HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023-17 Approving and adopting the Key Biscayne Floodplain Species Assessment and PlanRE SO LUTIO N NO . 2023-17
A RE SO LUTIO N O F TH E VILLAG E CO UN CIL OF TH E
VILLAG E OF K EY BISCAYNE, FLO RI DA , APPRO VING
AND ADO PTING TH E KE Y BISCAYNE FLO O DPLAIN
SPECIES ASSESSM ENT AND PLAN; PR O VIDING FO R
IM PLEM ENTATIO N ; AND PRO VIDIN G FO R AN
EFFECT IVE DA TE.
W H ERE AS, the Village of Key Biscayne ("Village") has participated in the National Flood
Insurance Program ("NFIP") Community Rating System ("CRS") Program since May 1998; and
WHEREAS, the Village currently has a CRS rating that entitles all policy holders in the
Village, which is within a Flood Hazard Area, to qualify for a discount on flood insurance; and
WHEREAS, the Village supports reasonable efforts to protect the threatened and
endangered species and habitats within the Village's floodplain for the benefit of the citizens of the
Village; and
WHEREAS, the CRS program awards credit to participating communities that adopt by
resolution a Floodplain Species Assessment and Plan; and
WHEREAS, according to FEMA CRS guidelines, the Village conducted the Floodplain
Species Assessment which identified listed species and species of concern with ranges and habitats
within the Village's Floodplain; and
WHEREAS, the Village's Floodplain Species Assessment and Plan were presented to
relevant agencies and organizations for review, and the feedback received was incorporated into the
planni ng process; and
WHEREAS, the Floodplain Species Plan will contribute significantly to the Village's
ability to implement planned Floodplain Management Activities that will reduce threats, hazards
and negative impacts to the identified species in those areas; and
1
W H ERE A S, the Village Council desires to appro ve and adopt the 2023 Floodplain Species
A ssessm ent an d Plan, attached as Exh ibit "A "; and
W H ERE A S, the Village Council finds that this Resolution is in the best interest and w elfare
of the V illage.
NO W , TH ERE FO R E, BE IT RE SO LV ED BY TH E VILLA GE CO U N C IL OF
TH E V ILLA G E O F KEY BISC A Y N E, FLO RI D A , A S FO LLO W S:
Section 1. R ecitals. That each of the above-stated recitals are hereby adopted,
confi rm ed, and incorpora ted herein.
Section 2. A pproval and A doption. That the Village Coun cil hereby appro ves and
adopts the 2023 Floodplain Species A ssessm ent an d Plan, attached hereto as "Exh ibit "A ".
Section 3. Im plem entation. That the Village M anager is hereby authorized to take
such action as m ay be necessary to im plem ent the purp ose and pro visions of this Resolution.
Section 4.
adoption.
Effective Date. That this Resolution shall be effective imm ediately upon
PA SSE D AN D AD O PTED this 4th day of April, 2023.
·.: ·r.
ATTEST:
JOE I. RA SCO , M A Y O R
~~~i2Kovh
VIL LA G E C LE RK
2
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
~J~
WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE & BIERMAN, P.L.
VILLAGE ATTORNEY
3
F lo o d p la in S p e ci e s
A ssessment
& P lan
ar
2023
Prepared by:
CRS Max Consultants, Inc.
Coconut Creek, FL
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t
T A B L E O F ONTENT
Floodplain Species Assessment 3
Introduction & Purpose 3
Endangered & Threatened Species with Ranges in the Village of Key Biscayne 3
Critical Habitat in the Village of Key Biscayne 7
Preserved Areas Surrounding the Village of Key Biscayne 10
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves 10
Biscayne National Park 12
Crandon Park 15
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park 16
Floodplain & Open Space Areas within l<ey Biscayne 19
Flood Zones 19
Open Space .. ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
2021 Beach Re-Nourishment Project 21
Community Rating System Credit for Conservation and Recovery 21
Summary of CRS Actions 23
Contacting Relevant Agencies and Organizations 24
Assessment Review Questions 26
Summary Results of Assessment Reviews 26
Floodplain Species Plan 31
Introduction & Purpose 31
Species of Focus 31.
Birds 33
Fish .. .. .. .. . . 37
Smalltooth Sawfish . 37
Nassau grouper 38
Reptiles . .. . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. 39
Sea Turtles........................................................... . 39
American Crocodile . 44
Eastern Indigo Snake 46
Mammals 47
West Indian Manatee 47
Florida Bonneted Bat : 48
Coral 49
Insects 51
Miami Blue Butterfly 51
Plants .. ...53
Recovery Action Items 57
Implement, Evaluate & Revise 69
Appendices.,)., .. ····~••10 111, ., •• ,,,.,,110• ''"' ••• !Qltlof•fl •• .,.,. flllllll'll!JOll,,GOO •• ., ..... "" .... 11,,.,, •••.......... ,..·••a 70
Appendix A: Flood Risk and Endangered Species Habitat (FRESH) Report for the Village of Key Biscayne 70
Appendix B: Responses Received from Reviewing Agencies 74
Appendix C: Review of Possible Recovery Actions , 85
March 15, 2023 Page 1 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
March 15, 2023 Page 2 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t
Fo d • pe c1 s e
I l . & -~l l ··1 n ·1 C- l 1 (" t l u- r, ·,. l- 1 1 1· "1 ,.1 •· f-i l, _, C ,,,., ... , 1 ....... I···'-··", ...
The Village of Key Biscayne, incorporated on June 18, 1991, is located in the center 1.25 square miles
of a four-mile-long, two-mile-wide barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The
Village is bordered to the north by Miami-Dade County's Crandon Park and to the south by Bill Baggs
Cape Florida State Park. The island is connected via causeway and bridges to the City of Miami on the
mainland, approximately seven miles away. The Village is home to a diverse and vibrant population of
about 14,800 residents living mainly in multi-family units.
The entire 823 acres (100%) of the Village, is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Approximately
4% of the SFHA is undeveloped and is therefore considered "open space". Additionally, the Village
enforces regulations and incentives that minimize development in the SFHA.
The Village of key Biscayne's riparian and coastal areas are home to a variety of terrestrial and aquatic
animals and plants. The Village wants to preserve and protect this habitat not only for environmental
benefits but also for recreational, educational, and other public benefits.
One category of animals and plants deserving special protection are threatened and endangered
species. Because of their declining numbers, these species have been listed by the US Fish & Wildlife
Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as needing protection under the
provisions of the Endangered Species Act. They "are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical,
recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people." (Endangered Species Act of 1973)
The FWS describes the status of these species in simple terms:
• Endangered species are at the brink of extinction now.
• Threatened species are likely to be at the brink in the near future.
- /j. ,-.L, f) -, .. ,,g· - .. '1 \ I I · ._ . , J · A··-,. 'l.. '1', i,..! l 1 "'-(t, l •-~~--" ._.:,
Floodplains often contained many vital and varied ecosystems including swamps, wetlands, marshes,
river deltas, estuaries, costal dunes, riparian areas, mangroves and other floodwater dependent
ecosystems. Due to their cultural, historical, agricultural, and logistical value, floodplains are often
affected by development and man-made water flow control projects. Additionally, floodplain
ecosystems in South Florida also face several natural threats including sea level rise, hurricanes,
March 15, 2023 Page 3 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
droughts and even shifting sediment profiles caused by the erosion and deposition from floods, flows
and ocean currents. For these reasons, floodplains are among the most endangered ecosystems in the
world and special attention should be given to protecting these unique ecosystems and the species
that depend on them. Such efforts can and should be incorporated into a community's floodplain
management practices. The column on the right in each of the tables below indicates whether or not
the species depends heavily on a floodplain related ecosystem and would likely be affected or
protected by floodplain management activities as a result. The tables below will help the Village of Key
Biscayne identify floodplain species whose range may be affected and protected through floodplain
management activities.
A review of FEMA's Flood Risk and Endangered Species Habitat (FRESH) website found 44 federally
listed threatened or endangered species with range within the Village of Key Biscayne (Appendix A).
These, along with eight additional species having critical habitat in or adjacent to the Village
{Smalltooth Sawfish and seven coral species) and two species whose range does not officially extend
into the Village but have been observed on the Key (American crocodile and Johnson's sea grass) are
shown in the tables.
The list was reviewed by Jeremy Calleros Gauger, Village Planner and Director of Building, Zoning, &
Planning. After review by Mr. Gauger, a landscape architect familiar with Key Biscayne who has
experience working on designs which included restored coastal hardwood hammocks, restored
mangrove habitats, restored dune and back-dune environments, it was determined that not all of the
species whose range extends into the Village are directly dependent on the floodplain. While twenty
eight of these species depend on the floodplain, which is the focus of this assessment (designated in
far right column) and are included in the top (green) portion of the table, twenty-six that are not
particularly related to floodplain management were excluded from the remainder of the document
{brown bottom section of the table).
ENDANGERED & THREATENED SPECIES
(Recommended for inclusion in Assessment - pending multi-agency review)
- ., •· ~
Status & - - - - - • ~ -··1
e,~telit .of G~mn:i-oR Name S·eienttfic Name li~·~ Listing Range· F:IOO'Clif!)lafr.i •Speeific?
Agertey
Beach jacquemontia Jacquemontia reclinata Flowering Endangered Entire Village Yes - coastal beaches and
Plant USFWS hardwood hammocks
Cape Sable seaside i Ammodramus maritimus Bird i Endangered ' Entire Village : Yes- flooded inland prairies sparrow ; mirabilis : USFWS .
Cyclargus (=Hemiargus) Endangered Possibly - tropical hardwood
Miami Blue Butterfly Insect Entire Village hammocks, rock pineland & thomasibethunebakeri USFWS beachside scrub
Flowering ' Threatened , Possibly - pine rockland,
Blodgett's silverbush ' Argythamnia blodgettii Plant · USFWS Entire Village , rockland hammock, and
coastal berm
Florida bonneted bat Eumops floridanus Mammal Endangered Entire Village Possibly - tropical hardwood,
USFWS pineland, and manwove
March 15, 2023 Page 4 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t
Flowering Endangered Possibly - Sandhill, scrubby
Carter's mustard Warea carteri Plant USFWS Entire Village flatwoods, inland and coastal
scrub
Everglade snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Bird Endangered Entire Village Yes - freshwaters plumbeus USFWS
West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus Aquatic Threatened Entire Village · Yes - freshwater & coastal
Mammal USFWS waters
American chaffseed Schwalbea americana Plant Endangered Entire Village Yes - wetlands USFWS
Bachman's warbler Vermivora bachmanii Bird Endangered Entire Village Yes - nests in cypress
(=wood) USFWS swamps
Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corals Reptile Threatened Entire Village Yes - riparian couperi USFWS
Wood stork Mycteria americana Bird Threatened Entire Village Yes - freshwater and
USFWS estuarine marshes
Aquatic Endangered
Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta Reptile USF-WS & Entire Village Yes - coastal
NMFS
Laterallus jamaicensis Proposed Yes - freshwater and Eastern Black rail ssp Jamaicensis Bird Threatened Entire Village estuarine marshes USFWS
Red knot Calidris canutus rufa Bird Threatened Entire Village Yes - coastal shoreline USFWS
Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Bird Endangered Entire Village Yes - beaches and tidal flats USFWS
Aquatic Endangered
Leatherback sea turtle Derrnochelys coriacea Reptile USFWS & Entire Village Yes - coastal
NMFS
Aquatic Endangered
Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Reptile USFWS & Entire Village Yes - coastal
NMFS
Coral. rough cactus Mycetophy!lia ferox Coral Threatened Offshore of No - Offshore but affected by
NMFS entire Villa9e discharge quality
Coral. lobed star Orbicella annularis Coral Threatened Offshore of No - Offshore but affected by
NM,~ entire Village dlccharqe quality
Coral, pillar Dendrogyra cylindrus Coral Threatened Offshore of No - Offshore but affected by
NMFS entire Village discharge quality
Coral, boulder star Orbicella franksi Coral Threatened Offshore of No - Offshore but affected by
NMFS entire Village discharge quality
Coral, mountainous Orbicella faveolata Coral Threatened Offshore of No - Offshore but affected by
star NMFS entire Village discharge quality
Coral, staghorn , Acropora cervicornis Coral Threatened Offshore of No - Offshore but affected by
NMFS , entire Village discharge quality
Coral, elkhorn Acropora palmata Coral Threatened Offshore of No - Offshore but affected by
NMFS entire Village discharge quality
Smalltooth Sawfish Pristis pectinata Fish Threatened Entire Village Yes - Estuarial nurseries NMFS
American crocodile Crocodylus acutus Aquatic Threatened Entire Village Yes- Coastal mangroves,
Reptile USFWS swamps and estuaries
Johnson's seagrass Halophila johnsonii Plant De-Listed Entire Village Yes - Coastal, tidal deltas and
NMFS inlets
March 15, 2023 Page 5 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
ENDANGERED & THREATE. ED SPECIES
(Recommended for exclusion from Assessment - pending multi-agency review)
I Common Name Scientific Name
I Carter's small
lJlowered flax Linum carteri
Type Stati.
Flowering Endangered
Plant USFWS
; ~:~;tng
Endangered
USFWS
Flowering Endangered
Plant USFWS --
Endangered Flowering
Plant USFWS
1 Ferns Endangered
and Allies USFWS
Extent of
Ra nae. Floodplain SpecJflc?
Entire Village I No - pine rocklands
--------------+--------------+-------I ___,
I
'. Crenulate lead-plant Amorpha crenulata Entire Village No - pine rocklands
J Deltoid_spurge ------+--C~h~a_m_a_e_sy_c_e_deltoidea
L._ _ ssp. deltoidea -------+---
Florida brickell-bush Brickellia mosieri
- --- I
Entire Village No - pine rocklands I
- - -----i
Entire VIiiage No - pine rocklands I
I
' Fl .d b - ti f Trichomanes punctatum E 1· v·11 No - pine rocklands i_0_~_~:~~-- ssp. Floridanum n ire I age
1
,
Pineland sandrnat Chamaesyce deltoidea Flowering Threatened Entire Village No - pine rocklands /
__________ e!_netorum Plant USFWS ---------+---- _
Small's milkpea Galactia smallii -- ~:~;ring ~~~~iered Entire Village No - pine rocklands !
-------------- --------- ~-------!-=----- -r- -- ----- - ---------------1
_Flori~~ ~r~~ri_:~:I~~- - ~::i~:~:rthage~~ns~s l ~:~~:rin=-- _ G~~~ere~-~ Enti~=-~'.l~a_?=--~ N~- - pi~= rock~a~~-~-- _j
Flowering Threatened
Plant USFWS Entire Village No - pine rocklands
Stock Island tree snail ~rthalicus reses (not -~nail Threatened -- ~ntfre Village No - tropical hardwood --~I
, mcl. nesodryaaj_ --+----- __ USFWS jlaynmocks -------------<
iSc:haus swallowtail Heraclides aristodemus Endangered
I Insect __ butterfly ponceanus USFWS
Endangerel
USFWS
1
,- Florida semaphore ·- - .. - - .. -Flowering- . Endangered-
Cactus Consolea corallicola Plant USFWS
r Florida-pineland- - Flowerin-g-1-T.c..h.c..r_e-at--'e·n-ed .
_ cra~grnss __ __ __ _ ~~gita~a!auci~~~~- _ _ __ _f:>_lant USFWS __
Everglades bully Sideroxylon reclinatum Flowering T UhSrFeWatesned Entire Village No - pine rocklands
,2 SP. Austrofloridense Plant ~
Cape Sable Chromolaena frustrata Flowering Endangered -7t-:---VII___ No - coastal hardwood-
,.. Thorouahwort ----+------ Plant USFWS n ire I age _ hammocks _
Florida grasshopper Ammodramus ·- Endangered
sparrow--------- -- - savannarum floridanus - ~i~~- -- - USFWS Entire Village No - dry prairie ,
Endangered -- -- - -- - -- 1
Plant USFWS Entire Village No - pine rockland -·- ---- -- --- . ·-· - - . ----· -- --- --- - - - ---· - -· --- ·-. ------ ------ ----·i
Endangered 1
USFWS Entire Village No - caves j
----------- -----·• --1
Endangered Entire Village No - pine rockland i
USFWS - ----- ---- - --------- ·I
Endangered
USFWS Entire Village No - not specific to floodplains I
--- ·--- -- - -----l
. j
Garber's spurge Chamaesyce garberi
Sand flax Unum arenicola Flowering
Plant
Entire Village ~i~~~~~~al hardwood
------------ - -- - ----- - ---- -- ·1
Entire Village No - p.ine rocklands i
- ----l I
Entire Village
Entire Village
No - hardwood hammock
No - pine rocklands
Tiny potygala r~r;~~~- -- -
------+----------- Florida leafwing Anaea troglodyta
l
~ Butt~y floridalis _
Cucurbita
Okeechobee gourd okeechobeensis
_ ssp~okeechobeensis _
Bartram's hairstreak - Strymon acls bartrami Insect
L Butter!IY _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ .. _ _ _ __
Polygala smallii
Myotis grisescens Mammal
Insect
Plant
No - pine rockland
March 15, 2023 Page 6 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t
.. .,
: No - individuals can roam
ii Endangered 'i. j large territories including . I hardwood hammocks &
, Florida panther i Pum_a (=Felis) concolor ' Mammal , , Entire Village i freshwater swamps but are I coryi 1 i USFWS I I not known to frequent urban
Flonda scrub-jay i Aphet,ocoma --- ---- f Bird -----11 TUhSrFeWateS.ned + Entire Village ·l,. -~:m_ms~:::y o;a:,:;:~ islands l
coeru escens -l . -.
~ M1am1 tiger beetle_ T~1ndel1d1a flondana ~Insect_ l ~~~~~ered_t1 _ Entire_Village _r
1
i No - pine rockland_ _ -j
Red-cockaded Endangered ,
__ w?odp~ck_e_r:__ __ _ _J P1co~~e~-bo~eah~ _ _ __ L ~r~- _ _ I_ ~Sf'._W~- J _=~hr~ Vil~-~e J_ ~~ = "" for~sts _ i
---------------·---·
The "range" of a species is defined as "the general geographical area within which that species can be
found at the time either FWS or NM FS makes a status determination. This range includes those areas
used throughout all or part of the species' life cycle."
However, the US Fish & Wildlife Service defines critical habitat as:
"the specific areas within the geographic area, occupied by the species at the time it was
listed, that contain the physical or biological features that are essential to the
conservation of endangered and threatened species and that may need special
management or protection. Critical habitat may also include areas that were not
occupier! h)I thP species at the time of listing but are essential to its conservation."
That means that, while it is important to consider the entire range of a species when selecting which
species to consider, preserving critical habitat should be the highest priority when selecting which areas
to protect. The best action is to preserve areas of critical habitat as open space in its natural state.
However, Key Biscayne's designated critical habitat is primarily offshore, meaning it cannot be
preserved by the Village as standard open space. Fortunately, most of the offshore areas adjacent to
the Village are already protected as aquatic preserves and National Parks. Although the shoreline
seaward of the mean high tide line is the property of the State of Florida, the Village maintains the
beach area from the upland dunes to the waterline, allowing the opportunity to utilize habitat friendly
beach maintenance practices along the shoreline.
March 15, 2023 Page 7 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessm ent
The table below lists all of the critical habitat within or adjacent to the Village of Key Biscayne.
CRITICAL HABITAT
Scientific Listing
Com m on Name Name Extent/ Loeatlon Agency In Floo dplain?
