north buck lake scrub sanctuary management plan - Brevard County

LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,NORTH BUCK LAKEFEBRUARYSCRUB9, 2010SANCTUARYMANAGEMENT PLANMims, FloridaNORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCCAPPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9, 2010Prepared by:Brevard CountyEnvironmentally Endangered Lands ProgramParks and Recreation Department91 East DriveMelbourne, FL 32940(321) 255-44661

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Management Plan Compliance Checklist - Natural Resource LandsRequirementsPageNumbers18-2.021 Acquisitions and Restoration Council.1. Executive Summary (Example #1) This should be included in the packet andshould be the first page. 1Management Plans. Plans submitted to the division for ARC review under the requirementsof Section 253.034 F.S. should be in a form and manner prescribed by rule by the board andin accordance with the provisions of S. 259.032 and should contain where applicable to themanagement of resources the following:2. The common name of the property.13. A map showing the location and boundaries of the property plus any structuresor improvements to the property. (Example #2) 6-74. The legal description and acreage of the property.1, 59-605. The degree of title interest held by the Board, including reservations andencumbrances such as leases. 16. The land acquisition program, if any, under which the property was acquired.2-57. The designated single use or multiple use management for the property,including other managing agencies. 18. Proximity of property to other significant State/local/federal land or waterresources. (Example #3) May be included in the map in item #2. 5, 79. A statement as to whether the property is within an Aquatic Preserve or adesignated Area of Critical State Concern or an area under study for such designation.If yes, make sure appropriate managing agencies are notified of the plan. 110. The location and description of known and reasonably identifiable renewable and nonrenewableresources of the property including, but not limited to, the following:A. Brief description of soil types, using U. S. D. A. maps when available;9, 11-12B. Archaeological and historical resources*; 28-29,102-105C. Water resources including the water quality classification for each water bodyand the identification of any such water body that is designated as an OutstandingFlorida Waters; 13, 74D. Fish and wildlife and their habitat;26-27E. State and federally listed endangered or threatened species and their habitat; 25-27,88-101F. Beaches and dunes;--i

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010G. Swamps, marshes and other wetlands;H. Mineral resources, such as oil, gas and phosphate;24-25--I. Unique natural features, such as coral reefs, natural springs, caverns, largesinkholes, virgin timber stands, scenic vistas, and natural rivers and streams; and --J. Outstanding native landscapes containing relatively unaltered flora, fauna, andgeological conditions. 1311. A description of actions the agency plans, to locate and identify unknownresources such as surveys of unknown archeological and historical resources. 105-11112. The identification of resources on the property that are listed in the FloridaNatural Areas Inventory. Include letter from FNAI or consultant, where appropriate. 88-10113. A description of past uses, including any unauthorized uses of the property.(Example #4) 2214. A detailed description of existing and planned use(s) of the property. (Example#5) 36-4015. A description of alternative or multiple uses of the property considered by themanaging agency and an explanation of why such uses were not adopted. 3616. A detailed assessment of the impact of planned uses on the renewable andnon-renewable resources of the property and a detailed description of the specificactions that will be taken to protect, enhance and conserve these resources and tomitigate damage caused by such uses. 41-4517. A description of management needs and problems for the property.34-3618. Identification of adjacent land uses that conflict with the planned use of theproperty, if any. 3419. A description of legislative or executive directives that constrain the use of suchproperty. 1-520. A finding regarding whether each planned use complies with the State LandsManagement Plan adopted by the Trustees on March 17, 1981, and incorporatedherein by reference, particularly whether such uses represent "balanced publicutilization", specific agency statutory authority, and other legislative or executiveconstraints. 521. An assessment as to whether the property, or any portion, should be declaredsurplus. 522. Identification of other parcels of land within or immediately adjacent to theproperty that should be purchased because they are essential to management of theproperty. Clearly defined map of parcels can be used. 3023. A description of the management responsibilities of each agency and how suchresponsibilities will be coordinated, including a provision that requires that themanaging agency consult with the Division of Archives, History and RecordsManagement before taking actions that may adversely affect archaeological or historicresources. (Example #6)24. A statement concerning the extent of public involvement and local governmentparticipation in the development of the plan, if any, including a summary of commentsand concerns expressed. (Example #7)3-4, 43,105-11136, 39,116-136ii

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Additional Requirements—Per Trustees25. Letter of Compliance of the management plan with the Local GovernmentComprehensive Plan. Letter from local government saying that the plan is incompliance with local government's comprehensive plan. 5, 55-58253.034 State-Owned Lands; Uses. —Each entity managing conservation lands shall submitto the Division of State Lands a land management plan at least every 10 years in a form andmanner prescribed by rule by the Board.26. All management plans, whether for single-use or multiple-use properties, shallspecifically describe how the managing entity plans to identify, locate, protect andpreserve, or otherwise use fragile nonrenewable resources, such as archaeologicaland historic sites, as well as other fragile resources, including endangered plant and 25-27,animal species.105-11127. The management plan shall provide for the conservation of soil and waterresources and for the control and prevention of soil erosion. 1228. Land management plans submitted by an entity shall include reference toappropriate statutory authority for such use or uses and shall conform to theappropriate polices and guidelines of the state land management plan. 529. All land management plans for parcels larger than 1,000 acres shall contain ananalysis of the multiple-use potential of the parcel, which analysis shall include thepotential of the parcel to generate revenues to enhance the management of the parcel. --30. Additionally, the land management plan shall contain an analysis of the potentialuse of private managers to facilitate the restoration or management of these lands. --31. A physical description of the land. 5, 8,22-2532. A desired outcome1-233. A quantitative data description of the land which includes an inventory of forestand other natural resources; exotic and invasive plants; hydrological features;infrastructure, including recreational facilities; and other significant land, cultural, orhistorical features.22-25,28-29,34-3534. A detailed description of each short-term and long-term land management goal,the associated measurable objectives, and the related activities that are to beperformed to meet the land management objectives. Each land management objectivemust be addressed by the land management plan, and where practicable, no landmanagement objective shall be performed to the detriment of the other landmanagement activities. 45-4835. A schedule of land management activities which contains short-term and longtermland management goals and the related measurable objectives and activities.The schedule shall include for each activity a timeline for completion, quantitativemeasures, and detailed expense and manpower budgets. The schedule shall providea management tool that facilitates development of performance measures. 45-48iii

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 201036. A summary budget for the scheduled land management activities of the landmanagement plan. For state lands containing or anticipated to contain imperiledspecies habitat, the summary budget shall include any fees anticipated from public orprivate entities for projects to offset adverse impacts to imperiled species or suchhabitats, which fees shall be used solely to restore, manage, enhance, repopulate, oracquire imperiled species habitat. The summary budget shall be prepared in such amanner that it facilitates computing an aggregate of land management costs for allstate-managed lands using the categories described in s. 259.037(3). 49-50Each management plan shall describe both short-term and long-termmanagement goals, and include measurable objectives to achieve those goals.Short-term and long-term management goals shall include measurableobjectives for the following, as appropriate:(A) Habitat restoration and improvement; 45-48(B) Public access and recreational opportunities;(C) Hydrological preservation and restoration;(D) Sustainable forest management;(E) Exotic and invasive species maintenance and control;(F) Capital facilities and infrastructure;(G) Cultural and historical resources;(H) Imperiled species habitat maintenance, enhancement, restoration, or populationrestoration253.036 Forest Management. —47-4845-46--47--4745-4731. For all land management plans for parcels larger than 1,000 acres, the leadagency shall prepare the analysis, which shall contain a component or sectionprepared by a qualified professional forester which assesses the feasibility ofmanaging timber resources on the parcel for resource conservation and revenuegeneration purposes through a stewardship ethic that embraces sustainable forestmanagement practices if the lead management agency determines that the timberresource management is not in conflict with the primary management objectives of theparcel. (Example #8) 112-115iv

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010259.032 Conservation And Recreation Lands Trust Fund; Purpose. —(10)(a) State, regional or local governmental agencies or private entities designated tomanage lands under this section shall develop and adopt, with the approval of the Board ofTrustees, an individual management plan for each project designed to conserve and protectsuch lands and their associated natural resources. Private sector involvement inmanagement plan development may be used to expedite the planning process.32. Individual management plans required by s. 253.034(5), for parcels over 160acres, shall be developed with input from an advisory group - Management planshould list advisory group members and affiliations. 116-13633. The advisory group shall conduct at least one public hearing in each county inwhich the parcel or project is located. Managing agency should provide DSL/OES withdocumentation showing date and location of public hearing.36, 39,116-13634. Notice of such public hearing shall be posted on the parcel or projectdesignated for management, advertised in a paper of general circulation, andannounced at a scheduled meeting of the local governing body before the actual publichearing. Managing agency should provide DSL/OES with copy of notice. 116-13635. The management prospectus required pursuant to 259.032 (9) (d) shall beavailable to the public for a period of 30 days prior to the public hearing. 116-13636. Summary of Advisory Group Meeting should be provided to DSL/OES. 116-13637. Individual management plans shall conform to the appropriate policies andguidelines of the state land management plan and shall include, but not be limited to:A. A statement of the purpose for which the lands were acquired, the projected useor uses as defined in s. 253.034, and the statutory authority for such use or uses. 1B. Key management activities necessary to achieve the desired outcomes,including, but not limited to, providing public access, preserving and protecting naturalresources, protecting cultural and historical resources, restoring habitat, protectingthreatened and endangered species, controlling the spread of nonnative plants andanimals, performing prescribed fire activities, and other appropriate resourcemanagement activities. 41-45C. A specific description of how the managing agency plans to identify, locate,protect, and preserve, or otherwise use fragile, nonrenewable natural and culturalresources. 41-45D. A priority schedule for conducting management activities, based on the purposesfor which the lands were acquired. (Example #10) The schedule must include a goal,an objective, and a time frame for completion. 45-48E. A cost estimate for conducting priority management activities, to includerecommendations for cost-effective methods of accomplishing those activities. Usingcategories as adopted pursuant to 259.037, F.S., is suggested. These are: (1)Resource Management; (2) Administration; (3) Support; (4) Capital Improvements; (5)Visitor Services/Recreation; and (6) Law Enforcement. 49-50v

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010F. A cost estimate for conducting other management activities which wouldenhance the natural resource value or public recreation value for which the lands wereacquired. The cost estimate shall include recommendations for cost-effective methodsof accomplishing those activities. Using categories as adopted pursuant to 259.037,F.S., is suggested. These are: (1) Resource Management; (2) Administration; (3)Support; (4) Capital Improvements; (5) Visitor Services/Recreation; and (6) LawEnforcement.(Example #10) Include approximate monetary cost and cost effectivemethods. Can be placed in the appendix. 49-5038. A determination of the public uses and public access that would be consistentwith the purposes for which the lands were acquired. 36259.036 Management Review Teams.—39. The managing agency shall consider the findings and recommendations of theland management review team in finalizing the required 10-year update of itsmanagement plan. Can be addressed in the body of the plan or addressed in anappendix. If not in agreement, the managing agency should reply in a statement in theappendix. 5Other Requirements40. This checklist table at front of plan (pursuant to request of ARC andconsensus agreement of managing agencies.)i-vi41. Accomplishments (implementation) from last plan (format variable byagency) --42. FNAI-based natural community maps (may differ from FNAI in some cases) 88-10143. Fire management plans (either by inclusion or reference)( 259.032) 62-7344. A statement regarding incompatible uses [ref. Ch. 253.034 (9)] --45. Cultural resources, including maps of all sites except Native American sites* 102-10446. Arthropod control plan 25, 83-87*While maps of Native American sites should not be included in the body of themanagement plan, the DSL urges each managing agency to provide such informationto the Division of Historical Resources for inclusion in their proprietary database. Thisinformation should be available for access to new managers to assist them indeveloping, implementing and coordinating their management activities.vi

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010TABLE OF CONTENTSI. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. 1II. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 2III. SITE DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION ...................................................................................... 5IV. NATURAL RESOURCE DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................................. 9A. PHYSICAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................................... 9a. Climate ........................................................................................................................................ 9b. Geology ...................................................................................................................................... 9c. Topography ............................................................................................................................... 10d. Soils .......................................................................................................................................... 10B. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 13a. Ecosystem Function .................................................................................................................. 13b. Flora .......................................................................................................................................... 14c. Fauna ........................................................................................................................................ 26d. Designated Species ................................................................................................................... 26e. Biological Diversity .................................................................................................................. 28C. CULTURAL .................................................................................................................................... 29a. Archaeological .......................................................................................................................... 29b. Historical................................................................................................................................... 29c. Land-Acquisition History ......................................................................................................... 30d. Public Interest ........................................................................................................................... 30V. FACTORS INFLUENCING MANAGEMENT .......................................................................... 30A. NATURAL TRENDS ......................................................................................................................... 30B. HUMAN-INDUCED TRENDS ............................................................................................................ 32a. Fire suppression ........................................................................................................................ 32b. Hydroperiod alteration .............................................................................................................. 32c. Trails and Firebreaks ................................................................................................................ 33C. EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ................................................................................................................ 33D. LEGAL OBLIGATIONS AND CONSTRAINTS ..................................................................................... 34a. Division of Forestry .................................................................................................................. 34b. Easements ................................................................................................................................. 34c. Right of ways ............................................................................................................................ 35E. MANAGEMENT CONSTRAINTS ....................................................................................................... 35a. Fire ............................................................................................................................................ 35b. Exotic Species ........................................................................................................................... 35F. PUBLIC ACCESS AND PASSIVE RECREATION .................................................................................. 37a. Parking and Public Access ....................................................................................................... 40b. Hiking ....................................................................................................................................... 40c. Bird Watching ........................................................................................................................... 40d. Bicycling ................................................................................................................................... 41e. Horseback Riding ..................................................................................................................... 41d. Hunting ..................................................................................................................................... 41VI. MANAGEMENT ACTION PLANS ............................................................................................ 41A. GOALS ........................................................................................................................................... 41B. STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS ............................................................................................................ 42VII. PROJECTED TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................ 46VIII. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS .............................................................................................. 51IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................... 53vii

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010X. APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................ 56APPENDIX A: ............................................................................................................................................. 57NBLSS LETTER OF COMPLIANCE .............................................................................................................. 57APPENDIX B: ............................................................................................................................................. 61NBLSS LEGAL DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................... 61APPENDIX C: ............................................................................................................................................. 63NBLSS FEMA MAP ................................................................................................................................. 63APPENDIX D: ............................................................................................................................................. 64NBLSS FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................................................... 64APPENDIX E: ............................................................................................................................................. 76SURFACE WATER QUALITY CLASSIFICATION ............................................................................................ 76APPENDIX F: ............................................................................................................................................. 77NBLSS PRELIMINARY PLANT SURVEYS ................................................................................................... 77APPENDIX G: ............................................................................................................................................. 83NBLSS BIRD SURVEY ............................................................................................................................... 83APPENDIX H: ............................................................................................................................................. 85NBLSS ARTHROPOD CONTROL PLAN ....................................................................................................... 85APPENDIX I: .............................................................................................................................................. 90NBLSS FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY ....................................................................................... 90APPENDIX J: .............................................................................................................................................104NBLSS FLORIDA MASTER SITE FILE .......................................................................................................104APPENDIX K: ............................................................................................................................................107MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR ARCHEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SITES AND PROPERTIES ON STATE-OWNED OR CONTROLLED LANDS .............................................................................................................107APPENDIX L: ............................................................................................................................................114NBLSS TIMBER ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................114APPENDIX M: ...........................................................................................................................................118NBLSS PUBLIC MEETINGS AND REVIEW .................................................................................................118viii

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary (NBLSS) is part of the sanctuary networkestablished by the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program in BrevardCounty. The intent of the Program is to acquire environmentally sensitive lands as a firststep “towards long-term protection of essential natural resources, open space, greenspace, wildlife corridors and maintenance of natural ecosystems functions” (BrevardCounty EEL Program, Sanctuary Management Manual, 1997). The network of publiclands also provides passive recreation and environmental education programs to BrevardCounty residents and visitors. Currently, title to the property is held by Brevard Countythrough the EEL Program. The EEL Program may seek to sell the property to the Statefor 50% of the purchase price, in which time the title will be transferred to the Board ofTrustees.NBLSS encompasses +169.7 acres west of I-95 in Mims, Brevard County, Florida. In2001, the Environmentally Endangered Land (EEL) Program bought the property fromContinental Acreage Development Company, Inc. In 2007, four privately owned parcelswere purchased adding 4.7 acres to the Sanctuary for a total of 169.7 acres. The +169.7acre site is located within Township 20 South, Range 34 East, Sections 22, 23, 34 and 35and Township 21 South, Range 34 East, Sections 02, 03. The southern and westernboundaries of NBLSS are adjacent to the Buck Lake Conservation Area, which ismanaged by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). A 350-acreportion of upland scrub habitat at the Buck Lake Conservation Area is jointly managedby the SJRWMD and the EEL Program. NBLSS, along with the other EEL properties inthe North Regional Management Area will be served by the EEL Program Management& Education Center at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, located south of NBLSS on StateRoad 405. As described in the Sanctuary Management Manual (SMM), NBLSS is aCategory II site, or intermediate site. Category II sites may include nature trails, adedicated parking area and interpretive signs along some nature trails. The single use sitewill be open for passive recreation to the public and only be accessed during daylighthours.The property consists primarily of scrubby flatwoods and floodplain swamp. Theproperty is not located within an Aquatic Preserve, designated as an Area of Critical StateConcern or under review for such a designation. Preliminary surveys of the site andsurrounding lands noted the presence, or potential presence, of several listed plant andanimal species. Protected plant and wildlife species documented on site during recent orpast studies include spreading pinweed (Lechea divaricata) and gopher tortoise(Gopherus polyphemus).The primary goals of the site include the conservation and restoration of ecosystemfunction, natural communities, and native species habitat. The collection anddocumentation of natural and cultural resource data are also important managementgoals. Other management goals include the provision of public access and environmentaleducation.1

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Existing cleared roads throughout the site offer opportunities for public access includinghiking, biking, and horseback riding. The remote location of the site may limit theseactivities to the communities directly adjacent to the site. A trailhead at the end ofCinnamon Teal Rd. will provide access to these trails. An educational kiosk shouldinclude information about the site and about the EEL Program. Guided hikes can also bescheduled for the property. Two miles of hiking trails are proposed for the site. The trailwill be unimproved with minimal interpretive signage and a kiosk. The proposedrecreation and educational opportunities will serve Brevard County residents with anemphasis on providing educational opportunities in an effort to promote understandingand appreciation of the unique and valuable resources available in Brevard County,thereby promoting the long-term preservation of the natural areas.II.INTRODUCTIONIn a 1990 referendum, Brevard County voters approved the Environmentally EndangeredLands (EEL) Program. The Program’s Vision Statement is as follows:“The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program acquires,protects and maintains environmentally endangered lands guided byscientific principles for conservation and the best available practices forresource stewardship and ecosystem management. The EEL Programprotects the rich biological diversity of Brevard County for futuregenerations. The EEL Program provides passive recreation andenvironmental education opportunities to Brevard’s citizens and visitorswithout detracting from primary conservation goals of the program. TheEEL Program encourages active citizen participation and communityinvolvement.”The Program established a conceptual framework and funding mechanism to implementan EEL sanctuary network in Brevard County. The EEL sanctuary network represents acollection of protected natural areas that form a regional conservation effort focused uponprotection of biological diversity. Within the countywide EEL sanctuary network, fourmanagement areas are geographically defined within Brevard County. For eachmanagement area, a specific site is identified as a Center for Regional Management. Thesites that will function as Centers for Regional Management for the EEL Program are:I. The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary (Regional Management Center for NorthMainland)II. Pine Island Conservation Area (Regional Management Center for CentralMainland)III. Malabar Scrub Sanctuary (Regional Management Center for South Mainland)IV. Barrier Island Center (Regional Management Center for South Beaches)These Centers provide strategically located hubs for implementing the countywideconservation, passive recreation, and environmental education goals of the EEL Program.2

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Other EEL sanctuaries within the North Regional Management Area include the BuckLake Conservation Area (managed jointly with SJRWMD), South Lake ConservationArea, Fox Lake Sanctuary, Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary, Indian River Sanctuary, theEnchanted Forest Sanctuary, Dicerandra Scrub Sanctuary, and Indian Mound StationSanctuary.The EEL Program Sanctuary Management Manual (SMM) guides conservation and landstewardship decisions implemented by the Brevard County EEL Program. The SMMdetails principles and directives for conservation, public access and environmentaleducation within the EEL sanctuary network. The SMM also outlines the EEL Selection& Management Committee’s role in advising staff and the Brevard County Board ofCounty Commissioners on acquisition and management related issues (Chapter 2, Section4.3.4).As outlined in the SMM, the EEL Program will adopt and implement an ecosystemapproach to environmental management. Ecosystem management is defined as anintegrative, flexible approach to the management of natural resources. Key themes ofecosystem management include the following:1. Adaptive Management – Natural areas must be managed in the context of thelandscape in which they exist and based on scientific knowledge. Resource managersmust adapt to continuing advances in the scientific understanding of ecosystems andchanging environmental and human influences on the resources.2. Partnerships – Interagency and private sector partnerships are essential to manage andprotect ecosystems. Natural resource management is complex and requires multidisciplinaryskills and experiences.3. Holistic Approach – Ecosystem management includes the maintenance, protection,and improvement of both natural and human communities. This system approach tomanagement considers the “big picture” of natural resource protection, communityeconomic stability and quality of life.Land management issues, such as fire management, protection and restoration of naturalhydrologic cycles, threatened and endangered species, and removal of invasive exoticsmust be integrated with issues, such as provisions for public access and levels of humanuse. The integration of ecosystem protection and human needs combine to form thefoundation of an effective ecosystem management strategy.The Environmentally Endangered Lands Program SMM establishes a general frameworkfor management of specific sites and establishes ten Principles of Conservationsummarized below, to achieve the following:1. Maintain all sites in a natural state and/or restore sites to enhance natural resourcevalues.3

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 20102. Protect natural resource values by maintaining biological diversity and usingconservation as a primary goal for decision-making.3. Balance human use with the protection of natural resources.4. Apply the most accurate scientific principles to strategies for conservation.5. Collect and use the most accurate data available for developing site managementplans.6. Consider the interests and values of all citizens by using scientific information toguide management policy making.7. Promote effective communication that is interactive, reciprocal, and continuous withthe public.8. Promote the value of natural areas to Brevard County residents and visitors throughthe maintenance of the quality of resource values, public services, and visitorexperiences.9. Promote the integration of natural resource conservation into discussions of economicdevelopment and quality of life in Brevard County.10. Provide a responsible financial strategy to implement actions to achieve long-termconservation and stewardship goals.In addition to the Principles of Conservation, this Management Plan will provide specificgoals, strategies, and actions to guide management of the sanctuary in terms of theobjectives of the Environmentally Endangered Lands Program. The plan is divided intothe following ten sections:I. Executive Summary identifies the location, size, general natural resource features andprimary management goals for the site.II.III.IV.Introduction provides a brief introduction to the EEL Program and the site anddescribes the structure of the management plan.Site Description and Location provides a detailed site location and description.Natural Resource Descriptions includes physical resources (climate, geology,topography, soils, and hydrology), biological resources (ecosystem function, flora,fauna, designated species, and biological diversity), and cultural (archaeological,historical, land-acquisition history, and public interest).V. Factors Influencing Management includes natural trends, human-induced trends,external influences, legal obligations and constraints, management constraints, andpublic access and passive recreation.VI.VII.VIII.Management Action Plans include specific goals, strategies and actions.Projected Timetable for Implementation prioritizes activities and provides a timeframe for Management Plan implementation.Financial Considerations discusses funding mechanisms and projected managementcosts.4

