Exh 8CAGENDA ITE>t q8C
JANUARY 8, ?001
City of Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach City Commission
Staff Report
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of Dutton Island Expansion Management Plan
DATE: January 2, 2001
SUBMITTED BY: David E. Thompson, Chief of Police/DPS
BACKGROUND: Approximately 1 %: years ago, die propem on Dutton Road
across from Dutton Island was being developed by Centex Corporation for residential housing.
The City of Jacksonville negotiated the purchase of the propem• hrough iu Preservation 2000
program and Florida Communities Trust (FCT). At that time, the Cih• of Atlantic Beach
indicated that it would commit to the management of the park, essentially ihroug6 existing Parks
and Recreation staff assigned to Dutton Island.
To complete the purchase of the property, FCT is asking Atlantic Beach to commit to a
management plan in writing. The proposed management plan i;. attached to this report.
On page 7 under Maintenance, Securit}', and Staffing, Atlantic B~xch is being asked to commit to
daily duties to maintain the pazk. Under Maintenance, duties wil. include hash removal, restroom
service, and site cleanup on a dail} basis. Under Security, regular patrols by the Police
Departrnen[ will be included in daily and evening routines. The Staffing section spxifically
states that management will be coordinated within existing staffuig, so there is no requirement for
Atlamic Beach to hire anv staff.
On page 10, under Educational Programs, Atlantic Beach, Jacksoaille, and the Trce Hill Vaturc
Center aze being asked to commit to sponsoring environmental education programs for local
elementary and junior high schools. There are a number of organizations and individuals who aze
willing to assist in this aspect of management at no cost to the City of Atlantic Beach.
BUDGET: The daily duties required in this agreement can b: accomplished within the
existing staffmg. With the Cit}' Commission approval, the City of Atlantic Beach will be
committing to the specific azeas of the maintenance plan as discu:~sed above.
The costs on page 11 apply to Jacksonville and FCT, and the Ciry of Atlantic Beach is not being
asked to commit anv funds.
RECOM'11ENDATIONS: To approve committing the City of Atlantic Beach to the Dutton
Island Wazcnvay Pazk Expansion Management Plan as discussed in the attached paperwork.
ATTACFLMENTS: Drawing of Dutton Island Park Expansion
Draft: Dutton Island Waterway P Expansion Management Plan
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER:
/ ITEM !`IUMBER:
Dec 15 00 10:47a dept. of recreation G30-3562 AGENDA ITEM#8C
JANUARY 8, 2001
~. ~ N
- - DUTTON ISLAND Wp ---
INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY -
PARK EXPANSION
wo _ o aoo 8W Fect ~- -i
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ACEtiDA ITEM MSC
JANUARY 8, 2001
DliTTON ISLAND WATERWAY PARK EXPANSION
I~L41\AGE:I~IE1\T PLA V
Cities of Jacksonville and Atlantic .Beach
FCT Project # 99-018-P9A
Table of Contents
I. Introduction and General Information
II. Purpose of the Project and Management
III. Site Development Improvements and Access
N. Key Management Activities
V. Cost Estimate and Funding
VI. Priority Schedule
VII. Monitoting
VIII. Attachments
A. Conceptual Site Plan and Map of the Jacksonville B1ue~Nays Network
B. Listed Species
XI. Appendix
A. Copy of Grant Awazd Ageement - (when available)
B. Copy of Recorded Deed - (when available)
C. Copy of Baseline Survey identifying all plant and animal species
D Copy of Interlocal Agreement
E. Copy of historical resources report
F. Special Management Conditions from Section VIII of the C'AA
AGENDA ITEM q8C
JA\I;ARY 8, 2001
DLTTON ISLAND WATERWAY PARK
EXPANSION vIANAGEViI;NT PLAN
I. Imroduction
This project ("Dutton Expansion") is a partnership between the Florida Communities Trust and
the Cities of Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville. The Project site is located off the eastern shore of
the Intracoastal Waterway in Atlantic Beach, Duval County, Florida. It is 100.46 acres and is
surrounded on two sides by a intricate salt marsh ecosystem. Deep water access from the
Invacoastal Waterway, and to both the St. Johns River and !.he Atlantic Ocean is available to
the site.