Carella caretta Sea turtle, Migra tory & Breeding Habitat: USFWS Yes- Coastal beaches (Reproductive Habitat:
loggerhead Entire Atlantic Coastline of &
Atlantic beaches north of Village)
Village
NMFS
Trichechus m anatus West Indian Entire western (Biscayne Bay) USFW S Yes - Shoreline estuaries and in the Biscayne
Manatee shoreline of Village Bay (also affected by discharge quality)
M ycetophyllia fero x Coral, rough Offshore of entire Atlantic NMFS No - Offshore but affected by discharge quality
cactus Coastline of Village
Orbicella annularis Coral, lobed Entire Atlantic Coastline of NMFS No - Offshore but affected by discharge quality
star Village
Dendro gyra Coral, pillar Entire Atlantic Coastline of NMFS No - Offshore but affected by discharge quality
cylindrus Village
Orbicella franksi Coral. boulder Entire Atlantic Coastline of NMFS No - Offshore but affected by discharge quality
star Village
Orbicella faveolata Cora l, Entire Atlantic Coastline of NMFS No - Offshore but affected by discharge quality
mountainous Village
star
Acro pora palm ata Coral, elkhorn Entire Atlantic Coastline of NMFS No - Offshore but affected by discharge quality
Village
Acro pora cerv icorn is Coral, staghorn Entire Atlantic Coastline of NMFS No - Offshore but affected by discharge quality
Village
Because much of the critical habitat referenced in the table above and map on the next page, is
offshore, it is worth noting that, although the critical habitat itself is outside of the Village limits, and
thus outside of the jurisdiction of the Village, stormwater quality can affect these critical habitats.
Ultimately, the Village stormwater system discharges surface water and rainwater flows to the Atlantic
Ocean on the east and the Biscayne Bay on the west. The Village of Key Biscayne's Stormwater
Management Program coordinates with private development and the public infrastructure, including
other agency facilities, to meet flood protection and water quality goals. These agencies include the
South Florida Water Management District, Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Transportation.
March 15, 2023 Page 8 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t
Additionally, Village dune restoration projects and State regulations restricting development seaward
of the Coastal Control Line also help to mitigate any threats to the beach habitat (identified in the
previous table) that is critical to the loggerhead sea turtles. Although the shoreline seaward of the
mean high tide line is the
property of the State of
Florida, the Village of Key
Biscayne maintains the
beach area from the
upland dunes to the
waterline.
The map to the right
illustrates the Critical
habitat of the West Indian
Manatee which includes
all of Biscayne Bay
including the portions of
the Bay along the entire
western coastline of the
village as well as the
canals, bays and inlets
connected to the
Biscayne Bay. Manatees
are generally found in
marine, estuarine, and
freshwater environments
throughout the State. The
critical habitat includes
the areas within their
range that include
foraging, drinking sites,
resting areas, travel
corridors, warm water
wintering and others.
West Indian Manatee - Critical Habitat
!0i!7t2022. !1·-IJ 1.1 i--:~.I
U'3f-lf,,.B C11t1r:,11 I taonat Line~, se.mnes ! li:U 5'$
JJ cc
<:c• •.:.S-'. ,:.o;. ,.-o; '<:J.•.;, ~,._, C.,n••--· ·; ':=
:,,.-1<, .• ...,,,. '-'·-...0><1! ~"'-""· ,·:,£;>_ =,., .. !."!:
-,..,-n ~~K ~,... .. .-,•.,__ -~ .- · ~~-• .. 1·s·
·-.;:s ,;;,:,. I,>~ .'.i :,-;u, :'.,.~-,o, ·.,:.!):. t-"~•
.",•~o, ~n"'- •- W :..., CV !:.,~,_..,,.,. t,C-'.!,t,;;s FE~, e,...c..,....,. .,,, ~i..,,c,_"""-._:,.,,_ ~ ~ c ...... ,. •t;t F .. c;,..,.~,,, .. ;.<.». •.:..::,, .. -. :v. •·il'--"'- ·-.la::e-~ s,,,,...,..= G.-,;..,,,._-_..,,,., : .. .,S"',u;.s_,. ,;;..;..t_ !:"'-· .,,.,
March 15, 2073 Page 9 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
Preserved Areas Surrounding the Village of Key Biscayne
The eastern boundary of the Village of Key Biscayne is 6,440 yards, or approximately 1-1/4 miles, of
Atlantic Ocean beachfront. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the beauty of the beach and ocean
bordering the Village limits and can walk unimpeded to Cape Florida Bill Baggs State Park to the south
and Miami-Dade County's Crandon Park to the north.
Although outside the Village's jurisdiction, it is important to note that much of the endangered species
range and critical habitat directly adjacent to or offshore of the Village is already designated as
protected preservation and conservation space. In addition to having the County park to the north of
the Village and State park to the south of the Village, the waters off both the eastern and western
coastlines of Key Biscayne are designated as aquatic preserves and National Parks.
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves
Biscayne Bay is home to two state aquatic preserves, collectively known as Bisca yne Bay A qua tic
Preserves (BB A P ). The Northern portion of the inner Biscayne Bay (northwest of the Village) has
been designated as the "Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve" and the portion of the Atlantic Ocean
off the eastern coast of the Village is designated as the "Biscayne Bay - Cape Florida to Monroe
County Line Aquatic Preserve". Together, the 67,000 acres comprising the two preserves are
known collectively as the "Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves" and are managed by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection following the Biscayne Bay A q u atic Preserves
M a n a g e m en t Pla n.
The first, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, was established in 1974 and runs the length of
Biscayne Bay proper, from the headwaters of the Oleta River down to Card Sound near Key
Largo. BBAP is about 64,607 submerged acres. This aquatic preserve (AP) is split in half by what
is now called Biscayne National Park, formerly called Biscayne National Monument.
March 15, 2023 Page 10 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A sse ssm e n t
Biscayne Bay
•!'
--."
Biscayne Bay - Cape Florida to
Monroe County Line Aquatic Preserve
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve N
3 6 12
M11es A
February 2012
M arch 15, 2023 Page 11 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
Biscayne Bay is a unique water body along the southeast Atlantic shoreline of the United States
because it was not formed by the drowning of a river. Instead, Biscayne Bay formed between
5,000 and 2,400 years ago as sea level rose to fill the depression between two ridges.
Biscayne Bay is a historical estuary, the largest estuary in Florida and the only large, subtropical,
protected bay within the continental United States.
Biscayne Bay provides habitat for a variety of juvenile and adult marine species, as well as
several of Florida's imperiled species, including the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus
latirostris), the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), the American crocodile (Crocodylus
acutus) and Johnson's seagrass (Halophila johnsonii). Johnson's seagrass is the first and only
marine plant to be listed as "threatened" on the Endangered Species List and lives in northern
BBAP. One of the many projects underway to protect these species in the preserve is the
mangrove restoration within BBAP along the Oleta River
The second aquatic preserve within the Biscayne Bay area - Biscayne Bay-Cape Florida to
Monroe County Line Aquatic Preserve - was established in 1975. Much of the submerged lands
and islands originally included within the boundaries are now within either Biscayne National
Park (BNP) or within the larger preserve, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. The original boundaries
began offshore of southern Key Biscayne, extended out to the edge of Florida state waters and
then went southward to the county line dividing Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. The
boundary returned northward interior of Biscayne Bay along the intracoastal waterway. The
preserve concluded back at southern Key Biscayne including the waters of Bill Baggs Cape
Florida State Park. With the designation of Biscayne National Monument to a National Park in
1980, the Biscayne Bay-Cape Florida to Monroe County Line Aquatic Preserve lost much of its
original acreage. Today, the remnant of this aquatic preserve is approximately 4,163 acres off
the eastern shore of Key Biscayne.
Biscayne National Park
The park preserves a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands and vibrant coral
reefs all within sight of downtown Miami. The park takes advantage of its location next to this
growing and diverse metropolis by partnering with a variety of local organizations to provide
access for visitors to encounter and explore the scenery, wildlife, history and other amazing
resources.
Biscayne National Park protects four distinct ecosystems that melt into one another creating
rich edge communities or "ecotones." These communities support an incredible array of wildlife
March 15, 2023 Page 12 of 94
F lo o d p la in Species
Assessm ent
including manatees, sea turtles, hundreds of species of birds and fish, and plants and insects
found nowhere else in the United States. Winds, currents, storms and the park's close proximity
to one of the nation's largest urban areas means that the entire park is constantly adapting to
challenges posed by both nature and humans.
Park management is a complex task that involves skilled professionals from many fields
including; law enforcement, maintenance, administration, interpretation and resource
management. National parks protect the very best of this nation's rich heritage, so the need for
efficient and innovative park management is especially important. The park follows two basic
sets of rules; (1) rules common to all national parks and (2) rules that apply only in Biscayne
National Park. Among the rules that apply to all national parks, the 1916 National Park Service
Organic Act is the foundation. It states that the mission of the National Park Service is to:
" ... conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects, and the wildlife
therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such
means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
Other rules that apply to all national parks include the Historic Sites Act, Endangered Species
Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act and more. See Title 36 of the Code of
Federal Regulations for more information. Rules specific to the park include its enabling
legislation, which expresses the park purpose in broad and beautiful language. General
management plans guide park actions in order to achieve the missions of resource preservation
and protection. Fishing within park boundaries is governed by the State of Florida. Additionally,
federal or state agencies may impose a civil fine of $25,000, a criminal penalty of $50,000 and/or
up to 1 year in jail for violating the Endangered Species Act or state statute by "taking" an
endangered or threatened species or damaging sea grass and coral. "Taking" is defined as
harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing,
collecting or attempting to engage in such conduct.
Park staff advise visitors to take the following actions to avoid harming protected species
including coral, sea turtles, manatees, smalltooth sawfish and dolphins:
• Never anchor in coral reefs
• Keep a sharp lookout when boating
• Watch your speed, especially at night
• Keep your distance from wildlife
March 15, 2023 Page 13 of 94
Floodplain Species
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11
I I
t A Y N
NATIONAL PARK
j
I
I
March 15, 2023 Page 14 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A sse ssm e ·n t
The areas directly abutting the northern and southern borders of the Village are also designated as
either preserves or parks. The Village is bordered to the north by Miami-Dade County's Crandon Park
and to the south by Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
MAPS OF PARKS TO THE NORTH
AND SOUTH OF KEY BISCAYNE
la Ba' trort P_:ir•
',· l,;, !"· Dodge Island
tr;
Miami
Virg1n1a Key
Histor:c
·~~;i; 12. ;<?:~~
fi}'
Crc.1ndo11 Pd'·
C rand on Park
Mc1rd1 15, 2023 Page 15 of 94
Floodplain Species
A ssessment
Crandon Park visitors can explore the various ecosystems of the Key including the dunes,
mangroves, and coastal hammock and seagrass beds; and observe herons, ospreys and many
brilliantly colored butterflies. The Island is also home to rare and beautiful plants like the beach
peanut, Biscayne prickly ash and the coontie. The beautiful sandy beach, coastal dunes and
tropical hardwood hammocks are an important nesting and feeding ground for migrating
songbirds, hawks and sea turtles. Seagrass beds provide a home for mangrove snapper,
parrotfish, crabs, shrimp, sea stars and puffer fish.
Located in Crandon Park is a designated natural Environment Study Area, called the Bear Cut
Preserve, which serves as a window to the wilderness that was once South Florida. Miami-Dade
Parks' naturalists guide visitors through the Preserve to explore the hammock, ocean and beach
communities and see the amazing animals and plants that inhabit South Florida.
Crandon Park's beautiful two-mile beach is consistently named among the top ten beaches in
the nation. It is one of the most popular recreation destinations in all of Miami-Dade County,
enjoyed by millions of residents and tourists each year. Crandon's famous offshore sandbar
protects swimmers from a crashing surf. The sandbar changes constantly because of seasonal
squalls, storms and currents. It is enjoyed by many people who swim to it and walk or wade
along its length. The beach is a celebrated recreational area known for its pristine sand, calm
water, winding promenade, concession stands, multiple picnic areas with tables and grills, and
convenient parking for over 3,000 vehicles. The park also includes Crandon's Family Amusement
Center as well as a golf course and marina.
Within the park Miami EcoAdventures provides visitors the opportunity to embark on guided
land and water-based adventures, participate in educational activities and explore the aquatic
habitats surrounding Key Biscayne. Opportunities such as these to experience and enjoy the
natural environment can increase public awareness about local endangered and threatened
species while increasing resident's desire to engage in local recovery efforts, behave responsibly,
champion conservation causes and support municipal efforts to protect open spaces.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Ponce de Leon named this area "Cape of Florida" when he led the first Spanish expedition to
Florida in 1513. The Cape Florida lighthouse, the park's best-known feature, was completed in
1825 but was damaged during the Second Seminole War. The repaired tower, completed in
1846, remains the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Tours of the 95-foot
lighthouse and the keeper's house museum are available.
March 15, 2023 Page 16 of 94
1111 .,,
Floodplain Species
Assessment
The island served as a secret meeting place and port for runaway slaves and Black Seminoles
waiting to rendezvous with sea captains or board dugouts for a passage to safety in the British
Bahamas. Although the lighthouse was built to save lives and ships, its unflinching light brought
an end to this avenue of escape. In September 2004, Cape Florida was designated a National
Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site.
In addition to the many recreational areas within the park which includes Cape Florida's 1.25
miles of natural beach, there are also varied habitats maintained in their natural state and
several places from which visitors can observe and enjoy the local wildlife. In 1992, Hurricane
Andrew uprooted a forest of non-native Australian-pine trees that dominated the landscape
and left the park nearly treeless. The storm provided land managers the opportunity to restore
the park's native plant communities. Today, a variety of natural habitats, from mangrove forest
to maritime hammock, can be seen at Cape Florida.
Depending upon the season, more than 50 butterfly species and 170 bird species may be seen
at the park. The peregrine falcon, piping plover and American crocodile regularly take refuge
here. Loggerhead sea turtles nest along the beach each summer. Green sea turtles and Florida
manatees often graze in the seagrass beds offshore.
Birds may be seen along the sea wall and the nature trails, depending on the season, weather
and migration patterns. The park is home to the Cape Florida Banding Station (CFBS). CFBS
partners with the Florida Keys HawkWatch (at Curry Hammock State Park) and Tropical
Audubon Society to form the South Florida Bird Observatory. CFBS was established in 2002 to
investigate use of the restored hardwood hammocks by neotropical migrants.
Many of the neotropical migrant birds that breed in eastern Canada, the nor theaster n United
States and the mid-Atlantic region travel the Atlantic Flyway in fall to reach their winter habitats
in the Caribbean Islands and northern South America. Migrant passerines following the eastern
Florida coastline southward often funnel through Key Biscayne and land in Bill Baggs Cape
Florida State Park, a natural oasis in heavily developed Miami-Dade County. Here, the birds stop
to rest, refuel and find refuge from bad weather before continuing southward. The restored
native vegetation provides ample food such as insects and fruit that are essential to build up
the fat deposits that fuel the birds on their over-water flights.
In order to capture birds for banding, twenty-two mist nets are set up in an area covering 10
acres located discreetly within a restored hardwood hammock in the park. As the only long
term banding station in South Florida, CFBS fills a gap in migration monitoring along the entire
Eastern Seaboard. It offers a unique opportunity to study the use by migrant birds of restored
March 15, 2023 Page 17 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
native subtropical vegetation as well as an opportunity to study the challenges faced by birds
along their migration routes.
Atlanclc
Ocean
The park is located
on the southern end
of Key Biscayne, south
of downtown Miami.
Biscayne
Bay C'
Park Office
Boardwalk
~Bicycling
~ Concession
0:7 ~Fishing
~Hiking
~Parking
~ Picnicking
@Playground
[ij Restrooms
~ Sunbathing
~ Wildlife Viewing
P002f1 __ R..,_02. 19
March 15, 2023 Page 18 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t
l/ t-, )' P · s;- •· - '"'y P e l " ~ ' 0 I , > \., Cl • I -
The following maps show Open Space areas and other conservation areas located within the Village of
Key Biscayne.
Flood Zones
The map below is the Flood Zone map of Key Biscayne showing that 100% of the village is in the SFHA
comprised of Zones AE{7-11) and Zone VE{ll). That means all of the Village is subject to SFHA
regulations, and is therefore at least partially protected when development affects the floodplain.
------------- -
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March 15, 2023 Page 19 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
Open Space
Below is a map of the Open Space Areas in Key Biscayne {bright green}, all of which are located within
the Special Flood Hazard Area {SFHA}:
I I
10/17/2022, 11:53: 11 AM
Znnuig_G!S_M:ip _-1_2021 :·~-:) Q. \ L_, .. , 1n:1n!ity Offico ( -1 ?•JOJ K•y CciOf'ly
·7 C-1 Lew tn:•ns,ty Com:i..w;,~I - PC P1a.11,:, cce -·-; ?.M10 low ('('I'll~,'~•- ~Y,:'t. Fa:.-.:y
- GU G.c-,!1-...,..":l~l'I! IJn ?ROS ?\ll:IGc RK.c;il;:;ri ,'1<'1 Oi;:~n Si;;,co, - il"\1,; • 't,;f,_-:1 01rns..r;· UuttiC:1; f;,,r,-"'y
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' ..• ..i11ns\J1ur,on.,1
- ?S ?~:~ 1,JM Rt.,iid•mr.al
- PlJ01 Or.t.m C!t::b
. PV02GraadB.-.,-
1:9.028
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March 15, 2023 Page 20 of 94
.. .,
Floodplain Species
Assessment
2021 Beach Re- o u ris h rn e n t Project
As a result of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and natural erosion, the Key Biscayne beach needed repair. The
Village secured Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, and Florida Division of Emergency Management grants that funded 23,000 cubic yards of
sand for the beach renourishrnent project. As the allowable permitted amount was greater than the
volume that was funded through grants, Village Council had the foresight to self-fund an additional
8,000 cubic yards bring the total amount of sand placed onto the beach to 31,000 cubic yards. The
additional volume of sand funded by the Village was consistent with resilience goals aimed at
maximizing shoreline protection.
By widening the beach and restoring the dunes, the Village's goal was to enhance shoreline protection
and minimize damages that may arise from future storms. Working with Ferreira Construction, the
Village added 31 thousand cubic yards to the beach and rebuilt the dunes, which included replanting
native plants and removing exotic plants.
Because the coastal area is important, both as a natural habitat for species of concern and also as the
Village's first line of defense against coastal flooding, maintaining and improving the health of the
coastal dune area is an important component of the Village's Resiliency and Sustainability planning
efforts.
Cornrnunity Rating System Credit for
Conservation and Recovery
Many of the conservation and recovery actions that local governments can implement can be credited
under the Community Rating System (CRS). CRS provides reduced flood insurance premiums in
communities that undertake activities to prevent or reduce flood losses and protect natural floodplain
functions. The Village of Key Biscayne is currently a CRS Class 8, saving floodplain residents and
businesses 10% each year on their flood insurance policies. Implementing more activities, such as
threatened and endangered species recovery actions could not only help the target species and the
environment but could also help the Village move to a higher CRS classification.
The following table reviews general CRS-credited recovery actions that are applicable to most
threatened and endangered species. The "Doing" columns identifies whether the Village is
implementing what is or could be a CRS credited activity.
If the Village is pursuing credit for the action it is indicated in the "Doing?" column. The "Feasible"
column identifies if it would be feasible to start an activity or increase the credit points.
March 15, 2023 Page 21 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
CRS CREDITED RECOVERY ACTIONS
FOR THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
. ~ ...; i
. . . 'l"
'
0
,,J.r•i:-.
300 Series (Information Activities)
320 - Ml7 - Natural floodplain functions information , Yes (a) Yes, w/appropriate messages
t---- -·-· ·-- ----------------
330 - OP - Outreach projects on protecting Natural Functions I Yes (a) Yes, w/appropriate messages
----+· -- - ---4- ---- -
330 - PPI - Program for Public Information Yes (a) ' Yes, w/appropriate messages
350 - LPD - Locally pertinent materials in library
350 - WEB - Flood protection website
Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation)
420 - OSP - Open space preservation
420 - NFOS - Open space parcels in natural state
420 - CEOS - Coastal erosion open space - (b)
420 - OSI - Open space incentives
420 - LZ - Low density zoning
420 - NSP - Natural shoreline protection
Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards)
430 - Olla - Development limitations to prohibit fill
430 - CER - Coastal erosion regulations - (b)
430 - OHS - Other higher standards
Activity 450 (Stormwater Management)
450 - OS - Design storm w/volume control
450 - LID - Low impact development
450 - WMP - Watershed master plan
- L
Yes (a)
Yes (a)
Yes
No
No
No
No
Unsure
Yes, add appropriate references
Yes, add appropriate info/ links
Yes, w/appropriate messages
Yes, would need to identify qualifying parcels
Needs Research
Yes, with ordinance change
No, Village is urban and almost co mpletely built out
Yes
Yes
Unsure
Yes
No
No
Current limitations can be reviewed
Needs Research
Will need to determine if any apply to species of concern
No Yes
- - ·-- -----t ·--- ----~
Yes
Village co uld update and revise its stormwater master
plan to earn CRS credit for WMP.
