CHNEP Research and Restoration Grant Projects

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve and CHNEP

Eradication of Introduced Carnivorous Lizards from the Cape Coral Area: Final Report

University of Tampa, City of Cape Coral, University of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and CHNEP

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2002

Benthic Invertebrate Fauna Calibration of the Estero Bay Watershed Assessment: Final Report

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and CHNEP

Assessing the Densities and Potential Water Quality Impacts of Septic Tank Systems in the Peace and Myakka River Basins: Final Report

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, James R.E. Smith and CHNEP

Dynamics of Tree Mortality and Mangrove Recruitment within Black Mangrove Die-offs in Southwest Florida: Final Report

University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection and the CHNEP

A Survey of the Effects of Invasive Exotic Vegetation on Wetland Functions: Aquatic Fauna, Wildlife and Native Plant Community Structures: Final Report

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Lee County 2020 Conservation Program and CHNEP

Community-Based Restoration of Oyster Reefs and Enhancement of Essential Fish Habitat in Charlotte Harbor Watershed: Final Report

Florida Gulf Coast University, Lee County School District, Florida Sea Grant Extension Program and CHNEP

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2001

Effects of Heavy Metals and Pesticides on Health and Physiology of Oysters in the Caloosahatchee Estuary: Final Report

Florida Gulf Coast University

High Marsh Restoration at Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve: Final Report

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

Isolated Wetland Restoration at the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

Venetian Waterway Park Eradication of Brazilian Peppers Project

Venice Area Beautification, Inc.

Feasibility Assessment for the Environmental Restoration of Selected “Old Mine Lands” in the Upper Peace River Watershed: Prioritization and Strategy

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center and Trust for Public Lands

Gulf Ridge Preserve Restoration Project

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2000

Frannie’s Preserve Invasive Exotic Removal Project

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Cedar Point Coastal Strand Creation

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Melaleuca Eradication and Habitat Restoration Project

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

Deer Prairie Slough Restoration Project

Sarasota County National Resources

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1999

Matlacha Pass Benthic Survey: Final Report

Center for Systematics and Taxonomy

Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network *

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

Peace/Myakka Water Quality Monitoring *

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Punta Gorda Waterfront Juvenile Fisheries Habitat

Charlotte Harbor Reef Association

A Freshwater Pond Boardwalk at Winkler Point

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

Pick Preserve Teaching Shelter and Nature Trail

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1998

Lake Marianna Water Quality Improvement Project: Final Report

Polk County

Tidal Caloosahatchee River Benthic Survey: Final Report

The Center for Systematics and Taxonomy

A Rapid Bioassessment Program for Estero Bay Tributaries: Final Report

Florida Gulf Coast University

Peace/Myakka Watershed Monitoring Program + : 1998 Final Report, 1999 Final Report, 2001 Final Report

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Three Lakes: Back to Nature

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

Edison Community College Oak Hammock Restoration

Florida Native Plant Society

Myakka River State Park Dry Prairie Restoration

Florida Park Service Myakka River State Park

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1997

Determining the Light Requirements of Seagrasses in Charlotte Harbor: Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory

Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network + 1997 Final Report, 1998 Final Report

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

Nutrient Loadings and Eutrophication in the Peace River Watershed

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Myakka River Exotic Removal

Florida Park Service/Myakka State Park

Punta Gorda Habitat Restoration and Nature Park

City of Punta Gorda

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1997

Determining the Light Requirements of Seagrasses in Charlotte Harbor: Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory

Charlotte Harbor, Florida’s second largest estuary, has lost approximately 29 percent of its seagrass coverage. As seagrasses are extremely important habitats for numerous species of recreational and commercially important finfish and shellfish, determining the basis for this loss is an important part of protecting and restoring Charlotte Harbor. This project determined how much light is necessary to support seagrasses, the role that algae growing on top of these seagrasses play (in terms of shading effect), and what variables contribute to the lack of water clarity in Charlotte Harbor. In other words, the project answered whether salinity, water temperature, and/or light attenuation are the major factors that limit seagrass growth. This information is used by the Water Management Districts in their Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) projects to better understand the relationships between land uses, water quality, and the abundance and health of fisheries habitats. For a period of one year, one station in Matlacha Pass, one station in San Carlos Bay and two stations in Pine Island Sound were visited monthly to measure water quality and light attenuation as well as to collect seagrass samples. Observed values of light attenuation were compared with modeled values, and the individual contributions of chlorophyll, color, and turbidity were calculated.

The project extended water quality characterization efforts to an area of Charlotte Harbor about which little is known. It defined critical environmental requirements for seagrasses identified an area where the most loss has occurred. Water quality was quantified as a function of color and chlorophyll so that the relative attenuation from freshwater and the indirect attenuation produced by nutrients supporting algal growth can be linked to seagrass light requirements.

The project has strong links to our freshwater inflow and nutrient loading goals as well in that light attenuation (and therefore depth and spatial extent of seagrass beds) is controlled by color and chlorophyll. The product of this project is a tool that can be applied to future water quality measurements in order to monitor changes in light climate as it may affect seagrasses.

Rainfall and flows during the project period were extraordinarily high with as much as 20 times the long-term averages. This resulted in decreases in salinity and water clarity measured at all stations. Therefore, the biotic changes observed during the project should be interpreted with consideration that the project year represented higher levels of attenuation following two years of comparatively better water quality. Annual averages of epiphytic attenuation ranged from 21 to 44 percent of additional reduction in PAR reaching the plant with monthly values ranging between 6 and 89 percent. Highest epiphytic attenuations were in late summer and fall.

The results showed that chlorophyll, water color, and turbidity accounted for 4, 66, and 31 percent of the loss of sunlight to seagrass beds, respectively. This study showed that color in Charlotte Harbor generally has the largest effect on how much sunlight can penetrate the water while chlorophyll’s effect becomes substantial only under phytoplankton bloom conditions. Interestingly, sites in lower Charlotte Harbor and around Pine Island were more influenced by turbidity than water color compared to the sites in upper Charlotte Harbor. This difference is most likely caused by the large amounts of tannin-colored freshwater received by the upper Harbor from the Peace and Myakka Rivers, as compared to the less colored water of the small creeks and canals that affect Pine Island Sound. These conclusions have important management implications for seagrasses in Charlotte Harbor estuaries. While it is still important to minimize human impacts that increase nutrients and turbidity in the water during years of heavy rain or near large rivers, seagrass health will be heavily influenced by freshwater color that limits sunlight to the submerged grasses.

This project was initiated in May 1997 and concluded in August 1999.

Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network: 1997 Final Report, 1998 Final Report

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

This project established a coordinated system of volunteer water quality monitoring groups for the aquatic preserves within the NEP study area. The volunteer monitoring network built on and coordinated with existing volunteer Programs in Lemon Bay and northern Charlotte Harbor. Sites added include Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, Cape Haze, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, and Estero Bay. Concerned, well-trained volunteers proved that they can collect high quality, credible data. And, because volunteers have easier access to remote sites, they are able to serve as the eyes and ears of scientists who are not able to witness the changes occurring in the estuary on a daily basis.

This is a cooperative, ongoing effort of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection South District Branch Laboratory and Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, the Southwest Florida Water Management District SWIM Program, and the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center. Edison Community College has also provided students as laboratory assistants.

Widely distributed regular water quality data has historically been difficult to collect on the large complex Charlotte Harbor estuarine system because of limited agency staff and funding support. The data were needed to assess current conditions and long-term trends in estuary health. This kind of assessment can be used to identify what type and where resource management activities can be implemented to maintain and restore the estuarine resources. The additional year of data will allow initial water quality trends to be analyzed.

The volunteer network was established in October 1996 and by the year 2000 had grown from 10 to 65 sampling sites in Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, Charlotte Harbor proper, Pine Island Sound, and Estero Bay. The volunteer network assesses present conditions and long-term changes in water quality throughout the NEP study area. In many instances, the data collected supplements existing professional monitoring Programs with more frequent site-specific information than agency and organizational resources allow.