Dutton Expansion combines salt marsh, upland hammock forest, upland mixed forest and
wetland hardwood forest. Dutton Expansion is immediatel~~ adjacent across the mazsh to the
east of the Dutton Island Intracoastal Waterway Preserve (FCT 95-058-P~6), a 40 acre island
accessible by a causeway at the end of Dutton Drive.
Development of a 170 home subdivision identical to the immediately eastwazd 28.4 acre - ] 40
home subdivision was imminent for the site.
Both Dutton and Dutton Expansion were threatened by imminent development, given Jacksonville's growth
the improved economy, the desirability ofthe Beaches azea in general and limited waterfront property. Duttor
was fully permitted and construction started and had vested de~telopment rights. Dutton Expansion underwent
a zoning change that stimulated the interest in public acquisition.
II. Purpose
The purposes for acquiring Dutton Island Waterway Park Expansion include:
AGENDA ITEM #8C
JANUARY 8, 2001
Expansion of the recreational opportunities at the immediately adjacent Dutton Island Intracoastal
Waterway Park (FCT 95-058-P56).
Establishment of another canoeing destination utilizing Jacksomrille's Blueways Network.
Providing opportunities for trails and nature study for site visitors.
Environmental Education for aze students through programuiin~; provided by the City of
Jacksonville's Naturalist and the Tree Hill Nature Center.
Reduction of urban density by preservation of undeveloped land slated fora 170 home subdivision
Hazard mitigation through acquisition of property in a special flood hazard zone.
Protection of endangered and listed plant and animal species.
Protection of significant salt marsh communities.
Protection of an azchaeological site.
Restoration of property by removing trash, exotic invasives and restoration of a small ditch.
Furthering of the goals of the Mayport Waterfront Florida Partnership, whose tazget',azea contains
this site.
'Furthering the goals of Jacksonville's urban land acquisition program, Preservation Project
Jacksonville.
Due to the close spatial relationship between. the Cities of Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville and Neptune
Beach, the demand for recreation and preservation lands transcends municipal boundaries. The location
of the subject easily lends itself to use by residents from neighboring communities where similar land
uses are not available within a reasonable proximity.
The City of Jacksonville is committed to environmentally sensitive: land acquisition programs and the
protection and preservation of natural resources through the ConservationlCoastal'' Management
(CCM), Recreation and Open Space (ROS) and Future Land Jse (FLU) Elements of the 2010
Comprehensive Plan. The preservation of historical sites and coordination efforts between
governmental agencies aze also important to the City, and aze addressed in the Ffistoric Preservation
(HI') and Intergovernmental Coordination (IGC) Elements, respectively. This project ',combines and
implements goals, objectives and policies within the CCM, ROS, :rT,U, HP and IGC Elements of the
2010 Comprehensive Plan.
The protection of natural areas, native vegetative communities, listed animal species, and surface and
groundwater quality is discussed in the following comprehensive plan directives: CCM Policies 2.8.2,
2.8.3, 3.1.2, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.7, Objective 3.5, Policies 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3', 3.5.4,3.5.5,
3.5.6, Objective 3.6, Policies 3.6.2, 3.8.1, 3.8.6, 4.1.1, Goal 5, Policies 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.13, 5.1.4, 5.1.5,
5.1.6, 6.3.1, 6.3.4, 11.1:2; ROS Policies 2.1.7, 3.1.2; and FLU Policies 1.5.3, 1.5.6, Objective 2.7,
Policies 2.7.2, 2.7.3, 2.7.5.
The provision of outdoor recreational opportunities is addressed in ROS Policies 1.1;1, 1.3.1,
1.3.2; and FLU Policies 1.5.8, 2.7.2, 2.7.3, 2.8.3, 4.1.10. ROS Objective 7.1, Policy', 7.1.1; and
HP Goal 1, Policy 1.2.2 relate to the preservation of historical Sikes. CCM Policy 2.11,13; and
IGC Policies 1.2.1, 1.4.3, 1.4.4 discuss the coordination with existing resource protection plans.
