2000 ANNUAL REPORT

DryDry NationalTortugasTortugas Park

2000 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL PARK

I am pleased to submit this annual report for Dry Tortugas MESSAGE FROM National Park. The year 2000 continued to be an active year of challenges and accomplishments; the challenges of restor- THE ing, protecting, and managing the superlative natural and UPERINTENDENT cultural resources of a near pristine marine and island en- S vironment located more than 70 miles from and the accomplishments of gaining increased public support for its preservation, as well as maintaining effective day-to-day operations.

Over the past 6 years, the park has experienced a quadru- pling of visitation, from 24,000 to more than 95,000 a year. This increase is predominantly due to the initiation of high- speed ferries. Affected issues as a result of this increased visitation include impacts on park facilities, the structural Superintendent Maureen Finnerty integrity of , submerged cultural resources, marine resources management, visitor safety, and quality of the visitor experience.

In order to address these and other park management concerns, a General Management Planning effort was started in 1998 to examine visitor uses and commercial services at the park. Alterna- tives for visitor use and resource protection were developed through a series of public meetings in late 1998 and continued planning in 1999. In 2000, we developed a preferred alternative and held a series of public meetings throughout the south region and in Washington, D.C. Out of over 5,000 comments received, the majority supported the preferred alternative. Public input has been overwhelmingly positive that actions should be considered to address the impacts of in- creasing visitation. With continued public support, we will work together to assure the preserva- tion of this unique resource for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Sadly, in January 2000, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks lost a true friend with the passing of Dr. William B. Robertson, Jr. Affectionately known to successive generations of park employees as “Dr. Bill”, the experiences he gained and shared through almost almost fifty years of work at both parks helped to educate the present generation of scientists and managers who are carrying on his fight to stop and reverse the continued degradation of the South Florida ecosys- tem. This annual report is dedicated to his memory.

Maureen Finnerty

CONTENTS CREDITS

Message from the Superintendent ...... 1 Text: The staff of Dry Tortugas and Everglades In Memory ...... 2 National Parks Park Purpose and Significance ...... 2 Design, graphs and editing: Deborah Nordeen Park Map ...... 3 Photos: Walter Chavez, Mark Foster, Wayne Park Facilities ...... 3 Landrum, Mike Ryan, and Alan Scott Park Organization ...... 4 Park Visitation ...... 5 The 2000 Annual Report is available on the web General Management Plan Amendment ...... 6 at www.nps.gov/drto. These materials may also Partnerships ...... 6 be obtained by contacting: 2000 Performance and Results Section ...... 8-13 Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks FY 2000 Financial Summary ...... 13 40001 State Road 9336 FY 2001 Budget and Goals ...... 14 Homestead, Florida 33034-6733 (305) 242-7700 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

Dr. Bill Robertson August 22, 1924 - January 28, 2000 IN MEMORY Dr. Bill Robertson dedicated fifty years to re- searching and understanding the ecology of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. The National Park Service hired him as a scien- tist in 1951. For many years, Dr. Bill was the agency’s only field scientist east of the Missis- sippi. He studied the ecology of the entire Ever- glades ecosystem and was a pioneer in the field of fire ecology. However, Dr. Bill is best known for his ornithological expertise; his knowledge of South Florida’s birds is legendary. He and his wife, Betty, tagged over half a million sooty terns in the Dry Tortugas. Their work led to a greater Dr. Bill and Betty Robertson studied sooty terns in the Dry understanding of this bird’s life history and mi- Tortugas for 40 years. gratory patterns. Though he formally retired from the National Park Service in 1997, Dr. Bill remained active in field research until the end of his life.

Dry Tortugas National Park was established for the following purposes: ➣ to protect and interpret a pristine subtropical marine ecosystem, including an intact PARK PURPOSE community; ➣ to proactively manage populations of fish and wildlife, including loggerhead and green sea AND turtles, sooty terns, frigate birds, numerous migratory bird species, and other sensitive spe- IGNIFICANCE cies; S ➣ to safeguard the pristine natural environment of the Dry Tortugas group of islands; ➣ to protect, stabilize, restore, and interpret Fort Jefferson, an outstanding example of 19th cen- tury masonry fortification; ➣ to preserve and protect submerged cultural resources; ➣ to provide opportunities for public enjoyment and scientific research in ways consistent with the park purpose.