Activity 510 (Floodplain Management Planning)
510 - NFP - Natural floodplain functions plan
510 - FSA - Floodplain Species Assessment (new)
Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance)
Having a habitat-friendly program to
clear debris in drainageways (CD R)
No
Yes
Yes
- ~ -
Yes, anticipate adoption soon
No Not likely. There are currently no natural or man-made
channels maintained by the Village
(c1) - The Village of Key Biscoyne i•; receiving credit for these elements. but the messages .md rnat~rials do not specific,,lly address threat<2ned and
=ndangered species.
(b) - Th,lse elements are :;.nly appropn,Jt•.: for ~,~ecies dependent on b2:.v:hes. sud1 ::_h. s1~J turtl2s & piping plover
March 15, 2023 Page 22 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
Summary of CRS Actions
300 (Public Information Activities): The Village is implementing all the public information activities and
elements listed in previous table. It would be feasible to adjust them to better address threatened and
endangered species.
It may be possible that the Village could be credited for using the FRESH maps under Activity 320 (Map
Information Service), Ml7. Although, due to the fact that all of the listed species have community-wide
ranges, Village FRESH maps would contain no parcel specific information, which may affect how (or if)
they can be credited. Possible outcomes could include advising people that their property (and all
properties within the Village), are in the range of the certain listed species and telling them of any
precautions they should take to protect specific species for which applicable recovery and conservation
actions have been identified.
The outreach projects, library references, and website could also be revised or expanded to provide
more information on protecting threatened and endangered species. However, Village staff should first
confer with the appropriate experts and agencies to identify the most appropriate messages,
references, and websites to link to.
Activity 420 (Open Space Preservation)
420 - Open space preservation (OSP): Currently 4% of the Village's Special Flood Hazard Area is open
space. It will most likely remain that way because the Village is largely built out. The Village already
owns some of the qualifying open space and plans to maintain it as such but would have difficulty
acquiring additional open space parcels. The Village could receive NFOS credit for documenting the
natural floodplain functions served by some of the Village's preserved open areas such as coastal parks.
420 - Open space incentives (OSI): Most floodplain lands in the Village are either publicly owned or
built out. However, there remain a few flood prone areas which may be developed or re-developed in
the future. It would be beneficial to adopt incentives for developments in these areas, such as are
credited by CRS element 420 - open space incentives (OSI).
420 - Coastal erosion open space (CEOS): There are areas of the Village subject to coastal erosion,
much of it in open space, but CRS credit is dependent on specific land development regulations in those
areas. Feasibility can be determined after a review of current Village and State regulatory programs
and what would be needed to meet the CRS credit criteria.
420 - Low density zoning (LZ): The Village of Key Biscayne is urban and almost completely built out,
therefore, the CRS low density zoning credit for minimum five acre parcels may not be feasible.
420 - Natural shoreline protection (NSP): Because Village-owned properties account for some of the
shoreline in the floodplain, it would be possible to revise current procedures for management of the
March 15, 2023 Page 23 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment
shorelines along Village-owned properties to qualify for NSP natural shoreline protection credit.
Procedures would have to be developed and Public Works staff would need training.
Activity 430 (Higher Regulatory Standards): The Village currently enacts regulations to prohibit filling
in the floodplain or set other higher standard(s) for development in the floodplain. Credit for coastal
erosion regulations (CER) is discussed above with the credit for coastal erosion open space.
Activity 450 (Stormwater Management)
450 - Design storm (DS): The Village is not currently receiving CRS vredit for requiring that new
development be designed to accommodate smaller storms. Should the Village choose to revise its SZ
requirements for more credit, it could also require detention basins to store the 100-year storm.
450 - Low impact development (LID): Currently, the Village is not receiving any credit for Low Impact
Development requirements. The Village would get 100% of the credit if all new developments,
including single-family homes, were required to use low-impact development techniques.
450 - Watershed master plan (WMP): The Village is not currently receiving credit for having watershed
plan. The Village could update and revise its stormwater master plan to earn CRS credit for WMP if
elements are added to the plan that include measures that protect natural floodplain functions, like
preserving wetlands for storage and prohibiting alterations to existing natural channels. Such rules
would help coastal, riparian and aquatic threatened and endangered species more than many of the
other CRS elements.
Activity 540 (Drainage System Maintenance): At this time, the Village does not have any natural or
man-made channels that are maintained by the Village, so it is unlikely that there can be any revisions
made to the Village's procedures that will incorporate habitat friendly practices.
Contacting Relevant Agencies and Organizations
There are a number of state and federal agencies and private organizations that have goals and
programs to protect threatened and endangered species and help them recover. The following could
assist the Village to define appropriate activities and, possibly, help with their implementation.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ecological Services Field Office (Florida)
Vero Beach Office
1339 20th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960-3559
(772) 562-3909
verobeach@fws.gov
March 15, 2023
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Peninsular Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Office
1339 20th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960-3559
(772) 469-4314
john_galvez@fws.gov
Page 24 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t
National Marine Fisheries Service
Southeast Regional Office
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 824-5301
Ron Salz: ron.salz@ noaa.gov
Key Biscayne Citizen Scientist Project
240 Crandon Blvd, Suite 108,
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-277 0
lnfo @l<eyScience.org
Audubon Florida
State Office
4500 Biscayne Blvd., Ste 350
Miam i, FL 3313 7
(305) 371-6399
flco nservation@ a ud ubon .org
The Nature Conservancy
Florida Program
1035 S. Semoran Blvd. Suite 2-1021 B
W inter Park, FL 327 92
(407) 682-3664
f!om la@ tnc.org
Federal Em ergency Management Agency
FEMA HEADQUARTER S
500 C Street, SW .
W ashington, DC 20472
(202) 646-4622
Zane Had zick: za ne .hadzick@fem a .d hs.gov
Florida Fish & W ildlife Conservation
Comm ission - South Region
Dr. Thom as Reinert, Regional Director
8535 Northlake Boulevard
W est Palm Beach, FL 33412
(561) 625-5122
tom .reinert@ m yfwc.som
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature
Center
Theodora Long, Executive Director
6767 Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-6767
theoclo ra !ong@ biscavnena tu recenter .org
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Elizabeth Golden, Biologist
1200 S. Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne FL 33149
(786) 582-2673
E lizabeth.golden@ florida DE P .gov
Florida Native Plant Society
Dade Chapter
6619 South Dixie Highway, #181
Miami FL 33143-7919
(305) 985-3677
dadefnps@ gmail.com
Miami-Dade Office of Natural Resources
Management
Overtown Transit Village North
701 NW 1st Court
M iami, FL 3313 6
(305) 372-6567
derm@miamidade.gov
March 15, 2023 Page 25 of 94
Floodplain Species
A ssessm ent
Assessm ent R eview Q u estions
The first 25 pages of this document were sent to the Assessment review agencies and non-profits by
email, along with the following 5 questions. A general summary of the responses will be included once
the replies have been received.
1. Are the lists of threatened and endangered species in the tables on page 3-7 appropriate and
complete? Are there any species that should be moved from the first section of the table (to
be included in floodplain planning efforts) to the next section of the table (and be excluded),
or vice versa?
2. Are there any species listed that the community should not spend time on? And why?
3. For those species that deserve attention from the community, do you have additional
information on their habitats and threats?
4. Are there any recovery actions that should be priorities to pursue?
5. Would you be able to assist us in implementing any priority projects?
S u m m ary R esu lts of A ssessm ent R eview s
Summary of Responses Received. For complete responses please see Appendix B
The Village received responses from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS or NOAA Fisheries),
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Miami Dade County Division of Environmental
Resources Management (DERM) and Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC).
A summary of the responses to each question is as follows:
1. Are the lists of threatened and endangered species in the tables on page 3-7 appropriate
and complete? Are there any species that should be moved from the first section of the
table (to be included in floodplain planning efforts) to the next section of the table (and be
excluded), or vice versa?
a) [NMFS, FEMA, DERM] The responding agencies agreed that Johnson's seagrass should be
removed, as it has recently been de-listed. Although all sea grasses are still a vital part of
coastal ecology, there is no longer a concern for this particular species.
It is important to note that, even though Johnson's seagrass will not be included in the
Action Plan, the same water quality, responsible boating, and sediment control actions
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t
recommended to protect the listed and proposed coral species will also serve to protect
the seagrass beds that are so vital for other local and listed species, such as the manatee.
b) [NMFS] The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is recommended for inclusion. The North
Atlantic Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of green sea turtle is listed as threatened under
the ESA. The FSA does mention that green sea turtles often graze in the seagrass beds
offshore of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (p.16) however it was not listed in the tables.
c) [NMFS] Another sea turtle species that is not included in the tables but is recommended for
inclusion is the Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii). Although the major nesting sites for
this species are located in the Gulf of Mexico, this species' range includes the U.S. Atlantic
coast, and occasional Kemp's ridley nesting has been documented from Florida through
North Carolina.
d) [NMFS] A fish species that could be added to the Critical Habitat table is the Nassau grouper
(Epinephelus striatus), which was listed under the ESA as threatened in 2016.
i. These large fish are found in southern coastal Florida, the Florida Keys,
Bermuda, the Yucatan, and the Caribbean, where they are associated with hard
structures, such as coral reefs.
ii. In October 2022, NMFS issued a proposed critical habitat rule for the Nassau
grouper (87 FR 62930). Proposed critical habitat includes Florida Unit 1-
Biscayne Bay/Key Largo, which is described as: All waters of Biscayne Bay
(bounded on the north by the Rickenbacker Causeway), Card Sound (bounded
on the south by Card Sound Road), and the Atlantic Ocean out to the coral reef
and hardbottom in depths of about 20m between Stiltsville, south of Cape
Florida, and Harry Harris Beach Park near the south end of KPy Largo, excluding
the lntracoastal Waterway
e) [DERM] Of the plant species recommended for inclusion in the assessment, the only species
currently present on Key Biscayne is beach clustervine/beach jacquemontia (J a cq uem on tia
rec/in a ta).
i. The occurrences of Blodgett's wild mercury/Blodget's silvebush (Argythamnia
blodgetti) in Miami-Dade County are restricted to pine rockland and rockland
hammock systems. However, in the near-by Monroe County large populations
of A. blodgettii can be found within coastal berm and coastal rock barren
habitats.
f) [DERM] A recommendation was made that rare plant species on the county and state lists
be included. Despite absence from federal listings, many rare plant species have been
extirpated from the island and should be protected wherever they are found and re-
March 15, 2023 Page 27 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessm ent
introduced wherever possible. Some examples of good candidates [for inclusion in the
Action Plan] are:
i. Biscayne Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum coriaceum) - endangered in Florida, found
on Key Biscayne
ii. Golden leather fern (Acrostichum aureum) - threatened in Florida, found in
Miami-Dade County
iii. Porter's spurge (Chaemaesyce porteriana) - endangered in Florida, found in
Miami-Dade County
iv. Florida prairieclover (Dalea floridana) endangered in Florida, has been
documented on Key Biscayne; however, the species is listed as not present
2. Are there any species listed that the community should not spend time on? And why?
a) [DERM] American Chaffseed, which has not been vouchered in Miami-Dade County, is
recommended for exclusion
b) [DERM, NMFS, FEMA] Johnson's Seagrass, which has been de-listed, is recommended for
exclusion
3. For those species that deserve attention from the community, do you have additional
information on their habitats and threats?
a) [DERM] Beach jacquemontia (Jacquemontia reclinata), Blodgett's silverbush (Argythamnia
blodgettii), and Carter's mustard (Warea carteri) are all ecotone/transitional species and can
be found in varying habitats close to the coast. Special attention should be given to beach
jacquemontia and Blodgett's silverbush as they are both endemic to Florida. Furthermore,
beach jacquemontia and Carter's mustard are both federally endangered; however, the
latter has a much wider range beyond Florida.
b) [DERM] It is recommended that the assessment include further narrative on the extirpation
of the Miami blue butterfly from Key Biscayne as it is one of the most significant extirpations
in Miami-Dade County in the last few decades.
c) [DERM] It is recommended that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is consulted for
planning considerations pertaining to active sea turtle nesting areas.
d) [DERM] A good resource is the full county list of county, state and federally listed species,
found in Appendix A and B of the County's Conservation element of the Comprehensive
Development Master Plan.
e) [DERM, FEMA, NMFS] When available, USFWS and ESA Recovery Plans and species specific
NMFS webpages should be reviewed for recommendations. The recovery plans contain
March 15, 2023 Page 28 of 94
•
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detailed information about habitats, threats, and possible recovery actions for individual
species, but not all species have recovery plans. For the species with recovery plans, the
recovery actions in these plans are a good starting place for developing a CRS Floodplain
Species Plan for the Village of Key Biscayne.
4 . A re th e re an y reco very actio n s th at sh o u ld be prio ritie s to pu rsue?
a) [DERM] It is recommended that any proposal for habitat enhancement include a plan for the
eradication of invasive exotic plant species
b) [DERM] Recovery of species that have been extirpated from the island including planning re
introductions
c) [DERM] Implement and partner on sea turtle recovery
d) [FEMA] Actions that focus on water quality improvement could be most beneficial for
multiple species.
e) [NMFS] The following recovery actions from the elkhorn and staghorn coral recovery plan
are linked to several of the CRS creditable action you have identified in your FSA:
i. Address sewage discharges throughout the species' ranges;
ii. Develop and implement effective watershed/land use management plans for
the protection of coral reefs;
iii. Restore and maintain mangrove and seagrass ecosystem resources to buffer
land-based influences; and
iv. Reduce impacts from planned physical disturbances - no net loss from
development projects.
f) [NMFS] Similarly, the Northwest Atlantic loggerhead DPS recovery plan includes the
following recovery actions implementable at the local level:
i. Ensure beach sand placement projects are conducted in a manner that
accommodates loggerhead needs and does not degrade or eliminate nesting
habitat (the plan lists 9 specific sub-actions under this action);
ii. Maintain and acquire nesting beaches and adjacent uplands to be held in public
trust;
iii. Minimize effects of light pollution on hatchlings and nesting females; and
iv. Facilitate recovery through public awareness, education, and information
transfer.
g) [NMFS] While the Nassau grouper recovery outline identifies fishing as the major threat to
this species, it also notes that the loss of nearshore habitat and changes in water quality
could negatively impact survival and growth of local recruits which is also essential for
recovery. Therefore, CRS elements under Activity 450 Stormwater Management would likely
March 15, 2023 Page 29 of 94
Flo odplain Species
A ssessm ent
benefit Nassau grouper recruitment by improving water quality in nearshore environments
that support this species.
5. Would you be able to assist the Village of Key Biscayne in implementing any priority
projects?
a) Miami-Dade DERM:
i. Projects seeking to implement natural shoreline protections may require
regulatory authorizations from County, State, and federal agencies. It is highly
recommended that early coordination with Miami-Dade County's RER-DERM
be sought to determine site appropriateness and consistency with the Code of
Miami-Dade County.
ii. The Environmentally Endangered Lands Program would like to assist with
priority projects including providing collaboration initiatives regarding Miami
Blue butterfly and other rare/endangered butterfly recovery on the island.
iii. DERM can provide technical assistance for habitat considerations that go along
with beach renourishment projects and technical staff can provide plant lists
for rare native plants that used to occur within the Village of Key Biscayne.
Dune species selection is a critical enhancement that can improve biodiversity
on the island. Please note that some rare species have to be contract grown
two years in advance of a project.
b) FEMA:
i. It is unclear what role FEMA would play in implementing a Floodplain Species
Plan.
c) FWC:
i. FWC staff are available to answer species specific technical questions, provide
information on existing FWC conservation efforts and enforce state fish and
wildlife laws.
d) NMFS:
i. NMFS would be willing to assist in some capacity with implementation of
priority projects as part of a CRS credited Floodplain Species Plan for the Village
of Key Biscayne. The amount of assistance available will depend on a number of
factors including the timing of the request, the duration of the project
implementation phase, the types of projects proposed, and the relevance of
the proposed plan to NMFS work and expertise
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Floodplain Species
Plan
• e I S a
After receiving the input from the reviewing agencies and organizations, it was concluded that the
Village should proceed to the next step and prepare a Floodplain Species Plan. This plan will identify
possible action items the Village can implement to conserve and protect the species identified in the
assessment. Each action item selected for implementation will then be included in the Action Plan and
expanded to include details such as a responsible office and timeline.
In this section, the species which have been identified by the Assessment as species which may benefit
from mitigating actions are grouped into the following categories:
Birds
o Cape Sable seaside sparrow
o Everglade snail kite
o Bachman's warbler (=wood)
o Wood stork
o Eastern Black rail
o Red knot
o Piping Plover
Fish
o Smalltooth Sawfish
o Nassau Grouper
Reptiles
o Sea Turtles
11 Loggerhead sea turtle
• Leatherback sea turtle
• Hawksbill sea turtle
o Other Aquatic Reptiles
• American crocodile
o Terrestrial Reptiles
11 Eastern indigo snake
11 Green sea turtle
11 Kemp's ridley sea turtle
F l o o d p la in S p e c ie s
P l a n
M am m als
o Aquatic Mammals
• West Indian Manatee
o Terrestrial Mammals
• Florida bonneted bat
Coral
o Coral, rough cactus
o Coral, lobed star
o Coral, pillar
o Coral, boulder star
o Coral, mountainous star
o Coral, staghorn
o Coral, elkhorn
Plants
o Beach jacquemontia
o Blodgett's silverbush
o Carter's mustard
o Biscayne prickly-ash
o Golden Leather Fern
o Porter's Spurge
o Florida prairie-clover
Insects
o Miami Blue Butterfly
The assessment and its action plan recommendations focus on the common recovery actions shared
by the threatened and endangered species in each group. The next section summarizes basic
information about these groups, the threats they face, and the recommendations for preservation,
conservation and recovery contained in the various species' recovery plans (if available) and other
species-specific conservation literature.
March 15, 2023 Page 32 of 94
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EverglrJde Snail Kite
RoWtidfl'lu<, :,()(ld!llr, plumbe ,,
Whmw, found
irds
Cape Sable seaside sparrow 1
The Cape Sable seaside sparrow is an elusive bird with a body length of five inches and a
wingspan of 5-8 inches. With a dark olive-gray colored back and light gray sides with dark olive
streaks, the species is characterized by small patches of yellow feathers in front of their eyes
and at the bend of their wings.
Inhabiting areas of the Everglades that are periodically burned and flooded, including inland
prairies of cordgrass, muhly grass, and short sawgrass, these sparrows are currently found only
in Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve in Dade and Monroe counties,
where they eat mainly spiders, beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, grass, and sedge seeds.
Although named after a portion of its original range, this species has not been seen in Cape
Sable, Florida since the 1970's.
Everglade snail kite 2
The Everglade snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is a wide-ranging New World raptor species
found primarily in lowland freshwater marshes in tropical and subtropical America from Florida,
Cuba, and Mexico south to Argentina and Peru In Florida, the original range of the snail kite was
larger than at present. Historically, snail kites were known to nest in Crescent Lake and Lake
Panasoffkee in north-central Florida and as far west as the Wakulla River, however the current
distribution of the Everglade snail kite in Florida is now limited to central and southern portions
of the State. The medium sized raptor can be recognized by its characteristic slender, decurved
bill which is an adaptation for extracting the kite's primary prey, the apple snail
Snail kite habitat consists of freshwater marshes and the shallow vegetated edges of lakes
(natural and man-made) where apple snails can be found. Snail kites require foraging areas that
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are relatively clear of herbaceous or woody vegetation and open to visually search for apple
snails. Suitable foraging habitat for the snail kite is typically a combination of low profile marsh
with an areas of shallow, clear, calm, open water. Nearly continuous flooding of wetlands for
longer than one year is needed to support apple snail populations that in turn sustain the snail
kite.
