources values, and some cultural resources under Section water quality and quantity values. 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Overall, the Another beneficial component of implementation of alternative B would Alternative B is the implementation have no adverse effect on cultural of a user capacity program to resources and values under Section identify potential impacts from 106 of the National Historic resource use and an impact monitoring Preservation Act. program to determine whether levels of change are acceptable. This would include a systemwide recreational assessment and the development of a facilities master plan to ensure that outstandingly remarkable values are adequately protected even if

162 Water Quality and Quantity Values

CHAPTER 5: CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

163

PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

The Comprehensive River Management work on the scope of work for the Plan / Environmental Assessment for Wekiva River System Management Plan the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River (held at Wekiwa Springs State Park) System represents the work of the 04/03/2007 Wekiva River System Advisory Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee meeting Management Committee and the NPS. 06/06/2007 Wekiva River System Advisory Consultation and coordination among Management Committee meeting the agencies and the public were an 08/07/2007 Wekiva River System Advisory important part of the planning Management Committee meeting process. Opportunities have existed 09/26/2007 Wekiva Wild and Scenic River to comment on the environmental Community Workshop at Wekiwa Springs assessment through the advisory State Park for the public to learn management committee, by participation about the river management plan and to in public meetings, and by submitting solicit public input (100 people comments on the NPS planning website attended) (www.parkplanning.nps.gov). 11/05/2007 Wekiva River System Advisory Management subcommittee meeting via conference call to work on the Wekiva COMMITTEE AND PUBLIC MEETINGS River System Management Plan 12/04/2007 Wekiva River System Advisory The following describes the public Management Committee meeting involvement and coordination 02/13/2008 Wekiva River System Advisory activities that occurred during the Management Committee meeting Wekiva River System management 04/15/2008 Wekiva River System Advisory planning process through February Management Committee meeting 2011. (All meetings were held at 06/04/2008 Wekiva River System Advisory Sylvan Lake Park in Seminole County Management Committee meeting unless otherwise noted.) The advisory 09/15/2008 Wekiva River System Advisory management committee meetings were Management Committee subcommittee open to the public. meeting to work on finalizing the Draft Wekiva River System Management 02/08/2006 Wekiva River System Plan (held at Wekiwa Springs State Advisory Management Committee Park) meeting 12/02/2008 Wekiva River System Advisory 04/04/2006 Wekiva River System Management Committee meeting Advisory Management Committee 12/10/2008 National Wild and Scenic meeting Rivers Committee Meeting, Sarasota, 07/12/2006 Wekiva River System Florida: field trip on the Wekiva Advisory Management Committee River with Wekiva River System meeting Advisory Management Committee members 12/05/2006 Wekiva River System 02/04/2009 Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee Advisory Management Committee meeting meeting 02/07/2007 Wekiva River System 03/05/2009 Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee Advisory Management subcommittee meeting conference call to discuss and 03/10/2007 Wekiva River Fest at edit water quantity goals, Wekiwa Springs State Park (annual objectives, and actions public event) 03/13/2009 Wekiva River System 03/28/2007 Wekiva River System Advisory Advisory Management subcommittee Management subcommittee meeting to conference call to further edit,

165 CHAPTER 5: CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION refine and finalize the water CONSULTATION WITH OTHER quantity goals, objectives, and AGENCIES/OFFICIALS AND ORGANIZATIONS actions (TO DATE) 06/02/2009 Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, meeting Section 7 Consultation 06/16-17/2009 Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee During preparation of this document, participants, Denver Service NPS staff coordinated with the U.S. Center representatives, and other Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NPS offices met to discuss the Jacksonville, Florida, office. A planning process and conduct field letter was sent to the U.S. Fish and trip and field study on the Wekiva Wildlife Service on July 28, 2009 (see River system appendix F), initiating informal 08/05/2009 Wekiva River System consultation and requesting a species Advisory Management Committee list. The Park Service received a meeting response from the U.S. Fish and 01/19/2010 Wekiva River System Wildlife Service dated September 1, Advisory Management Committee 2009, with information on federally meeting listed species (see appendix F). The 03/09/2010 Wekiva River System listed species included in this Advisory Management Subcommittee environmental assessment was compiled meeting to work on the using information that the USFWS Environmental Assessment provided (see appendix C). 04/07/2010 Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee In accordance with the Endangered meeting Species Act and relevant regulations 06/08/2010 Wekiva River System at 50 CFR Part 402, NPS staff Advisory Management Committee determined that the preferred meeting alternative is not likely to adversely 08/04/2010 Wekiva River System affect the eastern indigo snake, Advisory Management Committee Florida scrub-jay, West Indian meeting manatee, or wood stork. NPS managers 09/27/2010 Wekiva Project Selection have provided a copy of this Subcommittee meeting environmental assessment to the U.S. 10/05/2010 Wekiva River System Fish and Wildlife Service with a Advisory Management Committee request for concurrence with NPS meeting findings. The cover letter for the 12/08/2010 Wekiva River System environmental assessment submittal Advisory Management Committee included references to the sections meeting and pages of the environmental 02/08/2011 Wekiva River System assessment that contain a description Advisory Management Committee of the impacts on habitats and meeting species, which will serve as the 04/06/2011 Wekiva River System ―Biological Assessment.‖ Advisory Management Committee meeting In addition, the advisory management 06/07/2011 Wekiva River System committee for the Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee commits to consult the U.S. Fish and meeting Wildlife Service on future site 08/16/2011 Wekiva River System specific actions conducted under the Advisory Management Committee framework described in this document meeting to ensure that such actions are not likely to adversely affect threatened

166 Public and Agency Involvement or endangered species (determination as per compliance with Section 7 of Consultation with Native Americans the Endangered Species Act). The NPS recognizes that indigenous Section 106 Consultation (National peoples might have traditional Historic Preservation Act) interests and rights in lands covered by this environmental assessment. Federal agencies that have direct or Related Native American concerns are indirect jurisdiction over historic solicited through Native American properties are required by Section 106 consultations. The need for of the National Historic Preservation government-to-government Native Act of 1966, as amended (16 USC 270, American consultations stems from the et seq.), to take into account the historic power of Congress to make effect of any undertaking on treaties with American Indian tribes properties listed or eligible for as sovereign nations. Consultations listing in the National Register of with American Indians and other Native Historic Places. Americans, such as Native Hawaiians and Alaska Natives, are required by Section 106 applies to federal various federal laws, executive undertakings that are projects that orders, regulations, and policies. occur on federal land, require federal permits, or involve federal A letter was sent to the Miccosukee funding. Because this environmental Indian Tribe of Florida in July 2009 assessment is being prepared by the to invite their participation in the NPS, it is considered a federal planning process. In the letter, the undertaking. However, the specific tribe was briefed on the scope of the projects and actions that might be planning project and asked for taken to implement this comments. The tribe will have an environmental assessment would opportunity to review and comment on occur on state or county land and this environmental assessment. generally would not involve federal funding. These undertakings would be subject to applicable state and county laws and regulations. On state land, the implementing agency must abide by Chapter 267 (Historic Resources) of the Florida State Statutes, which requires that agencies consider the effects of undertakings on properties that are listed or eligible for inclusion in the National Register.

The NPS sent a letter to the Florida Division of Historical Resources/State Historic Preservation Office in 2009, inviting their participation in the planning process.