Atlantic Beach Comprehensive Plan Implementation
AGEVDI ITEYI a8C
JA1vU.~RY S, 2001
The following goals, policies and objectives are furthered by thi; project through protection of an
archaeological site, proper location of density in a high hazard f. ood zone, protection of important
environmental resources, and partnering with other local governments for the provision of
recreation.
Future Land Use Element
Objective 1.2
Sites and Structures identified and documented as having historic or archaeological importance
shall be protected from damage or destruction and the City shall encourage their preservation.
Policy 1.2.2
The City shall encourage preservation of significant historic and archaeological sites through
'public information programs; incentives and recognition of preservation efforts of individuals and
organizations
Objective 1.6
The City will encourage innovative land development approaches and concepts in the event of
post disaster redevelopment which will have the effect of reducing dependence on automobile
travel, conserving valuable natural resources, and preventing property damage as well as threats
to human safety and security.
Coastal blanagement/Conservation Element
Goal 3
Protection, preservation and maintenance of natural environmental resources so as to maintain or
enhance air quality, water quality, vegetative communities, wildlife habitats and the natural
foundation of soils, fisheries, wetlands and estuarine marshes.
Objective 3.2
The City will conserve soils, native vegetation and wildlife habit~ds to the maximum extent
possible in all public improvement projects and through the regu.ation of private development
activities.
Recreation and Open Space Element
Policy 1.1.3
The City encourages equitable inter-community sharing of recreation and open space facilities.
Policv 1.1.4
AGEM1DA ITE}1 q8C
JAn~(;AR~ 8, 2001
The City shall support all efforts of other governments and offec cooperation to achieve level of
service standards for regional recreation and open space facilities as set forth in this Element.
Policv ].3.4
Acquisition of recreation sites and open space azeas by the City shall be prioritized in accordance
with expressed desires of the Community and in response to availability of grant funds and other
incentive programs.
The Management Plan for Dutton Island Fxpcnuron is designed to .address the following:
a. preservation and enhancement of environmental resources
b. restoration and enhancement of water quality and marine habitat
c. protection of native vegetation and wildlife habitat
•d. passive recreation
e. environmental education
This Management Plan was developed to ensure the project site will be developed in accordance with the
Grant Award Agreement and the grant application.
The Ciry of Jacksonville will develop the Management Plan and fund initial improvements to the site. The City
of Atlantic Beach will have sole management responsibilities for the project site.
III. Site Developments, Improvements and Access
Dutton Expansion will be managed only for the conservation protection and enhancement of natural
resources and outdoor recreation which is compatible with these goals.
A land use amendment for designation of the site to conservation has been submitted to the Gty of
Jacksonville City Council, and upon local approval will be subsequently forwarded to the Department
of Community Affairs for approval. Signs, literature, and adver[isin; will idernify Dutton Expansion as
being publicly owned, open to the public and operated as a natural resource conservation area, outdoor
recreation area, or other- appropriate descriptive language, and identify the site as having been
purchased with funds from the Florida Communities Trust (FCT), and the City of Jacksonville.
SITE DEVELOPMENT, LMPROVEMENTS AND ACCESS
The participants will request written approval from and submit a ;Vanagement Plan revision to the FCT
before undertaking any site alterations or physical improvements thaz are not addressed in the FCT
approved Management Plan.
Physical Improvements: Improvement of existing nature trails, a picnic area, acanoe/kayak destination
dock, limited vehicle parking area, restrooms, and environmental and project sigrrage.