The volunteer monitors received classroom and field training, sampling equipment, and a Field Procedures Manual. They attend regular Quality Assurance practice sessions to ensure good quality data. The 75 people who volunteered during 2000 took monthly samples of 14 key biological and chemical parameters and participate in biannual quality assurance training sessions. The parameters include weather and tide information, water depth, color, clarity and temperature information, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll, and coliform bacteria.

This project was funded two times by CHNEP. The project was initiated in October 1997 and concluded in July 1999. The project was continued in August 1999.

Nutrient Loadings and Eutrophication in the Peace River Watershed

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center developed and implemented an expanded water quality monitoring Program for the Peace River. This project was initiated because it has the potential to provide important information regarding a recurring problem with the Peace River, that of significant algal blooms. Parameters were monitored at 16 locations along the river in Polk, Hardee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties. Samples were collected for nitrate, nitrite, phosphorus, chlorophyll a, color, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and then analyzed by an approved laboratory. Additional parameters measured by the volunteers included color, iron, pH, hardness, phosphorus, turbidity, calcium, and alkalinity.

Given the relatively brief period during which the project was underway and the unusually high levels of rainfall and stormwater runoff that occurred throughout the study area during the El Nino-influenced winter of 1997-1998, an overly detailed analysis of the water quality data would be premature. Relative to median values observed in Florida streams, most of the Peace River stations exhibited elevated concentrations of total phosphorous, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, turbidity, total suspended solids, color and chlorophyll a during the September 1997 to September 1998 time period.

This project was initiated in July 1997 and concluded in September 1999.

Myakka River Exotic Removal

Florida Park Service/Myakka State Park

The Myakka Wild and Scenic River Program includes a plan to remove exotic plants. This project involved concerned citizens who did not want the watershed to become a monoculture of invasive plant species. The Myakka River State Park citizen support organization, the Friends of the Myakka River, Inc., provided volunteer labor to fight the exotic plant invasion along the Myakka River. The Friends organized four Myakka River Exotic Plant Removal Days, getting park volunteers, local residents, and adjacent landowners involved. With permission from private landowners, these volunteers combated exotics such as Brazilian pepper, Melaleuca, and Australian pine that had gained a stronghold along the Myakka River. Initially, four Exotic Removal Days were scheduled in the dry season when water levels are normally lower in the river, the air temperatures and biting insects are tolerable for outdoor work, and the target invasive exotic plants are actively growing, which facilitates herbicide uptake. However, the El Nino weather phenomena made the 1997-1998 dry season in Southwest Florida anything but dry, and the original dates were postponed for a substantial amount of time because of flooding. The work days were November 1, 1997, December 13, 1997, March 14, 1998, and April 11, 1998. After completion of the project, it was discovered that this Program inspired a few landowners along the Myakka River to take initiative and remove the exotic species from their land. The positive response was so great that additional Exotic Removal Days were planned for 1999.

This project was initiated in July 1997 and concluded in March 1999.

Punta Gorda Habitat Restoration and Nature Park

City of Punta Gorda

The City of Punta Gorda rehabilitated a 19-acre city-owned site from a highly disturbed parcel of undeveloped land in the center of a large residential community to an educational nature park. The site is an isolated historic wetland. The area had been significantly impacted by hydrologic changes altering inundation periods and vegetative growth and had significant invasion of Brazilian pepper, Melaleuca, and Australian pine. This project removed these species, restored the wetland, and developed recreational amenities. Recreating the historic tidal connection and hydrology between a series of red and black mangrove-lined mosquito ditches and a tidally influenced residential canal restored the wetland. Appropriate wetland vegetation, primarily the two species Spartina alterniflora and Spartina patens, were then planted. Recreational amenities include two 1,000-foot shell nature trails, a small fishing pier, a wooden observation platform at the restoration site, and two 1,000-square-foot paved parking/bicycle rack facilities on upland portions of the property. The site is located off U.S. 41 in Punta Gorda at Aqui Esta Drive and Bal Harbor Blvd. The park is open from dawn to dusk. There is no fee.

This project was initiated in April 1997 and concluded in August 1998.

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1998

Lake Marianna Water Quality Improvement Project: Final Report

Polk County

Lake Mariana, located within the headwaters of the Peace River in Polk County, is a moderately eutrophic (nutrient rich) lake. Residents have complained of poor water quality and occasional algal blooms in this lake. Lake Mariana water quality is important not only to its surrounding homeowners, but to people who use the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Lake Mariana water drains through a canal to the chain and also affects the chain’s water quality. Pursuing their water quality improvement Program, the Polk County Department of Natural Resources and Drainage Division developed this project to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the lake’s pollutant sources and loading estimates. In an effort to improve in-lake water quality, pollutant contributions were characterized and quantified from four major land uses in the lake’s watershed: residential, commercial, light industrial, and agriculture (nursery and citrus). Three pathways of pollution were investigated: pollutant loading from stormwater, groundwater, and atmospheric deposition. Historic water quality data have shown that concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and chlorophyll a have been increasing over the years. In addition, a decrease in submerged vegetation in the lake indicated deteriorating water quality. To assess pollution pathways, water quality samples were collected.

The presence of Enterococci is directly correlated to human intestinal bacteria and viruses and may indicate pollution from septic tanks. The majority of residents rely upon private septic tank treatment systems to treat wastewater since there is limited availability of central sewers in the area surrounding the lake. These septic systems may be a large contributor to the lake’s pollution, as many were installed years ago in ways that would not be allowed under today’s standards. Shallow groundwater was tested for nutrients, solids, metals, conductivity, and bacteria. A bulk atmospheric deposition station estimated the loading of total nutrients and metals from rainfall. Analyses of the stormwater, groundwater, and rainfall samples were conducted at the Polk County Water Resources Laboratory under U.S. EPA approved quality assurance project plan (QAPP).

Stormwater runoff was collected at the two major outfalls and analyzed for nutrients and compared to background data. Ground water was also collected and analyzed from several shallow wells that are located in each of the land use and drainage basins that flow into the lake. Sampling was also conducted to identify any temporal differences. The results will direct our efforts toward management solutions to address the pollution problem(s).

Central Florida had received below normal rainfall in the 16 consecutive months of the study and this may have negatively affected the results. The raw data was based on abnormally low seasonal rainfall, but loadings were projected and interpolated for the “typical” annual rainfall for the watershed. The surficial groundwater samples were only collected for a few months during which groundwater recharge was sufficient for purging and sampling the wells. Data may therefore be inconclusive and any interpretations should be viewed with caution. Parameters measured include total Kjeldahl, nitrogen, NOx, total phosphorus, ortho-phosphorus, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, zinc, total suspended solids, conductivity, and Enterococci bacteria.

This project was initiated in June 1998 and concluded in June 2000.

Tidal Caloosahatchee River Benthic Survey: Final Report

The Center for Systematics and Taxonomy

The Caloosahatchee River accounts for approximately 70 percent of the total inflow into the Charlotte Harbor system. The discharge originates from Lake Okeechobee and is controlled by a series of locks regulating the amount of freshwater introduced into the system. The upstream portion of the river has been channelized. The tidal portion of the Caloosahatchee River acts as a unique habitat for many commercially important species of marine organisms and is very susceptible to any alterations in the flow and in the water quality of the upstream region.

Benthic macroinvertebrates are excellent indicators in determining alterations of water quality. Analysis of naturally occurring seasonal changes in the benthic community structure provided baseline data, which allowed researchers to assess the impacts of upstream changes of water quality. Determination of the upstream ranges of estuarine fauna allowed for a determination of the salinity regime of the river. This in turn will enable managers to regulate freshwater discharges without adversely impacting the estuarine fauna. Benthic invertebrates can be used as a barometer to determine long-term changes in water quality. Whereas chemical samples measuring water quality provide only a snapshot of current conditions, a benthic inventory establishes changes of populations within the community structure and can detect subtle perturbations in the watershed.

