Management Plan Will Provide Critical Protection and Long Term Management of a Significant Section of the Rainbow River Corridor
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Executive Summary There are few places in Florida, or America, that equal the natural resource superlatives of the Rainbow River. One of the world’s longest spring runs, and one of the clearest aquatic systems on earth, the Rainbow River is Florida’s third largest spring. The Rainbow River is a National Natural Landmark, an Aquatic Preserve, an Outstanding Florida Water and a SWIM Priority Body of Water. On its way to the Gulf of Mexico, the Rainbow River provides habitat for 300 plant species, 70 bird species, 20 reptiles, 15 mammals, and more than 40 species of fish. The Rainbow River is a globally significant resource. The Rainbow River also provides significant economic benefits to Dunnellon, Marion County, and the State of Florida. The City of Dunnellon is closely identified with the Rainbow River, and its residents have supported recent efforts to protect the Rainbow River from threats from inappropriate development. Through the Florida Communities Trust grant program, Dunnellon is working to protect the Rainbow River while providing visitors from across Florida recreational and educational experiences. It has been a major goal of the City of Dunnellon for many years to acquire this property on the Rainbow River for use as a public park. Working with Marion County as the principal partner, and other partners including the Office of Greenways and Trails, the Trust for Public Land, and the Rainbow River Conservation, Inc., the Blue Run of Dunnellon Park Management Plan will provide critical protection and long term management of a significant section of the Rainbow River Corridor. Marion County and Dunnellon have worked closely on the development of this Management Plan, and have executed an Interlocal Agreement outlining the partnership. Marion County has agreed to provide a 10% match of the acquisition cost. The 32.44-acre property contains a remarkable combination of outstanding features and natural resources ideal for a new public park. First, the Blue Run of Dunnellon Park contains exceptional examples of natural communities including spring run stream, sandhill, hydric hammock, xeric hammock, upland mixed forest, and even a 3-acre spring-fed pond. The forest canopy contains many very large trees, and a lush bald cypress forest along the Rainbow River. The property also supports a rich diversity of wildlife including active gopher tortoise burrows, American alligators, wading birds, otters, and nesting Suwannee cooters. The proposed trail system and river overlook will provide visitors an opportunity to observe wildlife up close, and learn about Florida's’ springs and natural communities. The vacated Seaboard Railroad right-of way will become a trail that will provide an important connector link in the State Trails Plan. The concept of the Management Plan is to carefully overlay the required public facilities and trails on the property to ensure the long- term protection of the natural communities while providing visitors with exceptional natural resource and interpretive experiences. Interpretive kiosks and wayside exhibits in the parking areas and three trails will present a variety of natural and cultural history themes. The Management Plan identifies the capital improvement facilities required for visitor comfort, access, and safety as well as the maintenance, operational, and regulatory needs. The Management Plan recognizes that importance of a comprehensive approach for a successful park program. The overall goal of the Management Plan is to provide visitors with a safe experience in one of Florida’s natural treasures, while ensuring that the park’s natural resources are protected for future generations. 1 B Table of Contents Executive Summary.........................................................................................................1 Table of Contents .............................................................................................................2 I. Introduction ..............................................................................................................3 II. Purpose.....................................................................................................................5 III. Natural and Cultural Resources ................................................................................7 IV. Site Development and Improvement ......................................................................13 V. Management Needs.................................................................................................18 VI. Cost Estimates and Funding Sources......................................................................24 VII. Priority Schedule ....................................................................................................26 VIII. Monitoring and Reporting......................................................................................29 Exhibit A - Location Map........................................................................................ Tab A Exhibit B - Public Lands Map ................................................................................. Tab A Exhibit C - Natural Communities Map.....................................................................Tab B Exhibit D – Soil Map and Soil Description ............................................................. Tab D Exhibit E - Florida Natural Areas Inventory Report Forms .....................................Tab E Exhibit F - Exotic Pest Council’s List of Florida’s Most Invasive Species.............. Tab F Exhibit G - Master Site Plan .................................................................................... Tab G Exhibit H - Trail Network Map ............................................................................... Tab H Exhibit I - Greenway Map .........................................................................................Tab I Exhibit K - Grant Award Agreement...................................................................... Tab K Exhibit L - Interagency Agreement ..........................................................................Tab L Exhibit N – Photos of Historic Resources ............................................................... Tab N Exhibit O - Biological Survey and Habitat Assessment .......................................... Tab O Exhibit P - Controlled Burn Notes............................................................................ Tab P Exhibit Q - FEMA 100 Year Flood Zone ................................................................ Tab Q Exhibit R - Wetlands Delineation Map.....................................................................Tab R Exhibit S – Comprehensive Plan Compatibility Statement ...................................... Tab S 2 B I. Introduction The Blue Run of Dunnellon Park site is a rich example of the City of Dunnellon’s natural, scenic and cultural heritage. The 32.44 acre site is located along the east side of the Rainbow River, historically known as Blue Run. It is within city limits and is a key element of a biologically diverse natural corridor on the fringes of this Main Street community. Two aerial views and a map of this loacation are shown in Exhibit A. The proposed Blue Run Park offers the public access advantage of being at the intersection of the crystal clear Rainbow River fed by the third largest spring in the world and a major transportation artery (CR 484) into Dunnellon. Local government commitments for park facilities for this passive recreation, resource based park are intended to enhance and protect native natural systems while providing compatible public use and education. The western part of the site is in the Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve, a special management area. The Rainbow River has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the US Department of the Interior. The site is within the Dunnellon Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) District. Dunnellon is a Main Street Community. The Management Plan details developing a passive park with trails and a water access point. These uses are fully compabile with adjacent land uses including Greenways open space and trails to the south, the Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve to the west, Agricultural land to the north and residential land to the east. A few of the primary goals of the park site plan include: 1. Education and interpretation of the site resources 2. Provision for compatible access to the delicate ecosystem in and along the Rainbow River 3. Connectivity to the statewide greenway system as well as the near-by historic main street downtown area 4. Protection of the water quality of the Rainbow River These goals illustrate some of the multiple uses that can be expected at this park in the not too distant future. Interpretive kiosks and signs will introduce the visitors to the site and explain the various types of wildlife and natural systems to be encountered while touring the proposed trail system including upland gopher tortoise habitat, mesic hardwood forests and wetland forests. Another goal is to provide safe access and egress from the Rainbow River. Currently, a portion of the site is under a lease agreement by the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department as a “tuber’s exit” for people who launch tubes, canoes and kayaks from the County operated facility, KP Hole, approximately 3.3 miles upriver. The proposed improvements for river access and egress will help mitigate erosion issues along the river bank and provide a safer transfer point for the river users while also providing