The park is significant because it: ➣ contains historic Fort Jefferson, a militarily and architecturally significant 19th century fort; ➣ protects the historic Loggerhead Key lighthouse, and the historic Garden Key harbor light; ➣ possesses one of the greatest concentrations of historically significant shipwrecks in North America, with some vessels dating back to the 1600s; ➣ maintains one of the most isolated and least disturbed habitats for endangered and threatened sea turtles in the ; ➣ supports the only significant North American sooty and noddy tern nesting colonies on Bush and Long Keys and harbors the only frigate bird nesting colonies in the U.S. on ; ➣ serves as an important resting spot for migrating birds; ➣ provides unique opportunities to view tropical seabirds; ➣ protects the least disturbed portion of the coral reef ecosystem; ➣ presents outstanding potential for education, recreation, and scientific research related to the park’s exceptional marine resources; ➣ offers a sense of remoteness and peace in a vast expanse of sea and sky; ➣ affords an opportunity to understand and appreciate a rare combination of natural, historic, marine, and scenic resources.

2 DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

The 64,657 acre national park encompasses a cluster of 7 coral reef and sand islands, surrounded PARK MAP by shoals and water. Garden Key is the site of historic Fort Jefferson.

National Park Service development is limited to The park’s remote location requires that it be PARK Garden Key and the central portion of Logger- self-sufficient for solid waste removal, electric- head Key. FACILITIES ity, water and wastewater. All administrative and maintenance facilities are The NPS supply vessel, MV Activa, makes on Garden Key, within or adjacent to historic weekly trips from Key West to bring mail, gro- Fort Jefferson. New development and rehabili- ceries, and supplies, and to transport employ- tation of existing facilities is designed to mini- ees and others on official business. mize intrusion upon the historic structures and historic scene. DEVELOPMENT AND FACILITIES • Visitor center in Fort Jefferson • Self-guiding tour of Ft. Jefferson with 19 wayside exhibits • 11 site campground/picnic area • Dockhouse and dock • Swim beach and snorkeling area The Activa provides • 15 housing units for park employees, coop- transportation to and from the park for employees, and erative researchers and volunteers provides logistical support for transporting mail, groceries, and operational supplies.

3 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

Superintendent Park Manager PARK

Deputy Superintendent ORGANIZATION Park Manager

Secretary Public Affairs Officer

Chief of Captain Concessions Motor Management Vessel ACTIVA

Chief of Management Legislation, Assistant for Lands & Dry Tortugas Legal NP Counselor

Chief of Chief of V isitor and Administrative Chief of Director, SFNRC Interpretation Resource Protection Officer Maintenance

Supervisory Park Mason/Exhbits Ranger Specialist

Administrative Maintenance Support Aid Mechanic Supervisor

Park Ranger Park Ranger Park Ranger Park Ranger Maintenance Maintenance General Maintenance (Interpretation) (Protection) (Protection) (Protection) Mechanic Worker Equipment Worker Worker (Seasonal)

Shaded boxes denote park staff stationed at Dry Tortugas National Park. Unshaded boxes indicate park management and administrative staff for both Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks. The MV Activa and its crew, based in Key West, are part of the superintendent’s staff to provide transportation and logistical support for Dry Tortugas National Park.

Dry Tortugas National Park can only be reached by boat or seaplane.

Magnificant frigate birds nesting in the Dry Tortugas.

