Filing # 85428808 E-Filed 02/25/2019 12:13:33 PM

IN THE FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

JOSE OLIVIA, in his official capacity as Speaker of the House of Representatives, et al., Defendants/Appellants, Case No. 1D18-3141 v. L.T. Case Nos. 2018-CA-001423 2018-CA-002682 FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION, INC., et al., Plaintiffs/Appellees.

ON APPEAL FROM A FINAL JUDGMENT OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA

INDEX TO APPENDIX TO AMICUS CURIAE FLORIDA SPRINGS COUNCIL, INC.’S BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF APPELLEES

John R. Thomas Florida Bar No. 868043 Law Office of John R. Thomas, P.A. 8770 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33702 (727) 692-4384; [email protected] RECEIVED, 02/25/201912:14:54 PM,Clerk,First District CourtofAppeal

Page 1 AMICUS CURIAE FLORIDA SPRINGS COUNCIL’S APPENDIX TO BRIEF

Pursuant to Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.210 and 9.220, Amicus

Curiae, Florida Springs Council, Inc. provides the following Appendix in support of its Amicus Curiae brief:

DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES August 14, 2018 Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Department of 7 to 20 Environmental Protection Division of Water Restoration Assistance Springs Restoration Project Plan for the Legislative Budget Commission https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/ LBC%20Report%20FY2018-2019.pdf June 2018 June 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan - 21 to 125 EXCERPT http://publicfiles.dep.state.fl.us/DSL/ OESWeb/FF2017/ FLDEP_DSL_SOLI_2018FloridaForever5Yr Plan_20180706.pdf June 2018 126 to 243 Basin Management Action Plan (Lower Suwannee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Withlacoochee River Sub-basins) https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/ Suwannee%20Final%202018.pdf

Page 2 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

I certify that the foregoing was prepared using Times New Roman, 14 point,

as required by Rule 9.210(a)(2) of the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing document was served on the

counsel of record on the Service List below on this 25th day of February, 2019, by electronic mail.

John R. Thomas, Esq. Florida Bar No. 868043 8770 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33702 (727) 692-4384 [email protected] Counsel for Amicus Curiae Florida Springs Council, Inc.

Page 3 SERVICE LIST

Andy Bardot Adam S. Tanenbaum James Timothy Moore, Jr. The Florida House of Representatives Ashley Hoffman Lukis 418 The Capitol Gray Robinson P.A. 402 South Monroe Street Post Office Box 11189 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 [email protected] [email protected] Counsel for Appellant, Florida House [email protected] of Representatives Speaker Richard [email protected] Corcoran Counsel for Appellants, the Florida Legislature, Senate President Joe Jeffrey Brown Negron, and Speaker Richard Kelley Corbari Corcoran Department of Environmental Protection George N. Meros, Jr. 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard Holland & Knight LLP MS-35 Suite 600, 315 South Calhoun Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Tallahassee, Florida 32301 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Counsel for Appellants, the Florida Counsel for Appellants, Department Legislature, Senate President Joe of Environmental Protection and Negron, and Speaker Richard Secretary of the Department of Corcoran Environmental Protection

Dawn Roberts Steven L. Hall Christie Letarte Allan J. Charles The Florida Senate Joan T. Matthews 302 The Capitol Florida Department of Agriculture and 404 South Monroe Street Consumer Services Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100 The Mayo Building, Suite 520 [email protected] 407 South Calhoun Street [email protected] Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800 Counsel for Appellant, Senate [email protected] President Joe Negron [email protected] [email protected] Counsel for Appellants, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Commissioner of Agriculture

Page 4 Carlos A. Rey [email protected] Bradley R. McVay Counsel for Appellees, Florida Ashley E. Davis Wildlife Federation, Inc.; St. Johns Florida Department of State Riverkeeper, Inc.; Environmental R.A. Gray Building, Suite 100 Confederation of Southwest Florida, 500 South Bronough Street Inc.; The Sierra Club, Inc.; and Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250 Manley Fuller [email protected] [email protected] Alisa Coe [email protected] Bradley Marshall Counsel for Appellants, Department Earthjustice of State and Secretary of State 111 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Harold G. Vielhauer [email protected] Anthony Pinzino [email protected] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Counsel for Appellees, Florida Commission Wildlife Federation, Inc.; St. Johns 620 South Meridian Street Riverkeeper, Inc.; Environmental Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 Confederation of Southwest Florida, [email protected] Inc.; The Sierra Club, Inc.; and [email protected] Manley Fuller Counsel for Appellants, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and David Guest Executive Director of the Fish and 317 East Park Avenue Wildlife Conservation Commission Tallahassee, Florida 32301 [email protected] Brian J. Accardo Counsel for Appellees, Florida James W. Sherman Wildlife Federation, Inc.; St. Johns South Florida Water Management Riverkeeper, Inc.; Environmental District Confederation of Southwest Florida, 3301 Gun Club Road Inc.; The Sierra Club, Inc.; and West Palm Beach, Florida 33406 Manley Fuller [email protected] [email protected] Kenneth B. Wright Counsel for South Florida Water 1301 Riverplace Boulevard, Ste. 1818 Management District Jacksonville, Florida 32207 [email protected] Robert T. Benton, II Counsel for Appellees, Florida P.O. Box 412 Wildlife Federation, Inc.; St. Johns Tallahassee, Florida 32302-0412 Riverkeeper, Inc.; Environmental

Page 5 Confederation of Southwest Florida, Counsel for Amici Florida Inc.; The Sierra Club, Inc.; and Conservation Voters, Inc., The Trust Manley Fuller for Public Land, The Foundation, Inc., and Florida Audubon Joseph W. Little Society, Inc. 3731 NW 13th Place Gainesville, Florida 32605 Clay Henderson [email protected] 421 N. Woodland Blvd Counsel for Appellees, Florida DeLand, Florida 32723 Defenders of the Environment, Inc.; [email protected] Stephen J. Robitaille; Joseph W. Counsel for Florida Conservation Little; James P. Clugston; Lola Voters, Inc. Haskins; Stephen M. Holland; and W. Thomas Hawkins Anna H. Upton Anna H. Upton, P.L. Hala Sandridge 960 Live Oak Plantation Road Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, PC Tallahassee, Florida 32312 Suntrust Financial Center Tel: (850) 228-6360 401 E Jackson St Ste 2400 [email protected] Tampa, FL 33602-5236 Counsel for The Everglades [email protected] Foundation, Inc. Counsel for Amicus Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association Donna E. Blanton Radey Law Firm Mohammad O. Jazil 301 S. Bronough Street, Suite 200 Hopping Green & Sams P A Tallahassee, Fla. 32301 119 S Monroe St Ste 300 Telephone:850-425-6683 Tallahassee, FL 32301-1591 [email protected] [email protected] Counsel for The Trust for Public Land Counsel for Amici Florida League of Cities, Florida Water Environment Tana D. Storey Association Utility Council, Florida Rutledge Ecenia, P.A. Stormwater Association, and Florida 119 South Monroe Street, Suite 202 Rural Water Association Tallahassee, Florida 32301-1591 Telephone (850) 681-6788 Jon L. Mills [email protected] 2727 NW 58th Blvd Counsel for Florida Audubon Society, Gainesville, FL 32606-8516 Inc. [email protected]

Page 6 Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Springs Restoration Project Plan for the Legislative Budget Commission

Division of Water Restoration Assistance • Florida Department of Environmental Protection • August Page14, 2018 7 Basis of the Project Plan

During the 2018 legislative session, the Legislature appropriated $50 million for springs restoration in line item 1595 of the 2018-2019 General Appropriations Act, including the following proviso:

The funds in Specific Appropriation 1595 may be used for land acquisition to protect springs and for capital projects that protect the quality and quantity of water that flow from springs.

The funds in Specific Appropriation 1595 shall be placed in reserve until the department submits to the Legislative Budget Commission a project plan that includes, but is not limited to, a prioritization of springs projects that best represents all geographic regions of the state to protect the quality and quantity of water that flows from springs. The department may request the release of the funds upon submission of the project plan for approval by the Legislative Budget Commission pursuant to the provisions of chapter 216, Florida Statutes.

Based on this Springs Restoration Plan for 2018-2019 (Plan) and the agency’s commitment to put the appropriation into action expeditiously to build upon its springs restoration activities, the department requests approval of the Plan as required in proviso provided in line item 1595.

Background: Florida’s Springs

There are estimated to be as many as 1,000 springs in Florida, ranging from small seeps to more than 30 Outstanding Florida Springs (OFS). The majority of Florida’s springs are located from the central part of the state tracking to the north and west into the Panhandle.

Each spring or system of springs has a “recharge basin” or “springshed,” an area within the surrounding groundwater and surface water basins that contributes to the spring flow. Each springshed contributes not only water to the spring flow, but also pollutants that contributing surface and ground waters carry with them.

The primary pollutant threat to the water quality in Florida’s springs is excessive levels of nitrogen. Nitrogen, particularly nitrates, is delivered from activities throughout the springsheds. Pollutant sources include urban and agricultural runoff, which carry fertilizers, animal wastes and other organic and inorganic forms of nitrogen; and wastewater, including septic tank discharges. In addition to water quality, Florida’s spring flows are affected by drought and other long-term climate conditions and may also be affected by excessive water withdrawals.

Page 28 Restoring Water Quantity

The water management districts or the department are required to establish minimum flows and water levels (MFLs) for surface and ground waters. “Minimum flow” is the limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area; “minimum water level” is the level of groundwater in an aquifer and the level of surface water at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area. If the flow or water level is currently below—or within 20 years expected to fall below—an applicable MFL, the water management districts must implement a recovery or prevention strategy, respectively, including the development of additional water supplies, water conservation plans, and use-efficiency measures.

The water management districts and department had established MFLs for 16 of the 30 OFS prior to the passage of the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act in 2016.

Since then, MFLs for 11 OFS have been adopted. Currently, the MFLs for , Jackson Blue Spring, and Gainer Spring Group are under development. As of March 2018, 10 OFS have been determined to be in recovery or prevention. Of those, eight have a recovery or prevention strategy; the remaining two are scheduled for re-evaluation in 2019. Outside the area of the 30 OFS, the water management districts have collectively prioritized 41 additional springs to be evaluated for an MFL. Restoring Water Quality

Working with local partners, Governor Scott has invested a historic $365 million in Florida’s springs over the last seven years. This record funding has enabled the department to assist local governments and other stakeholders to identify and construct projects that are targeted to the springs’ nutrient sources and that are imperative to achieving restoration goals. Specifically, the department’s efforts have emphasized land acquisition for conservation, implementation of enhanced best management practices for agriculture including innovative cost-share programs and addressing wastewater issues by upgrading wastewater treatment and furthering sewering efforts.

Other Water Quantity / STATE INVESTMENT BY CATEGORY Hydrological Restoration Water Conservation 11% 1%

Agricultural BMPs 11%

Land Acquisition 11%

Sewer/Septic Other Water Quality 37% 11%

Reuse 18%

Page 93 Prior Years’ Project Benefits The prior years’ projects are anticipated to result in significant nutrient reductions, water quantity improvements and land acquisition for conservation.

Cumulative Prior Cumulative Prior Cumulative Prior Nitrogen Reduction Water Savings Land Acquisition

8,877,216 lbs. 325.04 MGD 8,491 Acres

In 2016, the Legislature adopted, and the Governor signed, the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act (Act). The Act requires the assessment of all OFS systems and, if the springs are found to be impaired, the delineation of a priority focus area and the adoption of a water quality restoration plan to restore the spring. These plans, known as basin management action plans (BMAPs) establish 5-year progress milestones to achieve water quality restoration goals within 20 years.

On June 29, 2018, the Secretary signed orders for 13 BMAPs that include all 24 nitrate-impaired OFS. These BMAPs are the result of several years of cooperation and coordination with the public, local governments and local stakeholders. During this BMAP development, the department held over 80 public meetings with more than 200 stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies—permit limits on wastewater facilities, septic tank upgrades or elimination, urban and agricultural best management practices, conservation programs, land acquisition, and financial planning and assistance—to restore impaired systems. Each BMAP includes priority focus areas for their applicable OFS. The PFA boundaries for each spring system are available on the department’s website at FloridaDEP.gov/PFAMap.

Selection Process

To ensure that critical restoration projects are underway as quickly as possible and are representative of all geographic areas of the state with springs, the department received project proposals from the four water management districts with spring systems within their boundaries. The districts have been working with local governments and agricultural operations over the last several years to develop projects that meet the BMAP objectives including projects for wastewater infrastructure improvements, nutrient best management practices, conservation programs, and other activities designed to improve the water quality and flow levels in Florida’s springs.

Page 104 In general, each water management district process began with a broad solicitation for projects. These projects were vetted by water management district staff and considered by each water management district Governing Board at a publicly noticed meeting. After opportunity for public comment, each water management district Governing Board approved a list of projects for the department’s consideration.

In addition to the proviso requirements, the department considered the following factors in evaluating the projects submitted by the water management district Governing Boards:

• Proximity to PFA or springs • Whether the project is identified in a BMAP or a recovery plan • Nutrient reductions or measurable improvements in water quality • Water savings or measurable water quantity improvements • Cost sharing and leveraging opportunities referred to as “match” • Readiness to proceed in a timely manner • Cost effectiveness

Factors considered for land acquisition include:

• Proximity to PFA or springs • Location within a BMAP area • Recharge potential • Current land use • Manageability

The department’s review resulted in the selection of 35 projects and 6 contingency projects from the projects considered.

Springs Projects Fiscal Year 2018-2019

This Plan focuses on those critical projects necessary for springs restoration as identified in the department’s BMAPs. Specifically, this Plan provides:

• Over $32 million in sewering and septic projects • Including $4 million to offset homeowner costs for upgrading existing, conventional septic systems to enhanced nutrient removal technology • Over $7 million in advanced agricultural best management practices • Over $2.9 million for land acquisition for conservation • Nearly $4 million for water conservation, hydrologic restoration, water reuse and other water quantity projects. Page 115 SELECTED PROJECTS BY TYPE

Stormwater Water Conservation $1,483,351 $314,361 Agricultural BMPs $1,485,236

Sewer/Septic Hydrological Restoration $32,086,324 $500,000

Land Acquisition $2,981,000

Other Water Quality $2,000,000

Other Water Quantity $2,356,436

Reuse $181,280

In addition, the selected projects are geographically representative as shown below.

SELECTED PROJECTS BY SPRING*

Wekiwa-Rock Chassahowitzka and Homosassa Wakulla $2,015,111 $3,000,000 $4,135,811 Wacissa $915,000 $2,100,000 /Kings Bay Volusia Blue $10,150,000 $1,915,998

Silver Cypress $2,408,153 $500,000

Ichetucknee Rainbow $1,800,000 $5,042,000 Jackson Blue Suwannee & Santa Fe $5,096,025 $5,601,236 Page 126 * Does not include $4 million multi-spring septic upgrade incentive program. Selected Project Benefits

The selected projects for the Plan will build upon water quality, water quantity and land acquisition for conservation efforts over the last several years.

Anticipated Anticipated Water Quantity Anticipated Nitrogen Reduction Made Available Land Acquisition

Up to 2,296,873 lbs. 14.066 MGD 1,636 Acres

Attachment 1 identifies the springs projects selected for the fiscal year 2018-2019 appropriation of $50 million. The department has also included a list of contingency projects which may be funded with this appropriation in the event selected projects come in under budget or cannot proceed as originally planned.

Path Forward

Upon the approval and release of the springs appropriation and, in accordance with state requirements, the department will enter into grant agreements with the water management districts or other grant recipients. These grant agreements will provide for reimbursement based on work performed and costs incurred, with work and costs being documented by invoices submitted to the department. However, for land acquisition projects with the water management districts, the department may provide funds upon receipt of a Governing Board resolution which identifies and justifies any such preacquisiton costs necessary for the land acquisition.

Page 137 Attachment 1 Springs Restoration Plan for 2018-2019 Projects

Page 148 Selected Projects

Lead Water State Funding Third Party Management Spring Name Project Name Project Type Project description Local Match WMD Match Requested Match District Name

Santa Fe River The project will provide cost share funds to agriculture producers within the District, with the Springs group, priority given to producers within a Priority Focus Area, then those within a Basin Management Suwannee River Agricultural Action Plan. Among other things the project will assist producers in implementing practices that SRWMD Precision Ag - 2 $ 3,000,000 $ - $ - $ 1,000,000 Springs, and BMPs allow for precision nutrient and irrigation management. Both of these result in significant nutrient loading reductions and some water conservation. Springs Group

Jackson Blue Continue agricultural cost-share program in the Jackson Blue Spring basin. Assist approximately 32 Spring Agricultural producers with retrofits and precision agricultural equipment to improve water quality and quantity Jackson Blue Agricultural NWFWMD BMP Producer to protect springs in the Dougherty karst region. $ 1,500,000 $ - $ - $ 500,000 Spring BMPs Cost Share Grant Program

Jackson Blue Continue agricultural grass-based crop rotation program in the Jackson Blue Spring basin for up to Jackson Blue Spring Grass- Agricultural 10 additional producers. NWFWMD $ 1,106,500 $ - $ - $ 36 8,833 Spring Based Crop BMPs Rotation Program The Department recognizes the importance of incentivizing silviculture and rural land conservation Accelerating to achieve water quality and water quantity goals for the Suwannee River and its associated springs. Suwannee River The Department received several project proposals related to such an effort. This project combines Springs those separate project submittals into one unified, concerted effort to achieve rural land Restoration conservation and associated water quality and quantity benefits. through Suwannee River Agricultural S R W M D Partnerships for $ 1,878,736 $ 500,000 $ - $ - Springs BMPs Through this project, SRWMD will engage its stakeholders including the Suwannee River Silviculture and Partnership, the Florida Springs Institute, Alachua Conservation Trust and Stetson University to Rural Land negotiate cost-effective Land Conservation and Management Incentives (LCMIs). These LCMIs will Conservation and reduce groundwater pumping and nitrogen loading throughout the most vulnerable portions of the Management Middle Suwannee Springshed. Incentives

Jackson Blue Fee simple and less-than-fee acquisition (conservation easement) of up to 1140 acres within or Jackson Blue Land N WFWM D Spring Land approximate to the Jackson Blue Spring BMAP area. Project consists of four individual owners and $ 2,072,000 $ - $ - $ - Spring Acquisition Acquisition all required pre-acquisition costs to complete transactions. Chipola River Chipola River Land Land Less-than-fee simple acquisition of 436 acres along Dry Creek and adjacent to Rook Spring in N WFWM D $ 915,000 $ - $ - $ - Springs Acquisition Acquisition Jackson County. Shoreline restoration and water quality improvements at second magnitude spring along Holmes Cypress Spring Hydrologic N W FWMD Cypress Spring and Cypress creeks. $ 500,000 $ - $ - $ - Restoration Restoration Page 15 Selected Projects Kings Bay is an OFW, and SWIM Priority Waterbody that has been listed as Impaired for nutrients and filamentous algae by FDEP and USEPA. It also supports the largest population of the West Indian Manatee and contains one of the highest density of coastal first order magnitude fresh water springs in the world. The Project will restore water quality and manatee habitat by vacuum removal of filamentous algae (Lyngbya) and benthic detrital matter and planting of desirable submerged aquatic vegetation. The system is currently dominated by an invasive algal species ofLyngbya that forms floating mats as thick as 4’-6’ that block light and prevent the growth of native plant species. Crystal River / Kings Bay Other Water SWFWMD Over time, these mats can clog natural spring vents with silt and detrital material, reducing water $ 2,000,000 $ - $ - $ - Kings Bay Restoration Quality flow and preventing the establishment of native healthy submerged aquatic vegetation. Once cleared ofLyngbya , the project area will be replanted with native grasses. Herbivory exclusion cages will be placed as needed to protect the SAV for establishment and growth. The plants and cages will be maintained for approximately one year to ensure that the cages are functional, the SAV is well established, and that theLyngbya has been removed as much as possible from the project area.

The project site is an active borrow pit currently in commercial operation. Acquisition (fee simple) of the site will serve as the initial phase of a multi-phase project to provide water quality treatment and aquifer recharge (up to 5 MGD) to benefit Volusia Blue Spring. Recharge sources will include stormwater, advanced treated reuse and surface water from the St. Johns River. Volusia Blue Spring Volusia Blue Other Water is an Outstanding Florida Spring, has an established MFL that is in prevention and an adopted TMDL. SJ RWMD Volusia Blue Wetland Recharge $ 1,025,000 $ 1,125,000 $ 50,000 $ - Quantity Upon completion, the project will provide significant recharge of high quality water to the spring, Project will mitigate groundwater pumping impacts and help the spring achieve future MFL discharge thresholds. The future operation and management of the constructed project will be the responsibility of the local utility members of the West Volusia Water Suppliers group. The cost estimate includes land acquisition, appraisals and due diligence, and design/permitting support. This natural systems project includes the construction of three, 24-inch diameter Lower Floridan aquifer (LFA) production wells, each with a capacity of 5.0 MGD. This non-traditional LFA water supply source will support flow improvements to Silver Springs by replacing current permitted Ocala Lower withdrawals from the Upper Floridan aquifer (UFA) that are now located 4-miles closer to Silver Floridan Aquifer Other Water SJRWMD Silver Springs. The estimated modeled flow benefit to Silver Springs is nearly 14 cubic feet per second (cfs) $ 602,812 $ 1,205,626 $ 602, 8 12 $ - (LFA) Conversion Quantity which exceeds the 10.3 cfs documented need within the Silver Springs Prevention/Recovery (Phase 1) Strategy. This flow increase to the spring is approximately 8.9 MGD. Also, based on the results of the APT performed on the test well, each well should easily be able to produce 5 MGD.

This natural systems restoration project for Volusia Blue Springs provides aquifer recharge to the Deltona West UFA through construction of a 20-acre Rapid Infiltration Basin (RIB). The RIB will accept up to 1.0 Volusia Water Other Water MGD of reclaimed water, treated surface water and stormwater. The project is located in the SJ RWMD Volusia Blue Suppliers (WVWS) $ 277,028 $ 554,057 $ 277,028 $ - Quantity Priority Focus Area, and will support the MFL Recovery Strategy for Volusia Blue Springs. The Aquifer Recharge benefits are estimated to be 2.06% of the recovery requirement for the springs. Phase 1

This natural systems project includes the construction of a water main interconnect for two existing potable water systems. It will relocate the withdrawals approximately 6.5-miles farther from Silver Springs. The project supports the prevention/recovery strategy for Silver Springs, which documents Marion County Other Water the total flow increase needed is 10.3 cfs. The relocation of 0.12 MGD of withdrawals from Silver SJRWM D Silver SE108 Water Main $ 451,596 $ 903,191 $ 451,596 $ - Quantity Springs Shores to Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club shows a modeled benefit of 0.04 cfs of flow Interconnect increase at Silver Springs, or 0.03 MGD provided to the resource. The total flow increase needed as

Page 16 documented in the Silver Springs Protection Strategy is 10.3 cfs.

Deltona Reclaimed Reclaimed water retrofits in Deltona Part A (Dewey Boster), B (Live Oak), C (Coventry), and D (Lake Baton), for a total of 421 units, plus a sports complex. The project is located in the Priority Focus SJJRW RWM1 D Volusia Blue Water (RCW) Reuse $ 434,780 $ 869,561 $ 434,780 $ - Retrofits Area for Volusia Blue Springs and supports the Prevention/Recovery Strategy for the spring. Selected Projects This project will include construction of reclaimed water (RCW) mains for the internal distribution network of the Oakmont Subdivision, Phase 3. The Oakmont Phase 3 pipeline extension will provide RCW for irrigation of 4.85 acres of common areas and 154 residential yards to offset an estimated Springs of Lower Oakmont 49,388 gpd of groundwater use. The project also serves to expand the backbone of GRU's reclaimed Reclaimed Water water transmission mains, which will allow future addition of groundwater recharge wetlands SRWMD Reuse $ 352,500 $ 352,500 $ - $ - and Ichetucknee Main Extension, and/or potable offset irrigation. This project is part of GRU’s multi-phased RCW master plan. This basin Phase 3 project will provide connection to GRU’s existing RCW system. Construction of the Oakmont Subdivision, Phase 2 project is complete, and GRU will be submitting a request to the District for the cost-share money that was awarded for that project in the near future. The cost of Phase 3 is more than the cost of Phase 2 because more linear feet of pipe will be installed during Phase 3.

Capital Cascades Construct regional stormwater treatment facility to treat approximately 60 acres that drain to the N W FWMD Wakulla Spring Segment 3D Stormwater St. Augustine Branch, Lake Henrietta, and Lake Munson and ultimately into a sinking stream. $ 500,000 $ 3,700,000 $ - $ - Stormwater Pond The project includes the reshaping a drainage retention area (DRA) and installing a layer of Ocala Lake bioactivated water quality improvement media in the DRA that serves 166-acres and is within the Wyomina Silver Springs Priority Focus Area. The project also includes new conveyance systems that connect to SJRWM D Silver Drainage Stormwater $ 162,000 $ 324,000 $ 162,000 $ - an aquifer recharge well. Implementation of the best-management practices (BMPs) will help meet Retention Area the nutrient reduction requirement of the Silver Springs BMAP. (DRA) Retrofit

Marion County This project will retrofit three drainage retention areas (DRAs) in the Silver Springs Shores, Unit 23 Silver Springs Unit subdivision (DRAs 7276, 7280, and 7387) with a 125-acres drainage area. The retrofit includes the 23 CP#75 addition of Bold and Gold biosorptive activated media to the drainage areas to promote Stormwater denitrification. The DRAs are 3.5-miles south of Silver Springs in southeast Marion County, and SJRWMD Silver Stormwater $ 451,357 $ 916,391 $ - $ - Retrofit of 3 within the Priority Focus Area and BMAP. Drainage Retention Areas (DRA's) Priority springs The project concept provides for surface water storage in a formerly mined area known as Bee on the Upper Bee Haven Bay Haven Bay. The project area includes 1800 acres that would be improved to provide enhanced Suwannee River Water Resource surface water storage of stormwater, which would be available as an alternative water supply. SRW M D including White Stormwater $ 370,000 $ - $ - $ - Development Nutrient would commit to O&M for the pumps, piping, and water quality monitoring. Once Springs and (WRD) Project established this location could be enhanced in the future by contouring additional flow to this area Suwannee or pairing the location with a recharge well. Springs Ocala Southwood Connect 100 Septic Tanks in the Silver Springs Priority Focus Area in Ocala (Southwood Villas: 71 Wastewater Villas & East Lake units and SE : 29 units) to the City of Ocala WRF#2 wastewater treatment plant for SJRWM D Silver Collection & $ 641,488 $ 1,282,975 $ 64 1,488 $ - Weir Septic Tank advanced wastewater treatment. The project supports the Silver Springs BMAP. Treatment Connections Altamonte Springs The proposed project consists of treatment process improvements at the Altamonte Springs Regional Water Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility from secondary to advanced wastewater treatment Reclamation standards and nutrient effluent concentrations to 3 milligrams per liter (mg/I) for TN and 1 mg/I for Facility (RWRF) Wastewater TP. The plant is located in the Wekiwa-Rock Springs Priority Focus Area, and the process SJ RWMD Wekiwa-Rock Process Collection & improvements benefit the Wekiwa-Rock Springs BMAP, the BMAP and the $ 2,000,000 $ 3,100,000 $ 1,500,000 $ - Improvements for Treatment TMDL. Advance Wastewater

Page 17 Treatment (AWT) Equity Lifestyle Demolish the existing Spanish Oaks package plant that is located approximately 2.2-miles from Properties - Wastewater Silver Springs, within the Priority Focus Area and BMAP area for the springs. The package plant

SJRWMJRW1 D Silver Spanish Oaks Collection & currently serves 459 homes on 70 acres (fully-developed), The project includes a lift station and $ 99,500 $ 199,000 $ 99,500 $ - Package Plant Treatment transmission system construction to connect the flow to be treated at the City of Ocala WRF#2 Connection wastewater treatment plant for advanced wastewater treatment. Selected Projects Springs - Crystal The project is for the design, permitting, and construction of an extension of the City wastewater Wastewater Crystal River / River Southern collection system necessary for connection of a minimum of 722 existing residential and commercial SWFWMD Collection & $ 3,250,000 $ 1,625,000 $ 1,625,000 $ - Kings Bay Septic to Sewer homes currently serviced by septic systems within the Kings Bay/Crystal River Priority Focus Area Treatment Project (PFA). Springs - Citrus The project is for the design, permitting, and construction of a regional wastewater collection Wastewater Crystal River / County Cambridge system necessary for connection of a existing residential homes in the Cambridge Greens area of the SW FWMD Collection & $ 3,250,000 $ 1,625,000 $ 1,625,000 $ - Kings Bay Greens Septic to Crystal River/Kings Bay springshed. If constructed, a minimum of 240 existing septic systems will Treatment Sewer convert to County sanitary sewer. Springs - Crystal Design, permitting, and construction of a municipal sewer system including connection fees, plant River Indian Wastewater Crystal River / demolition and tank abandonment, and necessary components. This project will allow for the SW FWMD Waters Septic to Collection & $ 2,250,000 $ 1,125,000 $ 1,125,000 $ - Kings Bay connection of a private wastewater package plant and provide City central sewer to areas currently Sewer Treatment served by septic systems within the Kings Bay/Crystal River springshed. Phase II This project proposes to nearly triple the quantity of water that can be treated and recharged at the previously-constructed ISWQIP treatment wetland by adding gravity flow capability and a recharge well. The project currently treats about 1 MGD of wastewater. This project would increase wetland polishing to 3 MGD, matching the City’s permitted capacity. This would also add wet-weather Ichetucknee reliability to the current project, reduce the potential for offsite flooding, and simplify normal Wastewater Ichetucknee Springs Quality operations. With effluent directed to the wetland and recharge well, ET losses on the remaining SRWM D Collection & $ 1,800,000 $ 50,000 $ - $ - Springs and Quantity sprayfields would be reduced, further increasing net aquifer recharge. Additional recharge is Treatment Enhancement estimated to be up to 2 MGD. Water quality improvements for nitrogen are expected to increase from about 16,000 lb./yr. of removal to about 35,000 lb./yr. (current flow) or 44,000 lb./yr. (full flow) of removal. Monthly monitoring of surface water is proposed from project initiation for 36 months to measure and report project performance.

Springs - Citrus The project is for the design, permitting, and construction of a regional wastewater collection County Old Wastewater Chassahowitzka system necessary for connection of existing residential homes in the Old Homosassa area of the SW FWMD Homosassa West Collection & $ 3,000,000 $ 1,500,000 $ 1,500,000 $ - and Homosassa Homosassa springshed. If constructed, a minimum of 95 existing septic systems will convert to Septic to Sewer Treatment County sanitary sewer. Project Septic Connection Connect up to 60 properties within the city utility service area currently on OSTDS to existing central Wastewater to Existing Sewer sewer in the Wakulla Springs BMAP PFA 1. N W FWMD Wakulla Spring Collection & $ 444,000 $ 987,000 $ - $ - in the Wakulla Treatment BMAP, Phase II Nutrient reduction upgrade of the City's 0.45 MGD WWTP. Existing plant is a conventional oxidation Wastewater ditch WWTP that does not have nutrient effluent limits. Upgrade will take WWTP to AWT treatment WWTP Nutrient SWFWMD Rainbow Collection & standards. Project components include: Denitrification filter structure, clarifier, rehab of oxidation $ 2,300,000 $ 219,500 $ - $ 700,000 Upgrade Treatment ditch and equipment, effluent pump station, screenings structure, carbon addition feed system, electrical and controls upgrades, and misc. piping. Page 18 Selected Projects Rerate the City of Dunnellon WRF to 0.50 MGD and construct a FM from Rainbow Springs WRF to the City's WRF and Decommission Rainbow Springs WRF. The City of Dunnellon (APPLICANT) recognizes the vital ecological and economic importance that Rainbow Springs and the has in the community. These bodies of water are listed as Outstanding Florida Waters and are classified as high priorities in the Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan (SWIM). A basin management action plan is currently being updated. These bodies of water are impaired under FAC 62-303(d) by total nitrogen (TN) as identified in the adopted Total Maximum Daily Load Rainbow Springs Wastewater (TMDL). With this in mind, The APPLICANT has identified the Rainbow Springs Wastewater $ $ $ SWFWMD Rainbow WRF Collection & Reclamation Facility (WRF) Decommissioning Project (PROJECT) to help improve the water quality of $ 2,742,000 - - - Decommissioning Treatment these impaired water bodies. The primary objective of the PROJECT is to design and construct a sanitary sewer system which will remove from service the Rainbow Springs WRF (highlighted in on the location map) which treats approximately 0.15 MGD. The WRF contributes to the total nitrogen(TN) impairment of Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River. The removal of the WRF will result in a substantial and measurable reduction in the identified pollutant sources. This is quantified in the Total Nutrient Removal section. This project is dependent on the rerating of the City of Dunnellon's WRF to 0.50 MGD.

Onsight treatment A grant reimbursement program to offset homeowner costs for septic tank remediation plan and disposal Wastewater implementation pursuant to 373.807, F.S. Specifically, to offset homeowner costs associated with Multiple Multiple system Collection & installing septic system nitrogen removal technologies required under the Florida Springs and $ 4,000,000 $ - $ - $ - remediation plan Treatment Aquifer Protection Act. implementation Indian Springs Wastewater Additional costs to complete existing Indian Springs Phase I septic to central sewer project. Jackson Blue N WFWM D Sewer Phase I Collection & $ 417,525 $ - $ - $ - Spring Continuation Treatment Greenville Sewer Wastewater The project is the design and construction of approximately 10,550 lf of gravity sewer, 40 manholes System SRWM D Wacissa Collection & and one pump station upgrade to phase out approximately 67 septic tanks. $ 2,700,000 $ - $ - $ - Improvements Treatment Phase 1 Magnolia Gardens Continue to expand and connect individual septic tank customers in the Magnolia Gardens Wastewater Sewer System neighborhood to the County AWT facility. Up to 116 additional homes connected. N W FWMD Wakulla Spring Collection & $ 3,191,811 $ - $ - $ - Expansion, Phase Treatment III This project includes implementation of a water conservation infrastructure for Volusia County Volusia County Utilities. The Sensus Flexnet system will be installed on production wells and flushing units to assist Water SJ RWMD Volusia Blue Water in the reduction of unaccounted for water use. The project is estimated to conserve 0.22 MGD and $ 239,190 $ 478,380 $ 239, 190 $ - Conservation Conservation is supportive of the Prevention/Recovery Strategy for Volusia Blue Springs.

The project involves the continuation (year 3) of the County's comprehensive program to improve OCU Waterwise water conservation in about 300 new construction and 300 existing homes. The program is Water SJ RWMD Wekiwa-Rock Neighbor Program available to all properties (within the SJRWMD) supplied water by the Orange County Utilities $ 75,177 $ 1 50, 354 $ 75,177 $ - Conservation - Year 3 Department. Their service area includes multiple parts of the county, with a portion being within in the Wekiwa-Rock PFA. Page 19 Total: $ 50,000,000 $ 22,792,535 $ 10,408,571 $ 2,568,833 Contingency Projects

Lead Water State Funding Local/Other Management Spring Name Project Name Project Type Project description WMD Match Requested Match District Name

Retrofit of residential area to supply reclaimed water and replace the use of potable Ocoee Hammocks water for irrigation. The project includes an area with 125 homes for retrofit. The SJRWMD Wekiwa-Rock Reclaimed Water Reuse $ 1 3 1 ,2 3 8 $ 2 6 6,4 5 4 $ - quantity of reclaimed water made available is 0.02 MGD. The project site is located in (RCW) Retrofit the Wekiwa-Rock Priority Focus Area. Ocoee Windermere The project includes the extension of reclaimed water lines to the 128-home Groves Reclaimed Windermere Groves neighborhood, replacing the current use of potable water for SJ RWMD Wekiwa-Rock Reuse $ 103,400 $ 206,800 $ 103,400 Water (RCW) irrigation. The quantity of reclaimed water made available is 0.015 MGD. The project is Retrofit in the Wekiwa-Rock Springshed, and just outside of the Priority Focus Area .

The Project will take place in Bradford County and enhance opportunities for aquifer Bradford County recharge for the silvicultural lands and areas with surplus surface waters. This project Santa Fe Silviculture Hydrologic will build on previous work completed by the District and Rayonier at Brooks Sink. SRWMD Spring, Oleno $ 3,000,000 $ - $ - Enhancement & Restoration Historic silvicultural drainage systems may be used to direct water to control structures Rise Recharge Project or recharge wells. Replacement of two drainage wells near Lake Sampson will also be pursued as an opportunity for additional recharge. Fanning The project is to facilitate the restoration and protection of the Fanning Spring in the Wastewater Wastewater Fanning Fanning Springs Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) which flows into the Suwannee SRWMD Collection System Collection & $ 3,000,000 $ - $ - Spring River. The project will construct a new Regional Advanced Waste treatment (AWT) Expansion, Phase Treatment Facility with a constructed wetland aquifer recharge system. IV, WWTF The City of Ocala (COOPERATOR) recognizes the vital ecological and economic importance that Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River has in the community. These bodies of water are listed as Outstanding Florida Waters and are classified as high priorities in the Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan (SWIM). A basin management action plan is currently being updated. These bodies of water are impaired under FAC 62-303(d) by total nitrogen (TN) as identified in the adopted Total Maximum Fairfield Village Wastewater Daily Load (TMDL).With this in mind, The COOPERATOR has identified the Fairfield SWFWMD Rainbow Sewer Expansion Collection & Village Sewer Expansion Project (PROJECT) to help improve the water quality of these $ 612,500 $ 262,500 $ - Project Treatment impaired water bodies. The primary objective of the PROJECT is to design and construct a sanitary sewer system which will remove from service a package plant which serves approximately 350 mixed use residential lots and 1 community center. The package plant contributes to the total nitrogen(TN) impairment of Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River. The removal of the package plant will result in a substantial and measurable reduction in the identified pollutant sources. This is quantified in the Total Nutrient Reduced section. Other Water Restoration of 3.91 acres Homosassa upland canal - Lyngbya/muck removal and SWFWMD Homosassa $ 2,000,000 $ 125,000 $ - Restoration Project Quality installation of native grasses.

Total: $ 8,847,138 $ 860,754 $ 103,400 Page 20 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

prepared by Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of State Lands Office of Environmental Services in cooperation with Florida’s Acquisition and Restoration Council

June 2018

Page 21 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Executive Summary Abstract 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan: Each of the 121 ARC-approved land acquisition projects are described in the Florida Forever Five-Year Plan. ARC recommends the following adjustments to the 2018 priority list of acquisition projects: (a) add three new projects; (b) add two new projects to existing projects; and (d) amend the boundary of four projects.

New Projects added to the List GIS Acres County Hardee Flatwoods 1,675 Hardee Seven Runs Creek, Final Phase 6,183 Walton and Washington Taylor Sweetwater Creek 3,778 Taylor

New Projects added to Existing Projects GIS Acres County Springs Coast Research Station: 28 Citrus added to Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Upper Ecosystem: 37,895 Calhoun, Liberty, Jackson, Gadsden, and Gulf added to Apalachicola River Counties

Projects with Boundary Amendments GIS Acres County Adams Ranch -3,898 acres Osceola Middle Chipola River +6 acres Jackson St. Joe Timberland +879.5 acres Leon St. Joe Timberland +18 acres Franklin

ARC’s Recommended 2018 Florida Forever Priority List for Land Acquisition Projects: The 2018 Five-Year Plan includes the Florida Forever Priority List of acquisition projects recommended by ARC on December 15th, 2017 and proposed for approval by the Board of Trustees. This list includes 121 projects, each one of which was ranked within one of the following six categories: CNL - Critical Natural Lands; PRI - Partnerships and Regional Incentives; LTF - Less-Than-Fee project; CCL - Climate Change Lands; SC - Substantially Complete; and CHR - Critical Historical Resources.

The numbers in the Priority List indicate ARC’s December 2017 priority rank within the project category.

Pursuant to section 259.04(1)(c), F.S., “...the board shall approve, in whole or in part, the list of projects in the order of priority in which such projects are presented” [see also s. 259.105(14), F.S.].

The 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan is being submitted in digital format.

Introduction Background and Status - Florida Forever is the state’s current blueprint for conserving our natural resources. It replaced the highly successful Preservation 2000, the largest program of its kind in the

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United States. Preservation 2000 acquired more than 1.78 million acres of land for protection. The Florida Forever Act, implemented in 2000, reinforced Florida’s commitment to conserve its natural and cultural heritage, provide urban open space, and better manage the land acquired by the state.

Florida Forever is more than an environmental land acquisition mechanism. It encompasses a wide range of goals including: environmental restoration; water resource development and supply; increased public access; public lands management and maintenance; and increased protection of land by acquisition of conservation easements.

The additional $3 billion investment over the 2010-2020 decade demonstrates Florida’s continuing commitment to protecting and restoring our vital natural resources. Our state continues to be the model for other states when developing land acquisition programs of their own. Florida has been at the forefront of the nation’s land protection efforts.

Legislation and Policy In 1998, Florida voters amended the state constitution by ratifying a constitutional amendment that re- authorized bonds for land acquisition. The 1999 legislature responded with the 10-year $3 billion Florida Forever Program to acquire and manage land for conservation. This was extended another 10 years in 2008 for a total of $6 billion.