Bachman's warbler (=wood) 3
Bachman's warbler (Vermivora bachmanii) is the rarest songbird native to the U.S. Once the
seventh most common migrant along the lower Suwannee River, it is now possibly extinct in
the State. 1977 was the last time a Bachman's warbler was sighted in Florida.
Males have a gray nape, and a yellow chin and belly, with an olive upper section (tail, back, and
wings), yellow forehead, and a black patch on their crown. Females differ with a gray patch on
their crown and a pale olive back. Nests are constructed in heavy undergrowth with grass,
leaves, and moss after the spring floods. The Bachman's wood warbler inhabits bottomland
forests and swamps and had been known to winter in Florida's Monroe and Miami-Dade
counties.
Wood Stork 4
The Wood Stork is a large mostly white long-legged wading bird that uses a variety of freshwater
and estuarine wetlands for nesting, feeding and roosting. Colony nesting sites must remain
inundated throughout the nesting cycle to protect against predation and abandonment. The
birds forage in shallow, open water. Major threats include loss of feeding habitat, water level
manipulations affecting drainage, predation, loss of nesting trees and human disturbance.
Eastern Black Rail 5
The Eastern Black Rail is "a small, secretive marsh bird" (FWS).6 It can be found in salt, brackish,
and freshwater marshes. It requires dense herbaceous vegetation to provide shelter and cover
and areas for protected nest sites. It feeds on small aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and
seeds.
Red Knot 6
The Red Knot is a sandpiper. It has one of the longest migrations of any bird. It breeds in the
Canadian Arctic and migrates to the southern end of South America. Some come through
Florida on their way and some overwinter in the state. They get their food on sandy beaches,
sand flats, or mud flats, searching for hard shelled prey.
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Floodplain Species
Plan
Piping Plover 7
The Piping Plover is a small North American shorebird. The Florida residents typically spend the
winters on the Gulf coast and the warmer months in their northern breeding grounds. During
their stay in Florida, they are found at accreting ends of barrier islands, along sandy peninsulas,
and near coastal inlets. Plovers appear to prefer sandflats adjacent to inlets or passes, mud flats
along prograding spits, and over wash areas as foraging habitats.
Threats:
The wide, flat, sparsely vegetated barrier beaches preferred by the Piping Plover and Red Knot are an
unstable habitat, dependent on natural forces for renewal and susceptible to degradation by
development and shoreline stabilization efforts. Destruction of beach habitat by residential, resort, and
seawall development constitutes irrevocable habitat loss for Piping Plovers and Red Knots. Other
threats include beach activities, especially vehicle traffic, mechanized beach cleaning, and oil spills.
Degradation to the Everglades and coastal marshes from causes including development, agriculture,
alteration in natural waterflow, encroachment of hardwoods into sawgrass prairies, and disturbance
from human traffic are the primary threats to the survival and breeding success of the Cape Sable
seaside sparrow and the Everglade snail kite. Similarly, the primary threat to the Eastern Black Rail is
the loss and degradation of wetland habitat due to drainage, dredging, filling, impounding, mining,
pollution, and loss of native vegetation due to invasion by non-native plant species.
A threat specific to the Everglades snail kite is avian vacuolar myelinopathy (AVM) (Factor C) which is a
neurological disease that comes from direct or indirect consumption of neurotoxins produced by blue
green algae (cyanobacteria). Apple snails, the primary food of the snail kite, can accumulate the toxin
at levels high enough to cause illness in the birds. Another threat specific to the snail kite is a decreasing
population of the native Apple snails on which they feed, although increasing populations of non-native
snails may be mitigating this threat.
Due to lack of recent sightings little is known about the threats facing the Bachman's wood warbler,
although the destruction and degradation of suitable forest and wetland habitat would seem to pose
a risk to the survival of any remaining populations, if any such populations still exist. Perhaps the
greatest current threat to the species is its large historic breeding range and low population size making
it difficult for breeding birds to locate suitable mates.
Other threats to each of these birds include sea level rise and tidal flooding, predation by cats, rats,
native predators, and non-native predators, as well as human disturbance.
Recovery plans' recommendations: The individual recovery plans (or species specific sections of the
South Florida Field Office Multi-Species Recovery Plan) for the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, Everglade
snail kite, Wood stork, and Piping Plover all have two common objectives within the jurisdiction of a
March 15, 2023 Page 35 of 94
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lo ca l go ve rn m e n t. T h e se are liste d be lo w . Th e D raft R e covery Pla n fo r the R e d Kn o t has sim ilar
re co m m e n d atio n s. A s a pro p o se d listin g , th e re is no reco very plan fo r th e Ea stern Black Ra il, and as a
like ly extin ct sp e cie s th e re are no reco ve ry actio n s id e ntifi ed fo r th e Bachm an's w o od w arb ler but,
giv e n th e sim ilar th re ats to ha b itat fr o m hu m an activ ities, th e actio n s liste d be lo w are ap pro priate fo r
all of th e bird sp e cie s:
1. M a n ag e ha b itat to m ax im ize su rvival an d pro d u ctiv ity:
a. M a in ta in natu ral co astal fo rm atio n pro cesse s that perp e tu a te high q ua lity bree d ing
ha b itat
b. Re d u ce d istu rb a n ce fr o m hu m an s an d pets
c. M o n ito r an d m a n ag e in vasive ve g e tatio n thro u gh o ut no nb re ed ing hab itats, incl u d ing
re p la n tin g nativ e veg e tatio n .
d . Pre se rv e w etla n d s as m an ag e d o p e n sp ace and, if po ssib le , re sto re or prese rve natural
w ate r sto rag e an d dra in ag e patt e rn s
2. D e v e lo p an d im p le m e n t pu b lic in fo rm atio n an d ed u catio n program s.
M a n ag in g h a b itat actio n s w o u ld be m o st im p o rta n t in the critica l ha b itat alo n g th e V illage beach es an d
in a n y m a rshy o r w etla n d are a s.
1 Reference s: FW S EC O S, South Florida Field Office Multi-Species Recovery Plan, FW S 19 99, Draft Amendment to
the Recovery Plan for Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis), FW S, 20 19, and C ape
Sab le Se a sid e Sparro w w eb p ag e m an aged by the Flo rid a Fish and W ild life Co m m ission
2 R efere nces: FW S EC O S, South Florida Field Office Multi-Species Recovery Plan, FW S 19 99, Amendment to the
Recovery Plan for the Endangered Everglade Snail Kite (Rostrahamus sociabilis plumbeus) FW S, 2019
3 R efe rences: FW S EC O S, South Florida Field Office Multi-Species Recovery Plan, FW S 199 9, and Bachm an's
W arb le r w eb page m anaged by the Flo rid a Fish and W ild life C om m ission
4 Refere n ces: FW S EC O S, Revised Recovery Plan fo r the U .S. Breeding Po pulatio n of the W o od Sto rk, FW S, 1997.
5 Refe ren ces: FW S EC O S, Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Black Rail, FW S, June 2018, and
Easte rn black rail w ebsites m anaged by the FW S' So utheast Regio n, NatureServ e Exp lorer, and the Audubo n
So ciety.
6 Refere nces: FW S EC O S, Draft Recovery Plan for the Rufo Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa), FW S, 20 21 (there is
no reco ve ry plan )
7 Refere n ces: FW S EC O S, Piping Plover, Atlantic Coast Population, Revised Recovery Plan, FW S, 1996 , Piping
Plover 5-Year Review, FW S, 20 20 . In fo rm atio n used fo r the C o astal M igratio n and W inte ring Range.
8 Im ag es fr o m : http s://ip ac.e cosp he re.fw s.gov/
M a rch 1 5 , 20 2 3 Pag e 36 of 94
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Fish 9
Smalltooth Sawflsh 9
·
10
Although they are actually rays,
sawfish appear to be more shark-like
than ray-like, with only the trunk and
especially the head ventrally flattened
like a ray. All sawfish snouts are
Nassau Grouper
Protectecl Status
ESA -:'"HREATfNEO
~·' ;' ,· .. ) ~· .: ,~ ...
extended as a long, narrow, flattened, rostral blade with a series
of transverse teeth along either edge. The rostrum has a saw-like
appearance and hence the name of sawfish. Juvenile smalltooth
Smalltooth Sawfish
Protected Status
ESA ENDANGERED
sawfish generally inhabit the shallow coastal waters of bays, banks, estuaries, and river mouths,
particularly shallow mud banks and mangrove habitats. Larger animals can be found in the same habitat
but are also found offshore at depths up to at least 122 meters.
Threats: The primarv reason for the decline of the smalltooth sawfish population has been bycatch in
various commercial and recreational fisheries. The secondary reason for the decline of the smalltooth
sawfish population is habitat loss and degradation. Other threats to the species include entanglement
in marine debris, injury from saw removal, pollution, and disturbance of natural behavior by divers and
other marine activities.
Life history characteristics are a limiting factor for the species' ability to recover. Sawfish are slow
growing, late maturing, and produce small numbers of young; hence, recovery will take decades, even
if all threats are effectively eliminated.
Recovery plan's recommendations: The Smalltooth sawfish recovery plan outlines three main
objectives:
• minimize human interactions and associated injury and mortality
• protect and/or restore smalltooth sawfish habitats
• ensure smalltooth sawfish abundance increases substantially and the species reoccupies areas
from which it had previously been extirpated
The recommended actions listed below are beyond the scope of the Village's jurisdiction:
• Prevent or reduce mortality of the species in fisheries to ensure their long-term viability.
• Monitor trade to ensure trade in sawfish and sawfish parts does not threaten the long-term
viability of the population.
• Reduce threats from research efforts.
• f1PvPlop non-ESA protection measures and a post-delisting monitoring plan.
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• Verify that nursery habitat of sufficient size and quality exists to enable the recovery of the
species.
• Identify and protect the habitats (particularly mating and pupping areas) of adult smalltooth
sawfish.
• Investigate the relationship (movements) between the U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish and
populations in surrounding countries and coordinate conservation and recovery efforts to
ensure U.S. smalltooth sawfish recovery efforts are not hindered.
• Determine that sufficient numbers of adult smalltooth sawfish exist to ensure recovery.
• Develop a spatially-structured PVA for the species to estimate extinction probabilities.
• Verify that sufficient numbers of juvenile smalltooth sawfish exist to ensure recovery and that
sufficient nursery areas are occupied to protect against negative stochastic events.
Of all of the recommended action, only two are within the scope of actions the Village can take:
• Minimize the disruption of natural/historic freshwater flow regimes (including timing, quality,
and quantity) and maintain or restore water quality
• Minimize interactions, injury, and mortality through outreach and education.
Nassau grouper 9·
11
A rare fish in Florida, Nassau grouper are a long living sedentary reef-fish inhabiting waters from
Bermuda to Florida and throughout the Caribbean. Both juveniles and adults prefer high-relief reefs
and hard bottom habitats, however they generally occupy different depths at different life stages. Early
juveniles can be found nearshore on both natural and artificial reef structures, coral clumps and
seagrass beds. Juveniles are generally limited to shallower inshore areas, and larger adults are most
often found in deeper waters and offshore reefs.
Threats: The primary reason for the decline of the Nassau grouper is overfishing and poaching. The
secondary reason for the decline of the Nassau grouper population is coral reef habitat loss and
degradation. Although ranked as a "low" risk to the species, loss of nearshore habitat and changes in
water quality could negatively impact survival and growth of juveniles.
Nassau grouper are particularly vulnerable to over-exploitation because of their life cycles. They are
long lived and take many years to reach sexual maturity making them vulnerable to fishing for many
years before reproducing. Spawning aggregations also make adults an easy and highly predictable
target for fisheries.
Recovery plan's recommendations: The Nassau grouper recovery outline identifies two main
objectives:
• Reducing the number of Nassau grouper taken by fishing
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• pro tect and/or restore habitats necessary fo r successful recruitment of larvae (inshore)
thro ugh the mature reef-dw elling adults (offshore)
O f all of the recom m ended action, only three activities are w ithin the scope of actions the Village can
take:
• M aintain or restore water inshore water quality
• Contribute to the health of offshore co ral reefs by enfo rcing water quality and erosion control
standards
• Enco urage responsible fishing practices thro ugh outreach and education.
9 Im ages and additional info rmation: httos://www.fisheries noaa.go,1/species/srnalitooth-savvfish &
h tt ps ://v vvvw . fisheries. noaa .gov /species/ nassau-gro u per
10 Refe rences: NM FS ECOS, Recovery Plan for Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata), NM FS & NOAA, 2009, and
Florida Manatee websites managed by the Florida Fish & W ildlife Commission
11 References: NM FS ESA Recovery Outline for Nassau Grouper, NM FS & NOAA, 2019
Re ptiles
l.oggarh•nrl ~cm T urrl~
careua u1 11ittta
t earherback Sea Turtle
{)(·r IT'()(' hely-; con.1crJ
Whcrl~f found
Sea Turtles
Five of the w orld's seven species of sea turtles can be fo und along the coast of Key Biscayne. Of those,
three (Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback) were originally identified in the Floodplain Species
Assessm ent as species to be addressed in this Action plan. Two additional species, the Green and
Kem p's ridley sea turtles, were added upon the reco m m endation of expert reviews. Because they live
sim ilar lives and fa ce sim ilar threats, efforts undertaken to pro tect one type of turtle will also most
likely serve to benefit the other types of turtles.
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Their feeding grounds vary, but are all in the ocean, such as pastures of sea grass and coral reefs. All of
the species come ashore to lay their eggs on beaches in Mexico, Texas, Florida, or the Caribbean.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles 12
Found in tropical and subtropical seas of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans and widely
distributed in the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean, adult Hawksbills are known to
feed principally on sponges associated with coral reefs. Individual turtles in several life stages
occur regularly in southern Florida.
In contrast to green turtles and loggerhead turtles which nest by the thousands or tens of
thousands at concentrated sites, hawksbills typically nest at low densities of a few dozen to a
few hundred individuals. Within the continental United States, nesting is restricted to the
southeastern coast of Florida (Volusia through Miami-Dade counties) and the Florida Keys
(Monroe County). Nesting hawksbills have been recorded on Soldier Key, a small, mangrove
fringed islet in Biscayne Bay. The number of known nests each year in Florida between 1979
and 1990 (FDEP, Statewide Nesting Survey Data Base) varied from zero to two.
Leatherback Sea Turtles 13
The leatherback is the largest living turtle. Adult leatherbacks are highly migratory and believed
to be the most oceanic of all sea turtles, some swimming over 10000 miles a year between
nesting and foraging grounds. Leatherbacks feed primarily on jellyfish, siphonophores, and salp.
In the United States and wider Caribbean, nesting commences in March (a very few nests are
laid in February) and continues into July. In Florida, 38 to 125 leatherback nests were reported
to State authorities annually during the period 1981 to 1990, of which only about Oto 5 per
year were located in Miami-Dade County
Loggerhead Sea Turtles 14
South Florida is one of only two locations in the world hosting nesting aggregations of greater
than 10,000 female loggerhead turtles. Six Florida counties (Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie,
Martin, Palm Beach, and Broward counties), located along the Florida coast just north of Miami
Dade County, account for about 80% of loggerhead nesting in the southeast. Adult loggerheads
can make considerable migrations between foraging areas and nesting beaches. Shallow water
habitats with large expanses of open ocean access, such as Florida Bay, provide year-round
foraging areas for adult loggerheads. Juveniles are known to frequent more enclosed, shallow
water estuarine habitats with limited ocean access.
Adult loggerheads are primarily carnivorous, although they do ingest some vegetation.
Loggerheads consume primarily sea jellies, hydroids and salps, but also ingest a range of
invertebrates and crustaceans such as snails, barnacles and crabs.
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The highest priority threats to the Loggerhead Sea Turtle include bottom trawl, pelagic longline,
demersal longline, and demersal large mesh gillnet fisheries; legal and illegal harvest; vessel
strikes; beach armoring; beach erosion; marine debris ingestion; oil pollution; light pollution;
and predation by native and exotic species.
Green Sea Turtles 15
As the largest the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, the green sea turtle can grow to about 4 feet
long and a weigh up to 440 pounds. It has a variable colored heart-shaped shell, small head,
and single-clawed flippers. As juveniles, Green turtles are omnivorous foragers. Unlike other
sea turtles, adult Green sea turtles are herbivores that feed on both seagrasses and algae.
Green turtles live in the coastal areas of more than 140 countries and nest along the beaches
of over 80 countries. Breeding populations in Florida are listed by the NMFS as endangered. All
other populations are listed as threatened. In the US, primary nesting beaches occur along the
east coast of Florida from south Florida to central Florida. Approximately 350-2,300 nests are
observed annually.
Historically, green turtles were exploited for their fat, meat and eggs, and over hunting
threatened the global population. Many countries, including the United States, prohibit the
killing of sea turtles and collection of their eggs. However, in some areas, the killing of green
turtles for their meat or to supply shells to the wildlife trafficking trade remains a threat to their
recovery. Currently, bycatch in commercial and recreational fishing gear, vessel strikes, loss of
nesting habitat frum LUd!>Ldl development. arid climate change are
the biggest threats facing green turtles.
Pollution, coastal development and associated changes in land
utilization have led to severe degradation of habitat through
contamination, loss of suitable nesting habitat, and/or loss of food
sources in estuarine and marine waters. Declines in water quality
resulting from industrial pollution, channel dredging and
maintenance, harbor activities, farm runoff, sewage disposal, etc.,
have rendered large water bodies marginally habitable.
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles 16
Named in 1906, after Richard Kemp, a fisherman from Key West,
Kemp's ridley sea turtles are the smallest sea turtle in the world.
Adults are generally a grayish-green color on top with a pale,
yellowish bottom shell with a triangular-shaped head with a slightly
hooked beak. The top shell carapace is often circular. Each of the
front flippers has one claw while the back flippers may have one or
two.
March 15, 2023
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
1,•p•(•1, >w f'· :.. .... n
·w1 .. ,,."~•f 1n,,mi
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Juvenile turtles drift throughout the Gulf, around Florida, and into the Atlantic Ocean on floating
clumps of Sargassum algae for the first 2 years, before returning to shallow inshore coastal
waters where the adults scavenge on crabs and discarded bycatch.
Females leave breeding and nesting areas and migrate to foraging areas ranging from the
Yucatan Peninsula to southern Florida to the north-central Gulf of Mexico and then return to
participate in mass nesting events with other female Kemp's ridley turtles. This arribada nesting
results in hatching events comprised of large numbers of hatchlings all emerging at the same
time.
Listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, the species was once abundant in the
Gulf of Mexico before the population plunged to a record low in 1985. Ninety-five percent of
worldwide Kemp's ridley nesting occurs in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico on beaches along
the western coast of the gulf of Mexico, however, occasional nests have been observed in North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
Historically, the quantity and predictability of nesting females meant mass egg collection for
human consumption was a significant problem, but this threat has been diminished by the
protection of nests and turtles in both Mexico and the United States. Currently, bycatch in
commercial and recreational fishing gear, vessel strikes, loss of nesting habitat from coastal
development, ocean pollution/ marine debris and climate change are the biggest threats facing
green turtles. Predation of hatchlings by both native and non-native predators during mass
hatching events is also a notable threat.
All of the listed sea turtles with possible range within or adjacent to the Village of Key Biscayne face
common threats and can be protected by similar recovery actions. The most relevant of those have
been summarized below.
Threats:
The threats that the Village can address are primarily threats on nesting beaches:
• Beach cleaning, human presence, vehicles on the beach
• Beach erosion, beach nourishment, beach armoring, energy development, dredging, sand
mining
• Artificial lighting on nesting beaches
• Exotic dune and beach vegetation
Additional threats to the marine environment include:
• Pollution, oil spills, toxins, diseases, sedimentation on coral reefs
• Entanglement at sea, ingestion of marine debris, collisions with boats, trawling and other
commercial fishing practices using nets
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R e co very plan s' reco m m e ndations: The recovery plans for the three turtle species identified in the
Floodplain Species Assessment have similar recommendations. These are the ones appropriate for the
Village of Key Biscayne, where nesting beaches are located near populated areas.