4 DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

PARK 2000 MONTHLY VISITATION 12,000 VISITATION 10,797 10,204 9,944 10,000 9,623 9,519

7,905 8,000 7,218 7,356 7,269

6,000 5,557 5,513

The majority of visitors come 4,356 between March and July. 4,000 During this period visitation averages 327 people per day. 2,000

0 Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

10 YEAR VISITATION 1991-1999 100,000 95,261

90,000 84,109 80,000 69,465 70,000

60,000

50,000 46,554 56,207 46,567 40,000 35,209

30,000 26,870 34,258

20,000 23,266

10,000 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000

Over the past 6 years, park visitation has more than quadrupled, rising from 24,000 visitors in 1994 to over 95,000 visitors in 2000. This increased popularity is stressing park facilities and is threatening park resources, visitor safety, and the quality of the visitor experience.

5 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

The National Park Service completed a Draft position to Alternative C. Several commenters General Management Plan Amendment and/ have expressed concern about limiting the ferry GENERAL Environmental Impact Statement for Dry Tor- concession to one vessel, and also about the re- tugas National Park. The plan sets forth the man- quirements for interpretation, education, and MANAGEMENT agement philosophy and direction for the park intra-park transportation that would be placed LAN for the next 15-20 years. Development of the upon the concessionaire. Environmental orga- P draft plan was coordinated with the Florida nizations generally support the preferred alter- AMENDMENT Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Tortugas native, although some believe the Research 2000 planning and the U.S. Coral Reef Task Natural Area should be larger. Force’s National Action Plan to Protect Coral Reefs. The planning team evaluated public comments The preferred alternative (Alternative C) would and was preparing to modify the proposed ac- provide a high level of protection to park re- tion in response to comments at the close of the sources by: fiscal year. Upon approval of the Final GMP • establishing a carrying capacity for visitors amendment, (anticipated in February 2001), a and resources at specific sites number of actions, including rule-making, in- • using commercial services to structure and stallation of mooring buoys and preparation of disperse visitor use; and, a concessions contract prospectus will be neces- sary to implement the plan. A draft GMP Imple- • designating approximately 46% of the park as mentation Plan has been prepared. a Research Natural Area, where consumptive uses such as fishing would be prohibited and The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force cited NPS/ other uses carefully limited. NOAA cooperative planning for the Tortugas as a model for protecting coral reef ecosystems. Six public meetings were held in Florida and Washington DC to receive comments on the The Final GMPA is available on the Internet at draft plan. The comment period closed on Au- www.nps.gov/drto/planning. gust 1, 2000. Public comments were overwhelm- ingly in favor of a management plan at least as protective as the preferred alternative. Sport fishermen, who maintain that properly regu- lated recreational fishing has no negative im- pacts on fish populations, have expressed op-

FORT JEFFERSON PRESERVATION TRUST Fort Jefferson has suffered continuing deterio- massive fortress. In recognition of this urgent PARTNERSHIPS ration over the years due to harsh weather and need, the park has entered into a cooperative climatic conditions, and is in need of major ma- relationship with the Fort Jefferson Preservation sonry repairs. In 1998, the Fort Jefferson Preser- Trust and the National Park Foundation to raise vation Trust was established, as a nonprofit or- private and corporate funds that would allow ganization, to aid the National Park Service in major stabilization work to proceed. its efforts to stabilize and prevent the deteriora- tion of the fort. The proposed stabilization work will help to structurally safeguard a nationally significant In May 1999, Fort Jefferson received a major historic monument. The fort is the base of op- grant under the President’s Save America’s Trea- erations for the park’s preservation, interpreta- sures Program that will be matched with an on- tion, research and law enforcement/patrol of the going non-Federal fund raising effort to address pristine marine environment of the Tortugas re- major structural rehabilitation and stabilization gion. As such, public and private assistance will needs. The grant of $970,400 is a challenge grant not only help preserve Fort Jefferson, but will to attract additional support on a matching also: funds basis, with the potential to provide nearly $2 million in desperately needed work on the