In 2014 Florida voters amended the state constitution again, ratifying a constitutional amendment that dedicated 33 percent of documentary stamp taxes to finance or refinance acquisition and improvement of land, water areas, and related property interests, including conservation easements, and resources for conservation lands including wetlands, forests, and fish and wildlife habitat; wildlife management areas; lands that protect water resources and drinking water sources, including lands protecting the water quality and quantity of rivers, lakes, streams, springsheds, and lands providing recharge for groundwater and aquifer systems; lands in the Everglades Agricultural Area and the Everglades Protection Area, as defined in Article II, Section 7(b); beaches and shores; outdoor recreation lands, including recreational trails, parks, and urban open space; rural landscapes; working farms and ranches; historic or geologic sites; together with management, restoration of natural systems, and the enhancement of public access or recreational enjoyment of conservation lands.

The ten-member Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) makes recommendations about acquisition, management and disposal of state-owned lands. This important advisory group includes private citizen members with backgrounds in scientific disciplines of land, water, or environmental

Page 23 May, 2018 Page 50 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan sciences as well as wildlife management, forestry management, and outdoor recreation, in addition to four state agency representatives.

The Governor and Cabinet, as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, are responsible for acting on ARC’s recommendations. The Board also approves the acquisition of each parcel and has ultimate oversight on state lands leases and management plans. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of State Lands (DSL) provides primary staff support for the Acquisition and Restoration Council. DSL coordinates Council meetings; prepares agendas and reports; prepares or obtains appraisal maps, title work, appraisals and closing documents for acquisitions; and negotiates land purchases on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The Division also provides staff support for managing all leases, reviewing and approving management plans, and coordinating management review team functions for state-owned lands titled to the Board.

Partnerships The state’s land acquisition programs have a long history of cooperative partnerships with local and national land trusts, water management districts, counties, cities and other local governments, as well as the federal government. The successful acquisition of many state projects is the direct result of these partnerships. Many of the projects on the Florida Forever list have partners.

Partnerships with local governments have increased in recent years. Of Florida’s 67 counties, 30 have land acquisition programs (please see Addendum). These local government initiatives have dramatically enhanced the state’s ability to protect its remaining important natural areas.

Results For decades, the State of Florida had one of the most aggressive conservation and recreation land acquisition programs in the United States and the world. Since 1963, Florida has invested approximately $8 billion to conserve approximately 3.9 million acres of land for environmental, recreational and preservation purposes. This has been accomplished with a number of programs, including Environmentally Endangered Lands, Outdoor Recreation, Save Our Coasts, Save Our Rivers, Conservation and Recreation Lands, Preservation 2000, and Florida Forever.

Thanks to Florida Forever and its predecessor programs, millions of Americans can enjoy the outdoor experience and know that Florida is continuing to protect and create safe havens for its many endangered and threatened plants and animals.

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Accomplishments of Florida Forever Acquisition Program Since its inception in July 2001, the state’s Florida Forever land acquisition program provided protection for the following: • 628,860 acres of Strategic Habitat Conservation Areas; • 595,270 acres of rare species habitat conservation areas, including 1,004 sites that are habitats for 335 different rare species, 138 of which are federal or state-listed as endangered, 63 federal or state-listed as threatened, and 7 species of special concern; • 748,490 acres of ecological greenways; • 130,730 acres of under-represented natural communities; • 515,960 acres landscape-sized protection areas; • 414,770 acres of natural floodplains; • 760,610 acres important to significant water bodies; • 419,180 acres minimize damage from flooding; • 9,490 acres of fragile coastline; • 304,890 acres of functional wetlands; • 735,640 acres of significant groundwater recharge areas; • 535 miles of priority recreational trails; • 393,440 acres of sustainable forest land; • 1,070 archaeological/historic sites; and • 11,920 acres in urban service areas. These figures were derived from the 2017 updates of the Florida Forever data layers, which are continuously updated by Florida Natural Areas Inventory to reflect the most current scientific analyses of Florida’s natural resources. The acreages include properties acquired under the Florida Forever program, as well as donations and acquisitions by other entities with funding from other sources that were within Florida Forever project boundaries. Additionally, the acreages recorded for each measure often overlap, and thus should not be added together. Collectively, under the Florida Forever program the State of Florida has protected over 770,279 acres of land with a little over $3 billion in Florida Forever funds. Donations and lands acquired with non-Florida Forever program funding are not included. If these are included, the total acreage protected within Florida Forever projects is more than 817,582 acres.

All property within the boundaries of the Florida Forever acquisition projects, unless specifically noted otherwise, is proposed to be purchased, in fee-simple or a lesser interest, for conservation purposes.

The 2018 Florida Forever Priority List of land acquisition projects is consistent with section 187.201(9), F.S., the Natural Systems and Recreational Lands section of the State Comprehensive Plan. Explanation of Project Information The following information summarizes the evaluation reports for the projects that were recommended by the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) to be included on the current Florida Forever Priority List. Page 25 May, 2018 Page 52 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

The 2008 Legislature established project categories as follows: (a) a critical natural lands category, including functional landscape-scale natural systems, intact large hydrological systems, lands that have significant imperiled natural communities, and corridors linking large landscapes, as identified and developed by the best available scientific analysis; (b) a partnerships and regional incentives category, including: 1. Projects where local and regional cost-share agreements provide a lower cost and greater conservation benefit to the people of the state. Additional consideration shall be provided under this category where parcels are identified as part of a local or regional visioning process and are supported by scientific analysis; and 2. Bargain and shared projects where the state will receive a significant reduction in price for public ownership of land as a result of the removal of development rights or other interests in lands or will receive alternative or matching funds; (c) a less-than-fee category for working agricultural lands that significantly contribute to resource protection through conservation easements and other less-than-fee techniques, tax incentives, life estates, landowner agreements, and other partnerships, including conservation easements acquired in partnership with federal conservation programs, which will achieve the objectives of Florida Forever while allowing the continuation of compatible agricultural uses on the land. Terms of easements proposed for acquisition under this category shall be developed by the Division of State Lands in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; (d) a climate-change category list of lands where acquisition or other conservation measures will address the challenges of global climate change, such as through protection, restoration, mitigation, and strengthening of Florida’s land, water, and coastal resources. This category includes lands that provide opportunities to sequester carbon, provide habitat, protect coastal lands or barrier islands, and otherwise mitigate and help adapt to the effects of sea-level rise and meet other objectives of the program; (e) a substantially complete category of projects where mainly inholdings, additions, and linkages between preserved areas will be acquired and where 85 percent of the project is complete. The ARC implemented these category changes on June 11, 2010. In the October 15, 2010 meeting, ARC voted to add a new category for (f) a critical historical resources category which will include those projects determined to have significant archaeological or historical value. Six projects were moved to the critical historical resources category for ranking during the December 10, 2010 meeting. All acquisition projects approved by the Board of Trustees are eligible for funding. However, the Board of Trustees may approve the purchase of any project from any category in furtherance of the intent expressed in 259.105(2)(e), Florida Statutes. Each project summary contains: project name, listing category, acreage, cost and general project information. The following provides a brief explanation of each of the sections contained in the project summaries:

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Purpose for State Acquisition The primary reason(s) the state is attempting to acquire the property. Manager The agency to assume primary management responsibilities. If more than one agency is listed, then lead management responsibilities will be divided between agencies for portions of the project. Or, one agency may lead, the other cooperate in overall management. General Description Brief synopsis of the significant natural and cultural resources located on the tract, including: natural communities, endangered species, game and nongame species, hydrological systems, archaeological and historic sites. It also describes vulnerability and endangerment; that is, the susceptibility of the project’s area and resources to natural and anthropogenic disturbances and the imminence of, or threat of, such degradation. Public Use The State designated use pursuant to §259.032(4), F.S., under which the project qualifies for state acquisition. Florida Forever projects may be managed as: State Parks, State Preserves, State Reserves, State Aquatic Preserves, State Botanical or Geological Sites, State Recreation Areas, State Archaeological or Historical Sites, Wildlife Management Areas, Wildlife and Environmental Areas, Wildlife Refuges, and State Forests. Under certain circumstances, they may also be managed as County or City Nature Parks, Environmental Education Centers, etc., but they still must qualify for state designation and be managed accordingly. This section also includes a list of the potential recreational activities and public uses (e.g., timber management) that the project could readily accommodate. FNAI Elements The total number (and partial list) of the most endangered or threatened “elements of biodiversity”— species and certain species aggregations of animals or plants—in the project from records in the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) data base. Animals are displayed in standard typeface while plants are in italics. The smaller the number in an FNAI rank, the rarer or endangered the element is. For example, the most critically endangered elements have a rank of G1/S1. “G” refers to a species’ rarity in a Global context, while “S” refers to its rarity within the State of Florida. “T,” if present, refers to the global rarity of a subspecies. Acquisition Planning Lists the number of acres and/or ownerships acquired by other public and nonprofit organizations, and the number of remaining owners. Describes acquisition activity during the past, the general status of current negotiations, and other technical aspects of acquisition, if applicable, and provides an estimated tax value of the acreage to be acquired. Values for larger acreage tracts and those with numerous ownerships, including recorded and unrecorded subdivisions, are sometimes estimates of tax values Page 27 May, 2018 Page 54 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan based on information from: (1) county property appraisers, or (2) average per acre and per lot tax values obtained from (a) project applications, and (b) evaluation reports. Coordination Identifies acquisition and/or management partners who are contributing to or facilitating the acquisition or management of project lands. Placed on List The first year that the project, or a portion thereof, was placed on the CARL Priority List or the Florida Forever List. Project Area The total size of the current project, including acres acquired or under option and acres remaining to be acquired. Acres Acquired Within the project boundaries, the number of acres acquired by the state, federal government, water management district, or local government.

If a nonprofit organization has acquired acreage within the project boundary but has not yet transferred or sold the property (in whole or in part) to the state, that acreage is excluded from the Acreage Acquired. Such cases are identified with an asterisk (*) and are explained in the text of the project summary under Acquisition Planning or Coordination. At a Cost of The amount of funds spent by the state, federal government, water management district, or local government on the acquisition of a project. If a nonprofit organization has funds within a project, those funds are excluded from the Funds Expended or Encumbered but are identified with an asterisk (*) and explained in the text of the project summary under Acquisition Planning or Coordination. Acres Remaining An estimate of the acres in the project not yet acquired. Estimated Value of The county’s tax assessed value of the acreage to be acquired. Management Policy Statement Briefly describes how the project meets selection criteria and public purposes pursuant to §259, F.S. Management Prospectus - Identifies the rationale for the state designation under which the project will be managed; the lead and, if appropriate, the cooperating state or local agencies recommended to manage the tract if acquired; the conditions that may affect the intensity of management activities; a timetable for implementing specific management activities; the project’s revenue-generating potential; and the role(s) of potential management cooperators.

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Management Cost Summary Estimated start-up and recurring costs for project lands not yet under current management. Some costs may include areas outside the Florida Forever project boundary if the Florida Forever project is to be managed as a component of a larger tract, while others may not report additional management costs under the same circumstances. Cost information is categorized as: • Salary = salaries of permanent employees, including fringe benefits; • OPS = other personnel services (temporary employee) salaries; • expense = costs of office supplies, fuel, utilities, tools, implements, and other expendable items valued at less than $1,000; • OCO = operating capital outlay costs (equipment and machinery valued at $1,000 or greater); • FCO = fixed capital outlay (permanent structures, including buildings, paved roads, and other permanent facilities). • The primary or proposed sources of management funds are also indicated as follows: • GR = General Revenue Fund; • IITF = Internal Improvement Trust Fund; • LATF = Land Acquisition Trust Fund; • SPTF = State Park Trust Fund; • WMLTF = Water Management Lands Trust Fund; or federal, local, or other funding sources that should be self-explanatory. Project Map(s) Identifies the project boundary; the essential parcels pursuant to 259.105(15), F.S.; property within the project boundary that is state owned; and property within, adjacent, or near the project area that is owned by another public agency or non-profit conservation organization.

Page 29 May, 2018 Page 56 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Statewide Distribution of Florida Forever Land Acquisition Projects, January 2018

Executive Summary Figure 1

Page 30 May, 2018 Page 57 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Bay, Citrus, Hamilton, Hernando, Jackson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Suwannee, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington Counties Partnerships and Regional Incentives

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 1991 Project Area (GIS acres) 16,034 Acres Acquired (GIS) 9,561* at a Cost of $104,192,527* Acres Remaining (GIS) 6,473 *Includes acreage acquired and funds spent by the SRWMD and a 130-acre donation on the site

Purpose for State Acquisition Large springs of clear, continuously flowing water are among Florida’s most famous and important natural and recreational resources. The cavernous, water-filled rock of the Floridan Aquifer supplies the largest springs. By preserving land around springs, this project will aid in the protection of springs, karst windows, and the Floridan Aquifer from the effects of commercial, residential, and agricultural runoff; clearcutting and mining; and unsupervised recreation. This project will ensure that Floridians and visitors from all over the world will be able to enjoy Florida springs for years to come. Manager(s) Spring or Property Managers Morrison Springs Walton County Blue Springs Park DRP Brunson Landing and Cypress Spring Leased from owner and managed by NWFWMD Gainer Springs DRP / NWFWMD Jackson Blue Springs Jackson County River Sink Spring US Forest Service Church Sink Leon County St. Marks Springs DRP Hardee Spring Florida Forest Service Madison Blue Springs DRP Damascus Peanut Tract and Falmouth Spring NWFWMD Lafayette Blue Springs Lafayette County Troy Spring DRP Fanning Springs DRP / OGT / NWFWMD Silver Springs Sandhill Marion County Weeki Wachee Springs FWC Springs Coast Research Wildlands Conservation Horne Spring FFS

General Description Because of the thick, water-filled limestone underlying it, Florida has more large springs (including river rises and karst windows) than any other state or even country. Those discharging an average of 100 cubic feet of water per second or more are called first-magnitude springs. The 33 recognized springs in Florida are scattered in the northern peninsula and the eastern panhandle where the limestone of the Floridan Aquifer arches close to the surface. Each day, these 33 springs send out much more water than

Page 31 May, 2018 Page 335 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan is used for drinking water by all the people in the state. The springs, with generally clear, continuously flowing waters, are among Florida’s most important natural resources and some are famous tourist attractions. The tracts harbor at least seven FNAI-listed plants and eighteen FNAI-listed animals. The Weeki Wachee tract includes one of the best remaining scrubs on Florida’s West Coast. Several archaeological or historic sites are known from these springs, from remains over 2000 years old to an historic Sinclair gas station. All these springs are vulnerable to development and unsupervised use. Public Use The project sites are designated for use as state parks, geological sites and wildlife and environmental areas, with high recreational potential for swimming, canoeing, camping and nature appreciation. Acquisition Planning On December 7, 1990, the Land Acquisition Advisory Council (LAAC) added the Florida’s First Magnitude Springs – Phase I project to the CARL Priority list. This fee-simple acquisition, sponsored by the Department of Environmental Regulations, consisted of approximately 2,907 acres, 36 landowners, 136 parcels, and a taxable value (TAV) of $5,718,493. In 1990, five springs made up the project: Falmouth Spring (Suwannee County, 75 acres, 1 parcel, 1 landowner, TAV $45,000), Fanning Springs (Levy County, 525 acres, 98 parcels, 17 landowners, TAV $1,187,610), Gainer Springs (Bay County, 1,258 acres, 19 parcels, 7 landowners, TAV $3,256,739), River Sink Spring (Wakulla County, 105 acres, 4 parcels, 4 landowners, TAV $64,956), and St. Marks Springs (Leon County, 890 acres, 19 parcels, 6 landowners, TAV $1,164,188). According to the 1990 Project Design document, the DRP will manage St. Marks Springs. The US Forest Service will manage River Sink Spring. The OGT, DRP, and SRWMD will manage Fanning Springs. A lead manager has not been determined for Falmouth Springs. The lead manager is still unclear for Gainer Springs; however, the NWFWMD and Bay County both expressed interest. A portion of the Fanning Springs sites have been acquired. The NWFWMD has acquired 214 acres of the Gainer Springs sites.

On June 28, 1991, the LAAC approved a 218-acre addition to the Falmouth Springs site, located in Suwannee County, within the project boundary. It was sponsored by the landowner, Nemours Foundation, who already has acreage within the current boundary and is not willing to sell only a portion of the tract. The taxable value of the addition is $129,600. SRWMD will manage if acquired.

On December 10, 1992, the LAAC approved Phase II that added three springs, 1,880 acres with a taxable value of $5,180,452. This addition consisted of Jackson Blue Springs (Jackson County, 348 acres, 3 parcels, 2 landowners, TAV $256,556); Troy Spring (Lafayette County, 265 acres, 6 parcels, 2

Page 32 May, 2018 Page 336 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan landowners, TAV $261,897); and Weeki Wachee Springs (Hernando County, 1,267 acres, 59 parcels, 24 landowners, TAV $4,661,999). The FWC will manage the Weeki Wachee Springs sites. The DRP will manage the Troy Spring site. Jackson County will manage the Jackson Blue Springs sites. Portions of Troy Spring, Weeki Wachee Springs, & Jackson Blue Springs sites have been acquired. On December 10, 1992, the LAAC also approved a fee-simple, 1,635-acre addition (Gainer Springs Expansion) and combined it with the Gainer Springs site. The majority of the addition is owned by Hunt Petroleum/Rosewood Timber Co. and St. Joe Paper. There are also several small ownerships. The estimated taxable value is $3,000,000. Phase I was combined with the new Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Phase II. The springs are located in Bay & Washington counties. The NWFWMD will manage the 214-acre Harder tract that it acquired.

On October 30, 1995, the LAAC approved a fee-simple, 20-acre addition (Jackson Blue Springs) to the project boundary in Jackson County. It was sponsored by the two landowners, Carolyn D. Huff and Wayne Mixon, located along Spring Run of Merritts Mill Pond in Jackson County, and has a taxable value of $258,790. Jackson County will manage. Both properties were acquired in 1997.

On December 3, 1998, the Land Acquisition Management Advisory Council (LAMAC) transferred the St. Marks Springs, River Sink Spring, Fanning Springs, and Gainer Springs sites to the Negotiation Impasse group. On July 29, 1999, the LAMAC approved a fee-simple, 65-acre addition (Madison Blue Springs) in Madison County to the project, sponsored by the landowners’ representative. It contains 45 parcels, 22 landowners, and a taxable value of $604,000. The addition was designated essential and added to the Priority portion of the project. Madison County will manage it. Approximately 44 acres have been acquired.

On August 22, 2000, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 40-acre addition (Cypress Spring) in Washington County to the project boundary. The addition was sponsored by Conservation Properties for the landowner, Harold Vickers, and had a taxable value of $131,400. Mr. Vickers was willing to manage it if acquired; however, property was sold to a third party in 2002.

On April 18, 2003, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 200-acre addition (Morrison Springs) in Walton County to the project boundary with a taxable value of $63,880. The addition was sponsored by Conservation Properties, Inc. and Walton County will manage the site. Also on April 18, 2003 ARC approved a fee-simple, 4,552-acre addition (Silver Springs Addition) north of Silver Springs in Marion Page 33 May, 2018 Page 337 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

County to the project boundary. The addition was sponsored by the Silver Springs Basin Working Group, consisted of one landowner, Avatar Properties Inc., and had a taxable value of $3,406,945. The FFS will manage this if it is acquired.

On August 15, 2003, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 172-acre addition (Lafayette Blue Springs) in Lafayette County to the project boundary. The addition was sponsored by Conservation Properties, consisted of one landowner, Union Land & Timber Corp., 9 parcels, and a taxable value of $97,000. Lafayette County will manage if acquired. On October 17, 2003, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 365- acre addition (Silver Springs Addition No. 2) in Marion County to the project boundary. The addition was sponsored by the Silver Springs Basin Working Group and the Marion County Audubon, Inc., consisted of one landowner, Seldin, 2 parcels, and a taxable value of $2,889,223. Marion County will manage the site. In 2005, 330 acres were acquired. On December 5, 2003, the ARC approved a fee- simple, 1,717-acre addition (Jackson Blue Springs) in Jackson County to the project boundary. The addition, sponsored by Conservation Properties, consisted of 11 parcels, 5 landowners (Edinburgh Investment Corp; AJ Green; Howard Muncaster Partnership; LH Alford Farms Inc.; Doyle Green), and a taxable value of $303,367. Jackson County will manage it if acquired. On October 15, 2004, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 5-acre addition (Church Sink) in Leon County to the project boundary. The addition was sponsored by the landowner, J. Lee Vause Trust, consisted of one parcel, and a taxable value of $47,700. Leon County will manage if acquired.

On October 13, 2006, ARC approved a fee-simple 305-acre addition (Hardee Spring) to the boundary in Hamilton County. The addition was sponsored by Harold Hardee and involved one parcel with a taxable value of $57,001. The FFS would manage the site as part of the if acquired. In July 2007, the BOT acquired 4,471 acres of the Avatar property in Marion County. On February 25, 2009, the BOT acquired 54.74 acres from the Rakestraw family in the St. Marks Site.

On January 6, 2010, FFS purchased approximately 1 acre for $16,065 from Kaiser/TNC in the . On May 11, 2010, FFS purchased 0.12 of an acre for $2,550. FFS will manage both purchases. In July 2010, FFS purchased two parcels (0.23 for $5,100 and 0.12 for $2,800) and will manage both. On November 15, 2011, FFS purchased to manage .23 acres in Indian Lake State Forest (Potter-$5,100).

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In October 2010, FFS purchased 5 parcels (Silver Spring Addition--Bloom, Dinkins, Dupras, Hanson, Szymialis ownerships) making 1/2 acre for a combined $10,200 and will manage all. In November 2010 FFS purchased and will manage 2 parcels (Silver Spring Addition--Stovall, Landry) or .29 acre for $6,375.

On May 2, 2011, FFS purchased and will manage .23 acre (Jean & Giselle Raymond-$12,000). On August 3, 2011, the Felburn Foundation donated 2.42 acres in Silver Springs (valued at $100,000) for FFS to manage. On 9/16/2011, DRP purchased to manage 55.73 acres (Gerrell Plantation, Inc.- $457,000), as an addition to Natural Bridge Historic State Park.

On December 9, 2011, this project was placed in the Partnerships and Regional Incentives category of Florida Forever projects.

On February 15, 2013 ARC changed the design of the Florida’s First Magnitude Springs project in Madison County to add the 608-acre Damascus Peanut Tract, then found that conveying the tract to the Suwannee River Water Management District in exchange for the District’s 670-acre Ellaville tract would make a greater conservation value, and found the Damascus Peanut Tract was no longer not needed for conservation by the Board of Trustees.

In April 2014 ARC agreed to purchase the 360-acre Brunson Landing Tract on Holmes Creek, north of Vernon, to protect water resources from development.

On June 19, 2015 ARC voted to add the 405-acre Blue Springs Park on the Santa Fe River in Gilchrist County to the Florida’s First Magnitude Springs. The park has a just value of $1,361,547 and has a second-magnitude spring and two smaller springs. Blue Springs was then added by ARC to the boundary of the existing Florida’s First Magnitude Springs project. On April 20, 2012 the ARC added 63.4 acres to the project that had been authorized for sale from the US Forest Service. After the most recent addition in 2012, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $802,454.

The 470-acre fee-simple Silver Springs Sandhill on the edge of Ocala was proposed, considered, and approved by ARC as a stand-alone project on June 19, 2015. It was then added by ARC to the boundary of the existing Florida First Magnitude Springs project.

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On October 2, 2017 the state purchased 465 acres of the Sandhill tract to be managed by Marion County as part of the Coehadjoe Park.

On October 6, 2017 DEP closed on 399 acres of Blue Springs Park in Gilchrist County.

In October 2017, ARC approved the Springs Coast Research Station as a Florida Forever project. The project had an estimated tax value of $643,154. This 28-acre parcel in southwest Citrus County is north of the town of Chassahowitzka. It shares northern and western boundaries with the and Coastal Swamps (managed by SFWMD). The parcel is at the edge of Crab Creek, which is the site of Crab Spring, part of the Chassahowitzka first magnitude spring group. The facilities on the property have been well maintained, and the campus layout and functions of the residence and satellite buildings would make it suitable as a research center for springs systems and habitats. The project was proposed by Wildlands Conservation, a nonprofit conservation group based in Tampa, who would manage the property as a springs research campus in coordination with several educational institutions, as well as protecting the surrounding public lands and underwater acreage. In December 2017, ARC voted to add the 28-acre Springs Coast Research Station Florida Forever project boundary to that of the Florida’s First Magnitude Springs project. After the most recent addition in 2017, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $15,137,721.

In calendar year 2017, a total of 863.45 acres closed in this project were acquired using Florida Forever program funding. Coordination Hernando County has limited acquisition funds but is very supportive of state acquisition efforts. The NWFWMD has acquired the 214-acre Harder tract in Gainer Springs. Management Policy Statement The primary goals of management of the Florida’s First Magnitude Springs project are to preserve land around springs, karst windows, and springs to aid in the protection of the Floridan Aquifer from the effects of commercial, residential, and agricultural runoff; clearcutting and mining; and unsupervised recreation. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation Blue Spring has the diversity of resources and recreational opportunities to qualify as a state park. The location of the Weeki Wachee project adjacent to the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (WEA), as well as its sensitive natural resources, qualifies it as a WEA. River Sink spring is a first- Page 36 May, 2018 Page 340 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan magnitude karst window. This qualified it as a state geological site. St. Marks, Fanning, Troy, Falmouth, and Gainer Springs have the diversity of resources and recreational opportunities to qualify as a state park. Manager FWC (Weeki Wachee Springs excluding the springhead, which is part of the Chassahowitzka WMA; Jackson County (Jackson Blue Springs); U.S. Forest Service (River Sink Springs); DRP (St. Marks, Fanning, Troy, Gainer Springs, Madison County Blue Springs, and Blue Springs Park of Gilchrist County); Walton County (Morrison Springs); Leon County (Church Sink); Marion County (Silver Springs); FFS (Hardee Springs); OGT (Fanning Springs); NWFWMD (Gainer Springs); SRWMD (Fanning Springs, Falmouth Springs); Lafayette County (Lafayette Blue Springs), and Marion County (Silver Springs Sandhills). Conditions affecting intensity of management River Sink and Blue Spring are moderate-need tracts, requiring more than basic resource management and protection. Gainer Springs is a high-need management area including public recreational use and development compatible with resource management. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure Jackson County Blue Spring is now being used by the public and Jackson County has no plans to curtail activities. The County would continue to open the swim area in season and maintain year-round access for boating, fishing, and nature appreciation. The smaller second spring may need restrictions to ensure public safety and preservation of the limestone bluffs. A lifeguard will be on duty while the swim area is open. Access will be controlled primarily by fences. River Sink would immediately fall under the National Forests in Florida’s Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). Within the first few years after acquisition, management activities would focus on site security, resource inventory, removal of existing trash, and any necessary prescribed fire management. In the first year after Gainer Springs is acquired, the Division of Recreation and Parks will concentrate on site security, natural and cultural resource protection, and the development of a plan for long-term public use and resource management. Revenue-generating potential The Blue Springs swim area generated $21,946 in revenue in fiscal year 1992- 1993 and $13,045 in fiscal year 1993-94. DRP expects Gainer Springs to generate no significant revenue initially. The amount of any revenue generated would depend on the nature and extent of public use and facilities. As facilities are developed, River Sink may become a national recreational fee area. Fees collected from use of this area would be activities of the Federal Government. It is estimated that the area will receive more than 5,000 visits annually once it is developed.

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Cooperators in management activities Jackson County expects the FWC to cooperate in managing wildlife on the Blue Springs project area. Other appropriate agencies may wish to become involved in the project. As funds become available and subject to public approval, the USDA Forest Service may enter into a cooperative agreement to manage the property.

Information Updated January 22, 2018

Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 1991 Project Area (GIS acres) 16,034 Acres Acquired (GIS) 9,561* at a Cost of $104,192,527* Acres Remaining (GIS) 6,473 *Includes acreage acquired and funds spent by the SRWMD and a 130-acre donation on the Weeki Wachee Springs site

Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Table 2 Florida’s First Magnitude Springs FNAI Elements Score Manatee G2/S2 Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander G2/S2 Florida Black Bear G5T2/S2 Florida Mouse G3/S3 Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Withlacoochee Tiny Sand-loving Scarab G1/S1 Woodville Karst Cave Crayfish G1/S1 Suwannee Moccasinshell G1/S1 cliamate-leaf tickseed G1G2/S1 Coastal Lowland Cave Crayfish G1/S1 Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle G1G2/S1S2 Gulf Moccasinshell G2/S1 There are 66 rare species associated with the project.

Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Table 3 Management Cost Startup Recurring Startup Recurring Summary: DRP Source of Funds Federal Federal CARL CARL Salary $0 $5,000 $22,167 $22,167 OPS $0 $0 $7,280 $7,280 Expense $3,000 $5,000 $5,424 $5,424 OCO $0 $0 $6,978 $6,978 FCO $0 $0 $0 $0 Total $3,000 $10,000 $41,849 $41,849

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 86

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 87

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 88

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Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary HOLMES JACKSON Acquired for Conservation (Fee Simple) Florida's First WASHINGTON Magnitude Springs Cypress Spring Essential Parcel(s) Remaining WALTON Cl 1-1-1--I f of A State Owned Lands Florida's First Magnitude Springs - Brunson Landing Tract \\ Other Conservation Lands CALHOUN _...... 1\ "I BAY 717- GULF t LIBERTY 0 0.75 1.5 3 Li Miles JANUARY 2018

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 89

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 90

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6. 111/I A Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary ...... \ Florida's Arst O. . Magnitude Springs - Acquired for Conservation (Fee Simple) • C---- Jackson Blue Springs Essential ParIcel(s) Remaining Other Florida Forever BOT Projects cm.. IlliTy Owned Lands 0 \ Other Conservationrvtion Lands _:....\ "1 Gni/ of Mexico 0.4 0.8 1.6 Miles JANUARY 2018

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 91

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CIO 26 30 FLORIDA'S FIRST MAGNITUDE SPRINGS: MAP 6 OF 17

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 93

T 2 S R R f... i 1 I 2 1 i E E UPPER ST. MARKS RIVER CORRIDOR FLORIDA FOREVER BOT PROJECT

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7 FLORIDA'S FIRST MAGNITUDE SPRINGS: MAP 7 OF 17

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"I Other Florida Forever BOT Projects Florida's First Magnitude Springs - '07 A State Owned Lands St. Marks Springs .w\ Other Conseniafion Lands Gulf of Mexico 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles JANUARY 2017

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 94

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 95

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 96

Nikvil N t R R2r N ' \ ' E 'E /V, , _ L ; WARNER/HARRELL 16 CONSERVATION EASEMENT NS ------% X - - — - - - SUWANNEE RIVER ,• A /.1 STATE PARK , STATE FOREST 9 2 21 I 111L y17 20 \ tit\

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145

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FLORIDA'S FIRST MAGNITUDE SPRINGS: MAP 11 OF 17 LAFAYETTE COUNTY

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Essential Parcel(s) Remaining

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Miles JANUARY 2018

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Acquired for Conservation (Fee Simple) IL I JEFFERSON MAOTSON Essential Parcel(s) Remaining SMAJNE COLOMBIA State Owned Lands TAY L AYETTt M\\ Other Conservation Lands Honda's First _.....Z6... il Magnitude Springs - ALAOIUA / Ne- Troy Spring GILC c..,__— Gittf of Mexico I : f —L— 0 0.25 0.5 1 s / Miles JANUARY 201S

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GIL CHRIST COUNTY HAMILTON ' Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary MADISON (.J e/ —i BAKER DUVAL Other Florida Forever BOT Projects SUWANNEE COLUMBIA UNION State Owned Lands LAFAThTTE CLAY °FORD ALACHUA \ Other Conservation Lands TAYLOR orida's First Magnitude Springs - PUTNAM Blue Springs Park ---r _JO' e i- f LEVY 4 A \... G MARION

0 0.5 1 2 Miles JANUARY 2018

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LEVY COUNTY

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 101

6 5 4 3 22

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INDIAN LAKE STATE FOREST

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ETONIAH/CROSS FLORIDA GREENWAY FLORIDA FOREVER BUT PROJECT

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Ocala SILVER SPRINGS SITE 7 / / 9 0 49 11 HERITAGE NATURE FORT KING CONSERVANCY / PROPERTY / 15 16 15 14 13 0 18 FLORIDA'S FIRST MAGNITUDE SPRINGS: MAP 15 OF 17

MARION COUNTY

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Essential Parcel(s) Remaining

I Other Florida Forever BOT Projects Florida's First : t Magnitude Springs - V Z. State Owned Lands Silver Springs MARION

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UnitS 0 0.5 2 Miles JANUARY 2016

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Florida’s First Magnitude Springs Map 102

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Page 55 May, 2018 Page 359 of 884 7, rrs. Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

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Page 56 May, 2018 Page 360 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Florida Springs Coastal Greenway Citrus County Climate Change Lands

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 1995* Project Area (GIS acres) 43,114* Acres Acquired (GIS) 36,185** At a Cost of $50,869,573** Acres Remaining (GIS) 6,928 *Crystal River, St. Martins and Homosassa Reserve projects combined in 1995. **Includes acreage acquired and funds spent by the SWFWMD

Purpose for State Acquisition The ragged coastline of Citrus County, with its salt marshes, clear spring runs, hammocks, and flatwoods, is being affected by the encroaching development in this part of the state. The Florida Springs Coastal Greenway project will conserve the natural landscape of this coast, protecting the water quality of the spring runs and estuaries where endangered manatees congregate, preserving natural lands that link with conservation lands to the south, and providing scenic areas where the public can enjoy fishing, hiking, or learning about the natural world of this coast. Manager(s) Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to manage Crystal River and St. Martins River property; Florida Forest Service (FFS) to manage Homosassa Reserve/Walker Property; and the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) to manage the northern part of the project, adjacent to the Cross Florida Greenway. General Description The project is a major link in efforts to preserve the northern peninsular Gulf Coast. It includes three tracts along the karst coastline of Citrus County. The Crystal River tract, a significant part of the headwaters of the Crystal River, is a crucial habitat for the Gulf Coast manatee population; it is also a prime nesting location for bald eagles and ospreys. Natural communities within the tract include floodplain marsh, freshwater tidal swamp, tidal marsh, and upland hammock. It also contains some pine plantations. The St. Martins River tract is predominantly hydric hammock, bottomland forest, salt marsh, mangrove islands, and spring-run streams, all in good to excellent condition. It borders the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. Though much of its timber has been harvested, and a quarter is in pasture, the Homosassa Reserve/Walker Property is important as a corridor between Chassahowitzka Water Management District and Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and the conservation lands to the north. The archaeological significance of this area is high. Citrus County is one of the fastest growing in the state, and residential development is a serious threat here. Development will increase boat traffic, which is the greatest current threat to the manatee population.

Page 57 May, 2018 Page 361 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Public Use The project will be managed as buffer preserves and a state forest, providing such recreational opportunities as fishing, canoeing, hiking and camping. Acquisition Planning On November 19, 1994, the Land Acquisition Advisory Council (LAAC) amended Crystal River to add three tracts that include Three Sisters Springs (56 acres). On that date LAAC also combined three CARL projects (Crystal River, St. Martins, and Homosassa Reserve) and renamed the project Florida Springs Coastal Greenway. The project breakdown is as follows: Crystal River (~14,758 acres) Phase I: Crystal River II; Phase II: Crystal Cove—major owner is Burnip and Sims (acquired); Phase III: Crystal River State Reserve—major owner is Hollins (acquired). St. Martins (~14,040 acres) Phase I: Large ownerships within Area I as identified in Project Design; Phase II: Other ownerships within Area I and large ownerships within Area II; Phase III: Other ownerships within Area II; and Phase IV: ownerships in Area III. Major tracts have been acquired. Only smaller strategic tracts and offshore islands remain.

Homosassa Reserve (~8,577 acres) Phase I: Rooks tract (acquired); the Walker tract (acquired by the Southwest Florida Water Management District) and other ownerships except in Sections 28, 33, 34 and 7; Phase II: minor ownerships in Sections 28 and 33, the 160-acre Villa Sites Addition to Homosassa Sub in Section 34, also the 134-acre Johnson parcel in Section 7. All large and strategic ownerships with willing sellers have been acquired with the exception of the Black ownership, an unwilling seller. This portion of the project is, in effect, complete.

On March 10, 1995, the Land Acquisition & Management Advisory Council (LAMAC) approved a fee- simple, 424-acre addition (in former Crystal River project) to the project boundary. The addition was sponsored by the landowners, James C & Alice H. Rhoades, and had a 1994 taxable value of $821,700. On October 30, 1995, the LAMAC approved a fee-simple, 200-acre addition (in former Crystal River project) to the project boundary. The addition, sponsored by landowner Corneal B Myers, consisted of one parcel and a 1994 taxable value of $400,000.

On October 30, 1996, the LAMAC transferred this project to the Substantially Complete Category. On March 14, 1997, the LAMAC approved a fee-simple, 80-acre addition (in former Crystal River project) to the project boundary. The addition, sponsored by landowner Dixie Hollins, consisted of one parcel and a 1996 taxable value of $64,000. On October 15, 1998, the LAMAC designated an additional 156

Page 58 May, 2018 Page 362 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan acres as essential. Previous essential parcels included land acquired as of January 26, 1995, and the Black ownership (in the former Homosassa Reserve project).

On April 6, 2001, the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) adopted a Group A and Group B for the Florida Forever (FF) Priority list and moved this project to Group B. On December 5, 2003, the ARC moved this project to Group A of the 2004 FF Priority list.

On February 6, 2004, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 142-acre addition (in former Homosassa Reserve project) to the project boundary. The addition, sponsored by the Audubon Society and DEPs CAMA and DRP, consisted of two landowners (Hampton Facilities LTD & Barr), 2 parcels, and a 2003 taxable value of $524,000. After the most recent addition in 2004, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $5,855,164

On July 28, 2010 the Southwest Florida Water Management District closed on the 57-acre Three Sisters Springs property in Crystal River, paying with a combination of water-management district money and Florida Forever funds allocated to the Florida Communities Trust. It is primarily owned by the City of Crystal River and is managed by the USFWS.

On September 30, 2011 NCDC, LLC donated 25.82 acres (Old Greiner Parcel-valued at $146,285) to be managed by DRP.

On December 9, 2011, ARC placed this project in the Climate Change Lands category of Florida Forever projects. Coordination The Southwest Florida Water Management District has acquired a major ownership within the project, as well as tracts adjacent and south of the project area. Management Policy Statement The primary goals of management of the Florida Springs Coastal Greenway project are: to conserve and protect significant habitat for native species or endangered and threatened species; to conserve, protect, manage, or restore important ecosystems, landscapes, and forests; to enhance or protect significant surface water, coastal, recreational, timber, fish or wildlife resources which local or state regulatory programs cannot adequately protect; to provide areas, including recreational trails, for natural-resource- based recreation; and to preserve significant archaeological or historical sites.

Page 59 May, 2018 Page 363 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation The proximity of the Crystal River and St. Martins River tracts of the Florida Springs Coastal Greenway Project to the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve and its major freshwater sources qualifies them as a state buffer preserve. The size and restorable forest resources of the Homosassa Reserve/Walker Property tract make it suitable for a state forest. Manager DRP is recommended as the lead manager for the Crystal River and St. Martins River tracts. The FFS will manage the Homosassa Reserve tract. Conditions affecting intensity of management Portions of the Florida Springs Coastal Greenway include lands that would be considered “low-need” tracts requiring basic resource management and protection. However, increasing public pressure for recreational access and a developing ecotourism industry may push portions of this project into the “moderate to high-need” category. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure Within the first year after acquisition, management will concentrate on site security, public and fire management access, resource inventory, and exotic removal. DRP and FFS will provide access to the public while protecting sensitive resources. The project’s natural resources will be inventoried and a management plan developed within one year. Long-range plans for this property will generally be directed at the perpetuation of natural communities and protection of listed species. An all-season burning program will use existing roads, black lines, foam lines, and natural breaks to contain fires. Areas of silviculture in the Crystal River project will be returned to their original character and species composition. About 25 percent of the Homosassa Reserve tract contains pasture suitable for reforestation and restoration. The resource inventory will be used to identify sensitive areas and to locate any recreational or administrative facilities. Unnecessary roads, fire lines, and hydrological disturbances will be restored to the greatest extent practical. Infrastructure will be placed in disturbed areas and will be the minimum needed for public access and management. Revenue-generating potential Initially, no revenue is expected to be generated. During restoration of pine plantations, some revenue to offset the cost of management may be generated from the sale of timber. Any estimate of revenue from this harvest depends upon a detailed assessment of the value of the timber. As the recreational component develops and additional staff is assigned, there may be a potential for revenue from this source. No potential revenue estimates are available. On the Homosassa Reserve, the FFS will sell timber as needed to improve or maintain desirable ecosystem conditions. These sales will provide variable revenue, but the revenue-generating potential for this tract is expected to be low. Page 60 May, 2018 Page 364 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Cooperators in management activities The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is recommended as a cooperating manager for hunts to eliminate feral hogs and to manage certain species. Because of the proximity of certain parcels to the Cross Florida Greenway and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, the Office of Greenways and Trails and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be cooperative managers on parts of the project. Citrus County and the City of Crystal River may also cooperate in management. The FFS will manage the Homosassa Reserve tract as an addition to the Withlacoochee State Forest, and will cooperate with other state agencies, local governments and interested parties as appropriate.