Although a final design has not been completed, the extent and appr~ximaie placement of most physical
AGENDA ITEM q8C
JANtiARY 8, 200t
improvements is shown on the Conceptual Site Plan (Attachment A). The canoelkayak landing is
designed to be a destination point on the Jacksonville Blueway. It is not intended to be a launch point,
and therefore, the feasibility of launching such watercraft has not been addressed in this Management
Plan. The dock will consist of a short fixed boazdwalk/dock, a sangway and a floating dock so that
craft may take advantage of the site at all tides. The educational tail system will meander through the
site. It will be routed to site conditions to avoid listed plant and tnimal species; and, is approximately
located on the conceptual Master Site Plan. Estimated total length if the trail system wiU be 7500 linear
feet. The increase in trail length from the original application results from a more accurate onsite
measurement than was conducted before acquisition. The nail system will follow the existing trail on
the project site. No additional natural resources are expected to be impacted by the trail system. A
buffer of at least 10 feet will sepazate the nature trail from any wetland areas. The parking area will
encompass less than 15,000 square feet, or 20 parking spaces. The parking lot will be located in the
more disturbed southeastern area of the site, and, where feasible: will incorporate pervious surfaces.
Two picnic areas are proposed, one adjacent to the parking area, and one at the canoe/kayak dock.
These will consist of a large shelter in each area with four picnic arbles each. Receptacles for trash will
be ]orated at each picnic area as well as the parking lot. The restroom facility will be located near the
parking lot and served by the city sewer system. No lazge trees will be removed for either the pazlang or
picnic area, and special care will be taken to avoid listed plant or animal species during construction of
the parking and picnic area. Due to the proposed pervious suface of the parking lot and trails,
additional stormwater retention is not anticipated. If further d<:sign shows a retention azea to be
necessary, it w+iIl be designed in a manner that mimics a natural system and provides animal habitat or
open space recreational areas. Other improvements include the removal of exotic vegetation.
Results of the surveys for vegetative and wildlife habitat/species will be used for the final placement of
improvements on the site. All necessary permits will be obtained from the appropriate agencies and
evidence of same will be forwarded to the FCT.
.A minimum of one sign identifying the project site as being open to the public, purchased with funds
from FCT; and the City ofJacksonville will be placed at the entrance to the preserve.
All required permits will be applied for from the appropriate entties including the Cities of Atlantic
Beach and Jacksonville, St. Johns River Water Managemen District, Florida Departrnent of
Environments] Protection, and the U. S. Army Cotps of Engineers.
Access: Access to the site is by lhrtton Drive. Limited automobile parking will be provided as well as
bicycle pazking. Waterway access to the site will be at the northern side of the property. (See Conceptual
Site Plan Attachment A) Access will be compatible with State and Federal consUUCtion standazds;
including the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Easements, Concessions, or Leases: The City will provide writ•:.en notice and information to FCT
60 days prior to any formal action regarding any lease of any into:rest, the operation of any
concession, any sale or option, any use other than authorized in :he management plan or any
contract with non-governmental persons or organizations. It is understood that FCT approval
will be required before the execution of any of the above. There are no known or planned
easements, concessions, or leases on this project site.
Master Plan: .A final site Master Plan, when available, will be provided to the FCT for approval
before any construction commences on the site.
6
acevn,~ treat asc
JAti UARY 8, ?OOI
N. KEY vIANAGEMENI' ACTIVITIES:
'Maintenance: Primary maintenance activity will include trash removal, restroom service, and site
cleanup on a daily basis by the City of Atlantic Beach. Due to the trail system trash removal will be
conducted by maintenance staff using hand carts or similaz wheeled containers. More intensive
maintenance and repair of the facilities will be necessary on asemi-annual or annual basis depending
upon the findings of regular inspections. Low maintenance, durable natural materials are preferred for
the construction of the canoe destination docks. Peripheral items such as benches, picnic tables and
information kiosks may be more appropriately constructed of recycled plastic materials. It is believed
that the life expectancy of this material exceeds natural materials in wet environments such as found on
the subject, near the marshes and Intracoastal waterway.
To improve the physical condition of the site and provide interactive learning experience of local
.residents, and especially local youth day tours are envisioned on the site which will include limited
trash removal work to reinforce the importance of respecting and protecting the environment. These
activities will be restricted to the less sensitive environment of the upland portion of the site. A number
of local volunteers trained in forestry, recreation, and parks management are available to assist the full
time departmental staff in the implementation of these activities.