6 DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

• enhance protection of ocean systems from FKNMS’ Water Quality Steering Committee. contamination, degradation, and other The FKNMS is an active partner in the ecosys- abuses; and tem restoration effort. The two agencies contin- • defend biodiversity through habitat protec- ued their collaboration with the Environmental tion. Protection Agency in the production of "Water- ways". This half-hour television show airs MIAMI NATIONAL PARKS COMMUNITY widely in the region and explores the natural resources and environmental issues of South PARTNERS PROGRAM The National Park Ser- Florida. vice, in partnership with the National The NPS and the FKNMS are continuing an in- Parks Conservation teragency planning effort to protect sensitive Association (NPCA) Tortugas habitats. The Dry Tortugas National and several multi-cul- Park General Management Plan Amendment tural organizations, will determine ways to enhance resource pro- created the Commu- tection while continuing to provide high qual- nity Partners Program ity visitor experiences. The FKNMS’ Tortugas to engage diverse 2000 effort will establish a marine ecological re- populations in park serve to protect biodiversity and ecosystem in- visitation, the work- tegrity. force, park planning, Members of the Miami Community Partners create a park protection and in mission statement while decision-making. The Miami National Parks meeting at Dry Tortugas Community Partners Program is a community- CORAL REEF PROTECTION National Park. based task force, which includes the four South On June 11, 1998, the President signed Execu- Florida National Parks and a number of local tive Order 13089 directing federal agencies to organizations. It is one of five such groups or- take actions to assist in protecting coral reefs, to ganized in major cities around the country. fully consider the impacts of their actions on coral reefs, to further scientific research, includ- Over the past year, the Miami Community Part- ing mapping and monitoring, and to undertake ners worked on increasing the number of visi- international initiatives for the same purposes. tors from under-represented and culturally di- In October 1998, the first meeting of the Coral verse segments of the population to the national Reef Task Force established under the Order met parks, by identifying interested groups and or- at . Dry Tortugas Na- ganizing special interpretive programs and tional Park actively participated and will con- tours. They also worked on advancing National tinue to be active in implementing the terms of Park Service employment recruitment efforts. the Order. Utilizing existing relationships with One of the monthly meetings was held at Dry the Bahamas National Trust and contacts with Tortugas National Park. The meeting involved World Heritage Site managers, the park will also an overnight camping outing and an opportu- pursue implementation of the Order’s provi- nity to learn the history, and issues surround- sions with respect to international cooperation. ing this remote site. The group developed a mis- sion statement and selected program coordina- tors.

FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY Dry Tortugas National Park has a close work- ing relationship with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). There is shared rec- ognition of the mutual influences between park and sanctuary administration, including water quality, the coral reef tract, operations and man- agement. The park is a formal participant in the

7 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

This section of the annual report summarizes Dry Tortugas National Park’s accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2000. The park’s mission goals describe the desired future conditions that would best PERFORMANCE fulfill the park purpose and are expressed in terms of resource condition and visitor experience. Long-term goals and annual goals provide steps for achieving progress towards the mission goals AND RESULTS over a five-year period. All goals are tied to service-wide goals established for the National Park FOR Service. 2000

PRESERVE PARK Mission Goal: All natural resources and associated values are protected, re- RESOURCES stored, and maintained in near pristine condition.

By September 30, 2002, 40 acres of disturbed By September 30, 2002, breeding populations park land is restored. of loggerhead and green sea turtles increase.