Information Updated January 31, 2018

Florida Springs Coastal Greenway Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 1995* Project Area (GIS acres) 43,114* Acres Acquired (GIS) 36,185** At a Cost of $50,869,573** Acres Remaining (GIS) 6,928 *Crystal River, St. Martins and Homosassa Reserve projects combined in 1995. **Includes acreage acquired and funds spent by the SWFWMD

Florida Springs Coastal Greenway Table 2 Florida Springs Coastal Greenway FNAI Elements Score Manatee G2/S2 Florida Scrub-Jay G2/S2 Florida Black Bear G5T2/S2 Green Sea Turtle G3/S2S3 Eastern Indigo Snake G3Q/S3 Florida Mouse G3/S3 Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Swallow-tailed Kite G5/S2 Hawksbill Sea Turtle G3/S1 Tampa vervain G2/S2 Florida Olive Hairstreak G5T2/S2 coastal vervain G3/S3 There are 30 rare species associated with the project.

Page 61 May, 2018 Page 365 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

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Page 62 May, 2018 Page 366 of 884

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Page 63 May, 2018 Page 367 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

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Page 64 May, 2018 Page 368 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Ichetucknee Trace Columbia County Critical Natural Lands

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 1997 Project Area (GIS acres) 2,786 Acres Acquired (GIS) 909* at a Cost of $33,433,774 Acres Remaining (GIS) 1,877

Purpose for State Acquisition A dry valley known as the Ichetucknee Trace runs north and east of Ichetucknee Springs and marks the route of a major underground conduit supplying the springs with clear water. Though the Ichetucknee Springs State Park protects the springs and much of the that flows from them, limerock mining and other land uses near the sinks in the Trace pose a threat to that conduit of groundwater that flows to the springs. Limerock mines and sinks along the trace have exposed the conduit in some areas, leaving these areas vulnerable to pollutants from mining and encroaching development. Acquiring the nine project sites will help protect the trace and the underlying conduit and will improve the quality and quantity of Ichetucknee Springs water. Acquisition will also provide the public with a park and a fishing area. Manager(s) Recommended managers include Columbia County, the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP), the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). General Description The project includes two active limerock mines and seven other sites along the Trace. More than 80 percent of the 450-acre limerock mine has no natural communities on it, but a small area of upland mixed forest and floodplain forest remains northeast of the mines. The majority of the areas around the five are highly disturbed but includes some fair quality forests. No rare plants or animals are known from the project. Public Use This project qualifies as a fish management area, recreation park, and geologic sites. With appropriate contouring, the water-filled mine pits could serve as a recreational fishery or fish hatchery and as a county park. Acquisition Planning The essential parcels are Anderson Mining (acquired) and Kirby (acquired) ownerships and all parcels within the addition. The Council amended the boundary to add 636 acres in 1999. This project was ranked for the first time on December 5, 1996. In January 2000, the Board of Trustees (BOT) authorized Page 65 May, 2018 Page 433 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

DEP's Division of State Lands (DSL) to purchase 60 acres outside the project boundary. If the 60 acres tract is acquired, the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) and ultimately the BOT will consider whether to retain ownership or designate the tract surplus.

On July 29, 1999, the Council added 636 acres: Rose Sink (since acquired); Saylor Sink (acquired); and Clay Hole Creek.

On July 18, 2000, the Council added 200 acres to the project.

On August 9, 2002 the Trust for Public Land donated the 2-acre parcel around Rose Sink to the State of Florida.

On December 8, 2006, ARC approved moving the project from Group B to Group A of the Florida Forever (FF) Priority list. On August 15, 2003 the Council added 7.8 acres to the project boundaries.

On December 8, 2006, ARC approved moving the project from Group B to Group A of the Florida Forever (FF) Priority list. On February 16, 2007, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 120-acre addition (Kirby parcel within the Limerock Mines Site) to the project boundary. It was sponsored by John Hankinson, Jr., consisted of one landowner, B. L. Kirby, and a single parcel with a taxable value of $26,160. The Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT) will manage this essential parcel. On June 15, 2007, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 1,050-acre addition (aka Sinks Addition) to the project boundary. The proposal was sponsored by the Thousand Friends of Florida, consisted of 34 parcels, 18 landowners, and a taxable value of $1,397,263. The O’Stern-Pittman Tract, Bishop Tract, Ichetucknee Springs East Addition, and acreage added to the existing Limerock Mines Site and Ichetucknee Springs North make up this addition. The OGT has agreed to manage the parcels adjacent to its proposed Columbia County Recreation Area as part of that area, and the DRP will serve as the project manager for the remaining parcels. The added parcels have been designated as essential. After the most recent boundary change in 2007, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $1,874,065.

On December 29, 2010, 12.96 acres in Rose Sink (Kirby Mine Area) valued at $214,372 were donated by TPL. The DRP will manage this.

On December 9, 2011, this project was designated as a Critical Natural Lands (CNL) Florida Forever project. Coordination Columbia County is considered an acquisition partner for this project. The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is an intermediary. Page 66 May, 2018 Page 434 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Management Policy Statement The primary objective of management of the Ichetucknee Trace project is to preserve the quality and quantity of water flowing into the first-magnitude Ichetucknee Springs by preventing mines from disturbing a major conduit to the springs and by preventing groundwater contamination through major sinkholes. Achieving this objective will help to ensure the public can continue to enjoy recreation in the scenic springs and spring run. It will also provide additional recreational opportunities and geologic education. The project should be managed under the multiple-use concept: management activities should be directed first toward conservation and restoration of resources and second toward integrating carefully controlled consumptive uses such as fishing. Managers should control access to the project; limit public motor vehicles to one or a few main roads; restrict the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and gasoline-powered boats to protect water quality; inventory the resources; contour the mine pits to provide shallow littoral zones for colonization by aquatic plants and animals, and recontour spoil piles so they can be revegetated with native trees, shrubs, and grasses; reforest cleared, but unmined, areas with original species; control exotic pest plants that may invade the disturbed parts of the site; and monitor management activities to ensure that they are actually preserving resources. Managers should limit the number and size of recreational facilities, ensure that they avoid the most sensitive resources, and site them in already disturbed areas when possible. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation The project has the potential for a family fishing park, and the site can be developed for a variety of other compatible recreational activities such as canoeing, hiking, biking, picnicking, environmental education and nature studies. It therefore qualifies as a fish management area. Manager DRP is recommended as lead manager for the site adjacent to the existing state park, and Columbia County as lead manager for the other nine sites. The FWC is recommended as co-manager on the limerock mine site. Conditions affecting intensity of management Habitat restoration will require intense management activities involving extensive earth moving and some actual excavation of quarry pit perimeters to create desired gradual slopes and provide additional shallow littoral zones. Importantly, this excavation work will be vital from a public safety standpoint as existing quarry sides are perpendicular. Considerable mining refuse is anticipated to be present and will need to be removed. Some actual salvage or demolition may be necessary. Earthmoving to abolish some roads and to spread any available soil will be extensive but will then allow plant succession to proceed. Because there is no valuable habitat here to manage, succession is the appropriate strategy. Earthmoving

Page 67 May, 2018 Page 435 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan will allow work on planned vehicle access and parking in areas where eventual erosion to lakes can be precluded. Some fencing to prohibit or direct vehicular and non-vehicular access will be necessary. Plant community inventory and restoration of disturbed mined areas by planting or other techniques will be secondary to major initial physical reconfiguration of the landscape and mine pits. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure During the first year after acquisition, emphasis will be on site security, posting boundaries, fencing, public access, resource inventory and removal of existing refuse. A conceptual management plan will be developed by the DRP, the County, and the FWC describing future resource management. Because of the expense of excavating and earth moving and prerequisite planning/bidding, most of this actual work will not be scheduled for year one. Year two will concentrate on accomplishment of initial phases of conceptual plan (earth moving and excavation). This work will proceed into year three, when some infrastructure work on facilities will commence. Long- range plans will stress fish and wildlife habitat creation/management and family fishing opportunities. Programs providing multiple recreational uses will also be implemented and all management activities will stress protection of water quality in the mine pits. Future infrastructure may include a handicapped fishing pier, docks for canoes and small boats, an education/information pavilion and designated hiking/biking trails. Revenue-generating potential Some potential for sale of timber exists on this property. Additional revenue-generating potential would be the sale of fishing licenses, special use or entrance fees. Cooperators in management activities The DRP, County, and FWC will cooperate with various offices of the DEP and local government agencies in managing the area.

Information Updated January 31, 2018

Ichetucknee Trace Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 1997 Project Area (GIS acres) 2,786 Acres Acquired (GIS) 909* at a Cost of $33,433,774 Acres Remaining (GIS) 1,877 Includes donated acreage

Ichetucknee Trace Table 2 Ichetucknee Trace FNAI Elements Score Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Swallow-tailed Kite G5/S2 North Florida Spider Cave Crayfish G2/S2 giant orchid G2G3/S2 Hobbs’ Cave Amphipod G2G3/S2S3 Page 68 May, 2018 Page 436 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Pallid Cave Crayfish G2G3/S2S3 There are 6 rare species associated with the project.

Ichetucknee Trace Table 3 Management Cost Summary: FWC Startup Recurring Source of Funds CARL/SGTF CARL/SGTF Salary $40,000 $75,000 OPS $10,000 $10,000 Expense $20,000 $200,000 OCO $35,000 $20,000 FCO $0 $20,000 Total $105,000 $325,000

Page 69 May, 2018 Page 437 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Ichetucknee Trace Map 121

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Page 70 May, 2018 Page 438 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed Dixie County Less-Than-Fee

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 2010 Project Area (GIS acres) 58,542 Acres Acquired (GIS) 8,075 at a Cost of $4,178,700 Acres Remaining (GIS) 50,384

Purpose for State Acquisition The purpose for the proposed acquisition is to enhance management practices of the ongoing timbering operation, to protect and enhance water quality, and wetland communities, wildlife habitat and archaeological sites found within the proposal boundary. Purchase of a conservation easement over the property would buffer and protect the natural resources of the Suwannee River and the Gulf of Mexico and provide habitat and corridors for rare plants and animals over a wide swath of undeveloped public lands, including the neighboring Big Bend Wildlife Management Area, the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, water management district conservation areas, and the Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve (BBSAP).

The Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed project meets the Florida Forever measures and public purposes of enhancing the coordination and completion of land acquisition projects, using alternatives to fee-simple; increasing the protection of Florida’s biodiversity at the species, natural community and landscape levels; protecting, restoring and maintaining the quality and natural functions of land, water and wetland systems of the state; ensuring that sufficient quantities of water are available to meet the current and future needs of natural systems and the citizens of the state; increasing natural resource- based public recreation or educational opportunities; preserving significant archaeological or historic sites; and increasing the amount of forestland available for sustainable management of natural resources. Manager(s) The Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) has volunteered to manage this conservation easement and 10 acres in fee-simple that provide access to California Lake. The SRWMD already holds a conservation easement on the adjacent 32,000 acres. This Forest Systems Conservation Easement or “California Lake” easement was purchased in 2001. General Description This project consists of four large undeveloped, forested less-than-fee tracts in Dixie County. It is a total of 46,519 (GIS) acres. The parcels range in size from 5,800 to 19,200 acres and include a 10-acre tract proposed for fee-simple acquisition. The 10-acre parcel will guarantee continued public access to California Lake, a traditional use located within the SRWMD’s adjacent conservation easement area. Page 71 May, 2018 Page 538 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

The California Lake water body appears to be a wide segment of California Creek rather than a true lake. The proposal area is located between County Road (CR) 358 to the north and CR 349 to the south, about 6 to 10 miles south-southwest of U.S. 19/98, and 1 to 7 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. The BBSAP encompasses the submerged lands in this region. Hunting leases are in place over much of the property. Timber harvesting will be prohibited in the hardwood and cypress swamps under the proposed easement, as it is in the adjacent California Lake easement. Considering the importance of the hardwood and cypress swamps to many wildlife species, this would provide substantial wildlife conservation benefits. This is also secondary habitat for the Florida black bear. The vast natural wetlands on the proposal lands serve to funnel and filter water from the upland areas toward the Suwannee River and/or Gulf of Mexico as well as buffer several small stream systems that meander through the proposal. The topography of the three westernmost properties ranges from 20 to 5 feet above mean sea level (MSL), gradually sloping downward toward the Gulf, forming numerous braided, intermittent stream systems that empty into the marshlands and tidal creeks of the Gulf. The topography of the easternmost tract ranges from 25 to 5 feet above MSL. About half of this tract drains westward into the California Creek basin, a flat, highly braided stream system that is mostly outside the boundary of this tract, and that empties into the Gulf. Waters on the other half of this tract drain southward, bounded by higher ground along CR 349, and then eastward to the Suwannee River. A portion of the easternmost tract is within the Fanning/Manatee Springshed.

For the last century, approximately half of the proposal area has been managed for silviculture. Before, the site would have supported a mosaic of mesic and wet flatwoods, hydric hammocks, and swamp, interspersed with many small depression marshes and ponds. Although deep bedding has significantly altered the groundcover, many stands of pines and even recently planted areas seen on site retain good remnant flatwoods vegetation. The proposal property is managed under guidelines of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative to protect water quality, biodiversity, and species at risk.

Hydric hammocks make up the bulk of the natural community acreage on the proposal property. There are several large hammocks in excellent condition with canopies of large hardwood trees. Species composition is typical of good quality hammocks with limestone near the soil surface. Basin and floodplain swamps within the larger hammocks are in excellent condition. Canopy trees are large and dominated by pond cypress, with a mix of hardwoods. Smaller dome swamps are common throughout the pine plantations.

Page 72 May, 2018 Page 539 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Public Use The parcels adjacent to the SRWMD’s California Lake conservation easement will not be open to the public. The managers have leased the property for hunting for hunt clubs, but no general public access is contemplated.

For the 10-acre fee-simple parcel that is within the boundary of the SRWMD easement, the project would guarantee opportunities for public recreational activities and public access to California Lake. Acquisition Planning On December 10, 2010 the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) added the Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed to the Florida Forever list in the Less-Than-Fee category, ranking it as number 6 of 25 projects considered in that category. This less than fee project was sponsored by The Conservation Fund and the SRWMD in a proposal submitted on June 30, 2010. It is approximately 46,441 acres with a 2010 market value of $94,249,477, all under the same ownership. It also includes fee simple acquisition of 10 acres on the SRWMD’s California Lake conservation easement.

On December 9, 2011, this project was placed in the Less-than-Fee category of Florida Forever projects.

On September 13, 2016 a conservation easement over 8,075 acres of the Lyme Timber Company was acquired in this project at a cost of $4,178,700 and will be managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District.

On October 16, 2015 the ARC voted to add the 12,023-acre Otter Sinks proposal in Dixie County to the Florida Forever program, and to make it an addition to the Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed project. This is a rectangular area west of County Road 349, adjacent to the existing project. After this most recent addition in 2015, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $94,249,478. Coordination The SRWMD is a partner in this project. Since the SRWMD holds the easement for the California Lake parcel, it may be more appropriate for them to pursue acquisition and fee simple title to the 10-acre parcel providing access to California Lake. Management Policy Statement As a proposed conservation easement or other less –than-fee interest, the project will be managed by the private landowner with restrictions under the agreement. The purchase of development rights, the prohibition of any further conversion of existing natural areas to agricultural uses, and limited public access to some sites will likely be the primary focus of the conservation easement, similar to that established for the adjacent SRWMD easement with the same landowner. The 10-acre fee simple Page 73 May, 2018 Page 540 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan interest parcel in this project will be managed by the SRWMD. The primary management objective will be focused on recreational opportunities associated with the boat ramp. The property will be managed at the District’s base level of recreational development which will include a designated, stabilized parking area for vehicles and trailers using the existing boat ramp. The parking area will be enclosed by a rail fence. A kiosk with information about the site and its recreational use is also planned. Maintenance of the boat ramp and general oversight of the property will also take place. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation The less-than-fee portion of the Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed project meets Florida Forever measures of using alternatives to fee-simple acquisitions, protecting Strategic Habitats, natural floodplains and significant surface waters. The proposed 10-acre fee-simple-title site meets Florida Forever measures of protecting Strategic Habitat Conservation Areas, natural floodplains and significant surface waters. Manager The landowner would manage the site. The SRWMD, or a successor, would oversee the conservation easement. The SRWMD will manage the 10-acre fee-simple-title site. Conditions affecting intensity of management Half of this property has been managed for silviculture for the last century. Sustainable timber management practices have evolved over the years and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative bolsters conservation practices such as providing for buffers around wetlands. The overall historic management of the property has been for wood and wood products using sustainable timber management practices. The 10-acre site includes a mixture of natural pine and bottomland hardwood tree species as well as an access road and boat ramp. SRWMD does not expect to harvest timber on the site for commercial purposes, but may need to remove underbrush or selected individual trees in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The cost of the monitoring by SRWMD staff could add to the administrative costs of the easement. No sources of revenue are known at this time, nor are there any startup costs involved. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure Not applicable to the conservation easement but management implementation will begin immediately after fee simple title is taken on the 10-acre site in order to keep the boat ramp available for public use. Other improvements on the 10-acre site will begin within one year. Security will be provided through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission as well as other existing contractors for maintenance of infrastructure. Revenue-generating potential None under a conservation easement and no revenue is expected from the 10-acre fee simple site.

Page 74 May, 2018 Page 541 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Information Updated July 14, 2017

Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 2010 Project Area (GIS acres) 58,542 Acres Acquired (GIS) 8,075 at a Cost of $4,178,700 Acres Remaining (GIS) 50,384

Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed Table 2 Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed FNAI Score Elements Florida Black Bear G5T2/S2 Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Florida Olive Hairstreak G5T2/S2 Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake G4/S3 Pine Snake G4/S3 G5/S3 White Ibis G5/S4 There are 7 rare species associated with the project.

Page 75 May, 2018 Page 542 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Lower Suwannee River and Gulf Watershed Map 159

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DIXIE COUNTY SJWANNLL LIM Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary TAYLOR 10 LAFAYErTF Acquired for Conservation (Less-Than-Fee) DUOE Essential Parcel(s) Remaining GL ,„5, ALACHUA Gulfof 1 1 7//4 State Owned Lands 4 Mexico

MOther Conservation Lands ilL Lower Suwannee Amon ' CC' ' State Aquatic Preserves River and Gulf Watershed „ 0 2 4 8

Miles DECEMBER 2016

Page 76 May, 2018 Page 543 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Maytown Flatwoods Brevard County Less-Than-Fee

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 2010 Project Area (GIS acres) 7,175 Acres Acquired (GIS) 2,250 at a Cost of $0* Acres Remaining (GIS) 4,925 Acreage acquired by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Purpose for State Acquisition Acquiring a conservation easement over the Maytown Flatwoods would advance several major Florida Forever goals: preserving 3,060 acres of strategic habitat; 1,189 acres of rare species habitat for wood storks and the Florida sandhill crane; 7,598 acres of land for creating ecological greenways; 2,080 acres of natural floodplain; and various priorities of land that contribute to surface-water protection. A conservation easement would also protect thousands of acres of water-recharge land for springs, sinks, and the aquifer. Manager(s) The owner has expressed interest in preserving this land with a conservation easement, which would be monitored by the Office of Environmental Services (OES) of the Division of State Lands. General Description The Maytown Flatwoods project is about 7,187 (GIS) acres with a tax-assessed value of $7,189,500. All but 379 acres are owned by the Miami Corporation or Swallowtail LLC. The Swallowtail property was purchased by Miami Corporation to assist Brevard County with their conservation goals.

The project is located in northern Brevard County, adjacent to the Buck Lake Conservation Area which is managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. Other conservation properties in the area include the Charles H. Bronson State Forest, Little Big Econ State Forest, Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area and the Ranch Conservation Area. Currently the property is under a long- rotation silvicultural management regime. The project is being offered as a less-than-fee acquisition.

Natural communities located within the project include wet prairie, depression marsh, basin marsh and swamp, hydric hammock, dome swamp, and pine plantation. Several listed species are likely to occur on the tract. These include the Florida black bear, , little blue heron, gopher tortoise, and white ibis.

In 1998, the project area was devastated by wildfires that consumed most of the timber on the tract. Following the 1998 wildfires, the tract was aerially seeded with slash pine creating an even-age stand

Page 77 May, 2018 Page 548 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan that is approximately 10 years in age. Mechanical treatments to control the understory have been used in lieu of prescribed fire. Scattered across the tract are numerous dome swamps in various conditions. Cypress trees in some of the domes are being harvested. Public Use When the project is acquired as a less-than-fee acquisition, there will likely not be any public access granted under the terms of the easement, except the already established Rails-to-Trails project that runs along an abandoned Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. Acquisition Planning On December 11, 2009 ARC recommended that this project be added to the 2010 Florida Forever list as a Less-than-Fee project. At the time, the project had an estimated tax assessed value of $7,189,500.

A 4,800-acre conservation easement was donated to the St. Johns River Water Management District, Florida Audubon and Brevard County by Swallowtail LLC (a subsidiary of Miami Corp) to satisfy the Farmton Local Plan Agreement. Approximately 2,250 acres of that easement is within the boundary of Maytown Flatwoods. The property owner still manages the property and Brevard County, The Audubon Society and the St Johns River Water Management are co-grantees with shared monitoring rights. Coordination The Nature Conservancy is considered a partner on this project. Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands program may participate in the acquisition and management of the Swallowtail or Membrey parcel. Management Policy Statement As a proposed conservation easement or other less-than-fee interest, the project will be managed by the private landowner with restrictions. The purchase of the development rights, the prohibition of the further conversion of existing natural areas to more intensive uses and limited public access will likely be the primary focus of the conservation easement. Management Prospectus Manager The property will continue to be managed by the landowner with restrictions imposed by a negotiated conservation easement. The OES will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the terms and conditions of the easement unless otherwise noted. Conditions affecting intensity of management Currently the property is under a long rotation silvicultural management regime. In 1998, the project area was devastated by wildfires that consumed most of the timber on the tract. Following the 1998 wildfires, the tract was aerially seeded with slash pine creating an even-age stand that is approximately

Page 78 May, 2018 Page 549 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

10 years in age. Mechanical treatments to control the understory have been used in lieu of prescribed fire.

Information Updated March 21, 2017

Maytown Flatwoods Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 2010 Project Area (GIS acres) 7,175 Acres Acquired (GIS) 2,250 at a Cost of $0* Acres Remaining (GIS) 4,925 Acreage acquired by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Maytown Flatwoods Table 2 Maytown Flatwoods FNAI Elements Score Florida Black Bear G5T2/S2 Celestial Lily G2/S2 Pine Pinweed G2/S2 There are 3 rare species associated with the project.

Page 79 May, 2018 Page 550 of 884

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Maytown Flatwoods Map 161

RR cet. 34 35

36 31 9s 20 S LANEY/BARNES ONSERVATION LAGOON BLUEWAY EASEMENT FLORIDA FOREVER 2 BOT PROJECT MERRITT ISLMID NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

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Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary Atlantic

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Essential Parcel(s) Remaining Maybown Matwoods Other Florida Forever BOT Projects

State Owned Lands BREVAFO

Other Conservation Lands

0 0.5 1 2 Miles SEPTEMBER 2013

Page 80 May, 2018 Page 551 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Natural Bridge Creek Walton County Critical Natural Lands

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 2012 Project Area (GIS acres) 1,797 Acres Acquired (GIS) 0 at a Cost of $0 Acres Remaining (GIS) 1,797

Purpose for State Acquisition Acquisition would provide a buffer for Natural Bridge Creek, protect surface water, functional wetlands and aquifer recharge, and preserve underrepresented natural communities. The local community used the creek as a recreational site until recently, when the landowner became concerned about liability issues. The county would like to manage the area around the creek as a county park, compatible with conservation purposes.

This proposal meets the following public purposes as identified in 259.032(3) Florida Statutes, to varying degrees: (d) To conserve, protect, manage, or restore important ecosystems, landscapes, and forests, if the protection and conservation of such lands is necessary to enhance or protect significant surface water, groundwater, coastal, recreational, timber, or fish or wildlife resources which cannot otherwise be accomplished through local and state regulatory programs; (e) To promote water resource development that benefits natural systems and citizens of the state; (g) To provide areas, including recreational trails, for natural resource based recreation and other outdoor recreation on any part of any site compatible with conservation purposes; and, (h) To preserve significant archaeological or historic sites. Manager(s) The 62-acre creek area would be managed by Walton County if acquired in fee. The balance of the property, 1,735 acres, would be managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), perhaps as a gopher tortoise preserve. General Description The project boundary includes 1,797 acres (calculated through GIS; 1,812 as reported in the initial proposal) in northern Walton County along the Alabama state line. It is mostly a contiguous piece of property with one outlying tract about 885 feet away. The property is situated roughly mid-way between the Yellow and Choctawhatchee rivers.

Natural Bridge Creek, a sand-bottomed seepage stream, flows northeastward across the property before entering Alabama. Much of its tributary seepage arises within the property, although two streams drain

Page 81 May, 2018 Page 578 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan from uplands just to the south. The stream temporarily sinks at Natural Bridge in the northeastern disjunct tract, and then rises as a small “spring” reported to be the westernmost sink/rise formation in the Floridan Aquifer. The rise is a locally popular recreational site (currently closed for liability reasons) but also was used by both Native American and 19th century historic cultures. Public Use Walton County has submitted a management prospectus for 62 acres of this site for recreation if it is acquired in fee simple. FWC has prepared a management prospectus for the balance, more than 1,700 acres in pinelands. Acquisition Planning The project was submitted for acquisition in fee or conservation easement by the landowners, Mr. Benton Hester and Ms. Judith Hester. Their family has managed it as pinelands since World War II.

On August 17, 2012 the current project was presented to ARC and accepted for review. It was added to the Florida Forever list of Critical Natural Lands projects on December 14, 2012. After the most recent boundary change in 2012, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $1,880,000. Coordination There is a possibility that Walton County could provide some of the funding toward the acquisition of the Natural Bridge Creek Park. At the time of this project’s approval however, the Board of County Commissioners has committed only to using revenue they have set aside for the development of the park once it has been acquired. Management Policy Statement The primary management goals for the portion managed by the county as the Natural Bridge Park include restoring and protecting the spring and creek, providing public access and limited facilities for recreation, managing and controlling exotic invasive species, protecting any existing cultural or historical resources and protecting habitat for imperiled species. Other recreational activities that could take place on this parcel to a limited degree are hiking, nature studies, picnicking and interpretation of archaeological and historic sites. (Evidence of an old creekside grist mill and historic turpentining activities are present.) Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation As well as its recreational value, much of the site retains the “park-like” characteristic of longleaf pine forest with an abundance of native ground cover. Many rare, imperiled and species of special concern have been documented on site including gopher tortoise and bluenose shiner. While specific species

Page 82 May, 2018 Page 579 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan densities are unknown, the property could potentially serve as a gopher tortoise recipient or mitigation site due to its high-quality habitat. Manager Walton County for the Natural Bridge Creek area, and FWC for the remaining acreage. Conditions affecting intensity of management The vast majority of the property has never been converted to cropland or undergone commercial forestry type rotations with clear-cut, site preparation, and herbicide applications. The sink/rise formation of Natural Bridge Creek has been disturbed for many years due to its popularity as a local swimming hole and the road that crosses the natural bridge itself. A spring stabilization report (NWFWMD 2008) lists previous agricultural practices and road erosion as sources of sediment in the creek system. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure A management plan would be developed by FWC describing the management goals and objectives necessary to implement future resource management. The management plan would establish the current and future roles of cooperating entities including governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders. Long-range plans would stress ecosystem management and the protection and management of focal, species of special concern, rare and imperiled species. Historic analysis of natural communities and vegetation types may be conducted if deemed necessary. Quantified vegetation management objectives shall be developed. The FWC shall assess the condition of wildlife resources and provide planning support to enhance management of focal species and recovery of imperiled species on the NBCFFP. Use of prescribed fire and other essential resource management activities have been implemented by the landowner to maintain and restore natural communities and vegetation types to benefit native wildlife resources. Revenue-generating potential Revenue from conservation lands can include sales of various permits and recreational user fees, and ecotourism activities, if such projects could be economically developed. If needed, thinning operations within the longleaf pine forests to improve or reset the basal area consistent with the target for this forest community type and the species that occur there may generate additional revenues. Area regulations would be developed to identify the necessary and required permits, fees and regulations. The initial non- recurring (first year only) start-up costs for the pinelands of the NBCFFP are estimated to be $289,920.00, which includes public access and infrastructure and fixed capital outlays necessary for management. Optimal management of the area would require one fulltime equivalent (FTE) position to optimally manage the area. Salary requirements for these FTE positions, as well as those of other needed

Page 83 May, 2018 Page 580 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

FWC staff, and costs to operate and manage the project are reflected in the following cost estimate. All land legislative appropriations management funding is dependent upon annual. Cooperators in management activities If this project is acquired and leased to FWC for management, FWC will cooperate with other Federal, State and local governmental agencies including Walton County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida Forest Service, Department of Environmental Protection, Northwest Florida Water Management District, and others in management of the property.

Information Updated February 9, 2016

Natural Bridge Creek Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 2012 Project Area (GIS acres) 1,797 Acres Acquired (GIS) 0 at a Cost of $0 Acres Remaining (GIS) 1,797

Natural Bridge Creek Table 2 Natural Bridge Creek FNAI Elements Score Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 There are 2 rare species associated with the project.

Natural Bridge Creek Table 3 Management Cost Summary: Expenditure Priority Agency Resource Management: Exotic Species Control $4,476 (1) Prescribed Burning $9,585 (1) Cultural Resource Management $399 (1) Timber Management $616 (1) Hydrological Management $4,059 (1) Other (Restoration, Enhancement, $50,120 (1) Surveys, Monitoring, etc.) Subtotal $69,255

Administration: General Administration $1,504 (1)

Support: Land Management Planning $2,446 (1) Land Management Reviews $362 (3) Training/Staff Development $435 (1) Vehicle Purchase $7,556 (2) Vehicle Operation and Maintenance $4,458 (1) Other (Technical Reports, Data $4,113 (1) Management, etc.) Subtotal $19,370

Capital Improvements: Facility Maintenance $10,546 (1) Page 84 May, 2018 Page 581 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Visitor Services/Recreation: Information/Education/Operations $6,650 (1) Law Enforcement: Resource Protection $1,395 (1)

TOTAL $108,720 Priority Schedule: (1) Immediate (annual), (2) Intermediate (3-4 years), (3) Other (5+years)

Page 85 May, 2018 Page 582 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Natural Bridge Creek Map 171

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NATURAL BRIDGE CREEK

WALTON COUNTY

B A IV A Florida Forever Proposal Boundary Natural Bridge Essential Parcel(s) Remaining Creek aLM JAcIGON Ro Florida Forever GOT Projects T OKALOOSA AsHINGrord MOther Conservation Lands "J."

Gaff of Mexico '-I N o 1 2 4 Miles FEBRUARY 2013

Page 86 May, 2018 Page 583 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Rainbow River Corridor Citrus and Marion Counties Partnerships and Regional Incentives

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 2007 Project Area (GIS acres) 1,175 Acres Acquired (GIS) 41 at a Cost of n/a Acres Remaining (GIS) 1,134

Purpose for State Acquisition The Rainbow River Corridor project is designed to protect most of the undeveloped or minimally developed private land remaining along the Rainbow River. The southern parcels would bring a remaining large portion of undeveloped shoreline along the eastern side of the river into state ownership and provide a connection to the southern end of the Rainbow Springs State Park. Public acquisition of these lands will prevent further development and conflicting land uses that could further degrade the ecological value of this area. In addition, the potential restoration of altered habitats would help restore and maintain water quality and habitat along one of Florida’s largest spring-run streams. This project meets several Florida Forever goals, including those of increasing biodiversity protection by conserving 916 acres of rare species habitat, of preserving landscape linkages and conservation corridors by preserving 1,062 acres of ecological greenways, of protecting surface waters of the state by preserving 1,154 acres that provide surface-water protection, of preserving aquifer recharge areas, and by increasing natural-resource based recreation opportunities by filling several land gaps between sections of the Rainbow River State Park. Manager(s) The property is proposed to be managed by the Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) and the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT). DRP would assume management of the parcels east of the river and a parcel adjacent to the state park, in Section 12 of Township 16 South, Range 18 East, on the north side of Southwest 77th Loop.

OGT is recommended as lead manager for the parcels on the west side of the Rainbow River and parcels on the south side of the Withlacoochee River.

The DRP notes that much of this is a full-fee acquisition adjacent to the park, which will mean that public access will be provided across the acquired parcel for varied natural resource recreation currently offered within the park, along with water-based recreation.

Page 87 May, 2018 Page 681 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

General Description The Rainbow River, a large spring-run stream, is a state-designated Aquatic Preserve and Outstanding Florida Water that runs southward for approximately six miles before entering the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon. The State Park encompasses the headwaters, with a first magnitude spring considered Florida’s fourth largest, as well as much of the eastern side of the northern 60 percent of the river. This river is one of the longest spring runs in the world and represents a rare and unique natural resource worldwide. The Marjorie Harris Cross Florida Greenway State Recreation and Conservation Area adjoins a short stretch of the river at Dunnellon, then extends eastward to include a 3/4-mile common boundary inland with the state park; it also includes a tract on the western side of the river but with only two very narrow connections with the river itself. Two of the main goals of acquiring these land parcels are to fill the gaps in existing public lands, Rainbow Springs State Park (RSSP) and Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway (CFG), that are adjacent to the proposed properties and to provide added protection to this river and the ecosystem that it supports. It would connect the current northern and southern parcels of the park. The proposed acquisitions would provide a more contiguous system of natural areas by creating an intact corridor between conservation lands. It would also provide added protection for the river by safeguarding the remaining undeveloped lands in the already significantly altered waterway.

RRC encompasses several disjunct tracts lying to the north of as well as along both eastern and western sides of the river. Nearly all tracts (but not necessarily all ownerships) are contiguous with public lands. The Headwaters Property Group (370 acres) lies north of the river and runs from the state park to SR 40. The Indian Creek Property Group (193 acres), which lies along the eastern side of the river and includes about 1,264 feet of river frontage, shares its northern and southern boundaries with the state park. The Meredith Property (63 acres) is a split parcel with a small tract along the eastern side of the river (ca. 1849 feet frontage) that is surrounded by the state park. The larger tract to the west of the river is isolated from the water. The Rainbow River Ranch Property (ca. 247 acres) is north of SR 484 with 5390 feet of frontage along the eastern side of the Rainbow River. The Greenberg Property (89 acres) has ca. 3,298 feet of frontage along the western side of the river, north of Dunnellon. The Blue Run of Dunnellon Property (24 acres) is on the southern side of SR 484, east of the river across from Dunnellon, and has ca. 1,322 feet of river frontage. The Nature Preserves of America property (47 acres) is at the confluence of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers, with the Rainbow River forming ca. 2,813 feet of its northern boundary, and the Withlacoochee River forming ca. 3,409 feet of its southern boundary. The FWC has calculated the river frontage as encompassing 15,935 feet.

Page 88 May, 2018 Page 682 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Public Use Much of this is identified for full-fee acquisition adjacent to the park, which will mean that public access will be provided across the acquired parcel for varied natural resource recreation currently offered within the park, along with water-based recreation. Potential recreation would include hiking, biking, and picnicking. The river frontage could be used as a rest stop for canoeists, kayakers and tubers. The southern triangular 47-acre parcel is heavily forested and has several wetland areas. This property is currently used as the Rainbow River Club and includes several buildings including a clubhouse, cabins for lodging, and boating and cookout facilities. The acquisition and use of the facilities could be continued as park lodging, administration, park residence and low impact recreation such as hiking, bird watching, kayaking and education if the membership of the current club is dissolved. The northwest, 374-acre parcel would help protect the headsprings recharge area and could provide a suitable site for future park development. The 110- acre Priest parcel is a wetland area and would be limited to passive activities such as hiking, bird watching and kayaking. Acquisition Planning On June 15, 2007 the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) added the Rainbow River Corridor project to the A-list of the Florida Forever Priority List. This full-fee project was sponsored by the Rainbow River Conservation, incorporated as RRC, Inc. in a proposal submitted on December 30, 2006. It has about 1,183 acres and an assessed taxable value of $1,157,483.

On March 28, 2008 the City of Dunnellon acquired 32.4 acres of this project for a riverside park on the south side of Highway 484 (the Cunningham/Nelson Tuber Exit Property). Funds came from the City ($320,000) and a grant from the Florida Communities Trust ($2,606,164.50). The city manages this site.

On December 9, 2011, ARC placed this project in the Partnerships and Regional Incentivs category in the Florida Forever list.

In calendar year 2017, a total of 5.09 acres closed in this project were acquired fee-simple using Florida Forever program funding. Coordination Rainbow River Conservation Inc. worked with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and submitted the application to the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) for acquiring the Cunningham/Nelson Tuber Exit Property. The Division of State Lands has been pursuing a portion of this area that is within the park optimum boundary, on behalf of the Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP).

Page 89 May, 2018 Page 683 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Management Policy Statement DRP will manage its property under a single-use concept as part of Rainbow River State Park. The OGT-manages its portion under the single-use concept as part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The primary objective of management of the Rainbow River project is to preserve the water quality of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers and Rainbow Springs by protecting the land above the underground conduits that supply the spring and providing and ensuring that the resource-based outdoor recreational opportunities of the park will continue to be enjoyed by the public. Precluding major residential and commercial development along the river will assist efforts to preserve water quality, as well as wildlife habitat in this fast-developing region. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation The project will be included in the management of the Rainbow River State Park. The site can be used for a variety of compatible resource-based outdoor recreational activities. As a part of the Rainbow River State Park, hunting would not be permitted. Public use of the cabins and recreational facility on the southern parcel may be continued. Portions managed by OGT will be included in the management of the Greenway. The site can be utilized for a variety of compatible resource-based outdoor recreational activities. As a part of the Greenway, hunting would not be permitted. Manager DRP is recommended as the lead manager for the parcels on the east side of the river. OGT is recommended as lead manager for the parcels on the west side of the Rainbow River and parcels on the south side of the Withlacoochee River. Conditions affecting intensity of management The Rainbow River project will be a high-need management area with emphasis on perpetuation of the property’s resources, particularly as related to the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers, the springs of the Rainbow River, and compatible resource-based recreation. An evaluation of the condition of existing structures will need to be completed. The OGT portion of the Rainbow River project will emphasize perpetuation of the property’s resources, particularly the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers, the springs of the Rainbow River, and compatible resource-based recreation. Both managing agencies will need an evaluation of the condition of existing structures. Public use of existing structures, such as those existing on the southern parcel, and the addition of any other infrastructure for the lands added to the park will increase the intensity of management. Restoration would require an intensity of management as dictated by study of the site. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure Vehicular access by the public will be confined to designated points and routes. Emphasis will be given to the protection of water quality of adjacent rivers and springs. Resource management activities in the Page 90 May, 2018 Page 684 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan first year of each fee title acquisition will concentrate on site security and development of a resource inventory. Long-term management may include a wide range of resource-based recreation and associated facilities. The integration of appropriate public uses will create a recreational linkage between the State Park and land managed by the Office of Greenway and Trails. Revenue-generating potential The DRP and the OGT expect no significant revenue from this property immediately after fee title acquisition, and the amount of future revenue will depend on the nature and extent of public use and the facilities existing or developed in the future. Cooperators in management activities The DRP and the OGT will, as appropriate, cooperate with local governments, other state agencies, and the water management district to further resource management, recreational and educational opportunities, and the development of the lands for state park and for Greenway purposes.

Information Updated March 22, 2017

Rainbow River Corridor Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 2007 Project Area (GIS acres) 1,175 Acres Acquired (GIS) 41 at a Cost of n/a Acres Remaining (GIS) 1,134

Rainbow River Corridor Table 2 Rainbow River Corridor FNAI Elements Score Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Suwannee Cooter G5T3/S3 Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake G4/S3 There are 3 rare species associated with the project.