167 CHAPTER 5: CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION Consultation with Other Services, Florida Forest Service, Agencies and Organizations Seminole State Forest (6) Audubon of Florida, a nonprofit The following agencies and organization organizations are represented on the (7) The Friends of the Wekiva River, Wekiva River System Advisory a nonprofit organization Management Committee, which was (8) The Lake County Water Authority established by the designating (9) Lake County legislation and has been a part of the (10) Orange County planning process. (11) Seminole County (12) The St. Johns River Water (1) The Department of the Interior, Management District represented by the director of (13) The Florida Fish and Wildlife the NPS or the director’s Conservation Commission designee (14) The City of Altamonte Springs (2) The East Central Florida Regional (15) The City of Longwood Planning Council (16) The City of Apopka (3) The Florida Department of (17) The Florida Farm Bureau Environmental Protection, Federation Division of Recreation and Parks (18) The Florida Forestry Association (4) The Florida Department of (19) The Florida Chapter of The Nature Environmental Protection, Wekiva Conservancy, a nonprofit River Aquatic Preserve organization (5) The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer

168

AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING A COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT

FEDERAL AGENCIES

Advisory Council on AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBES TRADITIONALLY Historic Preservation ASSOCIATED WITH THE RIVER SYSTEM U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Jacksonville, Florida Office) Miccosukee Indian Tribe of Florida

SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Honorable John L. Mica, Lake County U.S. Representative, 7th District Orange County Seminole County Honorable Bill Nelson, U.S. Senator City of Altamonte Springs Honorable Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator City of Longwood City of Apopka Honorable Larry Metz, State Representative, 25th District Honorable Bryan Nelson, ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES State Representative, 38th District Honorable Scott Plakon, Audubon of Florida State Representative, 37th District Friends of the Wekiva River The Nature Conservancy, Honorable Andy Gardiner, Florida Chapter State Senator, 9th District Florida Farm Bureau Federation Honorable D. Alan Hays, Florida Forestry Association State Senator, 20th District David Simmons, State Senator, 22nd District INDIVIDUALS

(For a list of individuals receiving a STATE, REGIONAL, AND LOCAL AGENCIES copy of this document, contact the Chief of Planning for the NPS Florida Department of Environmental Southeast Region.) Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, Seminole State Forest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Division of Historical Resources (State Historic Preservation Office) St. Johns River Water Management District Lake County Water Authority

169

170

APPENDIXES, ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY, SELECTED REFERENCES, AND PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS

171

APPENDIX A: AUTHORIZING LEGISLATION

114 STAT. 1050 PUBLIC LAW 106—299—-OCT. 13, 2000

106th Congress

An Act

To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the Wekiva River and its tributaries of Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, and Black Water [HR. 2773] Creek in the State of Florida as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ―Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Act of 2000‖.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) Public Law 104—311 (110 Stat. 3818) amended section 5 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276) to require the study of the Wekiva River and its tributaries of Rock Springs Run and Seminole Creek for potential inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers system. (2) The study determined that the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, and Black Water Creek are eligible for inclusion in the national wild and scenic rivers system. (3) The State of Florida has demonstrated its commitment to protecting these rivers and streams by the enactment of the Wekiva River Protection Act (Florida Statute chapter 369), by the establishment of a riparian wildlife protection zone and water quality protection zone by the St. Johns River Water Management District, and by the acquisition of lands adjacent to these rivers and streams for conservation purposes. (4) The Florida counties of Lake, Seminole, and Orange have demonstrated their commitment to protect these rivers and streams in their comprehensive land use plans and land development regulations. (5) The desire for designation of these rivers and streams as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system has been demonstrated through strong public support, State and local agency support, and the endorsement of designation by the Wekiva River Basin Ecosystem Working Group, which represents a broad cross section of State and local agencies, organizations, and recreational users. (6) The entire lengths of the Wekiva River, Rock Springs Run, and Black Water Creek are held in public ownership or conservation easements or are defined as waters of the State of Florida.

SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WEKIVA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES, FLORIDA, AS COMPONENTS OF NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS SYSTEM.

Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ―(161) WEKIVA RIVER, WEKIWA SPRINGS RUN, ROCK SPRINGS RUN, AND BLACK WATER CREEK, FLORIDA—The 41.6- mile segments referred to in this paragraph, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior:

―(A) WEKIVA RIVER AND WEKIWA SPRINGS RUN.—The 14.9 miles of the Wekiva River, along Wekiwa Springs Run from its confluence with the St. Johns River to Wekiwa Springs, to be administered in the following classifications:

―(i) From the confluence with the St. Johns River to the southern boundary of the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve, approximately 4.4 miles, as a wild river. ―(ii) From the southern boundary of the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve to the northern boundary of Rock Springs State Reserve at the Wekiva River, approximately 3.4 miles, as a recreational river. ―(iii) From the northern boundary of Rock Springs State Reserve at the Wekiva River to the southern boundary of Rock Springs State Reserve at the Wekiva River, approximately 5.9 miles, as a wild river. ―(iv) From the southern boundary of Rock Springs State Reserve at the Wekiva River upstream along Wekiwa Springs Run to Wekiwa Springs, approximately 1.2 miles, as a recreational river.

173 APPENDIXES

―(B) ROCK SPRINGS RUN—The 8.8 miles from the confluence of Rock Springs Run with the Wekiwa Springs Run forming the Wekiva River to its headwaters at Rock Springs, to be administered in the following classifications:

―(i) From the confluence with Wekiwa Springs Run to the western boundary of Rock Springs Run State Reserve at Rock Springs Run, approximately 6.9 miles, as a wild river. ―(ii) From the western boundary of Rock Springs Run State Reserve at Rock Springs Run to Rock Springs, approximately 1.9 miles, as a recreational river.

―(C) BLACK WATER CREEK.—The 17.9 miles from the confluence of Black Water Creek with the Wekiva River to outflow from Lake Norris, to be administered in the following classifications:

―(i) From the confluence with the Wekiva River to approximately .25 mile downstream of the Seminole State Forest road crossing, approximately 4.1 miles, as a wild river.

―(ii) From approximately .25 mile downstream of the Seminole State Forest road to approximately - .25 mile upstream of the Seminole State Forest road crossing, approximately .5 mile, as a scenic river. ―(iii) From approximately .25 mile upstream of the Seminole State Forest road crossing to approximately .25 mile downstream of the old railroad grade crossing (approximately River Mile 9), approximately 4.4 miles, as a wild river. ―(iv) From approximately .25 mile downstream of the old railroad grade crossing (approximately River Mile 9), upstream to the boundary of Seminole State Forest (approximately River Mile 10.6), approximately 1.6 miles, as a scenic river. ―(v) From the boundary of Seminole State Forest (approximately River Mile 10.6) to approximately .25 mile downstream of the State Road 44 crossing, approximately .9 mile, as a wild river. ―(vi) From approximately .25 mile downstream of State Road 44 to approximately .25 mile upstream of the State Road 44A crossing, approximately .6 mile, as a recreational river. ―(vii) From approximately .25 mile upstream of the State Road 44A crossing to approximately .25 mile downstream of the Lake Norris Road crossing, approximately 4.7 miles, as a wild river. ―(viii) From approximately .25 mile downstream of the Lake Norris Road crossing to the outflow from Lake Norris, approximately 1.1 miles, as a recreational river.‖.

SEC. 4. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO WEKIVA RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES. (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section and section 5: (1) WEKIVA RIVER SYSTEM—The term ―Wekiva River system‖ means the segments of the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, and Black Water Creek in the State of Florida designated as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system by paragraph (161) of section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)), as added by this Act. (2) COMMITTEE—The term ―Committee‖ means the Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee established pursuant to section 5. (3) COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN—The terms ―comprehensive management plan‖ and ―plan‖ mean the comprehensive management plan to be developed pursuant to section 3(d) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(d)). (4) SECRETARY—The term ―Secretary‖ means the Secretary of the Interior.