Since the 19th century, exotic plants have been Accomplishments introduced to Loggerhead Key, altering the • Entered into cooperative agreements with: island’s native plant population. By 1980, Aus- -the University of Florida’s Center for Sea tralian pine (Casuarina equisitifolia) and Agave Turtle Research to monitor nesting sea turtles, (Agave sisalana) had out-competed most of the and native plant communities. Native plant and -the University of Miami’s Rosensteil School wildlife populations suffered. Habitat for of Marine and Atmospheric Science to sum- ground nesting birds was severely restricted and marize the physical oceanography, larval sea turtles encountered many obstacles to repro- transport, and park fisheries in order to de- duction. velop a Tortugas Site Characterization to help guide future management decisions that may Upon the establishment of the Dry Tortugas as impact the park’s natural resources. a National Park in 1992, resource managers be- • Collected nesting data for the sixth gan to assess the alterations to the communities consecutive season. of Loggerhead Key with the intent of restoring the island back to pre-settlement conditions. In 1995, the NPS began to actively remove the two By September 30, 2002, fish and avian popula- dominant exotic species, Agave and Casuarina, tions, including breeding populations of sooty along with several lesser exotic plant species. and noddy terns, brown pelicans, boobies and frigate birds, lobster and conch populations Eradication was accomplished utilizing pre- and coral reef and other benthic-type commu- scribed burning and herbicidal treatment. Dis- nities remain stable. turbed areas have been monitored and retreated on a recurring basis to facilitate restoration. As National Park Service biologists visually assess of 2000, all of the exotics had been removed from the bird life at the park. The Florida Marine In- Loggerhead. The transformation has been re- stitute assesses lobster populations to ascertain markable; the reduction in the numbers of exot- abundance, distribution, size and fecundity. In ics has led to a corresponding increase in the 1999, the NPS funded the Florida Marine Re- numbers of native species. search Institute to establish 3 new coral reef monitoring stations inside park waters. These Accomplishments will become part of the greater U.S. Environmen- • Conducted prescribed burn on northern tal Protection Agency/Florida Keys National Loggerhead Key in November 1999, com- Marine Sanctuary Coral Monitoring Program. pleting a series of planned burns. Accomplishments • Completed an intensive rat abatement pro- gram at Loggerhead Key, Garden Key and Bush Key.

8 DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

Mission Goal: All submerged and land based cultural resources have been iden- tified, documented, protected, and or stabilized.

By September 30, 2002, metal is removed from 30 of the 180 embrasures in the Fort and they are re-bricked.

A major restoration goal is to replace the origi- nal iron gun shutters that were designed to close after artillery was fired to provide protection from incoming enemy fire. The shutters have ex- panded during the process of corrosion, displac- ing the surrounding masonry.

Accomplishments • Purchased 80,000 bricks, at a cost of Ongoing work to stabilize $102,320, to be used for embrasure work. Fort Jefferson’s masonry. • Completed stabilization of five embrasures. • Initiated crack monitoring program of his- toric fort fabric • Completed tuck pointing of 16 parade ground arches. • Rehabilitated the fort’s sally port stone por- By September 30, 2002, 3 structures listed on tal and replaced its hinge gudgeons. the List of Classified Structures are in good • Examined the potable water cisterns and condition. completed repairs to all internal and exter- nal surfaces; installed pressurized pump sta- Fort Jefferson’s masonry has deteriorated be- tion. cause of the harsh marine environment. In some • Completed archeological assessment of Log- areas, large sections of the outer brick wall have gerhead Key. fallen into the moat. In addition to stabilization of the fort’s walls, other efforts are underway to improve the condition of classified structures By September 30, 2002, 45 of the recorded sub- where feasible. Examples include preservation merged cultural sites in 30’ or less of water are work on the sally port and its granite arch and not degraded due to human activity. repairs to cistern structures. The Dry Tortugas contain one of the largest as- Accomplishments semblages of shipwreck sites in North Ameri- • Replaced the historic slate roof on the old can waters. These sites provide a rich archeo- superintendent’s quarters. logical record spanning more than 4 centuries • Cleared the small powder magazine of in- of international economic and political activity vasive vegetation. in the area. NPS archeologists have compiled site information into a database that has facilitated analysis of wreck sites as an interrelated collec- tion. Knowing resource condition and how it changes on a continuing basis is fundamental to the park’s ability to manage its resources and perpetuate their integrity.

