MANAGEMENT PLAN

for the

NORTH SEBASTIAN CONSERVATION AREA

Indian River County, Florida

Combined FCT Projects: 95-025-P5A -AGC Industrial Tract

96-043-P7 A - St. Sebastian PUD 99-056-P9A - North Sebastian C.A. Addition (Anstalt Tract)

Prepared by: FloridAffinity, Inc.

Ecotech Consultants, Inc.

For: Indian River County, Florida

Board of County Commissioners

June 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

A. Location/Ownership B. Land Use and Zoning C. History D. Vegetative Assessment

II. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 A. Natural Resource Conservation and Enhancement B. Environmental Interpretation, Education and Research C. Comprehensive Plan/Preservation 2000 Conformance D. Scrub Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) E. Management Objectives

III. Structures and Improvements ........................................................................................................................................................ 14 A. Existing Improvements B. Proposed Improvements C. Required Permitting D. Easements, Concessions, and Leases

IV. Key Management Activities ............................................................................................................................................................ 19 A. Maintenance B. Security C. Staffing D. Natural Resource Protection E. Archaeological/Historical Elements F. Management Coordination

V. Resource Enhancement ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21 A. Exotic Plant and Animal Removal B. Enhancement Management

VI. Cost/Funding .................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 A. Development Cost Estimate B. Funding Sources

VII. Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 A. Annual Implementation Report B. Progress Assessment C. Plan Updates

LIST OF TABLES Table 1:

LIST OF FIGURES Figure A: FigureB: Figure C: FigureD: FigureE:

LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A: AppendixB: Appendix C: AppendixD:

Estimated Management and Development Costs ................................................................... 27

Scrub Jay Habitat "Core Areas" ................................................................................................ 2 Location Map ............................................................................................................................ 3 Natural Communities Map ........................................................................................................ 7 Master Site Development Plan ............................................................................................... 16 Management Activities Tirneline ............................................................................................ 28

Potential Listed Species Conceptual Approval Agreement/Index Existing and Proposed Easements FNAI Species Report Forms

First Amendment to add St. Sebastian P.U.D.: The original management plan for the 75 acre North Sebastian Conservation Area was approved by Florida Communities Trust in November, 1996, as part of FCT Award #95-025-PSA. Subsequent to that date, Indian River County purchased a contiguous 312 acre parcel of land known as the St. Sebastian Planned Unit Development (P.U.D.). The award recipients are now seeking reimbursement for the purchase costs for the additional land, under FCT application #96-043-P7A. This document amends the original North Sebastian Conservation Area Management Plan to incorporate the additional acreage. New text is indicated by italic script.

Second Amendment to add Anstalt tract: In March 1999. Indian River Countv purchased an out parcel known as the Anstalt tract, under FCT grant award # 99-056-P9A . The tract added 18. 72 acres to the overall property managed as the North Sebastian Conservation Area. This second amendment to the North Sebastian Conservation Area Management Plan incorporates this additional acreage. New text is indicated by underlined italic script.

SECTION I - INTRODUCTION

Indian River County and the City of Sebastian are creating the North Sebastian Conservation Area for the purpose of furthering a number of County and City policies and objectives. These include the need for conservation of native upland plant communities and the enhancement of native communities disturbed by development activities, the protection of environmentally endangered habitat and threatened or rare species within their jurisdiction, the protection of aquifer recharge areas and wetlands in the northern portion of Indian River County, and the provision of open space and compatible recreation and outdoor education facilities in the urban service area.

Policy directions incorporated in the Comprehensive Plans of both governments define the types of resources to be protected through a variety of means, one of which will be outright purchase by the County. To implement these policies, the County has developed an ambitious land acquisition program, managed by the Department of Community Development and coordinated through an appointed Land Acquisition Advisory Committee of concerned citizens and County officials. In November 1992, County voters approved an Environmental Lands Bond Referendum, funded by ad valorem taxes. With funding from the bonds Indian River County is prepared to enter cost-sharing partnerships with the Florida Communities Trust for land acquisitions under the State's Preservation 2000 program.

The North Sebastian Conservation Area will be managed to preserve native vegetation areas serving as habitat for rare species. This project is one of a coordinated multi-county and state acquisition effort to preserve core areas of scrub habitat for preservation of the endangered scrub-jay along Florida's Atlantic Coastal Ridge. (See Figure A.) This project is one of many areas in which Indian River County is working with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a countywide Habitat Conservation Plan for the protection of scrub habitat.

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- FIGURE A

CR 5 1

SR 0

OSLO RD

2

SCRUB JAY HABITAT CONSERVATION 'CORE" AREAS

Atlantic OcMn

TO P.t.UI. BJ..Y

R 38 E

PROJECT LOCATION

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TO

C

g ~. I

T R 40 E

This management plan has been developed to provide guidelines for County and City officials and staff for natural resource management and development of public access facilities at the Conservation Area. The plan meets management plan requirements of the Preservation 2000 program, and satisfies the special conditions contained in the Conceptual Approval Agreements between Indian River County, the City of Sebastian and the Florida Communities Trust.

A. Location and Ownership

The North Sebastian Conservation Area was formerly known as the "AGC Industrial Tract" (approximately 76 acres), the St. Sebastian P.UD. (approximately 312 acres), and the Anstalt tract (18. 72 acres). The Conservation Area consists of approximately 407 acres of uplands and wetlands, located at the northeastern comer of the City of Sebastian. The Conservation area is located north of Main Street and east of the Florida East Coast Railway line. City of Sebastian municipal buildings are located near the southeastern boundary of the property, and the Sebastian Airport and a golf course are located immediately west. The property is currently owned by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners. See Figure B.

B. Land Use and Zoning

The future land use classification and zoning designation for the property are currently for industrial and low density residential land uses. Adjacent future land uses include industrial, low and medium density residential, general commercial and mixed use ( commercial office-residential).

C. IIlstory

The eastern boundary of the property is the Florida East Coast Railway right of way. It is likely that the earliest historic-era development near this site is related to construction of Flagler's railroad during the late 19th. and early 20th. Centuries, but the site has remained undeveloped. As part of the Sebastian Highlands planned unit development, originally platted in the 1950's, the property was designated for future development of industrial land uses, and the properties immediately north of the tract currently support light industrial businesses and warehouses.

The Sebastian Highlands development was later incorporated as the City of Sebastian. Prior to the 1950's, this area of Indian River County was sparsely settled land. No historic or prehistoric sites are known to be located on the project land at this time. The county-wide cultural resource survey by The Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc., conducted in 1992 for development of the County Comprehensive Plan, identifies no sites in the project area, but indicates there may be some potential for significant cultural resources being located in the area. The plan states that the higher dune ridges west of the coastal plain terrace may have supported extended habitation sites.

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D. Vegetative Assessment

The primary purpose in the establishment of the North Sebastian Conservation Area is to preserve and provide management for scrub islands in this region, which form integral components in the overall plan for protection of native species and their habitat within the eastern coastal ridge. The establishment of this Conservation Area, the nearby Wabasso Scrub Conservation Area and the Sebastian Scrub Conservation Area will provide managed resources critical to the long term survival of several endemic species, including the Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens coerulescens), and the Florida gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus).

At least five families of scrub jays have been documented within the above mentioned conservation areas, and scrub-jays were identified in at least two separate areas on the North Sebastian Conservation Area during preparation of this plan amendment. These families are contiguous with known populations within the Roseland area (Sebastian Airport, Cox, Status and Distribution of the Florida Scrub Jay. 1984). The inclusion of the St. Sebastian P. U.D. land in the North Sebastian Conservation Area increases the amount of scrub jay habitat in this project by approximately 76 acres. Long term management of the sand pine and oak scrub communities on the Conservation Area will provide additional potential habitat for further distribution of the scrub jay population in Indian River County.

Development pressures in the coastal regions of east central Florida have resulted in the loss of much of the native coastal scrub communities. Scrub communities are pyrogenic, and are maintained by infrequent, high intensity fires. Sand pine scrub, oak scrub, and scrubby flatwood communities all require natural fire to keep the canopy and subcanopy strata relatively open, which allows for the establishment of groundcover species and the regeneration of certain species. Scrub communities where natural fire is suppressed will likely succeed to xeric hammocks, or will build up a high fuel load resulting in fires which are almost always catastrophic. It is apparent that natural fire has not occurred within the scrub communities on the North Sebastian property for many years. The sand pine communities on the site vary in canopy density, but in many areas have formed a closed­canopy community, indicating that some mechanical clearing prior to prescribed fire will need to occur in order to reduce the fuel load.

Prescribed fire is one mechanism for long term scrub management. Use of prescribed burns, however, needs to be conducted at intervals which consider the various stages of development of certain species. For example, sand pine scrub which is burned too frequently most likely will lose the sand pine canopy and succeed to oak scrub or sandhill communities. If prescribed fires in these communities are suppressed, the result may be succession to an oak hammock or other forested communities.

Selective clearing, roller chopping, or mowing will be used as management tools to supplement prescribed fire management at the Conservation Area. However, these techniques are likely to be less effective with respect to long term, large scale scrub management than prescribed burning. As discussed below, Indian River County staff will work with the City of Sebastian, the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission and the Florida Division of Forestry to further define those areas requiring mechanical and

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prescribed burn management at the Conservation Area. Because of the location of this site near residential and commercial development, US. Highway I, and a local airport, smoke management and containment of burned areas will be a primary concern in the planning of prescribed fires. Resource management operations will provide public safety benefits through the establishment fire control lanes and selective clearing, which will aid in the containment of any wildfires which may occur on the site due to lightening strikes or other causes.