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010IX.Bibliography cites original research and publications used to develop theManagement Plan.X. Appendices includes supplemental informationUses planned for NBLSS comply with the Conceptual State Lands Management Plan andits requirement for “balanced public utilization,” and comply with the mission of the EELprogram as described in the SMM. Such uses also comply with as derived from ArticleVIII, Section 1 of the Florida Constitution as well as the guidance and directives ofChapters 375, 380, 259, 125, and 403 of the Florida Statutes. This plan is also inconformance with the Local Government Comprehensive Plan for Brevard County,Florida, as approved and adopted. The letter confirming compliance is contained inAppendix A. Additionally, the EEL Program will consider the findings andrecommendations of the Land Management Review Team in finalizing the required 10-year update.III.SITE DESCRIPTION AND LOCATIONThe North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary (NBLSS) is a +169.7 acres site (Township 20S,Range 34E, Sections 34, 35, and Township 21S, Range 34E, Sections 02, 03) locatedwest of I –95, in Mims, Brevard County, Florida (Figure 1, Appendix B). NBLSS islocated both east and north of Buck Lake Conservation Area, which is owned andmanaged by the SJRWMD. NBLSS is adjacent to a residential area to the north shown inFigure 2. The EEL Selection and Management Committee (SMC) considered sitelocation, natural communities, biological diversity, habitat quality, and contribution tofunctional ecological integrity to determine if the acquisition of NBLSS met the EELProgram conservation goals. If the title is transferred to the State of Florida in the future,there is no portion of acreage at NBLSS that should be declared surplus.The Sanctuary can be accessed at the end of Hog Valley Rd., Cinnamon Teal Dr., orHidden Lakes Dr. The Sanctuary borders I-95 to the east, Buck Lake Conservation Areato the south and west and by local residents to the north (Figure 2). Between 1986 and1989, right-of-ways were cleared throughout the site in anticipation of subdivisiondevelopment. These cleared roads now exist as narrow dirt roads.NBLSS is composed of eight different natural communities including a ruderalcommunity that was cleared throughout the Sanctuary prior to purchase by the EELProgram. NBLSS consists mainly of scrubby flatwoods and floodplain swamp. An opencanopy of slash pine (Pinus elliottii), longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) and sand pines(Pinus clausa) dominate this scrubby flatwoods community. The understory includes sawpalmetto (Serenoa repens), rusty lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea), myrtle oak (Quercusmyrtifolia), Chapman’s oak (Quercus chapmanii), sand live oak (Quercus geminata),buttonweed (Diodia teres), gallberry (Ilex glabra) and shiny blueberry (Vacciniummyrsinites). The floodplain swamp community at NBLSS consists of an open to closed5

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010canopy of red maples (Acer rubrum), hackberry (Celtis laevigata) and elm (Ulmusamericana). The understory is dominated by Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), wax6

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 20107

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010myrtle (Myrica cerifera), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), Loblolly bay (Gordonialasianthus), red bay (Persea borbonia var. borbonia), and swamp bay (Persea palustris).The remainder of the Sanctuary consists of mesic flatwoods, upland mixed forest, threedepression marshes and a basin swamp.IV.NATURAL RESOURCE DESCRIPTIONSThis section provides descriptions of the natural resources, including physical resources(climate, geology, topography, soils, and hydrology), biological resources (ecosystemfunction, flora, fauna, designated species, and biological diversity) and cultural resourceinformation (archeological, historical, land-use history and public interest).A. Physical Resourcesa. ClimateNBLSS is located in east central Florida, an isothermal area at the junction of thetemperate and sub-tropical climatic zones. Temperature data from representativelocations in Brevard County indicate an average annual temperature of approximately74 °F. August is typically the warmest month, averaging 82°F, whereas January is thecoolest month, averaging about 62°F (Schmocker et. al. 1990). Summer temperatures aremoderated by frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Periods of extreme cold weather areinfrequent due to the site’s latitude and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The most recent“hard” freeze occurred in the winter of 1989. Long-term rainfall data for the area indicatean average of 54 inches per year in north Brevard County (Schmocker et al. 1990). Wetand dry seasons are typically well defined, with the wet season occurring between Mayand October, and the dry season occurring between November and April. Annual andseasonal rainfall is subject to large variation in both amount and distribution.During summer, Central Florida has some of the highest frequencies of thunderstorms inthe world. Cloud to ground lightning strikes occurs frequently during summer storms.This is an important source of natural fire ignition, which determined the historic naturalfire regime.Prevailing winds are generally from north to northeast during the dry season (Novemberto April) and from the east during the wet season (May to October) (ESMC 1989).Climatic change, seasonal variability, topographic relief, soil types, and disturbancecontribute to species distribution and community composition.b. GeologyNBLSS is located on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, a geological shoreline feature estimatedto have formed up to 140,000 years ago when the sea level was as much as 30 feet abovethe present level. The property is part of a relic beach and dune system, an importantgeological feature that influences the biological diversity of Brevard County.9

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010The Atlantic Coastal Ridge extends along the east coast of Florida and is a major featureof the mainland of Brevard County, made of both single and multiple relict beach ridges.These ridges appear to have formed along an erosional rather than prograding shoreline,and in most places contain little carbonates. Formation of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge isassociated with Pamlico time (ca. 140,000 – 120,000 years before present) (Schmalzer et.al.1999).c. TopographyNBLSS has a flat overall topography. Elevations range from 15’ to 25’± NationalGeodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) based upon the USGS Topographic Quadrangle map(Figure 3). Elevation suggests that most of the natural surface drainage is toward The St.Johns River to the west (B.K.I. 2001).d. SoilsThe soil types within the NBLSS, as defined by the Natural Resource ConservationService (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) (Figure 4) are as follows:Anclote sand (An)*Myakka sand (Mk)Orsino fine sand (Or)*Pomello sand (Ps)*St. Johns sand (Sb)Swamp (Sw*)(Source: Soil Survey of Brevard County, Florida, 1974)Note: * denotes a soil with aquifer recharge characteristicsAnclote sand (An) is a nearly level, very poorly drained sandy soil. This soil type ischaracteristic of broad areas on flood plains, marshy depressions in the flatwoods, andpoorly defined drainage ways. In most years, the water table is within a depth of 10inches for more than 6 months. In dry seasons, it is deeper but seldom below a depth of40 inches. Anclote sand is an aquifer recharge soil.Myakka sand (Mk) is a nearly level, poorly drained sandy soil in broad areas in flatwoodsand in areas between sand ridges and sloughs and ponds. In most years, the water table iswithin a depth of 10 inches for 1 to 4 months and between 10 and 40 inches for more thansix months. In dry seasons, it is below a depth of 40 inches. The soil is flooded for two toseven days once every 1 to 5 years.Orsino fine sand (Or) is a nearly level, moderately well drained sandy soil on moderatelylow ridges and between high ridges and poorly drained areas. In most years, the watertable is at a depth of 40 to 60 inches for 6 months or more. During prolonged dry periods,it is below a depth of 60 inches, and during wet periods, it is between 20 to 40 inches for7 days to 1 month. Orsino fine sand is an aquifer recharge soil.10

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Pomello sand (Ps) is a nearly level, moderately well drained sandy soil on broad lowridges and low knolls. The water table is 30 to 40 inches below the surface for 2 to 4months in most years and between 40 and 60 inches for more than 6 months. During dryperiods, it is below 60 inches for short periods. Pomello sand is an aquifer recharge soil.St. Johns sand (Sb) is a nearly level, poorly drained sandy soil on broad low ridges in theflatwoods. The water table is within a depth of 10 inches for 2 to 6 months in most yearsand typically between 10 and 40 inches the rest of the time. During extended dry periods,it is below a depth of 40 inches. This soil is occasionally flooded for 2 to 7 daysfollowing heavy rains.Swamp (Sw) consists of nearly level, poorly drained and very poorly drained areas ofsoils that have a dense cover of wetland hardwoods, cypress trees, vines, and shrubs.Swamp is in poorly defined drainage ways, in depressions, and in large bay heads. It isflooded with freshwater most of the time.Soil disturbing activities will be limited to maintaining firelines and hiking trails. Onareas that have been disturbed prior to acquisition, assessments will be made to determineif soil erosion is occurring, and, if so, the appropriate measures to stop or control theeffects of the erosion.e. HydrologyThe NBLSS lies within Community Panel Number100, of the FEMA maps dated April1989 (Appendix C). The FEMA map shows an isolated flood zone A in the southeasterncorner of the property. Flood zone A means that no base elevation has been determined.The rest of the Sanctuary is flood zone X. Flood zone X is an area that is determined tobe outside the 500-year flood plain.A ditch runs along the edge of the depression marsh (Figure 3) located in the center of theSanctuary and is draining the marsh, thus modifying its natural hydrology. Based onhistoric aerials, it is assumed that the ditch was dug in the 1990’s to drain the marsh fordevelopment. To restore the natural hydrology of the marsh, the ditch will be filled in andnative vegetation allowed to recruit naturally.B. Biological Resourcesa. Ecosystem FunctionThe preservation of NBLSS ecosystem function depends on the enhancement of itsnatural communities, which will result in an increase of species viability. Restoration ofthe natural communities is mainly dependent upon the reintroduction of an adequate fireregime and the restoration of the natural hydroperiod. At NBLSS, management actionsinclude restoration of the natural communities, enhancement of habitat for gophertortoises and Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), removal of invasive, exoticspecies and implementation of prescribed fire. The NBLSS Fire Management Plan13

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010(Appendix D) identifies each fire dependant ecosystem with a specific fire regime, thelocation of each fire unit and fireline and the pre-burn treatment necessary for each unitbefore the implementation of prescribed burn. The restoration of the natural hydroperiodwill be accomplished by filling up the ditch around the depression marsh located in thecenter of the SanctuaryThe NBLSS is approximately twenty miles northwest of the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary,a +477 acre conservation area purchased by the EEL Program. These properties alongwith the Dicerandra Scrub Sanctuary, South Lake Conservation Area, Indian MoundStation Sanctuary, Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary, Fox Lake Sanctuary and Buck LakeConservation Area, and other Florida Forever Board of Trustees projects in the vicinityhelp to form a conservation corridor within the urban areas of North Brevard County.The NBLSS consists mainly of scrubby flatwoods and floodplain swamp. Threedepression marshes are also located within the site. The Department of EnvironmentalProtection considers all surface waters on NBLSS, including isolated wetlands, as ClassIII waters (Rule 62-302.400(12) (b) 5., FAC). The site does not include any OutstandingFlorida Waters (Rule 62-302.700, Florida Administrative Code) (Appendix E). The sitehas been impacted by illegal trail use, off road vehicles and trash dumping for many yearsbefore its acquisition.b. FloraThis section describes the preliminary plant communities identified within the NBLSS.The vegetative communities are described using the Florida Natural Areas Inventory’sGuide to the Natural Communities of Florida (1990) as shown in Figure 5. A completefloristic inventory has not been conducted for this conservation area. A preliminary list ofthe exotic plant species found on site is listed in the Management Constraints section ofthis management plan. A preliminary plant inventory conducted in October 2004 isincluded in Appendix F. Additionally, a yearlong floristic survey was completed inDecember 2008 by EEL staff and volunteers with the assistance of the local FloridaNative Plant Society Chapter.Aside from being a valuable upland community and aquifer recharge area, this site isimportant in the preservation of designated plant and animal species. The site provides asignificant area of unaltered flora and fauna, free from development.Historical aerial photographs were reviewed to determine changes to the vegetativecommunity type and structure, as well as human-induced changes over the past fiftyyears. Historical aerial photographs from 1943, 1958, 1969, 1972, 1983, 1993, and 2005are provided as figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, respectively. The natural communitycomponent of this property is rather diverse with excellent examples of the naturalcommunity transitions typical of this Atlantic Coastal Ridge system. Aerial photographsfrom 1943 to the present were examined to determine what changes have occurred withinthese plant communities. Some of the fire-dependant ecosystems such as scrub, scrubby14

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010flatwoods and mesic flatwoods were historically more open with less tree cover thanexists at present as shown in the 1943 and 1958 aerials (Figure 6 and 7). A wildfireprobably occurred between 1943 and 1958 because vegetation cover in 1958 appears lessdense than in 1943. By the early 1990’s a drainage ditch was installed along thedepression marsh in the center of the Sanctuary modifying the natural hydrology.NBLSS’s natural communities were impacted by altering the fire regime and by changingthe hydrology.According to the historical aerial photographs, NBLSS appeared to be nearly undisturbeduntil the 1990’s. By 1993, development has occurred north of the Sanctuary. Between1986 and 1989, right-of-ways were cleared throughout the site in anticipation ofsubdivision development and a drainage ditch was built around the marsh in the center ofthe Sanctuary. These cleared roads now exist as narrow dirt roads. As shown on the 1993aerial (Figure 11), these roads were used and “maintained” by ATV’s before the purchaseof the Sanctuary in 2001 by the EEL Program.Upland CommunitiesScrubby Flatwoods (G3/S3)* – This community type makes up the majority of the site(56.7 acres). An open canopy of sand pine, slash pine, and longleaf pine dominates thisscrubby flatwoods community. The understory includes saw palmetto, rusty lyonia,myrtle oak, Chapman’s oak, live oak, buttonweed, gallberry and shiny blueberry. Thiscommunity has not seen any fire activity since the 1998 wildfires. In addition, sand pinesare starting to encroach on areas adjacent with the western scrub community. As with thescrub community, no openings were observed, which suggests that fire should bereintroduced on a shorter return interval.Oak-Saw Palmetto Scrub (G2/S2) – This community accounts for 30.2 acres of the site.The scrub community located on the western portion of the property consists primarily ofan open to closed canopy of sand pine with longleaf pine and slash pine. In some areas,the sand pines are so dense that the understory is almost nonexistent. When present, theunderstory includes saw palmetto, shiny lyonia, rusty lyonia, myrtle oak, Chapman’s oak,sand live oak (Quercus geminata) and winged sumac (Rhus copallinum).Due to fire suppression, ground cover (especially grasses) is almost nonexistent. Reviewof the 1943 aerial photograph shows that this portion of the Sanctuary did not contain acanopy of sand pine. Sand pines most likely invaded this community as a result of the 20-50 year fire suppression. According to Schmalzer et al (1999), 26% of the remainingscrub in Brevard County Atlantic Coastal ridge scrub is sand pine over an oak understory.* Key: Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) natural community designations assigns two ranks for each natural community(element): G = global element rank, S = state element rank. Numbers represent: 1 = critically imperiled because of extreme rarity (5or fewer occurrences or less than 1000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to extinction; 2 = imperiled because of rarity (6-20occurrences or less than 3,000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to extinction; 3 = either very rare and local throughout its range(21-100 occurrences or less than 10,000 individuals) or found locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction because of otherfactors; 4 = apparently secure (may be rare in parts of range); 5 = demonstrably secure; #? Tentative rank; G?/S? not yet ranked(temporary).23

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Fire reintroduction and a specific fire regime needs to be determined within thiscommunity. An increase in fire frequency will eventually exclude or reduce sand pines,which do not sprout, and reproduces only from seed. Scrub oaks on the other hand willresprout after fire at intermediate (5-10 years) frequencies (Schmalzer and Hinkle 1992a,1992b). Saw palmetto grows more rapidly after fire and initially dominates the > 0.5 mlayer in mixed stands but is temporary, as the scrub oaks will overtop saw palmetto withtime (Schmalzer 2003).The use of mechanical reduction prior to prescribed burning can damage saw-palmettorhizomes, which are normally unharmed by fire. This may lead to a long-term decline insaw palmetto cover since saw palmetto grows slowly (Schmalzer and Adrian 2001,Schmalzer et. al. 2003). Saw palmettos are a very important component of the oak-sawpalmetto scrub community. A combination of one-time mechanical treatment andfrequent fire coupled with monitoring of regrowth will allow for the restoration of theNBLSS scrub habitat. Funding will be provided by a USFWS grant for the initialmechanical reduction of units 1-4 (Appendix D). Mechanical reduction of units 1 and 2was completed in February 2009, while units 3 and 4 were completed in April 2009.Upland areas of units 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are expected to be completed by the end of 2009.The scrub located on the eastern side of the Sanctuary consists of a canopy of scatteredlongleaf pine and slash pine with an understory of scrub oak, shrubs and saw palmetto.Ground cover when present consists of gallberry and shiny blueberry. Areas adjacent towetter communities also have a few pond pines (Pinus serotina) and numerous loblollybays. Pine canopy was probably denser before the 1998 wildfire as indicated by both thenumerous dead standing pine trees and growing pine trees. Although this communityburned in 1998, few openings were observed. Scientific literature suggests that growth inlong-unburned scrub is greater than regularly burned scrub by 50% or more withpersistent openings slowly decreasing by 50% in seven years (Schmalzer and Adrian2001). Therefore, this portion of the scrub community will have to be burned on a shorterreturn interval when a fire regime is reintroduced.Mesic Flatwoods (G4/S4) – This community accounts for 12.5 acres of the Sanctuary.Historically, mesic flatwoods at NBLSS were characterized as an open canopy forest ofwidely spaced pine trees with little or no understory but a dense ground cover of herbsand shrubs as shown in the 1943 aerial photograph. This community also burned duringthe 1998 wildfires. Today it consists of an open canopy of longleaf and slash pines withmost of the understory being dominated by saw palmetto. Other understory plants includegallberry, blackberry (Rubus cuneifolius), and dahoon holly. Ground cover includesgoldenrod (Solidago odora var. chapmanii), wiregrass (Aristida stricta var. beyrichiana),dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), shiny lyonia (Lyonia lucida) and shiny blueberry.However, as with the scrub community, few openings were observed, which suggests theneed for the reintroduction of an adequate fire regime.Ruderal – This is a disturbed area that makes up 8.2 acres of the site and is colonized tosome extent by plants that do not constitute a natural community. Often times,opportunistic, nonnative species will be the first to appear. This area became disturbed24

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010when right-of-ways were cleared throughout the site in anticipation of a subdivisiondevelopment between 1986 and 1989. Off road vehicles have continued to disturb theseareas since the early 1990’s. Some of these disturbed areas will be used for parking,maintenance and access for land management activities while others will be restored totheir natural state.Upland Mixed Forest (G5/S3) – The upland hardwood forest community at NBLSSmakes up 2.8 acres of the Sanctuary. The 1943 historical photograph shows that thenorthern portion of this community used to be mesic flatwoods as opposed to the presentupland mixed forest community. This is the result of fire suppression combined withhydrological alteration probably due to the right-of-ways that were cleared throughout thesite in anticipation of subdivision development between 1986 and 1989. This is alsoconsistent with the soil type. According to the soil survey done for Brevard County by theU.S Department of Agriculture in 1974, the soil type is Myakka sand, which normallysupports flatwoods communities. According to both the 1943 historical aerial photographand the soil map, the southern portion of this community was historically mesicflatwoods and graded to the south east into floodplain swamp.Today, this community consists of an open to closed canopy of red maple, hackberry,cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) and laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia). The understory isdominated by wax myrtle, Carolina willow, saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia), and royalfern (Osmunda regalis).Wetland CommunitiesFloodplain Swamp (G4/S4) – The floodplain swamp community at NBLSS is the secondlargest community, accounting for 39.8 acres of the site. Floodplain swamps are floodedfor most of the year. Seasonal and often prolonged inundations restrict the growth ofmost shrubs and herbs, leaving most of the ground surface open or thinly mantled withleaf litter. These swamps are usually too wet to support fire (FNAI 1990). The floodplainswamp community at NBLSS consists of an open to closed canopy of red maple,hackberry and elm. The understory is dominated by Carolina willow, wax myrtle, dahoonholly, loblolly bay, red bay and swamp bay.Basin Marsh (G4/S4) – A portion of a much wider basin marsh is located on thenorthwest corner of the NBLSS. This 7.9 acres portion of basin swamp is composed of anopen canopy of red maple, hackberry and swamp bay with an understory of loblolly bay,swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum), and greenbrier (Smilax auriculata). The 1943 aerialshows that historically the basin marsh had more herbaceous openings. As with theadjacent scrub community, fire has been long absent from this basin marsh. Firemaintains the open herbaceous community in these ecosystems (FNAI 1990).Depression Marsh (G4/S4) – A depression marsh is characterized as a shallow, usuallyrounded depression in sand substrate with herbaceous vegetation often in concentricbands (FNAI 1990). This natural community makes up for 7.9 acres of the site. There arethree distinct depression marsh communities nested within the scrub and scrubby25

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010flatwood habitats. Typical plants include St. John's wort (Hypericum spp.), soft rush(Juncus effusus), thin paspalum (Paspalum setaceum), maidencane (Panicumhemitomon), blue stem (Andropogon spp.), witchgrass (Dicanthelium spp.), redroot(Lachnanthes caroliana), buttonbush and arrowheads (Sagittaria spp.).Fire will need to be reintroduced in the depression marshes. Fire is important tomaintaining this community type by restricting invasion of shrubs and trees and in theformation of peat. The natural hydrology of the depression marsh located in the center ofthe Sanctuary has been altered since the construction of a drainage ditch along its edge.Filling in the drainage ditch will allow the restoration of the natural hydroperiod andavoid shrub invasion.c. FaunaNo comprehensive faunal surveys have been initiated for the NBLSS. However, thenatural community heterogeneity characterizing the site provides suitable habitatconditions for use by a broad range of animal species. In November 2007, EEL staff withthe assistance of the Florida Audubon Society started a formal yearlong bird survey atNBLSS. The survey was completed in October 2008 and a total of 45 birds were recordedfor the site (Appendix G). Additional surveys will be necessary to assess the varietyspecies of mammals and reptiles present at NBLSS. In accordance with Florida StatuesSection 388.4111, all environmentally sensitive and biologically highly productive landsare required to submit an arthropod control plan. Brevard County Mosquito Control hasdeveloped an arthropod control plan (Appendix H) suitable for the EEL Programincluding NBLSS.d. Designated SpeciesA primary goal of this management plan is to develop and implement strategies toenhance conservation of threatened, endangered, or endemic species. The following isinformation on existing listed species or species that may occur at NBLSS.PlantsTwenty-four populations totaling 99 spreading pinweed (Lechea divaricata) occur withinthe Sanctuary (Schmalzer and Foster 2005). This rare scrub plant is listed as endangeredby the State of Florida, and the Florida National Area Inventory natural communitydesignations lists it as G2/S2, which indicates that both globally and in the State ofFlorida the spreading pinweed is imperiled because of rarity (6-20 occurrences or lessthan 3,000 individuals). Also found within the Sanctuary during a yearlong plant surveywas lacelip ladiestresses (Spiranthes laciniata). Lacelip ladiestresses is not federallylisted, but is considered Threatened by the Florida Department of Agriculture andConsumer Service Division of Plant Industry, which is responsible for the State listing(N. C. Coile et al. 2003).26