(b) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.— (1) USE AUTHORIZED—In order to provide for the long- term protection, preservation, and enhancement of the Wekiva River system, the Secretary shall offer to enter into cooperative agreements pursuant to sections 10(e) and 11(b)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1281(e), 1282(b)(1)) with the State of Florida, appropriate local political jurisdictions of the State, namely the counties of Lake,

Orange, and Seminole, and appropriate local planning and environmental organizations- (2) EFFECT OF AGREEMENT—Administration by the Secretary of the Wekiva River system through the use of cooperative agreements shall not constitute National Park Service administration of the Wekiva River system for purposes of section 10(c) of such Act (10 U.S.C. 1281(c)) and shall not cause the Wekiva River system to be considered as being a unit of the National Park System. Publicly owned lands within the boundaries of the Wekiva River system shall continue to be managed by the agency having jurisdiction over the lands, in accordance with the statutory authority and mission of the agency. (d) COMPLIANCE REVIEW.—After completion of the comprehensive management plan, the Secretary shall biennially review compliance with the plan and shall promptly report to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate any deviation from the plan that could result in any diminution of the values for which the Wekiva River system was designated as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system. (d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER SUPPORT—The Secretary may provide technical assistance, staff support, and funding to assist in the development and implementation of the comprehensive management plan. (e) LIMITATION ON FEDERAL SUPPORT—Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize funding for land acquisition, facility development, or operations.

174 Appendix A: Authorizing Legislation

SEC. 5. WEKIVA RIVER SYSTEM ADVISORY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee, to assist in the development of the comprehensive management plan for the Wekiva River system. (b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Committee shall be composed of a representative of each of the following agencies and organizations: (1) The Department of the Interior, represented by the Director of the National Park Service or the Director’s designee. (2) The East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. (3) The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks. (4) The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve. (5) The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, Seminole State Forest. (6) The Florida Audubon Society. (7) The nonprofit organization known as the Friends of the Wekiva. (8) The Lake County Water Authority. (9) The Lake County Planning Department. (10) The Orange County Parks and Recreation Department, Kelly Park. (11) The Seminole County Planning Department. (12) The St. Johns River Water Management District. (13) The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (14) The City of Altamonte Springs.

(15) The City of Longwood (16) The City of Apopka. (17) The Florida Farm Bureau Federation. (18) The Florida Forestry Association.

(c) ADDITIONAL MEMBERS.— Other interested parties may be added to the Committee by request to the Secretary and unanimous consent of the existing members.

(d) APPOINTMENT—Representatives and alternates to the Committee shall be appointed as follows: (1) State agency representatives, by the head of the agency. (2) County representatives, by the Boards of County Commissioners. (3) Water management district, by the Governing Board. (4) Department of the Interior representative, by the Southeast Regional Director, National Park Service. (5) East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, by Governing Board. (6) Other organizations, by the Southeast Regional Director, National Park Service.

(e) ROLE OF COMMITTEE.—The Committee shall assist in the development of the comprehensive management plan for the Wekiva River system and provide advice to the Secretary in carrying out the management responsibilities of the Secretary under this Act. The Committee shall have an advisory role only, it will not have regulatory or land acquisition authority. (f) VOTING AND COMMITTEE PROCEDURES. Each member agency, agency division, or organization referred to in subsection (b) shall have one vote and provide one member and one alternate. Committee decisions and actions will be made with consent of three-fourths of all voting members. Additional necessary Committee procedures shall be developed as part of the comprehensive management plan.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act and paragraph (161) of section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)), as added by this Act.

Approved October 13, 2000.

175

APPENDIX B: EXAMPLES OF ORDINANCES, GUIDELINES AND PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION

Design Guidelines for Boat Launches and Take-outs In 2004 the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program generated a report that provides recommendations and design guidelines for canoe and kayak launch and take-out sites. The document is called ―Logical Lasting Launches: Design Guidance for Canoe and Kayak Launches.‖ This NPS release provides numerous design options that are functional and long-lasting while minimizing impacts on river and shoreline resources.

Source: National Park Service. Spring 2004. ―Logical Lasting Launches: Design Guidance for Canoe and Kayak Launches.‖ Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program.

Example of a Local Government Fertilizer Use Ordinance in Florida In 2008 Marion County, Florida, adopted an ordinance that has the intent of protecting the Rainbow River and its springshed by setting efficiency-based controls on fertilizer use (a primary nitrogen source) in the county. The ordinance includes controls that are based on best management practices, such as fertilizer application rates per lawn type, restrictions for fertilizer use on impervious surfaces, mandatory fertilizer-free zones (e.g. near waterways, karst sinkholes), and restrictions for placement of grass clippings and other vegetation matter near waterways or storm sewers.

Source: Marion County, FL. 2008. Marion County Ordinance for Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes. Marion County Code of Ordinances. Chapter 19: Water and Sewers, Article V: Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes, Sections 19-241 to 19- 255. [Ordinance No. 08-35, § 1-15, 11-4-2008].

Example of a Local Government River Protection Ordinance in Florida Marion County, Florida, also has an ordinance that specifically aims to protect the Rainbow River by taking preventive measures on trash and motorized boating impacts on the river and its resources. Under this ordinance, the possession of food or alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages in disposable containers is prohibited on the Rainbow River. This includes bottles, cans, paper sacks, boxes, breakable plastic utensils, paper napkins, and paper towels. In addition to prohibiting disposable containers on the Rainbow River, this ordinance also includes restrictions for motorized boating in environmentally sensitive areas and a ―no wake – idle speed only zone‖ on the Rainbow River. Private boating concessionaires as well as the public parks remind river users of these Marion County laws.

Source: Marion County, FL. 2008. Marion County Ordinance for Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes. Marion County Code of Ordinances. Chapter 5: Boats, Docks and Waterways, Article IV: Rainbow River and K.P. Hole, Sections 5-51 to 5-55. [Ordinance No. 85-17, § 2-8, 10-22-1985; Ordinance No. 94-4, § 2-3, 2-1-1994].

176 Appendix B: Examples of Ordinances, Guidelines, and Programs That Promote Water Resource Protection

Examples of a Partnership Watershed Management Structures In 2005 the Coastal Management Branch of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency generated a report that documents numerous examples of effective partnership watershed management structures throughout the United States. The National Estuary Program (NEP) has been set up to guide the development of volunteer, interagency, and community-based watershed management in the United States. This document identifies effective management strategies, governance structures, and possible pitfalls and solutions in the development and management of a partnership watershed organization.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.E.P.A). February 2005. Community-Based Watershed Management: Lessons from the National Estuary Program. EPA-842-B-05-003. U.S.E.P.A. Coastal Management Branch, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, National Estuary Program.