The North Sebastian Conservation Area consists of approximately 407 acres of upland and wetland natural communities. The project contains twelve natural community types as described in Guide to The Natural Communities of Florida, Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI), 1990. These communities are depicted on Figure C. using fourth level numerical codes of the Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCFCS), Florida Department of Transportation, 1985. The total acreage of vegetative communities shown on Figure C includes the 100 foot wide Gibson Road right of way containing approximately 2.6 acres, which has not been cleared. For the purpose of describing existing site conditions, the site's natural communities are described in more detail in the following narrative.

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AuC INDU5iRIAL- iRACf AN5f AL-f ADDlflON

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5f. 5fl7A5flAN P.U.D.

LEGEND

3201 SHRUB & BRUSH LAND t LI ~ 18.49 ACRES - 4.54% ! \

0 411 0 MESIC FLATWOODS 147.45 ACRES - 36.24%

411 1 SCRUBBY FLATWOODS c-==:=J 40.56 ACRES - 9.97% ~

4112 WCT FLATWOODS 10.89 ACRES - 2.67%

4130 SAND PINE SCRUB 74.42 ACRES - 18.29%

4131 SANO PINE FOREST 4.77 ACRES - 117%

421 0 XERlC OAK SCRUB

18.35 ACRES - 4.51%

4230 UPLAND MIXED FOREST 3.44 ACRES - 0.72%

5230 LAKE > 5 ACRES 6.65 ACRES - 1.63%

5240 LAKES < 5 ACRES 1 . .35 ACRES - 0.33%

6300 WETLAND FORESTED MIXED 28.67 ACRES -· 7.05%

641 0 FRESWATER MARSH 51.88 ACRES - 12.75%

• OSPREY NEST

A SCRUB JAY OBSERVATION

/ ~Ecotech ¥ /j CO ~:~~~:~!E~~!sn C.

NORTH SEBASTIAN CONSERVATION AREA NATURAL COM1viUNJTIES MAP

7

F'IGURE: C

DATE: ~/30/97 REVISED fi/6/01- RM[

On the Conservation Area, areas classified as sand pine scrub are located at the northeast comer, to the southwest of the large marsh adjacent to the Florida East Coast Railroad right of way, and to the south and east of the large freshwater marsh bisected by a powerline easement. The latter scrub area also contains an unmaintained paved road network. Approximately 74.42 acres of the Conservation area have been classified as sand pine scrub. An area of 4. 77 acres is mapped on Figure C as a sand pine forest community ( 4131), due to the high density of the canopy and a lack of sub-canopy and groundcover species found there.

These areas contain scattered sand pine (Pinus clausa) with understory vegetation including scrub oaks (Quercus geminata, Q. myrtifolia, Q. chapmanii), gopher apple (Licania michauxii), shiny blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites), dwarf wax myrtle (Myrica pusila), and prickly pear ( Opuntia stricta ). As discussed above, site reviews indicate that portions of the sand pine scrub may require initial canopy thinning prior to the initiation of prescribed fire.

The sand pine scrub community is recognized for providing habitat for the Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens coerulescens), a federally listed species, and for the Florida gopher tortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus ), a State listed Species of Special Concern. Gopher tortoises were observed in the more open portions of the sand pine scrub. As shown on Figure C, a family of scrub jays was observed in the sand pine scrub in the south central portion of the property. Future management of the dense sand pine scrub areas (to thin the canopy and promote more herbaceous groundcover) will provide additional scrub jay and gopher tortoise habitat in the future.

Scrubby Flatwoods

This community type is classified by FNAI as G3 and S3, or very rare and local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range, or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extinction. This classification may be differentiated from scrub or mesic flatwood communities because scrubby flatwoods typically contain elements of both, typically a sparse canopy of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and/or sand pine and understory vegetation including both scrub and mesic species. Natural fire within scrubby flatwoods typically occurs within a 8 to 25 year cycle, depending on the vegetative composition. Approximately 40. 6 acres of the Conservation Area have been classified as scrubby flatwoods.

Scrubby flatwoods are found on the Conservation Area in association with oak and sand pine scrub. This classification has been loosely applied on this property, as many areas classified as scrubby flatwoods might be classified as either oak scrub or sand pine scrub, if natural fire cycles had been occurring on the site. Other species within this community include gallberry (flex glabra), wiregrass (Aristida stricta), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), scrub oaks, wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides), and tar flower (Befaria racemosa).

Scrub jays were observed in the scrubby flatwoods community immediately southwest of the Gibson Road right of way (see Figure C). Portions of this community is developing a dense understory due to the exclusion of fire. It is anticipated that implementation of

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prescribed fire management within the scrubby flatwoods community will improve the overall habitat potential and provide additional areas on site for use by scrub jays, gopher tortoises, and other listed and non-listed species utilizing this community.

Mesic Pine Flatwood

This community is classified by FNAI as a S4, or apparently secure within the state. Mesic flatwoods are characterized by an open canopy of slash and/or longleaf pine, with dense groundcover vegetation dominated by shrubs and herbaceous species. In addition to the pine canopy, other dominant vegetation includes saw palmetto, gallberry, and fetterbush. This community also is a fire adapted system, and the suppression of fire in most cases results in a hardwood dominated closed canopy forest. Natural fire within mesic pine flatwoods usually occurs within a 3 to 8 year cycle.

The majority of the flatwoods at North Sebastian Conservation Area are located to the south of the Gibson Road right of way. The majority of the pine jlatwoods have not been burned on a frequent basis, as evident by the density and cover of the groundcover vegetation and the overgrowth of vines, such as wild grape (Vitis sp.). Mesic flatwoods cover approximately 36% (147.5 acres) of the Conservation Area site.

It appears that a wildfire occurred in the past within this jlatwoods community adjacent to the large forested wetland in the southern portion of the site. The intensity of this fire resulted in an almost complete loss of the canopy species, which is why this area is mapped as shrub and brush/and on the natural areas map. The presence of this ecologically degraded area on the project site exemplifies the danger in exclusion of fire on natural cycles, which allows the build up of fuels, often resulting in catastrophic events such as occurred at this location.

Wet Flatwoods

This community also is classified by FNAI as S4. Wet jlatwoods are characterized on this site by an open canopy of slash pine and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), with an understory of sparse saw palmetto and hydrophytic herbs such as bluestem (Andropogon spp.). This community is often found between mesic jlatwoods and wetland systems, and may be inundated during the rainy season for several months. Wet flatwoods are a fire adapted community, with natural fires occurring within a 3 to IO year cycle.

The I 0. 9 acre wet flatwood community on this site is located to the south and west of the large tract of sand pine scrub containing a partially-constructed roadway network. Figure C shows the approximate location of an osprey (Pandion haliaeetus) nest observed in this area. Management of this community should accommodate the breeding and nesting seasons of this species.

Oak Scrub

Like the sand pine scrub, this community is classified by FNAI as G2 and S2. Oak scrub is characterized by dense thickets of scrub oaks, saw palmetto, and other shrubs with

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numerous bare areas and little groundcover. The species composition is similar to that described in the sand pine scrub and scrubby flatwoods classifications, with the notable exception of the absence of a canopy. As with the other scrub communities described above, oak scrub is a fire-maintained community, requiring infrequent, high intensity fires. Absence of fire results in the natural succession of this community into xeric hammock.

On the North Sebastian Conservation Area, approximately 18.35 acres have been classified as oak scrub. Unlike the sand pine scrub communities, there are no areas of oak scrub that require immediate management. The majority of the oak scrub has remained open with only scattered clumps of taller, more dense growth.

Freshwater Marsh

These areas are classified as G4 and S3 by FNAI, indicating that although their presence is secure globally, locally these systems may be more rare. There are two large freshwater marshes located in the central and northern portions of the Conservation Area. These wetlands provide a somewhat unique resource in that there is very little disturbance evident within either area even though these systems are in relatively close proximity to development. In addition, the fact that these marshes are bounded by scrub communities on almost all margins provides a unique wildlife resource for the Sebastian area. Many species, such as Florida gopher frogs (Rana capita) are known to rely on this combination of xeric and wetland habitats for portions of their life cycles.

The marshes consist of broad areas dominated by water lilies (Nymphaea odorata ), maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia), with islands of dense sawgrass (Cladiumjamaicense) and buttonbush (Cephalanthis occidentalis). Small areas within the 25.3 acre northern marsh contains some willow (Salix caroliniana), with increased cover of nuisance species (Typha sp. andLudwigia peruviana).

The marsh bisected by the powerline easement and service road contains many off-road vehicle trails along the perimeter. ATVs were observed on the site during several field reviews, and should be prohibited on the site ( except as used by management personnel) due to the damage they can cause.

Several smaller marshes are scattered throughout the remainder of the site. The majority of these areas appear to be free of nuisance/exotic species, and are only disturbed by vehicle trails. Care should be taken in the construction and location of firebreaks so as to not disrupt the hydro period within these smaller, isolated areas.

Upland Hardwood Forest

On the Conservation Area , this 3.4 acre area is located in the southwest portion of the site adjacent to the railroad. This area is classified as an upland hardwood forest (G? and S3 by FNAI classifications) because of the dominance by oaks and other hardwood species. This area appears very disturbed as shown by the presence of Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and the overgrowth of wild grape. A small wet prairie is located along the southwestern portion of this community. The wet prairie is ony present as a result of

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disturbance to the site topography, and was therefore not included in the map of the natural communities.