Security: °r•'~ ~°'~ ~°°'__a °~~M° •~-~,~it~ Security at the project site will be provided by a gate on
Dutton Drive, regular day patrols by the Atlantic Beach Parks Department, and regular night patrols by
the Atlantic Beach Pohce Departmert. The park will be closed sfter dark except for pre-arranged
events. During the day it is not anticipated that an on-site manager will be necessary. The eastern and
southern boundaries of the site will be fenced and information sign:. will be posted along the boundary
that state that all plants and animals in this park are protected, and the park is open to pedestrian traffic
only.
Staffing: Based upon the conservation and passive recreation character of the preserve, it is anticipated
that coordinated management between the Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach Parks departments will be
permitted within existing staffing. Volunteers, such as Friends o:' Dutton Island Preserve will also
augment staffing.
Natural Resource Protection: All listed species and habitats identi5i~ in Attachment B, particularly the
two aces of cinnamon and royal fern on the project site will be avoided during the improvement of the
trails system. Said trails will be constructed with railings or fences, if necessazy, to restrict the public to
the trail system. In addition to the restricted nail design, the site it mostly buffered from neighboring
uplands by the nearly undisturbed and pristine Intracoastal Waterway marshes and waters. The coastal
oak hammock, pine 8atwood and saltmazsh communities will be preserved and appropriately managed
to ensure their long term viability.
A number of protected bird and animal species may inhabit the project site. Potential habitat areas are
to be identified by site inspection prior to the final design of the trJl system. The trail system design
will avoid wetlands, thus reducing impacts on wading bird habitas. The most evident wad'sng bird
species observed on the project site include snowy egret, great blue heron, cattle egret, wood ibis,
green heron, and wood stork. These species generally nest in the Inwer canopy of trees, which grow
along the edges of the marsh. The installazion of the proposed amevties will be coordinated with the
vegetative and wildlife surveys so as to mininvze adverse impacts or: nesting habitats. The mazsh areas
ACEt~DA ITEhI d8C
JANUARY 8, ?OOl
where these bird species feed will remain intact. No adverse impr.ct is expected to be caused by the
project. The final design plans, along with this Management Plan, will be submitted to the FCT and
the Florida Fish and Vlrildlife Conservazion Commission (FFWCC) for review and comment prior to
bidding the project. Revisions suggested by the FFWCC will be integrated into the design to the
extent feasible. Follow-up contact with the FF'WCC will be maintained to ensure up-to-date
regulations and design guidance specifications are available throughout the project development.
The recipients shall be responsible for coordinating with the Deparment of Environmental Protection's
Office of Protected Species Management for appropriate guidance, recommendations, and necessary
pemuts to avoid impacts to the manatee.
Docking areas will be limited to one on the northern edge of :he site; and, slow speed, manatee
awareness education sign will be posted from the Intracoastal Waterway and on the dock. In addition,
the channel; restricted area and sea grass areas will be clearly identified with signage. The dock will be
designed for canoe and kayak access only, without the intraiuction of motorized boat traffic,
destruction to the sah march community will be non-existent. A oemvtted docking design has been
developed with the assistance of the St. Johns Water Managemem: District that restricts all motorized
boats from the area, without restriction of travel by the endangered manatee or non-motorized craft.
This design employs the use of posted protection areas, designated by a floating buoy system.
The project site will be monitored by the City of Jacksonville o.z an annual basis to determine if any
adverse impacts have occurred to the listed species or the sensitive habitat areas identified during the
initial survey. The causes of any degradation will be identified and corrective actions such as closing of
trails and restoration work will be undertaken immediately upon aiy finding of adverse impact. Limiting
direct access to the general public to designated nails and boazdw;tlks will contribute to the preservation
of the existing habitats and species. Such limited access also contributes to the restoration of impacted
sites by allowing the areas to be isolated as necessary.