Also, in addition to the many NEP partnerships throughout the United States, several other examples of active, well-developed, and effective watershed management partnerships exist throughout North America. Some examples are as follows:

 Walla Walla Watershed Management Partnership (Walla Walla, WA) http://www.wallawallawatershed.org/

 Superior Watershed Partnership (Marquette, MI) http://www.superiorwatersheds.org/

 Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership (Omaha, NE) http://www.papiopartnership.org/

 Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership (Washington, D.C.) http://anacostia.net/

 Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership (Madison, WI) http://www.danewaters.com/YaharaLakesLegacyPartnership.aspx

 Hawai’i Association of Watershed Partnerships — the umbrella organization for nine watershed partnerships throughout Hawai’i (Honolulu, HI) http://hawp.org/

Examples of Sewer Expansion Programs in Florida During the past decade or two, numerous municipalities, counties, and private utility companies across Florida and the United States have implemented various forms of sewer and water expansion programs to bring modern utility services to older developments that previously only had individual septic systems and wells. Many of these programs are voluntary and/or neighborhood- driven. Local sewer programs were often prompted by the need to protect groundwater aquifers from contamination caused by large numbers and high concentrations of septic systems in the community. Although the goals and

177 APPENDIXES objectives of these sewer expansion programs may be similar, each program has a unique implementation strategy and funding mechanism. Some examples of local governments and utility companies that implemented sewer expansion programs in Florida are as follows:

 Emerald Coast Utilities Authority — Sewer Expansion Program (Pensacola, FL) http://www.ecua.org/services/sewer-services.asp

 City of Jacksonville Water and Sewer Expansion Authority (Jacksonville, FL) http://www.coj.net/Departments/Independent+Boards+and+Agencies/Water + and+Sewer+Expansion+Authority/default.htm

 City of Cape Coral — Utility Extension Program (Cape Coral, FL) http://www.capecoralutilityexpansion.com

 City of Port St. Lucie — Sewer and Water Expansion Program (Port St. Lucie, FL) http://www.cityofpsl.com/utility/index.html

178

APPENDIX C: LISTED SPECIES IN THE WEKIVA BASIN AREA

PLANTS *

Federal Status State ofFlorida Scientific Name Common Name Status PLANTS AND LICHENS Bonamia grandiflora Florida bonamia Threatened Endangered Calopogon multiflorus many-flowered grasspink Endangered Carex chapmanii Chapman's sedge Endangered Centrosema arenicola sand butterfly pea Endangered Chionanthus pygmaeus pygmy fringe tree Endangered Endangered Clitoria fragrans scrub pigeon-wing Threatened Endangered Coelorachis tuberculosa Piedmont jointgrass Threatened Cucurbita okeechobeensis Okeechobee gourd Endangered Endangered Deeringothamnus pulchellus beautiful pawpaw Endangered Endangered Dennstaedtia bipinnata hay-scented fern Endangered Drosera intermedia spoon-leaved sundew Threatened Eriogonum longifolium var. scrub wild buckwheat Threatened Endangered gnaphalifolium Hartwrightia floridana hartwrightia Threatened Hasteola robertiorum Florida hasteola Endangered Illicium parviflorum star anise Endangered Lechea cernea nodding pinweed Threatened Lupinus aridorum scrub lupine Endangered Endangered Monotropa hypopithys pinesap Endangered Najas filifolia narrowleaf naiad Threatened Nemastylis floridana celestial lily Endangered Nolina atopocarpa Florida beargrass Threatened Nolina brittoniana Britton's beargrass Endangered Endangered Ophioglossum palmatum hand fern Endangered Panicum abscissum cutthroat grass Endangered Paronychia chartacea pulvinata papery whitlow-wort Threatened Endangered Pecluma plumula plume polypody Endangered Polygala lewtonii Lewton's polygala Endangered Endangered Polygonella myriophylla sandlace (Small's jointweed) Endangered Endangered Prunus geniculata scrub plum Endangered Endangered Pteroglossaspis ecristata giant orchid Threatened Salix floridana Florida willow Endangered Sideroxylon alachuense silver buckthorn Endangered Stylisma abdita scrub stylisma Endangered Vicia ocalensis Ocala vetch Endangered Warea amplexifolia clasping (wide-leaf) warea Endangered Endangered Warea carteri Carter's warea Endangered Endangered Zephyranthes simpsonii rain lily Threatened

* Not all species may occur in the Wekiva basin. Refer to FNAI and DACS for best information.

179 APPENDIXES ANIMALS*

Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status State of Florida Status FISH Pteronotropis welaka Bluenose shiner Species of Special Concern Cyprinodon hubbsi Lake Eustis pupfish ** Species of Special Concern Acipenser brevirostrume Shortnose sturgeon Endangered Endangered Etheostoma olmstedi Southern tessellated darter Species of Special Concern maculaticeps AMPHIBIANS Lithobates capito Gopher frog ** Species of Special Concern REPTILES Alligator mississippiensis American alligator Threatened Threatened (due to similarity (due to similarity of of appearance) appearance) Drymarchon couperi Eastern indigo snake Threatened Threatened Gopherus polyphemus Gopher tortoise Threatened Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus Florida pine snake Species of Special Concern Neoseps reynoldsi Sand skink Threatened Threatened Stilosoma extenuatum Short-tailed snake Threatened BIRDS Ammodramus savannarum Florida Grasshopper sparrow Endangered Endangered floridanus Aphelocoma coerulescens Florida scrub-jay Threatened Threatened Aramus guarauna Limpkin ** Species of Special Concern Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl Species of Special Concern Egretta caerulea Little blue heron Species of Special Concern Egretta rufescens Reddish egret Species of Special Concern Egretta thula Snowy egret ** Species of Special Concern Egretta tricolor Tricolored heron Species of Special Concern Eudocimus albus White ibis ** Species of Special Concern Falco sparverius paulus Southeastern American kestrel Threatened Grus canadensis pratensis Florida sandhill crane Threatened Mycteria americana Wood stork Endangered Endangered Pelecanus accidentalis Brown pelican ** Species of Special Concern Picoides borealis Red-cockaded woodpecker Endangered Species of Special Concern Platalea ajaja Roseate spoonbill Species of Special Concern Polyborus plancus audubinii Audubon’s crested caracara Threatened Threatened Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Everglade snail kite Endangered Endangered Sterna antillarum Least tern Threatened MAMMALS Podomys floridanus Florida mouse ** Species of Special Concern Sciurus niger shermani Sherman’s fox squirrel Species of Special Concern Trichechus manatus latirostrist West Indian (Florida) manatee Endangered/ Endangered Critical Habitat Ursus americanus floridanus Florida black bear ** Threatened INVERTEBRATES Promcambaris pictus Black Creek crayfish Species of Special Concern

* Animal species identified are based on FNAI occurrence data, TNC Wekiva-Ocala conservation targets, and field observations. Not all species may occur in the Wekiva basin. Refer to FNAI and FWC for best information. ** Species proposed for delisting within Florida by FWC

180

APPENDIX D: INVENTORY OF CURRENT CONDITIONS FOR HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE VALUES

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL

Management Criterion (# sites) Current Conditions* Current Actions Authority

Sites on Public Lands Underwater Shipwreck Poor FDHR, FPS, Conduct ground-disturbing activities in (1) CAMA accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; enforce agency rules. Middens (32) Good (5) FDHR, FPS, Conduct ground disturbing activities in Fair (8) CAMA accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; Poor (13) enforce agency rules. Unknown (5)

18 are often inaccessible because of high water conditions 3 are inaccessible due to overgrowth/heavy vegetation Prehistoric Village Site Poor FDHR, FPS Conduct ground-disturbing activities in (1) accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; enforce agency rules. Pre-ceramic Lithic Fair (2) FDHR, FPS, Conduct ground-disturbing activities in Waste Scatter (4) Unknown (2) CAMA accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; enforce agency rules. 2 sites are often inaccessible because of to high water conditions and/or overgrowth. African American Sites Fair (1 cemetery) FDHR, FPS Conduct ground-disturbing activities in from Town of Markham Poor (1 historic site) accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; (3) Destroyed (1 church) enforce agency rules. Artifact Scatter (1) Unknown FDHR, FPS, Conduct ground-disturbing activities in CAMA accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; Often inaccessible because enforce agency rules. of high water conditions and/or heavy vegetation and overgrowth. Isolated Finds (4) Not Applicable — these FDHR, FPS Conduct ground-disturbing activities in finds were collected. accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; enforce agency rules. Cemetery from Ethel Fair FDHR, FPS Conduct ground-disturbing activities in settlement (1) accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; enforce agency rules. Burial Mound (1) Destroyed FDHR, FPS Conduct ground-disturbing activities in accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; enforce agency rules. Logging Trail circa Fair FDHR, FPS Conduct ground-disturbing activities in 1940s (1) accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; Often inaccessible because enforce agency rules. of high water conditions.