Wetland Forested Mixed

This 2 8. 7 acre community is located in the extreme southern portion of the property, and is bounded by the golf course to the west and south, and by residential development to the east. This community is classified G 1 and S4 by FNAI. Dominant vegetation includes swamp bay (Persea palustris), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana), water oak (Quercus nigra), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), royal fern, (Osmunda regalis), swamp fen (Blechnum serrulatum), sawgrass, and lizard=s tail (Saurarus cernuus).

The natural hydro period of this area has likely already been altered due to the construction of perimeter ditches to the east, west, and south of this wetland. This area is frequently inundated, and the largest threats to maintaining habitat would be further disruption of the hydro period and invasion by upland and/or nuisance species. Shortened hydro periods in this wetland, in conjunction with prescribed burns in adjacent uplands could result in a catastrophic muck fire which may completely eliminate the canopy and transform the area into a pond.

Shrub and Brush/and

Two areas of this site have been included in this classification: one 1.5 acre area is located in the extreme eastern portion of the site, and a 17 acre area is located in the southern portion of the site adjacent to the forested wetland. Both of these areas are actually pine flatwood communities which have been burned to an intensity that destroyed the canopy. Dominant vegetation includes gallberry (flex glabra) and saw palmetto.

Ponds and Lakes

A 6. 7 acre lake (Figure C - 5230) is located near the southeastern boundary of the property, adjacent to Main Street. This lake is sparsely vegetated along the perimeter, and grades sharply into the surroundingflatwoods. Two smaller open water areas are located within the mixed wetland forest,as shown on Figure C (5240). These areas are vegetated with water lilies, buttonbush, and other emergent species.

SECTION II - PURPOSE

A. Natural Resource Conservation and Enhancement

The primary purpose of the North Sebastian Conservation Area is the protection and enhancement of native scrub habitat. The sand pine scrub, scrubby jlatwoods and oak scrub communities, comprising approximately 133.3 acres or 33 percent of the conservation area, are classified as rare or imperiled both globally and statewide by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Gopher tortoises are known to inhabit the scrub, scrubby flatwoods, and mesic pine

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flatwoods communities of the site, and Florida Scrub jays are recorded in the sand pine scrub and scrubby flatwoods, and on adjacent scrub sites in the area. It is expected that other listed species will be identified by future inventories.

The North Sebastian Conservation Area will serve as one component in an effort by state and local governments and environmental groups to preserve intact islands of natural scrub and associated habitat within the urban development along the Atlantic Coastal Ridge of east Central Florida (Figure A). Indian River County has acquired the Wabasso Scrub Conservation Area and the Sebastian Scrub Conservation Area, located about 4.25 miles south and four miles south of the project site, respectively. Preservation of these types of areas at the regional scale may be critical to the continuation of the scrub jay and other species dependent on the scrub habitat for survival. City and County stewardship of the Conservation Area will also serve as an example and guidance for future development decisions and management of viable scrub habitat in private ownership in this area of the county.

B. Environmental Interpretation, Education and Research

The slow degradation of the natural environment is often cited as an urgent concern by Florida residents. This issue affects not only the physical needs of the State's citizens and visitors, such as clean air and water, but also those intangible qualities oflife often taken for granted until they begin to disappear. Florida has become an urbanized society set in a landscape unique to this temperate to sub-tropical peninsula, and that urbanization has, in many places, altered our environment to the extent that no "sense of place" remains.

The most effective response to the environmental impact society will have on Florida in the 21st. Century is education. Environmental education programs in Florida's public schools have received considerable attention through efforts at the State and local levels. Non­profit environmental education centers have been established all over Florida to meet the growing demand for information and educational opportunities. In Indian River County, the Environmental Leaming Center was established in 1989, opening an excellent facility approximately four miles southeast of the Conservation Area in 1992.

The second purpose for the acquisition and management of the North Sebastian Conservation Area is to provide interpretation and environmental education facilities, opportunities for field studies, and outdoor laboratory experiences as part of the public and private environmental education available to residents of the County and their guests. Appropriate scientific research on the property's resources should be considered as a component of this purpose.

Indian River County Parks Division and Planning Division - Environmental Section staff will work with staff of the Environmental Leaming Center and the City of Sebastian to program and develop facilities, field activities and events at the Conservation Area, and to develop written materials and curricula to accomplish these goals. A summary of educational program plans for the Conservation Area will be included in the first annual progress report to the FCT.

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Suitable scientific research projects by university staff, graduate students and private individuals at the Conservation Area will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Research agreements between Indian River County and the primary investigators will be required before work begins on site. The Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission (GFC), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the FCT will be involved in review and comment on all research applications and agreements.

C. Comprehensive Plan/Preservation 2000 Conformance

The third purpose of the North Sebastian Conservation Area project follows directly from the habitat preservation purposes discussed above. The Indian River County and the City of Sebastian Comprehensive Plans provide specific policy directives regarding preservation of conservation, open space and environmentally sensitive lands, specifically sand pine scrub, oak scrub, scrubby flatwood and aquifer recharge areas within the County and City. In the County Plan, these elements are the Coastal Management Policy 1.10, Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge Policies 2.4 and 5.4, Drainage Sub-Element Policy 5.2, Conservation Policies 5.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.8, and 7.3, Future Land Use Policies 7.2, 7.6, and 7.8, and Recreation and Open Space Objective 6 and Policy 8.1. City of Sebastian elements directing this project include Goals 1-3, 4-4 and 5-1, Objectives 4-4.1, 6-1.7, 6-1.8 and 6-1.9 and Policies 1-3.6.2, 1-3.6.3, 4-3.1.1, 4-4.1.4, 4-4.2, 6-1.2.5, 6-1.3.2, 6-1.7.2, 6-1.7.3, 6-1.8.2, 7-1.1.1, 7-1.1.6, 7-1.1.7, 7-1.1.8, 7-1.2.1, 7-1.3.2, and 7-1.5.4.

Application for funding for purchase of the Conservation Area under the Preservation 2000 program was originally made to the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) in 1993, as part of a larger project, and revised in 1995 and 1996. The Conceptual Approval Agreement executed by Indian River county on June 18, 1996 and by the City of Sebastian on July 24, 1996 sets forth twelve conditions to be met through the planning and management of the site by the County and the City. The recipients have subsequently applied for reimbursement of acquisition costs for the additional St. Sebastian P. UD. and Anstalt properties. Two additional conditions are included in the latter agreement. Full compliance with the conditions of both agreements will result from implementation of this management plan. The revised Conceptual Approval Agreement, including the list of conditions, is provided as Appendix B, with an index associating the list of conditions with applicable sections of this management plan.

The Future Land Use Classification for the North Sebastian Conservation Area in the City of Sebastian Comprehensive Plan will be amended on the next plan amendment cycle. The classification will be changed to Public/Conservation land uses. Once the City's Future Land Use Plan has been amended, City of Sebastian staff will process reclassification of the property to the appropriate conservation and open space zoning designation.

D. Scrub Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)

The final purpose of the North Sebastian Conservation Area project is to aid in the implementation of Indian River County's Habitat Conservation Plan for scrub islands within the County. Through close coordination with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the County has proceeded

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with acquisition projects totaling approximately 200 acres of scrub habitat. These areas, Wabasso Scrub Conservation Area, the Sebastian Scrub Conservation Area, the North Sebastian Conservation Area and other scrub lands already in public ownership form the core areas of preserved scrub habitat in the County, and function with scrub acquisitions outside the county to provide islands of habitat along the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. The County's HCP was finalized in March 2000. Due to development pressure and the threat that the remaining scrub areas in the County could be developed before an approved HCP could be put in place, the decision was made to pursue outright acquisition of appropriate scrub parcels in advance of development of the plan. The management plans for the County's scrub acquisitions forms the basis of the HCP.

The HCP provides additional guidelines to be applied to this site for the management of scrub habitat and Scrub jay populations. The HCP provides County staff with authority for negotiating protection of scrub habitat on privately owned property through the Future Land Use Plan and the development review process. Indian River County and the City of Sebastian are working in coordination with USFWS and FWC, private landowners and managers of scrub preserves in adjacent Brevard County to further implement the HCP.

E. Management Objectives

Following is a prioritized list of management objectives for the North Sebastian Conservation Area:

1. Construct perimeter fencing and firebreak. 2. Inventory plant and animal species on the Conservation Area. 3. Contract reconnaissance level cultural resources survey. 4. Initiate regular public meetings and workshops. 5. Develop vegetation management plan with assistance of DOF, FWS, FWC and others. 6. Begin exotic plant removal and canopy thinning. 7. Begin active management and restoration of scrub communities. 8. Refine management practices through ongoing species monitoring and analysis. 9. Begin facilities design project.

10. Construct and begin maintenance of public facilities

SECTION ID - STRUCTURES AND IMPROVEMENTS

A. Existing Improvements

No improvements exist on the property at this time, with the exception of a grid of paved roads located in the southern portion of the St. Sebastian P. UD. addition, just west of the powerline right of way. A traffic barricade is in place at the north property line, terminating the improved portion of Gibson Road, which is the north-south road platted part way through the property. There are no fences or other barriers to the movement of wildlife on the property.

B. Proposed Improvements

In compliance with the Conceptual Approval Agreement, improvements for resource protection and for the provision of appropriate public access to the property are proposed by

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this plan. Fencing of the perimeter of the property, and clearing of a protective firebreak along specific portions of the perimeter are the immediate resource management measures recommended. Figure D is the Master Site Development Plan for the Conservation Area. Fencing, gate and perimeter firebreak locations are indicated.