Hydrology and stormwater quality az the project site will be monitored by the City of Atlantic Beach on an
annual basis as part of the city's existing stornwazer management program. With minimal impervious
surface area there will be minor storrrwater improvements, and all amenities will make use of natural
materials wherever possible.
A survey of the vegetative communities on the site was commissioned by the City of Jacksonville as a
step in the grant application and design process. All survey infornaton on listed plant and animal species
as well as sensitive habitaz locations on the site will be forwarded to the Florida Natural Areas Lrventory.
Any newly-identified listed species found on the project site during the annual monitoring will be
forwarded to the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) on the appropriaze forms. Copies of these
forms can be found in Appendix I.
Resource Restoration and Enhancement: Based upon findings of the baseline survey of listed plant and
animal species on the project site, limited habitaz restoration may be undertaken. Because the site is
undeveloped and isolated, it is not expected thaz large areas in need of restoration will be identified. The
envisioned trail system will include aself-guided interpretive tour through the project site identifying the
varied habitat areas. It is the intent of the environmental interpreti~ a tour to direct the interest generated
by this information towards the enhancement of the site. As identified under the maintenance section
above, the participation of youth groups in maintenance activiti~~ is seen as an educational tool, in
~GEKDA 1TEJi qaC
JANLARY 8, 2005
introducing them to the natural environment. As an environmental enhancement took the removal of cash
and debris from the site by volunteers will also aid in the enhance Went of the site. The activities of such
groups can be combined with restoration or enhancement proje'xs to provide azea youth with a well
supervised, hands-0n, teaming activity.
Trash, debris, tree forts and homeless camps have been removtd from the site. Only one exotic
invasive plant species was found on the site - Chinese tallow, which is listed as a Category I species.
These are species that are invading and disrupting native plant communities in Florida. This definition
does not rely on the economic severity of the problem and the geographic area covered, but the proven
damaged caused. .All of the Chinese tallow and any other exotic invasive species found should be
removed to prevent further spreading of the plants throughout thy; property. The "Exotic Pest Plant
Council's List of Florida's Most Invasive Species" (Appendix ]) will be used to identify invasive exotic
plant species for eradication. Surveys will be conducted on a regular and frequent basis to monitor the
occurrences of these species. If they do recur, steps should be taken immediately to eradicate them.
•LVIPORTAPTT TOTE: Pesticide users must review and compl} with all conditions set forth in the
pesticide label. The formulations used below were current at the time of writing however changes in
label directions may have occurred since. Be sure to follow all label directions carefully.
Sapium sebiferum Chinese tallow; Popcorn tree
Treatment: Basal bark or cut stump treatment with 10°-o Garton 4. Site must be revisited
several times to pull up seedlings.
Comments: High seed germination; seeds extremely pcisonous to eat.
There are several areas of the site in need of restoration totaling approximately 2.15 acres. The first is
the upland area located behind the existing subdivision adjacent to the property. This area was cleared
to build the houses, and weedy species including Chinese tallow ha~~e invaded here. Restoration would
only need to include the removal of the Chinese tallow, mowing ~f the understory to provide ample
sunlight to new plantings, and then replant with upland hardwood species. Recommended species
include oaks such as five and water oak, pignut hickory, and persirnmon. These species provide mast
for wildlife. linderstory species recommended include beaurybem, vaccinium spp., nrsty lyonia,
American holly, black cherry, red bay, witch hazel and Gaylussacia spp.
The other area is the drainage ditch that was dug from the mash towazd the eastern side of the
property. The mounds of soil from the excavation are still next to the ditch and restoration would
probably only need to consist of leveling the mounds and refilling the ditch. As identified in the original
application, the ditch is very shallow so this should not require extensive restorative work. Any
necessary hydrological restoration will be coordinated with the S:. Johns River Water Management
District.
A vegetation analysis will be conducted on the project site to determine which areas may need a prescribed
burning regime to maintain natural fire-dependent vegetative communities. If necessary, a prescribed burn
will be developed and coordinated through the Division of Fa entry and the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission.