1. Educate the public
a. Develop and implement a communication campaign in various media
b. Include messages on boating and fishing practices at public access points
c. Maintain websites with comprehensive information
d. Develop an educational curriculum for students and the public
2. Regulate adverse development practices, such as beach nourishment and shoreline
armoring
3. Inventory, mark and protect nest sites
a. Conduct beach surveys in the mornings during nesting season and mark off nest areas
so they can be easily seen and avoided by property owners, the public and staff
b. When appropriate, use caging or other methods to protect the nests from predation
c. Have staff attend training workshops to reinforce standardized methods for marking
and inventorying nests
4. Enforce ordinances and building codes that protect nesting beaches trom light pollution,
obstruction, and other activities and/or conditions that may threaten the success of
nesting turtles or pose risks to hatch lings
5. Reduce the transfer of pollution, particularly plastic waste, from the land into the sea by
conducting regular beach cleaning activities according to FDEP and FFWCC beach cleaning
permit requirements developed to reduce the effects of beach cleaning on nesting
beaches
6. Maintain public beaches according to best practices that reduce light pollution,
obstruction, and other activities dnu/or conditions that mav threaten the success of
nesting turtles or pose risks to hatch lings
7. Incorporate native vegetation into beach landscaping projects and reduce or remove non
native vegetation
8. Monitor and improve the quality of stormwater runoff
12 Refe ren ce s: FW S ECO S, Recovery Plan for the Hawksbill Turtle in the U.S. Caribbean, Atlantic and Gulf of
Mexico, NM FS & FW S, 1993
13 Re fe re nce s: FW S ECO S, Recovery Plan for Leatherback Turtles in the U.S. Caribbean, Atlantic, and Guff of
Mexico, N M FS &. FW S, 1992
14 Refe re nce s: FW S EC O S, Recovery Plan for the Northwest Atlantic Population of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretto caretta); Seco nd Revision, N M FS & FW S, 1991
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15 References: FWS ECOS, Recovery Plan for the U.S. Population of Atlantic Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas); NMFS
& FWS, 1991, and Green Sea Turtle webpages maintained by the NMFS & USFWS
16 References: FWS ECOS, Bi-National Recovery Plan for the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii);
Second Revision, NMFS & FWS, 2011, and Kemp's Ridley webpages maintained by the NMFS & USFWS
8 Images from: htif2mipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/
American Crocodile 17
A large greyish green reptile similar in appearance to an American
Alligator, the American Crocodile is found primarily in saltwater
mangrove swamps and along calm mangrove-lined bays, creeks, and
inland swamps, American crocodiles once occurred along the Florida
coast from Lake Worth in Palm Beach County, through the Florida
Keys and all the way up to Tampa Bay on the west coast. Currently,
in the U.S., the American crocodile now only exists in extreme South
Florida, including coastal areas of Miami-Dade, Monroe, Collier, and
Lee counties. Crocodiles have been observed In Biscayne Bay and on
Key Biscayne, as far north as Crandon Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida
SRA, and Snapper Creek. A few isolated crocodiles still survive even further north along the entire
length of Biscayne Bay and in the few remaining mangrove habitats of Broward County.
The American crocodile is typically nocturnal. Between dusk and dawn, crocodiles forage on whatever
animals they can catch. Juveniles typically eat fish, crabs, snakes, and other small invertebrates, while
adults eat fish, crabs, snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals.
Although adult American crocodiles have a high salt tolerance, juveniles require a lower salinity level
and can be adversely affected by reduction of freshwater flows or relatively sudden spikes in salinity.
With rainfall being the main source of freshwater on islands, during dry periods, island hatchlings
without access to enough freshwater often cannot gain sufficient mass to survive the winter months
Threats:
Currently, the main threats to the American crocodile are:
• habitat loss due to development in coastal areas
• habitat loss due to rising sea levels
• habitat degradation due to encroachment of non-native vegetation
• competition and predation from exotic animal species
• reduction in freshwater flowing into nesting habitat caused by natural droughts and/or
manmade changes to natural water flows
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• human-crocodile conflict caused by both the encroachment of coastal development on
natural crocodile habitat and the installation of landscaping and waterbodies that serve as an
attractive artificial habitat
Rising sea levels threaten to inundate coastal areas that make up critical crocodile nesting habitat. The
ability of the species to re-locate to newly created coastal areas will depend largely on those areas
being undeveloped and/or preserved in a natural state.
Two non-native reptile species, the Burmese python and the Argentine black and white tegu now
established in south Florida, represent a threat to the survival of the American crocodile. Both of these
species have been sighted in crocodile territory, are capable of killing young crocodiles, destroying
nests, consuming eggs, and competing for resources such as nesting sites and prey.
However, the main threat currently facing the species is habitat destruction and degradation from
urban development in previously natural areas. This includes the threat faced by vehicular traffic as
well as the threat posed by the interaction of crocodiles with pets, frightened people, and domestic
animals.
R e co ve ry plan s' reco m m end ations:
The Village can consider taking the following steps recommend in the Recovery Plan:
1. Manage coastal wetlands and natural habitat to maximize survival and productivity:
a. Maintain natural open spaces that provide habitat for foraging, basking and nesting
b. Reduce disturbance from humans and pets
c. Monitor and manage invasive vegetation in habitats, including replanting native
vegetation.
d. Preserve wetlands as managed open space and, if possible, restore or preserve natural
water storage and drainage patterns
2. Monitor and improve the quality of stormwater runoff
3. Monitor and control exotic animals that pose a threat to the viability of the American
crocodiles in Florida
4. Develop and implement public information and education programs, especially those that are
aimed at mitigating human-crocodile conflict.
a. As an example, see the Florida Fish & Wildlife "Living with American Crocodiles" brochure:
https://myfwc.com/media/1849/livingwithcrocodiles.pdf
5. Reduce roadway mortality by:
a. Alerting motorists with crocodile crossing signs on roads where repeated collisions
between autornobiles and American crocodiles have occurred
b. installing box culverts to allow safe roadway crossings
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Eastern Indigo Snake 18
The Eastern indigo snake, a bluish-black colored snake with a red,
brown, white, or black throat can grow up to eight feet long. The
Eastern indigo snake is notoriously non-aggressive making it an
appealing specimen for the pet trade.
Eastern indigo snakes inhabit pine flatwoods, hardwood forests, and
the outskirts of cypress swamps. Found in Florida and Georgia, the
Eastern indigo snake feeds on prey including small mammals, birds,
eggs, amphibians and smaller reptiles including venomous snakes.
Indigo snakes breed from November to April and nest during the
summer. Yearly or bi-yearly, females lay 4-12 eggs which require a 90 day incubation period. Females
often lay their eggs in gopher tortoise burrows found in well drained sand hills and pine uplands.
Threats:
Historically, the main threats to eastern indigos have been:
• habitat loss,
• overcollection for the pet trade,
• various methods used to catch and kill rattlesnakes
However, the main threat currently facing the species is habitat destruction and degradation from
urban development in previously natural areas. This includes the threat faced by snakes crossing busy
roadways as well as the threat posed by the interaction of these snakes with pets, frightened people
and domestic animals.
Recovery plans' recommendations: Although individual Eastern indigo snakes have been sighted on
the Florida peninsula (as near as Homestead, which is in Miami-Dade County, just southwest of Key
Biscayne), it is unlikely that the Village, which is just less than 820 acres, hosts enough habitat for a
snake requiring such a large range. According to the FWS, habitat patches needed to support an eastern
indigo snake population would need to range from 5,000 to over 20,000 acres.
However, the Village can still take the following steps recommend in the Recovery Plan:
6. Manage habitat to maximize survival and productivity:
a. Maintain natural open spaces that provide suitable habitat
b. Reduce disturbance from humans and pets
c. Monitor and manage invasive vegetation in habitats, including replanting native
vegetation.
d. Preserve wetlands as managed open space and, if possible, restore or preserve natural
water storage and drainage patterns
Eastern Indigo Snake
Drrrr1drchon coupen
Wher~r found
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7. Develop and implem ent public information and education programs.
17 References: FWS ECOS, Recovery Plan for the Distinct Segment of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
in Florida, NMFS & FW S, 2019, South Florida Field Office Multi-Species Recovery Plan, FW S 1999, and American
crocodile website managed by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
18 References: FW S ECOS, Recovery Plan for the Eastern Indigo Snake, NMFS & FW S, 2019, and Eastern indigo
snake websites managed by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
8 Images from: https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/
M am m als
West Indian Manatee 19
The Florida Manatee subspecies of the W est Indian Manatee can be
found in Florida's coastal waters, mainly in the summ er. They have
large, seal-shaped bodies with paired flippers and a round, paddle
shaped tail. They are typically grey in co lor. They are found in marine,
estuarine, and freshwater environm ents.
Manatees are herbivores that feed opportunistically on a wide
variety of marine, estuarine, and freshwater plants, including submerged, floating, and emergent
vegetation.
Threats: The most significant problem presently faced by manatees is death or serious injury from boat
strikes. The seco nd largest source of hum an-related manatee death is due to entrapment in water
co ntrol structures and navigational locks. The availability of warmwater refuges for manatees is
uncertain if minim um flows and levels are not established for the natural springs on which many
manatees depend, and as deregulation of the power industry occurs. Consequences of an increasing
hum an population and intensive co astal developm ent are long-term threats to the Florida Manatee.
Additionally, since 2020, Florida Fish & W ildlife along with the USFWS have been responding to reports
of sick and dying manatees throughout Florida, triggering a declaration of an Unusual Mortality Event
(UME). Environm ental co nditions in portions of the Indian River Lagoon remain a concern. Researchers
attributed this UME to starvation due to the lack of seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon. In recent
years, poor water quality in the Lagoon led to harmful algal blooms and widespread seagrass loss.
Recovery plan's recommendations: The Florida Manatee Recovery Plan identifies four overall
objectives and a series of actions under each objective. Som e of the actions are not in the Village's
jurisdiction. Those that the Village can im plem ent are checked.
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1. Minimize causes of manatee disturbance, harassment, injury, and mortality.
a. ! Regulate coastal construction actions to minimize harm
b. Monitor and police watercraft in protection zones
c. ! Post and maintain signs
d. Install and maintain protection technology at water control structures, locks, etc.,
where manatees are at risk and monitor success
e. Enforce regulations prohibiting harassment
2. Determine and monitor the status of manatee populations
3. Protect, identify, evaluate, and monitor manatee habitats
a. Establish, acquire, manage, and monitor regional protected area networks and
manatee habitat
b. v Protect existing, and promote re-establishment of, seagrass and freshwater
submerged plant communities with regulatory standards for construction projects in
water
1. Facilitate manatee recovery through public awareness and education
a. !Identify target audiences and key locations for outreach
b. ! Develop, evaluate, and update public education and outreach programs and materials
Florida Bonneted Bat 20
The Florida bonneted bat is a large fast-flying bat, known to dwell
in large social groups that frequently roost in pine and palm trees
through the southern half of Florida. Residing mainly in Polk,
Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Mainland Monroe and Miami-Dade counties,
the bat relies heavily on wetlands, open water and other natural
habitats, but has also been known to reside in residential and urban
areas where natural habitat has been replaced with human
development.
Threats: The most significant threats involve the loss, degradation,
and modification of habitat as well as the resulting wildlife-human conflict. The bat's life cycle and
ecological needs, as well as reduced and segmented population make it especially vulnerable to these
threats.
Recovery plan's recommendations: There is not yet a Recovery Plan for the Florida Bonneted Bat. The
recovery outline indicates that the planning process is first focused on conducting population surveys
and further assessing threats. Of the few recovery actions recommended, most are focused on:
• conducting population surveys and mapping data
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• preserving habitat (once surveys are conducted to better identify currently occupied habitat
and understand the characteristics of ideal habitat conditions for foraging and roosting)
• mitigating human bat conflicts through education and outreach
• improving nuisance animal response procedures
Of the recommended actions, the only one within Village jurisdiction is:
1. Facilitate conservation and recovery through public awareness and education
19 References: FWS ECOS, Florida Manatee Recovery Plan Third Edition, FWS, 2001, and Florida
Manatee websites managed by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
20 References: FWS ECOS, Recovery Outline for Florida Bonneted Bat (Eumops f/oridanus), FWS, 2018
8 Images from: https //ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/
Coral
S taghom C oral (Acropora cervicornis) Elkhorn coral {A. palmata)
Elkhorn and staghorn corals 21
Elkhorn and staghorn corals were once the most abundant and often the most important species on
Atlantic/Caribbean coral reefs in terms of building reef structure. Both elkhorn and staghorn corals
underwent precipitous declines in abundance throughout their ranges in the 1970s and 1980s. Data
suggest the decline in Atlantic/Caribbean elkhorn and staghorn coral abundances is primarily the result
of rl ic:;p ;:i c:;p
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Pillar coral 22
Pillar coral, Dendrogyra cylindrus, occurs throughout the Caribbean and off the southeast coast of
Florida. Rarely found in aggregations, it is uncommon and appears as scattered, isolated colonies, The
low abundance and infrequent encounter rate make it difficult to determine population trends.
Rough cactus coral 22
Rough cactus coral, Mycetophyllia ferox, occurs in southeast Florida and throughout the greater
Caribbean. It is one of the least common coral species observed in monitoring studies. Low encounter
rate and percent cover make it difficult to discern population trends from monitoring data. Available
data indicate M. ferox has experienced significant declines in Florida.
Star corals 22
The star corals in the Orbicella species complex historically dominated coral reefs throughout the
Caribbean both by abundance and cover. They formed dense assemblages of large, hundreds-of-years
old colonies interspersed with few small colonies. Over the last twenty years, major declines between
50 to 95 percent have been reported in many locations; a few locations report stable or increasing
coverage. Since the 1980's decline of Acropora spp., total coral cover decline in the Caribbean has been
associated with the decline of the star corals. Star corals {Orbicella spp.) have slow growth rates, late
reproductive maturity, and low recruitment rates. Colonies can grow very large and live for centuries.
These large colonies of star corals have been able to maintain populations over time, but recent
population declines, and partial colony mortality is resulting in smaller colonies with less reproductive
output and even lower replenishment potential.
Threats: The threats to these coral species are generally the same threats affecting coral reefs
throughout the world (climate change impacts, fishing impacts, and land-based sources of pollution
impacts). Although disease was the primary cause of initial decline, other threats such as elevated
seawater temperatures and ocean acidification are credible and potentially significant impediments to
recovery of these species.
The main threats to these species at this time are:
• disease,
• increasing temperature,
• depensatory population effects,
• loss of recruitment habitat suitable for
the formation of new colonies,
• sedimentation,
• anthropogenic abrasion and breakage,
• predation,
• inadequacy of existing regulations,
• natural abrasion and breakage,
• ocean acidification,
• excess nutrients and contaminants
Recovery plans' recommendations: The Recovery Plan for the Staghorn coral and Elkhorn coral
contains an extensive list of recovery actions, of which only two are feasible for local government
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having no jurisdiction over the open water habitats of the coral. There is no recovery plan for the
remaining 5 coral species, however, given the similar water quality threats for all of the coral species,
the actions listed below, would benefit all of the listed coral species:
1. Monitor and improve the quality of stormwater runoff
2. Enforce erosion control measures to prevent excess sediment from entering waterways
21 References: NMFS, Recovery Plan for Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) and Staqhorn Coral (A. cervicornis),
NMFS & NOAA, March 2015
22 References: NMFS, Recovery Outline Pillar Coral, Rough Cactus Coral, Lobed Star Coral, Mountainous Star
Coral, BoulderStar Coral, NMFS & NOAA 2014 (there is no recovery plan)
23 Images from: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/8950
In sects
M ia m i Blue B utterfly 24
Bright blue on the back with a gray underside, the Miami blue
butterfly is a small butterfly that has a length of 0.4-0.5 inches.
Recent populations of Miami blue butterflies are known to have fed
primarily on three plant species· halloonvinr- (Cr1rdimpPrrrwrn
spp.), gray nickerbean (Caesalpinia bonduc), and blackbead
(Pithecellobium spp.). The butterflies lay eggs on the host plants'
flowers, flower buds, and terminal growth.
The Miami blue butterfly inhabits tropical hardwood hammocks, tropical pine rocklands, and beachside
scrub in Florida. Although once common throughout much of mainland Florida, the species
disappeared in the 1980s (possibly due to booming coastal construction) and was thought to be extinct.
In 1999, a population was discovered in Bahia Honda State Park, only to be extirpated in 2010.
Fortunately, in 2006, additional populations of Miami blues were discovered in Key West National
Wildlife Refuge, and these are the focus of current surveys and conservation action.
Due to their appetite for gray nickernbean, the primary host plant for the Miami blue butterfly, the
invasive green iguana is believed to be responsible (at least in part) for the 2010 loss of the Miami blue
butterfly population in Bahia Honda State Park 25. Without the nickerbean plants, the butterflies
struggled to find food and lacked suitable llow er s on which lo lay eggs.
According to experts at the Miami-Dade Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), it
is not clear what caused the Miami blue to disappear from large conservation lands that it formerly
occupied, including Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, but the extirpation of the Miami blue
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butterfly from Key Biscayne as it is one of the most significant extirpations in Miami-Dade County in
the last few decades.
Threats: The State Management Plan for the Miami blue lists four present threats:
• habitat loss and degradation
• habitat fragmentation and group isolation
• mortality
• predation and competition from invasive species (including destruction of host vegetation by
green iguanas)
Additional threats include hurricanes and other climate events such as cold snaps, as well as pesticide
use, illegal collection, genetic bottlenecking and displacement of host plants.
UF researchers also found that, in the absence of the protection afforded from a mutualistic
relationship with Florida carpenter ants, the Miami blue caterpillar populations suffered more
significant losses due to predation 26. This may indicate that a review of problems affecting the local
ant populations, such as pesticide use or competition from invasive ant colonies, could benefit Miami
blue conservation efforts.
Recovery plan's recom m endations: There is not yet a Recovery Plan for the Florida blue butterfly. The
recovery outline indicates that the planning process is first focused on conducting population surveys
and further assessing threats. Attempts to re-introduce the butterfly to areas of historic range have so
far been unsuccessful, so any possibility of recovery depends on the ability to protect and expand the
few existing populations. Of the recovery actions recommended, most are focused on:
• conducting population surveys and developing data monitoring programs
• studying historical population collapses and identifying causes
• developing emergency protocols to capture, protect and release specimens in the event of a
climate event such as a hurricane
• preserving habitat (once surveys are conducted to identify current populations and
understand the characteristics of ideal habitat conditions and host plants)
• developing a captive breeding and release program
• Evaluating the impact of invasive species such as iguanas and fire ants
• developing no-spray zones around existing and potential populations in cooperation with
mosquito control districts
Of the recommended actions, the only ones within Village jurisdiction are:
2. remove or reduce non-native vegetation wherever possible
3. remover or reduce non-native invasive animal species such as the green iguana
4. limit the use of pesticides and herbicides wherever such use may adversely affect the habitat
and host plants of the Miami blue butterfly
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24 References: FWS ECOS, Recovery Outline for Miami Blue Butterfly (Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri}, FWS,
2012, and Miami Blue Butterfly Management Plan, FFWC 2010, and Miami Blue Butterfly website managed by
the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission
25 UF IFAS Green Iguana Blog post, August 2021: https//blogs.ifas.ufl.eclu/edis/2021/08/08/green-iguanas-the
cha ngi ng-!a ndsca pe/ It•~• text=i\/1 ia m i%20blu e%20butterfl ies% 2 0 live0/c', 70only,a lso%20pa rt ia 1%20
to%20grav%20nickerbean.
26 Daytona Beach News-Journal Article Miami blue butterfly was fluttering toward extinction. Then scientists
showed up, February 2019: Q.!lQ~_j/wwvv.ne~•,s-iournalonline com/storv/news/environment/
~ 0 l9lQ2/03/ rn iarn i-bl u e-bu tterfly-was-flut teri ng-towa rd-ext in ction-then-scien t ists-showed-u p/6124130007 /
P la n ts
Beach jacquemontia 27
Beach jacquemontia (also known as beach clustervine) is currently listed as "endangered".