Based on this study, the salinity influence on the benthic fauna extended upstream to at least Beautiful Island immediately west of the I-75 bridge where the fauna was still considered to be oligohaline. Immediately east of the I-75 bridge, the fauna was considered to be freshwater with a rare occurrence of an oligohaline organism. This project produced a comprehensive inventory of the benthic fauna of the tidal Caloosahatchee River and established the upstream ranges of the estuarine fauna.

This project was initiated in June 1998 and concluded in June 2000.

A Rapid Bioassessment Program for Estero Bay Tributaries: Final Report

Florida Gulf Coast University

Estero Bay, located just south of Fort Myers, is a major resource area within the Charlotte Harbor Estuary system. This relatively pristine ecosystem is under increasing pressure as a consequence of unprecedented population growth and attendant development within its watershed. Habitat alteration and both point and non-point sources of pollution threaten the environmental integrity of Estero Bay and its tributaries.

This project developed a rapid bioassessment protocol as a potential management tool specifically designed for use in Estero Bay, but is also broadly applicable to the evaluation of the relative health of other estuaries in South Florida, including the tidal portions of their associated tributaries. This protocol provides resource managers with increased resolution of the cumulative impacts of upstream disturbance and environmental stress on estuarine ecosystems. The project also included an initial data collection effort intended to provide an ecological snapshot of the upstream portion of Estero Bay. By involving college students and citizen volunteers as data collectors, the approach taken was cost effective and promoted public awareness, education, and community participation with regard to aquatic ecosystem management. Results indicated that fish seining holds the most promise for a technique that gives consistent results over time. However, future projects may continue to test the use of fish traps in place for longer periods. It is easy to train students to use fish traps effectively and a single volunteer can place the traps, rather than the team required for seining. The experiences managers gained from the project illuminated a need for reference materials when training students to identify local fish species. FGCU plans to expand the project to include the development of a photographic field identification booklet that can be utilized by volunteer monitors.

This project was initiated in December 1998 and concluded in June 2000.

Peace/Myakka Watershed Monitoring Program: 1998 Final Report, 1999 Final Report, 2001 Final Report

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center partnered with the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority and the Southwest Florida Water Management District to implement a watershed-wide monitoring Program to collect, analyze, and disseminate water quality information. Water quality monitoring was performed monthly at 16 U.S. Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) stream gauging stations, 10 located in the Peace River and 6 located in the Myakka River watershed. (Another site on the Peace River was added in the second year.) All sample collection and analysis tasks were performed in accordance with an EPA-approved quality assurance plan, and the resulting water quality data was uploaded in the U.S. EPA’s STORET database to ensure widespread availability. The data is also being used, in conjunction with streamflow measurements provided by an existing U.S.G.S. Program, to estimate monthly pollutant loading at the gauge sites. Technical reports characterizing the estimated pollutant loadings and existing water quality conditions at the sites have been prepared and provided to interested agencies and individuals. For sites at which adequate long-term data exist, water quality trends were assessed and summarized in the technical reports. Project results, in less technical formats, have been made available to the public through educational events, lectures, and field trips to the monitoring sites. An important benefit of the project has been a substantial increase in the frequency of collections (from quarterly to monthly at most sites) of water quality data at existing stream gauging stations within the two basins.

The project sought to encourage greater interagency coordination in the design and implementation of environmental monitoring Programs in the Charlotte Harbor watershed. Working in conjunction with the CHNEP, project participants organized a series of workshops for agency staffs and other interested parties to identify areas in which the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of future monitoring efforts might be improved through increased interagency coordination. Monthly water quality samples were taken in the Peace River basin from October 1997 through September 1999 (1997-1998 data was collected in an earlier project) and the Myakka River basin from October 1998 through September 1999. Project participants analyzed the water quality data and stream flow from these years in the context of existing U.S.G.S. data from 1970 through 1998. They found that stream flow is decreasing in parts of the Peace River basin whereas water quality parameters show long-term changes that vary depending on location and parameter. There is a dearth of information regarding Myakka River streamflow and water quality parameters except for one U.S.G.S. monitoring site. See report for more information.

This project was funded two times by CHNEP. The project was initiated in August 1998 and concluded in January 2000. The project was continued in September 1999 and concluded in 2001.

Three Lakes: Back to Nature

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

This project restored habitat and provided public access and environmental education opportunities for residents and visitors to the region. The removal of invasive, exotic plants from 50 acres in the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve and the adjacent state Aquatic Preserves of former pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, freshwater marshes, and ponds reclaimed vital habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife and restored natural flow ways to this system of low elevation basins. This project complemented other restoration, monitoring, and education efforts throughout the CHNEP area. Resource-compatible public access and education were enhanced with a low impact trail and boardwalk system that traverses the restoration area and seasonally wet marshes to more remote portions of the Preserve. Interpretive displays were developed to advocate wise resource use, habitat preservation, and natural areas restoration while informing the visitor about the threat that “biological pollution” poses to native plants and animals and their habitats. Volunteer participation in this and other resource management and interpretive activities is being encouraged through ongoing recruitment and training efforts.

While there were delays and complications in completing this project, the comments received from people using the trail have been very positive and indicated the lack of and need for this type of trail in Charlotte County. Many have said that it is the nicest trail in the area.

This project was initiated in November 1998 and concluded in June 2000.

Edison Community College Oak Hammock Restoration

Florida Native Plant Society

When the Charlotte County campus of Edison Community College was constructed in 1996, a remnant oak hammock was preserved but its understory was removed and invasive exotic plants began to take over. For three years, the Charlotte Harbor chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society removed invasive exotic vegetation, mulched beds, and restored the understory of the ECC Oak Hammock. More than 25 species of native plants were added, including dahoon holly, Walter’s viburnum, sabal palm, American beautyberry, crinum lily, slash pine, Florida privit, coral bean, coontie, firebush, myrsine, rusty lyonia, green lyonia, wild coffee, Boston fern, swamp fern, saw palmetto, golden dewdrop, sweet bay and swamp bay. This project had numerous educational and habitat benefits. ECC’s faculty now uses the system in course curricula and citizens touring ECC learn landscaping techniques for their private homes. Interpretive signs have been placed to aid visitors. The restoration of this site is highly visible has had a positive impact on the community and has led to a more biologically functional and attractive oak hammock with increased wildlife activity.

This project was initiated in August 1998 and concluded in June 2000.

Myakka River State Park Dry Prairie Restoration

Florida Parks Service Myakka River State Park

Historic land uses and unwitting former management practices have severely impinged upon dry prairie and wetlands ecosystems within Myakka River State Park and the adjacent Myakka Prairie tract owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Nearly 40 years of fire exclusion, ditching to expedite wetlands drainage to improve cattle grazing and the construction of an elevated railroad grade perpendicular to the course of water sheetflow have all combined to diminish habitat of listed (endangered and threatened) species to reduce wetlands storage capacity and skew water sheetflow and water retention (hydroperiods).

This project mitigated water sheetflow impacts by lowering three miles of old railroad grade, restored wetlands retention by removal of interconnecting ditches and restored 800 acres of dry prairie paralleling Deer Prairie Slough, a major slough system that empties into the Myakka River. Roller choppers were used in the prairie to attain the low aspect required by once common listed species such as Crested Caracara and burrowing owls. The establishment of dominant herbaceous vegetation will favor these species and to create suitable habitat for Florida Grasshopper Sparrows. A return to herbaceous dominance will also reduce evapotransporation rates and therefore enhance surficial aquifer and wetlands water retention.

This project was undertaken in part to demonstrate that large-scale restoration projects can be initiated with minimal funding. However, contracted prices deviated from the original budgeted amounts because of unforeseen circumstances. In order to offset these deviations, FDEP employees completed more work than initially expected utilizing FDEP equipment, which in turn raised the project price to FDEP. Results of the project demonstrate that lowering the railroad grade via use of heavy equipment has facilitated sheetflow and hydroperiod restoration. In addition, by removing the ditch and overgrown vegetation, access to the burn areas should be easier and safer for future prescribed burns. Aesthetics have also been improved immeasurably. These types of projects should be repeated, when appropriate, to permit safer, better management.