Public facilities to be developed on the property in the future include a stabilized or paved parking area for ten to fifteen vehicles, located adjacent to the Sebastian City Hall. A picnic area with several picnic shelters, and an short boardwalk and overlook deck on the adjacent lake, and interpretive displays are proposed just west of the parking area. A restroom building is recommended to be included in the development of the proposed picnic area.

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A&. G, J JJ tx..l ~ t F-I AL-"f lf=?AC-r_,Jf:.a..JN~i<Y (r_-rF.;)

~ ~

D ~ ~ I i 11 ~

LEGEND

3201 SHRUB & BRUSH LAND t ~ ~ ~ 18.4$ ACRES - 4.54% I I

411 0 MESIC FLATWOODS 147.45 ACRES - 36.24% 0 4111 SCRUBBY FLATWOODS ~ 40.56 ACRES - 9.97% ~

a 1i 2 WET FLATWOODS 10.89 ACRES - 2.67%

4130 SAND PINE SCRUB 74.42 ACRES - 18.29%

4131 SAND PINE FOREST 4.77 ACRES - 1.17%

AN5f A~ f ADD If ION

4210 XER!C OAK SCRUB 18.35 ACRES - 4.51%

4230 UPLAND MIXED FOREST 3.44 ACRES - 0.72%

5230 LAKE> 5 ACRES 6.65 ACRES - 1.63%

5240 LAKES < 5 ACRES 1.35 ACRES - 0.33%

6300 WETLAND FORESTED MIXED 28.67 ACRES - 7.05%

64 1 0 FRESWATER MARSH 51.88 ACRES - 12.75%

I 0$?R~ NEST

1',. SCRUE JAY OBSERv,:.JtON

c.._ Ecotech \11',._ Consul tan ts .Inc. V .. . '\ // C!>•iROS)Q;l-."7.AL SC!ENCCS

NORTH SEBASTIAN CONSERVATION AREA

MASTER SITE DE"VELOPMENT PLAN

"'

l FIG-UR[: ~ ! ~

! Dt.TE: :. /30/97 'REVISED o!o,D1-RMD

Shared-use trails are proposed to provide recreational access around the lake, and to explore the natural communities of the Conservation area. A stabilized or paved path is recommended to circumnavigate the lake, providing walking, bicycling, fitness trail and jogging opportunities and allowing universal access to this area for visitors of all physical abilities. The length of the improved path is approximately one mile.

A natural surface trail is proposed to allow access to most of the natural communities of the site. This trail will function as a firebreak, and will be located on existing jeep trails for the most part. The length of the unimproved trail is approximately three miles. The trail will cross the central marsh area along the powerline easement, and a footbridge approximately 30 feet in length will be needed to connect the trail across the existing breach in the service road. An overlook deck is also recommended on the marsh to provide a second observation point for appreciation of the scenery and the wildlife viewing opportunities available there. Interpretive displays along the proposed trails should be included to provide education on the natural features and resource management activities visitors will observe at the Conservation Area.

Connection of the Conservation Area to a local bicycle/pedestrian system is recommended in the future. The City of Sebastian intends to purchase a lot fronting on Main Street, approximately 2,500 feet west of the proposed picnic area A bridge across the existing drainage ditch between the lot and the Conservation Area boundary will be needed.. A crossing of Main Street at this location will allow pedestrian and bicycle access from the adjacent residential neighborhood to the proposed trails of the conservation area, and to existing paved bicycle path running parallel to Main Street in the subject area. A bicycle rack should be installed at the picnic area to further encourage non-vehicular access to the Conservation Area.

Public access to the Conservation Area will be from Main Street, through the developed picnic area and the bicycle trail connection. Gates will be provided at these entry points to allow for nighttime closure of the site. Public access to the Atlantic Gulf Communities parcel will be by way of the proposed shared use trail. A gate will be installed at the northern boundary of the Conservation Area on the Gibson Road right of way to allow for management access.

An identification sign will be placed at Main Street, at the entrance to the proposed parking area. The sign will identify the Conservation Area as being open to the public. The sign will also identify the site as being operated as a natural resource conservation area, and provide credit for funding to Indian River County and the Florida Communities Trust.

C. Required Permitting

Permits required for the proposed construction include a St. Johns River Water Management District Stormwater Management permit for the proposed parking area and improved trail. Environmental Resource Permits, administered by the Water Management District, will be required for all structures proposed within the site's jurisdictional wetlands. City of Sebastian Building Permits will be required for all picnic area and boardwalk structures.

17

Tree Removal Permits may be required for construction of firebreaks and clearing for the trails (the layout of the trails will seek to avoid removal of any native trees). City site plan review processes will be completed for the facilities development projects, as well as review and approval by the FWS and the FWC. Prescribed Fire Permits will be issued for burn events at the Conservation Area by the Florida Division of Forestry.

Before initiating any site improvements, County staff will provide the FCT with copies of all necessary permits and licenses for the activity. Except for emergency response activities to secure the property or protect its natural resources following storm, flood or other disturbance, no alteration of land use or character at the Conservation Area property not described in this management plan will be initiated without prior consultation by County, City and FCT staff.

D. Easements, Concessions and Leases

An easement to Florida Power and Light Company traverses the Conservation Area. (See Appendix C) The width of the easement is I 00 feet, and a service road is located along its length, except where broken for drainage approximately at the center of the large marsh area. Indian River County will work with the power company to reduce the width of the clearing along the easement with the intent of restoring native vegetation to the extent possible. The possible addition of culverts through the service road to improve the hydrologic connection where it crosses the marsh should be investigated. A footbridge across the central break in the service road will be needed to carry the proposed trail.

The extension of Gibson Road to provide a local collector road is included in the City of Sebastian Comprehensive Plan, and will become crucial for fire and emergency vehicle access to the area north of the Conservation Area in the future. This is due to the planned future removal of an existing railroad crossing that provides an east/ west connection to US. I in that vicinity. Scrub jay habitat will be removed by the extension of this road. A study area to be examined for the road alignment is depicted on the Master Site Development Plan. Mitigation within the Conservation Area for the impact to the listed species habitat will be included in the future road project. One area of potential mitigation value is the grid of paved roads located due west of the study area, where pavement could be removed and scrub species could be reestablished.

An aviation easement is required where the Conservation Area abuts the City of Sebastian airport. The easement will extend a distance of 1,200 feet from the end of the adjacent runway, a distance of approximately 800 feet into the southwestern boundary of the Conservation Area. (See Appendix C.) No development is proposed in the affected area, and no clearing of land or cutting of trees will be necessary to satisfy the purposes of the easement. City and County staff will coordinate the easement at such time as the proposed realignment of the main runway at the airport is implemented. FCT staff will be provided an opportunity to review the document in draft form.

Indian River County has no intention at this time to develop concessions, leases or other revenue-generating uses or agreements at the North Sebastian Conservation Area. FCT,

18

FWS and GFC staff will be consulted if, at any time in the future, such agreements or activities are contemplated. Sixty-days written notice and information will be provided by the County to FCT regarding any lease of any interest, the operation of any concession, any sale or option, any use other than by a member of the public, and management contracts with non-governmental persons or organizations on the project site.

SECTION IV - KEY MANAGEMENT ACTMTIES

A. Maintenance

Regular facilities maintenance, patrol, and trash collection at the Conservation Area will be the responsibility of the Indian River County Parks Division, with assistance, as needed, from staff of the City of Sebastian.

B. Security

Securing the Conservation Area from wildfire ongmating off-site, and ending past intrusions that have resulted in dumping and off-road vehicle trails on the property will be the first management activities addressed by Indian River County. Fencing and a firebreak approximately 10 feet in width will be constructed along the Conservation Area boundaries.

The City of Sebastian Police Department and the Indian River County Sheriffs Department will provide surveillance and law enforcement authority at the property as needed. An interlocal agreement will be executed between the County and the City to formally involve the City in provision of site security at the Conservation Area.

C. Staffing

The County Parks Division staff manages all units in the park system. Volunteer support to help provide public access, interpretive and educational activities, and resource management assistance will be encouraged and coordinated by the Parks Division. Staff from the Environmental Leaming Center, and members of the local Native Plant Society, the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club and the Florida Trail Association, other organized groups and individuals may provide valuable assistance in the operation, interpretation and resource enhancement efforts at the Conservation Area. Contract labor may be employed by the Parks Division as needed.

Resource management activities will be the responsibility of the County Parks Division. Parks staff, contract labor and volunteer labor will be assigned to tasks such as exotic plant removal and natural community restoration. Assistance for resource management projects may be provided by the County Planning Division's Environmental Section, the City of Sebastian, the Division of Forestry, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission.

19

D. Natural Resource Protection

Fencing and firebreaks will be constructed to protect the property from intrusions and wildfire from adjacent lands. Access to the natural resources on the site will be limited to the shared-use trails, picnic facilities, and overlooks. Resource management (i.e. prescribed burns, removal of exotic species) will be initiated prior to, and concurrent with, construction of park facilities. Locations of park facilities will be chosen to minimize disturbance to listed species utilizing the scrub communities.