Jacquemontia reclinata is a perennial vine with white to light pink flowers. This plant requires
open areas that are typically found on the crest and lee sides of stable dunes but may also
invade and restabilize maritime hammock or coastal strand communities that have been
disturbed by tropical storms, hurricanes, and possibly fire, spreading from rootstock centered
under adjacent shrubs. At Crandon Park, adjacent to the norther edge of the Village of Key
Biscayn, J. reclinata exists on dune faces at the edge of shrubby hammocks. Although native to
coastal barrier islands in southeast Florida from Biscayne Bay in Dade County northward to Palm
Beach County, it is no longer found north of Jupiter Inlet.
Dade County has successfully re-established a thriving population of J. reclinata plants at Bill
Baggs Cape Florida SRA, just south of the Village on Key Biscayne, that have recently shown the
first signs of natural recruitment of new plants.
Blodgett's silverbush 28
Blodgett's silverbush (Argythamnia blodgettii) also known as Blodgett's wild mercury is an erect
medium-sized herb growing up to 2 feet tall that is currently listed as "threatened" with no
recovery plan. Native to pine rocklands, rockland hammock clearings, and coastal berm, the
primary habitats are currently limited to Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.
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Blodgett's silverbush. Original photograph by Jennifer Possle
Porter's spurge. Original photograph by Kim Allexander
Carter's mustard. Original photograph by Betty Wargo
Florida Prairie-clover. Original photograph by Gary Knight
Biscayne prickly-ash. Original photograph by Gil Nelson
March 15, 2023 Page 54 of 94
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Carter's mustard 27
Carter's mustard is currently listed as "endangered". Warea carteri is a fire-dependent annual
herb occurring in xeric, sandy, shrub-dominated habitats mainly on the Lake Wales Ridge of
central Florida. One occurrence of W. carteri was known from coastal scrub in Brevard County
on Florida's Atlantic coast but it's status there is currently unconfirmed. The species occurred
historically in the Miami metropolitan area, and other sandy areas of Miami-Dade County, but
is no longer known to exist in the County.
Biscayne Prickly-Ash 29
Biscayne Prickly-Ash (Zanthoxylum coriaceum), a small tree growing up to 20 feet tall with
thorny branches, a knobby trunk, and prickly aromatic leaves, is endangered in Florida and is
found on Key Biscayne. The Biscayne prickly-ash, along with the closely related, and also
endangered, yellow-wood tree, are native to the tropical coastal hammocks of South Florida. In
the U.S., the yellow-wood tree is now found only in near-by Monroe County, while the Biscayne
prickly-ash is found in both Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Recommended recovery and
conservation actions for both trees include limiting the clearing and development of coastal and
tropical hammocks, removing non-native invasive plants and protecting/ re-introducing plants
in conservation areas.
Golden leather fern 29
Golden leather fern (Acrostichum aureum) is an herbaceous and rare fern native to Florida's
tropical tidal swamps, salt marshes and mangroves. This species is listed as threatened in Florida
and is found in coastal Miami-Dade County.
Because this plant is so rare, there is very little information available about threats and possible
recovery actions. It is assumed that, for the conservation of this species, preventing
development and degradation of the tidal swamp and salt marsh habitats on which it depends
would be a high priority.
Porter's spurge 29
Porter's spurge (Chaemaesyce porteriana), a small, waxy, smooth and hairless perennial herb
with oval leaves, is endangered in Florida. Endemic to the Florida Keys and portions of Miami
Dade County, this plant prefers higher elevations within island tidal rock barrens and is
occasionally tound along the outskirts and sunnier open areas of low rockland hammocks as
well as marl prairie flatlands. Threats include habitat loss to development, fire suppression,
agriculture, and competition with invasive exotic plants. Recommended recovery actions
include the prescribed burning of pine rockland and marl prairie every 3 - 7 vears, preservation
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of natural hydrology, exclusion of heavy traffic and off-road-vehicles, eradication of invasive
exotic plants and the regulation of coastal development.
Florida prairie-clover 29
Florida prairie-clover (Dalea floridana), a woody-stemmed shrub with red velvety branches and
oval leaves, is listed as endangered in Florida and listed by the USFWS as federally endangered.
Found mainly in pine rocklands, along the edges of rockland hammocks, and in coastal uplands,
this plant is endemic to Florida. However, it's current range has been reduced to only five
confirmed populations hosting less than 1000 plants. The plant has been documented on Key
Biscayne; however, the species is currently listed as not present on the island. The same
recovery actions identified for Porter's spurge (conducting prescribed burns, limiting traffic and
eradicating non-native vegetation), are also recommended for the Florida prairie-clover.
Identification of existing but previously unidentified populations and re-introduction to historic
sites are also recommended activities.
Threats: The primary threat to the previously listed plant species is habitat loss fragmentation, and
degradation caused by increased human populations. Additional threats include fire suppression,
mowing, vehicular traffic and competition from nonnative species.
Threats to the Beach jacquemontia primarily included habitat destruction associated with development
and beach erosion. The vast majority of beach coastal strand and maritime hammock habitat, on which
this species depends, has been destroyed by residential and commercial construction. Even within
publicly owned and maintained spaces, parking lots, pedestrian routes, picnic areas, and other
'recreational use' modifications have further degraded the available habitat. Beach erosion is also a
significant threat that is often exacerbated by hurricanes and sea level rise. Additionally, over long
periods of time without fire, naturally open areas can become dense thickets taken over by tall
hardwood trees that deny understory native plants the sunlight and space they need to thrive.
Similarly to the Beach jacquemontia, the primary threats to W. carteri are habitat loss to agriculture
and residential developments, as well as long-term fire suppression. Carter's mustard, Blodgett's
silverbush, Porter's spurge and Florida prairie-clover are also fire-dependent in varying degrees.
Populations of these plants have continued to decline due to fire suppression efforts that result in the
establishment and overgrowth of competitive vegetation which would normally be curtailed by natural
wildfires.
Recovery plans' recommendations: Recovery actions for the Beach jacquemontia and Carter's mustard
are outlined in the South Florida Field Office Multi-Species Recovery Plan and feasible action items are
summarized below. There are currently no recovery plans for the Blodgett's silverbush, or for the State
listed Biscayne prickly-ash, Golden leather fern, Porter's spurge or Florida prairie-clover, but given the
March 15, 2023 Page 56 of 94
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Plan
similar threats to habitat from human activities and habitat degradation, the following actions are also
appropriate for these species as well.
1. Manage habitat to maximize survival:
a. Maintain natural coastal formation processes
b. protect and restore dune and coastal hammock habitats
c. mitigate impact of human traffic in habitat
d. remove and control exotic vegetation utilizing practices that promote the survival of
native species such as:
• prescribed burning,
• mowing,
• manual removal, and
• selective use of herbicides
2. Reestablishment from greenhouse propagated specimens as part of dune restoration projects
(specifically for Beach jacquemontia).
3. Educate the public and landscaping professionals on the importance and advantages of
incorporating native vegetation into landscaping design
27 References & images: FWS ECOS, So uth Florid a Field O ffi ce M ulti-Species Reco very Plan, FWS 1999,
and Bill Ba g g s C ap e Florid a Sta te Park M anag em ent Plan, Florida Park Service, 2012
28 References & image: FWS ECOS, Blodgett's Silverbush webpages managed by FWS
29 References & Images: Florida Natural Inventories Factsheets for the Biscayne prickly-ash, Golden
leather fern, Porter's spurge and Florida prairie-clover
R P c r:r/e i-v Action h:Prr1~
I
Our review of the recovery plans' recommendations concluded that there are four main objectives that
the Villaee can take tn <uppnrt thf' recommendations:
1. Educate the public so people will take conservation and recovery actions
2. Support the conservation and recovery of terrestrial habitat
3. Support the conservation and recovery of aquatic habitat
4. Monitor and improve the quality of stormwater runoff
Together, all four strategies will work to protect and improve the habitat and breeding areas of the
groups of species listed. Specific action items have been identified to accomplish each ofthe objectives,
March 15, 2023 Page 57 of 94
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most of which can be linked to credits in the Community Rating System. Each action item identifies
who will be responsible for it, other agencies or organizations that can help or should be coordinated
with and needed funding.
With these four objectives in mind, Village staff reviewed the possible recovery actions for applicability
and feasibility and excluded those which cannot be effectively implemented at this time. The
remaining recovery action items have been combined to form the following Floodplain Species Action
Plan.
1. Develop and implement public information and education programs to educate the public
Objective: #1- Educate the public so people will take conservation and recovery actions
Benefiting species: all groups
Cooperating/supporting agencies or organizations: Florida FWC, USFWS
Funding: Staff time and current public information budgets. No increase in funding is
expected. Rather, current projects would be revised to convey new messages.
Timeline: Over the next 3 years (through 2025) topics will be selected, messages crafted,
and the PPI updated. Then, through the remaining years of this plan, outreach will be
implemented and reviewed each year during the annual PPI review.
1.1. Develop and implement a communication campaign in various media, and a new section
to our Program for Public Information that focuses on threatened and endangered species.
CRS elements: Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), Program for Public Information
(PPI) and Stakeholder Delivery (STK)
Responsible office/ staff member: Floodplain Management & Communication
Officer
The Villages's Program for Public Information is reviewed and updated every year
following a discussion of the effectiveness of past projects and the need for new
messages and projects. This process is an existing system that would be augmented to
support this strategy. The result will be outreach projects as described in action items
1.2, 1.3, and 1.4.
While the Village is already receiving credit for its Program for Public Information, as
noted on in the Assessment, it would not be hard to adjust the projects to better address
threatened and endangered species. One way would be to identify a behavior or action
that would result in benefits to one, all or some of the listed species and then dedicate
a PPI topic to promoting that specific action.
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The annual review can also identify priority audiences. Owners of wetlands or natural
shorelines are not on the current list. They could be added along with a message on the
benefits of keeping their areas in a natural state. Similarly, permit applicants could be a
target audience with messages on the permitting process and ways to preserve natural
features on a property to be developed.
The FWS' 2017 Atlantic Coast Piping Plover Strategic Communications Plan: Reducing
Human Disturbance is one example of an effective species specific communication plan.
As with the PPI, this guide identifies outcomes, priority audiences, and creditable
messages.
The Program for Public Information makes recommendations for other public
information activities, such as Activities 320 (Map Information Service) and 350 (Flood
Protection Information), in addition to outreach projects. Adding these resources could
result in more points as well as more support for the recommended recovery projects.
These are noted in action items 1.5 and 1.6.
1.2. Distribute educational brochures and factsheets at various locations and outreach events.
CRS element: Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), Outreach Projects (OP)
Responsible office/ staff member: Floodplain Management & Communication
Officer
These could include existing documents, or new ones developed explicitly for the
revised PPI messages. These would be provided to locations appropriate for their
audiences, such as messages on boating and fishing practices posted at public access
points. They would also be distributed to organizations that host activities like fairs,
open houses, and "clean-up days."
This can also include the development and dissemination of outreach projects to
mitigate human-wildlife conflict and encourage appreciation for and peaceful
coexistence with native wildlife (one example of which is the the Florida Fish & Wildlife
"Living with American Crocodiles" brochure: h ttps://myfwc.com/med ia/ 1849/
livingwithcrocodiles.pdf). Benefiting species: Crocodile, Bat, Snake (specific to human
wildlife conflict prevention)
1.3. Post messages on signs at various locations.
CRS element: Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), Outreach Projects (OP)
Responsible office/ staff member: Floodplain Management, Communication
Officer & Code Compliance
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These would be especially useful at boat launching sites (for messages on the manatees,
Nasua grouper, Smalltooth sawfish) and along the beachfront (for messages on the sea
turtles and shore birds). This should include posters and signs advertising regulations
that prohibit harassment, feeding or harvesting of threatened or endangered species.
The messages and locations would be worked out during the revision to the Program for
Public Information and Florida Fish & Wildlife could be consulted for assistance.
1.4. Issue news and status information updates on Facebook posts, by email and in newsletters
and other publications.
CRS element: Activity 330 (Outreach Projects), Outreach Projects (OP)
Responsible office/ staff member: Floodplain Management, Communication
Officer & Code Compliance
These would include the key PPI messages and additional information, such as adoption
of a new regulation or a reminder of the precautions people should take at the beginning
of turtle nesting or fishing seasons.
In the weeks leading up to nesting season, extensive communications and reminders are
already being sent to property managers regarding lighting, storage, and expected space
required around nesting sites. The Village intends to continue this.
1.5. Provide map information on sensitive areas.
CRS element: Activity 320 (Map Information Service), Natural Floodplain
Functions (Ml7)
Responsible office/ staff member: Floodplain Management, Zoning & Planning
The Zoning and Planning Department advertises its Map Information Service. The typical
caller is someone looking at buying or building a property in the Village and needs more
information about the floodplain. The service can be augmented with information on
whether a parcel should be protected because of its natural floodplain functions or
because it provides critical habitat to a protected species. The service could provide
more information to callers about actions they can take to protect the species with
range and habitat overlapping or adjoining the parcel. This service could also
incorporate a link to the USFWS ECOS website, or Florida Fish & Wildlife website
containing range and habitat maps as well as more information about listed species.
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1.6. Provide more detailed references.
CRS elements: Activity 350 (Flood Protection Information), Locally Pertinent
Documents (LPD) and Flood Protection Website (WEBl)
Responsible office/ staff member: Floodplain Management & Communication
Officer
The revised PPI can recommend that recovery plans, similar technical references, and
this Assessment, be added to the public library's card catalog.
These references can also be posted on a separate page on "Threatened and
Endangered Wildlife" that would be linked to the Ecosystem and Coastal Management
Department's and Floodplain Management and Hazard Mitigation's websites.
2. Manage habitat to maximize survival and productivity
Objectives: #2 - Support the conservation and recovery of terrestrial habitat
#3 - Support the conservation and recovery of aquatic habitat
2.1 Maintain natural coastal formations that perpetuate high quality breeding and basking
habitat by widening sandy beach area and restoring dunes.
Benefiting species: all groups
Funding: CIP and State funding - beach renourishment project
Timeline: Over the next 2 years (through 2025) identify possible projects and
funding sources. Then, through the remaining years of this plan, implement
projects and perform ongoing maintenance.
CRS elements: Activity 420 open Space (OSP, NFOS, CEOS)
Responsible office/ staff member: Public Works
Cooperating/supporting agencies or organizations: Florida FWC, Florida DEP,
USFWS, NMFS
Previous beach replenishment and dune restoration efforts have considerably increased
habitat for turtle nesting and the Village is committed to continuing this effort.
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2.2 Reduce disturbance from humans and pets (including a review of Village procedures to
reduce disturbance caused by routine beach maintenance).
Benefiting species: all groups
Funding: staff funds
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: 540 (Drainage System Maintenance) where beach maintenance
and drainage system maintenance overlap
Responsible office/ staff mem ber: Public Works
2.3 Monitor and manage invasive vegetation in habitats, including replanting native vegetation.
Incorporate native vegetation into beach landscaping projects and reduce or remove non
native vegetation
Benefiting species: all groups
Funding: staff funds, CIP and State funding- component of beach renourishment
projects
Tim eline: Over the next 2 years (through 2025) identify possible projects and
funding sources. Ongoing
CRS elem ents: 420 open Space (OSP, NFOS, CEOS)
Responsible office/ staff mem ber: Public Works
2 .4 Preserve public beaches and parks as managed open space and, if possible, restore or
preserve natural water storage and drainage patterns.
Benefiting speci es: all groups
Funding: staff funds, CIP and State funding-component of beach renourishment
projects
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: 420 open Space (OSP, NFOS, CEOS)
Responsible office/ staff mem ber: Floodplain Management & Public Works
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2.5 Follow existing regulations governing coastal development practices, such as beach
nourishment and shoreline armoring and coordinate with issuing agencies such as Army
Corps of Engineers, Florida DEP and Florida FWC.
Benefiting species: Birds, Sea Turtles, Plants
Funding: staff funds
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: 420 open Space (OSP, NFOS, CEOS)
Responsible office/ staff m em ber: Floodplain Management & Public Works in
coordination with Coastal Engineering firm
2.6 Regulate coastal construction actions to minimize harm
Benefiting species: Manatees, Fish, Sea Turtles, Crocodile, Plants
Funding: staff funds
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: 430 Higher Regulatory Standards
Responsible office/ staff m em ber: Floodplain Management & Building
Department (by ordinance)
2.7 Continue enforcing requirement for all waterfront properties which have any beachside
activities to file an annual Beach Management plan which allows us to update plans based
on current regulations.
Benefiting species: Sea Turtles
Funding: staff funds
Ti m eline: Ongoing
CR S elem ents: 430 Higher Regulatory Standards
Responsible office/ staff m em ber: Floodplain Management & Code
Compliance (by ordinance)
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2 .8 Continue nighttime inspections of lighting to ensure compliance with state rules regarding
the proper amber light spectrum lighting.
Benefiting species: Sea Turtles
Funding: staff funds
Timeline: Ongoing
CRS elements: 430 Higher Regulatory Standards
Responsible office/ staff member: Code Compliance (by ordinance)
2 .9 Continue inspections of equipment and any items stored on the beach for compliance with
regulations in the weeks leading up to nesting season.
Benefiting species: Sea Turtles
Funding: staff funds
Timeline: Ongoing
CRS elements: 430 Higher Regulatory Standards
Responsible office/ staff member: Code Compliance (by ordinance)
2.1 0 Support ongoing County efforts to implement the Sea Turtle Beach Monitoring program
within the Village. County actions include:
o Conducting beach surveys in the mornings during nesting season and marking off nest
areas so they can be easily seen and avoided by property owners, the public and
Village staff
o When appropriate, using caging or other methods to protect the nests from predation
o Training County staff on standardized methods for marking and inventorying nests
Benefiting species: Birds, Sea Turtles
Funding: County budget
Timeline: Ongoing
CRS elements: None
Responsible office/ staff member: Miami Dade County/Sea Turtle Beach
Monitoring Program
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2.11 Respond to "Obstructed Nesting Attempt and Disorientation" reports issued by Miami
Dade County/Sea Turtle Beach Monitoring Program and work with property owners to
address and, whenever possible, correct the conditions causing the obstruction.
Benefiting species: Sea Turtles
Funding: staff funds
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: None
Responsible office/ staff m em ber: Code Compliance (by ordinance)
2.12 Continue enforcing ordinances and building codes that protect nesting beaches from
light pollution, obstruction, and other activities and/or conditions that may threaten the
success of nesting turtles or pose risks to hatch lings.
Benefiting species: Sea Turtles
Funding: staff funds
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: 430 Higher Regulatory Standards
Responsible office/ staff m em ber: Code Compliance (by ordinance)
2.13 Reduce the transfer of pollution, particularly plastic waste, from the land into the sea by
contracting a company to conduct daily beach cleaning activities according to Florida DEP
and Florida FWC beach cleaning permit requirements (developed to reduce the effects of
beach cleaning on nesting beaches).
Benefiting species: Birds, Manatees, Sea Turtles, Coral, Fish
Funding: general fund (contracted service)
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: None
Responsible office/ staff m em ber: Public Works
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2.14 Maintain public beaches according to best practices that reduce light pollution,
obstruction, and other activities and/or conditions that may threaten the success of
nesting turtles or pose risks to hatchlings.
Benefiting species: Sea Turtles
Funding: staff funds
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: None
Responsible office/ staff m em ber: Public Works
2.15 Continue implementing Village "Iguana Control System" to mitigate the risks these exotic
animals pose to the viability of the native species and vegetation.
Benefiting species: Butterfly, Plants
Funding: general fund (contracted service)
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: None
Responsible office/ staff m em ber: Parks & Recreation
2.16 Prevent wildlife fatalities by installing barriers and backflow preventers where necessary
to protect crocodiles and other species from access to areas and equipment (such as
pump stations) that may pose a danger to the animal.