A rigorous vegetation-monitoring Program has been established to assess the success or failure of the project’s management objectives. Specifically, vegetation transects were monitored to analyze, compare, and contrast the composition and abundance of herbaceous and woody species in the prairie, both before and after the regrading of the railroad bed. Myakka River State Park’s resource management Program has become a model for many land managers throughout the state watching its progress. As funding and resources allow, the remaining railroad bed in the park will be regraded and restored. Prescribed burning and roller chopping will continue to be used throughout the park to return the park to a dry prairie dominated system. Overall, this project demonstrates that cost effective restoration techniques do exist and that appropriate management is critical to truly protecting and preserving habitat and wildlife.

This project was initiated in November 1998 and concluded in May 1999.

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 1999

Matlacha Pass Benthic Survey: Final Report

Center for Systematics and Taxonomy

Matlacha Pass provides a vital link connecting the waters of Charlotte Harbor and San Carlos Bay. This region serves as a mixing zone for the Myakka and Peace Rivers entering Charlotte Harbor from the north, from the Cape Coral watershed on the east, from Pine Island watershed and Gulf of Mexico from the west, and from the Caloosahatchee River to the south. The Pass functions as a unique habitat for many commercially important species and is faced with increasing environmental problems because of human development and associated water quality pollution. Designated a National Wildlife Refuge and state Aquatic Preserve, maintaining the integrity of this estuarine habitat is paramount in establishing a baseline for comparison to adjacent estuarine waters. As southwest Florida continues to develop, an inventory of species currently inhabiting our estuaries will provide resource managers with valuable information. In this survey, the Center for Systematics and Taxonomy produced a comprehensive identification manual to the common benthic macroinvertebrate taxa. This manual is applicable for both environmental specialists and laymen involved in ecological assessments of the Charlotte Harbor System.

This project was initiated in March 1999.

Punta Gorda Waterfront Juvenile Fisheries Habitat

Charlotte Harbor Reef Association

The Charlotte Harbor Reef Association and its cadre of volunteers creatively formed habitat for juvenile fish. The Association is building “reef balls,” igloo-shaped concrete structures, and placing them under fishing piers, fishing docks, and private docks in Charlotte Harbor. The artificial habitat is constructed from super-strong concrete perforated with holes placed to allow juvenile fish to move throughout. The artificial habitat provides juvenile fish a safe shelter from larger predatory fish and allows other estuarine life to attach and serve as food for a host of estuarine organisms. Mangroves perform this critical function, but they are too often removed or degraded in the wake of development.

Although not ideal, reef balls help reclaim this lost habitat.Through this project, members of the Association have placed 72 reef balls near Laishley, Gilchrist and Nature Parks and public fishing piers in Punta Gorda, 180 under private docks at Punta Gorda Isles, and 210 off Alligator Creek in Charlotte Harbor reef. They have also placed 250 offshore in Lee County in the deep waters off Cape Haze.

This project was initiated in February 1999 and concluded in April 2000.

A Freshwater Pond Boardwalk at Winkler Point

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

The Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve is a 6,346-acre tract of flatwoods, salterns, marshes, and mangroves that surrounds the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve in coastal Lee County. The Bureau of Coastal & Aquatic Managed Areas of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) actively manages these lands. The Buffer’s purpose is to protect Estero Bay’s water quality, its native plants and animals, its archeological sites, and to provide appropriate recreational opportunities to the people of the rapidly growing Fort Myers area. Along with an active Melaleuca control project, the DEP is developing a public foot trail through the area for hiking and observation of the estuarine habitats. The construction of a managed foot trail is a practical and appropriate way for DEP to initiate a recreational commitment to the public. The addition of a foot trail boardwalk around the wetland rim of a pond is also a practical and economical way to protect sensitive wetland resources while enhancing the trail hiker’s wildlife viewing opportunities.

This project was initiated in May 1999 and was completed in 2001.

Pick Preserve Teaching Shelter and Nature Trail

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

The Pick Preserve on Sanibel Island consists of approximately 22 acres of recently restored native habitat within a 400-acre conservation corridor jointly owned and managed by J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the City of Sanibel, and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. In 1999, with CHNEP support, SCCF was able to develop Pick Preserve as a place for learning. Project participants developed an educational trail, constructed a gazebo teaching shelter, placed bird nest boxes, planted native trees and shrubs, and created and placed trail signs.

These improvements expose children and adults to the rare and unique freshwater wetlands and hardwood hammocks on the interior of Sanibel and provide a location to educate visitors on conservation, restoration, and land management issues, including the special partnerships formed.

The project was initiated in May 1999 and concluded in May 2000.

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2000

Frannie’s Preserve Invasive Exotic Removal Project

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

In May of 1999, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) purchased the 167-acre Frannie’s Preserve. The land is located in the middle of four existing preserves and borders the Sanibel River. The property contains the largest intact coastal strand habitat on the island as well as a variety of upland and wetland habitats, including rare coastal scrub and Spartina-dominated savannah marsh. It is considered to be the “keystone” property of the Sanibel River Corridor Restoration Project. In this project SCCF removed Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and Australian pine (Casuarina sp.) trees. Removal of these invasive exotic species greatly improves the quality of rare upland habitats and increases the productivity of critical wetlands.

This project was initiated in April 2000 and completed in 2001.

Cedar Point Coastal Strand Creation

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Cedar Point Park is located near the community of Englewood in western Charlotte County on the shore of Lemon Bay. This park is flanked on the west by Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve, on the south by Oyster Creek, and on the north by Ainger Creek. Both creeks are important tributaries to the bay. The park is the site of many environmental education programs and 4.06 acres of invasive, exotic vegetation, mainly Brazilian peppers. This project will remove the nonnative plants and restore the area as a coastal strand ecosystem. This project has been modified from what was proposed. The area of restoration was reduced from 6.15 acres and the funds have been reduced.

This project was initiated in August 2000.

Melaleuca Eradication and Habitat Restoration Project

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Estero Bay Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

The Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve, located in southwestern Lee County, includes 6,736 acres of diverse habitat communities, including wet flatwoods and tidal marsh communities. Nearly 15 percent of the preserve is invaded by Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and other aggressive exotic plants. This pilot project targets approximately 375 acres of dense, monoculture Melaleuca forests. With the invasive exotic trees removed, this project began providing critical follow-up treatments to prevent regrowth of Melaleuca.

This project was initiated in May 2000.

Deer Prairie Slough Restoration Project

Sarasota County National Resources

This project will restore 6.7 miles of channelized Deer Prairie Slough, which will directly restore a natural wetland hydrology to approximately 600 acres of herbaceous marsh and 100 acres of hydric hammock in the T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve in Sarasota County. This project will demonstrate ditch backfilling as a cost-effective restoration strategy for natural wetlands.

This project was initiated in 2000.

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2001

Effects of Heavy Metals and Pesticides on Health and Physiology of Oysters in the Caloosahatchee Estuary: Final Report

Florida Gulf Coast University

This project will evaluate areas within the Caloosahatchee estuary that are expected to have water quality concerns to verify whether these water segments currently meet their designated use and assess the potential for large scale restoration of oyster habitat. The American oyster will be used to assess the effects of contaminants and water quality on the ecological health of the Caloosahatchee estuary. Partners in the project include Department of Environmental Protection and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. The data collected from this project will compliment projects in which FGCU, South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve are collaborating.

This project was initiated in 2001.

High Marsh Restoration at Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve: Final Report

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

The Aquatic and State Buffer Preserve Office will remove Brazilian peppers and restore the ecological function of 16.4 acres of high marsh habitat within the Alligator Creek site. This project is part of an ongoing effort at the preserve to control and eradicate exotic plants from communities in the area and enhances the hydrologic restoration projects of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) for Alligator Creek.

This project was initiated in 2001.