Rainbow River Corridor Table 3a Management Cost Summary: DRP Startup Recurring Salary $0 not provided OPS $20,000 not provided Expense $5,000 not provided OCO $26,000 not provided FCO $5,000 not provided Total $56,000 not provided

Rainbow River Corridor Table 3b Management Cost Summary: OGT Startup Recurring Salary $0 not provided OPS $25,000 not provided Expense $5,000 not provided OCO $20,000 not provided FCO $5,000 not provided Total $55,000 not provided

Page 91 May, 2018 Page 685 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Rainbow River Corridor Map 198

R R 8 9 E E 2

FLORIDASOUTH GOETHEFOREVER BOT PROJECT a R / '0:4 ///1"/..0 ../7///. ii /7/, RAINBOW SPRINGS • o f STATE PARK 1.7./././.17//0 -, A limill 4d 07 A te 13 1 a 11 CI' RAINBOW SPRING 7 STATE PARK / 22 MARJORIE HARRIS CARR / OROSS R ORIDA GREENWAY STATE RECREATION AND / SOUTH GOETHE CONSERVATION AREA 20 RORIDA FOREVER is BOT PROJECT 24 27 .../i BEAR HAMMOCK , 29 ORIDA FOREVER • BOT PROJECT 34 27 26 25 ETONIAWCROSS FLORIDA ../ GREEPIWAY FLORIDA FOREVER BOT PROJECT mAgrONCOV/V ry - CROSS FLOR DA GREENWAYEENWAY I / I 2001 A DDMONS ei ou _ 16 S i .-., / Mil / 34 . V AW Z.. MARJORIE HARRIS CARR N// A Ng CROSS FLORIDA GREENWAY k .0 STATE RECREATION AND S, nig HALPATATASTANAKI \ik CONSERVATION AREA 75. t: .5,,e PRESERVE .e., i' , 1 VI I CIII RAINBOW RIVER CORRIDOR MARION AND CITRUS COUNTIES LCHRIS1 PUTNAM Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary DIXIE ALACHUA -1_ Acquired for Conservation (Fee Simple) LEVY MARION r lEssential Parcel(s) Remaining _ Rainbow River Other Florida Forever BOT Projects Car idor re 4 z 4,State Owned Lands w CAMAS LA \\*\• NN\ Other Conservation Lands fir r 0 f SUMTER e e 0 HERNANDO 0 0.5 1 2 Miles JANUARY 2012

Page 92 May, 2018 Page 686 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Upper St. Marks River Corridor Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla Counties Substantially Complete

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 2003 Project Area (GIS acres) 14,570 Acres Acquired (GIS) 13,275 at a Cost of $15,711,316 Acres Remaining (GIS) 1,295

Purpose for State Acquisition Public acquisition of this project will contribute to the Florida Forever goals of protecting Florida’s biodiversity at the species, natural community, and landscape levels and beginning a long-sought and permanent wildlife corridor along the St. Marks River. The project forms a corridor to conservation lands to the north and south, thereby helping to form a contiguous landscape-sized Protection Area. This project is also important to protect water resources within this project and the surrounding area, protect twelve known historic sites, and increase public recreational and education opportunities. Manager(s) The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) is recommended as manager. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is recommended to manage the Wood Sink Tract. The Fanlew Tract and part of the Horn Springs parcel (more than 1,900 acres acquired in 2017) will be managed by DRP. In 2017, the Florida Forest Service was recommended as manager for the 9,043 acres adjacent to the DRP-managed area. General Description This project covers 15,670 acres located in Wakulla, Jefferson and Leon Counties that extend from the Wood Sink property north of U.S. Highway 27, along both sides of the St. Marks River, south to the Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site. The majority of the project is owned by the St. Joe Company. The corridor ranges from 1 to 3 miles wide along approximately 15 miles of the upper St. Marks River. Approximately 50 percent of the proposal is in natural condition and consists of forested wetland communities, and upland hardwood forest/mesic hammocks. The natural communities are considered to be in good condition and include an old-growth stand of cypress. Most of the remaining uplands are pine plantations of varying ages. Acquiring the project would also assist with the protection of the water quality in the river and numerous springs in the area.

The majority of the project is located within the ecological greenways network identified by the Office of Greenways and Trails and the University of Florida.

Page 93 May, 2018 Page 825 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Public Use The landscape connectivity and diversity provided by the Upper St. Marks River Corridor project has the potential for many resource-based public outdoor recreation activities, including canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing. This project is an excellent recreational trail opportunity, which provides a connection to other conservation and recreation lands in Leon County, such as the J.R. Alford Greenway, L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area, Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tom Brown State Park, and Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park. Acquisition Planning On June 6, 2003, the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) added the Upper St. Marks River Corridor project to Group A of the Florida Forever Priority list. This fee-simple project, sponsored by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), is about 13,999 acres and has a single owner, St. Joseph Land and Development Company, and was designated essential.

On April 21, 2006, the ARC approved a fee-simple 1,671-acre addition to the project boundary. TNC sponsored the addition that consisted of multiple parcels owned by the St. Joe Company. Two tracts made up the addition: Wood Sink Tract with 1,057 acres and Fanlew Tract with 614 acres. DRP will manage Fanlew and FWC will manage Wood Sink. All parcels within the addition were designated as essential. After the most recent addition in 2006, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $3,497,344.

On June 30, 2006, the BOT acquired 2,589.67 acres from the St. Joe Land Development Company for $10,617,647. In September 2006 TNC acquired 611 acres known as Fanlew Preserve.

In March 2007 TNC acquired 1,064 acres known as Wood Sink, and in December 2008, the BOT acquired the Wood Sink (1,064 acres) from TNC for $5,093,669.37.

On December 9, 2011, ARC put this project in the Critical Natural Lands category.

On October 25, 2016 the BOT authorized an option to buy more than10,398 acres in the project boundary, south of U.S. Highway 27, for $16.1 million.

In 2017, a total of 11,029 acres closed in this project were acquired using Florida Forever program funding, with management to be divided between the Division of Recreation and Parks and the Florida Forest Service. Only 1,295 acres of the project remain to be acquired. Coordination TNC, NWFWMD, Leon County are acquisition partners for this project.

Page 94 May, 2018 Page 826 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Management Policy Statement A primary goal of the Upper St. Marks River Corridor proposal is to buffer the upper St. Marks River from development and preserve its water quality, while also protecting the natural communities in its floodplain. Presumably this would also protect, at least to some extent, the water quality of the first magnitude St. Marks Spring just south of the proposal boundary. The proposal encompasses all but 270 acres of the 940-acre Florida Forever First Magnitude Springs project surrounding St. Marks Spring. The Florida black bear, a threatened species, is also known to occur on the project area. Black bears need large contiguous tracts of land to ensure a viable breeding population of more than 200 individuals (COX et al. 1994). Special deliberation should be given to this fact when considering the value of this property as conservation lands. Considering the importance of the Upper St. Marks River Corridor as black bear habitat, together with its diverse plant and animal communities and the potential for resource- based public outdoor recreation, acquisition of this tract is warranted. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation FWC -The Wood Sink Tract proposed addition to the Upper St. Marks River Corridor Florida Forever Project is about 1,057 acres from Capitola Road on the north, Cap Tram Road (State Highway 364) and private lands in the St. Marks River Basin on the east, Apalachee Parkway (U. S. Highway 27) on the South, and private lands and Chaires Cross Road to the west. It was acquired in 2007. Priority will be given to conserving and protecting unique native habitats and threatened and endangered species. Management goals will conserve, protect, manage and/or restore important ecosystems, forests, landscapes, water resources, and wildlife populations as intended by the Florida Forever Act. Management goals will coordinate uses, especially conserving and protecting archaeological and historic sites, fish and wildlife resources, forage, habitat, timber, and water resources for their long-term benefits to the user community. The configuration and location of the Wood Sink addition within the landscape provides areas of functional wetlands for protection of surface water and natural river floodplain, and important habitat for wildlife populations. It provides unique opportunities for outdoor recreation. Management goals will conserve and protect resources and provide for resource-oriented public uses.

Acquiring Wood Sink Tract conserves river corridor to protect resources of the St. Marks River ecosystem and connect other conservation lands. This addition is approximately 52 percent forested uplands and pasture, and 48 percent forested wetlands extending along the Upper St. Marks River. The outflow canal entering the western boundary of the tract is the hydrological connection to Lower Lake Lafayette and L. Kirk Edwards WEA. The uplands consist primarily of pine plantations, upland mixed

Page 95 May, 2018 Page 827 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan forest, upland hardwood forest, and perhaps some bottomland forest. The pine plantations, although disturbed, include native midstory trees such as flowering dogwood and American holly as well as other native shrubs and herbs. The upland hardwoods are dominated by live oak and other hardwoods in the tree canopy, and an open understory consisting of saw palmetto, sparkleberry, American beautyberry, and other native shrubs and herbs. The wetlands consist of relatively less disturbed natural communities including bottomland forest and floodplain swamp, the latter mostly dominated by bald cypress mixed with more sparse swamp hardwood species including red maple and swamp magnolia. A diversity of native trees, including southern magnolia, in better drained areas, occur in the bottomland forest. These natural communities offer a protective buffer for the St. Marks River, an Outstanding Florida Water, and a habitat mosaic for wildlife. This addition is named after Wood Sink, a small (approximately 60 ft diameter) sinkhole which occurs on the tract, and which provides a direct connection to the Floridan aquifer. The Wood Sink addition is habitat for rare and listed species. Gopher tortoise and swallow- tailed kite been observed to occur on the property. The mosaic of pine and upland hardwood communities could provide habitats for fox squirrels and other species which occur elsewhere on the Upper St. Marks River Corridor FFP. This tract constitutes secondary range for the Florida black bear (Much of the remainder of the Upper St. Marks River FFP is primary range for the Apalachicola population of the Florida black bear). Neotropical migrant species, in decline due to loss of habitat, use the hardwood forests during spring and fall migration as stopover and foraging habitat. Breeding passerines, thought to be in decline in these habitats, include the following species: prothonotary warbler, Kentucky warbler, hooded warbler, Swainson’s warbler, wood thrush, and yellow-billed cuckoo. The floodplain swamp provides potential habitat for the Louisiana waterthrush at the southern edge of its breeding range. This species is in decline and prefers contiguous forest tracts and unpolluted headwater streams. Wading birds likely feed in shallows along the length of the St. Marks River. The floodplain swamp may also provide ephemeral breeding habitats for rare amphibian species. Other species occurring on the Wood Sink Tract are northern bobwhite, Virginia white-tailed deer, and . Protection of this headwaters part of the St. Marks River helps preserve aquatic habitats for numerous species in this river system. Restoring the degraded upland natural communities of Wood Sink and protecting intact natural floodplain hardwood communities supports functioning ecosystem for wildlife diversity. This addition has the potential for many resource-based public outdoor recreation activities including bicycling, canoeing, environmental education, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is recommended as lead manager, with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Division of Forestry, and the Northwest Florida Water

Page 96 May, 2018 Page 828 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Management District as cooperating agencies. This project contributes to the following goals of the Florida Forever Act: (b) Increase the protection of Florida’s biodiversity at the species, natural community, and landscape levels. (c) Protect, restore, and maintain the quality and natural functions of land, water, and wetland systems of the state. (d) Ensure that sufficient quantities of water are available to meet the current and future needs of natural systems and the citizens of the state. (e) Increase natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities. (g) Increase the amount of forestland available for sustainable management of natural resources. (h) Increase the amount of open space available in urban areas. Manager FWC is recommended to manage this part of the project. (Acquired, but see historical prospectus below.) Conditions affecting intensity of management Parts of the Wood Sink addition include lands that require resource management actions such as conservation of soil and water, resource protection, and prescribed fire. Ecological restoration activities will be planned for areas previously disturbed for silviculture or other purposes. Management of the less disturbed natural communities may include control of human access, removal of invasive exotic species, and use of prescribed fire. Biotic surveys will be a priority, since many rare or listed species are expected to be present. Development of facilities, as on all wildlife management areas, will be kept to the minimum level necessary to assure a high quality recreational experience. Any such development will be confined to areas of previous disturbance. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure During the first year after acquisition, emphasis will be on site security, posting boundaries, public access, fire management, resource inventory, and removal of refuse. A conceptual management plan will be developed by the FWC including management goals and objectives for the area. Essential roads will be stabilized to provide all-weather public access and management operations. Programs providing multiple recreational uses will be implemented. Project plans for resource inventory, monitoring and management will be developed, implemented and adapted using conventional land management and scientific guidance. Priority will be given to conserving and protecting unique native habitats and threatened and endangered species. Management goals will conserve, protect, manage and/or restore important ecosystems, forests, landscapes, water resources, and wildlife populations as intended by the Florida Forever Act. Management goals will coordinate uses, especially conserving and protecting Page 97 May, 2018 Page 829 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan archaeological and historic sites, fish and wildlife resources, forage, habitat, timber,and water resources for their long-term benefits to the user community. The configuration and location of the Wood Sink addition within the landscape provides areas of functional wetlands for protection of surface water and natural river floodplain, and important habitat for wildlife populations. It provides unique opportunities for outdoor recreation. Management goals will conserve and protect resources, and provide for resource- oriented public uses.

Management activities will strive to manage natural plant communities to benefit native wildlife resources and to conserve soil and water. These resources will be managed in pursuit of wildlife habitat objectives, where it is appropriate and practical, using acceptable silvicultural practices as recommended by the FFS.

Archaeological and historic sites will be managed in coordination with the Division of Historical Resources. Environmentally sensitive areas will be identified and protected. Unnecessary hydrological alterations, fire lanes, and roads will be abandoned or restored as practical. Existing infrastructure will be protected and used. Revenue-generating potential The FWC will conduct resource management activities to promote revenue-generating potential by conserving cultural and natural resources and providing opportunities for resource-based recreation on the Wood Sink tract. No significant revenue is expected to be generated initially. Resource management that conserves and maintains environmental quality ecosystem-wide will best support future revenue generation. Revenue-generating sources may include sales of daily use fees, fishing licenses, and other revenues from recreational uses. Some revenue may be generated through timber sales as the land is being restored. The Wood Sink Addition, when acquired by the State, will require one FTE position for the FWC to manage the project area. (This was acquired in 2007.) Cooperators in management activities The FWC should cooperate with other state and local governmental agencies including Department of Environmental Protection, the Division of Forestry, and the Northwest Florida Water Management District in managing the area. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation DRP-A significant portion of the acreage within this project is floodplain.The project has frontage on both sides of the upper portion of the St. Marks River south of US 27. The project is defined as Phases I and II, with Phase II being the more southern portion. Of the two phases, Phase II has the greater potential for providing a diverse resource-based recreational experience of a regional context. This

Page 98 May, 2018 Page 830 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan project is also adjacent to and fast becoming part of the Tallahassee urban area and the already existing Natural Bridge Historic State Park. It is the combination of all these factors that makes Phase II desirable as a unit of the state park system. Manager DRP is recommended as manager of additional lands adjacent to its managed area and the Fanlew Tract. In 2017, the DRP assumed management responsibility for 1,986 acres acquired adjacent to Natural Bridge Historic State Park, to be managed as a part of the park (Acquired in 2017. See historic prospectus below). Conditions affecting intensity of management Portions of Phase II are in planted pine that will require thinning over time to provide for a natural looking landscape. Otherwise the property should not require a high level of management intensity in the short term, except for the possible need to construct or maintain existing bridges or elevated pathways to provide access within the floodplain of the river. Over the long term, the intensity of management and related costs will significantly increase as management emphasis shifts from protection and restoration efforts with limited public uses to a broader public use area with more substantial infrastructure. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure Once the property is acquired and assigned to the DRP, the acquired lands will be secured and management planning implemented. Natural Bridge Historic State Park will serve initially as a point of access for low intensity resource-based recreation, such as canoeing and hiking. Consideration will be given in the management planning process for the provision of access from other locations as such may be considered necessary to accommodate recreation demand. The magnitude and diversity of future resource-based recreation opportunities offered will in great part depend on establishment of a management plan for the property and funding for positions and infrastructure Revenue-generating potential No significant revenue is expected to be generated initially. Some revenue may be generated through timber sales as the land is being restored. The degree of future revenue generated will depend on the nature and extent of public use and facilities placed on the land. Cooperators in management activities No local governments or others are recommended for management of this project. The DRP will cooperate with and seek the advice of other state agencies, local government entities and interested parties as appropriate.

Information Updated January 29, 2018

Page 99 May, 2018 Page 831 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Upper St. Marks River Corridor Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 2003 Project Area (GIS acres) 14,570 Acres Acquired (GIS) 13,275 at a Cost of $15,711,316 Acres Remaining (GIS) 1,295

Upper St. Marks River Corridor Table 2 Upper St. Marks River Corridor FNAI Elements Score Florida Black Bear G5T2/S2 Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Alabama Rhododendron G4/S2 Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake G4/S3 Southeastern Weasel G5T4/S3? There are 6 rare species associated with the project.

Page 100 May, 2018 Page 832 of 884 n Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Upper St. Marks River Corridor Map 239

L. ' RR L lc1 RR ., 27 -eQS 25 2 0 J. R. ALFORD 28 27 Is za 27 26 25 GREENWAY 29 t E E 4 ST. MARKS ilk ALISIIII E HEADWATERSA,v-imr -- - tti_• , /1 4 35 6 k Illi..11141%\1,L ..‘. e j OP _ T N -1 21 I WAKULLA SPRINGS /4 . /MEMX TiS - PROTECTION ZONE LAFAYETTE a iiih 4 6 CROW POND 2 RORIDA FOREVER HERITAGE CONSERVATION BOT PROJECT TRAIL PARK ---- j2i. EASEMENT ar Mr ------10 11 42 --,2_ L. K KK 1 0 7 a ill 11 12 WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL AREA Ite 27 15 14 I S 17 16 15 r 18 16 14 13 oe 24 19 zo ST. MARKS RIVER 2 9 20 21 22 23 24 PRESERVE STATE PARK .. 23_ 28 27 29 28 27 25 21 SHEPHERD'S BRANCH ST. JOE TIMBERLAND KK HABITAT MITIGATION 111109 FLORIDA FOREVER AREA CONSERVATION BUT PROJECT - 4 EASEMENT 2 pirr . WACISSA/AUCILLA 35 6 RIVER SINKS T S T 2 S 2 6 5 4 • / A PLANK ROAD 10 11 STATE FOREST 8 al 1 5 14 18 i',I 14 13 JII JJ`J. ST. JOE TIMBERLAND FLORIDA FOREVER BOT PROJECT RORIDAS FIRST MAGNITUDE AUCILLA WILDLIFE JO 22 SPRINGS - ST. MARKS SPRINGS 21 22 2 24 19 2 MANAGEMENT 4/ AREA NATURAL BRIDGE -2 •••• FLORIDA'S FIRST MAGNITUDE —.. BATTLEFIELD pill SPRINGS FLORIDA FOREVER BOY ' ,?, 27 26 HISTORIC STATE PARK PROJECT - ST. MARKS SPRINGS • u 30---- 20 LEO* COUNTYa N WA ULLA COUNTY 34 5 36 GERRELL CONSERVATION IN 31 2 EASEMENT 2 6

UPPER ST. MARKS RIVER CORRIDOR LEON, JEFFERSON, AND WAKULLA COUNTIES et-- EORGI Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary GADSDEN Acquired for Conservation (Fee Simple) 3 0 MADISO Upper St. Marks 1 " " INC Owned Lands Within Project Corridor Essential Parcel(s) Remaining UBERW wUL TAYLOR Other Florida Forever BOT Projects e' Gall of 2 State Owned Lands _ DE Mexico MOther Conservation Lands 0 1 2 4 JANUARY 2018 Miles

Page 101 May, 2018 Page 833 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wacissa / Sinks Jefferson and Taylor Counties Critical Natural Lands

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 1985 Project Area (GIS acres) 32,904 Acres Acquired (GIS) 15,615* at a Cost of $5,886,137* Acres Remaining (GIS) 17,289 *Includes acreage and expenditures by the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD).

Purpose for State Acquisition The tea-colored Aucilla River and the crystal-clear Wacissa River flow through rich swamps and marshes on their way to meet each other before emptying into the Gulf. The Wacissa/Aucilla River Sinks project will protect the Wacissa River and the lower course of the Aucilla River, thereby maintaining the water quality of these streams, protecting aquatic caves and sinkholes, preserving important archaeological sites, and giving the public the opportunity to enjoy these rivers in their natural state for years to come. This project may also help complete the Florida National Scenic Trail, a statewide non-motorized trail that crosses a number of Florida Forever project sites. Manager(s) Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) General Description This project comprises parcels needed to protect the headwaters of the Wacissa River to the north and provide a link to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge on the south. It encompasses much of the Aucilla River, a blackwater stream, and the Wacissa River, a spring-fed stream. Both are in good condition and are popular canoe trails. Although the surrounding areas are part of a commercial timber operation, the natural resources at the site remain in good condition. Ten natural communities in the project, some rare in Florida, create a diverse natural area with an abundance of water birds, and rare invertebrates and turtles. The project boasts several unique geological features including the Aucilla River Sinks, where the Aucilla River alternately flows through subterranean passageways and reappears at the surface. Numerous aboriginal sites are known from both rivers. Twelve-thousand-year-old mastodon tusks from the Aucilla are the oldest evidence of butchering in North America. The project is threatened by riverfront development. Public Use This project is designated for use as a wildlife management area, providing opportunities for canoeing, swimming, fishing, hunting and nature appreciation.

Page 102 May, 2018 Page 841 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Acquisition Planning In 1985, the Land Acquisition Selection Committee (LASC) added the original Wacissa/Aucilla River Sinks project to the CARL Priority list. This fee-simple acquisition, sponsored by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI), consisted of approximately 13,668 acres, and three major ownerships (the largest with 13,000 acres).

On March 21, 1986, the LASC approved the project design for 20,258 acres that includes the original proposal and additional acreage.

On December 1, 1989, the Land Acquisition Advisory Council (LAAC) approved a fee-simple, 320-acre addition to the project boundary. Sponsored by the Division of Historical Resources (DHR), the addition consisted of one landowner, St. Joe Land and Development Co. The landowner already has property in the project boundary. This addition will bring into State ownership and management the remainder of the archaeologically significant feature known as Calico Hill. On April 7, 1992, the LAAC approved a fee-simple, 4,500-acre addition to the project boundary. The addition consisted of two ownerships, St. Joe Paper and Proctor & Gamble Cellulose. This addition will provide continuity between St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, the Big Bend WMA, and the project. St. Joe Paper is already in the project boundary. On March 26, 1999, the Land Acquisition & Management Advisory Council (LAMAC) approved a fee-simple, 11,920-acre addition to the project boundary. It was sponsored by the Nature Conservancy (TNC), consisted of one landowner, the St. Joe Company. The landowner is already in the boundary. This addition would provide connectivity with the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

In 2000, the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) approved the transfer of approximately 20,036 acres to the St. Joe Timberland FF project. This acreage is portions of the original project owned by the St. Joe Company. On October 25, 2001, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 7,068-acre addition to the project boundary. It was by the FWC, consisted of one landowner, the Foley Land & Timber Company. This tract fills a critical gap in the regional landscape of protected conservation areas, by billing the hole between Trustees ownership along the Wacissa River, and District ownership along the Aucilla. These parcels were designated as essential.

Also, on October 25, 2001, the ARC approved a fee-simple, 117-acre addition to the project boundary. It was sponsored by the Division of State Lands (DSL), consisted of seven small ownerships. This addition will protect Aucilla Spring and the other springs in the Wacissa springhead group as well as provide buffer areas for the associated spring run. These parcels were designated as essential.

On December 9, 2011, ARC placed this Florida Forever project in the Critical Natural Lands category. Page 103 May, 2018 Page 842 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

On April 20, 2012, the 2,836-acre Flint Rock tract was transferred to the Wacissa/Aucilla River Sinks Florida Forever project from the St. Joe Timberland project. After this most recent boundary change in 2012, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $3,413,439. Coordination TNC, the FWC, and the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) will be acquisition partners for this project. Management Policy Statement The primary goals of management of the Wacissa/ Aucilla River Sinks project are to conserve, protect, manage, or restore important ecosystems, landscapes, and forests, in order to enhance or protect significant surface water, coastal, recreational, timber, fish or wildlife resources which local or state regulatory programs cannot adequately protect; to provide areas, including recreational trails, for natural-resource-based recreation; and to preserve significant archaeological or historical sites. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation Much of the Wacissa/Aucilla River Sinks project is within the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This, together with the rivers’ value as wildlife habitat, qualifies the project as a wildlife management area. Manager The FWC is the recommended project manager. Conditions affecting intensity of management The nature of these two river corridors and their attendant floodplains indicate a relatively low need for intense management. The unique beauty of the area, and the presence of numerous cultural sites indicate a need for intense protective measures and a need to focus on control of public access. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure Most public-access points are already in place, including a county park at the head spring of the Wacissa. Therefore, immediate management control could be assumed by FWC. First-year activities would include posting the boundaries, establishing control at public-access points, and beginning the planning process. Long-term management (second year and following) would entail management of these lands as an integral part of the Big Bend/Aucilla WMA recreational complex. Revenue-generating potential Without new WMA fees charged for non-consumptive uses of this area, the revenue potential appears low, despite high recreation values. If a method for charging canoeists, nature enthusiasts, fishermen and hikers could be devised, the revenue potential would be moderate.

Page 104 May, 2018 Page 843 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Cooperators in management activities The DHR and the FFS are expected to cooperate in the management of this property. Jefferson County may also be involved since it manages a county park at the head spring.

Information Updated January 31, 2018

Wacissa / Aucilla River Sinks Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 1985 Project Area (GIS acres) 32,904 Acres Acquired (GIS) 15,615* at a Cost of $5,886,137* Acres Remaining (GIS) 17,289 *Includes acreage and expenditures by the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD).

Wacissa / Aucilla River Sinks Table 2 Wacissa / Aucilla River Sinks FNAI Elements Score Frosted Flatwoods Salamander G2/S2 Florida Black Bear G5T2/S2 Eastern Indigo Snake G3Q/S3 Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Swallow-tailed Kite G5/S2 Barbour’s Map Turtle G2/S2 Florida willow G2/S2 Florida Olive Hairstreak G5T2/S2 Apalachicola Alligator Snapping Turtle G2G3/S2 Chapman’s sedge G3/S3 corkwood G3/S3 Suwannee Cooter G5T3/S3 There are 16 rare species associated with the project.

Wacissa / Aucilla River Sinks Table 3 Management Cost Summary: FWC 1996/97 1997/98 Source of Funds CARL CARL Salary $0 $11,133 OPS $0 $0 Expense $126 $2000 OCO $0 $0 FCO $0 $0 Total $126 $13,133

Page 105 May, 2018 Page 844 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wacissa / Aucilla River Sinks Map 243

UPPER ST. MARKS R R R R R 2 3 ST MARICS RIVER 4 29 M kik t%1 OAK HILL k RIVER CORRIDOR PRESERVE STATE PARK 91 lip COCONSERVATION as R ORIDA FOREVER E E oi= E Al W.:t E E 2 33 34 35 glibh., l EN BOT PROJECT I k k XIIIIMI AIM

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12 12 sit • io ti N. 71:1111 4 .. "%. NMOINti1 1II i 1 n, 1_,,,Atis 17 15 14 N . \ ‘`•/4a,•\1 " • V 15 ST. JOE TIMBERLAND .1 NATIONALSTMAR WIKSLDLIFE 1V MI FLORIDA FOREVER 23 REFUGE \N. Ni. BIG BEND BOT PROJECT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT "3. 41r 4 IS g46 SVCW;44, "ISlt% : ' AREA - SNIPE ISLAND UNIT 30 29 27 26 , - 28 Wyly,' li a IS, c> a _ ECONFINA . BIG BEND WILDLIFE RIVER S P MANAGEMENT AREA .. „„ 2, ..,,„,- BIG BEND SEAGRASSES .0 T4 S Nei i''''"` AQUATIC PRESERVE ' 5 4 T 5 S -N+1\ 5 5 4 WACISSA/AUCILLA RIVER SINKS JEFFERSON AND TAYLOR COUNTIES Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary GEORGIA Acquired for Conservation (Fee Simple)

INC Owned Lands Within the Project isuu Essential Parcel(s) Remaining u , LIBEPT Other Florida Forever BOT Projects 'VI-.

1 N FPNKLIN LkFAIETTF 7 ' State Owned Lands -J. Waossa/Aualla Other Conservation Lands W E River Sinks DIXIE / I . State Aquatic Preserves Galf of Mexico 0 1.5 3 6 Miles MAY 2012

Page 106 May, 2018 Page 845 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Wakulla and Leon Counties Partnerships and Regional Incentives

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 1997 Project Area (GIS acres) 7,811 Acres Acquired (GIS) 4,163 at a Cost of $7,372,678 Acres Remaining (GIS) 3,647

Purpose for State Acquisition South of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs - one of the largest and deepest artesian springs in the world - is now protected by a state park, but the enormous caverns that feed the spring spread far to the north and west of the park. The Wakulla Springs Protection Zone will protect the spring by protecting land above the conduits that feed it, connect the state park with the Apalachicola National Forest, and provide public areas for camping, hiking, and hunting. East of Tallahassee the Upper Lake Lafayette Aquifer Protection addition to the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone will protect the sinkholes and seepages that also connect to Wakulla Springs and create a 373-acre passive recreation area. Manager(s) Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP); Florida Forest Service/FFS, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The Upper Lake Lafayette Aquifer Protection Area may also be managed with the help of the Florida Wildlife Federation. See the Management Prospectus for areas of management. General Description Most of the project is in intensive silviculture or pasture. The Upper Lake Lafayette portion of the project is mixed pines and hardwoods on hills sloping down to Lake Lafayette. Remnant natural areas include floodplain swamps and forests, and unique features like sinkholes, aquatic caves, and spring-run streams.

The project is important to protecting the subterranean headwaters of Wakulla Springs, the state’s largest first magnitude spring and source of the , which is one of the largest and deepest artesian springs in the world and an Outstanding Florida Water. At least five rare animals, including three crustaceans in the aquatic caves, have been found here. Eight archaeological sites, including four mounds, are known from the site, and more can be expected. There is also a historic cemetery in the project. The sinkholes in the project are vulnerable to trash dumping and development, which may degrade the quality of water flowing into Wakulla Spring; endangerment of the area is moderate.

Page 107 May, 2018 Page 846 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Public Use Portions of the project qualify as state park, state forest, and wildlife management area. Hiking or bicycling trails could link the park through this area with the Apalachicola National Forest, and the project could also be suitable for camping, horseback riding, and perhaps hunting. The Upper Lake Lafayette land could be linked to such areas as the Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, the Fallschase Greenway and the L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area. Acquisition Planning On December 5, 1996 the Land Acquisition Advisory Council (LAAC) added the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone project to the 1997 CARL priority list. This fee-simple acquisition, sponsored by the DRP, consisted of approximately 10,243 acres and multiple owners. The essential parcels are the Ferrell tract, McBrides Slough tract and smaller tracts between the Edward Ball—Wakulla Springs State Park and Ferrell Tract. The McBrides Slough tract has been mapped previously as a DRP Inholdings and Additions project.

On October 15, 1998, the LAMAC revised the designation of the following area to essential: approximately 1,004 acres that would connect the Ferrell tract with the Apalachicola National Forest.

On June 9, 2006, the Acquisition & Restoration Council (ARC) approved a fee-simple, 152-acre addition to the project boundary. It was sponsored by the FDEP, Florida Springs Initiative, consisted of seven owners, and a 2005 taxable value of $94,268. One owner, Linderand, Inc., already holds title to property within the current project boundary. These parcels were designated as essential since they are important to the future water quality of Wakulla Springs.

On December 9, 2011 ARC placed this project in the new Partnerships and Regional Incentives category of Florida Forever.

In 2014 a Tallahassee citizens’ group, the Buck Lake Alliance, proposed making the 373-acre Upper Lake Lafayette Aquifer Protection Proposal a Florida Forever project. The project had an estimated tax assessed value of $3,599,447. On December 12, 2014, ARC voted to add this area to the Florida Forever list and then incorporated it into the boundary of the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone.

After the most recent boundary addition in 2014, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $10,972,125. Coordination Considering this project’s linkages and connections above and below ground, coordination would be among the FWC, local governments, the Division of Recreation and Parks, the Florida Forest Service,

Page 108 May, 2018 Page 847 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan the Florida Wildlife Federation and other nonprofit conservation groups, the Florida Geological Survey, and the US Forest Service. Management Policy Statement The primary objective of management of the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone project is to preserve the water quality of Wakulla Springs by protecting the land above the underground conduits that supply the spring. Achieving this objective will provide a refuge for extremely rare cave-dwelling crustaceans, preserve wildlife habitat in this developing region, and provide various recreational opportunities, such as camping and hiking, to the public. Management activities should be directed toward the protection of surface-water and groundwater quality. Managers should control public access to the project; limit public motor vehicles to one or a few major roads and route them away from sinkholes; inventory resources; and monitor management activities to ensure that they are preserving the quality of the groundwater. Managers should limit the number and size of recreational facilities, such as hiking trails, ensure that they avoid the most sensitive resources, particularly sinkholes and spring runs, and site them in already disturbed areas when possible. If less-than-fee purchases are made within the project, activities such as silviculture, road improvements, or any development should be strictly monitored to ensure that surface-water and groundwater quality in the project area is maintained or improved. In areas managed by FFS, the primary land management goal is to restore, maintain and protect in perpetuity all native ecosystems; to integrate compatible human use, and to insure long-term viability of populations and species considered rare. This ecosystem approach will guide the FFS’s management activities on this project. For areas managed by FWC, priority will be given to the conservation and protection of environmentally unique native habitats and threatened and endangered species. Under FWC management, the tract will also provide opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, hiking, and other natural resource-based recreational activities. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation The unique subterranean resources connected with Wakulla Springs, one of Florida’s most significant artesian springs and already managed as a state park, qualify this project as a unit of the state park system. The project’s size and diversity of resources makes portions of it also desirable for use and management as a state forest and a wildlife management area. Management as a state forest is contingent upon the state acquiring fee-simple title to the core parcels. Manager The DRP is recommended to manage areas south of State Road 267 and west of State Road 61, except for that portion of the Ferrell property in sections 22 and 27, T2S, R1W, consisting of approximately 120 acres of agricultural fields and the 152-acre boundary addition. The FWC is recommended as lead

Page 109 May, 2018 Page 848 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan manager for the 120-acre portion of the Ferrell property described above. The FFS is recommended as lead manager for the remainder of the project except for the most recent addition. The Florida Wildlife Federation has been identified as manager for the Upper Lake Lafayette Aquifer Protection property. Conditions affecting intensity of management Division of Recreation and Parks - Under fee title acquisition, the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone will be a high-need management area. Resource restoration, public recreation, environmental education and development compatible with long-term resource protection will be an integral aspect of management. The areas around karst windows, springs and associated sloughs are often, and in some cases currently are being, subjected to inappropriate uses and levels of use that degrade the resource. The lands between the park and the national forest, west of State Road 61, contain a significant number of hydrological features which will require intensive management of people to ensure against resource degradation by users and allow for restoration where needed. Springs, karst windows and sinks are popular recreation sites. Hence, there will be a demand for their use. Close monitoring and study will be needed to decide which are suitable for public use and at what levels, followed with appropriate management measures. This concept also applies to other areas of the project managed by the DRP where the natural regime has been disturbed by silviculture and other land uses.

Florida Forest Service - Many areas of the project will require considerable restoration efforts. Until these efforts are completed, the level of management intensity and related management costs is expected to be somewhat higher than what would be expected on a typical state forest.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - The proposal generally includes lands that are low-need tracts requiring basic resource management, including the frequent use of prescribed fire. The Ferrell Property represents a relatively intact long-leaf pine/wire grass community. Land uses in the general area have severely impacted this community type. Close attention will need to be paid to ensure the perpetuation of this community through appropriate burning and other management practices, if acquired in fee title. The primary management needed for perpetuation of the natural communities on the area is the introduction of all-season prescribed fire and control of human access. On portions of existing disturbed areas such as the agricultural fields, native and non-native agronomic plantings will be used to benefit both game and non-game wildlife on the area and to promote special hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for the public. Development of facilities, as on all wildlife management areas, would be kept to the minimum level to assure a high-quality recreational experience for those members of the public interested in less infrastructure and other disturbance factors.

Page 110 May, 2018 Page 849 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Florida Wildlife Federation-This property is adjacent to commercial and residential development on the urban fringe. There is a platform mound on the property, which is incompletely fenced, and completed fencing will be needed. There are invasive plant species on the property, which will have to be managed. Managing the site for soil protection and for vegetative cover will offer the best protection for Upper Lake Lafayette. Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure Division of Recreation and Parks - Upon fee title acquisition, public access will be provided for low- intensity, non-facility-related outdoor recreation. As a part of the Wakulla Springs State Park, hunting would not be permitted. Vehicular access by the public will be confined to designated points and routes. Emphasis will be given to protection of springs and associated sloughs, sinks and karst windows. Resource management activities in the first year of each fee title acquisition will concentrate on site security (including posting boundaries) and development of a resource inventory in conjunction with the development of a comprehensive management plan. Long-term management may include a wide range of resource-based recreation and associated facilities. The integration of appropriate public uses will create wildlife and recreational linkages between the State Park and the national forest.

Florida Forest Service - Once the core area is acquired and assigned to the FFS, public access will be provided for non-facilities-related, low-intensity outdoor recreation. Until specific positions are provided for the project, public access will be coordinated through the FFS’s Tallahassee District Headquarters and management activities will be conducted with district personnel.

Initial or intermediate management efforts will concentrate on site security, public and fire management access, resource inventory, and removal of existing trash. Steps will be taken to ensure that the public is provided appropriate access while simultaneously affording protection of sensitive resources. Vehicular use by the public will be confined to designated roads. Any unnecessary access points will be closed. An inventory of the site’s natural resources and threatened and endangered flora and fauna will be conducted to provide the basis for formulation of a management plan.

Prior to collection of necessary resource information, management proposals for this project can only be conceptual in nature. Long-range plans for this property will generally be directed toward the restoration of disturbed areas and maintenance of natural communities. Management activities will also stress enhancement of the abundance and spatial distribution of threatened and endangered species. To the greatest extent practical, disturbed sites will be restored to conditions that would be expected to occur in naturally functioning ecosystems. Pine plantations will be thinned to achieve a more natural appearance. Off-site species will eventually be replaced with species that would be expected to occur naturally on the Page 111 May, 2018 Page 850 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan site. An all-season burning program will be established, utilizing practices that incorporate recent research findings.

Whenever possible, existing roads, black lines, foam lines and natural breaks will be utilized to contain, and control prescribed and natural fires. Timber management activities will primarily consist of improvement thinnings and regeneration harvests aimed at maintaining and perpetuating forest ecosystems. Stands will not have a targeted rotation age but will be managed to maintain a broad diversity of age classes ranging from young stands to areas with old growth characteristics. This will provide habitat for the full spectrum of species that would be found in the natural environment. The resource inventory will be used to identify sensitive areas that need special attention, protection or management, and to locate areas that are appropriate for any recreational or administrative facilities. Infrastructure development will primarily be located in already disturbed areas and will be the absolute minimum required to allow public access for the uses mentioned above, to provide facilities to accommodate public use, and to administer and manage the property.

The FFS will promote recreation and environmental education in the natural environment. It is not anticipated that recreational facilities will be developed. However, if it is determined that facilities are needed, the use of low impact, rustic facilities will be stressed. High impact, organized recreation areas will be discouraged because of possible adverse effects on the natural environment. Unnecessary roads, firelines and hydrological disturbances will be abandoned and/or restored to the greatest extent practical.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - During the first year after acquisition, emphasis will be placed on site security, posting boundaries, public access, fire management, resource inventory and removal of existing refuse. A conceptual management plan will be developed by the FWC, describing the goals and objectives of future resource management. Long-range plans will stress ecosystem management, the protection and management of threatened and endangered species and the management of small game hunting opportunities. Essential roads will be stabilized to provide all weather public access and manage operations. Programs providing multiple recreational uses will also be implemented. An all-season prescribed burning management plan will be developed and implemented using conventional and biologically acceptable guidelines. Management activities will strive to manage natural plant communities to benefit native wildlife resources.

Where appropriate and practical, timber resources will be managed using acceptable silvicultural practices as recommended by the FFS. These practices will include reforestation of cleared pinelands and natural regeneration of pine plantations. Page 112 May, 2018 Page 851 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Florida Wildlife Federation – It will take a minimum of one year to develop a management plan for the Upper Lake Lafayette acreage after this area is acquired. Fencing the east and west boundaries will be necessary to create limited access points. Cultural resource sites will have to be identified and fenced off from general access. Revenue-generating potential The DRP expects no significant revenue from this property immediately after fee title acquisition, and the amount of any future revenue will depend on the nature and extent of public use and facilities developed. The FFS will sell timber as needed to improve or maintain desirable ecosystem conditions. These sales will primarily take place in upland pine stands and will provide a variable source of revenue, but the revenue-generating potential of this project is expected to be moderate. The FWC may also sell timber to help offset operational costs. Future revenue from timber resources will depend on successful reforestation and management of cleared pinelands. Additional revenue would be generated from sales of hunting licenses, fishing licenses, wildlife management area stamps and other special hunting stamps or permits. The Upper Lake Lafayette property will likely not generate revenue from admissions but will contribute to the local economy by spurring sales of outdoor goods and services. Cooperators in management activities The DRP will, as appropriate, cooperate with local governments, other state agencies, and the water management district to further resource management, recreational and educational opportunities, and the development of the lands for state park purposes. The FFS and the FWC will also cooperate with other state and local governmental agencies in managing the area. The Florida Wildlife Federation developed a management prospectus for the Upper Lake Lafayette portion of the Wakulla Springs Protection Zone and suggests that its volunteers can help see that trails are properly maintained.

Information Updated January 31, 2018

Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 1997 Project Area (GIS acres) 7,811 Acres Acquired (GIS) 4,163 at a Cost of $7,372,678 Acres Remaining (GIS) 3,647

Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Table 2 Wakulla Springs Protection Zone FNAI Elements Score Florida Black Bear G5T2/S2 Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Woodville Karst Cave Crayfish G1/S1 Florida Cave Amphipod G2G3/S2S3 Hobbs’ Cave Amphipod G2G3/S2S3 Page 113 May, 2018 Page 852 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Suwannee Cooter G5T3/S3 Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake G4/S3 Pine Snake G4/S3 Southeastern Fox Squirrel G5T3/S3 There are 11 rare species associated with the project.

Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Table 3a Management Cost Summary: DRP Startup Recurring Source of Funds CARL CARL Salary $48,840 $48,840 OPS $10,000 $10,000 Expense $86,342 $6,342 OCO $58,956 $0 FCO $0 $0 Total $204,138 $65,142

Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Table 3b Management Cost Summary: FFS Startup Recurring Source of Funds CARL not provided Salary $65,343 not provided OPS $0 not provided Expense $90,000 not provided OCO $129,000 not provided FCO $0 not provided Total $202,670 not provided

Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Table 3c Management Cost Summary: FWC Startup Recurring Source of Funds CARL CARL Salary $37,170 $74,340 OPS $7,000 $7,000 Expense $45,000 $60,000 OCO $38,500 $38,500 FCO $75,000 $0 Total $202,670 $179,840

Page 114 May, 2018 Page 853 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wakulla Springs Protection Map 244

Page 115 May, 2018 Page 854 of 884 prings Protection Zone Map 245 -- Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Map 245

4 . Nal 9 10 11 • EDWARD BAU. WAKUUA SPRINGS STATE PARK TALLAHASSEE-ST. MARKS - HISTORIC RAILROAD CARLTON FARMS 13 STATE TRAIL CONSERVATION EASEMENT _LEON COUNTY WAKULLA COuNrY 1 ST. JOE TIMBERIAND ' FLORIDA FOREVER 24. 23 BOT PROJECT- 21 22 FLOR IDAS FIRST MAGNITUDE SPRINGS - ; RIVER SINK SPRING

ST. JOE TIMBERLAND 27 RORIDA FOREVER BOT PROJECT - WAKULLA R.ORIDAS FIRST SPRINGS PROTECTION ZONE MAGNITUDE SPRINGS 3 34 35 FLORIDA FOREVER BOT PROJECT - I 21 RNER SINK SPRING LT 3 S 3 2

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WAKULLA AND LEON COUNTIES Florida Forever BOT Project Boundary

Acquired for Conservation (Fee Simple)

Essential Parcel(s) Remaining TAYLOR r State Owned Lands Wakulla Springs Other Conservation Lands Protection Zone- \ft—, map 1 Other Florida Forever BOT Projects

31emico 0 1 2 4 Miles JUNE 2017

Page 116 May, 2018 Page 855 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wakulla Springs Protection Zone Map 246

1.1 R -__ R R "fit 35 1 1 2 W E ALFRED 13.MACLAY E E A T 2 N NI DENs sTATE PARK 1RMS EDEN 1 CO SERVATT01i 6 EASEMENT 3 7 . A. 3. HENRY PARK -a IPA A "PA N. 7 0 7 P Fr -1111 MICCOSUKEE CANOPY ROAD GREENWAY , Uddie A illPPP- T1MBERLANE RA NE Fahrey , a 16 1 „ At a... r - 21 22 o .. 1 R. ALFORD GREENWAY 28 22 4 I t 1 L KIRK EDWARDS e WILD IFE AND ( 1 "NV . / ENVIRONMENTAL AREA -."I'1 Ift 4- _ , ILI e pt, 1 N ,,,N : , 1 ram ,.. - /4 ‘ , , ,, H!oris —.al. 1 GOVERNORS a T S rill LkFAY AGE TRAIL PARK 5 #77 4 (7) C INDIAN HEAD PARK ./ ACRES PARK III I 7 JI ) , 8 SN Ell Illd

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Page 117 May, 2018 Page 856 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia Counties Critical Natural Lands

Project-at-a-Glance Placed on List 1995 Project Area (GIS acres) 81,128 Acres Acquired (GIS) 58,052* at a Cost of $183,142,325* Acres Remaining (GIS) 23,077 *Includes acreage and expenditures by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the Orlando-Orange County Transportation Authority.

Purpose for State Acquisition The springs, rivers, lakes, swamps, and uplands stretching north from Orlando to the are an important refuge for the Florida black bear, as well as other wildlife such as the bald eagle, swallow-tailed kite, Florida scrub jay, and wading birds. The Wekiva-Ocala Greenway will protect these animals and the Wekiva and St. Johns River basins by protecting natural corridors connecting Wekiwa Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, the Lower State Reserve, and Hontoon Island State Park with the Ocala National Forest. It will also provide the people of the booming Orlando area with a large, nearby natural area in which to enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, canoeing, and other recreational pursuits. The Florida National Scenic Trail, a cross-Florida hiking and non-motorized trail, is also planned to cross this project. The trail is a congressionally designated national scenic trail. Manager(s) Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (BMK Ranch, Seminole Springs, St. Johns River and portions of the Wekiva-Ocala Connector); Florida Forest Service/FFS, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Seminole Springs and portions of the Wekiva-Ocala Connector). General Description This project provides an important link between Ocala National Forest and the extensive state holdings along the Wekiva River. It is habitat for many rare animal species including the Florida black bear, the Florida sandhill crane, bald eagle, Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub jay, Sherman’s fox squirrel, Florida scrub lizard and gopher tortoise. It incorporates most of the forested wetlands along the St. Johns and Wekiva Rivers between Orlando and the Ocala National Forest. The St. Johns River site consists of three large bottomlands and adjacent uplands between three existing state ownerships. The Seminole Springs/Woods site is reported to have 50-75 springs within its boundary. The Wekiva-Ocala Connector site provides a wildlife movement corridor between the Ocala National Forest and the other portions of the project along the Wekiva River.

Page 118 May, 2018 Page 862 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Public Use The project sites are designated as state reserves or preserves and state forests, offering opportunities for canoeing, hiking, fishing and camping. Acquisition Planning On November 18, 1994, the Land Acquisition Advisory Council (LAAC) approved combining the Seminole Springs/Woods, Wekiva-Ocala Connector, St. Johns River, and BMK Ranch projects and renaming the project Wekiva-Ocala Greenway. Based on GIS, the approximate total project acreage was 67,585 acres. Seminole Springs/Woods: Seminole Springs—core tracts include Strawn Tract, M.S. Carter (acquired), and Brumlick parcels (acquired through eminent domain). The Strawn tract is the largest and most significant ownership remaining to be acquired. Wekiva-Ocala Connector: Core Tracts West—Maxwell and Holman (acquired), Shockley (acquired), Harper (acquired by SJRWMD 2,228 acres/2.1 million), Alger Enterprises (acquired), Fisch (acquired by SJRWMD), Southland Gardens (contingent upon the acquisition of Harper and Fisch), Clemmons (acquired), Blaskovic (acquired), Kittridge (acquired). Core Tracts East—Stetson University (acquired), Stein, Lenholt Farms, Francolino (acquired), Jung (acquired), and Hollywood Pines, Inc. St. Johns River: New Garden Coal, the largest ownership, was acquired in 2005. The BMK Ranch parcel has been acquired. On October 30, 1995, the LAAC approved a fee-simple, ± 5,616-acre addition to the project boundary. It was sponsored by Eastern Marketing Inc, representative for several owners and consisted of multiple landowners and parcels. All tracts were designated as essential. In addition, the project phasing was removed. On October 30, 1996, the LAAC approved a fee-simple, 425-acre addition to the project boundary. It was sponsored by the Division of State Lands, consisted of seven landowners (Jung, Hollywood Pines, Miranda Trust, Overstreet, New Garden Coal, Seminole Springs, and Fisch) and 12 parcels. Other acquisitions in the Wekiva Basin are Wekiva Buffers, Wekiva Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run, Lower Wekiva River State Park, Hontoon Island State Recreation Area, and . These acquisitions total 18,400 acres. On July 18, 1997, the LAAC approved a fee-simple, 128-acre addition to the project boundary. It was sponsored by the landowner, Conway Kittredge, who already has 20 acres in the current project boundary. Any portion of the addition that is not needed for resource protection or management will be surplused. On December 3, 1998, the Land Acquisition and Management Advisory Council (LAMAC) approved a fee-simple, 1,507-acre addition to the project boundary. It was sponsored by the Division of Recreation and Parks and consisted of 20 parcels. At the time of the boundary addition, the parcels were owned by Neighborhood Lakes LTD and Lake Lerla LTD Partnership and were designated as essential parcels. They were subsequently purchased by

Page 119 May, 2018 Page 863 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

BARN, LLC. These parcels were acquired in a transaction approved by the Board of Trustees on 12/19/2006. The total acquisition area contained 1,584 acres.

On December 6, 2001, the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) approved a fee-simple, 5,455- acre addition to the project boundary. It was sponsored by the Wekiva Basin Working Group, consisted of 14 sites, multiple landowners and parcels, and 13 tracts.

On June 4, 2004, the ARC approved a less-than-fee, 572-acre addition to the project boundary. The property was owned by Robert Maxwell and consisted of two parcels. The boundary amendment was sponsored by the owner’s representative, Roland Pacetti Realty. On August 15, 2006, the Board of Trustees approved the purchase of a conservation easement covering these two parcels.

On December 8, 2006 the ARC approved a fee-simple77-acre addition in Lake County (a.k.a. the Ellis and Windsor tracts) to the project boundary. It was sponsored by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), consisted of two parcels with two owners (Natalie Windsor and Jerry Ellis). The Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) will manage the 17-acre Windsor tract as part of the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State park. The 60-acre Ellis tract will be managed by the FFS as part of the . On December 14, 2007, ARC approved a fee-simple 675-acre addition, known as the Pine Plantation Addition, to the project boundary. It was sponsored by Henry Dean Esq. and consisted of five parcels and four landowners. The Division of Recreation and Parks agreed to manage the parcels. The parcels have been designated essential. Approximately 421 acres of this addition have been purchased and are being managed as part of the Greenway.

On September 30, 2008, the Board of Trustees approved the purchase of 385 acres from Project Orlando LLC; Pinestraw Partners LLC; and Herscho Properties, Inc. This acquisition was for a portion of the Pine Plantation property. On November 20, 2008, the Board of Trustees approved a 36-acre purchase from Project Orlando LLC which was part of the boundary amendment that included the Pine Plantation property. On October 3, 2008, from the Division of State Lands (DSL) Florida Forever funds 345-acre parcel was purchased from Palmer ownership in Pine Plantation for $24,930,304 (40 acres in the SE corner of the Palmer parcel was acquired by the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority for a future conveyance to Orange County for a park. In November 2008, DSL Florida Forever funds were used to buy 35.7 acres of the Project Orlando, LLC ownership. DRP will manage this site.

On March 27, 2009, 307.17 acres were purchased from the OOCEA for BARN, LLP parcel (payback of $10M paid by the Authority—Neighborhood Lakes, Phase II).

Page 120 May, 2018 Page 864 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

On December 9, 2011 ARC placed this project in the category of Critical Natural Lands.

After the most recent boundary change in 2007, the project had a combined, historic, estimated tax assessed value of $31,792,123.

In calendar year 2017, a total of 236.26 acres closed in this project were acquired using Florida Forever program funding. Coordination TNC, Florida Communities Trust (FCT), Lake County Water Authority, SJRWMD, DOT, Orlando- Orange County Expressway Authority are acquisition partners in this project. Management Policy Statement The primary goals of management of the Wekiva- Ocala Greenway project are to conserve and protect environmentally unique and irreplaceable lands that contain native, relatively unaltered flora and fauna representing a natural area unique to, or scarce within, a region of this state or a larger geographic area; to conserve and protect significant habitat for native species or endangered and threatened species; to conserve, protect, manage, or restore important ecosystems, landscapes, and forests, in order to enhance or protect significant surface water, coastal, recreational, timber, fish or wildlife resources which local or state regulatory programs cannot adequately protect; to provide areas, including recreational trails, for natural-resource-based recreation; and to preserve significant archaeological or historical sites. Management Prospectus Qualifications for state designation The large size, variety of forest resources, and diversity of the former Seminole Springs project and the western Wekiva-Ocala Connector make them highly desirable for management as a state forest. The quality of resources on the remainder of the project make them suitable for state preserves. Manager The FFS proposes to manage the Seminole Springs and western connector portions of the project. The remainder will be managed by the DRP. The DRP may elect to assume management of the western portion of the Strawn property later if it is purchased. Conditions affecting intensity of management On the portion to be managed by the FFS, there are no known disturbances that will require extraordinary attention, so the level of management intensity is expected to be typical for a state forest. The portion to be managed by the DRP, the BMK Ranch (acquired), is a high-need management area, while the Eastern Connector of the former Wekiva-Ocala Connector project and the former St. Johns River project are low-need management areas. The BMK Ranch is expected to have a higher level of recreational use and development compatible with resource management than the other properties.

Page 121 May, 2018 Page 865 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Timetable for implementing management and provisions for security and protection of infrastructure About 8,000 acres have been purchased by the State of Florida and the SJRWMD and have been assigned to the FFS for management as the Seminole State Forest (SSF). The FFS is currently providing for public access for low-intensity, non-facilities-related outdoor recreation. Initial activities include securing the site, providing public and fire management access, inventorying resources, and removing trash. The project’s natural resources and threatened and endangered plants and animals will be inventoried to provide the basis for a management plan. Long-range plans for this property will generally be directed toward restoring disturbed areas to their original conditions, as far as possible, as well as protecting threatened and endangered species. An all-season burning program will use, wherever possible, existing roads, black lines foam lines and natural breaks to contain fires. Timber management will mostly involve improvement thinning and regeneration harvests. Plantations will be thinned and, where appropriate, reforested with species found in natural ecosystems. Stands will not have a targeted rotation age. Infrastructure will primarily be in disturbed areas and will be the minimum required for management and public access. The DRP will promote recreation and environmental education. For the DRP, within the first year after acquisition, management activities will concentrate on site security, natural and cultural resource protection, and the development of a plan for long-term public use and resource management. Revenue-generating potential The FFS will sell timber as needed to improve or maintain desirable ecosystem conditions. These sales will provide a variable source of revenue, but the revenue-generating potential for this project is expected to be low. The DRP expects no significant revenue to be generated initially. After acquisition, it will probably be several years before any significant public facilities are developed on the BMK Ranch properties, and public facilities will probably not be a major emphasis on the eastern connector properties. The amount of any future revenue will depend on the nature and extent of public use and facilities. Cooperators in management activities The FFS will cooperate with and seek the assistance of other state agencies, local government entities and interested parties as appropriate. The DRP recommends no local governments or others for management of its project area.

Information Updated January 31, 2018

Page 122 May, 2018 Page 866 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Table 1 Project-at-a-Glance Data Placed on List 1995 Project Area (GIS acres) 81,128 Acres Acquired (GIS) 58,052* at a Cost of $183,142,325* Acres Remaining (GIS) 23,077 *Includes acreage and expenditures by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the Orlando-Orange County Transportation Authority.

Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Table 2 Wekiva-Ocala Greenway FNAI Elements Score Florida Scrub-jay G2/S2 Florida Black Bear G5T2/S2 Swallow-tailed Kite G5/S2 Okeechobee gourd G1/S1 Eastern Indigo Snake G3Q/S3 Gopher Tortoise G3/S3 Bald Eagle G5/S3 Florida hasteola G1/S1 Seminole Spring Siltsnail G1/S1 Florida willow G2/S2 Sand Skink G2/S2 star anise G2/S2 There are 28 rare species associated with the project.

Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Table 3a Management Cost Summary: DRP 1996/97 1997/98 Source of Funds SPTF/LATF/CARL SPTF/LATF/CARL Salary $0 $0 OPS $425 $425 Expense $5,739 $5,739 OCO $0 $0 FCO $38,798 $0 Total $44,962 $6,164

Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Table 3b Management Cost Summary: FFS 1995/96 1996/97 (Seminole State Forest) Source of Funds CARL CARL Salary $35,440 $64,440 OPS $0 $4,500 Expense $22,600 $40,225 OCO $0 $29,270 FCO $0 $0 Total $58,040 $138,435

Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Table 3c Management Cost Summary: FFS Startup Recurring (Wekiva-Ocala Connector: West Corridor) Source of Funds CARL CARL Salary $28,140 $28,140 Page 123 May, 2018 Page 867 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

OPS $0 $0 Expense $20,000 $15,000 OCO $90,400 $4,500 FCO $0 $0 Total $138,540 $47,640

Page 124 May, 2018 Page 868 of 884 Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018 Florida Forever Five-Year Plan

Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Map 248

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OSGEOU State Aquatic Preserves POLK

0 2 4 8 DECEMBER 2016 Miles

Page 125 May, 2018 Page 869 of 884 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (Lower Suwannee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Withlacoochee River Sub-basins)

Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration Water Quality Restoration Program Florida Department of Environmental Protection

with participation from the Suwannee River Basin Stakeholders

June 2018

2600 Blair Stone Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32399 floridadep.gov

Page 134 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

Acknowledgments

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection adopted the Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan by Secretarial Order as part of its statewide watershed management approach to restore and protect Florida's water quality. The plan was developed in coordination with stakeholders, identified below, with participation from affected local, regional, and state governmental interests; elected officials and citizens; and private interests.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Noah Valenstein, Secretary

Table A-1. Suwannee River Basin stakeholders Type of Entity Name Agricultural producers

Counties: Dixie Gilchrist Hamilton Lafayette Levy Madison Suwannee Taylor Responsible Stakeholders Cities, Towns, and Communities: Bell Branford Chiefland Fanning Springs Lee Live Oak Madison Mayo Trenton Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Department of Environmental Protection Responsible Agencies Florida Department of Health Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Homeowners/Citizens Suwannee River Partnership Florida Farm Bureau Federation Florida Onsite Wastewater Association Florida Springs Council Other Interested Stakeholders Florida Springs Institute Lafayette County Soil and Water Conservation District Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District Sierra Club University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Page 2 of 110 Page 135 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

Appendix A contains links to important sources referenced in this document. For additional information on the watershed management approach for the Lower Suwannee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Withlacoochee River Sub-basins, contact:

Terry Hansen, P.G., Basin Coordinator Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Quality Restoration Program, Watershed Planning and Coordination Section 2600 Blair Stone Road, Mail Station 3565 Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400 Email: [email protected] Phone: (850) 245–8561

Page 3 of 110 Page 136 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ...... 2 Table of Contents ...... 4 List of Figures ...... 6 List of Tables ...... 7 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations ...... 9 Executive Summary ...... 12 Section 1 : Background ...... 17 1.1 Legislation ...... 17 1.2 Water Quality Standards and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) ...... 17 1.3 BMAP Requirements ...... 18 1.4 BMAP Area ...... 19 1.5 Priority Focus Areas (PFAs) ...... 19 1.6 Other Scientific and Historical Information ...... 28 1.7 Stakeholder Involvement ...... 28 1.8 Description of BMPs Adopted by Rule ...... 29 Section 2 : Implementation to Achieve the TMDLs ...... 30 2.1 Allocation of Pollutant Loads ...... 30 2.2 Prioritization of Management Strategies ...... 37 2.3 Load Reduction Strategy ...... 37 2.4 OSTDS Management Strategies ...... 39 2.5 UTF Management Strategies ...... 43 2.6 Agricultural Sources Management Strategies and Additional Reduction Options ...... 44 2.7 STF Management Strategies ...... 47 2.8 WWTF Management Strategies ...... 48 2.9 Atmospheric Deposition Management Strategies ...... 51 2.10 Future Growth Management Strategies ...... 51 2.11 Protection of Surface Water and Groundwater Resources through Land Conservation ...... 52 2.12 Commitment to Implementation ...... 52 Section 3 : Monitoring and Reporting ...... 53 3.1 Methods for Evaluating Progress ...... 53 3.2 Adaptive Management Measures ...... 53 3.3 Water Quality and Biological Monitoring ...... 54 Appendices ...... 60

Page 4 of 110 Page 137 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

Appendix A. Important Links ...... 60 Appendix B. Projects to Reduce Nitrogen Sources ...... 61 Appendix C. PFAs ...... 76 Appendix D. OSTDS Remediation Plan ...... 77 Appendix E. Technical Support Information ...... 85 Appendix F. FDACS Information on BMPs ...... 93

Page 5 of 110 Page 138 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

List of Figures

Figure ES-1. Suwannee River BMAP and PFA boundaries ...... 13 Figure 1. Suwannee River BMAP area ...... 21 Figure 2. Lower Suwannee River PFA and sub-basin boundary ...... 23 Figure 3. Middle Suwannee River PFA and sub-basin boundary ...... 25 Figure 4. Withlacoochee River PFA and sub-basin boundary ...... 26 Figure 5. Loading to groundwater by source in the Lower Suwannee River Springshed ...... 34 Figure 6. Loading to groundwater by source in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed ...... 35 Figure 7. Loading to groundwater by source in the Withlacoochee River Springshed ...... 35 Figure 8. OSTDS locations in the Lower Suwannee River Sub-basin ...... 40 Figure 9. OSTDS locations in the Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin ...... 41 Figure 10. OSTDS locations in the Withlacoochee River Sub-basin ...... 42 Figure 11. Locations of domestic WWTFs in the Suwannee River BMAP area ...... 49 Figure 12. Groundwater and surface water stations sampled in the Suwannee River Basin ...... 58 Figure D-1. OSTDS locations in the Lower Suwannee River Sub-basin PFA ...... 81 Figure D-2. OSTDS locations in the Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin PFA ...... 82 Figure D-3. OSTDS locations in the Withlacoochee River Sub-basin PFA ...... 83 Figure F-1. Composite of agricultural lands in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area ...... 97 Figure F-2. Composite of agricultural lands in the Withlacoochee River Springshed ...... 98 Figure F-3. Composite of agricultural lands in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed ...... 99 Figure F-4. Composite of agricultural lands in the Lower Suwannee River Springshed ...... 100 Figure F-5. BMP enrollment in the Suwannee River Basin as of December 31, 2016 ...... 103 Figure F-6. BMP enrollment in the Withlacoochee River Springshed as of December 31, 2016 ...... 104 Figure F-7. BMP enrollment in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed as of December 31, 2016 ...... 105 Figure F-8. BMP enrollment in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed as of December 31, 2016 ...... 106

Page 6 of 110 Page 139 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

List of Tables

Table A-1. Suwannee River Basin stakeholders ...... 2 Table ES-1. WWTF effluent standards ...... 15 Table 1. Restoration targets for the impaired river and OFS in the Suwannee River Basin ...... 18 Table 2. Acreage for each sub-basin in the BMAP area ...... 22 Table 3. OFS for each sub-basin in the BMAP area ...... 22 Table 4. Land uses for each sub-basin in the BMAP area ...... 22 Table 5. BMPs and BMP manuals adopted by rule as of June 2017 ...... 29 Table 6. Estimated nitrogen load to groundwater by source in the three springsheds ...... 31 Table 7. Total reduction required to meet the TMDLs inside springsheds ...... 36 Table 8. Total reduction required to meet the TMDLs outside springsheds ...... 36 Table 9. Nitrogen reduction schedule (lb-N/yr) ...... 37 Table 10. Summary of potential credits for the Suwannee River BMAP to meet the TMDL ...... 38 Table 11. Current project credits to reduce UTF loading to groundwater ...... 43 Table 12. Maximum UTF load reductions based on existing public education credit policies .... 44 Table 13. Estimated acreages for additional agricultural projects and practices ...... 46 Table 14. Potential for additional load reductions to groundwater ...... 47 Table 15. Maximum load reductions from STF improvements based on existing credit policies 48 Table 16. Wastewater effluent standards for the BMAP area ...... 50 Table 17. SRWMD conservation land purchases through the Florida Forever Program ...... 52 Table 18. Core water quality indicators ...... 55 Table 19. Supplemental water quality indicators and field parameters ...... 55 Table 20. Biological response measures for spring runs ...... 56 Table B-1. Stakeholder projects to reduce nitrogen sources ...... 62 Table D-1. Estimated reduction credits for additional OSTDS enhancement or sewer* ...... 79 Table E-1. Distribution of property values and the probability of fertilization within the three springsheds ...... 86 Table E-2. Daily waste factors for dairy ...... 87 Table E-3. Daily waste factors for beef cattle ...... 88 Table E-4. Daily waste factors for miscellaneous livestock ...... 88 Table E-5. Summary of crop types and assumed nitrogen application rates ...... 89 Table E-6. Estimated nitrogen inputs to the land surface by source category and recharge area within the three springsheds (lb-N/yr) ...... 89 Table E-7. Range of environmental attenuation of nitrogen from a detailed literature review .... 90 Table E-8. Estimated nitrogen load to groundwater by source category and recharge area within the three springsheds (lb-N/yr) ...... 91 Table F-1. Fertilized croplands in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area ...... 94 Table F-2. Livestock lands in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area ...... 96

Page 7 of 110 Page 140 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

Table F-3. Agricultural acreage and BMP enrollment in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area as of December 31, 2016 ...... 107 Table F-4. Agricultural acreage and BMP enrollment in the Suwannee River Basin by springshed as of December 31, 2016 ...... 107 Table F-5. Beyond BMP implementation ...... 110

Page 8 of 110 Page 141 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations ac Acre AWT Advanced Wastewater Treatment ATU Aerobic Treatment Unit BAF Biochemical Attenuation Factor BMAP Basin Management Action Plan BMPs Best Management Practices CAFO Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation CARES County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship CASTNET Clean Air Status and Trends Network cfs Cubic Feet per Second CMAQ Community Multiscale Air Quality DEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection DMR Discharge Monthly Report DO Dissolved Oxygen EPA Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.) F.A.C. Florida Administrative Code F.A.R. Florida Administrative Register F.S. Florida Statutes FDACS Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services FDOH Florida Department of Health FDOT Florida Department of Transportation FF Farm Fertilizer FFB Florida Farm Bureau FGS Florida Geological Survey FLUCCS Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System FLWMI Florida Water Management Inventory FOWA Florida Onsite Wastewater Association FPS Florida Park Service FSAID Florida Statewide Agricultural Irrigation Demand FY Fiscal Year FYN Florida Yards and Neighborhoods GIS Geographic Information System gpd Gallons Per Day HA Habitat Assessment HDPE High-Density Polyethylene IA Implementation Assurance ILG Irrigated Lands Geodatabase IV Implementation Verification in/yr Inch Per Year lb-N/yr Pounds of Nitrogen Per Year LVS Linear Vegetation Survey

Page 9 of 110 Page 142 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

LW Livestock Waste MFL Minimum Flow and Level mgd Million Gallons Per Day mg/L Milligrams Per Liter NA Not Applicable NADP National Atmospheric Deposition Program NASS National Agricultural Statistics Service NELAC National Environmental Accreditation Conference NELAP National Environmental Accreditation Program NNC Numeric Nutrient Criteria NOI Notice of Intent NPDES National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System NSF NSF International (formerly National Sanitation Foundation) NSILT Nitrogen Source Inventory Loading Tool NTN National Trends Network OAWP Office of Agricultural Water Policy (FDACS) OFS Outstanding Florida Spring OSTDS Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System PBTS Performance-based Treatment System PFA Priority Focus Area PSA Public Service Announcement QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control RFA Restoration Focus Area RIB Rapid Infiltration Basin RIVER Regulatory Initiative Valuing Environmental Resources (Program) RPS Rapid Periphyton Survey SAV Submerged Aquatic Vegetation SBIO DEP Statewide Biological Database SCC Suwannee Country Club SCI Stream Condition Index SOP Standard Operating Procedure SRWMD Suwannee River Water Management District STF Sports Turfgrass Fertilizer STORET Florida Storage and Retrieval System SWFWMD Southwest Florida Water Management District SWIM Surface Water Improvement and Management TBD To Be Determined TDEP Total Atmospheric Deposition Model TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load TN Total Nitrogen TP Total Phosphorus TSS Total Suspended Solids UFA Upper Floridan aquifer

Page 10 of 110 Page 143 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

UF–IFAS University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture USGS U.S. Geologic Survey UTF Urban Turfgrass Fertilizer WAFR Wastewater Facility Regulation (Database) WBID Waterbody Identification (Number) WIN Florida Watershed Information Network (Database) WMD Water Management District WWTF Wastewater Treatment Facility

Page 11 of 110 Page 144 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

Executive Summary

Suwannee River Basin The Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act (Chapter 373, Part VIII, Florida Statutes [F.S.]), provides for the protection and restoration of Outstanding Florida Springs (OFS), which comprise 24 first magnitude springs, 6 additional named springs, and their associated spring runs. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has assessed water quality in each OFS and determined that 24 of the 30 OFS are impaired for the nitrate form of nitrogen. Seven springs in the Suwannee River Basin are impaired OFS: Fanning Springs, Manatee Spring, Falmouth Spring, Troy Spring, Lafayette Blue Spring, Madison Blue Spring, and Peacock Springs.

The Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) area (Figure ES-1) comprises three sub-basins (Lower Suwannee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Withlacoochee River) and encompasses 1,323,662 acres in eastern Dixie, eastern Madison, western Hamilton, northeast and eastern Lafayette, western Levy, western Gilchrist, small pockets of Taylor and Columbia counties, and the majority of Suwannee County. Population centers include Live Oak and Branford in Suwannee County, Mayo in Lafayette County, Bell and Trenton in Gilchrist County, Fanning Springs in Gilchrist and Levy counties, Chiefland in Levy County, and Madison, and Lee and Madison County.

Suwannee River Priority Focus Areas (PFAs) PFAs totaling 839,681 acres are delineated for the OFS in each sub-basin (see Appendix C). The Lower Suwannee River Sub-basin comprises 431,722 acres, of which 199,928 acres are designated as a PFA for Fanning and Manatee Springs. The Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin covers an area of 704,802 acres, of which 554,965 acres are designated as a combined PFA for Troy, Peacock, Lafayette Blue, and Falmouth Springs. The Withlacoochee River Sub-basin comprises 187,138 acres, of which 84,788 acres are designated as a PFA for Madison Blue Spring.

Nitrogen Source Identification, Required Reductions, and Options to Achieve Reductions DEP set nitrate water quality restoration targets of 0.35 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for the Suwannee River and associated springs. The seven OFS addressed by this BMAP have the same water quality restoration target.

In the springsheds and basins for the OFS, farm fertilizer (FF) represents 60 % and livestock waste (LW) represents 22 % of the total nitrogen loading to groundwater, based on the results of the Nitrogen Source Inventory Loading Tool (NSILT) developed by DEP.

Page 12 of 110 Page 145 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

.44-• N. •

Jefferson WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER *6

•

Madison

Baker

Colum bia Peacock Springs

Lafayette Blue Spring

Taylor Union Lafayette 4r•-• Bradford 1 • • . %.

, 't "•••.' • Alachua Gilchrist- • • LOWER SUWANNEE;- Fanning RIVER Springs Fanning Trenton Dixie • rings • Manatee Spring

Gulf of Mexico

••••• *6 • `ay*.

ridirion

Suwannee River -A- Springs PFAs BMAP Area Springsheds Map prepare d by the Division of Environmental Assessment and Cities Restoration. this map is not for legal decision making purposes. Stream River N IC'S] Benjamin Mtler (850) 245-8547 , BMA P: Terry. Hansen (850)245-8561 Interstate Map ID: 2O_BMAP_Area_071217_3 Waterbodies SP• ••• • ••. Created 07-11-2017 . A 1••••• _O Suwannee River BMAP Miles Florida Counties 0 10 20

Figure ES-1. Suwannee River BMAP and PFA boundaries

Page 13 01110 Page 146 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

The total load reduction required to meet the total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) at the spring vents is 4,075,935 pounds of nitrogen per year (lb-N/yr). To measure progress towards achieving the necessary load reduction, DEP has established the following milestones:

• Initial reduction of 1,222,781 lb-N/yr (30 %) within 5 years.

• An additional 2,037,968 lb-N/yr (50 %) within 10 years.

• The remaining 815,187 lb-N/yr (20 %) within 15 years.

• For a total of 4,075,935 lb-N/yr within 20 years.

The policies and submitted projects included within this BMAP are estimated to achieve a reduction of 2,541,035 to 4,859,027 lb-N/yr to groundwater. While reductions to groundwater will benefit the springs, it is uncertain to know with precision how those reductions will impact the necessary reductions at the springs. DEP will continue to monitor the springs to evaluate those reductions as projects are implemented against the required load reductions above. The BMAP is designed to achieve 80 % of the load reductions needed for the spring vents within 10 years of adoption and 100 % within 15 years. Projects and strategies are designed to achieve nitrogen reductions in the Suwannee Basin but are expected to provide benefits to all springs vents within the springshed/contributing area. DEP will evaluate progress towards these milestones and will report to the Governor and Florida Legislature. DEP will adjust management strategies to ensure the target concentrations are achieved.

For the list of projects to improve water quality, see Appendix B. Possible load reductions include projects resulting from policies for owner-implemented best management practices (BMPs) for FF, dairy waste, and other LW; wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) upgrades; policies to reduce urban turfgrass fertilizer (UTF) application; and voluntary onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (OSTDS) enhancements or conversions to sewer.

Successful BMAP implementation requires commitment, dedicated state funding, and follow-up. Stakeholders have expressed their intention to carry out the plan, monitor its effects, and continue to coordinate within and across jurisdictions to achieve nutrient reduction goals. As the TMDLs must be achieved within 20 years, DEP, water management districts (WMDs), Florida Department of Health (FDOH), and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will implement management strategies using the annual Legacy Florida appropriation from the legislature of at least $50 million to reduce nitrogen in impaired OFS. DEP, working with the coordinating agencies, will continue to invest existing funds and explore other opportunities and potential funding sources for springs restoration efforts.

Restoration Approaches Load reduction to the aquifer is needed to achieve the load reductions requirements at the spring vent. To ensure that load reductions are achieved at the spring vent, the following restorations actions are being established. These actions are designed to reduce the amount of nutrients to the

Page 14 of 110 Page 147 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018 aquifer, which will reduce the load at the vent and ultimately achieve the necessary reductions. Monitoring of the vent during implementation will be implemented to monitor progress.

• New OSTDS – Upon BMAP adoption, the OSTDS remediation plan prohibits new systems on lots of less than 1 acre within the PFAs, unless the system includes enhanced treatment of nitrogen as defined by the OSTDS remediation plan, or unless the OSTDS permit applicant demonstrates that sewer connections will be available within 5 years. The OSTDS remediation plan is incorporated as Appendix D.

• Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTFs) − The effluent standards listed in Table ES-1 will apply to all new and existing WWTFs in the BMAP (inside and outside the PFAs).

Table ES-1. WWTF effluent standards d = Gallons per da Nitrogen Concentration Limits Nitrogen Concentration Limits for Rapid Infiltration Basins for All Other Land Disposal 95% of the Permitted Capacity (RIBs) and Absorption Fields Methods, Including Reuse (gpd) (mg/L) (mg/L) Greater than 100,000 3 3 20,000 to 100,000 3 6 Less than 20,000 6 6

• Urban Turfgrass Fertilizer (UTF) – UTF sources can receive up to 6 % credit for the DEP-approved suite of public education and source control ordinances. Entities have the option to collect and provide monitoring data to quantify reduction credits for additional measures.

• Sports Turfgrass Fertilizer (STF) – STF sources include golf courses and other sporting facilities. Golf courses can receive up to 10 % credit for implementing the Golf Course BMP Manual. Other sports fields can receive up to 6 % credit for managing their fertilizer applications to minimize transport to groundwater.

• FF – All FF sources are required to implement BMPs or perform monitoring to demonstrate compliance with the TMDL. A 15 % reduction to groundwater is estimated for owner-implemented BMPs. Additional credits could be achieved through better documentation of reductions achieved through BMP implementation or the implementation of additional agricultural projects and practices, such as precision irrigation, soil moisture probes, controlled release fertilizer, and cover crops.

• LW – All LW sources are required to implement BMPs or perform monitoring. A 10 % reduction to groundwater is estimated for owner-implemented BMPs.

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Additional credits could be achieved through better documentation of reductions achieved through BMP implementation.

• Dairies – Permitted dairies with an approved nutrient management plan receive a 15% reduction to groundwater for owner-implemented BMPs. Additional credits could be achieved through better documentation of reductions achieved through BMP implementation.

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Section 1: Background

1.1 Legislation Chapter 373, Part VIII, Florida Statutes (F.S.), the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, provides for the protection and restoration of Outstanding Florida Springs (OFS), which comprise 24 first magnitude springs, 6 additional named springs, and their associated spring runs. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has assessed water quality in each OFS and determined that 24 of the 30 OFS are impaired for the nitrate form of nitrogen. Seven springs in the Suwannee River Basin are impaired OFS: Fanning Springs and Manatee Spring in the Lower Suwannee River Sub-basin; Falmouth Spring, Lafayette Blue Spring, Peacock Springs, and Troy Spring in the Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin; and Madison Blue Spring in the Withlacoochee River Sub-basin. Development of the basin management action plan (BMAP) to meet the new requirements of the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act for the Suwannee River Basin was initiated in 2016.

1.2 Water Quality Standards and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) A TMDL represents the maximum amount of a given pollutant that a waterbody can assimilate and still meet water quality criteria. The Suwannee River and impaired springs addressed in this BMAP are Class III waterbodies with a designated use of recreation, propagation, and the maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife. These waters are impaired by nitrate nitrogen, which in excess has been demonstrated to adversely affect flora or fauna through the excessive growth of algae. Excessive algal growth results in ecological imbalances in the springs and river and can produce human health problems, foul beaches, inhibit navigation, and reduce the aesthetic value of the resources.

DEP adopted nutrient TMDLs for certain waters in the Suwannee River Basin in 2008, including the Suwannee River, Fanning Springs, Manatee Spring, Falmouth Spring, and Troy Spring (Table 1). The TMDLs established a monthly average nitrate target of 0.35 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of nitrate to be protective of the aquatic flora or fauna in the Lower and Middle Suwannee River and the associated springs. The period of record for water quality data evaluated for the TMDLs was June 1, 2000 through June 30, 2007.

Lafayette Blue Spring, Peacock Springs, and Madison Blue Spring were not included in the 2008 TMDL document, but are also impaired for nitrate. A monthly average of 0.35 mg/L of nitrate (as nitrogen) is also an appropriate water quality target for these springs, and the same target is applied in this BMAP.

Table 1 lists the nitrate (as nitrogen) restoration targets for Fanning Springs, Manatee Spring, Falmouth Spring, Troy Spring, Lafayette Blue, Peacock Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Middle Suwannee River, and Lower Suwannee River. The TMDL targets are listed as monthly averages instead of daily values because changes in aquatic vegetation biomass do not respond instantaneously to changes in nutrient concentrations. A yearly average was not appropriate

Page 17 of 110 Page 150 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018 because algal growth responds to seasonal changes. The percent reductions are the load reductions needed to attain the numeric nutrient criteria (NNC) through the implementation of this BMAP.

Total phosphorus (TP) concentrations rose in the Suwannee River Basin until they peaked in 1983 and have been generally declining since then. During the TMDL process, DEP could not link the impairments with either phosphorus load or concentration and, therefore, is targeting nitrate as nitrogen to achieve standards. Monitoring and evaluation for TP continues as the nitrate TMDLs are implemented.

Table 1. Restoration targets for the impaired river and OFS in the Suwannee River Basin

Waterbody Waterbody Identification or Spring (WBID) TMDL Name Basin Number Parameter (mg/L) Nitrate, Fanning Lower 3422S monthly 0.35 Springs Suwannee average Nitrate, Manatee Lower 3422R monthly 0.35 Spring Suwannee average Nitrate, Falmouth Middle 3422Z monthly 0.35 Spring Suwannee average Lafayette Nitrate, Middle Blue 3528Z monthly 0.35 Suwannee Spring average Nitrate, Peacock Middle 3483 monthly 0.35 Springs Suwannee average Nitrate, Troy Middle 3422T monthly 0.35 Spring Suwannee average Madison Nitrate, Withlacoochee Blue 3315Z monthly 0.35 River Spring average Middle Nitrate, Middle Suwannee 3422J,3422L,3422T,3422U,3422Z monthly 0.35 Suwannee River average Lower Nitrate, Lower Suwannee 3422,3422R,3422S monthly 0.35 Suwannee River average

1.3 BMAP Requirements Section 403.067(7), F.S., provides DEP the statutory authority for the BMAP Program. A BMAP is a comprehensive set of strategies to achieve the required pollutant load reductions. In addition to specifying BMAP statutory authority, the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act (Part VIII of Chapter 373, F.S.) describes additional requirements for the 30 OFS.

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1.4 BMAP Area The BMAP area (Figure 1) comprises three sub-basins and encompasses 1,323,662 acres in eastern Dixie, eastern Madison, western Hamilton, northeast and eastern Lafayette, western Levy, western Gilchrist, small pockets of Taylor and Columbia counties, and the majority of Suwannee County. Urban areas include Live Oak and Branford in Suwannee County, Mayo in Lafayette County, Bell and Trenton in Gilchrist County, Fanning Springs in Gilchrist and Levy counties, Chiefland in Levy County, and Madison, Lee, and Greenville in Madison County.

The BMAP area contains seven OFS and hundreds of other springs. This area includes the surface water basin as well as the groundwater contributing areas for the springs (or springsheds). Springsheds for the OFS were delineated or reviewed by Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) with input from the Florida Geological Survey (FGS). A springshed is the area of land that contributes water to a spring or group of springs, mainly via groundwater flow. Tables 2, 3, and 4 list the acreage, number of designated OFS, and land uses associated with the three sub-basins comprising the BMAP area.

1.5 Priority Focus Areas (PFAs) In compliance with the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, this BMAP delineates three PFAs in the Suwannee River BMAP area: Lower Suwannee River (Manatee and Fanning Springs), Middle Suwannee River (Troy, Lafayette Blue, Peacock, and Falmouth Springs), and Withlacoochee River (Madison Blue Spring). A PFA is defined as the area(s) of a basin where the Floridan aquifer is generally most vulnerable to pollutant inputs and where there is a known connectivity between groundwater pathways and an OFS. The PFAs provide a guide for focusing restoration strategies where science suggests these efforts will most benefit the springs. The documents that describe the delineation process for each PFA are on the DEP website. The link to the PFA document is provided in Appendix C.

1.5.1 Description Nitrogen sources are more likely to influence groundwater quality under certain conditions. For example, where soils are sandy and well drained, less nitrogen is converted to gas and released into the atmosphere or taken up by plants, compared with other soil types. Therefore, local soils play a role in how much nitrogen travels from the land surface to groundwater in a specific springshed. Also, the underlying geologic material influences the vulnerability of the underlying aquifers and the rate of lateral movement within the Floridan aquifer toward the springs and river. These conditions, and others, were considered in the delineation of the Lower Suwannee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Withlacoochee River PFAs (see Appendix C).