Revegetation of the azeas will follow immediately after the removal of the debris. The disturbed areas
will be replanted with native plant species. This process will provide a cominuity of the surrounding
9
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JA\'L'ARY 8, 2001
vegetative communities into the disturbed areas.
During previous site visits, there appear to be no problems with fer d dogs and cats. Due to the location
of this site near residential communities, most likely cats and dogs sue present in the azea. The presence
of feral animals: dogs, cats and hogs, will continue to be monitorexl. If feral animals should occur on
the project site, they will be removed by the :4nimal Control Division.
Educational Programs: The Cities of Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Parks and Recreation
Departments and the Tree ILII Nature Center will sponsor environmental educational programs for
local elementary and junior high schools. Implementation will commence after initial improvements
have been complemented, approximazely 15 months a@er acquisi~ ion. The frequency will commence
initially at a minimum of one per quarter, and build as the school system and community organizations
become aware of the preserve and its educational programs, as there are 25 public and private schools
within 15 miles of the site. The programs will also target az-risk youth and may be co-sponsored by
local service organizations such as the Donner Community Development Corporation, the Boys and
Girls Clubs, YMCA, Boy & Girl Scouts, and numerous churci organizations.. Atlantic Beaches'
innovative "Peddle Pickers" prograrr>, whereby youths performing 40 hours of community service are
allowed to pick a bicycle from the police department's inventory o1' abandoned and found bikes will be
utilized, It is also anticipated that local Rotary Clubs through their sponsorship of Boy Scout programs,
especially Mohawk Boy Scout troops, will assist in the preserve's clean-up and maintenance. Part of
the preliminary design for the trail system includes educational kiosks where speciSc environmental
issues or conditions are highlighted. These kiosks will fows on both geographic localities as well as
environmental issues. The project site contains several very good examples of the vegetative
communities normally found in and adjacent to marshes, including oak hammock, pine 4atwoods, and
the rrrarsh itself. These focal points will highlight vegetative and wildlife communities, and possible
adverse effects impacts caused by human development. Learning to identify adverse impacts will assist
~~, the public in snaking informed decisions about the protection and conservation of sensitive
environments along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Archaeological and Historical Resource Protection: One small prelristoric archaeological site exists on
the project site. It was listed in the Florida Master Site File as 8Dli 13273. This site was discovered as
a result of an archaeological survey conducted because of concens that the Spencer Midden may be
connected to this site. The Spencer Midden is a 5,600 year old Indian settlement that is believed to be
the oldest encampment in Notth America. The Spencer Midden is located 1(4 mile away on a private
homestead. While the homeowner has not expressed interest n selling her home she has been
extraordinarily cooperative in allowing ongoing excavation of the midden. This project presents a
wonderful opportunity to allow for interpretation of the Spencer Ivfidden ar a very close location. As
excavation proceeds opportunities for interpretation will be explored.
Approximately half of the site was not surveyed due to the desilgration as jurisdictional wetlands.
These lands were not surveyed because they are already protected from development. It is possible
that connections to the Spencer Midden exist that have not yet beer discovered. An archaeological and
historical resources survey will be conducted on the site prior to any land clearing or development
activity on the site. The m:r ement of any historical and archaeological resources, if found, will
comply with the provisions of Chapter 267, Florida Statutes, specif.cally Sections 267.061 (2), (a) and
(b). The Division of Historical Resources will also be notiSed prior to any future rehabilitation or
to
AGENDA ITEM #8C
JANUARY 8, 2001
investigative work.
GreenwavBluewav Management: This site will function as part o:'Jackson4ille s Blueways Network.
This site wiD become part of a blueway for canoe and kayak enthusiasts with the adjacent Dutton
Island and the Tidewazer Preserve aka/Intracoastal Waterway Park, both of which were also acquired
with FCT funds. This site will serve as a blueway destination only, canoes and kayaks will be put in at
the more disturbed Dutton Island site. Kayak users w~}to Gve at the beaches utilize the Blueways
Network cross the St. Johns River to access Ft. George Island and the Nassau River.