Park staff rescue a Loggerhead turtle on Loggerhead Key

9 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

Mission Goal: Available park facilities, infrastructure, and services are sufficient to PROVIDE FOR THE support operational needs, park staff; appropriate recreational opportunities are safe and PUBLIC USE AND adequate for visitors and employees. ENJOYMENT AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE By September 30, 2002, 95% of park visitors are • Re-plumbed sections of the reverse osmosis OF THE PARK satisfied with appropriate park facilities, ser- system. vices and recreational opportunities. • Completed water sample testing to ensure compliance with state water system regula- To assist the National Park Service in comply- tions. ing with the Government Performance and Re- sults Act, a visitor survey was conducted in Dry By September 30, 2002, the rate (19.80) of visi- Tortugas National Park in June 2000. The sur- tor accidents/incidents is reduced by 10% to vey results indicated that 93% of park visitors 17.82. were satisfied with appropriate facilities, ser- vices, and recreational opportunities. This is 1% Accomplishments percent under the FY 00 goal of 94% visitor sat- • Responded to 24 isfaction. incidents requir- ing Emergency The National Park Service manages over 50 ac- Medical Services tive Incidental Business Permits (IBPs) that pro- and 5 Search and vide commercial services within Dry Tortugas Rescue incidents. National Park. In May 1999, a moratorium was • One park ranger placed on new or expanded commercial services and a critical-hire until the general management planning process administrative is completed and implementation of its decisions support aid ob- is underway. Current permittees are allowed to tained EMT-B cer- Dry Tortugas National Park continue their business operations as set forth tification. in their permits. has a small campground on • Constructed and equipped park medical Garden Key. care facility. Park visitation increased by 20% in 2000. • Tested water quality at designated swim Accomplishments beaches in accordance with Director’s Or- • Installed new park benches. der 83. • Maintained all visitor and administrative fa- • Installed new radar and GPS systems in both cilities in a safe and sanitary condition. primary patrol vessels. • Maintained electric, water and sewer ser- • Completed a comprehensive review of fire vices on both Garden and Loggerhead Key. suppression equipment; replaced all defec- tive extinguishers, including 4 large wheeled units, and installed an emergency 2000 Commercial Services pumping cache at Loggerhead Key. • Began hazardous materials evaluation of Type of #sof IBP's Passenger Activity Garden Key North Coaling Dock dump site.

Transportation, 155 51,66 incl. -ferries -cruiseships -snorkel/dive charters

A22ir Taxi 8,66

Guided Nature 973,71 Tours/ Birding

F1ishingGuides 2513

S1ailing 1210

T8otal 5560,93

10 DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

By September 30, 2002, reliable and cost effec- tem was operational, but far more costly to op- tive radio and telephone communications ex- erate. All of the systems are dependent upon ist for 24 hours per day, 365 days per year for technology and components that are adversely organizational and operational needs and em- influenced by the harsh salt environment. ployee and visitor safety. Accomplishments Because of the remote nature of the Dry Tortu- • Maintenance, problem diagnosis and repair gas, it is extremely difficult to provide and main- of communication systems was ongoing tain reliable telephone communications. There throughout the year using NPS and contract are no telephone lines to the island, so the park personnel. depends upon a collection of radio/telephone • Established a service contract with local ven- links that are dependent upon six different re- dor to provide fast response to downed equip- lays, as well as a photovoltaic power source. The ment and service. radio-telephone (RTI) system was inoperable for much of the year. The alternative satellite sys-

Park Mission Goal: Visitors understand, appreciate, and are inspired by the park’s historical and natural resources, and they support the protection of these resources.

