Subject:
Title
2018 Shell Key Preserve Management Plan Update as required by the Lease Agreement with the State of Florida Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the 2018 Shell Key Preserve Management Plan Update (Plan) and authorization for staff to submit the approved Plan to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Acquisition and Restoration Council (State of Florida) as required by the Lease Agreement (Agreement).
Body
Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks and historical assets
Summary:
The Parks and Conservation Resources Department (PCR) has developed a draft of the 2018 Shell Key Preserve Management Plan Update, which has been reviewed by the Shell Key Advisory Group and interested citizens. Two operational changes suggested by stakeholders are addressed in the Plan: (a) beginning in Fiscal Year 2019, implementation of a fee for camping permits and (b) evaluation of opportunities to enhance enforcement of camping rules and protection of natural resources. The Plan also details management goals and objectives necessary to provide sound stewardship and protection of nesting shorebirds, sea turtles and other native fauna and flora at Shell Key Preserve.
Background Information:
Pursuant to Resolution No. 98-175, the County entered into the Agreement with the State of Florida on December 8, 2000 for management of Shell Key Preserve and the conservation and protection of natural and historical resources and for resource-based public outdoor activities and education. Paragraph 8 of the Agreement was amended on July 17, 2008 changing the review time of the Plan from five (5) to ten (10) years. The Plan is required to be updated every ten (10) years in accordance with Florida Statute 259.032.
Fiscal Impact:
The estimated annual cost in FY 2018 to operate and maintain Shell Key Preserve is $191,000. In FY 2019, the estimated annual cost increases to $230,000 with proposed allocation of enforcement resources. An estimated $7,000 in revenue is to be generated annually through camping permit fees beginning in FY 2019. The overall goal of the plan is to promote environmental protection. The nominal fees generated through the camping permit are only intended to recoup administrative costs associated with the registration process; assist in education and written acknowledgement of preserve camping rules; and monitor camping impacts on the preserve.
A similar impact for the remaining years encompassed by the Plan is detailed in the budget section of the Plan.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Steven Harper, Environmental Division Manager, Resources and Asset Management
Partners:
Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund
Attachments:
Draft of the 2018 Shell Key Preserve Management Plan Update (without Appendices)
Comprehensive Response to Citizen Comments
Resolution 98-175
Lease Agreement dated December 8, 2000
Lease Amendment No. 1 dated July 17, 2008
The Appendices to the Plan are not attached due to the size of the documents.
The Appendices can be viewed at: <http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/managedlands/skp.htm>