A comprehensive survey of the plant and wildlife species, as well as a more detailed inventory of the composition and structure of the vegetative communities on the site will need to be completed prior to development of a detailed vegetation management plan, and prior to design of public facilities in order to ensure that the resources on the site~ especially Scrub jay habitat, will be protected and managed effectively. During the preparation of this management plan, scrub jays were observed at two locations in sand pine scrub and scrubby jlatwoods communities, as noted on Figure C.. However, the number of scrub jay families permanently inhabiting the site is unknown at this time. Scrub jay surveys will be conducted as part of initial resource inventories of the Conservation Area, and the vegetation management plan will account for the nesting periods of scrub jays, and any other wildlife which may be affected by the proposed management activities. The plan will be fashioned to restore and maintain the maximum amount of viable scrub jay habitat within the project area. The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Division of Forestry will be consulted in development of the vegetation management plan.

A census of gopher tortoise burrows on the site will be completed prior to construction of any facilities to eliminate the potential for disturbance to individuals or their burrows. Construction management personnel will also be required to be educated on the appearance of these and other listed species (such as the Scrub jay, Eastern Indigo snake, Florida gopher frog) to minimize the impacts to any individuals on the site.

Water quality in the lake and wetlands on the project site appears to be good, based on the preliminary inventory of vegetative communities. No water quality issues have been identified at this time. Surface water resources on the site will be protected by the enforcement of all applicable laws and regulations for new construction on and surrounding the Conservation Area.

Encroachments on the Conservation Area from adjacent land uses will be managed by direct contact between City and County staff and the adjacent land owners. Accurate marking of the Conservation Area boundaries and fencing and firebreak construction will be one of the initial resource protection activities undertaken by the County.

E. Archaeological/Historical Elements

As discussed above, no prehistoric or historic sites are known to exist on the Conservation Area. Consistent with the recommendations of the County's 1992 Archaeological Survey, a reconnaissance level survey of the property will be conducted during the first year of

20

management activities. More specific cultural resource surveys will be included in design projects for public facilities. If cultural sites are identified on the property, County staff will coordinate with the Department of State to develop follow-up surveys and documentation and develop appropriate management strategies for the sites. The collection of artifacts or the disturbance of archaeological and historical sites on the project site will be prohibited unless prior authorization has been obtained from the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources. Management of archaeological and historic resources must comply with the provisions of Chapter 267 Florida Statues, specifically sections 267.061 (2)(a) and (b).

F. Management Coordination

The resource management programs at the Conservation Area will benefit greatly from continued involvement by the FWC, the FWS, and staff of the Environmental Leaming Center. A standing Resource Management Committee will be established, with staff of the County Parks Division, City of Sebastian Community Development and Public Works Departments, County Planning Division Environmental Section, GFC, and FWS, supplemented as needed by representatives of the Florida Division of Forestry, the Environmental Leaming Center, Native Plant Society, Audubon Society, and others. Leaders in the local community will be invited to participate in the committee to insure community involvement and support for the Conservation Area.

An interlocal agreement will be executed between Indian River County and the City of Sebastian. The agreement will set forth the fiscal and management responsibilities assumed by each government regarding the Conservation Area. The agreement will be included as an appendix to this plan, once executed.

City and County staff will coordinate the methods by which the fire-dependent communities of the Conservation Area will be managed. A City ordinance, on its face, currently prohibits burning in the City, and requires that air traffic at the adjacent City airport shall not be obstructed. However. the City now interprets the ordinance to allow for prescribed burns relating to resource management or fitel load reduction by a public entity. Indian River County will coordinate with the Division of Forestry. the City of Sebastian. the Municipal Airport and area residents in scheduling prescribed burns for the property.

SECTION V. - RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT

A. Exotic Plant and Animal Removal

Within one year of approval of the management plan second amendment, Indian River County will develop and implement a plan for removing exotic and nuisance species from the site. The primary focus of this plan will be the removal of the Brazilian pepper from the areas along the perimeter of the site and adjacent to the unmaintained paved roads within the sand pine scrub community closest to Main Street, and the eradication of cattails and primrose willow from the large freshwater marshes, the largest encroachment of which occurs in the approximately 13 acres of marsh and uplands located northeast of the Gibson

21

Road right of way (see Figure E). Altogether, approximately 40 acres of the project site will be subject to exotic plant removal and restoration efforts. Approximately 17 acres of exotic plant infestation are found at various locations. These have not been mapped at this time.

Secondary emphasis will be placed on the control of muscadine grape in the pine flatwoods. The control of nuisance vines will be facilitated by the initiation of prescribed fires. The

mechanisms for completing this initial phase of exotics removal, which may include volunteer groups, Indian River County staff, or others, will be determined by County personnel.

The removal of exotic and nuisance species will be initiated in conjunction with construction and management activities to minimize expenditure of funds. The site does not contain a significant amount of exotic or nuisance species, and therefore the initial control will likely only be supplemented with an annual inspection and localized treatment. Following the initial phase of exotic and nuisance species removal, the monitoring program on the site should include data collection directed at determining the effectiveness of the initial treatment, which will be used to determine the future need for additional treatment.

Because the majority of the Brazilian pepper on the site is located along the perimeter (in some cases where fencing and fire breaks are proposed) and along unmaintained roads, the initial phase of species control will include removal of individuals in these locations by heavy equipment used in firebreak construction. No heavy equipment will be used for pepper removal within the interior natural communities on the site. Hand . applied herbicides will be used to treat individual shrubs found within the interior of the site, and also will be used as a supplement to eliminate any individuals not eradicated during the initial removal by the equipment.

There has been some disturbance to the topography along the northern boundary of the site ( construction of trails, deposition of spoil). In many areas, these disturbed areas will overlap with construction of firebreaks or other site improvements. The need for restoring these areas to natural grade in areas where clearing will not occur should be addressed within the long term bum management plan developed for the site.

Domestic cats and dogs, and native species such as raccoons are often a problem for species such as scrub jays. Nevertheless, it is not practical to develop a control plan for exotic and nuisance animal species at this time, due to the sprawling nature of the site, and the inability to prevent access of individuals to the site. Fencing the property boundaries will help exclude feral and domestic animals from the property. Feral animals will be controlled by enforcement of existing animal control ordinances. Residential neighbors will be educated regarding the potential impacts of stray pets, especially cats, on the endangered animals that utilized the scrub habitat. Native wildlife species that may impact listed species populations will be monitored and individuals will be removed by City and County animal control staff as needed to minimize their impacts.

22

B. Enhancement Management

The conditions on the North Sebastian Conservation Area are such that the need for vegetative enhancement through planting is not necessary at this time. The initial focus of the management plan is to restore the sand pine scrub communities and scrubby flatwood communities to more typical vegetative cover, for the purpose of optimizing scrub habitat for scrub jays, gopher tortoises, scrub lizards and other species that utilize these communities. The prescribed fire plan will include prescribed burning which should both enhance the conditions in the xeric communities and reduce the potential for nuisance species to recolonize the treated areas. Thirteen acres of freshwater marsh community at the north end of the Gibson Road right of way, road shoulders on the grid of abandoned paved roads in the sand pine scrub community north of Main Street, edges of wetlands throughout the property where vegetation has been impacted by off-road vehicles, and areas of exotic plant infestation are the areas to be considered for natural communities restoration work in the future. In all, approximately 53 acres throughout the site are considered candidates for restoration management. The comprehensive vegetative survey to be performed during the first year of active management will more specifically define areas for restoration, and a map of identified area will be included as an Attachment to this plan.

Construction of perimeter fencing and firebreaks will be the first phase of resource management activities at the North Sebastian Conservation Area. Removal and disposal of construction debris, household trash and abandoned vehicles now on the property will be accomplished as part of the initial fencing and firebreak construction activities, during the first six months of the management program.

Resource management analysis and planning will be the next initial phase of management activities. This will include a comprehensive survey of the site to evaluate the current wildlife use, and to assess the status of the vegetative communities. The status of the vegetative communities should be evaluated by collection of additional data on the density and cover of target species within the communities, and by coordination with local representatives from the Florida Division of Forestry. Concurrently, County staff will initiate the public workshop process discussed above to resolve the conflict surrounding prescribed fire management of the project area.

It is recommended that the survey for Florida scrub jays be conducted between March and September, to increase success in identifying territory densities (pcology and Development-Related Habitat Requirements of the Florida Scrub Jay, FGFWFC, 1991). The data collection will account for seasonality, and therefore should include at least two sampling events. Methodology for wildlife surveys should be coordinated with the FWS and FWC staff prior to initiation of surveys on site. In addition, local persons and groups knowledgeable regarding native plants should be contacted to assess the potential for listed plant species occurrence.

Following the collection of field data, a detailed burn management plan will be developed with the assistance of the Division of Forestry and with input from the City government and area residents. Prescribed burn events will be conducted by contract with the Division of

23

Forestry, with assistance by County resource management staff. recommendations for the plan include the following:

Preliminary

• habitat managed for optimum use by Florida scrub jays typically also provides the most suitable habitat for most other scrub endemic species. Florida scrub jays attain their highest densities in habitats with the following features: (I) oaks 1-3m tall covering 50-75% of the area; (2) open space covering 10-30% of the area; and, (3) scattered trees, with no more than 20% canopy cover (Status and Distribution of the Florida Scrub Jay. Cox, 1987) . The burn management plan should be focused on maximizing this type of scrub habitat within the oak scrub and sand pine scrub communities on the site.