Coordination: The Parks and Recreation Departments of the Cities: of Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville
will coordinate the management of the preserve. Dutton Expansicn is mostly separated from adjacent
uplands by marsh. The City of Atlamic Beach hopes to coordinate with upland landowners a scenic
. easement on Dutton Road, to preserve the pristine approach of m<aure oaks on both sides of the road
leading to the preserve.
V. Cost Estimates and Funding Sources:
The estimated costs of the improvements to the project site are '.used on similar work conducted in
other city projects. The estimated costs are as follows:
Trail and boardwalk system $ 250,000
Picnic areas 2~ $25,000 ea $50,000
Infrastructure (site work, water, sewer, electric) $120,000
Entrance Area, Signage, Parking $100,000
Restrooms $100,000
Canoe Dock/Warerway Trail $100,000
Operating Expenses (Annual):
Equipment and Supplies $80,000
2 Man Maintenance Crew $90,000
Archaeological Investigation $5,000
Environmental Activities:
Plant and Animal Surveys
1.5 Staff plus Vehicle (Initial Survey) $18,500
AGE<;DA ITEM q8C
JAYUARY 8, 2001
Semi-annual Monitoring Reports
1.5 Staff plus Vehicle
Use of existing staff and budget
$3,000
Development and maintenance costs will be shazed by the Cities of Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach.
Strong efforts will be made to acquire gram funding from various agencies to offset the financial
impact, including the Florida Inland Navigation District. Due to the commitmern to a low maintenance,
conservation/passive recreation preserve, the cities will be able to provide the expected level of
maintenance with minimal staff in the Parks and Recreation departments. Volunteers will present
educational programs. Schools participation in environmental pro~~ams at the project site will also be
encouraged through educational grants. The cities maintain close relatiorrs with several youth oriented
organizations such as the Boy Scouts and the Y.M.C.A., who wil. be recruited to participate in these
education programs, especially those targeting at-risk youth
Funds not a part of ongoing staff hours and budgets are received b., appropriation requests through the
Jacksonville City Council for the year in which funding is required.
VI. Priority Schedule:
Year one will involve completion of vegetation and wildlife srrveys, creation of planning maps
delineating existing land covers, water quality sampling and reveg+tation of specific areas, if needed.
Conceptual designs and engineering for the recreational areas will be prepared. Trail areas vviD be
determined following the initial base line survey. It is intended that more formal trails will follow the
areas that are already impacted therefore, trail development will be srt ongoing process.
The second year, land cover information will be utilized to determine the need for use of land
management tools and initiate various processes as appropriate anc necessary. Actual site construction
will also take place, subject to design and review approval by the FCT.
Time Line
Year One: January 2001- January 2002
Vegetative and Wddlife surveys begin
Archaeological and Id'istorical Resources survey begins
Coordinated Management begins
Community park development meetings
Conceptual design and engineering
Year Two: January 2002-January 2003
Site Construction begins
Park opens to the public for nature based
and programmed activities
anticipated completion date
March 2001
July 2001
January 2002
July 2002
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AGENDA ITEM ri8C
JANUARY 8, 2001
VII. Monitoring and Reporting:
Project monitoring will be accomplished through an initial site surrey to identify listed plant and animal
species, sensitive habitat areas, encroaching exotic vegetation, and point source contaminants such as
trash dump sites. A follow-up survey shall be conducted periodicaly to assess areas, species and items
inventoried during the initial survey.
Results of the monitoring will be reported in the Annual Stewazd:fiip report. The effectiveness of the
implementation of the Management Plan will be also evaluated dwing this monitoring. This evaluation
will examine the completion of physical amenities, the conduct of site maintenance; and the provision
of educational progams and opportunities to the public. vlanag~:ment Plan objectives, as identi&ed
herein will be evaluated as to the level of progress toward attairurent. Any proposed modifications to
the project site will be presented to the FCT for review and approv,il prior to implementation.
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