By September 30, 2002, 60% of park visitors un- guides with the permitted ferry services. In light derstand and recognize the significance of the of budget and staffing constraints, emphasis is park’s historical and natural resources. shifting towards non-personal interpretive ser- vices and media, such as television, exhibits, The future of Dry Tortugas National Park is de- waysides and publications that have the ability pendent upon an informed and involved pub- to serve a broader audience. The future devel- lic, as well as responsible resources manage- opment of an interagency visitor center in Key ment. To meet this goal, the National Park Ser- West will also increase visitors’ opportunities for vice provides a variety of orientation and edu- information and education regarding the park. cational opportunities through interpretive ser- Park rangers contact vessels upon entrance to vices and programs. the park, providing boaters with an orientation to visitor opportunities and park regulations. Dry Tortugas National Park has one park ranger position specializing in interpretation; this po- The park’s volunteer program is an important sition was vacant for most of FY 2000. Because tool for meeting the greatly increased visitation of the small interpretive staff size, all park em- and resource management needs. Volunteers are ployees, including active in supporting vital park functions, includ- commissioned park ing facility maintenance, grounds-keeping, re- rangers, maintenance source protection, research, habitat improve- workers, and adminis- ment, and visitor services. The main focus of the trative staff have fre- volunteer program is on Loggerhead Key. Vol- quent contacts with unteers work in pairs, in stints lasting from one visitors and are re- to six months, and live in a small house on the sponsible for promot- island. They are responsible for resource pro- ing an awareness and tection and interpretation, grounds-keeping, and understanding of the maintenance of island facilities, including a gen- park’s significance. erator, fuel and water systems, equipment, and Traditional ranger-led several buildings. New emphasis is being placed programs, while de- on using volunteers on Garden Key, where de- sired and valuable, ferred maintenance projects are being accom- Sea turtle researcher Russell Reardon presents a program cannot be offered on a daily basis. Most of the plished. on turtles for park visitors guided tours of Fort Jefferson are conducted by

11 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

The Public Affairs Office for Everglades and Dry • Maintained park web pages, and the ex- Tortugas National Parks, located at Everglades panded web site for the Dry Tortugas Gen- National Park, responds to telephone and mail eral Management Plan Amendment, with requests for general park information and man- up-to-date information and in accordance ages the maintenance and updating of the park’s with NPS Internet publication policy. web site. Commercial filming activities are also • Prepared and input content for new "Park managed by the Public Affairs Office. Profiles" databases on ParkNet, the official National Park Service web site, which went The park’s educational efforts are assisted and on-line in August 2000. enhanced by its partnership with the Florida Na- • Recorded 98,082 "hits" on www.nps.gov/ tional Parks and Monuments Association (FNPMA). The Fort Jefferson visitor center book- drto. store is staffed daily by an FNPMA employee, • 104 volunteers worked 6,689 hours in the who disseminates park information and pro- park. vides visitor orientation. The Association sup- • Park rangers contacted approximately 1,670 ports the park’s interpretive and education pro- vessels upon entrance to the park, provid- grams, special events, and publications. ing boaters with a park map, orientation to visitor opportunities and park regulations. Accomplishments • Park law enforcement rangers encountered • 24,674 visitors were contacted at park visi- and addressed 21 violations involving a tor center. threat to park resources. • Implemented Junior Ranger Program.

Mission Goal: Dry Tortugas National Park is a responsive and efficient organi- RGANIZATIONAL zation, enhancing managerial capabilities through initiatives and support from O other agencies, organizations, and individuals. EFFECTIVENESS

By September 30, 2002, 5 of 14 housing units tion, these units will provide housing for a larger classified as being in poor or fair condition are staff, as well as a temporary administrative site removed, replaced or upgraded to good condi- on the mainland. tion. The park is making progress towards the Most park employees live in apartments built achievement of this goal. A full-time housing of- into the casemates of Fort Jefferson. Out of 14 ficer, duty stationed at Everglades National housing units, 11 are constructed within the his- Park, manages the housing program. Funding toric walls as part of the structure. Problems as- for housing replacement and historic housing sociated with this type of construction include rehab has been requested, as has repair/rehab water leaks through the sides and top of the case- funding for non-historic housing. mates and the continual flaking of mortar, white- wash and pieces of brick. The quarters have a Accomplishments limited life span and do not meet code. A proto- • Refurbished Quarters #2 type housing unit, which utilizes an indepen- • Purchased energy-efficient gas appliances dent roof and wall system, was completed in for Garden Key housing. 1999 to address these ongoing problems. Two • Used volunteer help to begin debris re- additional housing units are in the former moval from Key West housing units, prior engineer’s quarters. Two 4-plex units, in Key to rehabilitation work. West, Florida, were acquired in 1999 from the • Obtained quotes and began rehabilitation Department of the Navy. Following rehabilita- work on Key West housing units.