Isolated Wetland Restoration at the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Charlotte Harbor Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves

The Aquatic and State Buffer Preserves Office is restoring the hydrologic function of a 10-acre isolated wetland through the backfilling of existing drainage ditches and the removal of Brazilian pepper trees. An interpretative nature panel that illustrates the value of isolated wetlands will be installed nearby. This project, like the High Marsh Restoration project above, is also part of the larger restoration project for Alligator Creek.

This project was initiated in 2001.

Venetian Waterway Park Eradication of Brazilian Peppers Project

Venice Area Beautification, Inc.

This project will eradicate existing Brazilian pepper trees on approximately 4,500 linear feet of the Venetian Waterway Park. The park is a 9.2-mile bicycle/pedestrian trail that straddles the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice. The trail is currently under construction and will include educational kiosks to allow visitors to explore and learn about water quality and ecological integrity issues of the Charlotte Harbor watershed. Native vegetation will be restored. The many partners in this project include the Venice Foundation, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, and the Department of Transportation.

This project was initiated in 2001.

Feasibility Assessment for the Environmental Restoration of Selected “Old Mine Lands” in the Upper Peace River Watershed: Prioritization and Strategy

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center and Trust for Public Lands

Although the State provides a potential funding source for the environmental restoration of nonmandatory reclamation lands, various legal, financial and other hurdles must first be overcome to restore such parcels. These problems have inhibited the development of a sustained, long-term restoration program in previous years. The contractors will attempt to develop a workable strategy for the environmental restoration of lands mined before 1975 in the upper Peace River watershed and establish a working group of stakeholders who will implement the agreed-upon strategy. Supporting partners in the project will include the Polk County Division of Natural Resources and the Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation Commission.

This project was initiated in 2001.

Gulf Ridge Preserve Restoration Project

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

This project will remove the invasive exotic Brazilian pepper trees from the SCCF Gulf Ridge Preserve. The preserve is a 24-acre parcel of mostly maritime tropical hammock and wetland. The parcel is a highly influential component of the Sanibel River ecosystem. The presence of the Brazilian peppers has altered the hydrologic regime of the ecosystem, degraded the habitat for gopher tortoises and migratory songbirds and decreased the food base for wading birds and other organisms that would normally use the area. The City of Sanibel and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge are cooperators in the project.

This project was initiated in 2001.

Research, Monitoring and Restoration Projects Initiated in 2002

Benthic Invertebrate Fauna Calibration of the Estero Bay Watershed Assessment: Final Report

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida and CHNEP

Benthic invertebrates, the bottom-dwelling spineless creatures such as snails, shrimp and worms, can provide valuable information on the health of an estuary and its watershed. This project will survey nine subbasins in Estero Bay to determine species abundance and diversity. Survey results will then be compared to water quality conditions in each of the subbasin to provide a clearer picture of the health of the watershed, including the structure, diversity and biotic integrity. The project will provide valuable information on resource management issues.

Assessing the Densities and Potential Water Quality Impacts of Septic Tank Systems in the Peace and Myakka River Basins: Final Report

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, James R.E. Smith and CHNEP

The project will attempt to estimate the densities of septic tanks and other on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems in the Peace and Myakka River watersheds. The resulting information will be used to estimate annual hydrologic discharges and loadings of nitrogen and phosphorous to the rivers and upper harbor, to identify potential “hot spots” of Onsite Sewage Treatment Disposal Systems (OSTDS) impacts to surface waters, and to design a cost-effective monitoring program to quantify and track water quality impacts of nutrient and pathogen loadings from OSTDS.

Dynamics of Tree Mortality and Mangrove Recruitment within Black Mangrove Die-offs in Southwest Florida: Final Report

University of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection and the CHNEP

Little is known about black mangrove die-offs and the possible recovery process that follows this occurrence. A large black mangrove die-off, approximately 1 km (0.62 mile) in diameter, located on the eastern wall of Cape Haze peninsula, will be researched. The project will attempt to determine the environmental factors associated with black mangrove mortality at this site and attempt to predict the possible die-off risks of black mangrove forests that appear to be healthy.

A Survey of the Effects of Invasive Exotic Vegetation on Wetland Functions: Aquatic Fauna, Wildlife and Native Plant Community Structures: Final Report

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Lee County 2020 Conservation Program and CHNEP

It is routinely argued that the presence of invasive exotic species in wetlands severely reduces their ability to function but there is relatively little scientific evidence to support this argument. This project will attempt to quantitatively evaluate the effects of Brazilian pepper and melaleuca on wetland faunal groups, plant community structure and wildlife use. Specifically, the study will compare macro invertebrate, fish, amphibian and native plant communities as well as wildlife use between wetlands that are free of exotic plants, adjacent areas that are moderately infested and areas completely dominated by invasive exotic plants.

Community-Based Restoration of Oyster Reefs and Enhancement of Essential Fish Habitat in Charlotte Harbor Watershed: Final Report

Florida Gulf Coast University, Lee County School District, Florida Sea Grant Extension Program and CHNEP

This project will educate and involve the general public and students in a community-based project to restore oyster reefs in the lower Charlotte Harbor estuary. The project will use community volunteers to create, maintain, restore and enhance oyster-shell reefs in order to establish healthy living-oyster reefs. The project will also assess the suitability of other locations within the lower Charlotte Harbor estuary for the enhancement of existing oyster bars or for the restoration of historic bars.

Research, Monitoring and Restoration Projects Initiated in 2003

Control of Invasive Grasses in the Myakka River Watershed by Park Volunteers: Final Report

Friends of the Myakka River, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Myakka River State Park and CHNEP

The rare Florida dry prairie covers approximately 23,320 acres of the 211,000 acres of native land in the Myakka watershed. The survival of the unique plants and animals that occur in this habitat are threatened by the invasion of exotic species such as cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) and West Indian marsh grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis). The Myakka River State Park will purchase two 4x4 ATVs for use by park volunteers to detect, monitor and treat areas of invasive plants within the Myakka River State Park and Myakka Prairie, totaling 37,000 acres. Park personnel will use the results to produce a manual on the appropriate methods of eradicating invasive grasses that will be distributed to other resource managers.

Tippecanoe East Exotic Species Project

Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve, Americorps National Civilian Community Corps and CHNEP

Invasive exotic species out-compete native plants, reduce and eliminate native wildlife and disrupt the ecological function of infected habitats. Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) are two of the most serious threats to the ecological integrity of native habitats in the Charlotte Harbor region. FDEP will eradicate Brazilian pepper and Melaleuca from more than 70 acres of pine flatwoods, freshwater and high marshes within the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve.

Evaluating the Effects of Restoration of Subtropical Oligohaline Marshes Abundance and Habitat Use by Juvenile Snook and Associated Fish Communities: Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve and CHNEP

Historically, during the rainy season the upland saltwater ponds and small creeks connected to the estuary that served as essential habitats for many young marine and estuarine species would be inundated. However, significant areas of the Charlotte Harbor coastline have been altered for development, water management or mosquito control, causing substantial fish habitat loss. The Southwest Florida Water Management District SWIM Program and the FDEP Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve are currently restoring many of the ditches within the Charlotte Harbor Buffer Preserve. Researchers at Mote Marine Laboratory will monitor the change in fish community structure and abundance of target fish species prior to and after the restoration of several mosquito ditches on the Preserve. Researchers hope to quantify the benefits of this type of habitat and hydrologic restoration and contribute to the creation of management strategies for restoration and development projects in the future.

Restoration of Bay Scallop Populations in Pine Island Sound: Competent Larval Release Strategy: Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory, Bay Shellfish Company and CHNEP

A recreational bay scallop fishery existed throughout the San Carlos Bay-Pine Island Sound area until the late 1980s when populations dwindled. This project hopes to replenish bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) in Pine Island Sound by an innovative stock enhancement strategy. Researchers at Mote will collect adult scallops from Pine Island Sound and transfer them to shellfish aquaculture facility. There the scallops will be conditioned and induced to spawn. The resulting larvae will be reared and then released into several protected enclosures within select seagrass beds of Pine Island Sound.