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010A formal plant survey was conducted to precisely determine the species present on thesite. A monitoring program will also be established for the designated species that arepresent. Continued efforts to remove invasive exotics plants and the use of prescribed firewill allow for the natural progression of native species. The location of designatedspecies will be considered during the creation of public access trails and during othermanagement efforts, including exotic plant removal and prescribed fires.AnimalsThe USFWS and the State of Florida under the auspices of the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission (FWC) also compile lists of protected wildlife speciesconsidered to be under possible threat of extinction. These species are categorized aseither endangered or threatened. The FWC utilizes an additional category “Species ofSpecial Concern” (SSC) for several animal species, which may ultimately be listed asendangered or threatened. This classification provides the SSC listed animal with aparticular level of protection that varies from species to species.Florida Scrub-JaySpreading Pinweed (Lechea divaricata)Source: Billy B. Boothe ,From Field Guide to the Rare Plants of Florida,FNAI, 2000.The Florida Scrub-Jay is a listed species by the USFWS and FWC. In February 2007, aScrub-Jay survey was conducted at NBLSS by EEL staff and volunteers. No FloridaScrub-Jays have been reported on the Sanctuary during the survey. Scrub-Jay surveysconducted for the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service between 1993 and 1999 on BrevardCounty public lands identified three breeding pairs of Scrub-Jays in April 1999 at BuckLake Conservation Area (Breininger et al. 1999). NBLSS was not surveyed at the timebecause the EEL Program had not yet purchased it. Once the EEL Program completes therestoration providing suitable habitat for Scrub-Jays, the EEL program expects Scrub-Jays from the adjacent Buck Lake Conservation Area to re-colonize the site.Translocation of Scrub-Jays from other areas will also be considered if it complies with27

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010all Federal and State regulations as well as with the EEL Program Species TranslocationPolicy, including Selection and Management Committee approval.Eastern Indigo SnakeIndigo snakes (Drymarchon corais couperi) have not been seen on the property. TheUSFWS and FWC lists the Indigo snake as a threatened species. It is uncertain whetherthere is a stable breeding population of indigo snakes in the area. Indigo snakes requirelarge home ranges (370 to 2,500 acres) in order to maintain a stable population (Tennant1997). Impacts from dogs, humans and roads cause habitat fragmentation and reduceindigo snake populations. Research by Breininger et. al. (2004) suggested that the indigosnakes population is greatly influenced by habitat fragmentation because indigo snakesreadily enter urban areas and cross roads. This study recommends the protection of theindigo snake population in large upland ecosystem conservation lands that connect toother conservation land, while trying to keep the amount of roads and urban areas in theimmediate vicinity low (Breininger et al. 2004). According to the Florida Natural AreaInventory (2006), the NBLSS is likely to have Eastern Indigo Snake. Indigo snakes havebeen spotted at the adjacent Buck Lake Conservation Area.Gopher TortoiseGopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) have been noted on the site. The Florida Fishand Wildlife Conservation Commission changed the status of the gopher tortoise fromSpecies of Special Concern to Threatened in September 2007. Managing the scrub,scrubby and mesic flatwoods habitats and reintroducing prescribed fire to the habitat willenhance the habitat by opening up the understory, thereby increasing the amount ofhabitat open to foraging and colonization. A comprehensive gopher tortoise survey wascompleted on the Sanctuary in 2008. A total of 237 gopher tortoise burrows were locatedwithin the scrub, scrubby and mesic flatwoods located on the property; 147 burrows werereported active and 45 abandoned.Bald EagleBald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have been documented by the Florida NaturalArea Inventory in the vicinity of the site (Appendix I). No nests have been reported in theSanctuary. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission currently lists BaldEagles as Threatened.e. Biological DiversityNo documented work has been conducted to assess the Sanctuary’s biological diversity.Previously collected data were designed to qualitatively catalog species. Additional datawill be collected to assess the biological diversity for richness (the number of speciesfound with a particular community) and evenness (the distribution of individuals amongspecies) so changes in diversity can be tracked over time. Methodologies will need to beestablished for all of the relevant taxonomic groups with researchers and staff assigned toaddress this particular need.28

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010C. Culturala. ArchaeologicalAccording to the Florida Division of Historical Resources (Appendices J and K), thereare no recorded sites within the NBLSS. However, the site lies within a high probabilityzone for encountering archeological resources. A thorough review of the NBLSS todetermine the presence of archaeologically significant sites has not been conducted. Onegoal of the management plan will be to have an archaeology study performed on the site.b. HistoricalThe history of the area ranges from the Indian burial sites (6,000 BC) located severalmiles to the south at Windover, to the development of the space industry at CapeCanaveral during the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s. In 1982, the Windover Developmentfound one of the best-preserved indigenous burial sites discovered with skeletal remainsapproximately 8,000 years old. The Ais Indians would later occupy the region aroundTitusville (Shoffner et. al. 1995).There are no historic events associated with the NBLSS. The following paragraphsprovide some history of the area from 1000 BC to the 1920’s.Ais Indians (1000BC – 1500 AD)The first people to inhabit Florida arrived about 12,000 years ago, from the central andsouthern areas of North America, at the end of the last ice age. During this time, much ofNorth America was still covered by glaciers. Sea level was 200 feet below its currentlevel and much of the earth’s water was stored in glaciers (Brown 1994).The Ais (pronounced “eyes”) Indians were known to inhabit Brevard County in the 16 thcentury during the exploration and colonization of Florida by Europeans. The Ais Indiansdid not exhibit the traditional nomadic existence of other Native Americans, as the semitropicalclimate provided for their needs without requiring them to travel great distances.Turn of the Century to PresentDuring the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, naturalists were the primary visitors to BrevardCounty. Notable scientists came to this species-rich, semi-tropical region to collectspecimens for natural history museums. These specimens included rare bird life such asthe now extinct Carolina parakeet (Conuopsis carolinensis).During the early 1900’s, people came to Brevard County from around the country via theFlorida East Coast Railway. There was an increase in settlement and development oftowns brought about by the creation of railroads and canals. The increase in populationwas also the result of the 1916 Drainage Acts of Florida and the establishment of29

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Mosquito Control measures beginning in 1927. The Drainage Acts altered naturaldrainage patterns that permanently lowered water tables in areas where standing waternaturally existed for six or more months each year. The introduction of mosquito control(pesticide spraying) lowered the mosquito population to acceptable levels for humansettlement (Barille 1988; Woodward-Clyde consultants, 1994).Throughout the 1920s, improved roads such as Dixie Highway (U.S.1) brought more carsand people to Brevard County. In 1921, a bridge was erected over the Indian RiverLagoon connecting the barrier island with the main land for the development of hotelsand casinos. Once air conditioning was introduced, Florida quickly became known as theresidential and tourist destination it remains today.c. Land-Acquisition HistoryThe EEL Program purchased 165 acres of NBLSS in 2001 from Continental Acreage Inc.Four privately owned parcels were purchased in 2007 adding 4.7 acres to the Sanctuaryfor a total of 169.7 acres.The EEL Program is currently trying to purchase additional properties that would becomepart of NBLSS (Figure 13). If additional properties are purchased the NBLSSmanagement plan will be amended to reflect the new Sanctuary boundary.d. Public InterestThe NBLSS has been heavily affected by all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) as well as illegaltrash dumping. Boundary signs were posted alongside the entire fence of the Sanctuary.The EEL Program encourages passive recreation use within the NBLSS in the form ofhiking, biking, and horseback riding.V. FACTORS INFLUENCING MANAGEMENTPart V includes the following information regarding natural and human-induced trends,external influences, legal obligations, and constraints, management constraints, andpublic access and passive recreational activities.A. Natural TrendsPast and future natural trends that influence resource values or management strategies areassociated with regional climate and storm events that can influence the biologicalresources and natural characteristics of the site. Global trends, like sea level rise andglobal warming, cause potential threats that are difficult or impossible to assess. In eachcase appropriate management strategies that protect natural ecosystem functions andbiological diversity enables the site to respond to most, if not all, natural stochasticevents. The primary variable that influences the formation and succession of Florida’s30

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010vegetative communities is fire. If natural fires are not present, or are suppressed by man,less-fire-adapted species including invasive species can invade and alter the naturalsuccessional path of the community. In scrubby flatwoods, structural changes (height,growth, density) occur more rapidly than changes in species composition.In systems such as scrub communities, lack of fire can profoundly affect the value andusability of the community for endemic as well as listed plant and animal species. Tooccur naturally, scrub fires require drier and hotter conditions than do for example theflatwoods community (Myers and Ewel 1990). Land management practices developed forthe NBLSS must consider the re-introduction of a “natural” fire regime through the use ofprescribed fire. Using prescribed fire as a management tool ensures that the naturalecological processes are restored and protected. A Fire Management Plan is included inAppendix D.Another factor affecting the communities within the NBLSS is hydroperiod. Changes inhydroperiod have the potential to significantly alter community structure. A decrease inhydroperiod could allow the invasion of nuisance or non-native species, while an increasein hydroperiod could surpass the inundation tolerances of the species present. It isunknown if the natural hydrologic regime and periodicity of the NBLSS have beenaltered except for the ditch around the depression marsh in the center of the Sanctuary.Investigation into the natural hydroperiod as well as the existing hydroperiod will beundertaken to better understand and enhance the natural ecological processes.Understanding the natural hydroperiod is particularly critical for the preservation of thefloodplain swamp located on the east portion of the Sanctuary as well the depressionmarshes.B. Human-Induced Trendsa. Fire suppressionThe natural fire cycle has been suppressed due to the proximity of residential andagricultural areas. The last wildfire at NBLSS probably occurred in 1998. Firesuppression tends to result in plant and animal compositions that are different from whatmight have existed under more natural regimes. A more natural cycle under theprescribed burn plan will address this problem.b. Hydroperiod alterationThe ditch around the depression marsh in the center of the Sanctuary is currently drainingone of the depression marshes. The ditch needs to be filled to restore the naturalhydroperiod. More investigation is required to provide information on whether the naturalhydroperiod of the floodplain swamp has been altered by the surrounding residentialareas. Restoration efforts will be bound by certain limitations such as the economicfeasibility, potential flood impact on the adjacent residential area, potential for success,and the assurance of a sound scientific basis for the restoration. The area proposed forrestoration will be analyzed in the context of the vegetative community intended to be re-32

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Drainage Ditchestablished, so as to ensure that the restoration is consistent with the principles set forthby the EEL Program and the primary goal of maintaining biological diversity. Ditchrestoration should be accomplished by backfilling using the soil that was previouslyexcavated. Core soil samples will be collected to determine if any soil stratificationexisted. If such stratification is present, restoration will require recreating soil layers.Upon completion of the restoration, natural recruitment of native species will bemonitored and any encroachment of exotic invasive species will be treated.c. Trails and FirebreaksAn extensive web of trails is present at the NBLSS. Some of the existing foot trails andfirebreaks will be used as hiking trail. However, some of the ATVs trails will be closed toallow for the re-growth of natural vegetation.The management goals set forth in Section V (Management Action Plan) providestrategies and actions for reduction of human-induced impacts and restoration andenhancement of natural resources. As part of the management plan implementation,methodologies for assessing carrying capacity of the natural resources on the site will bedeveloped. In addition, strategies for visitor impacts analysis that consider species-level,natural community-level and ecosystem-level human influences will be developed andimplemented.C. External InfluencesThe site shows evidence of illegal dumping which includes heavy equipment, boats,trailers, cars, and other debris dumped within the conservation area boundary.33

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Abandoned VehicleThe entire Sanctuary is fenced and posted. An existing fence was already in place alongthe boundary between Buck Lake and NBLSS when the EEL Program purchased theproperty in 2001. In 2006, the northern, eastern and western boundaries of the Sanctuarywere fenced with the exception of the depression marsh in the center of the propertyalong Hidden Lake Dr. In January 2007, EEL program staff, County staff and volunteersbegan removing trash (including several boats and a car) during several workdays.Letters were sent to neighboring residents notifying them of the presence and purpose ofthe conservation area in their community and alerting them to planned managementactivities. However, the existing fence has been cut almost weekly to allow illegal accessfor ATVs at several locations and/or trespassing into the Sanctuary through the unfencedsection across the depression marsh.D. Legal Obligations and ConstraintsThe following is a list of possible legal constraints to management and public access onsite.a. Division of ForestryThe Florida Division of Forestry (DOF) issues permits for prescribed burns for landmanagement to Land Managers with certified burn numbers. These permits will besecured by the EEL Program Fire Manager prior to all prescribed burns.b. EasementsNo Easements are recorded for NBLSS.34

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010c. Right of waysNo Right of ways are recorded for NBLSSE. Management ConstraintsPotential management constraints and challenges are associated with site security, limitedon-site presence and proximity of residential homes. There are no conflicts with anyadjacent lands that would restrict the planned use of the property; however, the followingis a description of the major management issues and constraints associated with theConservation Area.a. FireNatural communities within the NBLSS will be evaluated to determine any constraintsupon the use of prescribed burning posed by natural site conditions and adjacent landuses. Existing and proposed firelines within the Sanctuary are shown on Figure 14.Restoration of a fire regime is needed in the scrub, flatwoods, depression and basin marshcommunities. The Fire Management Plan (Appendix D) includes the habitat maintenanceand restoration goals of the EEL Program and provides a detailed approach to conductingprescribed burns. The development of this plan involves local and state experts onprescribed burning, including the Florida Division of Forestry, The Nature Conservancy,USFWS, the County’s Public Safety Department, Brevard County Fire Rescue, and CityFire Departments. In addition, a timber assessment can be found in Appendix L.In 2008, the EEL Program was awarded a $25,000 grant from the US Fish and WildlifeService (USFWS) for habitat restoration. As of February 2009, a contractor hired by theEEL Program started to mechanically reduce 20 acres located in the northwest portion ofthe Sanctuary in preparation for prescribed fire. More fire units will be mechanicallyreduced in 2009 as outlined in the Fire Management Plan with the funds provided by theUSFWS.b. Exotic SpeciesExotic, non-indigenous, non-native, and alien species are all terms used to describe plantsand animals that are of foreign origin. Some exotic species can be invasive when theyharm or displace native species and alter native ecosystem function.PlantsA list of these exotic species is provided in Table 1. NBLSS does not support a largenumber of invasive exotics. However, invasive exotics currently present in the Sanctuaryshould be treated and monitored to avoid spreading. Brazilian pepper (Schinusterebinthifolius) and Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) are the most prevalent invasivespecies found on the property and will be the first targeted for treatment. It should also be35

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010noted that a detailed inventory of exotic invasive plants has not been conducted, andother exotic species are likely to exist on-site.EEL Program staff, in cooperation with the local Native Plant Society Chapters, andother volunteer groups will prepare an inventory of the exotic and/or invasive plantspecies found within the NBLSS and develop strategies to remove the species or tocontrol their coverage. The EEL Program is currently developing a comprehensivetreatment and monitoring program to ensure the long-term removal of these species fromthe NBLSS.Table 1: Exotic Plants Species List – NBLSS – October 2006Scientific Name Common Name CategoryLantana camara Lantana IPanicum maximum Guinea grass ISchinus terebinthifolius Brazilian pepper ISolanum viarum Tropical soda apple ISphagneticola tribolata Creeping oxeyes IICatharanthus roseus Madagascar periwinkle ECategory I - Invasive exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacingnative species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizingwith natives. This definition does not rely on the economic severity or geographic rangeof the problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused.Category II - Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but havenot yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species.These species may become ranked Category I, if ecological damage is demonstrated.Category E- Exotics that are not or not yet in classified in any other CategoryAnimalsExotic and non-indigenous animal species also have the potential to adversely affectecosystem function and to significantly alter population levels of native animals throughpredation or displacement. The fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and the nine-bandedarmadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) have become a common staple throughout CentralFlorida. There is evidence of feral hogs on the property. Feral hogs can cause significantharm to vegetation and soils due to their rooting (Engeman et al. 2004, 2007). Avolunteer hog trapper has been identified for the site and removal efforts have started inMarch 2008. Due to the nature and location of this conservation area, feral cats and feraldogs could be present in the vicinity of the site and could pose a significant threat to thewildlife. Any feral cats and dogs found on the property will be trapped and taken to thelocal animal shelter.36

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010A list of non-indigenous animal species has not been collected. An investigation into thelevels and impacts of these species needs to be conducted prior to the establishment of acontrol strategy.F. Public Access and Passive RecreationPublic access and opportunities for passive recreation will be provided at NBLSSpursuant to public use and recreational policies of the EEL Program SanctuaryManagement Manual adopted by Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. It hasbeen determined that passive recreational activities best support the EEL Program goals.The EEL Program Sanctuary Management Manual (SMM) defines passive recreation asfollows:“A recreational type of use, level of use and combination ofuses that do not, individually or collectively, degrade theresource values, biological diversity, and aesthetic orenvironmental qualities of a site."This site is proposed as a “Category 2 site” within the EEL Program and as such, minimalcapital improvements will be allowed on-site. Activities that will be permitted includehiking, nature observation, horseback riding and bicycling. Some of the firebreaks mayalso be used for these activities unless otherwise posted. Staff retains the ability to closeoff trails due to seasonal conditions, for management activities, or if unacceptableimpacts result from use. No other alternative or multiple uses are being considered otherthan passive recreation, as they do not fit in with the EEL program goals.By necessity, firebreaks are sometimes also used as recreational trails on EEL sites. Thisminimizes the amount of habitat removed in order to properly manage for conservationwhile still providing public access. These dual-use trails are periodically impacted bymaintenance and prescribed fire activities. These activities include vehicle traffic, diskingor tilling by tractor, and mechanically reducing adjacent vegetation. While staff attemptsto minimize the extent and duration of impacts that may hinder recreational use, wellmaintainedfirebreaks are vital to public safety, and effective conservation management.At NBLSS, the 2.3 mile proposed trail is a dual-use firebreak trail. Recreational Trailsand firebreaks are shown respectively on Figure 14 and 15.On April 3, 2007, a public meeting was held at the Cuyler Park Community Center inMims, FL to present the NBLSS recreational assessment prepared by EEL Program staffto Sanctuary stakeholders including neighbors, bikers, hikers, equestrians, birders, the St.Johns River Water Management District and tourists. Minutes from the meeting can befound in Appendix M.On May 10, 2007, a meeting was held in Melbourne, FL with the EEL ProgramRecreation and Education Advisory Committee (REAC). Minutes from this meeting canbe found in Appendix M. The NBLSS public access plan described in this section of the37

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010management plan was presented to REAC, and the committee members moved torecommend the plan.This management plan was available for a 30-day public review from August 20, 2007through September 24, 2007. All identified stakeholders were notified of the 30-daypublic review, and the draft management plan was available at several local libraries(Appendix M), at the EEL Program Main Office, at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, andat the EEL Program website.a. Parking and Public AccessShell rock parking will be provided on the property only at the Cinnamon Teal entrance.Before parking spaces are constructed, Cinnamon Teal Road will have to be extended toreach the Sanctuary parking area. An informational kiosk will be installed at theCinnamon Teal entrance as well as at the gate between NBLSS and Buck LakeConservation Area to inform visitors about the site and provide an informational brochurewith trail map.During the 30-day public review of the NBLSS Management Plan, the EEL Programreceived one comment regarding a potential connection between NBLSS and the futureWelcome Center that will be potentially located on the I-95 rest area adjacent to thenortheast corner of the Sanctuary (Appendix M). EEL Program exhibits will be displayedinside the Welcome Center to highlight NBLSS ecosystems and the EEL Program ingeneral. EEL Program staff met with the Brevard County Office of Tourism (BCOT) inNovember 2007 to discuss the potential connection. BCOT supported the project and inMay 2008, the EEL Program obtained support from REAC (Appendix M). If the projectreceives approval from the SMC and is implemented, a new trail will link the WelcomeCenter to NBLSS proposed trail (Figure 15).b. HikingHiking trails will be designed to follow existing firebreaks, roads and trails and will givevisitors an opportunity to experience the diverse habitats within the Sanctuary. Thesehiking trails will allow visitors through the diverse habitats of NBLSS from scrub tofloodplain swamp. Informative signs will be placed along the trails, and any research orrestoration projects that are ongoing will be included in the signage. Hiking will belimited to the designated trail system and will not be allowed on the additional fire breakslocated throughout the property. EEL Program staff retains the right to close off the site ifany significant impacts to the natural communities of the Sanctuary are observed.Part of the trail around the depression marsh located at the center of the Sanctuary is notcurrently owned by the EEL Program (Figure 15). The creation of this trail is dependentupon the potential acquisition of these parcels by the EEL Program.c. Bird Watching40

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Birding is a passive recreational activity that will be encouraged at the Sanctuary.Specific areas will be designated as overlooks for bird watching and some signage maybe established along the hiking trails.d. BicyclingBiking will be permitted, offering an opportunity that is currently only offered in the EELProgram North Region at the Buck Lake Conservation Area and South LakeConservation Area. Conditions on the site are not ideal for bicycling, and EEL Programstaff retains the right to close off the site to bicycles if their use results in any significantimpacts to the natural communities of the Sanctuary. Site improvements or trailstabilization will not be developed or implemented to further support biking on theproperty. Biking will be limited to the designated trail system and will not be allowed onthe additional fire breaks located throughout the property.e. Horseback RidingHorseback riding will be allowed in the sanctuary. Staff retains the right to close off thesite to horseback riders if it results in any significant impacts to the natural communitiesof the Sanctuary. Horseback riding will be limited to the designated trail system and willnot be allowed on the additional fire breaks located throughout the property.d. HuntingNo hunting will be allowed within the sanctuary.VI.MANAGEMENT ACTION PLANSThe following is a comprehensive outline of the goals, strategies, and actions necessaryto manage NBLSS.A. GoalsThe Sanctuary Management Manual of the EEL Program provides the followingmanagement goals for all sites managed by the EEL Program.Documentation of historic public useConservation of ecosystem functionConservation of natural (native) communitiesConservation of species (including endemic, rare, threatened andendangered species)Documentation of significant archeological and historic sitesProvision of public access and responsible public useAssessment of carrying capacity of natural resources with public useProvision of environmental education programsOpportunities for multiple uses and compatibility41

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010 General upkeep and security of the propertyB. Strategies and ActionsThe following is an outline of the specific management strategies and actions that areneeded to meet the management goals for the NBLSS.GOAL:DOCUMENTATION OF HISTORIC PUBLIC USEStrategy 1: Document historic public useActions: Collect historic information regarding the types of activities that have occurred onsite; Evaluate how historic public use impacted the site’s natural resources; Consider historic public use patterns in planning future public uses.GOAL:Strategy 2:CONSERVATION OF ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONProtect, maintain, and restore native diversity, ecological patterns, andthe processes that maintain diversity.Actions: Research and monitor baseline conditions of natural systems; Research the connection of on-site natural resources with adjacent resources; Research hydrologic patterns on and off-site; Focus natural community restoration efforts on enhancing native diversity; Investigate the historic hydroperiod.Strategy 3: Ensure that natural upland-wetland interfaces are protected andenhanced.Actions: Collect data to analyze the public access on the natural resources; Protect communities from deleterious impacts deriving from external influences; Restore/enhance natural communities.GOAL:Strategy 4:CONSERVATION OF NATURAL (NATIVE) COMMUNITIESRestore degraded, disturbed, or altered wetlands within NBLSS.Actions: Establish baseline conditions within wetlands; Use native plants for restoration efforts (if needed); Assess possible impacts of proposed restoration on adjacent communities and offsiteproperties;42