The PFA boundaries delineated in Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4 were developed by overlaying geographic information system (GIS) coverages of groundwater recharge rates, aquifer vulnerability, soil types, conservation lands, and potential nitrogen source information. A description of each PFA follows each figure.

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Following BMAP adoption, DEP will ensure that the GIS files associated with the PFA boundary are available to the public on the DEP Map Direct webpage.

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Figure 1. Suwannee River BMAP area

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Table 2. Acreage for each sub-basin in the BMAP area Lower Suwannee River Middle Suwannee River Withlacoochee River Characteristic Sub-basin Sub-basin Sub-basin Acreage 431,722 acres 704,802 acres 187,138 acres

Table 3. OFS for each sub-basin in the BMAP area Spring Name Spring Name Spring Name (County Where (County Where (County Where Springs Located) Located) Located) Falmouth Spring (Suwannee) Lafayette Blue Spring Fanning Springs (Levy) Madison Blue Spring OFS (Lafayette) Manatee Spring (Levy) (Madison) Peacock Springs (Suwannee) Troy Spring (Lafayette)

Table 4. Land uses for each sub-basin in the BMAP area % of Total Land Uses in % of Total Land Uses in % of Total Land Uses in Land Use the Lower Suwannee the Middle Suwannee the Withlacoochee River River Sub-basin River Sub-basin Sub-basin Forest 42 47 49 Agriculture 34 27 31 Urban 10 10 7 Wetlands 11 9 7 Rangeland 3 6 5 Water 0 1 1

The Lower Suwannee River Sub-basin comprises 431,722 acres, of which 199,928 acres are designated as the PFA for Fanning and Manatee Springs. The PFA covers most of the combined springshed for these and several smaller springs, including areas with high groundwater recharge/vulnerability conditions and soil conditions that tend to leach nitrogen. It includes potential areas of higher nitrogen loading from agriculture and urban land uses, as well as an area where groundwater travel to the springs could occur rapidly. It also includes interconnected areas of agricultural land use, areas of urban development, areas with onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS or septic systems, the terms are used interchangeably through this document), domestic wastewater facilities, and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). All of these have the potential to contribute to nitrogen enrichment in the aquifer and springs.

The Lower Suwannee River PFA includes parts of Gilchrist and Levy counties. It includes the Cities of Fanning Springs, Chiefland, and Trenton, in addition to Fanning Springs State Park, Manatee Springs State Park, Hart Springs Park, a corridor along the Suwannee River of SRWMD-managed state land and conservation easements, and state wildlife management areas. Conservation land boundaries, natural features, political boundaries, roads, and survey boundaries in the area were also considered in the development of a readily identifiable boundary.

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Lower Suwannee River ,A. Willt-411-.4 . r- Springs • ww.pfirilihe- -• .444, BMAP Area Fanning-Manatee IIV Fanning-Manatee PFA !Oen prepared by the Mason of Envircnmental Assessment and C:31 Springshed PAZ* Rest orabon. this map is not for legal decision making purposes. dr Cities IGISIGenjarnin mbar (850) 24543547 ,,,....,„ ^, %.,.^-- Stream River MIMI N BMAP: Terry Hansen (B50)24543661 .e. 3-`-‘,, /..re*,./.... Interstate l'iL111 A Map ID. SR_BMAP_Area_071217_Lowe \,.. so Waterbodies ..... wiPINIdim Created 07-11-2017 • ....; Suwannee River BMAP vides C o 3 6 12 Florida Counties • .44,1 Figure 2. Lower Suwannee River PFA and sub-basin boundary

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The Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin comprises an area of 704,802 acres, of which 554,965 acres are designated as the combined PFA for Troy, Lafayette Blue, Peacock, and Falmouth Springs. The PFA covers most of the combined springshed for these and numerous other springs along the Suwannee River, including areas with high groundwater recharge/vulnerability conditions and soil conditions that tend to leach nitrogen. It includes potential areas of higher nitrogen loading from agriculture and urban land uses, as well as an area where groundwater travel to the springs could occur rapidly. It also includes interconnected areas of agricultural land use, areas of urban development, areas with OSTDS, domestic wastewater facilities, and CAFOs. All of these have the potential to contribute to nitrogen enrichment in the aquifer and springs.

The Middle Suwannee River PFA is mainly located in Suwannee County, with smaller portions in Lafayette, Madison, and Hamilton counties. It includes the City of Live Oak, portions of the Towns of Branford and Mayo, and part of the community of Day, in addition to Troy Spring State Park, Peacock Springs State Park, Lafayette Blue Spring State Park, Suwannee River State Park, and a corridor along the Suwannee River of SRWMD-managed state land and conservation easements. Conservation land boundaries, natural features, political boundaries, roads, and survey boundaries in the area were all considered in the development of a readily identifiable PFA boundary.

The Withlacoochee River Sub-basin comprises an area of 187,138 acres, of which 84,788 acres are designated as the PFA for Madison Blue Spring. The PFA covers most of the combined springshed. The area contains several important springs along the Withlacoochee River, including Madison Blue, Rossiter, Pot, Tanner, and several other named springs that contribute flow to the system and share the same springshed. This area has high groundwater recharge/vulnerability conditions and soil conditions that tend to leach nitrogen. It includes potential areas of higher nitrogen loading from agriculture and urban land uses, as well as an area where groundwater travel to the springs could occur rapidly. It also includes interconnected areas of agricultural land use and larger areas of urban development, which have the potential to contribute to nitrogen enrichment in the aquifer and springs.

The Withlacoochee River PFA is mainly located in Madison County, with a smaller portion along the Withlacoochee River in Hamilton County. It includes Madison Blue Spring State Park and a part of the Withlacoochee State Forest that occurs as a corridor along the Withlacoochee River. Conservation land boundaries, natural features, political boundaries, roads, and major survey boundaries in the area were used in the development of a readily identifiable boundary.

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Figure 3. Middle Suwannee River PFA and sub-basin boundary

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Withlacoochee Area i 11 1 . . 0 Madison Blue PFA Sl 111: 44 r Ft: p. rd Suwannee River BMAP c:3 Madisonsp Blue kr- ta‘14 ringshed Watt Map prepared by the Division of Eiwironrnental Asse,sm. ' c, I Cities Resloratio2 This map is 501151175151115 5 1 9 a twat ...' ng PLY" . dd•PI.TerrY klansenddep.stateRuS (853) 245-8561 ".2--- Stream River at,":„.„...% Interstate 9 , N PIS] TalmEiSmitrrZtaituS 10501245-8522 ...... , 'lam.g"110 1° a• i w e,. ill Waterbodies —.1 : ' BMAP iliMIMI A - ...... 11-27-2017 , ..... , doe/ Florida Counties MOS * Springs 1. 0 1 25 25 5 a 5

Figure 4. Withlacoochee River PFA and sub-basin boundary

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1.5.2 Additional Requirements In accordance with Section 373.811, F.S., the following activities are prohibited in each PFA in the Suwannee River BMAP:

• New domestic wastewater disposal facilities, including rapid infiltration basins (RIBs), with permitted capacities of 100,000 gpd or more, except for those facilities that meet an advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) standard of no more than 3 mg/L total nitrogen (TN) on an annual permitted basis.

• New OSTDS on lots of less than one acre inside the PFAs unless additional nitrogen treatment is provided, as specified in the OSTDS remediation plan (see Appendix D for details).

• New facilities for the disposal of hazardous waste.

• The land application of Class A or Class B domestic wastewater biosolids not in accordance with a DEP-approved nutrient management plan establishing the rate at which all biosolids, soil amendments, and sources of nutrients at the land application site can be applied to the land for crop production, while minimizing the amount of pollutants and nutrients discharged to groundwater or waters of the state.

• New agricultural operations that do not implement BMPs, measures necessary to achieve pollution reduction levels established by DEP, or groundwater monitoring plans approved by a water management district or DEP.

1.5.2.1 Biosolids and Septage Application Practices In the PFA, the aquifer contributing to the springs is highly vulnerable to contamination by nitrogen sources and soils have a high to moderate tendency to leach applied nitrogen. DEP previously documented elevated nitrate concentrations in groundwater beneath septage application zones in spring areas. To assure that nitrogen losses to groundwater are minimized from permitted application of biosolids and septage in the PFA, the following requirements apply to newly-permitted application sites and existing application sites upon permit renewal.

All permitted biosolids application sites that are agricultural operations must be enrolled in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) BMP Program or be within an agricultural operation enrolled in the FDACS BMP Program for the applicable crop type. Implementation of applicable BMPs will be verified by FDACS in accordance with Chapter 5M- 1, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Permitted biosolids application sites that are new agricultural operations must also comply with Subsection 373.811(5), F.S. Biosolids application sites must be certified as viable agricultural operations by an acknowledged agricultural professional such as an agricultural consultant or agricultural extension agent. Effective nutrient management practices must be ongoing at the application zones in the permit. Plant uptake and harvesting are vital components of the nutrient management plan to remove nitrogen and prevent

Page 27 of 110 Page 160 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018 it from leaching to groundwater. If DEP determines that the site is not a viable agricultural site implementing a nutrient management plan, corrective action will be required.

Groundwater monitoring for nitrate is required for all biosolids and septage land application sites in the PFA to assure compliance with nutrient management objectives in this BMAP. However, groundwater monitoring is not required if the site nutrient management plan limits biosolids application rates of TN with no adjustment for available nitrogen normally allowed by subsections 62-640.500(5) and (6), F.A.C. (e.g. for a recommended fertilizer rate of 160 pounds of nitrogen per acre, only 160 pounds of TN per acre shall be applied). For septage application, groundwater monitoring is not required if the site nutrient management plan limits application rates to 30,000 gallons per acre for sites accepting mixtures of septage and grease (food establishment sludge) or to 40,000 gallons per acre for sites accepting septage without grease. The permit renewal application will include a trend analysis for nitrate in groundwater monitoring wells during the previous permit cycle, and an evaluation of the potential for the facility to cause or contribute to exceedance of the TMDL.

1.6 Other Scientific and Historical Information In preparing this BMAP, DEP collected and evaluated credible scientific information on the effect of nutrients, particularly forms of nitrogen, on springs and springs systems. Some of the information collected is specific to the Suwannee River Basin, while other references provided information on related knowledge for restoring springs, such as nitrogen-reducing technologies, the treatment performance of OSTDS, and runoff following fertilizer applications.

1.7 Stakeholder Involvement Stakeholder involvement is critical to develop, gain support for, and secure commitments in a BMAP. The BMAP process engages stakeholders and promotes coordination and collaboration to address the pollutant load reductions necessary to achieve the TMDLs. DEP invites stakeholders to participate in the BMAP development process and encourages public participation and consensus to the greatest practicable extent. Table A-1 lists the stakeholders who participated in the development of this BMAP.

During the development of the Suwannee River BMAP, DEP held a series of meetings involving stakeholders and the general public. The purpose of these meetings was to consult with stakeholders to gather information, evaluate the best available science, develop an OSTDS remediation plan (including a public education plan), define management strategies and milestones, and establish monitoring requirements. All meetings were open to the public and noticed in the Florida Administrative Register (F.A.R.). Additionally, a public meeting on the current BMAP was held on November 14, 2017, and was noticed in the F.A.R. and in local newspapers.

Upon BMAP adoption, DEP intends to facilitate annual meetings with stakeholders to review progress towards achieving the TMDLs.

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1.8 Description of BMPs Adopted by Rule Table 5 lists the adopted BMPs and BMP manuals relevant to this BMAP.

Table 5. BMPs and BMP manuals adopted by rule as of June 2017 F.A.C. Agency Chapter Chapter Title FDACS Office of Agricultural 5M-6 Florida Container Nursery BMP Guide Water Policy (OAWP) FDACS OAWP 5M-8 BMPs for Florida Vegetable and Agronomic Crops FDACS OAWP 5M-9 BMPs for Florida Sod FDACS OAWP 5M-11 BMPs for Florida Cow/Calf Operations Conservation Plans for Specified Agricultural FDACS OAWP 5M-12 Operations BMPs for Florida Specialty Fruit and Nut Crop FDACS OAWP 5M-13 Operations FDACS OAWP 5M-14 BMPs for Florida Equine Operations FDACS OAWP 5M-16 BMPs for Florida Citrus FDACS OAWP 5M-17 BMPs for Florida Dairies FDACS OAWP 5M-18 Florida Agriculture Wildlife BMPs FDACS OAWP 5M-19 BMPs for Florida Poultry FDACS Division of Agricultural 5E-1 Fertilizer Environmental Services FDACS Division of Aquaculture 5L-3 Aquaculture BMPs FDACS Florida Forest Service 5I-6 BMPs for Silviculture Florida Forestry Wildlife BMPs for FDACS Florida Forest Service 5I-8 State Imperiled Species DEP 62-330 Environmental Resource Permitting

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Section 2: Implementation to Achieve the TMDLs

2.1 Allocation of Pollutant Loads DEP collected and evaluated credible scientific information on the effect of nutrients, particularly forms of nitrogen, on the seven OFS, described below.

2.1.1 Nutrients in the Springs and Spring Systems DEP developed the Nitrogen Source Inventory Loading Tool (NSILT) to provide information on the major sources of nitrogen in the groundwater contributing area for the OFS in the three sub- basins. In addition, this tool is used to estimate nitrogen loads to groundwater from these sources in the spring contributing area. The NSILT is a GIS- and spreadsheet-based tool that provides spatial estimates of the relative contribution of nitrogen from major nitrogen sources and accounts for the transport pathways and processes affecting the various forms of nitrogen as they move from the land surface through the soil and geologic strata.

The first major factor to consider in estimating the loading to groundwater in the NSILT is the attenuation of nitrogen as it moves from its source through the environment, before it reaches the Upper Floridan aquifer (UFA). The movement of nitrogen from the land surface to groundwater is controlled by biological and chemical processes that occur as part of the nitrogen cycle, as well as hydrogeological processes. Many of these processes attenuate (impede or remove) the amount of nitrogen transported to groundwater. An understanding of how water moves through the subsurface and the processes that transform the different forms of nitrogen is essential for estimating nitrogen loading to groundwater from various sources.

A second major factor to consider in estimating the loading to groundwater is the geologic features in the springshed and the related "recharge rate." Water movement between the shallow groundwater (surficial aquifer, where present) and the deeper aquifer (UFA) is slowed by a low permeability layer of clay, silt, and fine sand that retards the vertical movement of infiltrating water from the surface. The UFA occurs in limestone that can be prone to dissolving, and, over geologic time, the development of numerous karst features (sinkholes, caves, and conduits). These features allow water from the land surface to move directly and relatively rapidly into the aquifer and in some areas for groundwater in the aquifer to move rapidly to the springs.

Potential recharge rates from the surface to the UFA are affected by variations in the geologic materials and the presence of karst features. DEP estimated the recharge rate ranges and grouped them into three rate categories, which were applied in the NSILT:

• Low recharge (0 to 3 inches per year [in/yr]).

• Medium recharge (3.01 to 10 in/yr).

• High recharge (greater than 10 in/yr).

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In the NSILT, DEP applied different attenuation factors to different types of sources, so that various biological, chemical, and hydrogeological effects could be estimated. The attenuation that was applied means that the amount of nitrogen leaving a source (such as a livestock operation or a newly fertilized yard) reduces the amount of nitrogen predicted to reach the aquifer. In the Lower Suwannee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Withlacoochee River NSILT estimates, the attenuation rates ranged from 90 % (for atmospheric deposition) to 25 % (for wastewater disposal in a RIB). This means that, for these examples, only 10 % of nitrogen from atmospheric deposition is expected to reach the aquifer, while 75 % of nitrogen from a RIB is expected to reach groundwater, because the remainder is attenuated by various chemical and biological processes.

Phosphorus is naturally abundant in the geologic material underlying much of Florida and is often present in high concentrations in surface water and groundwater. Historical TP concentrations rose in the Suwannee River Basin, peaked in 1983, and have generally declined since then. During the TMDL development process, DEP could not link impairments with either phosphorus load or concentration. The monitoring and evaluation of TP and its influence on the springs continues as the nitrate TMDLs are implemented.

2.1.2 Estimated Nitrogen Loads Table 6 lists the estimated nitrogen loads to groundwater by source. Note that urban stormwater loads are included in urban turfgrass fertilizer (UTF) estimates, while agricultural stormwater loads are included in farm fertilizer (FF) and livestock waste (LW) estimates. Nitrogen loading to surface water will be reduced through the activities and strategies for the sources identified in this chapter for groundwater loading.

Table 6. Estimated nitrogen load to groundwater by source in the three springsheds Total Nitrogen Load to Groundwater (pounds of nitrogen per % Nitrogen Source year [lb-N/yr]) Contribution OSTDS 301,234 3 UTF 293,157 3 Atmospheric Deposition 807,819 8 FF 5,794,980 60 STF 12,819 <1 Permitted Dairies 339,182 3.5 LW 2,087,394 21.5 WWTFs 89,745 <1 Total 9,726,330 100

2.1.3 Assumptions and Considerations The NSILT estimates are based on the following assumptions and considerations:

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• NSILT Nitrogen Inputs – The methods used to estimate nitrogen inputs for each pollutant source were based on a detailed synthesis of information, including direct water quality measurements, census data, surveys, WWTF permits, published scientific studies and reports, and information obtained in meetings with agricultural producers. For some pollutant source categories, nitrogen inputs were obtained using assumptions and extrapolations, and as a result, these inputs could be subject to further refinement if more detailed information becomes available.

• OSTDS Load Contribution – A per capita contribution to an OSTDS of 9.012 lb-N/yr was used to calculate loading from OSTDS. The average household contribution was estimated based on 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data on the weighted average number of people per household for the counties in the area and additional information on the time spent away from home by the school-age population and labor force.

• Nitrogen Attenuation Factors –To estimate the amount of nitrogen loading to the aquifer, DEP applied two nitrogen attenuation factors. Biological and chemical processes that occur as part of the nitrogen cycle, as well as hydrogeological processes, control the movement of nitrogen from the land surface to groundwater. Biochemical attenuation accounts for biochemical processes that convert or transform the different forms of nitrogen, while hydrogeological attenuation accounts for spatial variations that affect the rate of water infiltrating through geological media to recharge the UFA. Given the relatively large range of literature-reported values of biochemical nitrogen attenuation for each source category, DEP used an average biochemical attenuation factor for each source based on land use practices and hydrogeological (i.e., recharge) conditions in the contributing areas.

Other assumptions and considerations for BMAP implementation include the following:

• Unquantified Project Benefits – Nitrogen reductions for some of the projects and activities listed in this BMAP cannot currently be quantified. However, because of their positive impact, it is assumed that these actions will help reduce pollutant loads, and estimated loading reductions may be determined at a later date and assigned to these activities.

• Atmospheric Deposition – Atmospheric sources of nitrogen are local, national, and international. Atmospheric sources are generally of low nitrogen concentration compared with other sources and are further diminished through additional biological and chemical processes before they reach groundwater. Atmospheric deposition sources and trends will need to be re-evaluated periodically.

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• OSTDS Inventory and Loading Calculations – The total number of OSTDS in the basin is estimated based on local information and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) data. Future BMAPs and the associated OSTDS loading calculations may be adjusted based on improved data on the number, location, and type (conventional and enhanced nitrogen reducing) of existing septic systems, and may include additional OSTDS installed since BMAP adoption.

• PFA – The PFA provides a guide for focusing strategies where science suggests efforts will best benefit the springs. The PFA boundaries may be adjusted in the future if additional relevant information becomes available.

• Project Collection Period – The BMAP project collection period is limited to projects after a certain date, based on the data used to calculate the reductions needed. Reductions from older projects are already accounted for in the baseline loading. Projects completed in the springshed after January 2007, were considered for inclusion in this BMAP.

• Legacy Sources – Land uses or management practices not currently active in the basin may still be affecting the nitrate concentration of the springs. The movement of water from the land surface through the soil column to the UFA and through the UFA to the spring system varies both spatially and temporally and is influenced by local soil and aquifer conditions. As a result, there may be a delay between when nitrogen input to the UFA occurs and when that load ultimately arrives at an OFS. The impact of this delay is not fully known.

• Implementation Schedule – BMAP implementation is a 20-year process. This plan defines nitrogen reduction milestones for 5-year (30 %), 10-year (50 %), and 15-year (20 %) implementation, so that the TMDLs will be met no later than the 20-year goal (see Section 2.1.6 for further details). Further, the total reductions and project credits may be adjusted under the adaptive management approach used for the BMAP. This approach requires regular follow-up to ensure that management strategies are carried out and that their incremental effects are assessed. This process acknowledges that there is some uncertainty associated with the outcomes of proposed management strategies and the estimated response of concentration at the springs. As more information is gathered and progress towards each 5-year milestone is reviewed, additional management strategies to achieve the TMDLs will be developed or existing strategies refined to better address the sources of nitrogen loading.

• Changes in Spring Flows – The role of this BMAP is specifically to promote the implementation of projects that reduce the nitrogen load to groundwater, while the minimum flows and levels (MFLs) established for specific springs address water flows and levels. To maximize efforts between the two programs, spring protection projects should provide both water quality and quantity benefits.

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2.1.4 Loading by Source Based on the NSILT estimates, the pie charts in Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7 depict the estimated percentage of nitrogen loading to groundwater by source in the springshed for each sub-basin. FF and LW (mainly from dairies and beef cattle cow-calf operations) are responsible for more than 85 % of the nitrogen sources in each springshed. Stormwater loading to groundwater is incorporated into the various source categories.

Figure 5. Loading to groundwater by source in the Lower Suwannee River Springshed

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Figure 6. Loading to groundwater by source in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed

Figure 7. Loading to groundwater by source in the Withlacoochee River Springshed

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2.1.5 Loading Allocation The nitrogen source reductions are based on the measured nitrate concentrations and flows at the vent, along with the TMDL target nitrate concentration. Table 7 lists the measured nitrate (as nitrogen) loads at the spring vents compared with the TMDL loading based on a target nitrate concentration of 0.35 mg/L. The difference between the spring vent loading and the TMDL loading estimates is the required reduction to meet the TMDLs. The total load that is required to be reduced in the basin is being allocated to the entire basin and actions defined by the BMAP to reduce loading to the aquifer are needed to implement this allocated load.

Load reductions were also calculated for the areas outside the springshed but inside the BMAP area boundary, based on the average load per acre inside the springshed and the total acres outside the springshed but in the BMAP area (Table 8).

Table 7. Total reduction required to meet the TMDLs inside springsheds Load at Spring TMDL Required Reduction to Vents Load Meet TMDL Area (lb-N/yr) (lb-N/yr) (lb-N/yr) Lower 1,276,822 145,500 1,131,322 Middle 1,489,907 693,663 796,244 Withlacoochee 361,000 79,300 281,700 Subtotal 2,209,266

Table 8. Total reduction required to meet the TMDLs outside springsheds Required Reduction to Meet TMDL Area (lb-N/yr) Lower 1,311,640 Middle 214,981 Withlacoochee 340,048 Subtotal 1,866,669 Totals (Tables 7 and 8) 4,075,935

The total load at the Madison Blue Spring vent in the Withlacoochee River Sub-basin was estimated using the 95th percentile of nitrate concentrations and flows at Madison Blue Spring from 2001 through 2016.

The total loads at the spring vents for the Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin (including the OFS) were estimated using the 95th percentile of nitrate concentrations and periods of base flow for the Suwannee River from 2013 through 2016.

The total loads at the OFS spring vents for the Lower Suwannee River Sub-basin were estimated using the 95th percentile of nitrate concentrations and flows at Fanning and Manatee Springs from 2003 through 2016.

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2.1.6 Description of 5-, 10-, and 15-year Milestones/Reduction Schedule The overall load reduction targets are 30 % of the total within 5 years, 80 % of the total within 10 years, and 100 % of the total within 15 years. DEP will evaluate progress towards these milestones and will report to the Governor and Florida Legislature. DEP will adjust management strategies that reduce loading to the aquifer to ensure the target concentrations are achieved.

Table 9 lists the estimated nitrogen reduction schedule, by milestone. Progress will be tracked yearly and adjustments made as needed. At the 5-year milestone, progress will be assessed and load reductions adjusted as necessary. Entities have flexibility in the types and locations of projects as long as they achieve the overall required load reductions. The monitoring of existing groundwater and springs sampling locations is essential. Section 2.3 describes detailed source reduction strategies.

Table 9. Nitrogen reduction schedule (lb-N/yr) 5-Year 10-Year 15-Year Total Nitrogen Milestone Milestone Milestone Reduction (30% of Total) (50% of Total) (20% of Total) (100%) 1,222,781 2,037,968 815,187 4,075,935

2.2 Prioritization of Management Strategies The management strategies listed in Appendix B are ranked with a priority of high, medium, or low. In 2016, the Florida Legislature amended the Watershed Restoration Act (Section 403.067, F.S.), creating additional requirements for all new or revised BMAPs. BMAPs must now include planning-level details for each listed project, along with their priority ranking.

Project status was selected as the most appropriate indicator of a project’s priority ranking based primarily on need for funding. Projects with a "completed" status were assigned a low priority. Projects classified as "underway" were assigned a medium priority because some resources have been allocated to these projects, but additional assistance may be needed for the project to be completed. High priority was assigned to projects listed with the project status "planned" as well as certain "completed" projects that are ongoing each year (any project with one of these project types: "street sweeping," "catch basin inserts/inlet filter cleanout," "public education efforts," "fertilizer cessation," "fertilizer reduction," or "aquatic vegetation harvesting"), and select projects that are elevated because substantial, subsequent project(s) are reliant on their completion.

2.3 Load Reduction Strategy A precise total load reduction to groundwater needed to meet the TMDL is unknown and dependent on a number of complex factors. Ultimately there must be a reduction at the spring vent of at least 4,075,935 lb-N/yr. Based on the totals of all the credits from BMAP actions and policies, the range of total reductions to groundwater is between 2,541,035 and 4,859,027 lb- N/yr (see Table 10). However, due to the proximity of these reductions to the springs and the

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uncertainties of fate and transport in the karst geology, additional actions may be necessary to ensure that the loading at the vent is achieved within the timeline of the BMAP.

To achieve reductions outside the scope of the policies listed, additional project options are available to local entities but have not been planned. Other efforts could be pursued to further reduce the nitrogen load to groundwater in the Suwannee River Basin.

Table 10. Summary of potential credits for the Suwannee River BMAP to meet the TMDL Note: No reductions are estimated for atmospheric deposition sources. Credits to Load to Groundwater Based on Project Tables Nitrogen Source (lb-N/yr) Description Credits identified for stakeholder OSTDS projects OSTDS 52,822 (enhancement or sewer). DEP approved credits (6%) for public education activities UTF 17,658 as well as credits identified for stakeholder stormwater projects. FF Projects 534,760 Credits identified for stakeholder farm fertilizer projects. 15% BMP credit on farm fertilizer load to groundwater, FF 869,247 assuming 100% owner-implemented and verified BMPs on all fertilized lands. Permitted Dairies 167,000 Credits identified for stakeholder dairy projects. Projects 15% BMP credit on permitted dairy load to groundwater, Permitted Dairies 50,877 assuming 100% owner-implemented and verified BMPs at permitted dairies. 10% BMP credit on load to groundwater, assuming 100% LW 208,739 owner-implemented BMPs and verified at all livestock facilities. 6% BMP credit for sports fields and 10% BMP credit for golf STF 1,051 courses on STF load to groundwater, assuming 100% BMP implementation on golf courses and sports fields. Achieved by BMAP WWTF policy WWTF 17,533 (achieving 3 or 6 mg/L). Credit identified for the Madison Blue Spring Aquifer Other 41,850 Recharge Project that DEP provided cost-share funding. Total Credits from BMAP Policies and 1,961,537 Submitted Projects Advanced Agricultural 579,498- 2,897,490 Includes 10%-50% reduction from 100% of fertilized acres Practices and with a change in practice. Procedures Load reduction to meet the TMDL at the spring vents is Total Credits 2,541,035 - 4,859,027 4,075,935 lb-N/yr.

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2.4 OSTDS Management Strategies Overall, there are currently more than 6,000 OSTDS in the PFAs on lots less than one acre, based on FDOH estimates. This BMAP lists six specific projects (Appendix B) that reduce nitrogen loading from existing OSTDS on variably sized parcels by a total of 52,822 lb-N/yr. Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10 show the locations of all OSTDS in each sub-basin.

In addition to the six listed projects, DEP assessed the overall OSTDS loading compared with other nitrogen sources in the PFAs, as well as the relative loading in the wider BMAP area. Based on these assessments, DEP has determined that for the Suwannee River BMAP area, OSTDS contribute less than 20 % of nonpoint source nitrogen pollution to the OFS. Per the Suwannee River Basin NSILTs, septic systems contribute 3 % pollutant loading in the springshed areas and 3 % of the nitrogen loading in the PFAs. Irrespective of the percent contribution, nitrogen loading from OSTDS contribute to the significant degradation of the groundwater, and DEP has determined that an OSTDS remediation plan is necessary to achieve the TMDLs and to limit the increase in nitrogen loads from future growth. Accordingly, the OSTDS remediation plan prohibits the installation of new conventional systems on lots less than 1 acre within the PFA. The OSTDS remediation plan is incorporated as Appendix D.

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Figure 8. OSTDS locations in the Lower Suwannee River Sub-basin

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Figure 9. OSTDS locations in the Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin

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Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

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Figure 10. OSTDS locations in the Withlacoochee River Sub-basin

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2.5 UTF Management Strategies UTF consists of fertilizers applied to the turfgrass typically found in residential and urban areas (including residential lawns and public green spaces). It is applied by either the homeowner or a lawn service company on residential properties, while on nonresidential properties, it may be applied by contractors or maintenance staff.

2.5.1 Fertilizer Ordinance Adoption As required by the Florida Legislature, as described in Subsection 373.807(2), F.S., local governments with jurisdictional boundaries that include an OFS or any part of a springshed or the delineated PFA of an OFS, are required to develop, enact, and implement a fertilizer ordinance by July 1, 2017. The statutes require any ordinance to be based, at a minimum, on the DEP model ordinance for Florida-friendly fertilizer use on urban landscapes.

2.5.2 Prioritized Management Strategies and Milestones Based on the fertilizer ordinances in place at the time of BMAP adoption, the associated credits for UTF reductions to groundwater are 1,466 lb-N/yr (see Table 11). Additional environmental benefits could be credited if the counties and municipalities implement other public education efforts and source control ordinances (see Table 12).

Local stormwater projects that treat urban runoff, including nitrogen from urban fertilizer, are also in place (see Appendix B), for a total estimated reduction to groundwater of 69 lb-N/yr.

Table 11. Current project credits to reduce UTF loading to groundwater Project Credits Based on Management Actions in Appendix B Project Category (lb-N/yr) Fertilizer Ordinances (all entities) 1,466 Stormwater Improvements 69 Total Project Credits 1,535

Since there is uncertainty about the data used in the NSILT estimates to calculate the UTF loading to groundwater, DEP will work toward collecting better data by documenting reductions with the stakeholders. Also, DEP will work with the stakeholders to develop additional measures to reduce fertilizer application.

2.5.3 Additional UTF Reduction Options The anticipated reduction from UTF sources is currently limited to 6 % of the estimated load to groundwater. This reduction can be achieved through a 6 % total credit if each local government has an applicable fertilizer ordinance, landscape ordinance, irrigation ordinance, and pet waste ordinance; carries out public education activities; and implements the Florida Yards and Neighborhood (FYN) Program (Table 12).

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Table 12. Maximum UTF load reductions based on existing public education credit policies Credit, Based on Estimated Load to Possible Nitrogen UTF Groundwater Credits Source Control Measures (%) (lb-N/yr) Fertilizer Ordinance 0.50 1,466 Pet Waste Ordinance 0.50 1,466 Landscape Ordinance 0.50 1,466 Irrigation Ordinance 0.50 1,466 FYN Program 3.00 8,795 Public Education Program 1.00 2,932 Total Possible Credits 6.00 17,589

If all the local governments were to implement the full suite of public education measures, a 17,589 lb-N/yr reduction could be achieved. Currently, it is assumed that all local governments have or will adopt the required fertilizer ordinance for a reduction credit of 1,466 lb-N/yr. Thus, an additional 16,123 lb-N/yr reduction could be achieved through public education and source control efforts.

2.6 Agricultural Sources Management Strategies and Additional Reduction Options Based on data including Florida Statewide Agriculture Irrigation Demand III geodatabase land use, FDACS identified agricultural acreage within the BMAP. An estimated 359,896 agricultural acres in the basin of land in the springshed area are considered agricultural, of which: 198,638 acres are identified as crop fertilizer lands, 155,135 acres are livestock lands, and 6,123 acres are identified as both fertilizer croplands and livestock lands.

2.6.1 FF Loading Nitrogen in agricultural fertilizer is applied at varying rates, depending on the crop and individual farm practices. The NSILT estimated total nitrogen load to groundwater from FF is 5,794,980 lb-N/year, approximately 60 % of the total nitrogen load to groundwater in the BMAP area. FF includes commercial inorganic fertilizer applied to row crops, field crops, pasture, and hay fields. Some of the FF application sites are associated with dairies.

2.6.2 LW Loading Agricultural practices specific to LW management were obtained through meetings with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) extension staff, FDACS field representatives, agricultural producers, and stakeholders. The NSILT estimated total nitrogen load to groundwater from LW is 2,087,394 lb-N/year, or 21.5 % of the total nitrogen load to groundwater.

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2.6.3 Permitted Dairies The loading from LW at DEP-permitted dairies was estimated separately from other LW because specific permit information was available to account for loads, waste management practices, and nutrient management plans. The NSILT estimated total nitrogen load to groundwater from animal waste at permitted dairies is 339,182 lb-N/yr, or 3.5 % of the total nitrogen load to groundwater in the BMAP area. Commercial fertilizer applied to hay and silage at dairies is accounted for in the FF category.

2.6.4 Prioritized Management Strategies and Milestones Subsection 403.067, F.S., requires agricultural nonpoint sources in a BMAP area either to implement the applicable FDACS-adopted BMPs, which provides a presumption of compliance with water quality standards, or conduct water quality monitoring prescribed by DEP or SRWMD that demonstrates compliance with water quality standards. Further, based on the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, Subsection 373.811(5), F.S., prohibits any new agricultural operations within the PFAs that do not implement applicable FDACS BMPs measures necessary to achieve pollution reduction levels established by DEP, or groundwater monitoring plans approved by a WMD or DEP. Failure to implement BMPs or conduct water quality monitoring that demonstrates compliance with pollutant reductions may result in enforcement action by DEP (s. 403.067(7)(b), F.S.).

FDACS will work with applicable producers within the BMAP area to implement BMPs. As of December 31, 2016, NOIs covered 187,312 agricultural acres in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area. No producers are conducting water quality monitoring in lieu of implementing BMPs at this time. Appendix B lists project information. Appendix F provides detailed information on BMPs and agricultural practices in the BMAP area.

With crop-specific BMP enrollment or monitoring for FF areas, an estimated 869,247 lb-N/yr reduction to groundwater can be achieved, based on an average reduction of 15 % in the nitrogen load to groundwater. While DEP has listed larger percentage reductions in nitrogen from agricultural BMPs in estimating benefits to surface waters, the best data available on benefits to groundwater from BMPs indicate a 15 % reduction in the load to groundwater where owner- implemented BMPs are in place. In addition to groundwater reductions from owner-implemented BMPs on fertilized lands, an additional 534,760 lb-N/yr in reductions are estimated from specific stakeholder projects on fertilized lands. This number could increase as more data are collected on the impact of BMPs to groundwater.

For DEP-permitted dairies, the estimated load reductions from owner-implemented BMPs are 15 % in the nitrogen load to groundwater, or 50,877 lb-N/yr, assuming 100 % BMP implementation at these dairies. Additionally, stakeholder projects are estimated to achieve 167,000 lb-N/yr in reductions, for a total estimated permitted dairy reduction of 217,877 lb-N/yr.

For all livestock operations not included in the DEP-permitted dairies category, owner- implemented BMPs are expected to achieve a reduction of 208,739 lb-N/yr, using an estimated

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10 % reduction in the load to groundwater from owner-implemented BMPs at livestock operations.

Summarizing the reductions discussed above, the total reduction from BMP implementation of all agricultural sources is 1,830,623 lb-N/yr.

2.6.5 Additional Agricultural Reduction Options Further reductions may be achieved through implementing additional agricultural projects or practices, including land acquisition and conservation easements. SRWMD is implementing projects to encourage low input agriculture and water quality improvement technologies. Examples of these projects include providing incentives for producers to transition to less intensive cropping systems, changing land use to fallow or native landscape, or changing the type of cropping system. Other reductions associated with the implementation and modification of BMPs may be realized through ongoing studies and data collection. Basin-specific studies are underway to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of BMPs on a site-specific basis.

Table 13 identifies possible these projects and practices with the estimated acreages. FDACS used the Florida Statewide Agricultural Lands Irrigated Database (FSAID) III to identify crop types and acreages where projects and practices could potentially be implemented.

Table 13. Estimated acreages for additional agricultural projects and practices

Action Acreage Precision Irrigation 88,940 Precision Fertilization 51,296 Soil Moisture Probes 95,845 Controlled Release Fertilizer 17,261 Rotational Production 50,048 Cover Crops 87,208 Line Five Storage Waste Ponds 0

The projects and practices listed in Table 13 are a component of the reductions to groundwater that could be achieved through changes in practices (Table 14). For example, a 75 % reduction of fertilizer loss to groundwater on 25 % of the fertilized lands would result in an estimated reduction of 1,086,559 lb-N/yr. Note that these estimates are averaged over the entire basin, and the recharge characteristics of a specific site and the fertilization practices for specific crops may change the estimated reduction for specific acres with a conservation easement or change in fertilization.

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Table 14. Potential for additional load reductions to groundwater Number % of of Fertilized Fertilized 100% 75% 50% 25% 10% Acres Acres Reduction in Reduction in Reduction in Reduction in Reduction in with a with a Load to Load to Load to Load to Load to Change Change Groundwater Groundwater Groundwater Groundwater Groundwater in in (lb-N/yr (lb-N/yr (lb-N/yr (lb-N/yr (lb-N/yr Practice Practice reduced) reduced) reduced) reduced) reduced) 100 204,761 5,794,980 4,346,235 2,897,490 1,448,745 579,498 75 153,571 4,346,235 3,259,676 2,173,118 1,086,559 434,624 50 102,831 2,897,490 2,173,118 1,448,745 724,373 289,749 25 51,190 1,448,745 1,086,559 724,373 362,186 144,875 10 20,476 579,498 434,624 289,749 144,875 57,950

Beyond enrolling producers in the FDACS BMP Program and verifying implementation, FDACS will work with DEP to improve the data used to estimate agricultural land uses in the springshed. FDACS will also work with producers to identify a suite of agricultural projects and research agricultural technologies that could be implemented on properties where they are deemed technically feasible and if funding is made available. The acreages provided by FDACS are preliminary estimates of the maximum acreages and need to be evaluated and refined over time. As presented here, these projects are based on planning-level information. Actual implementation would require funding as well as more detailed designs based on specific information, such as actual applicable acreages and willing landowners.

2.7 STF Management Strategies STF areas fall into two main categories that are evaluated separately: golf courses and sporting facilities (such as baseball, football, soccer, and other fields). There is only one golf course in the entire BMAP area, and thus other types of sports fields are the main source of the load to groundwater in this source category.

2.7.1 Prioritized Management Strategies and Milestones DEP will work with sports field managers and the golf course superintendent to ensure relevant BMP implementation and to estimate reductions associated with these efforts. To improve the golf course loading estimate over a literature-based approach, DEP will also confer with the golf course superintendent to identify the actual rate of fertilizer application to update the golf course load to groundwater. The golf course is expected to implement the BMPs described in the DEP BMP manual, Best Management Practices for the Enhancement of Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses for an estimated 10 % reduction in load.

Sports field managers can assist by reducing fertilizer use, using products that reduce leaching, and more efficiently irrigating their sports turf. The estimated credit for better management of nongolf sports turfgrass is 6 % of the starting load to groundwater. Based on these approaches, the initial calculation of reductions from STF sources is 1,051 lb-N/yr, as listed in Table 15.

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Table 15. Maximum load reductions from STF improvements based on existing credit policies Credit Based on Estimated Load to Possible Nitrogen Groundwater Credits STF Source Control Measures (%) (lb-N/yr) Golf Course BMP Implementation 10 705 Sports Fields BMPs 6 346 Total Possible Credits 1,051

2.8 WWTF Management Strategies In the Suwannee River BMAP area, treated effluent containing nitrogen is discharged to sprayfields, RIBs, and percolation ponds, and is reused for irrigation water. The estimated nitrogen load from WWTFs is 89,745 lb-N/yr. The discharge location (such as proximity to the spring, highly permeable soils, etc.) and level of wastewater treatment are important factors to consider when addressing loadings to groundwater. Additionally, addressing the nitrogen loading from OSTDS could increase the volume of effluent treated and disposed of by WWTFs.

2.8.1 Summary of Facilities There are several WWTFs located in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area, including 6 domestic WWTFs permitted to discharge more than 100,000 gallons of treated effluent per day (or 0.1 million gallons per day [mgd]). Figure 11 shows the locations of domestic WWTFs in the Suwannee River Basin with discharges greater than 0.1 mgd and those with discharges less than 0.1 mgd.