• the burn management plan should address the need for selective harvesting of the canopy prior to initial burning in the sand pine scrub areas. The prescribed burn cycle in these communities will be determined based on the data collected in the initial phase and should range between eight and twenty five years. Portions of these areas should shift to a more open scrub dominated community, and at that time will be incorporated into the cycle developed for the open areas;

• following the initiation of prescribed burns in the scrub and scrubby flatwood communities, subsequent burns are recommended to be occur prior to, or subsequent to, the scrub jay nesting season (late winter);

• the burn units should be created such that no more than 25% of the available scrub jay habitat is burned within a given management year;

• the burns within the scrub communities are recommended to be conducted on a twelve to fifteen year rotation;

• the workshop and City involvement process outlined above should coordinate management activities with the property owner(s) off site to the north, east and west, where development has occurred, in order to address smoke management issues;

• interior firebreaks should be constructed to coincide where existing trails have been cleared. New breaks should be constructed to coincide with proposed trails to minimize disturbance to the site;

• firebreaks should not be directly adjacent to any of the wetland communities where they may alter the hydrology of these communities. Allowing for the ecotone between the wetland and upland communities to be burned will maximize the habitat potential of the Conservation Area;

• burn management units should be established as small (10-20 acres) units to ensure that the prescribed burns will be easily controlled, and that they pose no threat to adjacent developed properties.

24

• The primary focus of wetlands management on the site should be to control invasion by exotic and/or nuisance species, and to maintain hydro periods. Initial data collection on the site should generate a baseline data set for the cover within the wetlands. Following the treatment of exotics, additional vegetative data should be collected in the wetlands to document the success of the control efforts. Following the initial treatments, collection of additional monitoring data within the wetlands need only occur on a three to five year cycle.

SECTION VI - COST/FUNDING

A. Development Cost Estimate

The development cost estimates shown in Table 1 are preliminary estimates based on current market costs and estimated quantities for the resource management and public access improvement programs outlined in this plan. The authors have attempted to provide the best estimate possible based on the information at hand, and the level of planning completed. Some adjustments in these estimates may be necessary as more detailed plans are developed. Over time, market conditions and prevailing rates of inflation in the general economy may act to increase or decrease actual costs.

B. Funding Sources

Five sources of funding have been identified for management and development of the Conservation Area. Funding from the Indian River County Environmental Lands Acquisition bond program may be used to provide for property security and priority resource management improvements and activities. County mitigation accounts for upland and wetland enhancement projects may also be applied to this project. Funding from the County Land Clearing and Tree Removal Violations accounts are a third source of funds for resource management activities. Operations, staffmg and development funds will come from the County Parks Division budget. Funding for public facilities may also be acquired through a grant from the Florida Recreational Development and Assistance Program (FRDAP), administered by the Fl. Department of Environmental Protection. A potential sixth source of funds may be developed through donations of cash, materials or labor from individuals or businesses in the local area. Solicitation of donations will be part of the initial fund raising effort.

SECTION VII - MONITORING

A. Annual Implementation Report

An annual report will be compiled by County staff to inform the FCT on activities during the previous twelve months. The Annual Report will include a review of the provisions of this management plan and provide numerical descriptions, where possible, of progress made in meeting those commitments, such as acreage and percentage figures for exotic plant removal, spoil removal, native plant restoration, etc. The report will also serve to update the resource inventories for the property on file with the FCT as more information is

25

gathered at the Conservation Area. The annual report will comply with the requirements of 9K-4.13 F.A.C. County staff will forward listed species information to the Florida Natural Areas Inventory on appropriate forms, concurrently with filing the annual report.

B. Progress Assessment

The following list summarizes the management objectives set forth in this management plan, in priority order. Figure E presents the management activities discussed in the plan in a graphic timeline format, beginning with the estimated date of final acquisition of the property by Indian River County. The schedule of activities is subject to adjustment, as it depends on the availability of funding, staffing and inter-governmental assistance for the management of the Conservation Area.

1. Construct perimeter fencing and firebreak. 2. Inventory plant and animal species on the Conservation Area. 3. Contract reconnaissance level cultural resources survey. 4. Initiate regular public meetings and workshops. 5. Develop vegetation management plan with assistance of Division of Forestry, FWS

and GFC, and others. 6. Begin exotic plant removal and canopy thinning. 7-8. Begin active management and restoration of scrub communities. 9. Refine management practices through ongoing species monitoring and analysis. 10. Begin facilities design project. 11. Construct and begin maintenance of public facilities.

After the initial inventories of plant and animal species utilizing the site have been completed, annual monitoring surveys of plant and animal species will be instituted to help evaluate progress toward the goal of habitat restoration. The acreage and percentage of the site undergoing exotic plant removal or re-treatment operations, and the acreage of scrub undergoing mechanical or prescribed fire management for restoration and/or maintenance will be measured and reported annually as well.

Development of public facilities, although important, is dependent on the availability of funding through the County Parks budget, the City of Sebastian, or through private donation. The progress of appropriations through the various budget processes, and the progress of fund-raising activities will be included in the County's annual report to the FCT. Once development funding has been acquired, progress through the design, permitting and construction processes will be reported on a percent-complete basis. After facilities are developed, the County Parks Division staff will estimate annual visitation and include a narrative summary of use of the Conservation Area by organized groups in the annual report.

26

I=

2=

3=

*

TABLE 1 NORTH SEBASTIAN CONSERVATION AREA

ESTIMATED MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT COST

1. Resource Management Improvements1

Perimeter fencing/entrance gates Perimeter firebreak Debris removal Cultural resources survey Background data collection Development of burn management plan Initial Exotic plant treatment/removal Selective clearing/harvesting*

2. Public Access/Recreation Improvements2

Stabilized parking area Restroom Shelters Stabilized trail (1.0 mile) Boardwalks and overlooks (600 s.f.) Interpretive signs (8-10 signs) Entrance sign

Subtotal

Subtotal

Total Initial Resource Management/Development Costs

3. Annual Maintenance/Operations Costs3

Resource Management (Monitoring, Exotic Plant Re-Treatment, Natural Community Maintenance) Routine facilities maintenance

Total Annual Operational Costs

$48,350.00 12,000.00 3,500.00 4,000.00 9,000.00 5,000.00 4,500.00 7,500.00

$93,850.00

$15,000.00 25,000.00 20,000.00 53,000.00 31,500.00 2,000.00 1,000.00

$147,500.00

$241,350.00

$3,000.00

$7,000.00

$10,000.00

Funding Source: Environmental Lands Acquisition Bond Program, County Mitigation Funds, County Tree Removal Permit Violations Fund Funding Source: County Parks Development Appropriations, Citizens Donations Funding Source: County and City Parks Operations Budgets and Volunteers Prescribed fire event costs are included in the annual resource management costs, based on contract burning conducted by the Florida Division of Forestry.

27

Activity

Fencing & firebreak construction

Prescribed burn(s)

Cultural resource inventory

Public meetings

Nuisance exotic plant removal

Canopy thinning/ timbering

Initial vegetative mgt. Event

Ecological monitoring

Public facilities design/ permitting

Facilities construction/ general maintenance

FIGUREE

NORTH SEBASTIAN CONSERVATION AREA Indian River County, Florida

Revised Projected Management Activities Time-line

Year

2001 2002 2003

J A J 0 J A J 0 J A J a p u C a p u C a p u n r I t n r I t n r I

XXX

XXX ./UV\.

xx xx xx

XXX

XXX

XXX

XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX

xxxxxxxxxxx

0 C

t

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

28

2004

J A J 0 a p u C

n r I t

XXX XXX

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

APPENDIXA State and Federally Listed Wildlife Species Potentially Utilizing the North

Sebastian Conservation Area.

Scientific Name

BIRDS Ajaia ajaja Aphelocoma coerulescens

coerulescens Aramus guarana Egretta caerulea Egretta thula Egretta tricolor Eudocimus alba Falco sparverius paulus Grus canadensis pratensis

Mycteria americana

MAMMALS Podomys jloridanus Sciurus niger shermani

Common Name

Roseate spoonbill Florida scrub jay

Limpkin Little blue heron Snowy egret Tricolored heron White ibis S.E. American kestrel Sandhill crane

Woodstork

Florida mouse Sherman's fox squirrel

USFWS

* T

* * * * * T

*

E

* *

Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission Section 39-27.03-05; F.A.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR 17.11-12 FDA - Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Status1

FGFWFC

SSC T

SSC SSC SSC SSC SSC C2 T

E

SSC SSC

E = Endangered; T = Threatened; T(S/A) = Threatened due to similarity of appearance; C2 =

Candidate for listing, with some evidence of vulnerability, but for which not enough data exist to support listing; SSC = Species of Special Concern; * = Species not listed.