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Implement the selected restoration activities including invasive removal, prescribedfire and the filling of the ditch around the depression marsh in the center of theSanctuary;Monitor the effects of the restoration activities, evaluate the success of the restorationprojects, and revise the restoration plan, as necessary.Strategy 5: Restore degraded, disturbed, or altered uplands within NBLSS.Actions: Establish baseline conditions within the upland communities; Consult local experts and current literature regarding best scientific methods forupland restoration; Prioritize the upland communities in need of restoration based upon ease ofaccomplishment, expected habitat value yield, or financial considerations; Use native plants for restoration efforts (if needed); Assess possible impacts of proposed restoration on adjacent communities and offsiteproperties; Implement the selected restoration activities (i.e., remove exotic species, restorenatural disturbance regime, replant native species, etc.); Monitor the effects of the restoration activities, evaluate the success of the restorationprojects, and revise the restoration plan, as necessary.Strategy 6: Design and implement a “natural” fire management program.Actions: Identify natural communities that require prescribed fire management; Identify and evaluate individual proposed burn management units; Identify the goal of the application of fire to each proposed burn unit; Document listed species within each burn unit; Identify and plan perimeter and internal fire breaks; Develop and implement public education campaign including programs and literatureregarding the need for periodic controlled burns; Secure the necessary permits from the State Division of Forestry and other agencies; Secure the service of properly trained staff or consultants to implement theprescribed burns; Mechanical reduction of overgrown vegetation when necessary before fireimplementation; Begin prescribed fire management program; Monitor the effects of the fire management activities, evaluate the success of theprogram, and revise the program strategies as needed.GOAL: CONSERVATION OF SPECIES (INCLUDING ENDEMIC, RARE,THREATENED AND ENDANGERED)43

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Strategy 7: Protect on-site populations of endemic, rare, threatened and endangeredspecies through the utilization of existing habitat management and species recoveryplans.Actions: Develop a methodology and work plan to accomplish the identification of designatedplant and animal species; Survey for, and identify listed/protected plant and animal species; Plot the location of identified designated species within and/or adjacent to thesanctuary for use in the implementation, or re-distribution, of amenities or siteimprovements; Periodically update these baseline survey data to determine possible changes indesignated species distribution or density; Review management plans for consistency with USFWS and FGFWFC guidanceconcerning listed species; Implement habitat restoration activities for listed species (i.e., removal ofexotic/nuisance species, restoration of ecosystem function); Establish periodic monitoring of habitat suitability (where indices are available for agiven species), species population levels, diversity levels, and exotic/nuisancespecies, as a means of evaluating the success of management strategies.GOAL: DOCUMENTATION OF SIGNIFICANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL ANDHISTORIC SITESStrategy 8: Survey for archaeological and historic sites within NBLSSActions: Contact the State Division of Historic Resources to conduct a Phase I survey of thesite; Review available maps and historic records for indications of past usage of the site; Map all archaeological and historic sites for future reference.GOAL:PROVISION FOR PUBLIC ACCESS AND RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC USEStrategy 9: Establish and enforce specific policies and management techniques for publicaccess and responsible public use.Actions: Plan appropriate public facilities by examining the site’s natural and culturalresources and reviewing public input; Evaluate design and proposed public facilities for consistency with ADA guidelines; Establish social and environmental carrying capacities for proposed public facilities; Use daily or seasonal quotas, restricted access or limited parking to enforceestablished carrying capacities;44

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Coordinate recreational use with the ecological burning strategies of the EELProgram;Minimize unauthorized trail expansion by establishing sufficient trails, constructinghandrails, and the development of written guidelines;Construct hiking trails in accordance with the USDA Forest Service “StandardSpecifications for the Construction of Trails”;Construct terraces for erosion control.Monitor the impact hiking, biking and horseback riding on the Sanctuary trails.Reroute or close trails if necessaryGOAL: ASSESSMENT OF CARRYING CAPACITY OF NATURAL RESOURCESWITH PUBLIC USEStrategy 10: Establish a monitoring program to assess effects of public usage on naturalresources.Actions: Establish baseline vegetation monitoring transects to provide data regarding existingconditions prior to development; Establish a methodology and record keeping system to document public use; Conduct regular monitoring to assess impacts of public use on natural habitats; Conduct regular “walk-through's” over frequently used sites to assess the need forchanges in routing/user types, or user intensity; Re-route users from sensitive areas or popular sites on a regular or as-needed basis; Re-align public use to avoid areas which observations or data indicate are toosensitive for the level of use originally planned.GOAL: PROVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMSStrategy 11: Develop a plan to provide on-going environmental education programs toBrevard County residents and visitors.Actions: Determine target audiences and types of programming best suited to those groups; Design and develop indoor and outdoor exhibits, signs and printed materials; Include educators, friends groups and other organizations in the design, developmentand delivery of programs; Develop and coordinate a docent program to assist in program delivery; Develop and provide training and site specific informational materials for use bydocents and other educators; Develop a marketing and promotions plan for educational programs; Develop criteria and process of evaluation for program review and refinement; Provide a “special collection” of books and other materials specifically related to theenvironmental and cultural character of the Sanctuary.45

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010GOAL: OPPORTUNITIES FOR MULTIPLE USES AND COMPATIBILITYStrategy 12: Provide opportunities for multiple use and compatibility when practical.Actions:• Use fire breaks for multi-use recreation trails when not needed for resourcemanagement;• Include multiple benefits of natural community restoration efforts in educationprogram.GOAL: GENERAL UPKEEP AND SECURITY OF THE PROPERTYStrategy 13: Secure and maintain the Sanctuary to the highest degree possible using EELstaff, Parks and Recreation staff, contract employees and volunteers.Actions: Employ a land manager to oversee maintenance and security activities; Contract with outside contractors or with Brevard County, Parks and Recreation formaintenance of parking areas, fire breaks, trails, boardwalks, bridges, benches etc.; Coordinate daily maintenance tasks using staff and volunteers.VII.PROJECTED TIMETABLE FOR IMPLEMENTATIONPart VII recommends a timeline for management plan implementation. The timeline hasbeen divided into immediate, short-term and long-term time frames. Immediate timeframe is defined as within one year of the adoption of this management plan, short term is1 to 5 years, and long-term is more than 5 years. Some actions are also defined as ongoing,if the activity is required for the on-going maintenance of the Sanctuary.ACTIONACTIVITYTIMELINEStrategy 1: Document historic public useCollect historic information regarding the types of activities that have Short-termoccurred on-siteEvaluate how historic public use impacted the site’s natural resources Short-termConsider historic public use patterns in planning future public uses Short-termStrategy 2: Protect, maintain, and restore native diversity, ecological patterns,and the processes that maintain diversityResearch and monitor baseline conditions of natural systemsImmediateResearch the connection of on-site natural resources with adjacent ImmediateresourcesResearch hydrologic patterns on and off-siteImmediateFocus natural community restoration efforts on enhancing native On-going46

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010diversityInvestigate the historic hydroperiodShort-TermStrategy 3: Ensure that natural upland-wetland interfaces are protected andenhancedCollect data to analyze the public access on the natural resources; Short-TermProtect communities from deleterious impacts deriving from external On-goinginfluencesRestore/enhance natural communities.On-goingStrategy 4: Restore degraded, disturbed, or altered wetlands within NBLSSEstablish baseline conditions within wetlands;ImmediateUse native plants for restoration efforts (if needed);ImmediateAssess possible impacts of proposed restoration on adjacent communities Immediateand offsite properties;Implement the selected restoration activities including invasive removal, Immediateprescribed fire and the filling of the ditch around the depression marsh inthe center of the Sanctuary;Monitor the effects of the restoration activities, evaluate the success of Immediatethe restoration projects, and revise the restoration plan, as necessary.Strategy 5: Restore degraded, disturbed or altered uplands within NBLSSEstablish baseline conditions within the upland communities;ImmediateConsult local experts and current literature regarding best scientific Immediatemethods for upland restoration;Prioritize the upland communities in need of restoration based upon ease Immediateof accomplishment, expected habitat value yield, or financialconsiderations;Use native plants for restoration efforts (if needed);ImmediateAssess possible impacts of proposed restoration on adjacent communities Short-Termand offsite properties;Implement the selected restoration activities (i.e. remove exotic species, Long-Termrestore natural disturbance regime, replant native species, etc.).Monitor the effects of the restoration activities, evaluate the success of On-goingthe restoration projects, and revise the restoration plan, as necessary.Strategy 6: Design and implement a “natural” fire management programIdentify natural communities that require prescribed fire management On-goingIdentify and evaluate individual proposed burn management units ImmediateIdentify the goal of the application of fire to each proposed burn unit ImmediateDocument listed species within each burn unitImmediateIdentify and plan perimeter and internal fire breaksShort-TermDevelop and implement public education campaign including programs Short-Termand literature regarding the need for periodic controlled burnsSecure the necessary permits from the State Division of Forestry and Short-Termother agenciesSecure the service of properly trained staff or consultants to implement Completethe prescribed burns;Mechanical reduction of overgrown vegetation when necessary before Immediate47

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010fire implementation;Begin prescribed fire management programShort-TermMonitor the effects of the fire management activities, evaluate the On-goingsuccess of the program, and revise the program strategies as neededStrategy 7: Protect on-site populations of endemic, rare, threatened andendangered species through the utilization of existing habitat management andspecies recovery plansDevelop a methodology and work plan to accomplish the identification On-Goingof designated plant and animal speciesSurvey for, and identify listed/protected plant and animal speciesPlot the location of identified designated species within and/or adjacentto the sanctuary for use in the implementation, or re-distribution, ofamenities or site improvementsPeriodically update these baseline survey data to determine possiblechanges in designated species distribution or densityReview management plans for consistency with USFWS and FWCguidance concerning listed speciesImplement habitat restoration activities for listed species (i.e., removal ofexotic/nuisance species, restoration of ecosystem function);Establish periodic monitoring of habitat suitability, species populationlevels, diversity levels, and exotic/nuisance species, as a means ofevaluating the success of management strategiesStrategy 8: Survey for archaeological and historic sitesContact the State Division of Historic Resources to conduct a Phase Isurvey of the siteOn-goingShort-TermShort-TermOn-goingOn-goingOn-goingImmediateReview available maps and historic records for indications of past usage Immediateof the siteMap all archaeological and historic sites for future referenceShort-TermStrategy 9: Establish and enforce specific policies and management techniques forpublic access and responsible public usePlan appropriate public facilities by examining the site’s natural and Immediatecultural resources and reviewing public inputEvaluate design and proposed public facilities for consistency with ADAguidelinesEstablish social and environmental carrying capacities for proposedpublic facilitiesUse daily or seasonal quotas, restricted access or limited parking toenforce established carrying capacitiesCoordinate recreational use with the ecological burning strategies of theEEL ProgramMinimize unauthorized trail expansion by establishing sufficient trails,constructing handrails, and the development of written guidelinesConstruct hiking trails in accordance with the USDA Forest Service“Standard Specifications for the Construction of Trails”Construct terraces for erosion controlShort-TermShort-TermShort-TermShort-TermShort-TermShort-TermLong-Term48

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Monitor the impact of biking on the Sanctuary trails. Reroute or close Immediatetrails if necessaryStrategy 10: Establish a monitoring program to assess effects of public usage onnatural resourcesEstablish baseline vegetation monitoring transects to provide data Short-Termregarding existing conditions prior to developmentEstablish a methodology and record keeping system to document public On-GoinguseConduct regular monitoring to assess impacts of public use on natural On-GoinghabitatsConduct regular walk-throughs over frequently used sites to assess the On-Goingneed for changes in routing/user types, or user intensityRe-route users from sensitive areas or popular sites on a regular or asneededbasisOn-GoingRe-align public use to avoid areas which observations or data indicate are On-Goingtoo sensitive for the level of use originally plannedStrategy 11: Develop a plan to provide on-going environmental educationprograms to Brevard County residents and visitorsDetermine target audiences and types of programming best suited to Short-Termthose groupsDesign and develop indoor and outdoor exhibits, signs and printed Short-Termmaterials;Include educators, friends groups and other organizations in the design, Short-Termdevelopment and delivery of programsDevelop and coordinate a docent program to assist in program delivery Short-TermDevelop and provide training and site specific informational materials for Short-Termuse by docents and other educatorsDevelop a marketing and promotions plan for educational programs Short-TermDevelop criteria and process of evaluation for program review and Short-TermrefinementProvide a “special collection” of books and other materials specifically Long-Termrelated to the environmental and cultural character of the SanctuaryStrategy 12: Provide opportunities for multiple use and compatibility whenpracticalUse fire breaks for multi-use recreation trails when not needed for Short-termresource management;Include multiple benefits of natural community restoration efforts in Short-termeducation program.Strategy 13: Secure and maintain the Sanctuary to the highest degree possibleusing EEL staff, EEL Interns, Parks and Recreation staff, contract employees andvolunteersEmploy a land manager to oversee maintenance and security activities Short-TermContract with outside contractors and/or Brevard County, Parks and On-GoingRecreation for maintenance of parking areas, fire breaks, trails,boardwalks, bridges, benches, etc.49

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Coordinate daily maintenance tasks using staff and volunteersOn-going50

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010VIII. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONSThe Brevard County EEL Program receives land acquisition and management revenuesfrom ad valorem revenues collected pursuant to the 1990 and 2004 voter-approved EELReferendums. The EEL Program allocates bond funds to capital land acquisition and onetimecapital expenditures. Ad valorem revenues collected during each fiscal year that arenot required for bond debt services can be used for any legal purpose within the EELProgram pursuant to §200.181 and §125.013 of the Florida Statutes. The EEL Programwill collect ad valorem revenues from the 1990 referendum until the Year 2011 and fromthe 2004 referendum until 2024, the sunset dates of the ad valorem collectionsrespectively.Based on financial projections, the EEL Program shall annually appropriate a portion ofthe EEL Program ad valorem millage not required for bond debt services to fund annualEEL Program capital and non-capital expenditures. Specific appropriations for theNBLSS property will be made each fiscal year as part of this overall annual budgetprocess. The EEL Program budget will be reviewed and adopted annually as part of theBrevard County budget process and as authorized by the Board of CountyCommissioners. After 2024, the Board of County Commissioners will consider otherfunding options and financial resources to address the long-term managementresponsibilities of the EEL Program.The following is a breakdown of the general costs estimated for annual managementoperations of the NBLSS:Annual ManagementStaff Salaries/ Benefits* (Staff also responsible for other North Region sites.)Land Manager (f.t.) $3,345.00(incl. benefits)Assistant Land Manager (f.t.) $2,593.00(incl. benefits)Two Land Management Technicians (f.t.) $4,392.00(incl. benefits)Management Activities $500(Exotic treatment, fire management, trails, environmental education, boundarymaintenance, etc.)Total $10,830*Staff salaries/benefits for the NBLSS reflect approximately one-twelfth of the North Region LandManager, Assistant Land Manager and Land Management technician salaries/benefits. It is estimated thatmanagement of the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Management and Education Center will require threequartersof their time, and their remaining time will be divided among the other sites in the North Region.51

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010A Land Manager has been hired to oversee maintenance, security and resourcemanagement for the NBLSS and other properties within the North Region ManagementArea. An Assistant Land Manager and two Land Management Technicians will assist theLand Manager with maintenance, security, and resource management for all properties inthe north region. The cost estimate for personnel assumes that volunteers will be utilizedto assist with maintenance and research. The maintenance and operations cost includesestimates for travel activities, office supplies, repair and maintenance services, printingand training. The cost estimate for resource management includes activities such asresearch and monitoring contracts, developing and implementing the prescribed burnprogram, environmental education programs and exotic species removal.In addition to the on-going maintenance and operation costs estimate, EEL Staff had thefollowing capital start-up costs for the NBLSS, for the completed projects, which areoutlined below.Capital ImprovementBoundary Fencing and Firebreak Installation (2006) $44,745.66Roller-chopping, timbering and fireline installation $25,000.00(on-going) . Funds provided from a USFWS grantBoundary Signs (20 @ $8 each) $160.0052

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010IX.BIBLIOGRAPHYPart IX provides the following citations for original research or publications used todevelop the Management Plan.Barille, D.D. 1988. Historic Overview of the Indian River Lagoon Region. In: The IndianRiver Lagoon Estuarine Monograph. Marine Resources Council of East CentralFlorida. Sea Grant Report R/ESP-1 (unpublished). In: Woodward-ClydeConsultants. 1994. Final Technical Report: uses of the Indian River Lagoon,Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, Melbourne, Florida. 115p.B.K.I Consulting Ecologists. Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on Hidden LakesProperty +/-165 acres. Certified to Continental Acreage development Company,Inc. and Brevard County Board of County Commissioners on September 2001.Breininger, D.R., D. M. Oddy, M. L. Legare, and B. W. Duncan. 1999. DevelopingBiological Criteria for the Recovery of Florida Scrub-Jay Populations on PublicLands in Brevard County: Patterns of Fire History, Habitat Fragmentation,Habitat Use and Demography (Contract No. 1448-40181-97-C-002). DynamacCorporation. Final Report Submitted to U.S Fish and Wildlife Service,Jacksonville, FL.Breininger, D. R., M. L. Legare, and R. B. Smith. 2004. Eastern indigo snakes(Drymarchon couperi) in Florida: Influence of edge effects on populationviability. Pages 299-311 in H. R. Akçakaya, M. Burgman, O Kindvall, P.Sjorgren-Gulve, J. Hatfield, and M. McCarthy, editors. Species conservation andmanagement: case studies. Oxford University Press.Breininger, D.R., P.A. Schmalzer, and C.R. Hinkle. 1994. Gopher Tortoise (Gopheruspolyphemus) Densities in Coastal Scrub and Slash Pine Flatwoods in Florida.Journal of Herpetology 28:60-65.Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program. Sanctuary ManagementManual. Adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on September 23, 1997.Brown, R.C. 1994. Florida’s First People. Pineapple Press. Sarasota, Florida.Coile, N. C., M. A. Garland. 2003. Notes on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Plants.Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of PlantIndustry. Bureau of Entomology, Nematology & Plant Pathology ~ BotanySection Contribution No. 38, 4 th Edition.Eastern Space and Missile Center. 1989. Weather Meteorological Handbook ESMCpamphlet 105-1. Department of the Air Force. Eastern Space and Missile Center –Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. in Mailander, J.L. 1990. Climate of Kennedy53

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Space Center. NASA Technical Memorandum 103498. Bionetics Corporation.Kennedy Space Center, Florida.Engeman, R. M., H. T. Smith, R. Severson, M. A. Severson, J. W. Woolard, S. A. Shwiff,B. Constantin and D. Griffin. 2004. Damage Reduction Estimates and Benefit-Cost ratios for Feral Swine Control from the Last Remant of a Basin MarshSystem in Florida. Environmental Conservation 31(3):207-211.Engeman R.M., A. Stevens, J. Allen, J. Dunlap, M. Daniel, D. Teague and B. Constantin.2007. Feral Swine Management for Conservation of an Imperiled Wetlandhabitat: Florida’s Vanishing Seepage Slopes. Biological Conservation 134:440-446.Engeman, R. M., H. T. Smith, R. Severson, M. A. Severson, S. A. Shwiff, B. Constantin,and D. Griffin. 2004. The Amount and Economic Cost of Feral Swine Damage tothe Last Remnant of a Basin Marsh System in Florida. Journal for NatureConservation 12:143-147Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Florida Department of Natural Resources. Guide tothe Natural Communities of Florida. February 1990.Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Request of Information for the NBLSS June 2006.Myers, R.L. and J.J. Ewel, editors. 1990. Ecosystems of Florida. University of CentralFlorida Press. Orlando, Florida.Schmalzer, P.A. 2003. Growth and recovery of oak-saw palmetto scrub through tenyears after fire. Natural Areas Journal 23:5-13Schmalzer, P.A. and C. R. Hinkle. 1992a. Recovery of Oak-Saw Palmetto Scrub afterFire. Castanea 53:158-173.Schmalzer, P.A. and C. R. Hinkle. 1992b. Species Composition and Structure of Oak-Saw Palmetto Scrub Vegetation. Castanea 57:220-251.Schmalzer, P. A. and F. W. Adrian. 2001. Scrub Restoration on Kennedy SpaceCenter/Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, 1992-2000. Pp. 17-20 in D.Zattau. (ed.). Proceedings of the Florida Scrub Symposium 2001. U.S. Fish andWildlife Service. Jacksonville, Florida. 63 pp.Schmalzer, P.A., S.R. Boyle, and H.M. Swain. 1999. Scrub Ecosystems of BrevardCounty, Florida: a Regional Characterization. Florida Scientist 62(1):13-47.Schmalzer, P.A. T. E. Foster, and F.W. Adrian. 2003. Responses of Long-UnburnedScrub on the Merritt Island/Cape Canaveral Barrier Island Complex to Cuttingand Burning. In: Proceedings of the Second International Wildland Fire Ecology54

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010and Fire Management Congress, American Meteorological Society, Published onCDROM and at http://www.ametsoc.org.Schmalzer, P.A, T.E. Foster. 2005. Multi-Species Scrub Plant Survey in Brevard County,Florida, for Occurrence of Federally Listed Endangered or Threatened ScrubPlant Species (Q#3-04-18). Dynamac Corporation. Submitted to The U.S Fish andWildlife by Brevard County Board of Commissioner.Schmocker, G.K., D.W. Sharp, and B.C. Hagemeyer. 1990. Three Initial ClimatologicalStudies for WFO Melbourne Florida: A First Step in the Preparation of FutureOperations. NOAA Technical memorandum NWS SR-132. Scientific Services –Southern Region. Fort Worth, Texas.Shoffner, Jerrel H., History of Brevard County, Vol. 1, Brevard County HistoricalCommission, 1995.Tennant, A.. 1997. A field Guide to Snakes of Florida. Gulf Publishing Company.Houston, Texas.U.S Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey of Brevard County, Florida. November 1974.Wunderlin, R.P. and B.F. Hansen. 2003. Guide to the Vascular Plants of Florida, 2 ndEdition. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville. 787 p.Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2004. Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants(http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/). [S. M. Landry and K. N. Campbell (applicationdevelopment), Florida Center for Community Design and Research.] Institute forSystematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa.55

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010X. APPENDICESAppendix A: Letter of ComplianceAppendix B: NBLSS Legal DescriptionAppendix C: NBLSS FEMA MapAppendix D: NBLSS Fire Management PlanAppendix E: Surface Water Quality ClassificationAppendix F: NBLSS Preliminary Plant SurveysAppendix G: NBLSS Bird SurveyAppendix H: NBLSS Arthropod Control PlanAppendix I: NBLSS Florida Natural Areas InventoryAppendix J: NBLSS Florida Master Site FileAppendix K: Management Procedures for Archeological and Historical Sites andProperties on State- Owned or Controlled LandsAppendix L: NBLSS Timber AssessmentAppendix M: NBLSS Public Meetings and Review56

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix A:NBLSS Letter of Compliance57

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix B:NBLSS Legal Description61

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010NBLSS 2007 Acquired Parcels62

