Environmental Assessment Report. Siena Lakes PUD (aka: LCS Naples CCRC PUD)

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1 Environmental Assessment Report of Siena Lakes PUD (aka: LCS Naples CCRC PUD) acre Parcel Sec. 01, T49S, R25E Orange Blossom Drive, Collier County, FL September 29, 2008 Revised: April 2, 2009 Updated: April 1, 2017 Prepared for: Hole, Montes, Inc. 950 Encore Way Naples, Florida Tel: (239) Fax: (239) Conducted by: Geza Wass de Czege, President Southern Biomes, Inc., P.O. Box 50640, Fort Myers, FL Tel: (239) Mobile: (239)

2 Environmental Assessment Report Siena Lakes ac. PUD 1. SITE LOCATION: The subject property consists of a rectangular shaped parcel of land located on Orange Blossom Drive, approximately a quarter mile east of Airport-Pulling Road, in Collier County. To the north and east are residential developments, to the west are cleared open land and a borrow lake, while to the south is Orange Blossom Drive and then more residential development. 2. LAND COVER TYPES & VEGETATION MAP: The majority of the property was previously in agricultural, with the two borrow lakes and a single family residence. A map of the cover types and vegetation associations, with the Florida Land Use and Cover are overlaid on a color aerial photograph (Figure 1 on page 8). 3. VEGETATION INVENTORY: There are eight (8) uplands, no wetlands, and two (2) other surface waters (OSW) communities on-site, totaling to acres (see Table 1 on page 3). None are considered naturally vegetated, but there are several large indigenous trees and palms along the fringes of the lakes. A brief description and dominant canopy, midstory, and ground cover are listed according to habitat types identified on site. UPLAND HABITATS OR COVER TYPE (±20.95 Acres): There are eight (8) upland land cover types associated with the property. All are related to agricultural or single residential activities. A color aerial with an overlay of the FLUCCS codes can be seen on page 8 (Figure 1) of this report. The following is a summary description of each community: Single Family Residence - 111: (1.61 acres) This cover type consists of a single family, one story residence, located along the edge of a borrow lake, with the associated grass covered yard, with native and ornamental trees and shrubs scattered throughout. The indigenous trees consist of live oak, laurel oak, cabbage palm, coconut palm, royal palm, and slash pine. Demolished Commercial Facilities - 142: (2.65 acres) This cover type consists of several building, parking area, and surrounding grounds. The area appears to be used for storage of equipment, with little other notable activity. Vacant Land, Herbaceous Cover - 191: (1.97 acres) This cover type consists of previously cleared and cultivated land that is currently fallow, but regularly mowed. Groundcover vegetation consists of ruderal weeds and grasses such as Bermuda grass, false buttonweed, ragweed, dogfennel, rustweed, beggartick, caesarweed, cida and torpedograss

3 Row Cropland, Fallow 214: (10.45 acres) this vegetative association consists of a fallow field once used for row crops. Groundcover consists of ruderal weeds and grasses. The fields appear to be regularly mowed. Mixed Pine & Hardwoods 434: (1.23 acres) this cover type consists of an area located along the west side of the westerly lake, and is dominated by a dense cover of ear-leaf acacia, with scattered slash pine, cabbage palm, and live oak. The groundcover vegetative consists of ruderal weeds and grasses similar to that found throughout the area, and is regularly mowed. Spoil Area, Horticultural Debris 743: (0.17 acres) this cover type consists of a small area of horticultural debris which has been taken over by a dense cover of ruderal weeds, since it can t be mowed. Perimeter Berm 747: (2.58 acres) this cover type consists of a linear filled area, or berm, around the fringe of the property and between the two lakes. The vegetative consists of a groundcover of ruderal weeds and grasses similar to that found throughout the area, and is regularly mowed. Canopy vegetation is primarily located along the northern fringe of the property and between the lakes. They consist of cabbage palm, coconut palm, royal palm, and numerous other ornamental and exotic palms, trees and shrubs. Access Road, filled and Graded - 814: (0.29 acres) This land cover type consists of a limerock filled and graded roadway. WETLAND HABITATS (±0.00 Acres): There are no wetlands on site: OTHER SURFACE WATER (OSW) HABITATS (±8.30 Acres): There are two (2) other surface water (OSW) communities associated with this property. The following is a summary description of the communities: Borrow Lake - 520: (7.59 acres) this cover type is made up of two excavated lake encompassing nearly half of the property. Lake Littoral Area 631: (0.71 acres) this cover type consists of the steeply sloped vegetated zone around the fringe of the lakes, and are dominated by wetland and ruderal vegetation such as torpedograss, cattail, Guinea grass, giant cane, cattails, creeping sunflower, primrose willow and Brazilian pepper. Herbicide treatment has been conducted around the lakes to help eradicate the dominating exotic plants in an effort to help minimize future impacts to the lakes following development improvements. Portions of the shoreline have been regularly maintained and mowed