APPENDIXB NORTH SEBASTIAN CONSERVATION AREA

INDEX OF CONDITIONS OF THE REVISED CONCEPTUAL APPROVAL AGREEMENT TO THE MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. Recipient shall provide outdoor recreation facilities: Section III-B, VI-A. Fig. D, Fig. E

2. Timing and extent of vegetative surveys; Recipient shall detail how surveys will be used during development: Sections IV-D, V-B, Fig. E

3. The scrub communities on site shall be preserved and appropriately managed: Sections I-D, II-A, C and D, IV-D, V-B

4. The project site shall be managed to optimize listed species habitat; recipient shall coordinate with the FWC and FWS; recipient shall conduct periodic listed species surveys; recipient shall provide informational signs relating to listed species and habitat: Introduction, Sections I-E, II-A, III-C, IV-F, V-B, VII-B, Fig. E, Section III-B

5. Recipient shall work with FWC and FWS to implement scrub Habitat Conservation Plan: Introduction, Sections II-A, II-D

6. Recipient shall remove invasive exotic plants from the site: Sections IV-D, V-A, Fig. E

7. Archaeological sites shall be located prior to development activities; activities involving sites or potential sites shall be coordinated with Department of State: Section IV-E, Fig. E

8. Recipient shall ensure that project site shall be buffered from adjacent land uses: Sections II-C, IV­B,D and F, V-A and B

9. Recipient shall coordinate with FWC and DOF and determine areas requiring mechanical and prescribed bum management: Sections I-D, IV-F, V-B

10. Recipient shall remove trash and debris: Section IV-B, Fig. E

11. Access to the site by pedestrians and bicyclists shall be promoted: Section ill-B

12. Requirements of other grant programs shall not conflict with the FCT award terms and conditions: Not within scope of the management plan

I l lt.00

100' ROAD R/W

- - -~--.-("-... -~e::r-····. ~.A-....... ---~."'" .A_ :tH•r)- _i LJ\ le& l } NG- r=-1- 1.., ~""lV'I

APPENDIX: C NORTH SEBASTIAN CONSERVATION AREA

EXISTING AND PROPOSED EASEMENTS DATE: 1/28/98

City of Sebastian 1225 MAIN STREET D SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA 32958

TELEPHONE (561) 589-5537 D FAX (561) 589-2566

November 7, 1997

Lew Scruggs 75 lBassridge Trail Tallahassee, Florida 32612

Re: Avigation Easement for Runway 27

Dear Mr. Scruggs:

The following Figures and Narratives were taken from the Sebastian Municipal Airport Community Compatibility Study and Master Plan prepared for the City of Sebastian by Williams, Hatfield & Stoner, Inc. in October, 1993.

The Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) for runway 27, extends 1000' beyond the Object Free Area (OFA) which extends 200' from the end of the runway. Therefore, an avigation easement is necessary for a distance of 1200' beyond the runway. The 200' of OFA is on airport property and currently occupied by the City Golf Course. The additional 250' x 450' x 1000' is on the subject property and is required to have an avigation easement. The attached figures graphically depict the necessary boundaries of the easement area.

I hope this information is helpful and if you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

OA~ B¥M!ssarelli Community Development Director

Attachment 3

RUNWAY •;;-27 REACTIVATION ISSUES

I. General Location of Approach Surfaces

Figure 2 shows the location of the protected areas associated with reactivating Runway 9-27. Four different areas are identified:

(a) Runway Protection Zone (RPZ): This area, previously known as the "clear zone" in FAA terms, ideally should be clear of obstructions. Certain types of compatible land uses are permitted provided they are below the approach surface and outside of the runway object free area. The RPZs for both Runway 9 and Runway 27 extend off Airport property.

(b) Object Free Area and Runway Safety Area: In this case the Runway Safety · Area is entirely within the Object Free Areas for Runway 9-27 and both

remain on Airport property. These areas must be cleared to the ground except for navigational aids.

( c) Part 77 Surfaces: These surfaces define the height restrictions in the approach surface to the runway. As shown, the approach surface has a 20:1 slope with the outer edge of the surface leveling off at 173 feet above mean sea level at a distance of 3,200 feet from the end of the runway where it intersects the horizontal surface. The approach surface extends for a horizontal distance of 5,200 feet from the end of the runway. 1

II. RPZ Ownership and Land Use

(a) Runway 9: The land ·in the RPZ that is not on Airport property in the approach to Runway 9 is owned by Indian River County ( tax parcel # LOC 4100,5004 Section 29 of Fleming Grant). The parcel, which is a total of 74.5 acres, has been designated for conservation use on the Indian River County Future Land Use Plan and is part of Dale Wimbrow Park. Approximately 3.9 acres (170,000 square feet) of land i~ affected.

(b) Runway 27: The land in the RPZ that is not on Airport property in the approach to Runway 27 is part of the St. Sebastian PUD and is owned by Carl R. Julian, Trustee. Currently the site plan for this project shows a large wetland preservation area, golf course villas and multi-family residential as the designated land uses within the proposed RPZ. Approximately 7.3 acres of land is affected.

Intrep3/2BP /031892 1

III. RPZ Land Purchase or Easements

In order for Runway 9-27 to be opened, the land for the RPZ must either be purchased from or avigation easements granted over that land by the property owners. These property acquisitions are eligible for FAA funding.

Because the land in the approach to Runway 9 is in conservation use and is owned by Indian River County, the less expensive purchase of avigation easements may be a viable option as the land use restrictions associated with the RPZ can be met with the controls governing the conservation land use category. WHS has contacted the County and, based on discussions with County staff, there should not be any unforseen difficulty negotiating an agreement to accommodate the RPZ.

Representatives of the St. Sebastian PUD have expressed their concern regarding compensation for additional impacts on their property caused by the outcome of the Community Compatibility and Master Plan Study. Representatives of the property owner have conducted their own impact analysis of the use of Runway 9-27. They have determined that 100 acres of the St. Sebastian PUD would be affected and they would like the land purchased outright. If this request is not accommodated, they have indicated they would sue which could delay the implementation of the recommendations in the Master Plan. The on-going PGA study may recommend purchase of 85 acres of this property for a 9-hole addition to the City's golf course. Such a purchase by the City would facilitate its ability to provide adequate property interest in the Runway 27 RPZ.

III. Potential Impacts on the Natural Environment

The RPZ and the Part 77 surfaces restrict the height of objects that can extend into the airspace. As trees invade the restricted airspace, they have to be topped. The sand pine is most likely the only tree species affected that the Department of Enviromental Regulation (DER) will identify as environmentally sensitive. Based on discussions with environmental experts, topping the sand pine will not result in its death but rather will stunt its upward growth and cause it to bush out.

It should be noted that no trees should ·be ~opped in the RPZ until after the scrub jay nesting season (March - May) to ensure that this protected species is not disturbed.

In the Object Free Area that must be cleared to the ground, the presence of scrub jay colonies would have to be determined and if present evaluated by a licensed biologist. The colony would have to be mapped and recommendations made regarding its viability. In the past, environmental agencies have permitted the removal of scrub jay colonies in Airport RPZs and other restricted areas where the

Intrep3/2ZP /031892 2

protected areas associated with runways cannot be reconfigured to accommodate environmental characteristics.

It should be noted that at this time it has not been determined whether scrub jays, or any other protected, threatened or endangered species are actually present in the area affected by Runway 9-27.

IV. The Environmental Assessment Requirement and Options

The FAA has determined that an Environmental Assessment (EA) will be required for the reopening of Runway 9-27. The City basically has two options for satisfying this requirement (which is outside the scope of this study). Each option represents a trade-off between time and money; time for implementing the recommendations in the Master Plan ard money for funding the costs of the EA work.

One option is for the EA to be done concurrently with the Master Plan. If this option is chosen the City would have to fund 100% of the cost of the work but it would speed up the review process by overlapping it with the Master Plan review. This would enable the recommendations in the Master Plan to be implemented sooner.

The other option is to wait until the: FAA has conditionally approved the Master Plan with one of the conditions being the completion and approval of the EA If this option is chosen, the FAA will cover 90% of the cost of the EA but there will be a minimum 2 year delay after Master Plan approval in implementing the recommendations in the Master Plan.

Intrep3/28P /031892 3

4.4.3.2 Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) Impacts on the St. Sebastian PUD

The land in the Runway 27 RPZ that is not on Airport property, approximately 7.3 acres, is part of the St. Sebastian PUD owned by Carl R. Julian, Trustee. Currently, the site plan for this project shows a large wetland preservation area, golf course villas and multi-family residential as the designated land uses within the proposed RPZ.

Before the PUD can be developed, the development order for the project must be updated through the Development of Regional Impact Substantial Deviation process (Ch. 380.03(19) FS) which is coordinated by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. This process provides the opportunity to revise the layout of the proposed project so that the land uses affected by the proposed RPZ could be redistributed.

In addition, the City has commissioned a study by the Professional Golf Association (PGA) to determine if the City should consider the purchase of a portion of the St. Sebastian PUD property (which would include the Runway 27 RPZ) for expansion of the municipal golf course. Planning for the PUD has been put on hold until the outcome of the PGA study has been publicized since this will have a significant impact on the ultimate layout of the project.

As previously noted in Section 4.4.2, the noise impacts to the PUD generated by the Preferred Alternative are less than those that will result if the current runway configuration and flight tracks are maintained through the year 2010.

It is concluded, therefore, that the reactivation of Runway 9 /27 will have no significant impact on the St. Sebastian PUD as plans for the area have not been finalized and can be adjusted to accommodate both the land area needed for the RPZ and the potential area to be purchased for golf course expansion.

4.4.3.3 Existing Golf Course Impacts

The reactivation of Runway 9 /27 will have minor impacts on the existing golf course. Any landscaped areas on the golf course that occur within the proposed Object Free Area (OFA) and RPZ will have to be removed consistent with Part 77 surface requirements.

In addition, both holes 17 and 11 are within the 9/27 OFA as shown on Figure 4.1. The tee-off area of Hole 17 will need to be rotated approximately 30 degrees to the southeast of its present location because it interferes with the proposed taxiway system for the reactivated Runway 9/27 in its current location (also shown on Figure 4.1). Since the rotation of Hole 17 represents a modification to an existing leasehold and the removal of an obstruction, FAA funding will be sought to mitigate the financial impact of this change on the City and the golf course operating fund.