12 DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS - $1,017,800 FY 2000 Visitor Services FINANCIAL Administration • Visitor center/bookstore Support functions, such as: • Ranger-led and self-guided SUMMARY • Park management activities • Budget • Interpretive exhibits • Contracting/procurement • Visitor protection activities • Payroll • Personnel • Property management $193,600 $128,200

Facility Operations and Maintenance Operation and maintenance of $206,000 visitor facilities and facilities supporting the park's operational $490,000 and administrative needs, including: Resource Management and Visitor center Preservation • • Interpretive exhibits • Stabilization of Fort Jefferson • Boat dock • Protection of submerged Campground cultural resources • • Employee housing • Resource management and Utility systems and equipment protection of natural • Maintenance shops/storage resources, including initiative • Offices to advance coral reef iniative •

FUNDING FOR SPECIAL INITIATIVES & PROGRAMS Saving America’s Treasures Program ...... 970,400 Hazardous Materials Removal...... 97,500 Cyclic Repair/Rehabilitation...... 92,000 Equipment Replacement...... 12,000 Public Land Corporation (SCA)...... 11,135 Fee Demonstration...... 6,525 Volunteer Program...... 3,400

FEE REVENUES Campground Fees...... $18,183

NPS Mechanic Al Walsh and Park Ranger Roy Appugliese investigate a sailboat grounding near Long Key.

13 2000 ANNUAL REPORT

Resource Management and Preservation: ...... $774,600 • Resource management and protection activities to address threats to natural resources, in- FY 2001 cluding the most pristine segment of the only U.S. continental coral reef, consisting of stag- UDGET AND horn coral, patch reefs, sand flats, and seagrass beds. B • Stabilization and preservation of Fort Jefferson. GOALS • Protection of submerged cultural resources.

Annual Goals - by September 30, 2001: • Forty acres of disturbed land is 80% restored. • Breeding populations of loggerhead and green sea turtles increase. • Nine non-threatened and endangered species populations remain stable. • Metal is removed from 24 embrasures and they are re-bricked (increase of 6). • Two structures on the List of Classified Structures are in good condition (no increase). • The condition of 45 submerged cultural sites has not degraded.

Visitor Services: ...... $249,200 The National Park Service manages and provides a variety of visitor services that offer opportuni- ties to experience and learn about the unique natural and cultural resources of Dry Tortugas Na- tional Park, including: • Operation of visitor center/bookstore in historic Fort Jefferson, interpretive exhibits, camp- ground on Garden Key. • Ranger-guided and self-guided activities. • Management of visitor activities supported by commercial services, including ferry and sea- plane transportation, sailing, guided snorkeling, diving and recreational fishing, and photo- graphic and birding workshops. • Visitor protection activities to provide for the protection, safety and security of park visitors, employees, commercial services permittees, and public and private property.

Annual Goals - by September 30, 2001: • Ninety-five percent of park visitors are satisfied. • The visitor accident/incident rate is reduced by 8% to 18.22. • Fifty-five percent of visitors understand the park’s significance.

Facility Operations and Maintenance: ...... $248,000 • Operation and maintenance of facilities for visitor use, such as the visitor center in Fort Jeffer- son, interpretive exhibits, boat dock and campground. • Operation of facilities that support the park’s administrative and operational needs, including utilities, equipment, employee housing, maintenance shops, storage, and offices.

Annual Goals - by September 30, 2001: • By September 30, 2002, reliable and cost effective radio and telephone communications exist for 24 hours per day, 365 days per year for organizational and operational needs and employee and visitor safety.

Park Administration: ...... $26,200 This program area includes management staff and administrative support functions for the park, such as budget, contracting and procurement, property management, and human resources.

TOTAL: ...... $1,298,000

14 DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CARES FOR SPECIAL PLACES SAVED BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SO THAT ALL MAY EXPERIENCE OUR HERITAGE. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR • NATIONAL PARK SERVICE