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix D:NBLSS Fire Management PlanNorth Buck Lake Scrub SanctuaryFire Management PlanAs part of the EEL Sanctuary Management Plan, the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary(NBLSS) Fire Management Plan outlines natural communities within the Sanctuary thatrespond favorably to the application of fire. The EEL Program is tasked with protectingthe rich biological diversity of the NBLSS by actively managing acquired land. It iswidely recognized that prescribed fire, applied in established frequencies typical of eachecosystem, is an important land management tool to promote biodiversity and reintroducefire to dependant ecosystems. Prescribed fire also has the added benefit of lowering andmaintaining fuel loads, thus mitigating the behavior and effects of wildfires that start inor outside of the Sanctuary.Utilizing prescribed fire within the NBLSS will benefit ecosystems, individual plants andanimals that have evolved under the influences of this natural process in Florida. TheEEL Program’s prescribed fire goals include:Restore or preserve fire-adapted communities with the reintroduction of fireMaximize biological diversity by the creation and maintenance of a vegetationmosaicManage Threatened and Endangered speciesProvide educational opportunitiesReduce fire hazards by managing fuels and fireConduct safe prescribed firesActively encourage cooperation between all parties with a vested interest inprescribed fireThe EEL Program Fire Management Manual is a separate document which addresses indetail the overall fire objectives of the EEL Program and contains the burn unit plansnecessary to perform prescribed fires. It outlines fire’s effects on natural communitiesincluding Threatened and Endangered species found within the Sanctuary network andlists equipment needed to perform prescribed fires. This document is a site-specific FireManagement Plan bridging the EEL Program Fire Management Manual and the UnitspecificBurn Prescription. This site-specific plan includes:Sanctuary Fire Management GoalsBurn Unit Descriptions, Fire RegimeFire History and MapSpecies of Special ConcernArchaeological, Cultural and Historic ResourcesFire Sensitive AreasSmoke Management Issues64

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Public NotificationWildfire PolicyCooperation with Other AgenciesFireline MaintenanceFire Effects Monitoring and Photo point LocationThe NBLSS has been broken up into burn units that allow the EEL Program to safelyconduct prescribed fires and to allow for the natural heterogeneity inherent in morenatural fires to be created. These units were chosen based on existing roads/trails andnatural fire barriers.NBLSS Fire-Dependent EcosystemsThe mosaic of wetland and upland communities within the NBLSS reflects a combinationof differences in soil type, historical fire effects, and anthropogenic influences. The EELProgram will strive to preserve this mosaic by placing the fire-dependent uplandcommunities on specific fire-return intervals, while protecting sensitive wetlands duringtimes of drought. In general, vegetation in the flatwoods and scrub communities has bothincreased in density given the reduced frequency of fire in the Sanctuary. Thick stands ofsand pines have invaded the surrounding scrub and flatwoods ecosystems in the absenceof fire since the 1998 wildfires, increasing the potential for high intensity wildfire.Establishment of a prescribed fire regime requires careful planning because of thewildland-urban interface at NBLSS. Smoke management and public safety issues areparamount for consideration in planning and implementing prescribed fire. In portions ofthe Sanctuary, mechanical fuel reduction efforts and fire line improvement should takeplace initially to prepare the site for future control burning and to mitigate the threat ofwildfire spreading into the neighboring residential area. The destructive wildfires in1998, occurring in portions of the NBLSS and throughout North Brevard County,emphasize the ongoing need to manage wildfire on the site. The Farmton Wildfire, part ofa large group of fires in east central Florida known as the Orlando Complex, burned38,000 acres and destroyed 36 homes and businesses before firefighting efforts and theonset of the summer rainfall season contained the fires in mid-July 1998. Wildfiremitigation work by the Florida Division of Forestry (FDOF) and the St. Johns RiverWater Management District (SJRWMD) along some perimeter portions of the Sanctuarywas completed since the 1998 wildfires. The EEL program, in conjunction with theFDOF and the SJRWMD’s fire management of adjoining conservation land, shouldcontinue to maintain and improve firebreaks to provide fire breaks between vegetationand adjacent homes as well as facilitate habitat and fuels management with prescribedfire.Scrubby FlatwoodsThe 56.7+/- acres of flatwoods found on much of the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuaryis essentially a mix of pine flatwoods and scrub communities. Scrubby flatwoodsrepresent an ecotone between flatwoods and scrub habitats. Since the ecotone covers65

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010large areas in parts of Florida, it is recognized as a separate association. The pine canopyis open with scattered pines and a shrub understory ranging from sparse to thick. Scrubbyflatwoods occur on flat, well drained terrain that normally does not flood or hold standingwater for very long following significant rain events. Soils consist of several feet of sandthat tends to have open patches of bare soil. The upper meter or so of soil is well drainedand the water table, although not as deep as in the sand hills or scrub, is rarely near thesurface. Typical vegetation includes longleaf pine, slash pine, sand live oak, Chapman’soak, myrtle oak, scrub oak, saw palmetto, staggerbush, wiregrass, dwarf blueberry,gopher apple, rusty lyonia, starflower, golden-aster, lichens, silk bay, garberia,huckleberry, goldenrod, runner oak, pinweeds, and frostweed (FNAI, 1990).The NBLSS scrubby flatwoods is a pyrogenic ecosystem maintained naturally bymoderate intensity fire, with a more frequent return interval than scrub given the nearcontinuous nature of fuels. Historically, wildfire frequently passed through scrubbyflatwoods every 5-15 years in a spotty manner, leaving a mosaic of lightly burned,intensely burned, and unburned areas, though strong winds during drought conditionsappreciably increase burn coverage and intensity. A moderate-intensity fire occurringduring normal rainfall conditions on a return interval of 5-8 years will insure a burnmosaic mimicking naturally occurring fire, though even hot fires do little to alter thevegetation pattern because scrub oaks and most shrubs simply re-sprout following thefire, rapidly restoring the community to its pre-burn composition. Fire exclusion in thisassociation results in the subsequent invasion of sand pine and various scrub shrubs.ScrubThe scrub ecosystem that exists on the NBLSS’s peninsular coastal sand ridge is foundon the relic dune system associated with the most recent Pleistocene shoreline mainly inthe western half of the Sanctuary. Soils consist of very well drained, deep, white sandsthat occur on sand ridges along former shorelines. The soils are nutrient-poor andrelatively infertile, yet oak scrub has developed adaptations to the stressful environment.This scrub community is characterized by an open to closed canopy of sand pines andlongleaf pine with areas of scrub oak, shrubs, and saw palmetto. However, observationsin this vegetative-type community indicate that sand pines and some hardwood speciesmay eventually dominate upland habitats when fire is suppressed, especially on isolated,narrow sand ridges. Portions of the NBLSS scrub ridge burned in the June/July 1998wildfires, causing considerable mortality in the sand pine while beneficially reducingvegetation density. The scrub ridge has been relatively fire-free in the past 10 years andhas re-grown in dense stands of sand pine. A 5-10 year fire return interval utilizingprescribed fire is needed to maintain a more open scrub structure and safely managefuels.The scrub ridge in the NBLSS is a pyrogenic ecosystem maintained by periodic,relatively high intensity fire which naturally occurs after a fire-free period of fuelaccumulation. Sand pines are killed outright by fire, with regeneration and aggressiverecruitment occurring following fire-induced seed release from closed cones. Scrub oak66

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010and most shrubs simply resprout following the fire, and a few species, notably rosemary,regenerate from seeds stored in the soil.In times of normal rainfall, the basin swamp, baygall, and depression marsh ecosystemsinside the NBLSS resist carrying fire and provide additional natural firebreaks. Underideal conditions, fire will burn naturally into the edges of these areas where canopyshading and moist ground cover would kill the fire. This would establish a well-definednatural ecotone between the habitats. Hydrological alteration coupled with firesuppression resulted in hardwood encroachment within NBLSS wetland communities.However, during the June/July 1998 wildfires, transitional and wetland communitieswere burned, killing or reducing the density of many hardwoods.Oak-saw palmetto scrub natural fire regime is not precisely established, but is believed tobe more than the sand pine scrub (20-40 or more) and less than sandhill (2-5 years)(Schmalzer and Hinkle, 1992). Optimally, Scrub-Jay oak scrub habitat should be burnedon an interval of 5-10 years. This frequent burning provides the short shrubs and the openspaces Scrub-Jays need in order to survive and prevents fuels from building up to levelsnecessitating pre-burn management by mechanical reduction. Schmalzer and Adrian(2001) and Schmalzer et al. (2003) indicated that long-unburned sites grow rapidly afterthe first fire and/or mechanical treatment, thus the fire return interval is shorter thanunder natural conditions.Animals that utilize the scrub ecosystem and scrubby pine flatwoods association includethe Florida Scrub-Jay, gopher tortoise and the Eastern indigo snake. Maintaining theseareas at the NBLSS with prescribed fire will encourage a healthy habitat for expandingthe gopher tortoise population and encourage Scrub-Jay population re-establishment inareas with a historic occurrence. The Florida Scrub-Jay is ranked as Threatened by theUS Fish and Wildlife Service and by the Florida Fish and Wildlife ConservationCommission. In June of 2006, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissionchanged the status of the gopher tortoise from Species of Special Concern to Threatened.This change took effect in September 2007.NBLSS Scrub Ridge Burn Unit Descriptions, Fire RegimesFigure A shows the location of each fire unit at the NBLSS. Due to the small size of eachindividual burn unit, it is likely that two or more adjacent units may be burnedsimultaneously.Unit 1, 16+/- acresIn the northwestern section of the NBLSS, this scrubby flatwoods, scrub and basinswamp ecosystem is an irregular shaped rectangle oriented in an east to west fashion andis located 500 feet south of a residential area. The sand road/fire line running east westthrough the middle of the unit provides a rather sharp break between ecosystems withlittle ecotone. There is no fire line in the basin swamp along most of the north boundaryof the unit and portions of the western boundary with SJRWMD managed conservation67

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010land. The upland vegetation in the unit consists primarily of scrubby flatwoods and oaksawpalmetto that is being inundated with sand pine. Without periodic fire, the sand pinecanopy will close in and eventually dominate the scrub community. Few openings wereobserved, suggesting that fire should be reintroduced on a shorter return interval thanwhat lightning deals out naturally given ecosystem fragmentation incurred by urbaninterface. To prepare for prescribed burning and the re-establishment of a natural fireregime, much of the scrubby flatwoods vegetation will need reduction along the edgesand where fuel load structure prevents the safe application of fire. A high-intensitybacking/flanking fire is desired in this NBLSS burn unit to mimic naturally occurringcatastrophic or stand-replacing fires facilitated by severe burning conditions historicallyfound in scrub. The basin swamp portion of the unit, which was extremely dry (May2007) given the severe drought conditions, should be excluded from burning until it isthoroughly re-hydrated due to the smoke management considerations from combustingthe thick organic layer. Additional fire lines will be needed along the northern andwestern boundaries of the unit prior to burning the basin swamp ecosystem.Unit 2, 14.5+/- acresUnit 2, located in the western half of the sanctuary, consists of primarily oak-sawpalmetto scrub with dense stands of overgrown sand pine. Located just south of Unit 1,burn Unit 2 is an irregular shaped square with the northern and western boundaries sharedwith Unit 1, the southern boundary shared with Unit 3, and the eastern boundary sharedwith Unit 4. The burnable vegetation (100%) in the unit consists primarily of sand pineswhich have inundated the historic scrub ecosystem. Some of the unit burned in the 1998wildfires, but in the 10-year absence of fire activity since, much of the unit’s vegetationmay need to be mechanically reduced to prepare the heavy fuels load for safely carryingfire to re-establish a desired fire return interval. With periodic maintenance, fire breakssurrounding the unit will be adequate.Unit 3, 13.5+/- acresThis unit, located in the southwest corner of NBLSS, is an irregular shaped rectangleoriented in an east to west fashion, bordered on the north side by Units 1 and 2 on thesouth and west sides by SLRWMD managed conservation land, and on the east side byUnits 4 and 5. Vegetation in the unit consists of predominantly scrubby flatwoods withpine and oak/saw palmetto, of which 90% is burnable. Some of the unit burned in the1998 wildfires. In the 10-year absence of fire activity since 1998, vegetation will need tobe mechanically reduced throughout most of the unit to prepare the heavy fuels load forsafely carrying fire, re-establishing a desired fire return interval. In addition, since thisunit anchors the downwind SW corner of the sanctuary, it is imperative that this unit isburned first to reduce the heavy fuel load before burning other units upwind. Existing firelines separating Unit 3 from adjacent burn units will need to be maintained, and the firebreak/fence line shared with SJRWMD on the west and south sides of the unit will needto be widened and improved prior to burning to insure that prescribed fire stays withinthe unit’s lines. The EEL Program with work with SJRWMD to implement a prescribed69

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010burn across the depression marsh which is transected by the property boundaries in aneffort to prevent hardwood encroachment.Unit 4, 14+/- acresThis unit is an irregular shaped octagon bordered on the north side by a sparselypopulated residential area, on the west side by Units 2 and 3, and on the south side byUnit 5. The vegetation in the unit is divided into three vegetative communities consistingof depression marsh, scrubby flatwoods, and oak-saw palmetto scrub with significanthardwood encroachment. Some portions of the unit did not burn in the 1998 wildfires,possibly due to the presence of a very wide mineral soil firebreak along the westernboundary of the unit. It is recommended that the unit be burned when the marsh ishydrated to use the natural fire barrier offered by the marsh and to facilitate smokemanagement. Since this unit is adjacent to a residential area, vegetation along the fire lineshould be mechanically treated and maintained, and the fire break/fence line shared withSJRWMD on the south side of the unit will need to be improved prior to burning toinsure that prescribed fire stays within the unit’s lines. If the EEL Program is able toacquire the additional parcels along Cinnamon Teal Drive, the depression marsh in Unit 4can be burned to maintain the ecosystem integrity and to prevent hardwoodencroachment.Unit 5, 17+/- acresThe largest unit in the NBLSS is a north-south oriented irregularly shaped rectangle witha pair of narrow “fingers” extending westward to Unit 3 below Unit 4 and northwardtoward the residential subdivision and main entrance gate to the Sanctuary. The entiresouthern boundary of Unit 5 is shared with SJRWMD managed conservation land. Thevegetation in the unit predominantly consists of scrubby flatwoods and oak-saw palmettoscrub, with a small depression marsh and floodplain swamp area. The scrubby flatwoodshas a good density of older slash pine with some long leaf pine, so a winter burn or lowintensity summer burn following mechanical reduction near the larger pines may bedesired to reduce canopy scorch and mortality. Most of the unit burned in the 1998wildfires that raced through much of the SJRWMD Buck Lake Conservation Area. Theperimeter vegetation along the shared southern boundary of the unit should bemechanically treated to provide a wider firebreak between the unit and SJRWMDmanaged lands in the event of wildfire. This unit and Unit 3 are the critical downwindanchor units for prescribed burning in NBLSS, as well as integral in inhibiting wildfire inthe expanse of SJRWMD conservation land to the south from spreading into residentialareas to the north and west similar to what occurred in the 1998 wildfires. If fire lineenhancement or mechanical treatment is to occur selectively and over a long period oftime in NBLSS, these two units, totaling slightly over 30 acres, should receive priority.The depression marsh in the unit should be burned to prevent hardwood encroachment.Unit 6, 16+/- acres70

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Located on the east side of NBLSS near the southeast corner, this unit is an irregularshaped rectangle oriented in an east to west fashion, bordered on the north side by Unit10, on the south side by Unit 5 and a short distance with SJRWMD managedconservation land, and on the west side by Unit 9. The vegetation in the unit consistsmostly of scrubby flatwoods with a significant acreage of floodplain swamp, orientedNNW-SSE, bisecting it. Much of the unit burned in the 1998 wildfires. Smokemanagement will be critical to safely burning this unit due to the close proximity ofInterstate 95 less than 1000 feet to the east. The relatively small size (less than 20 acres)of this burn unit and the other units in NBLSS will assist with mop-up of smolderingvegetation by burning in smaller compartments instead of larger acreages. The proposedfire line in the southeast part of the unit and existing fire lines separating Unit 6 fromadjacent burn units should be adequate for prescribed fire with periodic maintenance.Unit 7, 5+/- acresThis unit, located on the east side of NBLSS just south of the Interstate Highway restarea, is a small irregular shaped rectangle oriented in an east to west fashion, bordered onthe south side by Unit 10, on the east side by Unit 8, on the north side by a triangleshaped area between the rest stop, and on the east side by Interstate 95. Vegetation in theunit consists of oak-saw palmetto in the northeast corner, transitioning to sabal palmdominatedfloodplain swamp in the west half. The unit burned with high intensity in the1998 wildfires as evidenced by burn scars up to 20 feet high on the trunks of sabal palms.As with Unit 6, smoke management will be critical to safely burning this unit due to theclose proximity of Interstate 95 less than 200 feet to the east. The relatively small size(less than 10 acres) of this burn unit and the other units in NBLSS will assist with mopupof smoldering vegetation by burning in smaller compartments instead of largeracreage. Existing fire lines will need to be widened and maintained regularly to facilitatefire management on this small but critically located unit.Unit 8, 16+/- acresThis unit, located on the east side of NBLSS between the Interstate Highway rest areaand a residential area, is an elongated, irregular shaped rectangle oriented in a north tosouth fashion, bordered on the south side by Unit 10, on the east side by Unit 7, on thenorth side by wooded private land, and on the west side by Unit 9. The vegetation in theunit consists equally of scrubby flatwoods in the south half and floodplain swamp in thenorth half. Most of the unit burned in the 1998 wildfires. Smoke management will becritical to safely burning this unit due to the close proximity of Interstate 95 less than1000 feet to the east and the residential area within 500 feet to the west. The relativelysmall size (less than 20 acres) of this burn unit and the other units in NBLSS will assistwith mop-up of smoldering vegetation by burning in smaller compartments instead oflarger acreage. Portions of the existing fire lines separating Unit 8 from adjacent burnunits and private land behind the I-95 rest stop may need widening due to the heavy fuelload on portions of the unit.71

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Unit 9, 11+/- acresThis unit, located on the east side of NBLSS just east of the residential area, is anelongated, irregular shaped rectangle oriented in a north to south fashion, bordered on thesouth side by Unit 5, on the east side by Units 8 and 10, on the north side by Unit 8, andon the west side by the residential area. The vegetation in the unit consists mostly ofscrubby flatwoods with some upland mixed forest in the north part and oak-saw palmettoscrub in the south. Some portions of the unit burned in the 1998 wildfires. Smokemanagement will be critical to safely burning this unit due to the close proximity ofInterstate 95 roughly 1200 feet to the east and the residential area within 200 feet to thewest. The relatively small size (less than 20 acres) of this burn unit and the other units inNBLSS will assist with mop-up of smoldering vegetation by burning in smallercompartments instead of larger acreage. The west side of this unit needs a significantamount of work to hold fire, and the unit should be burned before Units 7, 8 and 10 toeliminate the threat of downwind spotting across the line into heavy fuels just east of theresidential area.Unit 10, 5+/- acresThis unit, located in the center of the east side of NBLSS between the residential area andInterstate 95, is a rectangle oriented in an east to west fashion, bordered on the south sideby Unit 6, on the east side by the large hammock separating Interstate 95 from the unit,on the north side by Unit 8, and on the west side by Unit 9. The vegetation in the unitconsists equally of scrubby flatwoods and floodplain swamp. Portions of the unit burnedin the 1998 wildfires. Smoke management will be critical to safely burning this unit dueto the close proximity of Interstate 95 (1000 feet to the east) and the residential area (500feet to the west). Units 9 and 6 should be burned prior to burning this unit. The relativelysmall size (approximately 5 acres) of this burn unit and the other units in NBLSS willassist with mop-up of smoldering vegetation by burning in smaller compartments insteadof larger acreage.NBLSS-Specific Fire IssuesFire HistoryThere is no documentation of prescribe fire occurring in any of the NBLSS Burn Units.Much of the Sanctuary burned in the late June and early July lightning-ignited 1998wildfires following four months of extreme drought. Historically, similar lightning firesignited the land between the St. Johns River and the Indian River Lagoon just prior to theonset of the summer rainy season, burning much of the scrub and scrubby flatwoodsbetween the two water bodies. The construction of Interstate 95 down the sand ridge inNorthern Brevard County in the mid 1960’s served to create a significant north to southfire break under most weather conditions, though long-distance spotting over ¼ mile eastin advance of the flaming front of the 1998 Farmton Wildfire advanced the fire across thewidth of I-95 and US Highway 1 in several locations in North Brevard County.72

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Protected speciesWhile the Florida Scrub-Jay and the Eastern indigo snake have not been documented onthe property, both of these protected species have been observed on the adjacent BuckLake Conservation Area. It is highly likely that these two species will inhabit theecosystems of the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary after habitat restoration. All firemanagement activities within the NBLSS will be based upon the recommendations fromthe EEL Program Fire Manual, enhancing the habitat for the long-term survival of theseand other species on-site.Archaeological, Cultural and Historic ResourcesNo historic resources have been discovered in the NBLSS.Fire Sensitive AreasThere are several isolated fire-sensitive wetland areas in Units 3, 4, 5, and 9, and firevehicles should avoid driving on the interior edges due to the potential impact on thewetland habitats. The wetland areas should also be adequately hydrated prior to burningto reduce the possibility of the organic layer (muck) igniting and contributing tosmoldering/smoke management issues.Smoke Management IssuesDue to the close proximity of Interstate 95 along the east boundary and the residentialarea jutting into the middle of the NBLSS, the units should be burned in a series ofindividual compartments with a multiple-day forecast for a N/NE wind component,avoiding any forecast of wind direction with a west to northwesterly component thatcould impact the four-lane highway during or post-burn. Units on the south and west sideof the Sanctuary could be burned with a more easterly component without smokeimpacting the residential area.Public NotificationIn addition to the general list in the EEL Fire Manual, these additional contacts need to benotified as part of the fire planning process:Brevard County Fire Rescue Department (321) 633-2056North Brevard Sheriff’s office (321) 264-5208Florida Power & LightSubdivision Homeowners Association (if available)Mims/Hog Valley area Fire Wise Workshop (if available)Wildfire Policy73

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010The first responders to a wildfire within the NBLSS will likely be from Brevard CountyFire Rescue or the Florida Division of Forestry. They will contact the EEL Program whenthey are responding to the wildfire. The EEL Program will respond to the wildfireprimarily to provide access and local knowledge of the site and will assist withsuppression efforts within the standard IC system as EEL equipment and trained staff cansafely allow.Cooperation with Other AgenciesAs with other EEL sites, Brevard County Fire/Rescue and FDOF are involved withprescribed fire planning for the NBLSS. Other partners may include the St. Johns RiverWater Management District Land Management staff, The Nature Conservancy Fire StrikeTeam, Merritt Island Nation Wildlife Refuge Fire Operations and the Sebastian RiverPreserve SRA Fire Team.Fireline MaintenanceThe firebreaks for the NBLSS are displayed in the Burn Unit maps included in the FireManagement Plan. All firebreaks should be inspected throughout the year and mowedregularly, then disked or plowed in advance of prescribed fire activity or when needed forthe line to hold against wildfire. In preparing NBLSS for fire, the perimeterfirebreaks/hiking trails will be cleared of vegetation, down to mineral soil, to a minimumwidth of 15 feet for external lines and 12 feet for internal lines. Mechanical reduction offuels may also be conducted in the burn units that have not previously had fuelstreatment.Special care needs to be taken regarding the population of spreading pinweed (Lecheadivaricata), which is concentrated along the firelines at NBLSS. When tilling, mowing,disking, clearing, or doing any other kind of fireline maintenance, the EEL Program staffor contractors should be aware of the location of this endangered plant and avoid causingany damage to it.Fire Effects monitoring and Photo point LocationPhoto points will be maintained by the EEL Program staff as a means to monitor bothshort-term and long-term post-fire effects. These photo points, placed in each distinctcommunity, will monitor vegetative response to fire as well as other managementpractices. The Fire Manager may photo-document pre and post burn fuels to determinethe impact of fire intensity and frequency on vegetation structure and fuel loads.74