Biological Effects of Suspended Sediments on Shellfish in the Charlotte Harbor Watershed: Implications for Water Releases and Dredging Activities: : Final Report

Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and CHNEP

Oysters and other bivalves are critical components of estuaries due to their filtration ability and role in providing habitat. This project will examine the impact of sedimentation on oysters and clams within the Caloosahatchee estuary. Researchers at FGCU will determine threshold levels of oysters and clams for clean and contaminated (by heavy metals, pesticides and PCBs) sediments as well as duration of exposure to such sediments through a series of laboratory and field experiments. The results will provide baseline data for the determination of water quality conditions that impair organismal function as well as information pertaining to land use management that may lead to the improvement of ecosystem conditions. The results can be utilized in a "Habitat Suitability Index" model that will help predict responses due to environmental disturbances such as dredging activities.

Spotted Seatrout Growth as a Bioindicator of the Priority Environmental Stressors in the Charlotte Harbor Estuarine Ecosystem: Final Report

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve and CHNEP

SCCF researchers will establish the growth history among spotted seatrout collected from a subbasin in Charlotte Harbor. The growth history will then be compared with known growth patterns in other estuaries, and SCCF investigators will examine potential relationships with annual differences in priority environmental stressors (flow, salinity, water quality parameters and seagrass condition). The results of the project should determine the efficacy of using spotted seatrout biology as a way of monitoring long-term conditions of estuarine health in the Charlotte Harbor system.

Eradication of Introduced Carnivorous Lizards from the Cape Coral Area: Final Report

University of Tampa, City of Cape Coral, University of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and CHNEP

Recently a large African lizard, the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) was established in Cape Coral of Lee County. These intelligent lizards, which can be more than 2 meters long, are carnivorous and able to consume relatively large prey. This introduced species has the potential to devastate native amphibians, reptiles, wading birds, mammals and others within southwest Florida. This project will attempt to eradicate the Nile monitor lizard from the City of Cape Coral before the species spreads. If it is not feasible to eradicate the species from the area, researchers will at a minimum develop a management plan to maintain the species at controllable levels.

"Spotted seatrout is one of the few estuarine fish species that spends its entire life within a single estuary. Its growth rate reflects the conditions of the estuary in which it is caught. Consequently, we can attribute changes in its growth patterns with changes in estuarine conditions, thus making it an ideal biological monitor of our local waters."

- Steve Bortone, Marine Laboratory, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Research, Monitoring and Restoration Projects Initiated in 2004

Lemon Bay Preserve Ecosystem Restoration Project: Final Report

Sarasota County, Southwest Florida Water Management District, FishAmerica Foundation, Inc. and CHNEP

Lemon Bay, an Outstanding Florida Waterway, is increasingly threatened by urban runoff. This project will restore and enhance 50 acres of mangrove, freshwater and estuarine ecosystems on the Lemon Bay Preserve, which shares 4,480 feet of waterfront property with Lemon Bay. The project will install a pretreatment settling pond, re-establish surface water flows altered since the 1940s, remove spoil berms and regrade mosquito ditches made as early as the 1920s as well as control invasive exotic vegetation control and install native plants.

Community Level Impact of West Indian Marsh Grass on the Myakka River Watershed and Evaluation of a Potential Management Strategy: Final Report

University of Florida, Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Myakka River State Park and CHNEP

The South American grass, Hyamenachne amplexicaulis, is invading wetlands of the Charlotte Harbor watershed leading to reduced biodiversity and altered hydrology. The marsh grass invades areas that seasonally flood and grows from stolons (runners) that fragment by flowing water and transport great distances. Researchers will quantify the impact of Hymenachne on plant and arthropod (insects, spiders, crustaceans, etc.) communities, assess the invasiveness of Hymenachne in different seasons and determine the effectiveness of herbicides and burning.

Measuring Septic System Impacts to Receiving Waters using Optical Brighteners in Charlotte County, Florida: Final Report

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP

In an earlier project CHEC estimated that between 25,000 to 50,000 septic systems are located in Charlotte County, mostly in the Port Charlotte area. Annual loadings of total nitrogen (TN) from Charlotte County septic systems (75,534 to 151,262 pounds) and total phosphorus (6,192 to 12,398 pounds) reflect this high number of septic systems. This project will assess the efficacy of the monitoring program designed in 2002. Researchers will identify canal areas where failing septic systems are evident and regions within the county that would most benefit from sewer expansion by detecting optical brighteners in the water column, a cost effective screening tool successfully employed for tracing human sewage in other areas.

In a project funded by CHNEP in 2002, CHEC identified the density of on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), known as septic systems, in the Peace and Myakka watersheds, estimated loadings of selected nutrients from existing septic tanks, identified hot spots and designed a cost-effective monitoring program that could be used to quantify and track water quality impacts of nutrient and pathogen loadings from septic tanks.

Myakka River State Park Hydrologic Restoration: Final Report

Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Myakka River State Park and CHNEP

The Myakka River State Park currently manages more than 27,000 acres of upland habitat, including globally imperiled Florida dry prairie, and nearly 10,000 acres of wetland/submerged habitat. Through this project, Park staff will restore approximately six miles of hydrologic alterations in the northeast section of the Park caused by historic fire plow-lines and ditching of wetlands and sloughs. These alterations have had adverse effect on the volume, locations, duration and timing of freshwater flows impacting landscape structure, plant community compositions and wildlife habitat.

In 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began constructing eight parks in Florida, including the Myakka River State Park.

Quantitative Assessment of Estrogenic Activity in the Charlotte Harbor Estuary: Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory, National Science Foundation and CHNEP

Environmental pollutants that mimic the female sex hormone estrogen pose significant health risks to both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Building upon research that has demonstrated accumulation of estrogenic pesticides in sharks found in Charlotte Harbor, this project will examine xenoestrogen contamination in the estuary by measuring water samples collected from sites throughout Charlotte Harbor and its three major tributaries. Xenoestrogenic activity in water extracts will be quantitatively assessed using the E-SCREEN bioassay, an inexpensive procedure that detects the presence of estrogenic compounds by their ability to stimulate proliferation of estrogen-dependent cancer cells. Results of this study will provide a map of the distribution and concentrations of xenoestrogens in the estuary and provide information on the location of probable sources.

Research, Monitoring and Restoration Projects Initiated in 2005

Expanding Bay Scallop Restoration in Pine Island Sound Using Competent Larvae: Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP

This project will expand efforts to reestablish bay scallop (Argopecten irradains) populations in the Pine Island Sound area through the use of an innovative stock enhancement strategy that proved successful in a project conducted in 2003. Adult bay scallops will be transported from the study area to Bay Shellfish Company, a commercial shellfish aquaculture facility, where they will be conditioned and induced to spawn. Once they have initiated the process of metamorphosis, they will be transported to SCCF Marine Laboratory where they will be acclimated for release to three strategic locations in the Pine Island Sound area. They will immediately be assessed for larval settlement and recruitment. Juvenile abundance will then be evaluated during the winter, and adult abundance will be assessed the summer of 2006. Lastly, the densities of scallops at each site will be compared to the densities recorded before the restoration effort.

Does Nitrogen from Sludge Farm Runoff Persist in the Charlotte Harbor Study Area? Final Report

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center and CHNEP

Two-thirds of the residual sludge produced by domestic waste water treatment plants in Florida is disposed of by land application. When properly treated, residuals may be used as fertilizer. However, degrees of sewage sludge treatment are different from plant to plant, and variable composition of the residuals and effluent leads to disposal challenges. Occasionally, sludge may be spread on land where its nutrients are not assimilated before reaching rivers, lakes and streams. As with all land management activities, the effects of land application of this nutrient-rich material on watershed and estuarine ecology should be monitored for contributions to eutrophication. This project includes seasonal sampling of stable nitrogen isotope ratios in filtered water, phytoplankton and macrophytes from stations along the Peace River, Horse Creek and selected tributaries which may be impacted by sludge spreading. Ratios will be measured because differences between the isotope signatures of inorganic fertilizers and sewage sludge may be great enough to describe the contribution each nutrient source makes to the environment.