181 APPENDIXES

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL

Management Criterion (# sites) Current Conditions* Current Actions Authority Windmill Remains (1) Poor FDHR, FPS, Conduct ground disturbing activities in CAMA accordance with FDHR guidelines; educate; Often inaccessible because enforce agency rules. of high water conditions. Pottery — limited Unknown FDHR, FFS Conduct ground-disturbing activities in surface scatter (1) accordance with FDHR guidelines. Type unknown (1) Unknown FDHR, SJRWMD Identify and monitor sites for any disturbances; Any ground-disturbing activities will be coordinated with FDHR. Evidence of Pre- Unknown FDHR, Orange Unknown European Contact County Settlement Early Homestead Site Unknown FDHR, Orange Unknown (1) County Sites on Private Lands Middens (7) Unknown (7) FDHR Unknown Prehistoric Habitation Unknown (Wekiva Hillside FDHR Unknown (Wekiva Hillside and Serenity) (3) and Serenity) Rollins College Shell Island is unmanaged. (Shell Island, Wekiva Shell Island has evidence owns Shell Island Hillside, and Serenity) of pilfering, sanitary issues, site. and general deterioration. Lithic Waste Scatter (1) Unknown FDHR Unknown Artifact Scatter (15) Unknown (15) FDHR Unknown Isolated Finds (5) Unknown FDHR Unknown Burial Mound (1) Unknown FDHR Unknown (Rock Springs Burial Mound) Windmill Remains (1) Unknown FDHR Unknown 19th Century American Unknown FDHR Unknown Homestead (1) (Twin Oaks) Wilson’s Cypress Unknown FDHR Unknown Company Black Water Creek Sawmill Remains (1) (includes segment of railroad grade and historic road) Unknown, 20th Unknown FDHR Unknown Century American Site (1) *Evaluative scale: Good = structural stability and physical wholeness, where no obvious deterioration other than normal occurs. Fair = there is discernable decline in condition between inspections, and the wholeness or physical integrity is and continues to be threatened by factors other than normal wear. Poor = describes an unstable condition where there is physical integrity from year to year; suggests immediate action to reestablish physical stability. (Source of evaluative scale: Wekiva River Basin State Park Multi-unit Management Plan.) Note: This table, slightly modified, is from the draft 2008 Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Management Plan.

182

APPENDIX E: SUMMARY OF HISTORICAL WATER QUALITY AVERAGE DATA FROM THE WEKIVA RIVER AND ROCK SPRINGS RUN IN COMPARISON TO FLORIDA CLASS III SURFACE WATER CRITERIA

Note: Values are averages (means) of available data for the period of record indicated.

Rock Springs Wekiva River at Run above Class III Surface Water Criterion Analyte SR 46 (1954- Wekiva River (62.302-500 FAC) 2003) (1973-2003) Conductivity (ųmhos/cm) 624 244 Shall not be increased more than 50% above background or to 1275, whichever is greater. pH (units) 7.42 7.31 > 6; see (1) Alkalinity (mg/L as 94.9 86.6 > 20 CaCO3) Color (pcu) 61.5 203 NA Turbidity (NTU) 3.34 1.60 NA

Dissolved O2 (mg/L) 7.10 5.84 Shall not be less than 5.0. Normal daily and seasonal fluctuations shall be maintained. Total Organic Carbon 8.31 21.9 NA (mg/L) Total Nitrogen (mg/L) 1.25 1.68 e See (2) Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen 0.632 0.896 See (2) (mg/L)

Nitrate as NO3/NO2-N 0.578 0.784 See (2) and (3) (mg/L) Ammonia (mg/L) 0.045 0.047 < 0.02 Orthophosphorus (mg/L) 0.108 0.084 See (2) Total Phosphorus (mg/L) 0.141 0.118 See (2) Chlorophyll a - corrected 1.70 2.90 NA; See (4) (ųg/L) Fecal Coliform (#/100ml) 100 54.2 See (5) Total Coliform (#/100 ml) 1,351 1,649 NA

183 APPENDIXES

Analyte = chemical substance being analyzed

NA = no criterion is stated in the rule for this analyte (chemical substance being analyzed).

e = estimated by adding TKN (Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen) and NOx-N.

ųmhos = a unit of measurement for conductivity expressed in either microSiemens (ųS/cm) or micromhos (ųmho/cm), which is the reciprocal of the unit of resistance, the ohm. The prefix "micro" means that it is measured in millionths of a mho. MicroSiemens and micromhos are equivalent units. Distilled water has a range of conductivity from 0.5 to 2 ųmhos/cm. Drinking water is generally between 50 to 1500 ųmhos/cm, and domestic wastewater may have conductivities above 10,000 ųmhos/cm.

mg/L = milligrams/liter; 1 ųg/L or microgram per liter represents 1 part per billion (ppb).

NTU = Nephelometric turbidity unit

#/100ml = number per 100 milliliters or per 3.4 fluid ounces

(1) Not to vary more than one unit above or below natural background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters as defined in Section 62-302.520(3)(b), Florida Administrative Code or more than two-tenths unit above or below natural background of open waters as defined in Section 62-302.520(3)(f), Florida Administrative Code, provided that the pH is not lowered to less than 6 units in predominantly fresh waters, or less than 6.5 units in predominantly marine waters, or raised above 8.5 units. If natural background is less than 6 units in predominantly fresh waters or 6.5 units in predominantly marine waters, the pH shall not vary below natural background or vary more than one unit above natural background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters, or more than two-tenths unit above natural background of open waters. If natural background is higher than 8.5 units, the pH shall not vary above natural background or vary more than one unit below natural background of predominantly fresh waters and coastal waters, or more than two-tenths unit below natural background of open waters.

(2) Nutrients include total nitrogen, Kjeldahl-nitrogen, NO2/NO3 –N, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate. The Class III criterion is in narrative form: ―The discharge of nutrients shall continue to be limited as needed to prevent violations of other standards contained in this chapter. Man-induced nutrient enrichment (total nitrogen or total phosphorus) shall be considered degradation in relation to the provisions of Sections 62-302.300, 62-302.700, and 62-4.242, Florida Administrative Code. In no case shall nutrient concentrations of a body of water be altered so as to cause an imbalance in natural populations of aquatic flora or fauna.‖

(3) There is no Class III standard for nitrate. The Class I (drinking water) standard is 10 mg/L. FDEP’s Ground Water section uses a concentration of 0.45 mg/L to indicate potential ground water-surface water impacts based on this level’s potential to increase chlorophyll growth in surface waters. A concentration of 0.20 mg/L is widely cited as a ―background concentration‖ for Florida springs, although in a sample of Florida springs unaffected by human population centers, the median value was found to be 0.08 mg/L (FDEP 2006).

(4) Impairment may be indicated in streams with chlorophyll-a greater than 20 ug/L or an increase of over 50% over historical values is observed for at least two consecutive years (62-303.352, Florida Administrative Code)

(5) Not to exceed a monthly average of 200, nor exceed 400 in 10% of the samples, nor exceed 800 on any one day.

NOTE: This table, slightly modified, is from the draft 2008 Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Management Plan.