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010References:Schmalzer, P.A. and C. R. Hinkle. 1992b. Species Composition and Structure of Oak-Saw Palmetto Scrub Vegetation. Castanea 57:220-251.Schmalzer, P. A. and F. W. Adrian. 2001. Scrub restoration on Kennedy SpaceCenter/Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, 1992-2000. Pp. 17-20 in D.Zattau. (ed.). Proceedings of the Florida Scrub Symposium 2001. U.S. Fish andWildlife Service. Jacksonville, Florida. 63 pp.Schmalzer, P.A. T. E. Foster, and F.W. Adrian. 2003. Responses of long-unburned scrubon the Merritt Island/Cape Canaveral barrier island complex to cutting andburning. In: Proceedings of the Second International Wildland Fire Ecology andFire Management Congress, American Meteorological Society, Published onCDROM and at http://www.ametsoc.org.VanderBleek, R. D. 1998 and 2007. Personal observations of the 1998 Farmton Fire andits effect on vegetation.75

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix E:Surface Water Quality Classification76

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix F:NBLSS Preliminary Plant Surveys77

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9, 2010NBLSS Yearlong Floristic SurveyFamily Scientific Name Common NameAcanthaceae Ruellia caroliniensis Carolina wild petuniaAdoxaceae Viburnum rufidulum Rusty blackhawAlismataceae Sagittaria lancifolia subsp. Lancifolia Bulltongue arrowheadAmaranthaceae Gomphrena serrata Arrasa con todoAnacardiaceae Rhus copalinum Winged SumacApiaceae Cyclospermum leptophyllum Marsh parsleyApiaceae Erygium baldwinii Baldwin's eryngoApocynaceae Asclepias lanceolata Fewflower milkweedApocynaceae Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkwedApocynaceae Asclepias tomentosa velvetleaf milkweedAquifoliaceae Ilex glabra GallberryAquifoliaceae Ilex cassine Dahoon HollyAreaceae Serenoa repens Saw palmettoAsteraceae Coreopsis leavenworthii Leavenworth's tickseedAsteraceae Solidago fistulosa Pinebarren goldenrodAsteraceae Bidens alba var. radiata Spanish needleAsteraceae Carphephorus odoratissimus Vanilla Plant, Deer TongueAsteraceae Pityopsis graminifolia Narrowleaf silkgrassAsteraceae Sonchus asper Spiny sowthistleAsteraceae Erigeron quercifolius Oakleaf fleabaneAsteraceae Packera glabella ButterweedAsteraceae Pterocaulon pycnostachium BlackrootAsteraceae Oclemena reticulata White-top; Pinebarren asterAsteraceae Conoclinium coelestinium Blue mistflowerAsteraceae Mikania scandens Climbing hempvineAsteraceae Pluchea baccharis Rosy camphorweedAsteraceae Sonchus oleraceus Common sowthistleAsteraceae Pulchea foetida Stinking camphorweedAsteraceae Eupatorium mohrii Mohr's thoroughwortAsteraceae Bidens mitis Smallfruits beggarticAsteraceae Sericocarpus tortifolius Whitetop aster, Dixie asterAsteraceae Acemella oppositifolia Opposite Leaf SpotflowerAsteraceae Liatris tenuifolia var. quadriflora Shortleaf GayfeatherAsteraceae Carphephorus odoratissimus VanillaleafAsteraceae Chrysopsis mariana Maryland goldenasterAsteraceae Eupatorium capillifolium DogfennelAsteraceae Chrysopsis linearifolia Narrowleaf goldenasterAsteraceae Coreopsis floridana Florida tickseedAsteraceae Carphephorus paniculatus Hairy chaffheadAsteraceae Cirsium horridulum Purple thistleAsteraceae Euthamia caroliniana Slender flattop goldenrodAsteraceae Baccharis halimifolia Saltbush; Groundsel treeAsteraceae Carphephorus corymbosus Coastalplain chaffhead; PaintbrushAsteraceae Palafoxia feayi Feay's palafoxAsteraceae Symphytotrichum dumosum Rice button asterAsteraceae Symphytotrichum carolinianum Climbing AsterAsteraceae Helenium amarum Spanish daisy; BitterweedBlechnaceae Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fernDACS-13668 07/08- 79 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9, 2010Bromeliaceae Tillandsia usneoides Spanish mossCactaceae Opuntia humifusa PricklypearChrysobalanaceae Licania michauxii Gopher appleClusiaceae Hypericum mutilum Dwarf St John's wortClusiaceae Hypericum tetrapelatum Fourpetal St. John's-wortClusiaceae Hypericum brachyphallum Sandweed; Peelbark St. John's-wortCommelinaceae Commelina diffusa Day-FlowerCommelinaceae Callisia ornata Florida Scrub RoselingConvolvulaceae Ipomoea sagittata Saltmarsh morning-gloryCornaceae Cornus foemina Swamp dogwood; Stiff dogwoodCyperaceae Cyperus surinamensis Tropical flatsedgeCyperaceae Rhynchospora megalocarpa Sandyfield beaksedgeCyperaceae Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled BeaksedgeCyperaceae Carex alata Broadwing sedgeCyperaceae Cyperus haspan Haspan flatsedgeDroseraceae Drosera capillaris Pink sundewDryopteridaceae Polypodium aureum Golden polypodyEricaceae Vaccinium myrsinites Shiny blueberryEricaceae Lyonia ferruginea Rusty staggerbushEricaceae Lyonia lucida FetterbushEricaceae Vaccinium stamineum DeerberryEricaceae Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush blueberryEricaceae Bejaria racemosa TarflowerEricaceae Lyonia fruticosa Coastalplain staggerbushEriocaulaceae Eriocaulon compressum Flattened pipewortEriocaulaceae Eriocaulon decangulare Tenangle PipewortFabaceae Lupinus diffusus Skyblue lupineFabaceae Vicia acutifolia Fourleaf vetchFabaceae Vigna luteola Hairpod cowpeaFabaceae Indigofera hirsuta Hairy IndigoFabaceae Hieracium megacephalon Coastalplain hawkweedFabaceae Crotalaria rotundifolia RabbitbellsFabaceae Galactia elliottii Elliott's milkpeaFabaceae Galactia regularis Eastern milkpeaFabaceae Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge peaFabaceae Dalea carnea var. carnea WhitetasselsFagaceae Quercus geminata Sand live oakFagaceae Quercus myrtifolia Myrtle oakGentianaceae Sabatia grandiflora Largeflower rosegentianHaemodoraceae Lachnanthes caroliania Carolina redrootHypoxidaceae Hypoxis juncea Fringed yellow stargrassJuncaceae Juncus effusus Soft rushJuncaceae Juncus marginatus Shore Rush, Grass leaf RushLamiaceae Scutellaria integrifolia Helmet skullcapLentibulariaceae Utricularia inflata Floating bladderwortLentibulariaceae Utricularia subulata BladderwortLentibulariaceae Utricularia purpurea Eastern purple bladderwortMalvaceae Urena lobata CaesarweedMelastomataceae Rhexia cubensis West Indian meadowbeautyMelastomataceae Rhexia mariana Pale meadowbeauty;Maryland meadowbeautyMyricaceae Myrica cerifera Wax myrtleDACS-13668 07/08- 80 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9, 2010Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea odorata American white waterlilyOlacaceae Ximenia americana Hog plum, Tallow woodOnagraceae Ludwigia peruviana Peruvian primrosewillowOnagraceae Ludwigia maritima Seaside primrosewillowOrchidaceae Spiranthes laciniata Lacelip ladiestressesOrobanchaceae Agalinis filifolia Purple false foxgloveOxalidaceae Oxalis corniculataCommon yellow woodsorrel; CreepingwoodsorrelPassifloraceae Passiflora incarnata Purple passionflowerPinaceae Pinus elliottii Slash pinePinaceae Pinus palustris Longleaf pinePinaceae Pinus clausa Sand pinePoaceae Dichanthelium erectifolium Erectleaf witchgrassPoaceae Eragrostis secundiflora Red Love GrassPoaceae Eustachys petraea Pinewoods FingergrassPoaceae Echinochola muricata Rough barnyard grassPoceae Dichanthelium laxiflorum Openflower witchgrassPoceae Dichanthelium ensifolium Dwarf cypress witchgrassPoceae Setaria parviflora Yellow bristlegrassPoceae Aristida spiciformis Bottlebrush threeawnPoceae Aristida purpurascens Arrowfeather threawnPoceae Paspalum urvillei VaseygassPoceae Eragrostis pectinaceae Tufted lovegrass, Carolina lovegrassPoceaePanicum dichotomiflorumvar.bartowenseFall PanicgrassPoceae Panicum hians Gaping panicumPoceae Andropogon ternarius SplitbeardPoceae Andropogon decipiens Broomsedge bluestemPoceae Andropogon floridanus Florida bluestemPoceae Andropogon glomeratusvar. glocaupsis Purple bluestemPoceae Paspalum floridanum Florida paspalumPoceae Saccharum giganteum Sugarcane plumegrassPolygalaceae Polygala nana CandyrootPolygalaceae Polygala cymosa Tall Pinebarren MilkwortPolygalaceae Polygala violacea Showy milkwortPolygalaceae Polygala rugelii Yellow milkweedPolygalaceae Polygala setacea Coastalplain milkwortPolygalaceae Rumex verticillatus Swamp dockPolygalaceae Polygala violaceae Showy milkwortPolygonaceae Polygonum punctatum Dotted smartweedPolygonaceae Polygonella gracilis Tall jointweedPontederiaceae Pontedaria cordata PickerellweedRhamnaceae Berchemia scandens Alabama supplejack: Rattan vineRosaceae Rubus cuneifolius Sand BlackberryRubiaceae Houstonia procumbens Innocence; Roundleaf bluetRubiaceae Spermacoce verticillata Shrubby false buttonweedRubiaceae Cephalanthus occidentalis ButtonbushRubiaceae Diodia virginiana Virginia buttonweedSalicaceae Salix caroliniana Carolina willow; Coastplain willowSapindaceae Acer rubrum Southern red mapleSmilacaceae Smilax auriculata Earlleaf greenbrierDACS-13668 07/08- 81 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9, 2010Tetrachondraceae Polypremum procumbens Rustweed;JuniperleafTheaceae Gordonia lasianthus Loblolly bayUrticaceae Boehmeria cylindrica False Nettle; Bog HempVerbenaceae Phyla nodiflora Turkey tangle frogfruit; CapeweedVerbenaceae Callicarpa americana Beauty berryVeronicaceae Bacopa caoliniana Lemon BacopaVeronicaceae Gratiola hispida Rough hedgehyssopViolaceae Viola lanceolata Bog white violetViolaceae Viola primulifolia Primroseleaf violetVitaceae Vitis rotundifolia MuscadineVitaceae Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia creeperVitaceae Ampelopsis arborea PeppervineXyridaceae Xyris elliottii Elliott's yellowed grassDACS-13668 07/08- 82 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix G:NBLSS Bird SurveyNovember 2007- September 2008Family Genus Species Status Common Name QuantityAccipitridae Accipiter striatus Sharp-Shinned Hawk 1Accipitridae Accipiter cooperii Cooper's Hawk 2Accipitridae Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk 9Accipitridae Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Cardinal 7Accipitridae Haliaeetus leucocephalus T Bald Eagle 1Anatidae Aix sponsa Wood duck 5Anatidae Anas fulvigula Mottled duck 3Ardeidae Ardea alba Great Egret 3Ardeidae Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron 1Bombycillidae Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing 29Caprimulgidae Caprimulgus carolinensis Chuck-will's-widow 1Cardinalidae Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Cardinal 15Cathartidae Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture 15Cathartidae Coragyps atratus Black Vulture 14Cathartidae Streptopelia decaocto Eurasian Collared-dove 2Cathartidae Zenaidura macroura Mourning Dove 16Columbidae Columbina passerina Common Ground Dove 1Columbidae Corvus ossifragus Fish Crow 86Corvidae Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay 7Emberizidae Pipilo erythrophthalmus Eastern Towhee 23Emberizidae Spizella passerina Chipping sparrow 3Falconidae Falco sparverius American kestrel 2Fringillidae Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow 54Gruidae Grus canadensis T Sandhill Crane 2Hirundinidae Cassidix mexicanus Boat-tailed Grackle 3Hirundinidae Hirundo rustica Barn swalow 13Icteridae Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Blackbird 8Icteridae Mimus polyglottos Northern Mocking Bird 9Icteridae Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle 44Laridae Larus delawarensis Ring-billed Gull 118Mimidae Dumetella Carolinensis Grey Cat Bird 18Mimidae Sturnus Vulgaris European starling 4Parulidae Centurus carolinus Red-bellied Woodpecker 15Parulidae Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker 4Parulidae Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler 138Parulidae Dendroica palmarum Palm Warbler 2Picidae Dryocopus pileatus Pileated Woodpecker 6Picidae Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2Regulidae Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1Regulidae Troglodytes aedon House Wren 3Threskiornithidae Eudocimus albus SSC (2) White Ibis 36Troglodytidae Thryothorus ludovicianus Carolina Wren 33Turdidae Sayornis phoebe Eastern Phoebe 3Turdidae Turdus migratorius American Robin 366Vireonidae Vireo griseus White-eyed Vireo 22DACS-13668 07/08- 83 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9, 2010Bird status was determined using the Florida Fish and Wildlife Comission Florida's Endangered Species,Threatened Species, And Species Of Special Concern from January 29th 2004E = EndangeredT = ThreatenedSSC = Species of Special ConcernT (S/A) = Threatened/Similarity of AppearanceXN = Experimental Population, Non-EssentialReasons for SSC listings prior to January 1, 2001 are indicated by the number in parenthesis under thefollowing criteria:(1) has a significant vulnerability to habitat modification, environmental alteration, human disturbance,or human exploitation which, in the foreseeable future, may result in its becoming a threatenedspecies unless appropriate protective or management techniques are initiated or maintained;(2) may already meet certain criteria for designation as a threatened species but for which conclusive dataare limited or lacking;(3) may occupy such an unusually vital or essential ecological niche that should it decline significantly innumbers or distribution other species would be adversely affected to a significant degree;(4) has not sufficiently recovered from past population depletion, and(5) occurs as a population either intentionally introduced or being experimentally managed to attainspecific objectives, and the species of special concern prohibitions in Rule 68A-27.002, F.A.C., shallnot apply to species so designated, provided that the intentional killing, attempting to kill, possessionor sale of such species is prohibited.DACS-13668 07/08- 84 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix H:NBLSS Arthropod Control PlanFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesDivision of Agricultural Environmental ServicesARTHROPOD MANAGEMENT PLAN - PUBLIC LANDSCHARLES H. BRONSONCOMMISSIONERChapters 388.4111, F.S. and 5E-13.042(4)(b), F.A.C.Telephone: (850) 922-7011For use in documenting an Arthropod control plan for lands designated by the State of Florida or any politicalsubdivision thereof as being environmentally sensitive and biologically highly productive therein.Name of Designated Land: Brevard County EELS Program – Sites include the following impoundments: From C-2 North, C-2South, C-2A, Jefferson Marsh area, Crystal Lakes area, to Honest Johns Area.Specific sites include:1. Ocean Ridge Sanctuary2. Coconut Point3. Hog Point Cove4. Washburn Cove5. Maritime Hammock area6. Barrier Island Sanctuary7. Hardwood Hammock8. 1000 Islands9. Capron Ridge area10. Crane Creek11. Cruickshank12. Dicerandra Scrub13. Enchanted Forest14. Fox Lake15. Grant Flatwoods16. Indian Mound17. Indian River Sanctuary18. Johnson (Hall Road)19. Jordan Scrub Sanctuary20. Kabboord21. Kings Park22. Malabar Scrub Sanctuary23. Micco Scrub Sanctuary24. North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary25. Pine Island Conservation Area26. Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary27. Southlake Conservation Area28. Sykes CreekDACS-13668 07/08- 85 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Is Control Work Necessary: Yes NoLocation: Brevard County FloridaLand Management Agency: Environmentally Endangered Lands ProgramMike Knight, Program Manager91 East DriveMelbourne, FL 32904Are Arthropod Surveillance Activities Necessary? Yes NoIf “Yes”, please explain:According to the Florida Administrative Code 5E-13 surveillance shall be conducted to determine thespecies and numbers ofboth pestiferous and disease bearing arthropods. Our surveillance program provides information as tospecies and amounts of mosquitoes which may require larviciding and adulticiding.Which Surveillance Techniques Are Proposed?Please Check All That Apply: Landing Rate Counts Light Traps Sentinel Chickens Citizen Complaints Larval Dips OtherIf “Other”, please explain:Arthropod Species for Which Control is Proposed: Aedes taeniorhynchusAedes sollicitansCulex nigripalpus (ground treatment only)Culex salinariusProposed Larval Control:Number of dips per site:Proposed larval monitoring procedure:mosquito larvae, control3+ per location at specific site.When 10% or more of the dips are positive forDACS-13668 07/08- 86 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010action will typically be takenAre post treatment counts being obtained: Yes NoBiological Control of Larvae:Might predacious fish be stocked: Yes NoOther biological controls that might be used:Material to be Used for Larviciding Applications:(Please Check All That Apply:) Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis) Bs (Bacillus sphaericus) Methoprene (Altosid) Non-Petroleum Surface Film Other, please specify:Please specify the following for each larvacide:Chemical or Common name: BTI =VectoBac, Bs = Vectolex, (S) methoprene = Altosid Ground AerialAppplication rate/s must be according to applicable, site specific label rates and conditions foreach product; for example:Rate/s of application: 12 lb-18lb/acre = VectoBac (BTI) Granules5lb-20lb/acre = Vectolex (BS) Granules2.5lbs-10lb/acre = Altosid pellets [ (s) methoprene]7-21.5lb/acre = Agnique MMF G (non-petroleum surface film)Method of application: liquid by hand, or granular by air.Proposed Adult Mosquito Control:DACS-13668 07/08- 87 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Aerial adulticiding Yes NoGround adulticiding Yes NoPlease specify the following for each adulticide: N/AChemical or common name: Dibrom/ PermethrinRate of application:0.6 oz/acre (Dibrom), 0.5 oz/acre (Permethrin)Method of application: Ultra low volumeAdult mosquito population controls are determined by Brevard Mosquito Control District (BMCD)thresholds that are legally based, including: Florida Administrative Code 5E-13.036 requirements,with adult landing rate surveillance counts in surrounding urban areas, triggering at 3 mosquitoesper minute and for surrounding rural areas, triggering at 5-7 per minute . Also, aerial applicationof adulticides within the areas defined as “Beaches and Bay shores” (areas within 1,500 feetlandward of high tide mark), require a three-fold confirmed increase to adult mosquito populationbackgrounds in order to commence adulticide applications.Proposed Modifications for Public Health Emergency Control:BMCD may request special exception to this plan during a threat to public or animal healthdeclared by State Health Officer or Commissioner of Agriculture.Proposed Notification Procedure for Control Activities:notification.Approval of this plan is intended asRecords:Are records being kept in accordance with Chapter 388, F.S.:Yes NoRecords Location: In District office Titusville.How long are records maintained: 5+ YearsVegetation Modification: Yes NoWhat trimming or altering of vegetation to conduct surveillance or treatment is proposed?Minor trail trimming for surveillance and for ground larviciding will be done as needed.Some herbiciding with AquaStar, Reward or Rodeo for control of exotic vegetation will be carriedout only as needed.Proposed Land Modifications: Yes NoIs any land modification, i.e., rotary ditching, proposed: Yes NoDACS-13668 07/08- 88 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010The Brevard Mosquito Control District policy is to operate all managed impoundments,when possible, on a Rotational Impoundment Management (RIM) program. RIM,essentially, is elevating the water levels inside the impoundment to an elevation adequateto inundate the high marsh areas during mosquito breeding seasons. This actioneliminates the egg laying sites for the salt marsh mosquito and controls mosquitobreeding in an environmentally friendly manner. This elevated water level number is~1.50 feet above mean sea level. This water level elevation action takes place fromapproximately May 15 th through October 15 th . This activity requires yearly pumping andconstant monitoring of water levels within the impoundment network. The impoundmentsare left open, to decrease water elevations, during other yearly times.Chronologically, the Brevard Mosquito Control District activities are as follows: January- Mowing the deck and bush hogging the side growth. January through May- Repairing storm damage if any. Larviciding as necessary. May 15 th - All boards in, culverts and flaps closed. Begin pumping if Lagoon level isadequate. (>.5 ft mean sea level). May 15th through October 15 th - Pump in order to maintain 1.3-1.5 ft mean sea levelinside impoundment. Larvicide as necessary (helicopter monitoring). Monitor culverts fortampering three days per week. June- Mow deck and bush hog side growth. October 15 th - Pumping stops. Boards removed and flap gates opened.”List any periodic restrictions, as applicable, for example peak fish spawning times: NAProposed Modification of Aquatic Vegetation: Yes NoLand Manager Comments:Arthropod Control Agency Comments:______________________________________ ____________Signature of Lands Manager orRepresentative Date______________________________________ ___________Signature of Mosquito ControlDepartment Director Date_______________________________DACS-13668 07/08- 89 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010_______ ___________Signature of Mosquito Control DistrictDirector DateAppendix I:NBLSS Florida Natural Areas InventoryDACS-13668 07/08- 90 -

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix J:NBLSS Florida Master Site FileDACS-13668 07/08- 104 -

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix K:Management Procedures for Archeological and Historical Sites and Properties onState- Owned or Controlled LandsDACS-13668 07/08- 107 -