Benefiting speci es: Crocodile, Snake, Manatee, Fish
Funding: existing Public Works budget (utility maintenance funding)
Tim eline: Ongoing
CRS elem ents: None
Responsible office/ staff mem ber: Public Works
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2.1 7 Enforce regulations prohibiting harassment, feeding or harvesting by referring suspected
or reported incidents to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Benefiting species: Crocodile, Snake, Manatee, Butterfly, Fish, Plants
Funding: staff funds
Timeline: Ongoing
CRS elements: None
Responsible office/ staff member: Code Compliance (by ordinance)
2.18 Evaluate the Village use of pesticides and herbicides and adjust use to promote
conservation of native species
Benefiting species: Butterfly, Birds, Plants
Funding: staff funds
Timeline: Ongoing
CRS elements: None
Responsible office/ staff member: Code Compliance (by ordinance)
3. Monitor and improve the quality of stormwater runoff
Objectives: #4 - Monitor and improve the quality of storrnwatcr runoff
3.1 Enforce erosion control measures to prevent excess sediment from entering waterways
Benefiting species: Coral, Fish, Manatees
Funding: staff funds
Timeline: Ongoing
CRS elements: 450 Stormwater Management (SMR)
Responsible office/ staff member: Code Compliance & Public Works (by
ordinance)
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3.2 Install Stormwater Filters
Benefiting species: Sea Turtles, Birds, Manatees, Coral, Fish, Crocodiles
Funding: DEP Grant/ Stormwater Fund
Timeline: 2023 Installation, Ongoing maintenance
CRS elements: 450 Stormwater Management (SMR)
Responsible office/ staff member: Public Works
3.3 Evaluate the Village use of fertilizers and adjust use to protect water quality
Benefiting species: Sea Turtles, Birds, Manatees, Coral, Fish, Crocodiles
Funding: staff funds
Timeline: Ongoing
CRS elements: None
Responsible office/ staff member: Public Works
4. Develop, Implement, Evaluate & Update "Floodplain Species Assessment & Action Plan" with
annual plan reviews and a plan update every 10 years.
Objectives: #1- Educate the public so people will take conservation and recovery actions
#2 - Support the conservation and recovery of terrestrial habitat
#3 - Support the conservation and recovery of aquatic habitat
#4 - Monitor and improve the quality of stormwater runoff
Benefiting species: All groups
Funding: staff funds
Timeline: 2023 - adopt plan, yearly - review plan, 2033 - update plan
CRS elements: 510 Floodplain Management Planning (NFP)
Responsible office/ staff member: Building, Zoning and Planning Departments
Once developed by staff and reviewed by subject matter experts, the Floodplain Species
Assessment & Plan will be presented to the Village Council. During every subsequent year, the
staff will provide an annual report outlining the progress made implementing each of the action
items. Every ten years, the Floodplain Species Assessment & Plan will be updated and presented
to Village Council for adoption.
March 15, 2023 Page 68 of 94
T h e V illa g e p la n s t o s e e k c r e d it fo r t h is F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s A s s e s s m e n t u n d e r C R S A c t iv it y 5 1 0
(F lo o d p la in M a n a g e m e n t P la n n in g ), N a t u r a l F lo o d p la in F u n c t io n s P la n (N F P - F S A ). O b t a in in g a n d
k e e p in g t h e c r e d it w ill b e a n a d d it io n a l in c e n t iv e t o im p le m e n t t h e p ro je c ts th a t c a n re c e iv e
C o m m u n it y R a t in g S y s t e m c r e d it.
N F P c r e d it is d e p e n d e n t o n a d o p t io n o f t h is A s s e s s m e n t & A c t io n P la n b y th e V illa g e C o u n c il. F o r
co n t in u e d c r e d it , a n a n n u a l e v a lu a t io n re p o r t m u s t b e p r e p a r e d a n d p ro v id e d to th e V illa g e C o u n c il.
A d d it io n a lly , t h e 2 0 1 7 C R S C o o r d in a t o r 's M a n u a l s t a t e s "T h e [A s s e s s m e n t & P la n ] m u s t b e u p d a t e d a t
le a s t o n c e e v e r y 1 0 y e a r s . T h e u p d a t e m u s t in cl u d e a re v ie w o f a n y c h a n g e s to co n d it io n s a s w e ll a s
p ro g r e s s m a d e s in c e t h e o r ig in a l p la n w a s p r e p a r e d . A n y c h a n g e s to th e a d o p t e d p la n m u s t b e
a p p r o v e d b y t h e [V illa g e C o u n c il]." H a v in g t h e V illa g e le a d e r s h ip e n g a g e d o n th is le v e l w ill fa c ilit a t e
c o o r d in a t io n a m o n g t h e v a r io u s o ffi c e s a n d e n co u r a g e t h e e ff e c t iv e im p le m e n t a t io n o f th e s e a c tio n
it e m s .
M a r c h 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 Page 69 of 94
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Assessment & Plan
Appendices
A_ppenclix 1-\: Flood Risk and Endangered Species Habitat
(FRESt-t) Report for the Village of Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne
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March 15, 2023 Appendix A Page 70 of 94
U S F W S - C n u c a t H a b u a t - Li n e a r F e a tu re s (P ro x irrn ty )
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-·..L --·--· -------- -- ·-· - -- -
undefined
Threatened and Endangered soecies Ranges Novernber 2019 iProx,mity)
SmJff s mi!kpe a
Pine!Jnct s.m dm a: : Chama€3yce ;Je!toidc-J
i pinciorum
-·-·-·-·-·---····-···------···-·--·· -· - - .
. Oeltoid s~urg-a
t Tric.homanes punciaturn ssp. End,.:mg~:rE:'1 1 aorid.inum 1 ·····-· -- ·--· ·····-. - .. --··---··· ····i· ··········-·--. --··
! Chamaesyro dettoi<'.<ea s,,p. 1 r. ra g 00 ! deltOt deJ f ,__m n er e
Flc.1ida bn-1ii0 {em
20.3 i ~Hie$ (appro,c:imati!)
1--------·-··-·------ -
_ ~~~r~:_t~!k_k~l_l:bu&h_ -------~ri~:.;a rr..c:.;z;-; E:>d~ng :red ··-· ------t--·-···--··------- ---··
Crenuiate lead,piar,~ ; .-=-~..morpha aenulata 1 End.ar;ge:re,j
.. ------- ------ --- ----------~------------------- --- --- ---1--- ------·- -- ·- -
Carter's sm au-Ilowered ffax , U J;TI ca neri ca rteri i End.l n,Jere d ... -···-·------·- ··-··-·-···- ·+ -------·-······-+--····- ...
8eJch jacq~monU.J l ~~~:~~~~~~~~?-'~~.~la . \ .. ~;.~~~~erect.
nny polygala j Polygilla ,rmm; i E11dangerea
Ft~~d·~~~f·~~~kh'ef I OaieJ cartn~~~~~~~··~-;Jd~-;.:;· -·i·E;~;-~ed -· ··-a~·.;2··f~~~~~~ 1~~,proxirr.Jte}
.~~~m~~h.~i~~e.ilk .s.01~~-. I Str1m on a,~ bartrami -- .. ·-- -·j En~'?."'~ -·--·- - . - ·-·~;; 1 n!:~~-;;~;_ox•m.1:e)
-·~~~~~-:~~~:~~-~-~-tt~!_ /;- A_n_ae_a_t_rog_._lod_f_ia_«_o_ri1_. al_· _••--~i_E_n_dd_ng_e_r_oo _,'_S_2_4_9_)._i•~~~-~~-~~~~-~~~=l - _.
J Charnaesyre .a_~-~~~--·•---······- ! Thrnilieneti .-t~~·~~-~'..i~~~~~_Pr~~'.r~i~_}·•-
.; Am modram us ~~~i.t!.':~-~-~~~.~:~~-l~.~~iang_~~-- 1
85.61 Mites {apr-ro:rimate) ·•·•·-•-·-1··----·······-·--- .. . -
91.02 Mites (acproxr-nare}
· 38.S-6 Miles (aopronmatet
.\
. Sarber's sµur9e
i Onha.!icu!"1 reses (net !11CI.
! nc od1yasJ --+---- ··--·-·-------·-j-· ------- -- -- -
; Hcr adide1 oristod crn us j Encfung ,:-red l 91 .02 M1ies (approxirn.J!e> ! ponceanus
··--·t-[ C_v_cl_a_'l)_US_,-,-.-H_e_m_ia_r_gu_s_)_tl_10-,-na_s_i-<;-·-----··-- ---·---~- -------·r-,
9
\ .O·Z- ~;::-(·J· ~prr·.• ima•,•. ·.,
! be{.tlunebakeri i Enctanqemci ~ ~ t-· '"'... ~-
f-----------·---------,·-·--------··------·- ----·-·---- ··-r------- ·- ·-
Sar;a ilax :...inum .ire.n:-cow ! En'1lngtftJ , '3'1.02 M!~s (apprc,1.irf'la:r:1
Flcr;da sern apo oro C.scit.:} -i-c~;o~~-;rallic~la - - -- ·---· ·'. s:;d~ng~~-- - - ·r-B-;.02~;-;~-z;p~~o:drr Jt,~)
-· -l----··- -· - ··1- -
-~~ri_<J~_P.:."."'~:."::b',J':"'' --· -·~;::Y::u:::~:~. s, _p ·- -+~_,c_ill_e_n_e_~--- ------~1 .02 M~ler. {ap.proMmat&; _
EvergL1dei1 bl2 i·:1 a•.Jsfro i'lorid?.t!~e Threater:r;.d , [11.02 M1k::s {approY,mate}
Stcci-. ls!.1n<.1 tree ~nail
M ia m i Bi!..r~ Bi.,~erff ','
Florida grasshopper sp~rov.!
. Fl orida panther
· Gray bat
Fl orich bon ne ted b,Jt
1 C::.rter's mu~ tJ.m
··i····-····-·-·· ---·· -
ChromoiJenJ trustrat~i
Arqy1.hamn!J t&Jd~-:!:tii
,.\m mcd r.:l.rr,u~ srivann~ru m
norid:l nus
Pum ..i (zfelisj canco!'.)r cory1
· Myo5s glisescrrr.s
·-- i••···-·-----··-~---·-
. Eumop s fkl rida nui;
···-··. i
: V'larea c2rterl
End1ngerc<1
Threah::nr.d
. Er.~;invere<:l
; End.rnqr.red
1 End-1ngererj
! EndangHed
20.:!1 t.m:::~ (.:i.;;lroX::mJ!e} -·-··-r···------·---·· --
20 .31 J,1i!es (apprmdmato) . - +-~------ --·~ ·-
2.0 31 i·lil!cs (approxi!l\Jte)
91 02 Miles (aporoximattf,
· 92 ~5 f.ff~-:!i fappro,:imate1
OS 26 Uites (approrirn.Jtc,
! 104.98 Mi~::. (ctpptoxim..sti.!J.
March 15, 2023 Appen dix A Page 71 of 94
! Everglade snail ki!e Ru>irhmnus sociabili; plumbeus En.Lmgcre<i ! 118 55 M,!e, (appruJ<ilnl!e) I
I Okeechobee gourd
-· I ! Ct.eurbna okeecbooeensts up. En<l3ngcred I 121.62 Miles (npproxim;,le)
! okcechobeen1~ i
i l,Ve~ in,jj..ll1 M..m;lt-ee TrichechWJ manatus n.reate,,,,d I 160.58 Aliles (approximate)
' --------r--------· I F•olida ,crub-jJy Aplielocorna coe rur es ce ns Thre aten.:-<l
1
1&4. l 5 h\iJes (r,ppmximatej
I American d1...1ft\\,'.:!ed Schwa!bca amcricana E11d-;;nge<c'1 :·!76. is Miles (~pproxlm3m)
/ Mi.-imi tiger be ·1o Ciclndefidia iloridJna Enaangered I 176.15 Miies (9ppro:.irnale) ! I f Ba~71man's V<Jrtllo,r (•wood) ! 228 .. 50 Miles (appro,drnlle) I Vetmivora bachmanii EndJngered I
! Eastern fn<f,gc snake I J2!i35 Mies (nppro,imate)
l Oryrnarc~,on co, a<S couperi , Threatened !
~~~utmk Mycteria nmencana I Threatened J .\09.54 Miles (approximate) !
J Retl-codcaded wo od pecxe r Picoides borealis Endangered I 518. 73 Mites (appraxirrnlle)
! Logg,trhead sea ;wtle
·• ! 557.7 Miles (appror.i,;ate) -- Carella caretta En<t.1ngr:red
l Eastsm 8!.:1c.k ra:t Lal.ernttus j.lrn..1k:ensis ssp. Proposed Threatened ! 756.22 MiJes \apprO"Aimate)
' jama!OJr\&s I I
Red knot C(Uioris canutu:; ruta Threatened ! 1009.86 M•cs (approxtrnate) i
-·-·---· ··--·--· .l
Piping Plover Ch<?redriu• rooodus End:.mgered i 11).1 628 I/Iles (appux,ma:e) I I
Leatherback saa t.urtft: Dermodletye. coriacea , Enci.:Jngered i 2017 .85 ~!1 e5 (apprnA~n..1te) j
I ·-- i Endangered ! 4324.32 IM'-"> (approximate) ; j Hawkribill sea !ufl!e Eretmc,cheiys imbriCJla '
Threatened and Endangered Species Ranges November 2019
i Sma1rs mUkpEa I Gal3c!ia smJloi End.mgered
I Pineland ssr.-dm~t ! Chamaesyca deitoidea pjc,elorum Threatened /--·----------------+-----------------+----- -----------7 ! Flolida bri,ife fem ! Trichomane! punct~tum ,sp. Oornlilllurn Eooangered !
i Octtoid spUf9C ---+-1 _C_ha_n_,_ae_sy_ce_d_e_, o_id_e_a_ss_p_._d_e'_'o_id_e_a +-End_a_lJ9B __ ,e_d J
i FlOfhla bric!ccl~bush ! Bricl.elna mcsieri Endangered i
! CrenuCate lead-plant ! Arnorpha crenu!al3 Endangmed ----1
: Carter's small-flO'J,.,red nax i Lim,m c.1rteri ca,teri Endangered
~~~ jacqrnmmnli.i J Jacquernonfill 1eclinat,1 -----------··+.- _End_.i_n_;ge_re_d _
i Tlny polyipta ! Polyqa!a smilll:i ! Endangered
j Florida prairie-clo,'er ! Dalea c~rthagenensis ftoooana
I ! End:mgered
I fla,1rarn's hai15!reak Butterfly l Stryrnon acis barlram,
I Ftorida lealw!ng !3u11erfly Anaea troglody!a fioridafis
! G aroc r-s spurge Chamaesyce gar be ri
.-..;i,..E_nd_a_n_gc_r_e_d 1
i Endanqer~d
1 ThreaCened
' Cape Sable se3Side ·•parrow ~.mmodramus mariiimus mirnbi:i~
! Stock island tn•e snail Orth;llicu& re~c,; (not incl. r,esodryas)
'. Sch.aus swallo.•Fta!i tJt.:ttern;-·---- Heraclides aristodemus p.on.oean~
i
i Mtami Blue Buttertly
I
; Cydargus (• Hcmiurgusj thomasi
bethtmellakeri
Endangered
Threatened i --- ---------4
Endangered ' ··---- ··-------·--
EndJngered
Sand nu,
Florida sem;iphore Coctus
Unum 11renicola
Cor.sofea co ra mco fa
EnclJngcred
Endangorod
f·lorida pinefand crab9fass
Everglades belly
Cape Sable Thorougiw.urt
Oigil11na pJuciflora Threatened
SkSeroxyion redinatum &tip_ aus tro norid ensa: Threatened
Chromolaen;i fru,trdta Endangeced
March 15, 2023 Appendix A Page 72 of 94
f1 o rid (l g rJ:~!l h o p pc t sp a rrow
, f"l o ri d J panther
i G ray ba t
1 ,nigy•.hamnia biodg.etlll l Threatened
_ ..... .:~"'.''.~~ramu$ :wvann;;n.on__ff_c:~~,~~ ·.. ..... I Endangered
P., ... :rna (•Fe:iis) conco!or co!yi i E1"i<l.:U1.· !ced
-· ···-1
I
•• -·· -·-··--··- - .• ---·-·-· I
i
----------+
-~--·--·------ 1.tyot' grise,crn,
i F:c,idJ bonoeled bat · Euincp~ il01ida rnJ:) \ End ngeretl
! CJ rtcr's mu1:Jrd ····•--· -;-v½(~;-~-te!1 ! Er:d~u~·en::d
f•--·------------·-----·--- ·---· ·-----·-···- .. ------- .... -·-· •·-------j----------•··-------------------,
j Ever gf.ddl' st,uil kite ; Roitrhamus soci abilis pfumbc u.s i EOO allgercd
[-·· I CucurbH.:1 oxeecnooeensss ;:..sp ··- --·------ ··--·-··--·
: Okeechobee gcunJ o,:e,,cnobcam.,s I EJldangerod
! E1'!dangered
j Vvt:st !m:H~,n Man.ltee
: F!o rid .3 scru t-f:iy
1 Triche.ch~. mannil.J s
·····----'
1 American C".hJtfseed
; U ia m i tige r be vtle , ........
1 ;",f,hetoccma coensescens
----··· --- ... ·---L ~----·------·-·----··----- -... ----·--·------·--i
............ - i_EN!Jngered ..
! Endangered
' ---·-·---- ---·-.f------
i Threatene d ---+----------------------- - --i
i Threatened
----------- .--- ·--· -·.
· Schwaibea arnencana
t Bachrnan's warb!er ('IS",.-Goct}
\ Eastern mjigo r.r..1,e
i V!ood stork
f-Re-d.cncxaded •NftOdpcci.e:
\/ermlvora b...1chman:i
Orvrnarcbcn cor 3i~ cm.;;>ari
Mycteria an'er\c.ar1a
' j Endaogerad
I i Threatened
·------- ··--·------. - .
!'hrc<.,tencd
)-------·-------·-----·-· - - .
.. -•··-------------- ., -- ... -- ,_ _
Picoides borea!is I EMan9('red
\ Loggerhead sea tur!½
1 Eas.lem Black r:J1I
! Enctangerc d - --·-----·--·-··----·-----~-----·---J..------ ; Coreila caretta
: La!eraflus jam aicen.s ~fl 55.p .. 1.1rn:tlc€nsis
'Red knc!
1 Propo sed Threatened
' Thri::aiened
: Piping Plo1,~(
i Lealhl'rback sea turtle
; C hara drius m eioctu~
I O<ermochclys couacea
i EnctangerN
I Enctang,ered
! Ha\'.~bill sea turt!G . _ _l Ere tm oc ht:.Jy E im OO ~!a
A!l_cril1cal_ l1abitat_poly _20220404 (Proximity)
· 100.000,004
100,000.001
100.001.eoo
!00.000.072
'·· ·----·-··- -·--
l Carelt.1 caretta
; C arena careu..1
-i-----
I !QO.QOQ.076
100,06 l.856
100 ,00 1.7 9 0
100.061.841
! O,t~1i1 annular.~
··-r·-••· .. --•-·
: A u opor3 palrn ata
; Acrooora cervtcomis
! De<Y.lrcgyra cylindrus -~----·--··---- ...
: O rbt te fla franks!
Orbiceaa faveotata
' Sea turtle. I09"Jerhead
; Coral, '.obe<l sur
i Ccraf, t:lkhcm
... __ J Coral, staghom
! Coral. pi!f,lr
-- ! Coral boulder star
: Coral, rnol.Jfl tJlr.ou5 sf.ar
Smalltootll Sawfisi1 US OPS Range (Ciosest Feature)
Smalltootr1 Sav.iisll us OPS Range
'o
1 54 . t 7 Mil€s {apprn xi m ate}
54.17 Mile, (approximate)
, 87.76 Miles (ap~rnximjlel
! Jl.3 .82 Mi!€s (appro>imate)
j 88.82 M ile s (app ro xim ate} ... +----·-----· --------·------
'. 95.6 M!f!'.. (appro<imale)
-· ----. --1· .. -·-·-- _;_10!.08 !,l i!es (app,oxim ate)
102.013 :,,i~es (appro:cim.J1~)
- - ..... - ·~'~ .. :_: .. _· . ' ·. _,:~_:__-_.:.... "Tj_-.=:· .. ~: ~ . . . . . . .. . _· .. . ....