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Figure 11. Locations of domestic WWTFs in the Suwannee River BMAP area

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2.8.2 Wastewater Management Standards and Reuse Management The Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act prohibits new domestic wastewater disposal facilities in the PFAs, including RIBs, with permitted capacities of 100,000 gpd or more, except for those facilities that provide AWT that reduces total nitrogen in the effluent to 3 mg/L or lower, on an annual permitted basis.

DEP requires the nitrogen effluent limits listed below in any new or existing wastewater permit in the BMAP area, unless the utility/entity can demonstrate reasonable assurance that the reuse or land application of effluent would not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the nitrate concentrations established by the Suwannee River Basin TMDLs. To demonstrate reasonable assurance, the utility/entity shall provide relevant water quality data, physical circumstances, or other site-specific credible information needed to show their facility would not cause a nitrate concentration that would be greater than 0.35 mg/L at the spring vents. This demonstration may include factors such as dilution, site-specific geological conditions, research/studies, including dye tracer tests, and groundwater transport modeling. Should DEP concur with the reasonable assurance demonstration request, the TN effluent requirements established here may be modified for the applicant or waived.

The nitrogen effluent limits listed in Table 16 will be applied as an annual average to all new and existing WWTFs with a DEP-permitted discharge. New effluent standards will take effect at the time of permit renewal or no later than five years after BMAP adoption, whichever is sooner.

Table 16. Wastewater effluent standards for the BMAP area

TN Concentration Limits for 95% of the Permitted TN Concentration Limits for All Other Land Disposal Capacity RIBs and Absorption Fields Methods, Including Reuse (gpd) (mg/L) (mg/L) Greater than 100,000 3 3 20,000 to 100,000 3 6 Less than 20,000 6 6

Additionally, new or existing wastewater permits in the BMAP area must require at least quarterly sampling of the effluent discharge for TN and report these sampling results in the discharge monitoring reports (DMRs) submitted to DEP.

DEP encourages the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation as a water conservation measure. The expansion of reuse water for irrigation can reduce reliance on the Floridan aquifer for water supply. The nitrogen load to groundwater from reuse water is expected to be reduced through these WWTF policies, as improvements in reuse water quality will both reduce loads from this source and limit future increases in loading from reuse because of higher treatment levels.

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2.8.3 Prioritized Management Strategies and Milestones Based on the current volumes of discharge and effluent concentrations, the estimated reductions to be achieved through the implementation of these revised wastewater standards are 17,533 lb- N/yr. Appendix B contains detailed information on projects that have either been completed, are underway, or are planned to reduce nitrogen loading from WWTFs.

2.9 Atmospheric Deposition Management Strategies 2.9.1 Summary of Loading Atmospheric deposition is largely a diffuse, albeit continual, source of nitrogen. Nitrogen species and other chemical constituents are measured in wet and dry deposition at discrete locations around the U.S. In 2014, Schwede and Lear published a hybrid model for estimating the total atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and sulfur for the entire U.S., referred to as the total atmospheric deposition model or "TDEP." Deposition data from several monitoring networks— including Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) Ammonia Monitoring Network, the Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Network, and modeled data from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) Modeling System—are combined in a multistep process with National Trends Network (NTN) wet deposition values to model total deposition. The TDEP model run used for the NSILT included data from 2011 to 2013.

2.9.2 Description of Approach Atmospheric sources of nitrogen are local, national, and international. Atmospheric sources are generally of low nitrogen concentration compared with other sources and are further diminished through additional biological and chemical processes before they reach groundwater. Atmospheric deposition sources and trends will be re-evaluated periodically.

2.10 Future Growth Management Strategies New development primarily falls into to two general source categories: new urban development and new agriculture. Nutrient impacts from new development are addressed through a variety of mechanisms outlined in this BMAP as well as other provisions of Florida law. For instance, wastewater from all new and existing urban development is treated through either domestic WWTFs or OSTDS. New WWTFs must meet the stringent nitrogen limitations set forth in this BMAP. Existing WWTFs also must be upgraded to meet these same BMAP requirements. Florida law requires new development to connect to WWTFs where sewer lines are available. Where sewer is not available within the PFA, this BMAP still prohibits the installation of new OSTDS on lots of less than one-acre unless the system includes enhanced treatment of nitrogen, as described in Appendix D. Likewise, all new agricultural operations must implement FDACS- adopted BMPs and potentially other additional measures (Section 2.6), or must conduct water quality monitoring that demonstrates compliance with water quality standards. The associated increased load to groundwater from increases in irrigated farmland must also be addressed in

Page 51 of 110 Page 184 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018 addition to the current loads. Future development must connect to central sewer, if available; or include nitrogen-reducing OSTDS as described in Appendix D.

Other laws such as local land development regulations, comprehensive plans, ordinances, incentives, environmental resource permit requirements, and consumptive use permit requirements, all provide additional mechanisms for protecting water resources and reducing the impact of new development and other land use changes as they occur. Through this array of laws and the requirements in this BMAP, new development must undertake nitrogen-reduction measures before the development is complete..

2.11 Protection of Surface Water and Groundwater Resources through Land Conservation Maintaining land at lower intensity uses through land purchases or easements for conservation and recreational use is one strategy that can help reduce water quality impacts in the Suwannee River Basin. Table 17 identifies fee acquisitions and conservation easements acquired by SRWMD since Fiscal Year (FY) 2007−08 through the Florida Forever Program. These acquisitions are for the entire SRWMD jurisdiction, including the Suwannee River Basin.

Table 17. SRWMD conservation land purchases through the Florida Forever Program * Land acquisition costs incurred during fiscal year but no acres acquired. Fee Conservation Conservation Acquisition Fee Acres Easement Easement Acres FY Expenditures Acquired Expenditures Acquired 2007−08 $4,041,930 493 $6,379,514 3,294 2008−09 $10,965,200 2,171 2009−10 $494,000 84 $1,789,725 786 2010−11 $5,426,437 1,201 $1,557,593 682 2011−12 $250,710 167 2012−13 2013−14 2014−15 $628,145 85 $707,850 35 2015−16 $6,720 * Total $21,562,432 4,034 $10,685,392 4,964

2.12 Commitment to Implementation Successful BMAP implementation requires commitment, dedicated state funding, and follow-up. Stakeholders have expressed their intention to carry out the plan, monitor its effects, and continue to coordinate within and across jurisdictions to achieve nutrient reduction goals. As the TMDLs must be achieved within 20 years, DEP, water management districts (WMDs), FDOH, and FDACS will implement management strategies using the annual Legacy Florida appropriation from the legislature of at least $50 million to reduce nitrogen in impaired OFS. DEP, working with the coordinating agencies, will continue to invest existing funds and explore other opportunities and potential funding sources for springs restoration efforts.

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Section 3: Monitoring and Reporting

3.1 Methods for Evaluating Progress DEP will work with stakeholders to track project implementation and organize the monitoring data collected each year. The project and monitoring information will be presented in an annual update. Stakeholders have agreed to meet annually after the adoption of the BMAP to follow up on plan implementation, share new information, and continue to coordinate on TMDL restoration-related issues. The following activities may occur at annual meetings:

Implementation data and reporting:

• Collect project implementation information from stakeholders, including FDACS agricultural BMP enrollment and FDOH-issued permits, and compare with the BMAP schedule.

• Discuss the data collection process, including any concerns and possible improvements to the process.

• Review the monitoring plan implementation, as detailed in Section 3.3.

Sharing new information:

• Report on results from water quality monitoring and trend information.

• Provide updates on new management strategies in the basin that will help reduce nutrient loading.

• Identify and review new scientific developments on addressing nutrient loads and incorporate any new information into annual progress reports.

Coordinating on TMDL restoration–related issues:

• Provide updates from DEP on the basin assessment cycle and activities related to any impairments, TMDLs, and BMAP.

• Obtain reports from other basins where tools or other information may be applicable to the Suwannee River Basin TMDLs.

3.2 Adaptive Management Measures Adaptive management involves making adjustments in the BMAP when circumstances change or monitoring indicates the need for additional or more effective restoration strategies. Adaptive management measures may include the following:

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• Implementing procedures to determine whether additional cooperative strategies are needed.

• Using criteria/processes for determining whether and when plan components need revision because of changes in costs, project effectiveness, social effects, watershed conditions, or other factors.

• Revising descriptions of stakeholders' roles during BMAP implementation and after BMAP completion.

• Updating information on corrective actions (and any supporting documentation) being implemented as data are gathered to refine project implementation schedules and performance expectations.

Key components of adaptive management are to share information and expertise include tracking plan implementation, monitoring water quality and pollutant loads, and holding periodic meetings.

3.3 Water Quality and Biological Monitoring 3.3.1 Objectives Focused objectives are critical for a monitoring strategy to provide the information needed to evaluate implementation success. Since the BMAP implementation involves an iterative process, the monitoring efforts are related to primary and secondary objectives. The primary objectives focus on achieving water quality targets, while the secondary objectives focus on water quality parameters that can be used to provide information for future refinements of the BMAP. The monitoring strategy may be updated as necessary.

Primary objectives:

• Measure the water quality and biological response in the impaired springs, river, and/or groundwater at the beginning of the BMAP period and during implementation.

• Document nutrient trends in the Suwannee River Basin and associated springs and groundwater.

• Focus BMP efforts by using water quality results combined with appropriate project information and land use in conjunction with statistical and spatial analysis tools.

Secondary objectives:

• Identify areas where groundwater data and modeling might help in understanding the hydrodynamics of the system.

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• Confirm and refine nutrient removal efficiencies of agricultural and/or urban BMPs.

• Develop an advanced BMP implementation plan.

• Identify and implement more effective nutrient reduction strategies.

• Use nitrogen isotope and tracer sampling for evaluating nitrogen contributions from organic and inorganic sources.

3.3.2 Water Quality Parameters, Frequency, and Network To achieve the objectives listed above, the monitoring strategy focuses on two types of indicators to track improvements in water quality: core and supplemental (Table 18 and Table 19, respectively). The core indicators are directly related to the parameters causing impairment in the river or associated springs. Supplemental indicators are monitored primarily to support the interpretation of core water quality parameters. The monitoring network is established for a variety of purposes.

For this BMAP, nitrate is considered to be the key core parameter measured, to track progress in decreasing nitrogen concentrations in groundwater and the water surfacing at the spring vent. The other parameters are considered supplementary parameters for the BMAP, as they build information about groundwater and the spring but are not direct measurements of impairment.

At a minimum, the core parameters will be tracked to determine the progress that has been made towards meeting the TMDLs and/or achieving the NNC. Resource responses to BMAP implementation may also be tracked. A significant amount of time may be needed for changes in water chemistry to be observed.

Table 18. Core water quality indicators Core Parameters Chloride Sulfate Potassium Ammonia as Nitrogen Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen Nitrate/Nitrite as Nitrogen

Table 19. Supplemental water quality indicators and field parameters Supplemental Parameters Specific Conductance Dissolved Oxygen (DO) pH Temperature

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Supplemental Parameters Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Nitrate and Oxygen Isotopes

Initially, data from the ongoing sampling effort being conducted by SRWMD will be used to determine progress towards the primary objectives. Surface water and groundwater monitoring network locations were selected to track changes in water quality and allow the annual evaluation of progress toward achieving the TMDL. Figure 12 shows the locations of the river and spring stations currently being sampled that will be used for the BMAP monitoring in the Suwannee River Basin.

The secondary (research) objectives will be developed based on the results of the actions occurring in the adjoining Santa Fe Basin Restoration Focus Area (RFA). The number and location of the monitoring wells to be sampled or installed will be determined after the initial effort in the Santa Fe Basin RFA provides information on the state of the system and where additional monitoring might be most effective. DEP and SRWMD will be responsible for activities to satisfy secondary monitoring objectives.

3.3.3 Biological Monitoring Biological resource responses represent improvements in the overall ecological health of the Suwannee River Basin (see Table 20).

Table 20. Biological response measures for spring runs Biological Response Measures Chlorophyll a Stream Condition Index (SCI) score Linear Vegetation Survey (LVS) score Rapid Periphyton Survey (RPS) score Key fish populations

An RPS will be conducted to assess the abundance and variety of algae in the river. An LVS will be conducted to assess the types and density of vegetation present in the river and to identify the native versus non-native species. An SCI will be conducted to measure the number of different organisms present in the river. In addition, habitat assessments (HAs) will be conducted to assess the river conditions and habitat present to support the SCI evaluation. Water quality samples will also be collected with the biological monitoring.

3.3.4 Data Management and Assessment As of June 30, 2017, water quality data in Florida are entered by the entity collecting the data into the Florida Watershed Information Network (WIN) Database, which has replaced the Florida Storage and Retrieval System (STORET). DEP pulls water quality data directly from WIN and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) databases for impaired waters evaluations and TMDL development. Data providers are required to upload their data regularly, so the information can

Page 56 of 110 Page 189 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018 be used as part of the water quality assessment process and for annual reporting. Data providers should upload their data to WIN upon the completion of the appropriate quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checks. All data collected in the last quarter of the calendar year should be uploaded no later than April 1 of the following year.

Biological data collected by DEP are stored in the DEP Statewide Biological (SBIO) database. Biological data should be collected and regularly provided to DEP following the applicable standard operating procedures. All biological data collected in the last quarter of the calendar year should be uploaded or provided no later than April 1 of the following year.

The water quality data will be analyzed during BMAP implementation to determine trends in water quality and the health of the biological community. A wide variety of statistical methods are available for the water quality trend analyses. The selection of an appropriate data analysis method depends on the frequency, spatial distribution, and period of record available from existing data. Specific statistical analyses were not identified during BMAP development.

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Figure 12. Groundwater and surface water stations sampled in the Suwannee River Basin

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3.3.5 QA/QC Stakeholders participating in the monitoring plan must collect water quality data in a manner consistent with Chapter 62-160, F.A.C., and the DEP standard operating procedures (SOPs) for QA/QC required by rule. The most current version of these procedures is available on the DEP website. For BMAP-related data analyses, entities should use National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP)–certified laboratories or other labs that meet the certification and other requirements outlined in the DEP SOPs.

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Appendices

Appendix A. Important Links

The links below were correct at the time of document preparation. Over time, the locations may change and the links may no longer be accurate. None of these linked materials are adopted into this BMAP.

• DEP Website: http://www.floridadep.gov • DEP Map Direct Webpage: https://ca.dep.state.fl.us/mapdirect/

• Searchable online version of PFA maps: https://www.floridadep.gov/pfamap

• Florida Statutes: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes:

o Florida Watershed Recovery Act (Section 403.067, F.S.)

o Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act (Part VIII of Chapter 373, F.S.)

• Florida Watershed Recovery Act (Section 403.067, F.S.)

• Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act (Part VIII of Chapter 373, F.S.)

• DEP Model Ordinances: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/fert_ordinances.html • DEP Standard Operating Procedures for Water Quality Samples: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/sas/sop/sops.htm • NELAC NELAP: https://fldeploc.dep.state.fl.us/aams/index.asp • FDACS BMPs: to https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Best-Management- Practices-BMPs/Agricultural-Best-Management-Practices • FDACS BMP and Field Staff Contacts: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions- Offices/Agricultural-Water-Policy • Florida Administrative Code (Florida Rules): https://www.flrules.org/ • SRWMD Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Plans: http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/index.aspx?NID=447 • SRWMD 2017 Consolidated Annual Report: http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/11712 • UF–IFAS Research: http://research.ifas.ufl.edu/

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Appendix B. Projects to Reduce Nitrogen Sources

Prioritization of Management Strategies

The management strategies in Table B-1 are ranked with a priority of high, medium, or low. In 2016, the Florida Legislature amended the Watershed Restoration Act (Section 403.067, F.S.), creating additional requirements for all new or revised BMAPs. BMAPs must now include planning-level details for each listed project, along with their priority ranking.

Project status was selected as the most appropriate indicator of a project’s priority ranking based primarily on need for funding. Projects with a "completed" status were assigned a low priority. Projects classified as "underway" were assigned a medium priority because some resources have been allocated to these projects, but additional assistance may be needed for the project to be completed. High priority was assigned to projects listed with the project status "planned" as well as certain "completed" projects that are ongoing each year (any project with one of these project types: "street sweeping," "catch basin inserts/inlet filter cleanout," "public education efforts," "fertilizer cessation," "fertilizer reduction," or "aquatic vegetation harvesting"), and select projects that are elevated because substantial, subsequent project(s) are reliant on their completion.

Description of the Management Strategies Responsible entities submitted these management strategies to the department with the understanding that the strategies would be included in the BMAP, thus requiring each entity to implement the proposed strategies in a timely way and achieve the assigned load reduction estimates. However, this list of strategies is meant to be flexible enough to allow for changes that may occur over time. Any change in listed management strategies, or the deadline to complete these actions, must first be approved by the department. Substituted strategies must result in equivalent or greater nutrient reductions than expected from the original strategies.

While the 20-year planning period for this BMAP is 2018 to 2036, projects completed since July 1, 2007, count toward the overall nitrogen reduction goals.

Estimated nitrogen reductions are subject to refinement based on DEP verification and/or on adjustment to calculations based on loading to groundwater rather than surface water. Agriculture load reductions (FDACS-01 and FDACS-02) assume 100 % enrollment and verification. Projects with a designation of TBD (to be determined) denotes information is not currently available, but will be provided by the stakeholder when it is available. Projects with a designation of N/A (not applicable) indicates the information for that category is not relevant to that project. Projects with a designation of "Not Provided" denotes that information was requested by DEP but was not provided by the lead entity.

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Table B-1. Stakeholder projects to reduce nitrogen sources

Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount Rotational Lower Grazing and Not Not Not Not Not Alliance Dairy Suwannee AD-01 Aerobic Not Provided. BMPs Underway LW Not Provided Provided Provided Provided Provided Provided River Basin Digester Pilot Project Upgrade WWTF Middle Town of Advanced from secondary to WWTF DEP/ Suwannee BRAN-01 Planned 2017 2018 WWTF TBD $1,500,000 TBD Branford WWTF advanced water Upgrade SRWMD River Basin treatment.

Branford SRWMD: Middle Replace effluent Town of Wastewater WWTF Town/ $231,500 Suwannee BRAN-02 pond at WWTP Underway 2015 2018 WWTF TBD $368,868 Branford Effluent Pond Upgrade SRWMD Town: River Basin with tanks. Failure Repairs $137,368

Reconstruct the City's aged biosolids treatment DEP: Lower Biosolids City of unit (digester). The WWTF $376,560 Suwannee CH-01 Treatment Unit Underway 2016 2018 WWTF TBD $418,400 City/DEP Chiefland project includes two Upgrade City: River Basin Replacement new tanks and other $41,840 equipment to better treat the biosolids.

Restore ~500 acres of sand ponds and rehydrate ~1,250 acres of wetlands by re-establishing N/natural flow Lower through N/natural DEP: Suwannee River recharge features $2,200,000 Lower County/ Springs and an aquifer Hydrologic SRWMD: Dixie County Suwannee DC-01 Underway 2016 2018 Other TBD $2,406,359 DEP/ Restoration and recharge well. The Restoration $106,359 River Basin SRWMD Aquifer project will County: Recharge conserve ~3.26 mgd $100,000 in water supporting water supply and spring flow of Fanning Springs and the Lower Suwannee River.

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount

Re-establish Natural drainage patterns and use natural recharge features and aquifer DEP: Cow Pond recharge wells to $1,500,000 Lower Drainage Basin County/ restore approx. 300 Hydrologic SRWMD: Dixie County Suwannee DC-02 Aquifer Underway 2016 2018 Other TBD $1,600,000 DEP/ acres of sand ponds Restoration $50,000 River Basin Recharge SRWMD and rehydrate County: Project approx. 1,750 acres $50,000 of wetlands while conserving 1.69 mgd of water and support spring flow.

Implementation of $10,084,985 for BMPs existing BMPs on BMP FDACS- Implementation applicable acreage. Not Not Implementation; FDACS Basinwide BMPs Underway FF 869,247 FDACS TBD 01 and Verification Up to 15% Provided Provided BMP - Farm Fertilizer reduction in load to Verification groundwater. TBD

Implementation of $7,909,822 for BMPs existing BMPs at BMP Implementation FDACS- applicable facilities. Not Not Implementation; FDACS Basinwide and Verification BMPs Underway LW 208,739 FDACS TBD 02 Up to 10% Provided Provided BMP - Livestock reduction in load to Verification Waste groundwater. TBD

Florida Department of Fertilizer Eliminate fertilizer Fertilizer Not Not Not Not Transportation Basinwide FDOT-01 Completed UTF TBD Not Provided Elimination in rights-of way. Cessation Provided Provided Provided Provided (FDOT) District 2

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount Comparison of the nutrient removal effectiveness of two Lower FDOT Water different types of FDOT Central SRWMD: Suwannee FDOT-02 Quality Pilot biosorptive Study Underway 2015 2018 Other N/A $180,101 SRWMD Office $180,101 River Basin Project activated media in a roadside swale just east of Fanning Springs. Workshops with Agricultural Florida Farm agricultural Not Not Not Not Basinwide FFB-01 Producer BMPs Underway FF TBD Not Provided Bureau (FFB) producers in the Provided Provided Provided Provided Workshops basin. County Alliance for Responsible Stewardship Not Not Not Not FFB Basinwide FFB-02 Environmental program active BMPs Underway FF TBD Not Provided Provided Provided Provided Provided Stewardship within the basin. (CARES) Replant submerged aquatic vegetation DEP Florida Lower Fanning Springs (SAV) in spring run SAV Park Service Suwannee FPS-01 State Park Planned TBD TBD Other TBD TBD DEP TBD of Fanning and Planting (FPS) River Basin Restoration Little Fanning Springs.

Lower Manatee Spring Replant SAV in SAV FPS Suwannee FPS-02 State Park Planned TBD TBD Other TBD TBD DEP TBD spring run. Planting River Basin Restoration

Middle Troy Spring Shoreline Shoreline FPS Suwannee FPS-03 State Park stabilization at Planned TBD TBD Other TBD TBD DEP TBD Stabilization River Basin Restoration spring run.

Expansion of City: wastewater Fanning Springs $662,000 City of Lower collection and Wastewater City/ Water Quality DEP: Fanning Suwannee FS-01 transmission system Service Area Completed 2014 2015 OSTDS 1,300 $1,276,360 DEP/ Improvement $492,960 Springs River Basin to convert septic to Expansion SRWMD Project, Phase I SRWMD: sewer in Areas 1-4 $121,440 (65 septic systems).

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount

Expansion of wastewater Fanning Springs DEP: City of Lower collection and Wastewater DEP/ Water Quality $2,000,000 Fanning Suwannee FS-02 transmission system Service Area Underway 2015 2018 OSTDS 4,300 $2,120,000 SRWMD Improvement SRWMD: Springs River Basin to convert septic to Expansion / City Project, Phase II $120,000 sewer in Area 10 (60 septic systems).

Expansion of Fanning Springs wastewater DEP: City of Lower Water Quality collection and Wastewater City/ $3,355,100 Fanning Suwannee FS-03 Improvement transmission system Service Area Underway 2016 2018 OSTDS 4,554 $3,395,100 DEP/ City: Springs River Basin Project, Phase to convert 198 Expansion SRWMD $40,000 III septic systems to sewer in Areas 5-9. Construction of a new AWT facility that will have capacity for City of Lower AWT System City/ wastewater flows WWTF Fanning Suwannee FS-04 Expansion, Planned TBD TBD WWTF TBD $7,000,000 DEP/ TBD from Lancaster Upgrade Springs River Basin Phase 6 SRWMD Prison and a portion of Alliance Dairy to benefit Hart and Otter Springs. Convey wastewater Lancaster from Lancaster Prison/ Alliance Prison and Alliance Dairy/ City of Dairy (both City of Lower Fanning Springs Wastewater City/ facilities are Fanning Suwannee FS-05 Wastewater Service Area Planned TBD TBD WWTF TBD ######### DEP/ TBD secondary Springs River Basin Treatment Expansion SRWMD treatment) to City's Improvements advanced WWTF and Aquifer for treatment and Recharge recharge wetlands.

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount A three-phase project to decommission septic systems at Hart and Otter Otter and Hart Lower Springs Water Wastewater DEP: Gilcrhist Springs and to Suwannee GC-01 Quality Service Area Underway 2016 2020 OSTDS 1,724 $5,979,740 DEP $1,829,890 County decommission the River Basin Improvement Expansion (Phase I) wastewater package Project plant at Hart Springs to connect to Fanning Springs WWTP. 6% BMP credit on Lower golf course load to Suwannee and Golf Course groundwater, Golf Courses Middle GC-01 Reduction assuming 100% BMPs Planned TBD TBD STF 705 TBD TBD TBD Suwannee Credits BMP River Basins implementation by golf course owners.

Design and construction of a County Road SRWMD: Middle stormwater Stormwater Lafayette 300 Stormwater SRWMD $142,550 Suwannee LC-01 collection and System Underway 2016 2018 UTF TBD $152,550 County Improvement / County County: River Basin conveyance system Upgrade Project $10,000 that will increase stormwater storage.

Local Public Adopted fertilizer Education Basinwide LG-01 Planned TBD TBD UTF 1,466 TBD TBD TBD Governments Education ordinance. Efforts

Stormwater, Middle Drainage, and Installation of 60 City of Live Groundwater Not Not City/ Not Suwannee LO-01 Aquifer wells for aquifer Underway Other TBD $7,200,000 Oak Management Provided Provided SRWMD Provided River Basin Recharge Well recharge. Rehabilitation Connect the SCC Suwannee golf course to the Middle City of Live Country Club City of Live Oak SRWMD: Suwannee LO-02 BMPs Underway 2014 2018 STF TBD $129,344 SRWMD Oak (SCC) Reuse reuse line and $129,344 River Basin Connection install a pump station.

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount Install a mixer in SRWMD: Middle Live Oak 49/90 the lift station to City of Live WWTF City/ $12,690 Suwannee LO-03 Lift Station eliminate sewage Completed 2016 2017 WWTF TBD $15,363 Oak Upgrade SRWMD City: River Basin Improvements spills and improve $2,673 water quality.

9th and Scriven Reduce flooding by Middle Regional Stormwater City of Live increasing runoff Not Not Suwannee LO-04 Stormwater System Underway 2017 2018 UTF TBD $92,000 Oak treatment in Provided Provided River Basin Management Upgrade stormwater facility. Facility

Identification of a minimum of five existing, high priority stormwater drainage/aquifer drainage wells not within FDOT right Stormwater, of-way to retrofit Drainage, and Middle wells with a Stormwater City/ City of Live Aquifer Suwannee LO-05 pretreatment System Planned TBD TBD Other TBD $866,800 DEP/ TBD Oak Recharge Well River Basin method that may Upgrade SRWMD Pretreatment include: Retrofit detention/retention, biological nutrient removal, skimmers, or biological activated material for advanced water treatment.

2nd Street and Extend the City's Evelyn Avenue Middle wastewater Wastewater City/ City of Live Wastewater Suwannee LO-06 collection system to Service Area Planned TBD TBD OSTDS 1,050 $1,089,300 DEP/ TBD Oak System River Basin serve approximately Expansion SRWMD Extensions, 30 homes. Phase 1

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount This project will improve the quality of stormwater SRWMD: Lake Frances discharged to Lake Stormwater City of Withlacoochee $42,850 MAD-01 Sediment Frances, which System Underway 2017 2018 UTF TBD $77,525 SRWMD Madison River Basin City: Control receives most Upgrade $34,675 stormwater in the city, a 61-acre watershed.

DEP: Rehabilitate or DEP / $2,150,000 replace up to six Nestle Nestle existing drainage Waters / Waters: Madison Blue wells to improve Madison Withlacoochee Groundwater Madison $225,000 MC-01 Spring Aquifer aquifer recharge Underway 2017 2020 Other 41,850 $2,500,000 County River Basin Management Co. / Madison Recharge rates. Recharge SRWMD Co.: benefits are / City of $75,000 estimated up to 3.4 Madison SRWMD: mgd. $50,000 Repair, upgrade, replacement, drainfield modification, addition of effective nitrogen reducing Enhancement of features, initial OSTDS- Existing connection to a OSTDS Various Basinwide Underway 2018 N/A OSTDS TBD TBD DEP TBD 01 OSTDS - central sewerage Enhancement Voluntary system, or other action to reduce nutrient loading, voluntarily taken by the owner of an OSTDS within the BMAP. 15% BMP credit on dairy load to Middle groundwater Permitted Dairy Reduction Suwannee PD-01 assuming 100% BMPs Planned TBD TBD Dairy 50,877 TBD TBD TBD Dairies Credits River Basin owner implemented BMPs on all dairy lands.

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount

Construction of new WWTF at an interchange in DEP: Middle WWTF at I- proximity to the Wastewater Suwannee Not DEP / $2,780,000 Suwannee SC-01 75/CR 136 Suwannee River. 32 Service Area Underway 2017 OSTDS 39,894 $3,330,000 County Provided County County: River Basin Interchange commercial septic Expansion $550,000 systems will be converted to the WWTF.

10% BMP credit on Lower sports field load to Suwannee and Sports Field groundwater, Sports Fields Middle SF-01 Reduction assuming 100% BMPs Planned TBD TBD STF 346 TBD TBD TBD Suwannee Credits BMP River Basins implementation by sports field owners.

Implementation and periodic review and SRWMD- Suwannee River SRWMD: SRWMD Basinwide update of the Study Underway 2015 2017 Other N/A $238,563 SRWMD 01 SWIM Plan $238,563 Suwannee River SWIM Plan.

DEP: Advanced Fertigation system $915,000 Nutrient SRWMD- installation and DEP/ SRWMD: SRWMD Basinwide Management BMPs Underway 2014 2018 FF 272,760 $1,190,700 02 center pivot SRWMD $33,150 Through Center retrofits. Producers: Pivots $242,500

Improved To date, nine DEP: Nutrient agreements with $2,120,000 Middle Application SRWMD- dairies to install DEP/ SRWMD: SRWMD Suwannee Practices in BMPs Underway 2015 2018 Dairy 95,000 $2,670,000 03 screen separators to SRWMD $20,000 River Basin Dairy reduce wastewater Producers: Operations - solids. $530,000 Phase 2

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount Cost-share projects with dairies to invest in advanced treatment Dairy DEP: Middle technologies SRWMD- Wastewater DEP/ $1,500,000 SRWMD Suwannee (bioreactors), BMPs Underway 2016 2019 Dairy 10,000 $1,800,000 04 System SRWMD SRWMD: River Basin additional Improvement $300,000 wastewater storage, and advanced manure solid separation. Improve the DEP: management of Dairy $920,000 dairy wastewater by Wastewater DEP/ FDACS: Middle increasing storage SRWMD- Conservation FDACS/ $250,000 SRWMD Suwannee pond sizes to BMPs Underway 2014 2018 Dairy 62,000 $1,885,590 05 and Nutrient SRWMD/ SRWMD: River Basin achieve greater Optimization Producers $298,004 nutrient uptake and Project Producers: irrigation $417,586 efficiencies.

Agriculture operators are invited to submit proposals to transition to less Sustainable intensive cropping Suwannee systems, change the Springs SRWMD- type of cropping DEP: SRWMD Basinwide Agriculture BMPs Underway 2016 2019 FF 225,000 $3,000,000 DEP 06 system, or change $3,000,000 Pilot Program - the land use to Low Input fallow or native Agriculture landscape for a certain amount of time or a permanent conservation easement.

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount

Agriculture operators, landowners, local Sustainable governments, Suwannee private companies, Springs other entities may DEP: Agriculture SRWMD- submit proposals DEP/ $1,000,000 SRWMD Basinwide Pilot Program - BMPs Underway 2017 2019 FF 32,700 $1,234,626 07 for advanced Producers Producers: Advanced technologies that $234,626 Water Quality can cost-effectively Improvement reduce nitrogen in Technologies groundwater that contributes to spring flow.

Benefits of the annual cost-share projects include: improving wastewater facilities serving hundreds of Regional residents and Initiative commercial entities, Valuing preventing potential SRWMD- WWTF $1,500,000/ SRWMD: SRWMD Basinwide Environmental discharge of Underway 7/4/1905 Annual WWTF TBD SRWMD 08 Upgrade annually $1,500,000 Resources wastewater into (RIVER) receiving waters Program during various flood events, and significantly reducing nutrient leaching through the removal of a substantial number of septic systems.

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount Provide cost-share funds to agricultural producers within Precision the BMAP area to SRWMD- Not SRWMD: SRWMD Basinwide Agricultural implement BMPs Underway 2017 FF TBD $2,500,000 SRWMD 09 Provided $2,500,000 Practices precision nutrient and irrigation management technology. Installation of hydraulic structures in southeast Lafayette and northeast Dixie Middle counties with the DEP: Suwannee River objective of $1,548,000 SRWMD/ Middle Springs restoring natural SRWMD: SRWMD- Hydrologic Dixie SRWMD Suwannee Restoration and water drainage Underway 2015 2020 Other TBD $1,900,000 $277,000 10 Restoration County / River Basin Aquifer patterns. The Dixie DEP Recharge project will County: Project recharge the aquifer $75,000 with ~ 10 mgd of water over ~ 1,500 acres of ponds and 4,000 acres of wetlands. Phase II is over 6,000 acres and will rehydrate natural systems along and Middle adjacent to the Suwannee River southeastern margin Springs of Mallory Swamp; Middle Restoration and SRWMD- thereby increasing Hydrologic SRWMD/ SRWMD Suwannee Aquifer Planned TBD TBD Other TBD TBD TBD 11 available surface Restoration DEP River Basin Recharge water Project, Phase II for wetland (Mallory hydration and Swamp) groundwater recharge, which will enhance springs restoration.

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount

Replace or fix deteriorating retaining walls, stabilize the springs banks to control further erosion, and construct access points to the spring and spring run. It is Lower anticipated this SRWMD- Otter Springs Shoreline Not SRWMD: SRWMD Suwannee project will benefit Completed 2016 2018 Other $140,000 SRWMD 12 Restoration Stabilization Provided $140,000 River Basin the spring by removing nutrients, sediments, and debris from the spring vents and spring runs, and restoring the flow of the original head spring to historic levels.

Lower Improve water SRWMD- Hart Springs Hydrologic Not SRWMD: SRWMD Suwannee quality and spring Completed 2014 2015 Other $76,500 SRWMD 13 Restoration Restoration Provided $76,500 River Basin flows.

The main goal of this project is to stabilize the Middle Pot Spring shoreline along the SRWMD- Shoreline DEP: SRWMD Suwannee Restoration spring run to Underway 2016 2020 UTF 69 $183,600 DEP 14 Stabilization $183,600 River Basin Project prevent sediment from entering the Withlacoochee River. The main goal of this project was to Little River stabilize the SRWMD: Middle SRWMD/ SRWMD- Spring shoreline along the Shoreline Not $90,000 SRWMD Suwannee Completed 2015 2016 Other $104,587 Suwannee 15 Restoration spring run to Stabilization Provided County: River Basin County Project prevent sediment $14,587 from entering the Suwannee River.

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount Improve water quality through the replacement of a failing seawall SRWMD: Middle Charles Spring SRWMD- along the bank of Shoreline Not County/ $105,000 SRWMD Suwannee Restoration Completed 2013 2016 Other $112,378 16 the spring which Stabilization Provided SRWMD County: River Basin Project will reduce $7,378 sediment loads washing into the spring.

Construction of ~300 foot retaining wall, removal of SRWMD: Middle Gornto Springs SRWMD- sediment within Shoreline Not County/ $145,985 SRWMD Suwannee Restoration Underway 2014 2018 Other $152,985 17 spring run, and Stabilization Provided SRWMD County: River Basin Project removal of man- $7,000 made earthen dam and culvert. Install interceptor wells to capture high nitrate Ravine and groundwater. A Convict Springs denitrifying system DEP: Middle SRWMD- Nutrient will be installed at DEP/ $600,000 SRWMD Suwannee BMPs Underway 2016 2020 FF 4,300 $630,000 18 Capture and each spring basin SRWMD SRWMD: River Basin Treatment that will reduce $30,000 Program nutrient loads and return the groundwater at the two locations. Improvements to City/ Lower City's WWTF to City of WWTF WWTF DEP/ Suwannee T-01 provide advanced Planned TBD TBD WWTF TBD $6,200,000 TBD Trenton Improvements Upgrade SRWMD/ River Basin wastewater USDA treatment. SRWMD: Lower Trenton Lift City of Rehabilitate WWTF Not City/ $150,000 Suwannee T-02 Station #7 Completed 2014 2017 WWTF $207,800 Trenton existing lift station. Upgrade Provided SRWMD City: River Basin Rehabilitation $57,800

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Estimated Nitrogen Nitrogen Estimated Source Load Project Project Project Project Start Completion Addressed Reduction Funding Funding Lead Entity Location Number Project Name Description Type Status Date Date by Project (lb-N/yr) Cost Estimate Source Amount Achieved by Lower Wastewater WWTF policy if Suwannee and Treatment Wastewater implemented WWTF Middle WU-01 Facility Planned TBD TBD WWTF 17,533 TBD TBD TBD Utilities BMAP-wide, Upgrade Suwannee Reduction achieving 3 or 6 River Basins Credits mg/L.

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Appendix C. PFAs

A PFA (Fanning and Manatee Springs, March 2017; Madison Blue Spring, August 2017; Troy, Peacock, Lafayette Blue and Falmouth Springs, January 2017) is defined as the area(s) of a basin where the Floridan aquifer is generally most vulnerable to pollutant inputs and where there is a known connectivity between groundwater pathways and an OFS. As required by the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, DEP delineated PFAs for the Lower Suwannee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Withlacoochee River Sub-basins. These PFAs are adopted and incorporated by reference into this BMAP. Detailed information on the PFAs is available in report format at the following link: http://publicfiles.dep.state.fl.us/dear/PFAs.

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Appendix D. OSTDS Remediation Plan

The Florida Aquifer and Springs Protection Act specifies that if during the development of a BMAP for an OFS, DEP identifies OSTDS as contributors of at least 20 % of nonpoint source nitrogen pollution in a PFA or if DEP determines remediation is necessary to achieve the TMDL, the BMAP shall include an OSTDS remediation plan. Based on the Suwannee River NSILT estimates and GIS coverages, OSTDS contribute approximately 3 % of the pollutant loading in the PFAs. Irrespective of the percent contribution from OSTDS, DEP has determined that an OSTDS remediation plan is necessary to achieve the TMDLs and to limit the increase in nitrogen loads from future growth.

D.1 Plan Elements

D.1.1 Installation of New OSTDS

Per statute, new OSTDS on lots of less than one acre are prohibited within PFAs, if the addition of the specific systems conflicts with an OSTDS remediation plan incorporated into an OFS BMAP (see Section 373.811(2), F.S.). This OSTDS remediation plan prohibits new conventional systems on lots of less than one acre within the PFAs, unless the OSTDS includes enhanced treatment of nitrogen or unless the OSTDS permit applicant demonstrates that sewer connections will be available within 5 years. To aid in implementation, the DEP Map Direct webpage includes a detailed downloadable springs PFA boundary shapefile. DEP also maintains on its website an interactive map of the PFA and BMAP boundaries; the map can be easily searched for specific street address locations.

FDOH permits the installation of new OSTDS pursuant to Chapter 64E-6, F.A.C., which includes not only systems installed on a property where one has not previously been installed, but also systems installed to replace illegal systems, systems installed in addition to existing systems, and other new systems. FDOH permitting requirements with respect to the definition of "new" or "less than one acre" will be followed for this remediation plan. To meet the enhanced treatment of nitrogen requirement the system must include at least one of the following nitrogen reducing enhancements:

• Features allowed pursuant to FDOH rule, such as in-ground nitrogen-reducing biofilters (media layer systems)

• Features consistent with and identified in the FDOH Florida Onsite System Nitrogen Removal Strategy Studies report, such as in-tank nitrogen-reducing biofilters

• Other FDOH-approved treatment systems capable of meeting or exceeding the NSF International (NSF) Standard 245 nitrogen removal rate before disposing the wastewater in the drain field, such as aerobic treatment units (ATU) and performance-based treatment systems (PBTS). For FDOH-approved treatment systems that meet NSF 245, but do not meet or exceed the minimum treatment level expected from the in-ground

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nitrogen-reducing biofilters, the drain fields, at minimum, shall be installed with a 24- inch separation between the bottom of the drain field and the seasonal high-water table.

D.1.2 Modification or Repair of Existing OSTDS

At this time, this remediation plan does not require the addition of nitrogen reducing enhancements upon modification or repair of existing OSTDS.

D.1.3 Other Plan Elements

Statutes also require that OSTDS remediation plans contain the following elements.

• An evaluation of credible scientific information on the effect of nutrients, particularly forms of nitrogen, on springs and spring systems. (See Section D.2.)

• Options for repair, upgrade, replacement, drain field modification, the addition of effective nitrogen-reducing features, connection to a central sewer system, or other action. (See Section D.3.)

• A public education plan to provide area residents with reliable, understandable information about OSTDS and springs. (See Section D.4.)

• Cost-effective and financially feasible projects necessary to reduce the nutrient impacts from OSTDS. (See Section 2 and Appendix B.)

• A priority ranking for each project for funding contingent on appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. (See Section 2 and Appendix B.)

The Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act defines an OSTDS as a system that contains a standard subsurface, filled, or mound drain field system; an aerobic treatment unit; a graywater system tank; a laundry wastewater system tank; a septic tank; a grease interceptor; a pump tank; a solids or effluent pump; a waterless, incinerating, or organic waste–composting toilet; or a sanitary pit privy that is installed or proposed to be installed beyond the building sewer on land of the owner or on other land on which the owner has the legal right to install such a system. The term includes any item placed within, or intended to be used as a part of or in conjunction with, the system. The term does not include package sewage treatment facilities and other treatment works regulated under Chapter 403, F.S.