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NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Appendix L:NBLSS Timber AssessmentBREVARD COUNTY ENVIRONMENTALLYENDANGERED LANDS PROGRAM PROPERTIESTIMBER MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENTPrepared by James RobertsState Lands SilviculturistandJohn T. MarshallRegion 5, Other Public Lands ForesterFlorida Division of ForestryFebruary 2007PurposeThis document is intended to fulfill the timber assessment requirements for public lands in the state ofFlorida as required in section 253.036, Florida Statutes. It is being written for portions of the BrevardCounty Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program properties in Brevard County, Florida. Thegoal of this assessment is to evaluate the potential and feasibility of utilizing silvicultural techniques to helpmanagers with their timber resources being managed for conservation and revenue generating purposes onthe Brevard County EEL Program’s property.Forest Resource Background and HistoryThe Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program was established in 1990 after citizensvoted to increase their taxes to help purchase and maintain environmentally sensitive lands within thecounty. The initial length of this taxing period is for 20 years. Matching funds have been provided by theState of Florida through the Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever Acts for these types of purchases aswell. The Brevard EEL Program also partners with other conservation and preservation organizations suchas the St. Johns River Water Management District and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act tohelp with the purchase and management of sensitive lands.Approximately 18,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands across the county have been purchasedsince this time and are being managed under the EEL Program. This assessment will only cover a portionof these lands in the inland portion of the county. The properties included are the Helen and AllanCruickshank Sanctuary, Malabar Scrub, Jordan Scrub, Micco Scrub, Grant Flatwoods Sanctuaries, TurkeyCreek Sanctuary, Pine Island Conservation Area, Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Dicerandra Scrub Sanctuary,North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary, Indian Mound Station Sanctuary, South Lake Conservation Area andTico Scrub Sanctuary.The Valkaria Scrub Sanctuary is also included and currently comprises approximately 7394 acres. Thisarea was subdivided and sold as residential type lots. The EEL Program is in the acquisition phase on thisproperty and due to the numerous landowners, the property is not all contiguous at this time. Present andfuture goals include purchasing as many of the lots as possible to secure this property into one manageabletract. It is difficult to discern the boundaries on the ground since no physical lot boundaries are evident.Only with the use of GIS is it possible to overlay boundary lines with aerial photography and distinguishcommunity types and property boundaries. The management options offered in this assessment may not befeasible at this time on all the property of the sanctuary. When more acquisitions are made and larger, moreDACS-13668 07/08- 114 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010manageable blocks are created and defined, these options should prove valuable to the EEL Programresource managers.Development in this part of the state is steadily increasing. These properties were purchased to protect andpreserve environmentally sensitive lands and the plants and animals associated with them. They alsoprovide educational opportunities and recreation.Past land uses of much of the property in Brevard County has included naval stores operations and cattlegrazing. The EEL Program properties have probably included both at some time in the past. Prescribedburning was an important part of both. Forage production and brush control was dependent on frequentfires. Historically, fire has always been part of the Florida ecosystem and many communities are dependanton fire to maintain their diversity. Lightning caused, low intensity fires burned frequently. Small shrubsand many hardwood species were kept from overtaking the pine forest because of frequent fires. Burningtechniques have been revised over the years and more growing season burns are attempted as weatherpermits. If heavy fuel loads are allowed to accumulate, winter or cool season fuel reduction burns shouldbe done first to minimize timber mortality before growing season burns are attempted again.Management Goals and ObjectivesThe Brevard County EEL Program lands are acquired in an attempt to help preserve and restorediminishing natural communities. Their mission statement and primary management objective is to protectand preserve the biological diversity on these lands. These tracts are called sanctuaries and provide forconservation of natural resources, education, and recreation.Ecological TrendsHuman disturbances such as drainage, urbanization, and land use changes such as mining and cropproduction have occurred throughout the state causing the degradation or loss of many naturalcommunities. Frequent fire that helped create and maintain many natural communities in Florida has beenaltered or removed. This has allowed an increase of both endemic and non-endemic plants to these oncefire dependant communities. Timber management can be useful aid in the restoration of these sites byeliminating the overcrowding of naturally occurring trees and removing the species that are not typicallyfound in these community types. By removing this additional fuel load, prescribed fire can be reintroducedsafely to mimic the natural fire cycles that once existed. Timber management can also help develop multiagedstructures in stands that help maintain dynamic ecosystems. Opening the overstory will also increasethe amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor, aiding in natural groundcover recovery and maintenance.Timber Resources and Management OptionsThe majority of the timber resources on the EEL Program property that would benefit from silviculturaltreatments exist in the pine flatwoods. Mesic, wet, and scrubby flatwoods all fall into this general category.Slash and longleaf pine are the dominant overstory species that currently exist with an understory ofpalmetto, gallberry, wiregrass, scrub oaks and other understory grasses and woody plants.General Timber Management GuidelinesBasal Area (BA) is a common measurement used to identify stand density. The basal area is measured on atree four and one half feet above the ground, identified as diameter at breast height or DBH, and isexpressed in square feet (ft. 2 ). The BA is the total measure of the cross sectional area in square feet of thestems of trees occupying space on one acre of land. Fewer large diameter trees are needed to equal thesame BA as many small diameter trees. For example, 509 evenly distributed six inch diameter trees overone acre has a BA of 100 ft. 2 . Only 127 twelve inch diameter trees, evenly spaced on one acre, are neededto create the same 100 ft. 2 of BA.DACS-13668 07/08- 115 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Basal area can also be correlated to crown coverage. Basal areas around 50 square feet per acre of mature,healthy trees can help prescribed burning efforts by increasing the fuel dispersion and loads with needlecast. This needle cast should allow prescribed fires to carry across areas while still allowing adequatesunlight to reach the forest floor to maintain native grasses.Current Timber ResourcesThe Brevard County EEL Program Lands encompass many thousands of acres. Identifying and definingindividual stands and treatments for each stand is not the goal of this assessment. Detailed standdescriptions would be necessary to help plan for long term timber management on these sites. Whiletimber management is not the primary goal for these properties, many of the silvicultural recommendationscan be implemented along with preservation activities to maintain or restore these areas to their oncenatural condition.The following are general descriptions and management recommendations. The diversity of the EELPrograms land and the management objectives for each will be the ultimate guiding principal. Areas withpopulations of gopher tortoises can sustain higher BA’s than those being managed for scrub jays but lessthan some of the wetter flatwoods sites.Natural Pine:All of these areas have been harvested or have burned hot enough to reduce the standing timber to anunmerchantable volume. They all appear to have supported stands of large timber at one time, but the lackof any forestry type management in the past has converted these forest to fire-climax communitiescomposed mainly of saw-palmetto that are fire hazards. The one exception is the North Buck Lake ScrubSanctuary that has a fair stand of young sand pine. Saw-palmetto responds to fire by resproutingimmediately and can return to preburn levels in as little as 1 year. This makes it very hard to regenerate astand of trees because the seedlings have a hard time getting through the saw palmetto and if they do theystand a good chance burning up because of the volume of fuel produced by the saw-palmetto. If a forestcommunity is desired, burning alone will not restore these communities to their original forested state.Saw-palmetto flourishes in full sun light but is also somewhat tolerant of shade. A complete overstory oftrees creates shade and slows the growth. Shade with prescribe fire seems to keep it in check but somemechanical removal will be required to get the trees established.Planted Pine:There are 205 acres of planted pine in the Micco Scrub Sanctuary. It appears to be north Florida slash pineplanted in an area that should have been planted in south Florida slash or longleaf. It was an old field,pasture, or had some heavy site preparation before it was planted as there is very little saw palmetto in theunderstory. The rows of trees were planted with about 8 feet between rows which is very close at today’sstandards. When the basal area reaches 100 this area should be thinned. This could be done by removingevery other row, every third row, or every third row and thinning in between, depending on the desiredremaining stand.In under stocked areas, longleaf pine can be planted if sites are suitable. This species is more adapted tofire and is longer lived than the other southern pines. A “rule of thumb” is that if palmetto is dominant,longleaf can be planted. If gallberry dominates, then it is probably too wet for longleaf and slash pineshould be planted.AccessAdequate access is a necessity for land management activities. Law enforcement patrol, prescribed burningactivities and fire suppression are but a few of the activities that benefit from improved road access. Mostof the EEL Program’s land is adjacent to a paved road of some sort. Internal access to some of theproperties is limited by weather. Low areas become very wet and high areas become excessively dryDACS-13668 07/08- 116 -

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010depending on the season. Parts of the road system would need improvements to facilitate movement ofheavy equipment for restoration or maintenance purposes. Widening current roads, installing culverts orlow water crossings, or capping soft roads with shell, rock or clay are some of the possibilities for neededupgrades.EconomicsIt is difficult to predict with any certainty the amount of revenue that can be derived through timberharvests on the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands. Brevard County is approximately100 miles to the nearest major wood processing facilities in Palatka, Florida. Market conditions, harvestprescriptions, product mix, logging conditions and distance to manufacturing facilities are factors instumpage prices. Even though economics are hard to predict, they should be analyzed before making anymanagement decisions.SummaryThere are approximately 10,000 acres in the EEL Program with current or future potential for timbermanagement. Exclusive timber management would not meet the objectives for which this property waspurchased, however, silviculture is a valuable tool to help restore and maintain native ecosystems, increasediversity and improve wildlife habitat. It is possible to manage nearly all of the sandhill, mesic flatwood,scrubby flatwood, and ruderal areas in order to retain their natural appearance and produce revenue fromtimber harvests. Currently a market does exist for timber products in the Brevard County area.Road access within would need to be improved in some areas to allow for silvicultural activities. Publicroads and highways to the park need to be monitored for weight restrictions on bridges.DACS-13668 07/08- 117 -

Appendix M:NBLSS Public Meetings and ReviewENVIRONMENTALLY ENDANGERED LANDS PROGRAMNorth Buck Lake Scrub SanctuaryConceptual Public Access Plan Review Public MeetingApril 3, 2007, Cuyler Park Community Center, Mims, FLMinutesCALL TO ORDER:Judy Gregoire, North Region Land Manager called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM. She welcomed the groupand introduced EEL Program staff members Mike Knight, Xavier de Seguin des Hons, Brad Manley, andLaura Clark who attended the meeting. She also introduced Pete Henn, Manager of the Buck LakeConservation Area, and Paul Schmalzer, EEL Program Selection and Management Committee Member.Judy informed the group that there would be a short break after the presentation and that opportunities forPublic Comment would be provided after the break, but that everyone should feel free to ask questions duringthe presentation.PRESENTATION:Judy provided an overview presentation regarding the EEL Program:‣ Missiono To protect and preserve biological diversity through responsible stewardship of Brevard County’snatural resources.‣ VisionooooTo acquire, protect, and maintain endangered landsTo protect Brevard County’s biodiversityTo provide passive recreation and education opportunitiesTo support active volunteers and community involvement‣ Management Regionso North Region – 1,279 acreso Central Region – 1,520 acreso South Beach Region – 328 acreso South Region – 6,695 acres‣ North Region Sanctuarieso Enchanted Forest Sanctuary (428 acres) – currently open to the publico Dicerandra Scrub Sanctuary (44 acres) – currently open to the publico Tico Scrub Sanctuary (52 acres)o South Lake Conservation Area (155 acres)o Indian Mound Station Sanctuary (85 acres)o North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary (165 acres)o Buck Lake Conservation Area (350 acres of scrub habitat managed jointly with SJRWMD) –currently open to the publico Potential new acquisitions.‣ Land Management Toolso Prescribed Fireo Exotic Controlo Native Plantingso Public AccessAdditional information was provided regarding the Management Plan Approval Process.118

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9,2010‣ Conceptual Public Access Plan is presented for review and comment to:o Public (purpose of today’s meeting)o EEL Program’s Recreation and Education Advisory Committee (scheduled for May 10, 2007)‣ Comments received are reviewed and considered:o Some suggestions are incorporated into Draft Management Plan Amendment.o All comments are documented.‣ Draft Management Plan will be reviewed by:o EEL Program staffo EEL Program Selection and Management Committeeo 30 day public reviewo Public Advisory Group‣ Comments received will be reviewed and considered:o Some suggestions are incorporated into Draft Management Plan Amendment.o All comments are documented.‣ Revised Draft Management Plan will be submitted for approval too EEL Program’s Selection and Management Committeeo Brevard County Board of County CommissionersThe North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary is approximately 165 acres. It was acquired by the EEL Program in 2001.Primary natural communities include mesic and scrubby flatwoods, oak-saw palmetto scrub, with several low lyingareas. It is anticipated that this sanctuary may be able to provide appropriate habitat for several protectedspecies including: Gopher tortoise, Indigo snakes, Scrub jays, and Bald eagles.There are several existing trails on the site and adjacent parking facilities are located at the Buck LakeConservation Area.Stakeholders identified include: sanctuary neighbors, St. Johns River Water Management District, hikers, birders,nature lovers, bicyclists, equestrians and tourists.The recreational portion of the Conceptual Public Access Plan was reviewed:‣ Parkingo Parking area at the end of Cinnamon Teal Driveo Walk through gate for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders (neighbors)o Additional walk through gate on the southern boundary of this sanctuary provides access tothe Buck Lake Conservation Area.o Equestrian trailer parking is available at Buck Lake Conservation Area‣ 2.3 mils of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails‣ Fire lines will be identified as non-hiking areas‣ Educational interpretive signs will be located:o At parking areaso Along trailso At the Buck Lake walk-through to identify the legal activities on each side of the fence.‣ A Core Conservation Area is planned for the eastern side of the sanctuary‣ Other upcoming goals for the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary includeo Guided Hikeso Volunteer Workdayso Surveys• Scrub-Jays• Gopher Tortoises• Birds• Plantso Prescribed Fire119

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL, FEBRUARY 9,2010• Mechanical vegetation reduction• Fire line maintenance• Prescribed fire implemented in various burn unitsPUBLIC COMMENT:‣ Concern was received regarding the possibility of undesired additional activity and damage to theexisting pavement on Cinnamon Teal Drive if that area is designated as a trail head.‣ Questions were received and answered regarding the frequent repairs that are required to boundaryfencing at the Sanctuary.‣ Clarification was provided that it is anticipated that the continued fence repairs will discourage someof the inappropriate activity that has been occurring on the site and that the EEL Program is workingwith the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office on this topic.‣ A question was received regarding the type of material that would be used for the parking area if itwas established at the end of Cinnamon Teal Drive. The type of material has not yet beendetermined, but efforts will be made to explore surfaces that allow for drainage and are non-invasivewith the surrounding natural communities‣ Concern was received related to the possibility of wildfire. Clarification was provided that anticipatedland management activities include mechanical vegetation reduction, fire line maintenance, andprescribed fire implemented in various burn units which will lower the fuel load on site and lower thepossibility of a wildfire.Judy explained that anyone who would like to receive updated information on the management plan process onthis site should provide her with their e-mail or other contact information. She thanked everyone for coming to themeeting and for their interest in the North Buck Lake Sanctuary.ADJOURNED:The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.120

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010ENVIRONMENTALLY ENDANGERED LANDS (EEL) PROGRAMRECREATION AND EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEEMay 10, 2007Attendance ListRECREATION AND EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSBob ChampaigneJim DurocherMurray HannKaren HillEve OwensMark NathanBeverly PinyerdPaul SaiaSUB-COMMITTEE MEMBERSBarbara Meyer, Brevard County, Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Program CoordinatorPaul Schmalzer, Selection and Management CommitteeEEL PROGRAM STAFFXavier DeSeguin des HonsBrad ManleyJudy GregoireMike KnightGUESTSSusan Gosselin, Brevard County Natural Resources Management OfficeSuzanne Valencia, citizenENVIRONMENTALLY ENDANGERED LANDS PROGRAMRECREATION AND EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEEMay 10, 2007Meeting MinutesCALL TO ORDER:Murray Hann called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM.PUBLIC COMMENT:None.ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION:Mike Knight, EEL Program Manager, provided information on recent issues involved with therequest for a paved linear trail as part of the Management Plan for the Malabar Scrub121

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Sanctuary. He clarified that the REAC Committee had moved to support the public accessportion of the plan as presented by staff, which included a paved linear trail placed on anexisting dirt fire break which runs along the east side of the sanctuary, near Marie Street.Mike explained that the EEL Program’s Selection and Management Committee (SMC)passed a motion approving the Management Plan, but with the caveat that the paved, lineartrail be located on the existing, four lane concrete road that runs through the middle of thesanctuary. He also explained that staff made a recommendation to the Board of CountyCommissioners (Board) to locate the trail on the east side of the sanctuary, instead of on theexisting concrete road. During the Board meeting, Commissioners Scarborough and Nelsonexpressed their desire to have the item tabled for further consideration. There was a finalvote by the Board of 4 to 1 to approve the Management plan as presented by staff, withCommissioner Nelson voting no.Eve Owens stated that her motion to approve the public access portion of the plan had beenmade with the understanding that the SMC would be supportive of the plan. Mike clarifiedthat it was his opinion that even if the issue came back before the EEL Program’s REAC andSMC committees, for additional review, it would have ended up in the Board room anyway.He expressed his opinion regarding the need to revise the EEL Program’s SanctuaryManagement Manual (SMM) to provide greater clarification on the approval process forManagement Plans.Clarification was provided that the joint meeting between the REAC and SMC which hadbeen planned for both committees was cancelled because initial input from the SMCindicated the concept of the paved trail would be considered favorably.Mike explained that the primary reason for Staff’s recommendation to locate the trail on theeast boundary fire line was because there was a long history of inconsistent communicationsregarding the trail that contributed to the current alignment of the trail.Paul Schmalzer clarified that the EEL Program’s Land Acquisition Manual (LAM) clearlystated that the Board can either approve or disapprove an acquisition that is recommendedby the SMC, but they can not buy something that has not been recommended by the SMCand followed the established land acquisition process which includes SMC final approval ofthe contract terms and authority to submit to the Board. Paul said that this process camefrom the 1990 EEL Program referendum. He explained there was a very similar referendumin 1989 without a science based advisory committee to make decisions which did not pass.Mike stated that was a good point and that we needed to make sure that the same type oflanguage was in place from a Management Plan standpoint.Barbara Meyer stated that she had been involved in the process from the beginning and thatshe wanted to clarify that there were times direction was received by County Administrationand it was important not to think that previous Program Managers were acting on their own.Murray Hann stated his opinion that he felt that it was appropriate for the Board to make thistype of decision and that in future years, people would look back and wonder why the issuewas so controversial.Paul Schmalzer stated that neither Duane nor Anne had brought the issue of a request for apaved linear trail to the SMC in the past and that he did not know if they had been directed todo so, or not, and, that he had a great deal of respect for them both, but, not taking thatinformation to the SMC had been an error in judgment, as neither of them had the expertiseto make that decision on their own without consulting the SMC.Paul Saia said that he had a copy of the Resolution that formed the REAC Committee at themeeting and, not to minimize the REAC group, that REAC was an advisory committee to theSMC, which was staffed by professionals. He said that it was a good idea to have asounding board for citizen’s input.122

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Mike stated that one of the reasons the REAC Committee had been brought to life was tofacilitate the exchange of information. He said that now the Program was working with aclean slate and that what happened in this case would not be representative of issues in thefuture. He said that in the future when trails are considered for the south part of the County,and those things start to come up, the Program can go through the process the way it wasmeant to be done.Paul Saia asked if there was concern that management of new acquisitions would be anissue due to the possible budget cutbacks.Mike explained that it was anticipated that some of the management activities would beshifted to staff, but that it was expected that what was needed could still be accomplished.MINUTES:The March 24, 2007 minutes were presented for approval.Murray asked for comments to the March 2007 minutes.MOTION ONE:Eve Owens moved to approve the March 24, 2007 minutes as presented.Bob Champaigne seconded the motion.The motion carried unanimously.ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW:Status update on past REAC motions – Brad ManleyBrad Manley reviewed each of the previous motions from the REAC Committee relative topublic access plans and provided an update for the status of each.the‣ November 2005: Jordan Scrub SanctuaryUpdate: The management plan for the Jordan Scrub Sanctuary has been approvedby the Brevard County Commissioners. Staff worked with a volunteer Americorpsteam to complete and sign the trail system. One section north of the larger pond wasre-routed around a wetland. At the southern end of the property, the blue trail wasre-routed, utilizing an old fence line, and old, existing trails. This separates the trailfrom the fireline which will run along the southern fence line. This provides a betterquality trail that will not be subject to management activities associated with the fireline. This is the section of trail that could possibly be used as an unpaved connectionto the South Brevard Linear Trail if it follows Marie St. south of Malabar Road.‣ January 2006: Dicerandra Scrub SanctuaryUpdate: Management plan has been approved by SMC and BOCC.‣ January 2006: Micco Scrub SanctuaryUpdate: Simplified trail system has been redesigned and mapped by staff.‣ August 2006: South Beacheso Maritime Hammock Sanctuary TrailUpdate: Staff worked with an Americorps team to essentially completethe trail extension and construct two foot bridges. The trail will be openedwhen native plantings in the restoration area have had time to becomeestablished.o Barrier Island Sanctuary TrailUpdate: Staff worked with an Americorps team to complete the trail oneast side of A1A and connect the ADA boardwalk to Bonsteel Park.‣ March 2007 Malabar Scrub SanctuaryUpdate:123

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010• March 2007 - REAC endorsed the plan based on input from theSMC.• April 2007 - SMC passed a motion recommending the trail be sitedalong the existing concrete boulevard in order to minimizedisturbance to the Sanctuary.• May 2007 – After taking input from staff, committeerecommendations, and Citizens, BOCC approved the ManagementPlan including the paved linear trail as recommended by staff.• The partnering entities involved in the project have begun theplanning process.REAC REPORTSEve thanked the EEL Program staff for their assistance with the ribbon cutting ceremony forthe Palm Bay Boundary Canal Trail in April.AGENDA ITEMSNorth Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary Proposed Public Access PlanJudy Gregoire, Land Manager for the EEL Program’s North Region, provided information onthe Public Access Plan for the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary. This 165+ acre sanctuarywas purchased in 2001. It is adjacent to the 9,000+ acre Buck Lake Conservation Area(BLCA) which was purchased by the EEL Program in partnership with the St. Johns RiverWater Management District. As part of the planning process for the North Buck Lake ScrubSanctuary, stakeholders were identified and invited to a recreation assessment publicmeeting which was held on April 3, 2007. Comments from the public have been receivedand documented. The recreational plan (as presented at the public meeting) includes:‣ Parking area at the end of Cinnamon Teal Driveo Walk through gate for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders (no horse trailerparking)o Equestrian trailer parking available at BLCA off SR 46 in Mims.o Walk through gate on the southern boundary provides access to BLCA.‣ 2.3 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trailso Trails double as fire breakso Effects of multiple uses on trails will be monitored‣ Core Conservation Area (marked with boundary signs)‣ Boundary fire lines will be identified as non-hiking areas‣ Education interpretive signso At parking areao Along trailso Kiosk at BLCA walk through to identify the legal activities on each side of thefence.Judy also provided updated information on properties which are adjacent to the North Buck LakeSanctuary that are under consideration for acquisition.Comments received at the Public Meeting included:Paul Schmalzer confirmed the presence of a rare plant Lechea divaricata at the North BuckLake Sanctuary.‣ Concerns from neighbors that heavy equipment needed to construct the trailhead parkingarea would damage the concrete roadway, which is already cracked and damaged.Clarification was provided that road impact assessments would be done prior to any workbeing done.‣ Concerns from neighbors that the trailhead would attract inappropriate use in the form oflate-night partiers, etc.124

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Clarification was provided that inappropriate use tends to decline as areas are fencedand use will be monitored.‣ The primary concern expressed by the neighbors in attendance was that traffic to thetrailhead would pass by their homes.Staff has researched options for placing the trailhead at either Hog Valley Road or onCinnamon Teal Drive including:‣ Hog Valley Road TrailheadProso Sufficient space for parking exists with careful planning to allow firebreakaccess.o The substrate is more solid than Cinnamon Teal Drive – possibly easier toconstruct parking.o The route to the trailhead is more direct by two less turns.o Traffic would flow past approximately three homes.Conso The trailhead would be across the street from at least two homes and wouldbe in view of their front windows/yards. (View is currently woods, EELProgram fence and gate)o Not close to the center of the trail system – is at the western end.o Extension of the paved road required.o Possibly creating a more welcoming area for inappropriate use.‣ Cinnamon Teal Road TrailheadProso Larger, more disturbed location for parking.o Good firebreak access could be readily configured.o There is buffer of several vacant lots between the trailhead and homes –neighbor’s view would not change.o Assuming pending acquisitions of adjacent lots are accomplished (highprobability) there may be options to site the trailhead without extending thepaved road.o Close to the hub of the trail system, allowing access to loops of variouslengths.Conso The driving route to the trailhead is less direct by two turns. Traffic would flowpast approximately seven homes.o More potential for damage to roadway by construction traffic.Judy explained that other upcoming goals for the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary Include:‣ Guided Hikes‣ Volunteer Workdays‣ Surveys for plants and animals‣ Prescribed fireEve asked if there was data related to current use of the sanctuary.Judy explained that they do not have formal documentation of use, but there appears to be afew visitors a week. Fence repairs due to inappropriate activity on the site are still requiredseveral times monthly. It is anticipated that as the sanctuary gets a designated trail head andreceives more visitors, the inappropriate use will be reduced.Clarification was provided that restroom or other fixed buildings are not anticipated for thissanctuary and that this site would be a good alternative for citizens who wanted to visit a125