184

APPENDIX F: U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CORRESPONDENCE

United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DENVER SERVICE CENTER 12795 W. ALAMEDA PARKWAY P.O. BOX 25287 DENVER, COLORADO 80225-0287

In reply refer to:

D18 Wekiva

July 27, 2009

MEMORANDUM

TO Field Supervisor, USFWS, North Florida Field Office

FROM Planning Project Manager

RE Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan

The National Park Service is working with the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Advisory Management Committee to develop a comprehensive river management plan (CRMP) and environmental assessment for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River in Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties, Florida (see map attached). The wild and scenic river designation includes Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, Black Water Creek, and the Wekiva River.

The process of developing a river management plan is intended to build consensus among stakeholders and the public to assure logic and consistency in plan proposals, and provide for rational decision making. The plan will provide a framework to guide resources management and visitor use. Public involvement from all constituencies is being sought throughout the course of the planning process.

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and NPS policy, the river management plan will be developed concurrent with preparation of an environmental assessment (EA). The CRMP/EA will identify significant management and operational issues confronting the rivers, and present management alternatives for addressing these issues consistent with the rivers’ legal and policy mandates. The environmental impacts associated with implementing each of the management alternatives will be fully analyzed.

In accordance with consultation requirement of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and NPS policy, we wish to notify you of the CRMP/EA process and invite your participation. Below is a list of federally-listed endangered or threatened species for the river that we are considering using for the project. Please review for its adequacy and provide

185 APPENDIXES advice to ensure adequate evaluation of the potential impacts that the plan could have on federally-listed endangered and threatened species.

Alligator mississippiensis - American Alligator Drymarchon corais couperi - Eastern Indigo Snake Aphelocoma coerulescens - Florida Scrub-jay Mycteria americana - Wood Stork Trichechus manatus latirostius - West Indian Manatee

When it becomes available, you will receive a copy of the CRMP/EA that will include the findings of the NPS in regards to potential effects on listed species from the alternatives.

We look forward to working closely with you throughout plan development and welcome your comments and advice regarding protection and preservation of Wekiva River’s diverse natural resources. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss this project in more detail, please contact Matthew Safford in our Planning Division at 303-969-2898 or at [email protected].

Attachment Map of Wekiva Wild and Scenic River

186 Appendix F: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Correspondence Candace Martino/R4/FWS/DOI 09/01/2009 03:31 PM

To [email protected] cc Jay Herrington/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS, John Milio/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS, Paula Sisson/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS, Erin Gawera/R4/FWS/DOI@FWS

Subject Fw: 09-FA-0060 Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Management Plan

Hello Matthew,

Thank-you for notifying the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in a July 28, 2009, memorandum about the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Advisory Management Committee's intent to develop a Comprehensive River Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (CRMP/EA) for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River in Lake, Orange and Seminole counties. Based on the map showing the designations of the Wekiva Springs Run, Rock Springs Run, Black Water Creek, and the Wekiva River, and the species that were identified in the letter, we have provided comments relative to those species. Also, we refer you to our website located at www.fws.gov/northflorida/ to find more information, guidelines, regulatory and landowner tools that may be useful in the development of the plan.

Eastern Indigo Snake — The Service considers all habitats except open water and salt marsh, suitable habitat for indigo snakes. We are currently working on a survey protocol with our Vero Beach Field Office and hope to have it completed within several months. We currently have the Eastern Indigo Snake Protection Measures available on the website.

Florida Scrub-Jay — The Seminole State Forest scrub-jay population and the Northeast Lake County scrub-jay metapopulation occurs in relative proximity to the Seminole and Lake County Blackwater Creek designated segments. Our website referenced above contains all the necessary information for incorporation into the plan - Reference Materials, the 5-Year Status Review, the Florida Umbrella Habitat Conservation Plan, Biological Information, Survey Guidelines, and etc.

West Indian Manatee — Occurs within the Wekiva River Basin. We have listed some of the basic impact considerations for manatees and their habitat: - the type (powerboat, canoe, kayak, sailboat, etc.) density, and speed of watercraft utilizing the designated waters; - the type, density and location of in-water structures (boat docks and ramps, canoe/kayak launches, fishing/observation platforms, etc.) within the designated waters; - the type, density and location of contiguous land use as it affects water quality and quantity (withdrawals), possible entrapment of manatees within water control structures, direct and indirect impacts to aquatic vegetation, etc.; - physical, chemical, and biological changes to the river, stream and creek systems as a result of dredging, habitat enhancement/ restoration, spread of nuisance and invasive aquatic vegetation, etc.

187 APPENDIXES

Wood Stork — the Lake County Mud Lake (Hontoon Island) wood stork colony with the coordinates of 28 58.0 & 81 23.0 is within 15 miles (a regulatory criteria) of some of the designated focus areas in the plan. However, this colony has not been active in the last three years. All wood stork colonies in the state are listed with activity status under the heading of wood storks on our website.

Our wood stork effect determination key located on the Jacksonville Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) website was designed primarily for use by the Corps project managers and State Regulatory agencies; however, other federal agencies, project permit applicants and co-sponsors of civil works projects may find this key and its supporting documents useful in identifying potential impacts to wood storks, and planning how best to avoid, minimize, or compensate for any identified adverse effects.

The American Alligator is not a federally-listed species so we do not provide comments relative to that species.

We look forward to reviewing a draft copy of the CRMP/EA when it becomes available. Thank-you for your coordination with our agency. ***************************************************************** Candace Martino, Fish and Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service E-mail:[email protected] http:/www.fws.gov/northflorida 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200 Jacksonville, Florida 32256-7517 904.731.3142 (direct) 904.731.3336 (main) 904.731.3045 or 3048 (fax)

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ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA)

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Florida Forest Service (FFS) (Note: This name changed in July 2011 from the Division of Forestry, which is cited in the Wild and Scenic Act) Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Florida Division of Recreation and Parks (aka Florida Park Service or FPS) Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (or Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA)

Florida Department of Health (FDOH)

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

Florida Division of Historical Resources (FDHR)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Invasive Plant Management Section (IPMS)

Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI)

Lake County Water Authority (LCWA)

National Register — The National Register of Historic Places

Orange County Community and Environmental Services Department Orange County Parks and Recreation Division

St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD or the district)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

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headspring — A spring that serves as the headwaters of a stream. Wekiwa and Rock springs are examples of headsprings. minimum flows and levels (MFLs) — The St. Johns River Water Management District defines MFLs as follows: ―MFLs are the minimum water levels and/or flows adopted by the District Governing Board as necessary to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area resulting from water withdrawals permitted by the District. MFLs define how often and for how long high, average and low water levels and/or flows should occur to prevent significant harm.‖ Found at www.sjrwmd.com, ―Minimum Flows and Levels,‖ dated 5/22/01. mg/L — milligrams/liter

189 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs) — Bodies of water in Florida that have been designated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (under authority of Section 403.061 (27), Florida Statutes) as worthy of special protection because of their natural attributes. Outstanding Florida Waters have restrictions on new activities that would reduce water quality or otherwise degrade the body of water. outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) — Rare or exemplary features or characteristics that are directly related to the river. A river must possess at least one outstandingly remarkable value to be eligible for Wild and Scenic River designation. The outstandingly remarkable values identified for the Wekiva River System are scenic, recreation, wildlife and habitat, historic and cultural resources, and water quality and quantity. pollutant load reduction goals (PLRGs) — Estimated numeric reductions in pollutant loadings needed to preserve or restore designated uses of receiving bodies of water and maintain water quality consistent with applicable state water quality standards. PLRGs are established by the water management districts. springshed — The recharge area of a spring, within which all precipitation that falls on the surface will percolate through the ground and eventually resurfaces through the spring. total maximum daily load (TMDL) — The maximum amount of a pollutant that a body of water can receive and still meet water quality standards.

Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act — Florida Statutes, Chapter 369, Part III (originally adopted by the Florida legislature in 2004 and subsequently amended)

Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve (the aquatic preserve) — Waters and associated wetlands and floodplains of the Wekiva River, Middle St. Johns River, portions of Black Water Creek, Little Wekiva River, and Rock Springs Run. The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve was established by the Florida legislature on June 23, 1975, through the Florida Aquatic Preserve Act (Chapter 258.35-258- 45, Florida Statutes). The primary purpose of the designation is to preserve the biological resources of this riverine system.

Wekiva River Basin Working Group (WBWG) — A working group of agencies, local governments, and non-profit conservation organizations that periodically meet to share information and collaborate on efforts to protect natural resources of the Wekiva basin.

Wekiva River Buffer Conservation Area — A designated buffer area that includes mainly seasonally flooded wetlands in the floodplain between the Wekiva and Little Wekiva rivers. Protection of this area in a natural condition helps preserve the water quality of the Wekiva and Little Wekiva rivers.

Wekiva River Protection Act — Florida Statutes, Chapter 369, Part II (originally adopted by the Florida legislature in 1988 and subsequently amended)

190 Abbreviations and Glossary Wekiva River Protection Area (WRPA) — The area designated by the Florida legislature in the Wekiva River Protection Act for special planning and regulation efforts.

Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Advisory Management Committee (the advisory management committee) — The advisory committee authorized by the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act as amended in 2000 to recommend management strategies for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System. Unlike most national wild and scenic rivers that are managed exclusively by either a federal or state agency, the Wekiva River System is considered a ―partnership wild and scenic river‖, meaning that it is jointly managed by a consortium of local stakeholder groups (the Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee) with oversight and coordination provided by the National Park Service.

Wekiva Study Area (WSA) — The area designated by the Florida legislature in the Wekiva Parkway and Protection Act for special planning and regulation efforts.

Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Study Area — The area originally studied for potential federal Wild and Scenic River designation.

Wekiva springshed — The springshed of the Wekiva River System.

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REFERENCES

Note: Many of the following references are from the 2008 ―Draft Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Management Plan.‖ As text/information from that study was used in this plan, the associated references were also brought into this plan. Dates of access to Internet sites relate to the preparation of the draft plan. Many personal communications were also listed in that plan, and some of that information has also been used in this plan. Several people contributed information to the 2008 plan, such as the following:

Joe Bishop, Forest Supervisor II, Seminole State Forest Lester Dillard, Graduate student, University of Central Florida, Orlando John Fillyaw, Manager, Wekiwa Springs State Park Kelly Gestring, Biologist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Amy Giannotti, Regional Biologist, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau Invasive Plant Management Melissa Gibbs, Professor, Stetson University, Orlando, FL Paul Lammardo, Biologist, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve David Murray, Biologist, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Keith Schue, Ocala-Wekiva Conservation Project Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy Gregg Walker, Biologist, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Wekiva Basin State Parks

Belleville, B. Cook, T. Central Florida Heritage 1999 ―River Out of Time — Wekiva Foundation River, Florida.‖ Sierra 2005 ―Orlando: A Visual History — Magazine, July 1999. Early Tourist Sites.‖ [Internet]. Available from: Briggs, Gerald R., M. S. Eberhard http://www.cfhf.net/orlando/ Roeder, and Elke Ursin tourist1.htm [Accessed 2007 2007 ―Nitrogen Impacts on Onsite May]. Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems in the Wekiva Study Denton, C. Area.‖ Florida Department of 1992 ―The Wekiva River Basin: A Health, Division of Resource Revisited.‖ The Friends Environmental Health, Bureau of of the Wekiva, Inc. Onsite Sewage Programs, Tallahassee, FL. Executive Office of Governor Jeb Bush 2004 Governor Signs Legislation to Camp, Dresser, and McKee Protect Wekiva [Internet 2005 ―Wekiva Parkway and Protection Available from: Act Master Stormwater Management http://www.myflorida.com/myflori Plan Support, Final Report.‖ da/eogadmin/showPress.jsp?press_ Prepared for the St. Johns River id= 3285 ]. [Accessed 2007 Water Management District. April].

192 References Florida Archaeological Law Enforcement 2006- ―EcoSummary: Rock Springs.‖ Task Force 07a 1997 Minutes of December 16, 1997, ftp://ftp.dep.state.fl.us/ Florida Archaeological Law Enforcement pub/labs/ lds/reports/8462.pdf. Task Force Meeting. Wekiva River 2006- ―EcoSummary: Wekiwa Springs.‖ Aquatic Preserve, Florida Department 07b of Environmental Protection, Florida ftp://ftp.dep.state.fl.us/ Department of State. pub/labs/ lds/reports/8544.pdf. Florida Bureau of Archaeological 2007 Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Research Website. [Accessed May 2007]. 2005 ―Best Management Practices: An Owners’ Guide to Protecting Florida Department of Environmental Archaeological Sites — Regulation Preserving and Protecting 1983 ―Report to the Environmental Florida’s Archaeological Sites Regulation Commission — for Future Generations.‖ Extending the Boundaries of the Outstanding Florida Waters Florida Department of Environmental Designation within the Wekiva Protection (FDEP) River System.‖ 1987 ―Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve Management Plan.‖ Bureau of Land Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and Aquatic Resource Management, 2004 ―Wekiva Basin Onsite Sewage Division of Recreation and Treatment and Disposal System Parks. Study.‖ Available from: 1996 Wekiva River Basin Interagency http://www.doh.state.fl.us/ Strategic Plan. ENVIRONMENT/ostds/wekiva/ 2000 ―Ecological Assessment of the wekivastudyrtp.pdf Wekiva River; Seminole, Lake and Orange Counties.‖ Bureau of Florida Department of Transportation Laboratories, Division of (FDOT) Resource Assessment and 2005 ―Wekiva Area Water Management, Tallahassee, FL. Budget.‖Report number 1620-7024, 2004 ―A Strategy for Water Quality contract BD521. Protection: Wastewater Treatment in the Wekiva Study Area.‖ Florida Division of Forestry (FDOF), Available from: Florida Department of Agriculture and http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ Consumer Services (FDACS), central/Home/Admin/ 2000 ―Five-Year Resource Management WekivaReportDecember2004.pdf Plan for the Seminole State 2005 Wekiva River Basin State Parks Forest (2000-2005).‖ Lake Multi-Unit Management Plan. County. Florida. Office of Park Planning, Division of Recreation and Parks. 2006 ―Integrated Water Quality Assessment for Florida: 2006 305(b) Report and 303(d) List Update.‖ Bureau of Watershed Management, Tallahassee FL.