4 (Table 1) HABITAT SUMMARY CODE DESCRIPTION ACRES Uplands 111 Single Family Residence Demolished Commercial Facilities Vacant Land, Herbaceous Cover Row Crop, Fallow Mixed Pine & Hardwoods Spoil Area, Horticultural Debris Perimeter Berm, Herbaceous Cover Access Road, Limerock Fill 0.29 SUBTOTAL OSW 520 Borrow Lake (OSW) Lake Littoral Area 0.71 SUBTOTAL 8.30 TOTAL ±29.25 NOTE: See Figure 1, Color Aerial Photograph, with an overlay of the demarcated FLUCCS codes for the subject parcel on pages 8 of this report

5 4. Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats: An endangered species survey was conducted on the subject property on July 14, Updated listed species surveys were conducted on May 28, 2015, again on Oct. 11, 2016, with a follow up on Feb. 26, 2017, which included a late afternoon to sunset. During the most recent survey the weather was warm, breezy, partly cloudy, and in the low to mid 80s. No listed species were observed on the subject property during the survey, however, on a previous survey, a blue heron was observed along the northern fringe of the westerly borrow lake (see Figure 2 on page 9), and white ibis where observed landing into trees off site and to the west of the subject property. The following describes the survey methodology and results. Listed Species Survey Methodology: The entire project site has been field surveyed for listed species using a modification of the transect line methods established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The modified survey methodology has proven effective in covering 90-95% of the sites surveyed. The modified strip census uses meandering transect lines at intervals. The meanders extend into adjoining transect lines to provide a near 100% coverage. The frequency of the meanders is determined by the ground cover and visibility. More densely vegetated areas receive a greater frequency of meanders, thus decreasing the area between meanders in some habitats to as nears as 12 apart. If the terminus flagging markers of the transect lines are not visible, then survey flagging tape is attached to vegetation at the outer extent of the transect meanders to mark the coverage area for that transect. The visibility of the flagging tape assists in maintaining the transect direction, and is used as a gauge for determining the frequency of meanders within a transect area. Each tape must be visible from the previous meander. On the subsequent transects, the flagging tape is removed and relocated at the outer limits of it s transect area. Faunal species which do not lend themselves to the typical transect line survey methodology typically used for determining stationary floral and faunal species, require an additional method of observation. These species can be best observed by using game stalking techniques and periodic observations with field glasses at frequent intervals along transect lines. The frequency and duration of observations are determined by habitat density, species observed, and the stalking skills of the observer. The ability to blend into the surroundings is another key requirement for success. Any listed species observed were noted on an aerial photograph as to location and number of species sighted. Species presence and abundance on a given site cannot be determined for all species listed. Therefore, fauna which are mobile, transient, or deceptive are not always observed during a typical field survey such as required by Collier County. This is especially true for species abundance. Therefore, the status of each species is listed as to - 4 -