Burrowing Owl Survival and Dispersal Study: : Final Report

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife and CHNEP

Burrowing owls in Cape Coral are being studied by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists as part of a five-year telemetry project. In the spring of 2004 Fish and Wildlife personnel placed 56 radio transmitters on young owls in Cape Coral. These owls are monitored weekly through the nesting and dispersal periods, and will continue to be monitored into late winter. Radio tracking data are being collected on juvenile owl survival, dispersal and their ability to adapt to rapidly changing habitat conditions due to development. These data will hopefully provide information to assist biologists and city planners to better manage burrowing owl populations. This project will help purchase 50 additional radio transmitters to be placed on young owls in the spring of 2005, allowing sufficient sampling to provide for sound statistical analyses. The results of the study will provide much needed information about owl survival and dispersal during and following the nesting season, and into the winter months.

Vallisneria americana Restoration within the Caloosahatchee River: Report Report

Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP

The drought of 2000 severely reduced the extent of the submerged aquatic vegetation known as tape grass or wild celery (Vallisneria americana) in the tidal Caloosahatchee River. Although Vallisneria has since returned to the river, its biomass is greatly reduced. This study seeks to assess the efficacy of restoring the once dominant species using captive-raised plants. Specifically, the strategy will use mature rosettes, immature rosettes, seedlings and seeds to establish a viable population of Vallisneria to ultimately enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

Do Altered Coastal Habitats Promote Non-Native Fish Invasions? Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP

This project seeks to determine the extent that altered habitats support populations of nonnative fishes that then act as sources for invasions into estuarine habitats. The findings will help formulate strategies for controlling the spread of these species. To analyze this relationship subdermal PIT tags will be placed in Mayan cyclid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus) residing in the study creeks and altered upland habitats adjacent to the study creeks. A constant-reading antenna system will be placed between altered and estuarine habitats to monitor passage of tagged individuals. Routine sampling with seines will also be conducted in each study creek. Together, the antenna and seine capture data will allow the determination of the extent to which C. urophthalmus favor creeks associated with altered habitat as opposed to those associated with unaltered habitat.

Research, Monitoring and Restoration Projects Initiated in 2006

Melaleuca Removal from Pop Ash Creek Preserve: Final Report

Lee County Parks & Recreation and CHNEP

Pop Ash Creek is a 307-acre environmental preserve purchased in 2003 that is dominated by wet and mesic flatwoods. The project will remove approximately 63.5 acres of Melaleuca from the northern potion of the preserve by mechanical, prescribed fire, hand removal and herbicidal methods.

Identities and Ecological Effects of Ecoestrogens Present in the Tidal Caloosahatchee River: Final Report

Mote Marine Lab and CHNEP

Due to their ability to impair hormone-regulated processes such as development, reproduction and immune function, environmental pollutants that mimic the female sex hormone estrogen (i.e. "ecoestrogens") pose significant health risks to terrestrial and aquatic organisms. In a previous study, the researcher determined the presence of elevated concentrations of ecoestrogens in the Caloosahatchee River. This follow-up study will identify the specific chemicals and if the concentrations of these compounds are high enough to impact local wildlife.

Identification of Microbes Critical to the Enhancement of Seagrass Restoration: Final Report

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Marine Lab and CHNEP

The health and quality of seagrass habitats have been defined by density and species composition of seagrasses and the diversity of juvenile fishes in seagrass habitats. These coarse-scale measurements of community responses are not sensitive to short-term stressors, such as pulsed releases of freshwater from S-79. This project would take advantage of DNA-based technologies to provide a rapid, and extremely accurate benthic diversity index. This index is based on the bacteria that live in and around seagrass roots. By identifying the “key” microbes associated with enhanced plant performance under high sulfide conditions, scientists could simply follow the road signs indicative of high quality habitat. Similarly, microbes associated with decreased plant performance can be rapidly detected by their DNA sequence and actions could be taken to improve habitat quality.

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2007

Fate and transport of Caloosahatchee estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) sediment: Final Report

Florida Gulf Coast University and CHNEP

Suspended sediment concentrations and the associated light attenuation in Charlotte Harbor are important factors affecting the health of oysters, clams, seagrasses and a variety of other organisms. Earlier work in the Caloosahatchee River on localized trapped high concentrations of suspended sediments, called the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM), has shown that ETM migrates within weeks as much as 12 miles (20 km) up and down the river and can be flushed out of the estuary into surrounding waters during high freshwater discharge. This periodic flushing of ETM sediment introduces a strong pulse of highly concentrated suspended sediment into the environments near the mouth of the river, which is likely to adversely affect oysters, seagrasses and other benthic organisms.

This study will provide further understanding of the effects of controlled freshwater releases from Lake Okeechobee into the Caloosahatchee River by determining the relative amounts of ETM suspended sediment flux into regions outside of the mouth of the river, including Matlacha Pass, Pine Island Sound and Estero Bay. An additional benefit of this study will be the estimation of suspended aggregate settling velocity, a crucial parameter for future numerical modeling of sediment transport in the Charlotte Harbor estuary and surrounding waterways.

Do coastal land alterations impact estuarine food webs? Final report

Mote Marine Laboratory, SWFWMD and CHNEP

Southwest Florida is experiencing increasing development of coastal habitats areas with associated loss and degradation of habitats. Unfortunately, plans for development, land conservation, and restoration or mitigation are being made with inadequate and incomplete information because there are few data demonstrating the ecological effects of this habitat alteration or restoration on estuarine ecology.

Building upon recent and ongoing research, this project will provide information on the impacts of coastal habitat alterations on mangrove-associated fishes. Previous research showed that upland habitat alterations reduced number of fish species and fish abundance in creeks lined by mangroves. This project will determine the extent that these changes in fish community structure have in turn caused changes in the interactions among plants, herbivores and predators, or trophic web, within mangrove creeks. Since juvenile snook, an economically and ecologically important species, rely on these creeks in their early years, changes in available prey can have far-reaching impacts on adult snook populations and estuarine ecology. Changes in trophic structure within nursery habitats can influence growth rate and survival and can cause emigration from poor habitats. If upland habitat alterations are causing trophic shifts, the implications are estuarywide and more insidious than present data suggest.

Evaluating the risks that pharmaceutical-related pollutants pose to Caloosahatchee River wildlife: Observations on the bull shark Carcharhinus leucas: Final Report and Project Profile

Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP

Recently, there has been growing concern about the ecological and human health risks posed by pharmaceutical-related pollutants originating from human excretion and the disposal of drugs in sewage. These compounds can have unexpected and often profound effects on nontarget species by altering biological processes. Since these contaminants enter the natural environment primarily through domestic and industrial wastewater discharge, they pose their greatest threats to wildlife residing in aquatic habitats bordering highly populated regions.

This project will assess the ecological risks that 12 widely prescribed drugs pose to the Caloosahatchee River watershed by examining the presence and concentrations of these pharmaceuticals in the river. The 12 drugs include human contraceptives, lipid-lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants, sexual function aids and antipsychotics. The study will determine if wildlife inhabiting the Caloosahatchee River are threatened by these potentially hazardous compounds by examining exposure to and accumulation of pharmaceuticals in juvenile bull sharks, an abundant and ecologically important resident of this river. Findings will be compared to similar studies under way in the Indian River Lagoon and Hillsborough River, two other Florida rivers impacted by wastewater. By providing new information regarding the presence of potentially hazardous pharmaceuticals in the Caloosahatchee, this study will fill gaps in water quality data needed to determine total maximum daily load (TMDL) levels for these poorly studied compounds. Furthermore, given that these compounds are derived from point-source discharges, this study will contribute new data on the ecological impacts of wastewater treatment facilities in the Caloosahatchee.