193 REFERENCES Florida Division of Historical Florida Natural Areas Inventory Resources (FDHR), Bureau of 2011 Conservation Lands – Interactive Archaeological Research (BAR) Map. [Website]. 2005 ―Best Management Practices: An http://www.fnai.org [Accessed Owner’s Guide to Protecting 2011 March]. Archaeological Sites‖ [PDF on 2011 Field Guide to Rare Plants and the Internet]. Available from: Animals of Florida [Website]. http://www.flheritage.com/archae http://www.fnai.org [Accessed ology/ education/culturalmgmt 2011 August]. 2007 Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research Training Programs Florida Springs Task Force [Webpage]. Available from: 2000 ―Florida’s Springs: Strategies http://www.flheritage.com/archae for Protection and Restoration.‖ ology/ education/training Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Florida Division of Parks and 2006 ―Florida’s Springs: Strategies Recreation for Protection and Restoration.‖ 2007 ―Wekiwa Springs State Park Florida Department of History; Lower Wekiva River Environmental Protection. Preserve State Park History; and Rock Springs Run State Reserve Florida State Parks (FPS) History.‖ [Websites]. Available 2007 See Florida Division of Parks from: and Recreation http://www.floridastateparks.org [Accessed 2007 May]. Gilbert, T. and J. Wooding 1996 ―An Overview of Black Bear Kills Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation in Florida 1976- Florida Game Commission (FWC) and Freshwater Fish 1995.‖ 2007 Species of Greatest Conservation Commission, Tallahassee, FL. Need. [Website]. http://www.myfwc.com/ Hatley, P. wildlifelegacy/review/SGCN.pdf. 2005 ―A Model for Smart Growth [Accessed 2007 May]. Management: Florida Enacts 2011 ―Florida’s Endangered and Landmark Legislation to Protect Threatened Species — Updated Water and Natural Resources, September 2011.‖ Available while Directing Appropriate from: http://myfwc.com/media/ Growth in the Wekiva River basin 1515251/Threatened_Endangered_ [Internet].‖ Available from: Species.pdf http://www.pamelajohatley.com/ Articles/ Wekiva.pdf [Accessed Florida Geological Survey (FGS) 2007 April]. 2005 Wekiva Aquifer Vulnerability Assessment: Report of Lake County, Florida Investigation no. 104. 2007 ―A Brief History of Lake Tallahassee FL (online as County.‖ [Internet]. Available ftp://ftp.dep.state.fl.us/pub/ge from: http://www. o/hydrogeology/Wekiva_AVA/RI_104 lakecountyfl.gov/historical_muse a.pdf ). um/ fast_facts.aspx [Accessed 2007 May].

194 References MACTEC 2007 Unnatural Disaster: Global 2007 ―Phase I Report, Wekiva River Warming and Our National Parks. Basin Nitrate Sourcing Study.‖ Washington, D.C. Project number 6063060079 for the St. Johns River Water Otis Environmental Consultants Management District. 2007 ―Estimates of Nitrogen Loadings to Groundwater from Onsite Mattson, R. A., E. F. Lowe, C. L. Wastewater Treatments Systems in Lippincott, J. Di, L. Battoe the Wekiva Study Area, Task 2 2006 ―Wekiva River and Rock Spring Report, Wekiva Onsite Nitrogen Run Pollutant Reduction Goals.‖ Contribution Study.‖ Madison, Prepared for St. Johns River WI. Water Management District, Palatka, FL. Pandion Systems, Inc. 2008 ―Draft Wekiva Wild and Scenic Mechling, Mark, Gabriel S. Pastrana, River System Management Plan.‖ Eric B. Fuller, and William C. Aley IV Prepared for the Wekiva Wild and 2007 ―Technical Perspectives: Scenic River System Advisory Multiple Nitrogen Loading Management Committee. Assessments from Onsite Waste Gainsville, FL Treatment and Disposal Systems within the Wekiva River Basin, Roof, J. C. and J. B. Wooding Wekiva Study Area, Florida.‖ 1996 ―Evaluation of S.R. 46 Wildlife Ellis & Associates, Inc, Crossings.‖ Tech. Rep #54. Fl Jacksonville, FL. Coop. Fish and Wildl. Res. Unit, Univ. of Fl. Milanich, Jerald T. 1994 Archaeology of Precolumbian St. Johns River Water Management Florida. University Press of District (SJRWMD) Florida, Gainesville. 2003 ―Lake Norris Conservation Area Land Management Plan.‖ Milanich, Jerald T. and Charles H. 2006 ―Wekiva River Buffer Fairbanks Conservation Area Land 1980 Florida Archaeology. Academic Management Plan.‖ Press, New York. Seminole County Convention & Visitors National Park Service, U.S. Department Bureau. of the Interior 2007 ―About Seminole County‖ 1999 ―Wekiva River, Rock Spring Run, [Internet article]. Available and Seminole Creek Wild and from: Scenic River Study.‖ Southeast http://www.visitseminole.com Support Office. [Accessed May 2007]. 2002 ―An Overview of Anti-looting Efforts in Florida‖ by G. T. Shelley, Deborah York and J. Miller. Cultural 2009 Manager, Wekiva River Aquatic Resource Management. Volume 25. Preserve. Personal communication No. 2. Available from: with NPS Natural Resource http://crm.cr.nps.gov/archive/ Specialist Don Wojick. July 2009 25-02/25-2-8.pdf Spear, Kevin and Nin-Hai Tseng National Parks and Conservation 2006 ―Land Buy Advances Wekiva Association Parkway. Orlando Sentinel.‖ December 8, 2006.

195 REFERENCES State of Florida 2004 Wekiva Parkway and Protection Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Advisory Act [Internet]. Available from: Management Committee. http://www.dca.state.fl.us/fdcp/ 2008 See Pandion Systems, Inc. dcp/ wekiva/wekivaact/index.cfm. Weisman, Brent R. [Accessed 2007 April]. 1993 ―An Overview of the Prehistory of the Wekiva River Basin.‖ The The Nature Conservancy Florida Anthropologist 46(1): 2004 ―Ocala Wekiva Conservation Plan 20-36. – Summary Report‖ (draft). May 2004. Wetland Solutions, Inc. 2004 ―Work Plan, Pollutant Load U.S. Department of Agriculture Reduction Goal Analysis for the 1993 Soil Survey Manual. Soil Survey Wekiva River and Rock Springs Division staff. Washington, D.C. Run.‖ Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District, Walker, G. and J. A. Baber Palatka, FL. 2003 ―Wildlife use and interactions with structures constructed to York, G.T. and J. Miller minimize vehicle collisions and 2002 ―An Overview of Anti-looting animal mortality along State Efforts in Florida.‖ See Road 46, Seminole County, National Park Service. Florida.‖ Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Young, Dr. Linda Division of Recreation and 2007 ―Final Report, Task 3: Assess Parks, Apopka, FL. Contributions of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Wekiva Basin Area Task Force Relative to Other Sources, 2003 ―Final Report: Recommendations Wekiva Onsite Nitrogen for Planning and Locating the Contribution Study.‖ Institute Wekiva Parkway While Preserving of Food and Agricultural the Wekiva River Basin Sciences (IFAS), University of Ecosystem.‖ Florida, Gainesville, FL.

Wekiva River Basin Coordinating Committee 2004 ―Final Report: Recommendations for Enhanced Land Use Planning Strategies and Development Standards to Protect Water Resources of the Wekiva River Basin.‖

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PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS

NPS-Denver Service Center NPS-Southeast Region Office Matthew Safford, Project Manager, Jeff Duncan, Outdoor Recreation project oversight and direction Planner, regional office liaison, Don Wojcik, Natural Resource technical assistance for wild and Specialist, natural resources scenic rivers description and impact analysis Jami Hammond, Regional Environmental Lee Terzis, Cultural Resource Coordinator, policy and Specialist, cultural resources compliance review description and impact analysis Pat Kenney, Planning Branch Chief NPS-Washington Office Christy Fischer, Editor, technical Tokey Boswell, Program Analyst, editing Washington Office coordination Glenda Heronema, Visual Information and policy review Specialist, document layout and Joan Harn, Hydrologist/Wild and graphics Scenic Rivers Program Co- Coordinator, policy review NPS-Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Consultant Jaime Doubek-Racine, Outdoor Keith Schue, document review and Recreation Planner, coordination editing with advisory management committee Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Advisory Management Committee Committee members provided review and comment.

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As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places; and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

NPS P99/102040 Revised and Finalized September 2011 Printed on recycled paper.

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