6 presence and numbers observed, and those species which can be reasonably surveyed for abundance is provided with such data. Habitats Surveyed: Code Description Species 111 Single Family Residence Vacant Land, Herbaceous Cover Row Crop, Fallow Mixed Pine & Hardwoods Borrow Lake (OSW) Lake Littoral Slope (OSW) Spoil Area, Horticultural Debris Perimeter Berm, Herbaceous Cover -0- Observed Listed Species Observations: On Table 2 below are listed species that are typically expected to be observed within the habitats identified on the project site, or similar habitats within Collier County. Observation notes and comments are made on each species. Table 3 on the following page provides the listed species status with each of the regulatory agencies. Table 2: Listed Species Expected to be Observed on Similar Habitats UPLAND SPECIES: Common Name Scientific Name Obs. Comments Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi no not observed Florida mouse Podomys floridanus no not observed gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus no not observed gopher frog Rana areolata no not observed Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia no not observed Arctic peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius no not observed S eastern American Kestrel Falco sparverius paulus no not observed American bald eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus no not observed Burrowing owl Speotyto cunivularia no not observed Least tern Sterna antillarum no not observed twisted air plant Tillandsia flexuosa no not observed Florida coontie Zamia Floridana no not observed WETLAND SPECIES: Common Name Scientific Name Obs. Comments American alligator Alligator mississippiensis no not observed Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi no not observed Little blue heron Egretta caerulea yes prev. observed 1 in 631 Snowy egret Egretta thula no not observed Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor no not observed White Ibis Eudocimus albus yes observed off-site Wood stork Mycteria americana no not observed Least tern Sterna antillarum no not observed Everglades mink Mustela vision evergladensis no inappropriate habitat - 5 -

7 Table 3: Listed Species That May be Observed on the Property & Their Status Scientific Name Common Name(s) State Federal Amphibians Rana areolata Gopher (=crawfish) frog SSC Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis American alligator SSC T-SA Drymarchon corais couperi Eastern indigo snake T T Gopherus polyphemus Gopher tortoise T Birds Ajaia ajaja Roseate Spoonbill SSC Athene cunicularia Burrowing owl SSC Egretta caerulea Little blue heron SSC Egretta thula Snowy egret SSC Egretta tricolor Tricolored (=Louisiana) heron SSC Eudocimus albus White ibis SSC Falco peregrinus tundrius Arctic peregrine falcon E Falco sparverius paulus Southeastern american kestrel T Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle T T Mycteria americana Wood stork E E Sterna antillarum Least tern T Mammals Mustela vison evergladensis Everglades mink T Podomys floridanus Florida mouse SSC Sciurus niger avicennia Big Cypress (=mangrove) fox squirrel T Plants Tillandsia flexuosa Twisted air plant E Zamia Floridana Florida coontie CE SSC = Species of special concern Key to Listed Species Designated Status CE = Commercially exploited T(E) = Threatened on State listing, Endangered on Federal listing E = Endangered T-SA = Threatened due to similarity of appearanc T = Threatened Listed Species Survey Discussion and Conclusion: As previously noted, no listed species were observed during the most recent survey, but one little blue heron was observed on the property during a previous survey and several white ibis were observed off-site during the most recent survey. The blue heron was located along the north shoreline (FLUCCS Code 631) of the westerly lake (see Figure 2 on page 9), and the flock of ibis were off-site to the west. Because the area has been significantly altered, is completely isolated from all other undeveloped natural areas, and is surrounded by major roadways, residential and commercial developments, it is considered inaccessible and unsuitable habitat for most listed species, and as expected, none were observed, other than a wading birds, could be expected throughout the year. Any lake improvements and littoral zone enhancements will benefit the wading birds

8 5. Historic and Archeological Research: a waiver request for a Historical/ Archaeological Survey and Assessment for the State of Florida s Division of Historic Resources is included with the submittal. The site was completely altered as excavation areas and agricultural fields for more than ten years, with no evidence of any natural features remaining. In addition, there were no known archaeological or historical sites located within the subject property, as listed in the Florida Master Site Files. 6. Indigenous Vegetation Requirements: No indigenous areas exist on the subject property. However, an indigenous tree survey was conducted to determine the number of indigenous trees and palms found on site, which would count towards the native tree requirements if preserved or relocated. Also, the ±6 acre portion of the Oak Grove PUD has accounted for its open space requirements within the existing Bridgewater Bay development (see attached Oak Grove PUD exhibit). Within the remaining ±23 acres of the subject property there were seventy-nine (79) indigenous trees and palms surveyed, which included slash pine (44), cabbage palm (23), live oak (5), cypress (4), strangler fig (2), and laurel oak (1) (see Table 3 below). Also, nine royal palms were surveyed which were not included in the indigenous count because they were planted and not indigenous to the area. The quantity of trees required for preservation are noted below, and will be either relocated or replaced, and planted within the buffer areas to mimic the indigenous tree canopy found on site. Table 4 below provides a list and numbers of indigenous trees, and an aerial photograph on page 12 of this report (Figure 4) show their locations. A large scale tree survey is also provided by Hole Montes, Inc. as a exhibit with this submittal. Table 4: Indigenous Trees & Palms Survey Results Common Name Scientific Name ID Code Total Size Avg. PALMS Height Height Cabbage Palm Sabal palmetto CP ' 15.1' TREES DBH DBH Live Oak Quercus virginica QV " 16.6" Slash pine Pinus elliotii SP " 13.8 Strangler Fig Ficus aurea SF 2 5" 5" Laurel Oak Quercus Laurafolia QL 1 24" 24" Cypress Taxodium sp. CY 4 5-6" 5.3" TOTALS 79 Indigenous Tree Preservation Requirements: 25% x 79 trees = 20 trees At least 20 palms or trees need to be preserved and/or relocated to buffer areas to meet minimum requirements for preserved indigenous vegetation. Slash pines do not relocate, the cypress trees are within the existing lake fringe, and may be preserved, the laurel oak is too large, and the strangler is entwined around slash pines, making them impossible to transplant. Therefore the relocation of trees or palms will be limited cabbage palms and possibly live oaks, where feasible. Royal Palms on site may be relocated and substituted as part of the indigenous species requirements