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2008

Wild Turkey Strand Preserve Restoration: Final Report

Lee County Conservation 20/20 and CHNEP

Wild Turkey Strand Preserve is a 2,629 acre environmental preserve in the Estero Bay watershed purchased by Lee County Conservation 20/20 program in 2003 for its environmental qualities. The land is dominated by cypress, wet and mesic flatwoods, and freshwater marshes. This project will allow treatment of non-indigenous invasive plants from approximately 80 acres and restore emergency fire lines created by the Florida Division of Forestry during a 2007 fire. The plants include melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), wetland nightshade (Solanum tampicense), Caesar’s weed (Urena lobata), West Indian marsh grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) and torpedo grass (Panicum repens). This restoration will prevent the invasive plants from spreading into the healthy, intact native plant communities.

Venetian Waterway Park (VWP) Exotic Removal from Segment 8: Final Report

Venice Area Beautification Inc., CHNEP, Sarasota County, Venice and others

The Venetian Waterway Park is a 10-mile-long multi-purpose bicycle/pedestrian trail that includes the Shamrock Park and Nature Center, downtown Venice, picnic shelters, a canoe launch and access to Caspersen Park and Beach. The VWP connects to The Legacy Trail at the Historic Railroad Station and this exotic removal project begins just south of there. This project will allow eradication of exotic species along a section of the 10 miles of the greenway. Problem species include carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), lead tree (Leucaena), Australian pine (Casurina equisetifolia), Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum), rosary pea (Abrus precatorius), catclaw mimosa (Mimosa pigra), camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera), Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and castor bean (Ricinus communis).

Restoration of native ground cover on Sanibel Island: Final Report

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and CHNEP

As a result of invasive non-native invasions and development, native upland herbaceous plant communities on Sanibel are all but lost. During the past ten years, hundreds of acres of conservation and private lands on Sanibel Island have been cleared of invasive non-native vegetation as part of an effort to restore native plant communities. Restoration of upland herbaceous communities seems unlikely without specific additional efforts at reestablishment because the disturbance generated from large scale exotic removal results in the establishment of ruderal species, plants that are first to colonize disturbed land. Further, most of the desirable upland, herbaceous species are now absent or rare so natural recruitment is not likely. This project seeks to test methods of reestablishment of native ground cover following a restoration project.

Do upland drainage alterations contribute to degradation of estuarine creek habitats? Adding water quality analysis as an evaluation tool: Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP

Southwest Florida is experiencing increasing development of coastal and near-coastal areas, with associated loss and degradation of habitats. In some locations, efforts are being made to conserve habitats from development, while in other locations restoration is being used to mitigate habitat loss or degradation. Unfortunately, plans for development, conservation, and restoration or mitigation are being made with inadequate and incomplete information because there are few data demonstrating the ecological effects of this habitat alteration or restoration on estuarine ecology. Of particular concern are estuarine mangrove creeks that are the interface between the Charlotte Harbor estuary and upland habitats undergoing alteration and restoration. Previous research on Charlotte Harbor mangrove creeks of differing habitat quality has indicated that upland habitat alteration negatively impacts mangrove creek fishes, including juveniles of the economically important snook. However, thus far, assignation of creek habitat degradation categories has been based upon qualitative assessment of upland habitat alterations and effects on freshwater flow into the creeks. As part of a larger effort to better quantify these creek habitat quality categorizations, this project will examine water quality in four study creeks as a measure of habitat quality. The hypothesis of the research proposed here is that differences in watershed development have resulted in measurable differences in water quality and in nutrient loading to the creek systems. This research will add to a multi-faceted program to examine the potential estuary-wide affects of upland habitat alterations on mangrove creeks and their associated fishes, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the real ecological impacts of development in Charlotte Harbor’s watershed.

Reestablishing bay scallop populations in Pine Island Sound

Mote Marine Laboratory and CHNEP

The success of two recent bay scallop restoration projects in Pine Island Sound will be expanded by this project. A two-order magnitude increase in bay scallop abundance at the restoration site compared to background scallop density in the surrounding estuary was obtained in the first project. The following summer, the entire north Pine Island Sound basin showed a 100-time increase in bay scallop abundance. Based on this discovery, in 2005 restoration efforts were expanded to include south Pine Island Sound. Recruitment success with and without the use of containment booms was compared during two larval release events. In this project, adult bay scallops will be collected from Pine Island Sound and transferred to Bay Shellfish Company, a commercial shellfish aquaculture facility. They will be conditioned and induced to spawn. Larvae will be reared until metamorphosis, when they will be transferred to the Mote Marine Laboratory Demere Key facility and prepared for release. The larvae will be released at one location within North Pine Island Sound near the site of the earlier restoration. Larval settlement and recruitment will be immediately assessed. Juvenile abundance will be evaluated during the winter, and adult abundance will be assessed the next summer. The density of scallops at each restoration site will be compared to scallop densities before the restoration was initiated.

Research, Restoration and Monitoring Projects Initiated in 2009 (with FY09 funds)

Smokehouse Bay Preserve Restoration: Final Report

Lee County Parks & Recreation Conservation 20/20

Smokehouse Bay Preserve is a 268-acre environmental preserve on Pine Island, which was purchased as part of the Lee County Conservation 20/20 program and is managed according to their guidelines. A land stewardship plan is currently being drafted. The southern tract was purchased in 1999 and the northern tract was purchased in 2007 for its environmental qualities and restoration potential. This project addresses 51 acres of an abandoned palm grove and 59 acres of mangrove swamp on the northern tract. This project will regrade furrows and rows that were part of the palm grove, treat nonindigenous invasive plants and install and monitor native plants.

The Lee County Conservation 20/20 program buys environmentally important lands for preservation. Approved by referendum in 1996, the program is funded by a property tax of 50 cents for every $1,000 of taxable property value. Since the first purchase in 1997, the county has acquired 97 properties totaling 20,767 acres. Polk, Sarasota and Charlotte counties in the CHNEP study area created similar land acquisition programs.

Spectral and epiphyte attenuation enhancement of an existing Charlotte Harbor light model with respect to seagrasses: Final Report

Mote Marine Laboratory

Increasing urbanization and water quality degradation can lead to declines in seagrass populations. Seagrass beds are particularly susceptible to light degradation caused by increases in color, turbidity, colored dissolved organic matter, epiphytes (plants that have no roots in the soil) or chlorophyll.

Light requirements of seagrasses in Charlotte Harbor have been established and optical models have been developed to determine the role of specific attenuators; however, these models need to be improved to account for the spectral quality of the various attenuating substances and to recognize the role of epiphytes. This project builds on a model that assessed areas that may be susceptible to degradation of water clarity under increased nutrient scenarios.

This project will improve the model presented by Dixon and Kirkpatrick (1999) by incorporating photosynthetically useable radiation (PUR) and spectral attenuation from epiphytes. The new optical model will be able to determine more accurate light requirements — and if Charlotte Harbor is meeting those light requirements.Information about the initial study is available.

A spectrally explicit optical model exists for all of Charlotte Harbor, including specific attenuation coefficients for water, color and chlorophyll. Average contributions to water column attenuation for color, turbidity and chlorophyll in Charlotte Harbor as a whole were 65, 31 and 4 percent, respectively. Epiphyte attenuation has been shown to reduce light available to seagrasses annually by 21 to 44 percent, significantly more than chlorophyll attenuation (Dixon and Kirkpatrick, 1999).

Hardee County Peace River submerged aquatic vegetation study

Hardee County School District Outdoor Classroom

Junior and senior high school students will identify the types of submerged aquatic vegetation present in approximately 25 miles of the Peace River within Hardee County. The composition of the river bottom (sand, rock, vegetation) will be assessed approximately every 1,000 meters (about .62 of a mile) of the river. If vegetation is present, the type and percent of coverage will be assessed. The Hardee County GIS Department will provide a computer software map overlaid with aerial photographs that will show the locations and results of the study. From this determination, management strategies can be developed to improve the water quality and habitat.