MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

S019
Edward W. Chance Reserve
Project Type SOR
AOR(s)
Flood Protection, Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Peace River, Manasota
Cooperator(s)
Project Manager LOVE, KEVIN
Task Manager(s) NELSON, BRIAN, SOWDERS, GINA, HAGBERG, JEFFREY, MILLER, WILL, GREEN,
STEPHANIE, VANGELDER, WILL
Status Ongoing
Description
In 1991 the Governing Board authorized the acquisition of lands within the Lake Manatee Lower Watershed project in
Manatee County. The Lake Manatee Lower Watershed extends over a large area which includes narrow floodplain
forests and native pine lands surrounded by vast areas of rangeland, improved pastures, croplands, and citrus groves.
Lands purchased within this project protect an existing regional water resource, protect floodplains, and restore
adjoining wetlands in the headwaters. To date 7,929 acres have been acquired in fee simple within the project, with an
additional 25 acres protected by a conservation easement. Approximately 10,368 have been approved for future fee
simple acquisition. Hiking is available on the property and horseback riding is allowed by a special use permit.
Management units include the Rutland Ranch and Gilley Creek Tracts. On March 2, 2007, the property was dedicated
and renamed as the Edward W. Chance Reserve, in honor of departed Governing Board member, Ed Chance.
Benefits
Pursuant to Section 373.1391(1)(a), Florida Statutes, lands within the project are managed and maintained in such a
way as to ensure a balance between public access, general public recreational purposes, and restoration and
protection of their natural state and condition.
Costs
FY2009 - The Land Resources Department budget consists of salaries and central garage for prescribed burning,
resource monitoring, land maintenance, fence repair and recreational monitoring. The Aquatic Plant Management
Section has budgeted funds for salaries, central garage charges and herbicides to treat infestations of invasive plant
species. Field Operations has budgeted for salaries, rental equipment, contracted services, central garage charges,
parts, supplies, and land maintenance materials to support Land Management's requirements. FY2010 - The Land
Resources Department budget consists of salaries and central garage for prescribed burning, resource monitoring,
land maintenance, fence repair and recreational monitoring. The budget also includes contractual services for security
and mowing. Costs for these activities are 100 percent reimbursed through the state's Water Management Lands
Trust Fund.
FY 2009 FY2010
Funding Funding
District Budgeted - Outside Revenue
(SOR)
010 General Fund (Districtwide) 0
0
021 Manasota Basin 195,589 155,591
Status As Of: August 27, 2009
Land Resources Department has a new agreement with Suncoast Florida Native Plant Society for plant research on
multiple properties including Gilley Creek. Prescribed burning activities accounted for 391 acres during this period on the
Gilley Creek tract of Ed Chance Reserve. No significant activities have occurred on the Coker Prairie tract.
021 - Manasota Basin 13