4-8S2822/37P/102792 R4-16

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SEBASTIAN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PROPOSED GOLF COURSE IMPACTS

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WIUJA~~~~~~~R, INC.

FORT LAUDERDAL.£ BOYNTON BEACH MIAMI PORT ST. waE

SEBASTIAN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT CO~ COIIPATIIIJTY ANO MASTER PLAN &TIJDY

PART TI SURFACES Dttuwav o .. .,., awn ..__.,,,

WILLIAMS, HATFIELO •.STONER, iNC. 1-'-1--1--------f--l

FORT LAUOEROAL£ BOYNTON BEAQ-1 PMT C:.1 111nr

AfF~t:-'t)( J;> FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY FIELD REPORT FORM - OCCURRENCES OF SPECIAL ANIMALS

Scientific Name: County:

Common Name: Date observed:

Basis tor Identification: Investigator:

Location of Animal Ip/ease attach map and give specific directions; if possible, mark site on copy of USGS 7.5 minute topo

map or draw detailed map on back of this oagel:

Describe habitat/plant community, list dominant species:

extent of this ..,abitat at site that may support animal ie.g., acres. miles)

Number of individuals (or nests, burrows, ere.) seen:

Estimated no. of incfividuals in population:

Age/population structure (adults, young, etc.I:

.Ecological/behavioral notes (e.g., reproductive stage. activit¥ type, feeding, flying, nesting):

Have you seen this species at the same location in the past? Yes

If yes. please g,ve datefsl:

Is there evidence of disturbance at the site? Yes No

If yes, please describe:

Ownerlsl of site:

Is owner protec:ting 1his animal? Yes

Conse,va~t Needs:

No

No __

Previous condition:

Comments (other useful information concerning this animal and site• e.g .• names and addresses of individuals who might be

helpful. publications. museum specimen numbers, etc.):

(please include any addi:.ional information on the back of this sheet.I

Additional forms may be obtained upon request. Please send completed field report forms to:

• • note: each form should include only one species, one locality, and oM date

FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY FIELD REPORT FORM FOR RARE PLANTS

lnYCstigator: ___________________ _ Tel no.: _______________ _

Address:-----------------------------------Scientific name: _________________ Common name: _______________ _

Basis for identification/manual used: -------------------------------Date seen: ______ Quad name: ___________ County: ______________ _

Sile or managed area name, if known: ______________________________ _

Location of plant (please attach map and give specific directions; if possible. mark site on copy of USGS 7 .5 minute quad map or

draw detailed map on back of this page): _____________________________ _

Sile where the plant was seen: describe the habitat/plant community; topography; list dominant species in canopy, understory, and

ground layer:---------------------------------------

F.srimated Size of Population (no. of individuals & size of area occupied): __________________ _

Flowering? Yes_ No_ In leaf? Yes_ No_ Dormant? Yes_ No_ comments _____________ _

Fruiting? Yes_ No_ In bud? Yes_ No_ comments. _____________________ _

Hue you seen this species at the same loca(ion in the past? Yes__ No_Ifyes, please give dates: __________ _

If yes, describe changes, if any. to site and population since lase visit ___________________ _

Is lbcre-evideocc of disturbaoce (e.g. roads, trash, fire suppression, ditching) at the site? Yes_ No_lf yes, please describe:_

Is there evidence (e.g., fire breaks. scorching) of the use of fire at the site? Ycs_No_ifycs, describe and give dates of receru fira,utnown _______________________________ _

Ccmmeols (ocher useful information cooccming ecological conditions, management history, management aeeds, names of individuals who might be helpful, etc.): __________________________ _

Please iDclude any additional iaformalioa. m the back of dais sheet. Addilional forms may be ofwlailed upan request. Please send c:cenplMed field report forms 10: BcuaiR, fJorida Nalural Areas Inventory, 1018 TbomasYiDe Rd., Suire 200-C, T,Uabassee. FL 32303 TIIANK YOU!

70

Please visit the EPPC \Vebsite at:

http://\V\V\V.fleppc.org

for more information on the List of Invasive Species.

FLORIDA. EXOTIC PEST PLANT COUNCIL'S

1997 LIST OF INV ASI\rE SPECIES

THE PURPOSE OF THE EPPC: To focus attention on 1) the impacts exotic plants have on nati-,;e biodiversity in Florid~ ecosystem5; 2) the impact of exotic pest plants on the integrity of nati\·e plant community fonctions; 3) habitat losses due to exotic plant infestations; 4) the impacts of exotic plants on endangered species via habicat loss and alteration -(e.g., Cape Sable seaside sparrowt 5) the need to prevent such losses by comprehensive management for exotic pesr-plants; 6) the socioeconomic ·impacts of exotic pest plants (e.g., increased wildfires in 1Welaleuca); 7) changes in the seriousness of different exotic pest plants over time; and 8) the need to provide information that will help managers set priorities for management.

•

C:it~ry I· Species th:u :ice inv:ldinJ :and disrupting n:ui,.-e pbnt communities in Florid:i. Tlris dtfitti.rion dou not rely on tlt4 economic U\·trity or 1eographic range of tM probkm. but OIi du dOCU1M11Ud ecolngical damage caused.

S.:icnrifk ~:i.mc

Abrus preca:orius Acacia auric,.J.iforms A tbi:.ia leb~ck Ard1si.:: c.~er..c.:.:i

( =.{ crer.:..la:a) Arc!isi.i e!Iip,:ca

( =.-4. h:.unilis) Asparag!lS de,uiflorus Baulzi.nia \·ariegara B isclrofia jawznica Braclriaria 11Wtica

(Urochloo mutica) Calophyllum a1ttillanum

(=C.cal.aba..· C. iN,~ o(1m mi.saflplied

inculti~) Cassia colu~du

(=Smna pvuiula)

Ca.suarina eq:nserifolia Cas:wrir..i gla:lca Cesrrtlffl tticurwm Cir.na,,wmUM camplwra Coloca.si<l esculenra Colubrilta asiatica Cupwriupsis al'l(ICardioid-ts Dioscorea aiaza Diosana llt,/bifera Ekltllotaia aossipes E:,g,,,;.uiJ(ora Ficus microcarpa

( = F. ni1ida: = F. retascl \-:V. 11itida)

Hydrilla ,,;erticillata Hygropltila polyspenna HymelfOCltnt ample.ricauli.s lmpuara cylindrica

( =l,aperazo (= bnnilie,uis)

I ;,omoea aquatica Jo.smilflllff dicltotom:um Jasmut11111 jl1111U1Unse lan.ttU14 camara ligustt'fllfl suwue Lonicera japonica

Common N.imc Gov"t. Listed

ros.1ry pc: :i e :uk:if :u::ici:i wom;in's tongue

sho.::button :irdisi:i ~~gu.s fem orchid tre;: bischofi:i

s:utt:I. rrwu (a;imes Nm:151

wood·. •AleJtanderbuel'" wed in cultiv:won)

climbing ~ Christm:is

c:issil. Christ~ senn.:i Austc:i.lian pine P sud;cring Austr.lli:in pin~ P d:iy jasmine c:imphor~ wildwo l:it~r leaf c:urocwoodl ~-iqcdy.un -~ v.-wr hyacimh Surin:im cherry

l:iurel fig

p

hydcill:i P, N green hypo P. N West lndi.in m:irsh gr:iss

cogongr:iss P.N

w:itcr spin:ich P. N Gold Co:ist jasmine jasmine l:int:in3

Chinese privet. hedge pri~t J:ipaneseboaeysucklc

S..:ientitic i".J.me

lygc>d.iumjaponicu.m lygodium microphyl!um Macfadyena wtguis-ca:i ,\f e{..i!e:ica q:tir.qiune.~. ia

Jf,!l1:.1 a::.edarach .\fimosa pigra ,Vandina domtstica Neplzroltpis cordifolia Ntyra:.1dia rtynaudiar.a Pacderiafottida Panicum rtptns PerJti.sttum purpurtum Pisria stratiotn Psidium cattleiamun

(=P. litoralt) Psidium guajtn·a P.ttraria montant

(=P. lobata) Rlrodomyrt'J.S to11U!ntora Rlroeo spathacea

( =R. discolor) Sapium sebiftrum

Scaernla strieta ( =Scae1·o!a raccat!= v:u. sericea. S. jl'UUsctns: S. uricta)

Sclulfle,a tlCli.rtoplayl14 (=Brauaia actinophylla)

Scliin!l.S ttrtbinrhifolius Sulanum iampictttSe

( =S. houstonii) SolClllum ro,.,.i,m Solanum viarwn Syt)·giwn cumini Tectaria incisa Thespesia populnta Tradescantia flumintnsis

Common Name

fap:inese climbing fem Old W octd climbing /tm cl:iw vine me!:ileuw.. bro.id-leaf

Gov't.

List~d

p:p,:r b:uk P. :---; Chinabcrry c:.rd:iw mimosa P. i's n:indi~ ~ .. ·enly bamboo sword fern Bumu reef: c:ine gr:i.ss skunk vine tocpedo grass N:ipier gr.,ss "'-~r~c P

SU':lwbeay gu:iva gu:iva

kudzu downy rose-myrtle

oyster pl.int popcorn tree, Chinese t:illow tree

sc:ievol:i. h:.lf-flower, bc:ich

Brazilian pepper P. r-;

aqu;itic soda apple tutkq berry N tropic:11 soda apple N j:imbol:in. Java plum incised ballcrd (em seaside mahoe white-flowered wandering j.::w