D.2 Collection and Evaluation of Credible Scientific Information

As discussed in Section 2, DEP developed the NSILT, a planning tool that provides estimation of nitrogen loading sources to groundwater based on the best available scientific data for a particular geographic area. The NSILT estimates prepared for the Suwannee River Basin were obtained through separate evaluations of the Withlacoochee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Lower Suwannee River Sub-basins. The results were peer reviewed by SRWMD, FDOH, and

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FDACS. Additional technical support information concerning the NSILT can be found in Appendix E.

D.3 Remediation Options

The NSILT estimates that OSTDS contribute approximately 3 % of the pollutant loading to groundwater in the PFAs. Table D-1 lists the number of existing OSTDS in the PFAs and the estimated nitrogen reductions associated with enhancement or connection to sewer.

Table D-1. Estimated reduction credits for additional OSTDS enhancement or sewer* *Estimated reductions are for either enhancement or sewer per parcel classification. Reductions cannot be combined for the same parcel classification, but can be combined between the different classifications. For example, the sewer credit associated with parcels less than one acre in size can be combined with the sewer credit associated with parcels one acre or greater in size. OSTDS Parcels OSTDS Parcels Credit for Credit for One Acre and Credit for Credit for Recharge Less Than One Sewer Enhancement Greater in Sewer Enhancement Area Acre in PFAs (lb-N/yr) (lb-N/yr) PFAs (lb-N/yr) (lb-N/yr) High 6,290 62,307 42,631 13,523 133,955 91,653 Medium 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 6,290 62,307 42,631 13,523 104,127 71,672

As required by statute, this OSTDS remediation plan identifies remediation options for existing OSTDS, including repair, upgrade, replacement, drain field modification, the addition of effective nitrogen-reducing features, connection to a central sewer system, or other action. More simply, remediation options can be classified as enhancement or replacement. Enhancement options consist of systems identified in either existing FDOH rules or existing and ongoing FDOH studies, or systems not otherwise prohibited by FDOH. Examples of enhancements include in-ground nitrogen-reducing biofilters (media layer systems); in-tank nitrogen-reducing biofilters; and ATU or PBTS capable of meeting or exceeding the NSF Standard 245 nitrogen removal rate before disposing wastewater in the drain field.

Nitrogen impacts from new development could also be reduced through prohibiting new conventional OSTDS on all lots in the PFAs, throughout the BMAP area, or both.

DEP, FDOH, and local governments will develop programs to help fund the additional costs required to upgrade existing OSTDS to include nutrient reducing features. Although upgrading existing OSTDS to include nitrogen reducing features is not required by this BMAP, upgrades would be beneficial within the PFAs and throughout the BMAP area. The funding program will be designed to prioritize OSTDS where it is most economical and efficient to add nutrient reducing features (i.e., systems needing a permit for a repair or modification, within the PFA, and on lots of less than one acre).

To facilitate incorporation of nitrogen reducing features at the time of a permit to repair or modify an existing OSTDS, FDOH will pursue regulatory solutions to accomplish the following objectives:

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• Update OSTDS rule language regarding permits, variances, and waivers to include consideration of DEP-adopted OSTDS remediation plans.

• Update OSTDS rules to allow installation of passive remediation systems, including but not limited to systems featuring liners, nitrogen reducing material, or both underneath the drain field.

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Suwannee • • • 1;. Columbia Lafayette t • •A

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Gulf of Mexico

Lower Suwannee River BMAP Area OSTDS OSTDS e3 Springsheds PFAs Map prepared by the D.ision of Environmental Assessment and 1=2 Restoration, this map is not for legal decision making purposes. Stream River N [GIS] Benjamin M Her (850) 245-8547 ,,..,..„. Cities . - A BMAP: Terry Hansen (850)245-8561 0 Map ID: SR_BMAP_Area_071217_3 ',.... Waterbodies Interstate .. .7 Created 07-11-2017 -L ••••.• IJ Florida Counties L..; Suwannee River BMAP 0 275 55

Figure D-1. OSTDS locations in the Lower Suwannee River Sub-basin PFA

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Figure D-2. OSTDS locations in the Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin PFA

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Withlacoochee OSTDS Springs Suwannee River BMAP 0 Madison Blue PFA Madison Blue Map prepared by the Drusion of Environmental Assesment and Gales Restoration. This reap is not for legal dedsNn mann° purposes. Springshed 85146141) TerreHansen(Nclep.stateflus (850) 245-8561 Stream River ,/%••••^„.• Interstate N [GIS] Talia.E Smith&reep.stateitus4 (1350) 245-8533 Map ID) SR_BM01 _7hla OSTOS C.(N :••••1, A : BMAP ed 11 2 20n Waterbodies I....'. TW), ' gal I Florida Counties • OSTDS 1 25 25 n Figure D-3. OSTDS locations in the Withlacoochee River Sub-basin PFA

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D.4 Public Education Plan

DEP and FDOH will develop and disseminate educational material focused on homeowners and guidance for builders and septic system contractors. The materials will identify the need for advanced, nitrogen reducing OSTDS along with the requirements for installing nitrogen reducing technologies under this OSTDS remediation plan. DEP will coordinate with industry groups such as Florida Home Builders Association and the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association (FOWA).

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Appendix E. Technical Support Information

E.1. NSILT Data

An NSILT workbook was completed for each of the three springsheds in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP: Lower Suwannee River, Middle Suwannee River, and Withlacoochee River. This technical support information identifies the data sources relied upon during NSILT development and documents the major assumptions used by DEP when applying the NSILT approach to the springsheds in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP.

The general NSILT approach involves estimating the nitrogen load to the surface for various source categories based on land use. The NSILT subjects the surface loading to recharge and attenuation to derive the estimated load to groundwater at the top of the aquifer. The estimated load to groundwater determines the scope of reduction strategies needed in the BMAP for each source category. For additional information about the general NSILT approach, see any of the NSILT reports posted online at http://publicfiles.dep.state.fl.us/DEAR/NSILT/.

E.1.1 General Data Inputs

Hydrogeology and Aquifer Recharge Aquifer recharge information is based on a merged layer that combines the 2002 USGS recharge layer for the intermediate and Floridan aquifer systems, and the 2009 aquifer recharge layer produced by USGS for the Florida Natural Area Inventory.

Land Use Land use information is from SRWMD based on the 2011 Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCCS) and 2016−2017 property appraiser data for Suwannee, Gilchrist, Madison, Levy, Columbia, Lafayette, and Hamilton Counties.

E.1.2 Land Surface Nitrogen Inputs

Atmospheric Deposition Atmospheric deposition information is derived from the TDEP hybrid model (Schwede and Lear 2014) that inputs wet and dry monitoring network data for the U.S. and calculates an estimated TN deposition load. The data set is comprised of data from 2011 to 2013.

WWTFs The average annual input of nitrogen to the land surface was estimated for each effluent land application site in the BMAP area using TN concentration and discharge volume data available in the DEP Wastewater Facility Regulation (WAFR) database. The range of years for which data were available varied with the individual WWTFs; however, the majority of the data were from 2015 to 2016.

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OSTDS In 2014, FDOH began the Florida Water Management Inventory (FLWMI), a statewide project to develop GIS mapping attributes for water use and wastewater treatment method for all parcels by county. The results of this inventory can be obtained from FDOH.

Results from the 2016 release of the FLWMI were used to estimate the total number of septic systems within the BMAP area boundary. ArcGIS files provided the locations of both known and estimated septic systems.

The population served by the OSTDS was estimated using the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data. Data were used to estimate the effective population and OSTDS usage. Several literature sources have reported a per capita contribution of 9.012 lb-N/yr, and this value was multiplied by the number of people using septic tanks within the different regions of the BMAP area (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] 2002; Toor et al. 2011; Viers et al. 2012).

UTF Urban turfgrass areas fertilization rates are derived from a 2008 SWFWMD study (Martin 2008). The results provided input data on percent of the population that fertilize, the applicator (landscape professional versus homeowner), and application rates.

The type of property where fertilizer is applied is estimated for nonresidential and residential parcels. The acreage receiving fertilizer is estimated the same for both parcel types by using county property appraiser data and zoning data. Impervious and pervious land areas are determined for each parcel.

Nonresidential parcels are assumed to be fertilized by a commercial service provider at a rate of 21.78 lb-N/acre (ac). Residential parcels are evaluated by estimating the percentage of the property fertilized and the probability of fertilization, listed below in Table E-1. For residential parcels, these factors are determined by utilizing property values (higher valued properties fertilize more often and in greater amounts) and parcel type (single-family residences fertilize more frequently than other residence types).

Table E-1. Distribution of property values and the probability of fertilization within the three springsheds Probability of Springshed Property Value Label Property Value Fertilization (%) Low < $50,000 10 Middle Suwannee Medium $50,001 - $125,000 75 River High > $125,001 90 Low < $55,000 10 Lower Suwannee Medium $55,001 - $145,000 75 River High > $145,001 90 Withlacoochee Low < $50,000 10 River Medium $50,001 - $125,000 75

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Probability of Springshed Property Value Label Property Value Fertilization (%) High > $125,001 90

STF Sports turfgrass areas include golf courses and sporting facilities. Golf course input is estimated utilizing the statewide fertilizer application rate of 4.5 lb-N/1,000 square feet/yr.

Sporting facilities are assessed based on property appraiser data. Acreage of sports turfgrass is verified using aerial imagery. The commercial lawn service fertilizer application rate for nonresidential parcels is used (21.78 lb-N/ac).

Dairies DEP permits and industry feedback are used to obtain herd size and characteristics for both permitted and non-permitted dairies. The nitrogen waste factor for each cattle type is based on published literature values (see Table E-2; Ruddy et al. 2006; Cabrera et al. 2006). The confinement and grazing times; waste management and disposal methods: and herd characteristics are assessed individually for each dairy when detailed information is provided.

Table E-2. Daily waste factors for dairy cattle Livestock Waste Factor (lb-N/day) Lactating Dairy Cow 0.794 Dry Dairy Cow 0.397 Heifer/Springer 0.243 Springers 0.198 Bulls 0.375 Calves- Dairy 0.088

Poultry Poultry operations are identified using SRWMD land use, property appraiser data, and FDACS detailed information on the annual number of birds and litter and manure management practices. For the Suwannee River Basin, an average cycle bird factor of 0.154 lb-N/day is applied to the annual number of birds to account for 8-week rotations throughout a given year. Input is calculated based on the amount of waste generated and storage and application practices; 0.159 lb-N/day for broiler chickens and 0.003 lb-N/day for layer chickens (Ruddy et al. 2006). For all poultry operations, FDACS indicated that 50% of the litter is sold and applied to buyers outside of the springsheds; therefore, only 50% of the nitrogen from litter is included in the total input.

Cow-Calf Operations For cow-calf operations, population numbers are derived from the 2016 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Survey of Agriculture and the estimated quantity of pasture acreage is

Page 87 of 110 Page 220 Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018 based on SRWMD land use. The nitrogen waste factor for each animal type is based on published literature values (see Table E-3; Goolsby et al. 1999; Chelette et al. 2002; Ruddy et al. 2006).

Table E-3. Daily waste factors for beef cattle Livestock Waste Factor (lb-N/day) Beef Cows 0.337 Other Beef Cattle 0.311 Calves-Beef 0.068

Miscellaneous LW Populations of other livestock animals (goats, sheep, hogs, etc.) are estimated from the USDA census of agriculture and SRWMD land use coverage adjusted by percent of land likely to contain livestock in the springsheds. The nitrogen waste factor for each animal type is based on published literature values and subdivided into locations and recharge area. The nitrogen waste factors per animal are listed in Table E-4 (Goolsby et al. 1999; Chelette et al. 2002; Ruddy et al. 2006; Meyer 2012; Sprague and Gronberg 2013).

Table E-4. Daily waste factors for miscellaneous livestock Livestock Waste Factor (lb-N/day) Chicken, broilers 0.002 Chicken, layers 0.003 Equine 0.273 Goats 0.035 Hogs 0.19 Sheep 0.198 Turkeys 0.006

FF Crop acreage was identified by using a composite land use coverage. The FDACS FSAID III Irrigated Lands Geodatabase (ILG), SRWMD land use, and the Cropscape dataset produced by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) were used to assign and classify crop types grown on identified agricultural acreages.

Agricultural fertilizer is applied at varying rates, depending on crop type and farm practices. Estimated applications rates are based on UF-IFAS recommendations and adjusted rates based on producer feedback. The rates are listed below in Table E-5. Application rates are applied to the calculated acreages for the corresponding crop types to estimate FF input. Input calculated for poultry operations is subtracted out from the total FF input to account for poultry manure that is used as fertilizer.

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Table E-5. Summary of crop types and assumed nitrogen application rates Application Rate Application Rate Crop (lb-N/ac/yr) Crop (lb-N/ac/yr) Blueberries 50 Pasture 80 Carrots 300 Pasture_Rye 110 Carrots_Corn 550 Pasture_Rye_Watermelons 340 Carrots_Rye 300 Peaches 90 Container Nursery 90 Peanuts 20 Corn 250 Peanuts_Oats 50 Corn_Oats 250 Peanuts_Pasture 100 Corn_Rye 250 Peanuts_Rye 50 Corn_SmallGrains 250 Peas 60 Cotton 125 Pecans 90 Cropland and Pastureland 60 Potatoes 200 Field Corn 250 Row Crops 106 Field Crops 90 Rye 100 Field Nursery 90 SmallVeg 151 Green Beans 120 Sod 50 Hay 240 Sod Farms 50 Hay AFO 370 Soybeans 35 Hay Fields 240 Soybeans_Carrots 335 Hay_Bermuda 320 Soybeans_DryBeans 75 Hay_Oats 230 SweetCorn 250 Improved Pastures 100 SweetCornCoverCrop 250 Melons 175 SweetPotatoes 60 Millet_Rye 165 Tree Nurseries 90 Nurseries and Vineyards 90 Vegetables 151 Oats 100 Vegetables_SpringOnion 301 Ornamentals 90 Watermelon 175 Other Groves 90

Estimated Nitrogen Inputs to Land Surface Table E-6 identifies the estimated input from each source category by recharge area.

Table E-6. Estimated nitrogen inputs to the land surface by source category and recharge area within the three springsheds (lb-N/yr) Spring- LW- LW- LW- Recharge Atm Dep WWTF OSTDS UTF STF FF Total shed Dairy Poultry Other High 3,761,876 13,834 222,174 318,743 10,511 11,115,156 1,660,365 1,664,826 3,864,295 22,631,780 Middle Medium 454,722 2,447 32,572 53,281 46 894,073 - 213,399 442,478 2,093,019 Suwannee River Low 13,325 - 22 - - - - - 20 13,367 TOTAL 4,229,923 16,282 254,768 372,024 10,557 12,009,230 1,660,365 1,878,224 4,306,793 24,738,166 High 1,047,349 134,474 137,302 289,328 18,902 6,421,877 1,867,342 - 1,636,122 11,552,696

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Spring- LW- LW- LW- Recharge Atm Dep WWTF OSTDS UTF STF FF Total shed Dairy Poultry Other Lower Medium 24,766 - 146 9,017 - 4,071 - - 20,360 58,361 Suwannee River TOTAL 1,072,115 134,474 137,448 298,346 18,902 6,425,949 1,867,342 - 1,656,482 11,611,057 High 468,215 - 36,916 30,359 - 1,864,694 - 31,536 384,177 2,815,897 Withlacoo- chee Medium 12,110 - 883 324 - 53,309 - - 1,259 67,885 River TOTAL 480,325 - 37,799 30,684 - 1,918,003 - 31,536 385,436 2,883,782

E.1.3 Nitrogen Attenuation and Loading to Groundwater

The two types of attenuation that are evaluated are biochemical attenuation factors (BAFs) and hydrogeological attenuation (i.e., recharge).

BAFs and Uncertainty Factors The BAFs used to account for the processes affecting the movement of nitrogen from each source category in the subsurface are based on literature review of studies in Florida and similar areas. The BAFs in Table E-7 are the result of this evaluation. The BAF is used to estimate what percent of the surface input could infiltrate to groundwater. For example, if 70 % of urban fertilizer is biologically attenuated, then the remaining 30 % could infiltrate to the groundwater.

The environmental attenuation of nitrogen from specific sources within the categories can vary substantially, both spatially and with depth in the subsurface, and will affect the amount of nitrogen leaching to groundwater and the relative contribution of nitrogen from each source category. The range in nitrogen attenuation can result from variability in soil properties, crop types, agricultural practices, nitrogen storage, volatilization of ammonia to the atmosphere, uptake by vegetation, denitrification, and other removal processes. The potential range in nitrogen attenuation for each source is shown in Table E-7.

Table E-7. Range of environmental attenuation of nitrogen from a detailed literature review * Dairies showed a range of attenuation based on practices. Permitted dairies exhibit practices that result in higher attenuation. Low-Level Attenuation Used High-Level N Source Category Attenuation (%) for This Analysis (%) Attenuation (%) Atmospheric Deposition 85 90 95 WWTFs-RIBs 10 25 40 WWTFs-Sprayfield 50 60 75 WWTF-Reuse 50 75 85 Septic Tanks 40 50 75 Livestock Operations 80 90 95 Dairies 30 50 and 85* 90 Farm Fertilizers 50 80 90 Urban Fertilizers 50 70 85

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Hydrogeological Attenuation (i.e., Recharge) Most of the nitrogen in a given year does not reach groundwater due to hydrogeologic nitrogen attenuation processes and variations in the rate of aquifer recharge. In areas of the Suwannee River Basin BMAP where recharge rates are categorized as medium (3.01 to 10 in/yr) or high (greater than 10 in/yr), the UFA is more vulnerable to contamination than in areas where recharge rates are low (0 to 3 in/yr).

The recharge rate for the area where the surface input is calculated is based on the composite recharge map previously described. To account for variations in recharge rates to the UFA, non- attenuated nitrogen inputs in high rate recharge areas are multiplied by a weighting factor of 0.9, while nitrogen inputs are multiplied by a weighting factor of 0.5 for medium rate recharge areas and 0.1 for low. Groundwater discharge areas were not included in the calculations of nitrogen loads to the groundwater contributing area, as these areas do not contribute nitrogen to the aquifer.

Estimated Nitrogen Loads to Groundwater The surface inputs by source category are adjusted by applying the BAFs for the appropriate source category and location-based recharge factors to estimate the load to groundwater by source category.

It is important to note that this load is estimated for the top of the aquifer. As the load interacts with the aquifer, additional factors likely modify it prior to discharge at the spring vents. The estimated loads for each springshed are identified in Table E-8.

Table E-8. Estimated nitrogen load to groundwater by source category and recharge area within the three springsheds (lb-N/yr) LW- LW- LW- Springshed Recharge Atm Dep WWTF OSTDS UTF STF FF Total Dairy Poultry Other High 338,569 4,618 99,978 86,061 2,838 2,000,728 452,734 149,834 347,787 3,483,146 Middle Medium 22,736 854 8,143 7,992 7 89,407 - 10,670 22,124 161,933 Suwannee River Low 1,332 - 1 - - - - - 0 1,334 TOTAL 362,637 5,472 108,122 94,053 2,845 2,090,135 452,734 160,504 369,911 3,646,414 High 94,261 50,173 61,786 78,119 5,104 1,155,938 252,091 - 147,251 1,844,723 Lower Suwannee Medium 1,238 - 36 1,353 - 407 - - 1,018 4,053 River TOTAL 95,500 50,173 61,822 79,471 5,104 1,156,345 252,091 - 148,269 1,848,776 High 42,139 - 16,612 8,197 - 335,645 - 2,838 34,576 440,008 Withlacoo- chee Medium 605 - 221 49 - 5,331 - - 63 6,269 River TOTAL 42,745 - 16,833 8,246 - 340,976 - 2,838 34,639 446,276

E.2 NSILT References

Cabrera, V.E., de Vries, A. and Hildebrand, P.E. 2006. Manure nitrogen production in North Florida dairy farms: a comparison of three models. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 1830-1841.

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Cabrera, V.E., Hildebrand, P.E., Jones, J.W., Letson, D., and de Vries, A. 2006. An integrated North Florida dairy farm model to reduce environmental impacts under seasonal climate variability. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment 113, 82-97.

Chelette, A.R., T.R. Pratt, and B.G. Katz. 2002. Nitrate loading as an indicator of nonpoint source pollution in the lower St. Marks–Wakulla Rivers watershed. Northwest Florida Water Management District Water Resources Special Report 02-1

Goolsby, D.A., W.A. Battaglin, G.B. Lawrence, R.S. Artz, and B.T. Aulenbach et al. 1999. Flux and sources of nutrients in the Mississippi–Atchafalaya River Basin. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Ocean Program No. 17.

Martin, T. 2008. Lawn care behavior, Crystal River/Weeki Wachee Spring and Rainbow River survey. Final report prepared for the Southwest Florida Water Management District

Meyer, L.H. 2012. Quantifying the role of agriculture and urbanization in the nitrogen cycle across Texas. University of Texas graduate thesis.

Ruddy, B.C., D.L. Lorenz, and D.K. Mueller. 2006. County-level estimates of nutrient inputs to the land surface of the conterminous United States, 1982–2001. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5012.

Schwede, D.B., and G.G. Lear. 2014. A novel hybrid approach for estimating total deposition in the United States. Atmospheric Environment 92: 207–220.

Sprague, L.A., and J.M. Gronberg. 2013. Estimation of anthropogenic nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the land surface of the conterminous United States—1992, 1997, and 2002. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5241.

Toor, G.S., M. Lusk, and T. Obreza. 2011. Onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems: Nitrogen. SL 348. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture website: https://www.agcensus.usda.gov

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Onsite wastewater treatment systems manual. EPA/625/R-00/008. Washington, DC: Office of Water.

Viers, J.H, D. Liptzin, T.S. Rosenstock, W.B. Jensen, and A.D. Hollander et al. 2012. Nitrogen sources and loading to groundwater. Technical Report 2. California State Water Resources Control Board.

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Appendix F. FDACS Information on BMPs

F.1 Implementation of Agricultural BMPs

Agricultural nonpoint sources in a BMAP area are required by state law (Subsection 403.067(7), F.S.) either to implement FDACS-adopted BMPs, which provides a presumption of compliance with water quality standards, or to conduct water quality monitoring prescribed by DEP or SRWMD. Failure either to implement BMPs or conduct monitoring may result in enforcement action by DEP.

Growers who implement BMPs may be eligible for cost-share funding from FDACS, SRWMD, or others to defray partially the costs of implementation. Through the OAWP, the Florida Forest Service, and the Division of Aquaculture, FDACS develops, adopts, and assists producers in implementing agricultural BMPs to improve water quality and water conservation.

FDACS identified potential land that could be enrolled in the BMP Program in the Suwannee River Basin by creating a composite agricultural land use coverage. The acreage for irrigated areas was derived from the FSAID ILG III, which provides crop and associated irrigation system information. The acreage for nonirrigated lands was derived from SRWMD 2013 to 2014 land use data for agricultural areas not included in the FSAID ILG III. Acreages for livestock lands were estimated using SRWMD land use data.

Table F-1 summarizes the composite land use data for agriculture in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area. The total agricultural lands in the BMAP area comprise 359,896 acres. Table F-2 provides detail on acreages for each of the crop types assumed to be fertilized, by springshed. Crop fertilizer lands total 198,638 acres, with hayfields making up 24 % of this acreage. Hayfields are the largest crop coverage in the basin as well as in each springshed. However, outside the springsheds, peanuts are the most common crop.

Table F-3 lists land uses for the livestock lands, by springshed. There are 155,135 livestock acres in the basin, with improved pastures being the dominant land use, accounting for 63 % of these lands. Improved pasture is also the dominant land use in each of the springsheds and outside the springsheds. It is important to note that 6,123 acres are classified as both fertilized croplands and livestock lands, resulting in some acreage being identified in both Table F-2 and Table F-3.

Figure F-1 summarizes agricultural lands by nutrient source in the BMAP area. Figure F-2, Figure F-3, and Figure F-4 provide closer views of the distribution of agricultural lands by nutrient source in the three springsheds.

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Table F-1. Composite agricultural land use by nutrient source in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area Springshed Springshed Acres Springshed Acres Acres Lower Acres Middle Acres in Agricultural Nitrogen Outside Suwannee Withlacoochee Suwannee BMAP Loading Category Springsheds River River River Area Crop Fertilizer Lands 43,906 42,372 17,580 94,780 198,638 Only Livestock Lands Only 40,320 29,285 11,091 74,438 155,135 Crop Fertilizer and 1,211 1,507 145 3,260 6,123 Livestock Lands Total BMAP 85,438 73,164 28,816 172,477 359,896 Agricultural Acres

Table F-1. Fertilized croplands in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area Springshed Springshed Springshed Acres Acres Acres Acres Middle Outside Lower Withlacoochee Suwannee Crop Type Springsheds Suwannee River River River Total Acres Blueberries 26 11 99 136 Cabbage 39 39 Carrots 168 131 273 573 Carrots_Corn 132 201 641 974 Carrots_Rye 262 142 404 ContainerNursery 468 862 28 598 1,957 Corn 144 1,766 195 1,159 3,265 Corn_Oats 80 101 77 258 Corn_Rye 275 273 708 1,255 Corn_SmallGrains 22 22 Corn_SnapBeans 70 70 Cotton 33 27 832 893 Cropland and Pastureland 6,921 7,743 2,940 12,071 29,675 Field Crops 64 24 20 65 174 FieldCorn 4,484 2,446 666 3,306 10,902 FieldCrops 1,138 1,138 FieldNursery 18 172 114 303 GreenBeans 166 76 243 Hay 1,080 2,734 813 9,843 14,470 Hay Fields 8,252 12,857 3,642 24,899 49,650 Hay_ImprovedPastures 75 40 115 Hay_Oats 244 244 HayAFO 103 532 636 ImprovedPastures 181 181

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Springshed Springshed Springshed Acres Acres Acres Acres Middle Outside Lower Withlacoochee Suwannee Crop Type Springsheds Suwannee River River River Total Acres Melons 158 559 718 Millet_Rye 153 153 Nurseries and Vineyards 65 15 53 133 Oats 165 165 Ornamentals 129 77 162 378 746 Other Groves (Pecan, Avocado, Coconut, Mango, 91 240 100 942 1,373 etc.) Pasture 4,005 2,130 361 7,959 14,456 Pasture_Rye 30 191 222 Pasture_Rye_Watermelons 39 39 Peaches 59 59 Peanuts 9,314 4,406 3,431 13,940 31,091 Peanuts_Oats 150 150 Peanuts_Pasture 220 190 410 Peanuts_Rye 598 524 384 170 1,675 Peas 31 31 Pecans 34 71 432 537 Potatoes 48 48 Row Crops 5,449 4,179 3,627 10,958 24,214 Rye 268 285 223 252 1,028 SmallVeg 32 32 SnapBeans_Rye 107 107 Sod 131 103 80 313 Sod Farms 9 9 Sorghum 184 184 Soybeans 137 54 369 560 Soybeans_Carrots 102 102 Soybeans_DryBeans 21 21 Soybeans_Rye 26 26 SweetCorn 37 295 332 SweetCornCoverCrop 134 134 SweetPotatoes 9 145 580 733 Tree Nurseries 165 555 20 246 986 Vegetables 1,394 1,523 100 2,457 5,474 Vegetables_Rye 69 69 Vegetables_SpringOnion 148 148 Watermelon 494 213 707 Total 45,118 43,879 17,725 98,040 204,761

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Table F-2. Livestock lands in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area Springshed Springshed Acres Springshed Acres Acres Lower Acres Middle Outside Suwannee Withlacoochee Suwannee Land Use Description Springsheds River River River Total Acres Cattle Feeding Operations 26 161 10 155 352 Dairies 162 543 460 1,165 Horse Farms 720 1,147 25 893 2,785 Improved Pastures 22,894 22,771 7,851 47,772 101,288 Poultry Feeding 186 15 1,227 1,428 Operations Range Land, Herbaceous 12,930 3,694 2,316 20,277 39,217 (Dry Prairie) Specialty Farms 20 4 60 85 Unimproved Pastures 1,710 898 414 2,421 5,443 Woodland Pastures 2,884 1,576 605 4,432 9,497 Total 41,532 30,792 11,236 77,698 161,258

Agricultural land use data are critical for determining agricultural nonpoint source loads and developing strategies to reduce those loads in a BMAP area, but there are inherent limitations in the available data. The time of year when land use data are collected (through aerial photography) affects the accuracy of photo interpretation. Flights are often scheduled during the winter months because of weather conditions and reduced leaf canopies, and while these are favorable conditions for capturing aerial imagery, they make photo interpretation for determining agricultural land use more difficult (e.g., more agricultural lands are fallow in the winter months) and can result in inappropriate analysis of the photo imagery. There is also significant variation in the frequency with which various sources of data are collected and compiled, and older data are less likely to capture the frequent changes that often typify agricultural land use. In addition, agricultural activity is not always apparent, for example, acreage classified as improved pasture may be used for a cow-calf operation, consist of forage grass that is periodically harvested for hay, or simply be a fallow vegetable field awaiting planting. Finally, the classification method itself may be an issue, for example, property appraiser data assigns an agricultural land use designation to an entire parcel, although agricultural production may only be conducted on a portion of the parcel. Because of error in the collection and characterization of land use data and changes in land use over time, agricultural land use acreage estimates are subject to adjustment.

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Figure F-1. Composite of agricultural lands in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area

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Figure F-2. Composite of agricultural lands in the Withlacoochee River Springshed

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• Crop Fertilizer and Livestock Lands *Composite of FSAID3 Irrigated Lands Geodatabase and 612VVMD 2013-2014 Land Use for non-irrigated agricultural lands

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Figure F-3. Composite of agricultural lands in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed

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C:3 Suwannee BMAP Boundary Agricultural Land Use (2015)* c Springsheds Crop Fertilizer Lands Conservation Lands (FNAI, Dec. 2016) Livestock Lands Crop Fertilizer and Livestock Lands *Composite of FSAID3 Irrigated Lands Geodatsbase and SRVVMD 2013-2014 Land Use for non-irrigated agricultural lands.

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Figure F-4. Composite of agricultural lands in the Lower Suwannee River Springshed

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F.2 Agricultural BMPs

Through the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, the Florida Forest Service, and the Division of Aquaculture, FDACS develops, adopts, and assists producers in implementing agricultural BMPs to improve water quality and water conservation. Adopted BMPs are initially verified by the FDEP as reducing nutrient loss (e.g., total nitrogen and total phosphorus [TP]) to the environment. OAWP BMPs are published in commodity-specific manuals that cover key aspects of water quality and water conservation. The BMP categories include:

• Nutrient Management practices that help determine appropriate source, rate, timing, placement of nutrients (including both organic and inorganic sources) to minimize impacts to water resources.

• Irrigation and Water Table Management practices that address methods for irrigating to reduce water and nutrient losses to the environment and to maximize the efficient use and distribution of water.

• Water Resource Protection practices such as buffers, setbacks, and swales to reduce or prevent the transport of nutrients and sediments from production areas to water resources.

The Notice of Intent to Implement (NOI) and BMP checklist are incorporated into each manual.

Information on the BMP manuals and field staff contact information can be obtained here: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Agricultural-Water-Policy. Printed BMP manuals can be obtained by contacting OAWP field staff.

OAWP outreach to solicit enrollment extends to all types of agricultural operations, but is more intensive in BMAP areas because of the relationship of BMPs to the presumption of compliance with water quality standards in a BMAP area. FDACS field staff works with producers to enroll in the FDACS BMP program by signing a Notice of Intent to Implement BMPs, and enrollment is based on the expectation that producers recognize and address the water quality and conservation issues associated with their operations. Upon completion of all information in the BMP checklist, an NOI must be signed by the landowner or the landowner’s authorized agent (who may be the producer if the producer is not the landowner).

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F.3 BMP Enrollment

Figure F-5 shows the acres enrolled in the FDACS BMP Program in the Suwannee River Basin as of December 31, 2016. Figure F-6, Figure F-7, and Figure F-8 are maps focused on BMP enrollment in the three watersheds. Table F-3 lists the acres enrolled in the FDACS BMP Program by manual and the number of NOIs associated with those acres. Given that the enrolled acres on which BMPs are implemented can contain nonproduction acres (such as buildings, parking lots, and fallow acres), the only enrollment for the land classified as agriculture based on the composite land use is included in Table F-3. Table F-4 lists the acreage of production agriculture enrolled in each of the BMP programs by springshed.

As of December 31, 2016, there are NOIs that cover 187,312 agricultural acres in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area. The Lower Suwannee River and Middle Suwannee River Sub-basin springsheds each have close to 66,000 agricultural acres enrolled, respectively, while the Withlacoochee River Sub-basin Watershed has over 41,000 agricultural acres. Outside the springsheds, 41,000 agricultural acres are enrolled. No producers are conducting water quality monitoring in lieu of implementing BMPs at this time.

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Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), June 2018

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Iromp k. Agricultural Land Use and BMAP Enrollment in the Suwannee BMAP Area in Suwannee BMAP Boundary High Springs Alac cz; Springsheds •+. Agricultural Land Use (2015 Composite) a Conservation Lands (FNAI, Dec. 2016) OAWP BMP Enrollment, Dec. 2016 Commodity • Citrus Cros Newberni Cow/Calf

• Dairy MI Equine Fruit/Nut I. Mixed Use MI Nursery — _ 4 • Row/Field Crop Sod Wildlife

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Figure F-5. BMP enrollment in the Suwannee River Basin as of December 31, 2016

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Agricultural Land Use and BMAP Enrollment in the Withlacoochee River Springshed rs Suwannee BMAP Boundary OAWP B MP Enrollment, Dec. 2016 Fruk/Nut Springs heds Commodity Mired Use Agricultural Land Use (2015 Compos Ile) CiblIn • Nursery Conservation Lands (FNAI, Dec 2018) Cow/Calf Row/Field Crop

• Dairy Sod • Equine Wildlife

0 litz3V This map is the product of the Depsrtment of Agriculkre and Consumer Services, Office of Agricultural Water Polio/. It represents timated areas of production agriculture, it is not binding, and does not otherwise affect the interests of any persons, including any vested rights or existing Lees of real property. The accurao/ and reliability of this map is notguaranteed Production 111 agricultural acreage is affected by continual changes in land use, crop production, and other socioeconomic factors.

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Figure F-6. BMP enrollment in the Withlacoothee River Springshed as of December 31, 2016

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Figure F-7. BMP enrollment in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed as of December 31, 2016

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Figure F-8. BMP enrollment in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed as of December 31, 2016

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Table F-3. Agricultural acreage and BMP enrollment in the Suwannee River Basin BMAP area as of December 31, 2016 Agricultural Land Use FDACS BMP Program NOI Enrolled Acres Acres with NOIs Dairy Operations 3,113 1,990 Florida Container Nursery 469 268 Specialty Fruit and Nut 259 203 Statewide Cow/Calf 70,500 46,848 Statewide Equine 58 49 Statewide Sod 694 335 Vegetables and Agronomic Crops 184,286 137,620 Total 259,380 187,312

Table F-4. Agricultural acreage and BMP enrollment in the Suwannee River Basin by springshed as of December 31, 2016 Springshed Springshed Acres Springshed Acres Acres Lower Acres Middle Outside Suwannee Withlacoochee Suwannee Total FDACS BMP Program Springsheds River River River Acres Dairy Operations 1,237 753 1,990 Florida Container Nursery 3 137 127 268 Specialty Fruit and Nut 84 36 82 203 Statewide Cow/Calf 10,357 22,845 2,012 11,634 46,848 Statewide Equine 49 49 Statewide Sod 196 138 335 Vegetables and Agronomic Crops 29,254 43,061 12,276 53,029 137,620 Total 41,096 65,990 14,461 65,764 187,312

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F.4 FDACS OAWP Role in BMP Implementation and Follow-Up

OAWP works with producers to submit NOIs to implement the BMPs applicable to their operations, provides technical assistance to growers, and distributes cost-share funding, as available, to eligible producers for selected practices. OAWP follows up with growers through site visits to evaluate the level of BMP implementation and record keeping, identify areas for improvement, if any, and discuss cost-share opportunities.

When DEP adopts a BMAP that includes agriculture, it is the agricultural producer's responsibility to implement BMPs adopted by FDACS to help achieve load reductions. If land use acreage corrections and BMP implementation do not fully account for the current agricultural load reduction allocation, it may be necessary to develop and implement cost- assisted field- or regional-level treatment options that remove nutrients from farms and other nonpoint sources. In that case, FDACS will work with DEP and SRWMD to identify appropriate options for achieving further agricultural load reductions.

Section 403.067, F.S. requires that, where water quality problems are demonstrated despite the proper implementation of adopted agricultural BMPs, FDACS must reevaluate the practices, in consultation with DEP, and modify them if necessary. Continuing water quality problems will be detected through the BMAP monitoring component and other DEP and SRWMD activities. If a reevaluation of the BMPs is needed, FDACS will also include SRWMD and other partners in the process.

F.5 OAWP Implementation Verification (IV) Program

OAWP established an Implementation Assurance (IA) Program in 2005 in the Suwannee River Basin as part of the multi-agency/local stakeholder Suwannee River Partnership. In early 2014, OAWP began to streamline the IA Program to ensure consistency statewide and across commodities and BMP manuals. The IA Program was based on interactions with producers during site visits by OAWP staff and technicians as workload allowed. For the visits, field staff and technicians used a standard form (not BMP specific) developed in 2014, that focused on nutrient management, irrigation management, and water resource protection BMPs common to all of the BMPs that were adopted by rule. Once completed, these paper forms were submitted to OAWP staff and compiled into a spreadsheet, and the data were reported annually.

On November 1, 2017, the OAWP’s Implementation Verification rule (Chapter 5M-1, F.A.C.) became effective. The IV program provides the basis for assessing the status of BMP implementation and for identifying enrolled producers who require assistance with BMP implementation. The components of the IV program are 1) site visits; 2) implementation status reporting on common practices that apply across all BMP manuals; 3) technical assistance; and 4) external reporting. Implementation verification is confirmed by field staff through site visits and by producers through annual common practices status reports.

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Site visits to agricultural operations by OAWP field staff and contract technicians are the most effective means to determine the status of BMP implementation. These visits also provide an opportunity to identify needs for assistance with implementation and explore potential improvements. Resource limitations prevent site visits from occurring on all enrolled operations every year, and for that reason, site visits are prioritized. The program objective is for field staff to conduct site visits for 5-10% of active NOIs each year, with approximately 10% of the site visit locations selected randomly.

Per the implementation verification rule, each year, producers participating in the BMP program will be requested to participate in reporting on the status of implementation of common practices only for their operations. Lack of response from enrollees with parcels in a BMAP area raises the priority of the operation for a site visit from field staff. Where a need is identified, the OAWP may facilitate technical assistance for the producer from UF-IFAS or other resources, including third-party vendors. In some cases, cost share support may be available. Data from producers and site visits will be used to complete the annual reports on the status of BMP implementation as required by s. 403.0675(2), F.S., beginning July 1, 2018.

F.6 Beyond BMPs

Beyond enrolling producers in the FDACS BMP Program and verifying implementation, FDACS will work with DEP to improve the data used to estimate agricultural land uses in the springshed. FDACS will also work with producers to identify a suite of agricultural projects and research agricultural technologies that could be implemented on properties where they are deemed technically feasible and if funding is made available. Acreages provided by FDACS are preliminary estimates of the maximum acreages and will need to be evaluated and refined over time.

As presented here, these projects are based on planning-level information. Actual implementation would require funding as well as more detailed designs based on specific information, such as actual applicable acreages and willing landowners. Table F-5 summarizes these efforts.

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Table F-5. Beyond BMP implementation Category Name Description Deployment, training, technical support, and use of soil moisture Practices Soil Moisture Probes probes to manage irrigation systems. Deployment of equipment, procedures, and training to improve Practices Precision Fertilization formulations, delivery methods, and timing to match fertilization more precisely to crop needs. Deployment of equipment, procedures, and training to improve Practices Precision Irrigation location, volume, and timing of irrigation to match crop needs more precisely. Application of new and developing fertilizer products that become Practices Controlled Release Fertilizer available to crops via dissolution over longer periods in growing season. Planting of cover crops between production cycles to increase soil Practices Cover Crops organic content, improve nutrient retention, and reduce erosion. Installation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liners and Projects Lined Dairy Waste Storage Ponds ancillary equipment (such as solids separation systems) for liquid waste storage ponds. Installation and operation of surface (bioreactor) and subsurface Bioreactors/Denitrification Walls (denitrification walls) systems to remove nitrate by contact with Projects and Onsite Capture and Reuse of carbon source. Installation and operation of network of capture wells High-Nutrient Water and reuse of water onsite in irrigation system. Conversion of conventional production operations to planned Research Rotational Production rotational production incorporating grass and cover crops. May include cattle. Soil Moisture Sensor Deployment Research into potential use of soil moisture sensors to assist in Research and Calibration nutrient management. Effectiveness of Controlled- Focused research on use of controlled-release fertilizer for other crop Research Release Fertilizer types. Study of potential regional capture/reuse systems, including Regional Capture and Reuse of Research sources of high nutrient value water, potential beneficial reuse sites, High-Nutrient Water legal and regulatory obstacles, and costs.

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