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010nature sanctuary in the area that was not impacted by the seasonal hunting at Buck LakeConservation Area.MOTION TWOBob Champaigne moved to support the North Buck Lake Sanctuary ConceptualPublic Access Plan as presented by staff.Paul Saia seconded the motion.The motion carried unanimously.Helen and Allan Cruickshank Sanctuary Proposed Public AccessPlanBrad explained that Scott Taylor, Land Manager for the EEL Program’s Central Region wasnot able to attend the meeting, but that the group would be revisiting a request for bike use aspart of the proposed recreation plan for the Cruickshank Sanctuary. He stated that when theREAC Committee had previously reviewed the proposed public access plan, there was amotion for staff to reconsider bike trails, which did not pass because it received a split vote of4 to 4. Subsequently, staff reevaluated the request anyway because the point of the REACCommittee is to receive public input. He explained that some of the things that wereevaluated were environmental impact to endangered plant and animal species, and what typeof volume might be expected. The original determination to not include biking as anapproved activity at the Cruickshank Sanctuary was largely based on the fact that the trailsare frequently wet and consist mainly of sugar sand, which does not usually provide for apleasurable biking experience. Also some of the trails are placed along fire breaks and whenthe fire breaks are maintained, they are returned to mineral soil making biking difficult.The Cruickshank Sanctuary is a140+ acre sanctuary located on the north side of BarnesBlvd. in Rockledge. It is a Category 2 site which provides for minimal improvement withsimple trail heads. Brad showed the group pictures of a Florida Scrub-jay and a youngGopher Tortoise which were taken at the Sanctuary. He reported that although Scrub-jayshad disappeared from this location in the past, it is estimated that 6 families have returned tothe area as a result of restoration efforts.Bob Champaign stated that he had voted against allowing bike trails at Cruickshank at theprevious meeting, but that he might be agreeable to allowing biking if it was not advertised asa suggested activity.Murray stated that he had received e-mails from a couple of citizens who lived in the area insupport of bike use on the sanctuary.Beverly Pinyerd stated that she lived near the Cruickshank Sanctuary and that it was the onlyEEL Program sanctuary in the Central Brevard mainland area. She said that civilization hasrun native animals out of almost every other place in the area as a result of high density andoverdevelopment. She expressed her concern related to possible impacts to the sanctuaryas a result of the possible widening of Barnes Blvd. to four lanes. She said that she hadvisited the Cruickshank recently and had been pleased to see that Scrub-jays have returnedto the area. She expressed her opinion that Cruickshank was a good place to go birding, butthat the general area was becoming too populated and that she was absolutely against bikingat that location.Mark Nathan stated that he had visited Cruickshank since the last meeting and that afterfurther consideration he would not be supportive of bike trails, a hardened parking area orrestrooms as it was a small site with existing populations of endangered animals and plants.He expressed the importance of the EEL Program’s vision of a place for wildlife, and nativeplants and animals, and his feeling was that our footprint there should be small because itwas first and foremost a wildlife area.126

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Jim Durocher stated that he had voted against allowing bikes at Cruickshank last time andthat he had also visited the property since the last meeting to gain additional information. Hestated that he agreed with Beverly and Mark that the sanctuary was too small to allow bikesand that someone might walk the trail one time and enjoy it, but a biker would have to goaround the small trail several times to get any exercise. Jim also said that the area was anisland of protected land in the middle of thousands of people and expressed his concern thatlarge bike groups might use the sanctuary, which could result in a negative impact. He saidthat it was his opinion that no biking should be allowed there.Paul Saia said that the Cruickshank Sanctuary was one of the only areas in District IV thathad been purchased by the EEL Program and expressed his support for additionalacquisition in this area.Paul Schmalzer stated that the Program had been trying to purchase additional property inthis area for a long time, but that it was difficult to compete with the speculative developmentmarket. He reminded the group that the EEL Program is a willing-seller program.Brad provided overview information on the anticipated County Storm Water Project andRequest for a Maintenance Easement at the Cruickshank Sanctuary.Paul Saia said that he did not think that bikes were appropriate for the CruickshankSanctuary at this time, but that the City of Rockledge had expressed a desire for a possiblecooperative effort in recreational planning in the future and he suggested that information onthis possibility be included in any motion that was made.Clarification was provided that if circumstances change, it would be possible to consider anamendment to the Management Plan in the future.Beverly expressed her pleasure with the trails and signage that have recently beencompleted as part of an Eagle Scott project. Brad informed the group that all the interpretivesigns put up by the Scouts had recently been destroyed by vandals but that staff had plans toreplace the signage.MOTION THREEMark Nathan moved to support the Cruickshank recreation plan as originallypresented by staff, for hiking only, with educational information on site and parkinglimited to a soft surface.Beverly Pinyerd seconded the motion.DiscussionGeneral discussion ensued.Murray clarified that there was a motion on the table that had been seconded, and asked fora vote.The motion passed, with 5 positive votes, Murray Hann and Eve Owens voting no,and Karen Hill abstaining.Murray stated that he had voted no because he is aware of citizens who use this location asa biking destination.Eve stated that she had voted no because she felt that the Program had not heard from allthe stakeholders.Paul Saia stated that his vote was not anti-bike, but that he felt that at the present time, therewere many pending issues that could impact the sanctuary and that if things settled down,perhaps the issue could be reevaluated.Thousand Islands Sanctuary Proposed Public Access PlanBrad provided overview information on the Thousand Islands property in Cocoa Beach. TheEEL Program is involved with two general areas. The Crawford property has been acquired.A second ownership is under contract.127

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010These properties are being purchased through a cooperative effort between the EELProgram, the City of Cocoa Beach, the St. Johns River Water Management District, theConservation Fund, and a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Grant. In order to submit thepaperwork for the FCT grant, a preliminary Management Plan must be in place. This planhas a recreational component. Brad explained that the REAC Committee was beingrequested to review the preliminary recreational component of the Management Plan, so thatthe FCT grant could be submitted, with the understanding that a more detailed plan would bereviewed in the future, along with a possible field trip to the site. Jim Durocher offeredassistance with the field trip.Brad reviewed the tentative recreation plan:‣ Clear/treat exotics: re-vegetate with native species.‣ Ramp Road Park in Cocoa Beach will be the center of launch activity.‣ Fourth Street Park in Cocoa Beach will have opportunities for trails and connectivityto Ramp Road with, with a possible overlook.‣ Activities on/around the Thousand Islands may include:o Kayak and canoe trailso Landingso Overlookso Hiking trailsMOTION FOUREve Owens moved to support the concept for the recreational component of theThousand Islands Management Plan with the understanding that it will come back tothe Committee for detailed review at a later date.Mark Nathan seconded the motion.The motion carried unanimously.COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTSNone.PUBLIC COMMENTNone.NEXT MEETING:The group discussed a date for the next meeting. Brad explained that an August 9, 2007date would put the committee on schedule for a quarterly meeting. It was determined that thenext meeting should be held at the Viera Government Center.MOTION FIVEPaul Saia moved to schedule the next REAC Committee meeting for August 9, 2007.Eve Owens seconded the motion.The motion carried unanimously.ADJOURNED:The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.SUMMARY OF MEETING MOTIONS: Motion to approve the March 24, 2007 minutes as presented.Motion to support the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary Public Access Plan aspresented by staff.128

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Motion to support the Cruickshank Sanctuary recreation plan as originallypresented by staff, with hiking only, education information on site, and parkinglimited to a soft surface.Motion to support the concept for the recreational component of the ThousandIsland Management Plan, with the understanding that it will come back to theCommittee for a detailed review at a later date. Motion to hold the next meeting on August 9, 2007.129

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010TO:FROM:Reference DeskCentral Brevard LibraryXavier de Seguin des HonsNorth Area Interim Land ManagerEnvironmentally Endangered Lands ProgramEnchanted Forest Sanctuary444 Columbia BlvdTitusville, FL 32780321-264-5185Fax # 321-264-5190Xavier.desegiun@brevardparks.comDATE: August 23, 2007RE:EEL Program Draft Management Plan for ReviewEnclosed is the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program’sdraft management plan for the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary. The management planreview process calls for a 30-day public review.Please hold the draft management plan at the Reference Desk until 5:00 PM on Monday,September 24, 2007. After that time, please feel free to dispose of the draft document inyour recycling containers. Please let me know if you have any questions about themanagement plan review process or about the EEL Program. Thank you for yourassistance with this important aspect of land management.Stakeholders have received the following information to alert them to the review process:The Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program isinviting the public to review the draft Land Management Plan for the North BuckLake Scrub Sanctuary. Copies are available to review at the Central Brevard,Titusville, and Mims/Scottsmoor Libraries, at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary,and the at EEL Program Office at 91 East Drive in Melbourne, FL. The plan isalso available on-line at www.eelbrevard.com.If you choose, you can provide public comment before Monday, September 24,2007 to the EEL Program by submitting written comments to:Xavier de Seguin des HonsFax # - 321-264-5190E-mail – xavier.desegiun@brevardparks.comFor questions, please call 321-264-5185130

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010From: LaurileeThompson@aol.comSent: Mon 9/3/2007 1:07 PMTo: deseguin, XAVIERSubject: Comments re North Buck Lake SanctuaryHello Xavier,While I was reviewing the maps for North Buck lake Sanctuary, I couldn't help but notice that thesanctuary is flanked on the northeastern side by the FDOT I-95 southbound rest area. I see aHUGE opportunity to educate travelers about the natural areas and nature-based tourismopportunities found in Brevard County due to the proximity of North Buck Lake Sanctuary to the I-95 rest area.There is a rest area on I-10 in Baker County (actually two, both eastbound and westbound restareas are utilized) that incorporates nature trails and signage right into the rest area. I believe itwas a partnership with the Florida Division of Forestry and Florida Department of Transportation.There are interpretive signs about cypress swamps, upland hammocks, the animals that livethere and the importance of fire for the ecosystem right within the bathroom area of the rest stop.It is really well done. There is a sign for the area that shows the forest and all of the hiking andequestrian trails and boat ramps as well as the road system. The sign talks about all of therecreational activities to be found in the area. There is a hiking trail right behind thebathrooms that goes right into the Osceola National Forest. The trail also has great interpretivesignage.The Brevard County Office of Tourist Development has signed an agreement with FDOT to builda Welcome Center at the southbound I-95 rest area north of Mims. This will be the firstimpression of Brevard County that visitors will encounter on I-95 other than the passing sceneryand a few billboards. The existing rest rooms will be demolished and a brand new facility thatincorporates bathrooms and a modern Welcome Center will be built.As is appropriate, much of the information distributed at the Welcome Center will representnature-based tourism and Brevard County's natural amenities. The Office of Tourism would liketo have nature displays inside the Welcome Center. I see this as a perfect opportunity to not onlydistribute information, but also to encourage visitors to completely immerse themselves in anoutdoor experience as they enter Brevard County! They are likely to see wonderful wildflowers,turtles and plenty of birds. There is a chance they will see Florida Scrub-Jays, Bald Eagles,indigo snakes, gopher tortoises, rabbits, raccoons and maybe even a fox or a bobcat or analligator. All of that, as well as the fact that the habitat is fire-dependent can be incorporated intofascinating interpretive signage.In the proposed Management Plan, the area behind the rest area is designated as a CoreConservation Area and it has no proposed trails. I urge you to please install one single trail fromthe back of the Welcome Center property that will pass through the Core Conservation Area toconnect to the rest of the trail system in North Buck Lake Sanctuary. You can put up signs thattalk about what a Core Conservation Area is and why it is important not to leave the trail.The partnership between the Brevard County Office of Tourism, Brevard County Board of CountyCommissioners and FDOT is a pilot project. A similar arrangement has never been previouslydone -- we are the first. If it is successful, FDOT may enter into similar arrangementswith additional counties to construct Welcome Centers at other rest areas around the state.In addition to an unparalleled chance to educate potential Space Coast visitors, what anoutstanding opportunity we have to set the bar really high for other counties that may duplicatethis concept! How great would it be if others followed our lead and also put nature trails at theirWelcome Centers?!!!131

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010I know for a fact that other counties in Florida would do almost anything to have an opportunitylike this one handed to them on a silver platter. We will never get another chance like this to tellthe story of our EELs Program and our outstanding outdoor recreational amenities to visitors.There is also a good probability that residents from South Brevard County utilize that rest areawhen they are traveling south on I-95. There is a potential to inform Brevard County residentsthat may not even be aware of the EELs Program from this location.There is a possibility that St. Johns Water Management District may be interested in becominginvolved because the trails from North Buck Lake Sanctuary will tie into trails within Buck LakeConservation Area. This is a great chance for SJRWMD to promote their conservation programstoo. Perhaps SJRWMD will contribute some money for signage and trail construction.This is a huge opportunity to promote environmental education and tourism in Brevard County.Again, I urge you to please add a trail from the FDOT rest area property that passes through theNorth Buck Lake proposed Core Conservation Area and connects to the proposed trail systemwithin the Sanctuary.It wouldn't be that hard to do. There is already an existing trail from the rest area property thatjoins a proposed firebreak along the north side of the property. The trail could follow the propertyline around to the west and go south and follow an existing fireline through the Core ConservationArea to tie into the proposed trail system.I understand and appreciate that the mission of the EELs program is to protectand preserve biologicaldiversity through responsible stewardship of Brevard County’s natural resources. I know thathaving Core Conservation Areas that are closed to the general public is a way to accomplish thegoal. But in this particular case, I argue that the benefits of economic development throughincreased tourism and the advantage of high visibility for the EELs Program outweigh thenegativity of placing a short trail through a proposed Core Conservation Area.I would also argue that there are hundreds and probably even thousands of acres of similarhabitat that are found within the Buck Lake Conservation Area, which is contingent to and southof North Buck Lake Sanctuary.Please do not let this fine opportunity slip through your fingers.Sincerely,Laurilee Thompson132

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010From: deseguin, XAVIERSent: Thu 9/6/2007 11:27 AMTo: 'LaurileeThompson@aol.com'Subject: RE: Comments re North Buck Lake SanctuaryDear Laurilee Thompson,Thank you for taking the time to review the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary Draft ManagementPlan. You written comments are appreciated and will be taken in consideration for the finalManagement Plan. The EEL Program supports the idea of a trail connecting the I-95 rest area toNorth Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary. At this point, the EEL Program will contact FDOT and theBrevard County Office of Tourism to make sure they agree with the concept. Once a commonplan is agreed upon, it will have to be reviewed by the EEL Program Recreation and EducationAdvisory Committee (REAC) and the Selection and Management Committee (SMC). Both theREAC meeting and the SMC meeting will be public meetings with opportunities for publiccomment. Please let me know if you would like to be made aware of these dates of thesemeetings when they are scheduled. I would encourage you to contact me with any otherquestions or concerns that you might have about the North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary.Sincerely,Xavier de Seguin des HonsNorth Region Interim Land ManagerBrevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands ProgramParks & Recreation Department444 Columbia Blvd.Titusville, FL 32780V: 321-264-5185F: 321-264-5190email: xavier.deseguin@brevardparks.comweb: www.eelbrevard.com133

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010ENVIRONMENTALLY ENDANGERED LANDS (EEL) PROGRAMRECREATION AND EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEEMay 29, 2008Attendance ListRECREATION AND EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSBob ChampaigneJim DurocherMurray HannKaren HillMark NathanEve OwensBeverly PinyerdDoug SpharSUB-COMMITTEE MEMBERSBarbara Meyer, Brevard County, Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Program CoordinatorPaul Schmalzer, Selection and Management CommitteeEEL PROGRAM STAFFLaura ClarkBrad ManleyXavier DeSeguinGUESTSDan Gallagher, CitizenKeith Winston, Brevard ZooENVIRONMENTALLY ENDANGERED LANDS PROGRAMRECREATION AND EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEEMay 29, 2008Meeting MinutesCALL TO ORDER:Murray Hann called the meeting to order at 6:10 PM.MINUTES:The August 9, 2007, November 8, 2008, and February 10, 2008 minutes were presented forapproval.Murray asked for comments to the August 9, 2997 minutes.Karen Hill asked for clarification of the information on page 4 related to REAC approval of theMalabar Scrub Sanctuary Public Access Plan.134

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Laura Clark confirmed the wording was confusing and suggested the information be reworded as“On Feb. 9, 2006, the REAC committee voted to support the proposed Public Access Plan aspresented by staff……”. The group agreed with this suggestion.Paul Schmalzer suggested a rewording of the sentence on page 2 regarding interpretation.The sentence will be reworded as “A communication process that forges emotional andintellectual connections between the interests of the audience and the meanings inherent in theresource.MOTION ONE:Doug Sphar moved to approve the August 9, 2008 minutes as amended.Eve Owens seconded the motion.The motion carried unanimously.Murray asked for comments to the November 8, 2007 minutes.Paul Schmalzer suggested removal of the word “Advisory” on the SMC line of the attendee’spage.Doug Sphar commented that his name had been spelled incorrectly.The group agreed with these revisions.MOTION TWOEve Owens moved to approve the November 8, 2008 minutes, as amended.Karen Hill seconded the motion.The motion carried unanimously.Comments regarding the February 10, 2008 minutes regarding the REAC Field trip to theMalabar Scrub Sanctuary were postponed as Brad Manley had to step away from the meeting topick up equipment.ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW:Paul Schmalzer provided a brief update on EEL Program property acquisitions.MINUTES – Additional DiscussionDiscussion ensued regarding the February 10, 2008 minutes for the Field Trip to the MalabarScrub Sanctuary. The following was noted:Paul Schmalzer said that the wording on page 1, paragraph 2, lines 3 and 4 wasconfusing. Brad commented that he would like to change the wording as follows: “Thetour began with a discussion of the history of the paved trail project, and the issuesconsidered in regard to alignment. Committee members voiced their support for thischange.Paul Schmalzer stated that he felt the history had been abbreviated, or condensed.Murray Hann stated that he felt there had been a 30 – 40 minute conversation regardingthe history. He also felt the minutes did not reflect that there had been a thoroughdiscussion and he had a different opinion of what had been left out.A suggestion was made to indicate that there had been a thorough discussion in theminutes, but to provide no specific additional information.Eve Owens said she felt that it was important information and was not supportive ofseeing it condensed down to one sentence.Clarification was provided that there had been no recording of the conversations, the sitevisit was held to better inform REAC members on the site conditions, and no decisionswere made by the Committee during the field trip.135

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010The Committee agreed that the minutes should be resubmitted showing that there wasapproximately 30-40 minutes of discussion with a bulleted list that indicated some of whatwas discussed.It was suggested that staff would prepare revised, draft minutes, and submit them forapproval at the meeting.MOTION THREEEve Owens made a motion for staff to prepare revised, draft minutes for the February10, 2008 REAC Field trip to the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary and submit them for approvalat the next meeting.Bob Champaigne seconded the motion.The motion carried unanimously.Brad provided an update on recent EEL Program activities: Enchanted Forest Sanctuaryo Earth Dayo Workshop Constructiono Office RenovationIndian Mound Station Volunteer WorkdaysSouth Lake conservation Areao Trail Developmento Parking SoonCruickshank Sanctuaryo Parking Areao Timbering / RestorationThousand Islandso Acquisitiono Exotics plan developmentPine Island Conservation Areao Scout Troop Camping / Service ProjectsMalabar Scrub Sanctuary (West)o DOF Wildfire mitigationWildfireso Jordan Scrub Sanctuaryo Micco Scrub Sanctuaryo Grant Flatwoods Sanctuaryo Grant/Valkaria Conservation AreaAGENDA ITEMSLagoon Adventures “No Child Left Inside Campaign”Keith Winsten, Executive Director of Brevard Zoo, provided an overview of an exciting project toencourage families to get out and enjoy nature together. The campaign is based, to a largedegree, on the ideas put forth in Richard Louv’s book, “The Last Child in the Woods”. In it, Louvlays out the concept of nature deficit-disorder – the growing disconnect between children andnature, and the detrimental individual, societal, and environmental consequences that result. TheEEL Program and Brevard Parks & Recreation are participating in the project. Members of theREA Committee thanked Keith for the presentation and voiced their support of these plans.North Buck Lake Sanctuary – Revision to proposed Public Access PlanOn May 10, 2007 the REAC Committee reviewed and supported the proposed Public AccessPlan for the North Buck Lake Sanctuary. During the public review process, staff became awareof an opportunity to link the sanctuary to a planned Welcome Center at the I-95 rest stop.136

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010Xavier DeSeguin, North Region Land Manager provided information on conceptual plans toinclude a trail connection from the Welcome Center to the North Buck Lake Sanctuary, which willrequire a change to the Proposed Public Access Plan. The North Buck Lake Scrub Sanctuary is approximately 174 acres located in northBrevard County, adjacent to the northern boundary of the Buck Lake Conservation Area. The property was acquired by the Program in 2001. Identified Resources include:o Protected Specieso Gopher tortoiseo Indigo Snakeo Florida Scrub-Jayso Bald eagle Ecosystemso Scrubo Scrubby Flatwoodso Depression Marcho Floodplain Swamp Existing TrailsAdjacent parking facilities at Buck Lake Conservation AreaThe revised plan calls for rearranging the Core Conservation Area on the east side toaccommodate a new trail which would lead form the Welcome Center to an existing trailinside the Sanctuary.ProsoooConsoooImproved public access to the sanctuaryEasy access to imperiled Scrub HabitatPromote EEL ProgramSite security issuesNeighbor concernsPotential impacts to natural areaDiscussion ensued: The following was noted: Plans are very preliminary. A short loop trail was suggested, instead of one long trail that leads to the interior of thesanctuary. A short loop trail that connects to a trail leading to the interior of the sanctuary was alsosuggested. Vandalism to EEL Program fences in the area continues to be a concern. The connection could provide an increased awareness of the EEL Program. Clarification was requested regarding the possible ecological impacts. It is important to clarify security issues and arrangements. Would be a good place to provide information on other EEL Program Sanctuaries. Arrangements would need to be made to ensure people didn’t use the trail for dogs.MOTION FOUREve Owens moved to support the proposed revisions to the North Buck LakeSanctuary Proposed Public Access Plan as presented by staff.Mark Nation seconded the motion.The motion carried unanimously.:NEXT MEETING:The next meeting will be held on August 14, 2008.137

NORTH BUCK LAKE SCRUB SANCTUARY FOR FINAL BOCC APPROVAL,FEBRUARY 9, 2010ADJOURNED:The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.SUMMARY OF MEETING MOTIONS: Motion to approve the August 9, 2007 minutes as amended.Motion to approve the November 8, 2007 minutes as amended.Motion for staff to prepare revised, draft minutes for the February 10, 2008 REAC FieldTrip to the Malabar Scrub Sanctuary and submit them for approval at the next meeting.Motion to support the proposed revisions to the North Buck Lake Sanctuary ProposedAccess Plan as presented by staff.138