Figure 1: FLUCCS Map FLUCCS Legend FLUCCS CODE DESCRIPTION ACRES Uplands 111 Single Family Residence 1.61 142 Commercial/Warehouse Facilities 2.65 191 Vacant Land, Herbaceous Cover 1.

9 Figure 1: FLUCCS Map FLUCCS Legend FLUCCS CODE DESCRIPTION ACRES Uplands 111 Single Family Residence Commercial/Warehouse Facilities Vacant Land, Herbaceous Cover Row Crop, Fallow Mixed Pine & Hardwoods Spoil Area, Horticultural Debris Perimeter Berm, Herbaceous Cover Access Road, Limerock Fill 0.29 SUBTOTAL OSW 520 Borrow Lake (OSW) Lake Littoral Area 0.71 SUBTOTAL 8.30 TOTAL ±

10 Figure 2: Listed Species Survey Map The Listed Species That Were or May be Observed on the Property & Their Status Scientific Name Common Name(s) State Federal Alligator mississippiensis American alligator SSC T-SA Ajaia ajaja Roseate Spoonbill SSC Egretta caerulea Little blue heron SSC Egretta thula Snowy egret SSC Egretta tricolor Tricolored (=Louisiana) heron SSC Eudocimus albus White ibis SSC Mycteria americana Wood stork E E Sterna antillarum Least tern T Key to Listed Species Designated Status E = Endangered T = Threatened SSC = Species of special concern CE = Commercially exploited T-SA = Threatened due to similarity of appearance Note: Species listed in bold letters were observed on site during the survey

11 Figure 3: Soils Map Soils Legend Code Description 20 Ft. Drum & Malabar, High Fine Sands (Non-hydric) 3 Malabar Fine Sand 27 Holopaw Fine Sand (Non-hydric)

12 Figure 4 Indigenous Trees and Palms Survey Table & Map (See attached exhibit for large scale survey map) Table 4: Indigenous Trees and Palms Survey Results Common Name Scientific Name ID Code Total Size Avg. PALMS Height Height Indigenous Cabbage Palm Sabal palmetto CP ' 15.1' TREES (Indigenous) DBH DBH Live Oak Quercus virginica QV " 16.6" Slash pine Pinus elliotii SP " 13.8 Strangler Fig Ficus aurea SF 2 5" 5" Laurel Oak Quercus Laurafolia QL 1 24" 24" Cypress Taxodium sp. CY 4 5-6" 5.3" INDIGENOUS TREES TOTALS 79 Indigenous Tree Preservation Requirements: 25% x 79 trees = 20 trees At least 20 palms or trees need to be preserved and/or relocated to buffer areas to meet minimum requirements for preserved indigenous vegetation. Slash pines do not relocate well, the cypress trees are within the existing lake fringe, and may be preserved, the laurel oak is too large, and the strangler fig is entwined around slash pines, making them impossible to transplant. Therefore the relocation of trees or palms will be limited to cabbage palms and possibly live oaks, where feasible. Royal palms on site may be relocated and substituted as part of the indigenous species requirements

13 Indigeonous Trees & Palms Survey Map (small scale)

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