- -
.. ' ... : ~- ~-- . .. . .. . llitl .. • - ~
·-· ~-- -- -- - ·- -- ----- -----. ----·•···-··---·--- ------· ------·- -----·--- ·---------···-· .. ··· .. ·----~··--·- - ---------·
m h!. g!.-Gfr.~atl.,l 1:1.-11'!,A•J '.Ma•ie!,..;>w..1 ~l l'M 11 CC<'l:.'T!I ~ f~~.,ti#'/ iiet • .rl ·,~,.....,;1 .?V'< 1\1.\~~~~~",$ . ..,.JoJ,i: ,~c.:..tl.,..,"<16•~<> ~·,Jiil~.iw;:J t~l&i l.fod 1~·--:?ir a!lk:.11~1,,r ,i.<"..Jt •J)ll'.'JJ·
OOOJf. nuu.e r~ do1~.:,; ~-.....J !.11 1!,t~ a ~~l&i. w,l\t Otc.ul' ,'i,l!Wi1 ,,.1,:j{@.l, fY.A OOV'-l'! pre~ t!'e pc~ ti: Ml uflfu,;,.~¥.1 !, -.1.CA.--s; I il...t:.0<.1116~ JiN"a !load iiv.llealor ti{ tf;dci€:i f~uVJ
1.'.J!:!C;,l hdd'Jt Y..hei'e at,.~lf.,:l!:i'::::) l'·.i.\ t(,.:td ta:: )f.-.,U ,.:J by ~"l'M'jU ..flfllil\ IM .... If · . .w l';~1,1e ~ !lt,,~t.Jl\C (.t: ~r • .e1':! !Jf*CI ~ !.lfhl W.d JP.C.:...-..x1 !)1Ul W,kf ~:1';..-ct [~,t,,J 8\;€0tl.3 /.( • .._
lES..:..) li~-!d !.;:+.<:11!1 0/ i:ritiu,I Mtlot \·,llhin ,<M' C(kf!,;1,J"\lly, ~ (eCOJ'\ll\ td b•')t fCll.l e1. ... uc( 'tOi.l f !Ooal !l;Yle~l.11 r.unrtec rilt1t;.le~ St:f\i't,) (hJl /i\ :.i.e !IJY.:'-Zl<e'!.) (.1· U.S. FW'I IHtJ'~·-,i~
~r\;..c f!S,"':.j u:".c:,e,,..tt, m1 l'A.t;,..,t11 i•,.tb-oir~:. [!..\cc.-.1..,t....r.oe • .ilJJlt,,.--.._,_lly. t<,·, f','!!:. i.~ei, yo.JC--•"- .Li,., :"..i!. W;'o."..t..c11 !at Fi4nt ... J .v..!Ccn~..r: !JO': c;r.:.e) ~ -= ... ~- ~ l{...(Pl tNl ~ct ~·•Jnf ll'll':'!£\{lt:)H tllt•,ou int lfi~'l.)I.Jfert ,~r<Y -:i'\.,:::d.1lr~·,oii!w
M arch 15, 2023 Appendix A Page 73 of 94
6_r-p e n d ix B: Responses Received from Reviewing Agencies
FWC's Comments on Village of Key Biscayne Draft Floodplain Species Assessment
and Plan
Cucinella, Josh <~losh.Cucineclla@myfwc.com> Wed. Feb I, 202.l at 3:50 PM
To: s,oo.crsmax@gmail.=m" ,:rfusco.crsmax@gmail .. com>
Cc: Conservation Planning SeNice-s <oonser,a!ionplsnningser,dces@myfwc.com>, "Irving, Robe rt "
<RoberUrling@myfwc.com;,, "OiGruttolo. Laura" <Laura.DiGruttolo@mi,t111c.ccm>, "Calyniuk, Cori"
<Co ri.Cafynfu~•§·rnyfwc. com>
De ar Ms. Fusco :
F lori da F ish and' Wild.Iire C ons erv ati on Co mmiss ion (H•/C) staff re cei ved your gr oup 's request for review
re gar ding the V ill ag e of K ey B iscayn e Draft Floodp lain Speci es As ses smen t and Plan. F.X."C staff review ed
the Villa g e of Ke y B is cayne Dr aft Fl oo dp lain Spec ies Ass essm en t an d Pl an a3 part of techni cal assistanc e in.
accordance with C.Mpter 37 9 , Fl orida Statu tes . \Ve have no comment s, recornmen daa ons , or objections
related to listed species and their habitat or other fish and. wildlife resources to offer en this Floodp lain
Spec ies As se ssment and P lan .
If you ha ve spe cifi c techni cal qu estions , pleas e con tact C ori Calynink at (850) 556-5948 or by emai l at
C o ri. C alyni uk 1@,MyflNC. co n . For all other inquiries, please conta ct our office by email at
Conservation PlanningServices@MyFWC.com.
Sin cerely,
Jo sh C ucin ella
B iologi cal Adminis tra tor IT
O ffice of C onservation P lannin g Services
F lorida F ish aud ·~vildlife Cons erv a tion C ommis sion
12.39 SVI/ rnth Street
O cala, Fl orida 344 71
(352) 620-7330
March 15, 2023 Appendix B Page 74 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t & P la n
R eview Requested - F[oodpla!n Species Assessment draft - Vi'llage of Key Biscayne
H'acizick, Zane <{zane.hadzi•~·:,_g;-fe.rr- a.dhs.qov> Thu, Ja.11 •,,;, 2C23 a.t 9:45 AM
To: Ji:J-emy C3ileros Gauge.r <}gauge _,!;eyb is,~yn e-.fl.go~::;.. Re-be.....-cs F .... s1:o ·<rfu .s~o.~rs m 3xr. g·ma.il.rom>.
1\!eroteach :W-s.go-,.1l'I <\.·erobe:achr,i.f~s_g·c·/.:::;., "ror- .. s3kz:~nitiail.QO\'" ,:· ron.salz'-:!1n.o..3a._-g.:i••> .. !iiohn_g alvez.@f-li::. go•.-''
<i,clrrt_galve.z@fws.gm·>. "the.odor.a!ong@brscaynena.turecemer.org' <;heodo ra.long@bis-ca:,,r,e.natu.receTT1 •. er.org->.
"t,nfo@keyscience.org'' <inio@~eyscience.cr,p. "ficrida..@mc.org '· <florida@t.n-c.org.>. "tom. rein,;;rt@rnyfurc.com"
<tom.re! ne.rt@m ytwc. corn>. •derm@miarr,ida.de.gov·· <d.erm@mi.amid 3de.go'P. "dadefu ps@g msil..rorr-'
<dadefn ps~maiLoom >. "E!izabe.Jn. g-ok!er:@flolidadep.g-c·.r'' <elizac et'1.golden :jf•fiorida.dep.go-.>.
'
1floon.se-rvaticn,:~.a'i.Jdobon..org'' <flco!:'fserv:atfon@au.d-.1b.on. c rg>
Cc: Mari..ana Dominguez-Hardie <mdcminguezi,\;j;k.eybcscay=.f!.go·,>, F:oiand '.;.,:.m•1ny <rsamimy@ke.ybisca'jne.fi.gm·>. CRS
~t.A.X -<crs m a :~inc~bet!scuth .::ie:>. C R S <crsm.3:(intj.-..,'s@comcastnet>
•3·o-od morning au.
1. Are 1r ,e lists oflhrea.tene<! ,,nd endangered species ' the tables on p .. i;e 3-7 a.ppro p,n'a:e and
':ic~ vi;rsa? i=o~ v~·t 2is::.?.·,-;-:e ;~1'."'5-Gn·s sea~~r3ss b.J..s :l"=tn delis:ed :"r:i.rr-both :~M=s .3r.d ·USFTJ\'S and s!"·c.iU ~
excfujed.
2. A re tr':i:re an y sp e,c:ie--s li·5~.ed :.;~1at ;:--,~ 1~::;:"f.IT!1...init), sl1-.TJld 11c: sp,er::J t:rr:e 8-n? i ... 1 ~~e,· ~."s.:::.1;r? :ob,,..:.or·s se.3d:--J:.s.s. Ar:.d
W h );~- Cc., i,;·_·:'\f_.
3 . Fo;· ~'-.c,se spe cie s t'l3t de:s er,~- atter.ti.cn fr:om the com m un i~. do yoi..: ha\re a.jdi:::ionar
infcnn31tic,r,. on their ha.b!ia!'S ar:d threa:15? 1 ·.~·~ Jij p.J 11! ·.c, t..;2 F'"/S '"~ :,~\,.,a-1 p13:-'~ .. r.-:: 3 1 £:\:I:!: e:. !'-::· e :;f ~r .:>. -l: =
~!r.·i1:-ie s !3·~ :--,1:- <:,;:)E:-i.S c-n :,J8C i€:3 re;; ~'lJ:! :f:,:.~$ ...:i:.rd <:,~ ... -.ti: i;: ;f' a,..j ·,/.''11'. fe.
4. Are tbe-;e ar:r reca•,...e-ry ~,:tions :hat 3:hGt.;!d b€' ;,:-'.or.:cs :c, p~rsue? A:t::..:'"1:s ::- .1· f-=. ·:.·u~ J,'"' ·:·.~~!!,. :r.:.. :-, i:T;:. ·:,. ,:: --_-c.-,~
1.,._•.1'.·J L-<:: ,. _::t '...i1::1·':t~·- ..1· .,,..:i, 11 , .. l~ t:. S:Jte;,:s
5. VVculd ycu be able to assist rJs ir imp1,en-.eritir-:g any pri,Jrit-;1 praje,::.15 ? I ::t ·ri -rct 5-i ·2 v,t-- :i: role FEf..1.0. · .. 'i·~..ilJ ~{..=.:,. 1 :!o ,~ :.:'..
tni,..1.~. so
Federaf Crr e•rG_ei,CJ' M anagem er.t,i,.g~r.c:,
kema.g,:,,..
Hational -~{Ff P ES:A Coordinat:i::1:
Fli::0-jpLai.1 Managem€nt Di·..iisicn
Mifgadcn Dire,::.1or3te I F!f,,IA I FE'-11\
Fhone: (202/ 710-6092 ,. ··~> .. ~,-yt,· FEMA
March 15, 2023 Appendix B Page 75 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessm ent & Plan
Review Requested - Flo,odplain Species Assessm ent draft - Vi llage of Key Biscayne
Ron Salz- NOAA Fed',eral ,;ron.salz@noa.s.gov> Thu, Jan 12. 2023 at 3: tO PM
To: Rebecca Fusco <rfusco.crsmax@gmaiLcom-,,., Jeremy CaJreros Gauger <;jgauger@keybiscayne .. fl .. gcov>
Hi Rebecca and Jerem/
Please finci attached NMFS's response to ,·our request for review of ihe Village of i{ey Biscayne F1oodplain Sp,e.ciecs
AssessmenL Feel free to regch out if you have any questions or want lo discuss the F:oodptain Species Assessment
further.
We look forwar-d to re'Jtewing your Floodplain Species Plan when il becomes a•,silahle and to \MOrt<.ing collaboratively wi'b
ycu r community for the conservsnon of endangered and thre.1lened species.
All the best
Ron
f'~ Nfl!FS re-sp.onse to Key Hisca,yne NFIP Floodplain Species J\ss,e,-s-sment .eview request_draft:_LC sign,ed.p-df
-..J JmK
March 15, 2023 A p p e n d ix B Page 76 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t & Plan
I ·I .
1.IN1Tl;O 'lTAT65 Or::PAfHMEI\IT OF C:.:CJMME"!CE
N t1.1 ..... n,1i dDr1~·,,.,io-tHld Abner~r, -er-Io Ad•n",it.J.if':i:t.1.:>1'1
, •.,;,_,. ! I t.1-,;. •r
. - .- :~ ,,
1 /12123
Jeremy Call er os Ganger
Vill age of K ey Bisca vne
~.'ilia ge Planner .-
Dir ec tor. Buil dina , ZOllID!!. & Planning
83 1,i." M cIntyre St Suite }so
Ke y B imiyneFL 3314 9
RE: Village of Key Bucayne Request for Review of .1 Draft Flocdpiam Species Ascemnen~
Developed for the FE·U Comnnmitv Rating Sy;te:n
Th ank you fo r reachin g out to us with thi s request and pr ovidm g us with m cpportnm ty to
review th e Villageof Kev Biscayne's Draft Fl ccdplain Spec ies A ssess m en t (FSA ). Based en .he
inform ation provided m. vour FSA . it seems lik e your communi ty is alreadv doin s m..10,· !!OC<,
thin gs to promote both th e uma al and beneficiaffuncticns of floodp iaim (llld the" conser:::1ticn of
species listed under tbc En dange red Spec ies Act <ESA:. Th e survival and recovery of many
E.SA -li~te<l specie, depends . to a large e:.tent. on actions tak en ;i,t the local level by num erous
comm uni ties. cus in es ses . and private lan down er s We are en coura ge d by the Vill,1ge of Ke::
Biscayne's in ter est in appiying for the new ly adde d CF ~S credi t eleme nt; for thr eatene d and
endan gered sp ecies , an d apprec iate all the har d wo rk th at went into developing the Dr aft fS • .:..
Pleace find below our ~e~,p::i11Se·~ to the questicns in the Ncvember 14. :!O::~ email fr0lll P...ebec,:3_
Fusco regar ding tt.e Dr aft FSA.
Sm cerely.
C.ARRURRA.l lc;
AMARIE. i 3658
23932
Digit.: '-1119re:l b-,
~:~.Ri-:~IEC.A:_J_.\.\(AF.:
:;.,~2]1}],:?
C..1:~: l;}]]Dl . 2 I):~. -t:
-OSC•)'
Li::1filui.e. Carruhln_ Ph_D
Acting Chief
ESA Iu tera g,e u,:y C J0per ati0r: D, ',is10::;
Offi ce of Pro '.ec ted Rec•)l.trce:
Cc: P..ebi=c-:a ED. Fu:,co
March 15, 2023 Appendix B Page 77 of 94
Flo o dp la in Species
A ssessm ent & P lan
:\"l.ITS Re1it<w (;ftbf' Yilfaft> of Ke,· Bis.oYne's Dmft Floodpfain Species _-\.,-'Jess.me'!tt
General C omment: Overall, we found your FSA to be extremely informative, weil-researehed,
and well-written. It coatains all of the major elements outlined inFEvL'\.', guidance document
titled Preparing a Floodplain Species Assessment and ,i i'loodplain Species Plan for Credit
1.md.;r the G1vummit)· Rating S)"stem qftlt@ Xational Hood Insurance Pro gram.
Responses to Specific Questions Asked by the Community
Q]. /1..re the ~10 of threatened and endangered species (as well n~ critical habimts) in the fables
on page 3-7 appropriate and complete? Are there any species that should be mo ed from the fmt
section of the table (to be included in floodplain planning effmt,) to the next section of the table
(and be excluded), or vice versa?
.4..s she ,11 in your tables, the Village. of Key Biscayne is heme to m..1ny ESA-liste<l species, both
aqtiati.c: and terrestrial. For our re~ollie. we will only address those ESA-lisfed &}~e::;, under
:\11.IFS \; jurisdiction, We encourage you to reach out to the C. S. Fish r1\'ilcllife Serrice ('CSF\\'S)
for recommendations regarding the species under their junsdicti - n.
One species missing from the table is the green sea turtle (Chol» ia myda.s}. The Nortb Atlantic
Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of green sea turtle i'1 listed ,B threatened under the ESA. This
was lik ely an oversight since the FSA does mention that green :;e;1 turtles often graze- in !he
seagrass beds offshore ofBill Baggs Cape Florida: State Park (p.16). Another sea tu .. rtle species
that could be added kl your table is the Kemp's ridley (Le-JJidcichf.)lJ;s itempi1} Although the maJm
nesting sites for this species are. located in the Gulf of Mexico, this species' range includes the
U.S. Atlantic coast, and. occasional Kemp's ridley nesting has been documented from Florida
through Korth Carolina ..
A fish :;pecie.s that could be added i::; th.e ~,ViS31.I grouper (Epi1rnphd11s s.triatus t which was lio-ted
undff the ESA :JS, threatened in 2016. These large fishm-e found m southern co;:u;tal Florida., the
Florida Keys, Benm1da, the Yuc-at:m, and'. ilie Cmbbean. where they :.re a-.,;oci;i;ted wi!hhard
c.tmc~s, :mcb as coral reefr. In October 2022, N':,,1FS usned a proposed critical habitat rufe for
ilie Ka:ss.lrl grouper (37 FR 62930). Propo-.sed ,:riticru. habitat indude~ Florida Unit 1-Bisca:me
Bay•'Key Largo, v,bich is de5cribed as: All H i~t1:.-rs of Biscayne &ty rbormded on the 1mrih by tire
Ricke11bacirer Ca11st™a;p, Card Sormd , bo1mded cm ihe sout/r b; · Card Sound Road!, and the
Atfantic OceaJJ out to the coral reef ,md hanibottom in dept>1s o,fa.b,:nd :!Om between 5tiltsvilk,
:south of Cape Flcnda. cmd H':InJ Ha.iris Beach Par/.:: nrn.r tile south rnd of Lry Lm -go, excluding
,he I11tracoa:m1l rra,erway.
One ~ecie., that could be re111o•rnd from your tab.le r-; the Johnsen's seagrasz: (H,a lophila
jolmsonii). As correctly noted ill ycur table, ?-i~ffS remm.'ed this. q,eeies from the fe<lerru Ji-,t of
March 15, 2023 A p p en d ix B Page 78 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t & Plan
threatened an d endan ge red spe cies 011 April 14 . 21)22 _ ~:i: our table su g_ge.t'; fu.1t thi s spe cies i,; still
listed und er the CSFW S' s juri sdi ction, but thi s 1s not th ecase. Th ;u said , Johns on's seagrass still
plrrys. m imp ortan t rol e in th e eco sys em , pr ovi din g habi tat fea tur es fo r m my ESA-lis.te<l and
non-listed species. In addi tion ill sengr a£.s spec ies u1 Florida retain federal protections as
Essential Fish Habitat an d H abitat Areas of Particul ar Conc ern un der the :\:fagn uson-Ste.-ens
Fishery Conse rvation an d 1fanagement Art.
Y om Critical Babita t table (page 7) l-.i2.s correc tly ide ntified mo st of th e designa ted or proposed
critical ha bitat fo r ESA-li ~tc<l: spe cies within vcur comnnmiry boun da ries or adjacen t offs hore
areas. As noted above. w e suggeot addiag N assau grouper proposed critic al ha bitat to this table.
Fo r claritv . w e also rec omm en de d id.enti i}m g th e sp ec ies for whi ch critical ha bitat has bee n
proposed but net yat fin aliz ed These are the rough cactu s. lobe d star , pillar, boulder star, an d
mo un tain ou s ,trr corals , and th e Nass au grouper.
\Ve be liev e tha t ill of the ide ntified. ESA-li5f:ed spe cies un der 1' 1.1F S '~ juri sdi c tion coul d
pot entially ben efit from conse rv ation actions im pleme nted b / the \.-ill. ge of Key Bi sca vne.
~·l}ff S. (pe.:ies. to focus ,:-n would lik ely inc ln de tho se wi th de sign ated (or proposed) critical
b bitat 'i1,it.ri:n tl e cmm m m iry bc,undm es or adjacent ofr.:.hore are:i.s (i .. e., loggerhea d sea turtle,
:,fa~,ilu gr oupe r an d the cc-ral~ specie::;} 1he c0n-:.er-.-::\ti0:-. ;m d reco·.ery ,:Jth e~e spei:ie~ are
dir e,:tt:.- linked ro th e q1J::@:y {,f the es.s mti ru phy':.i cal :.mri bi ol,:igical ha.bi tat fe.atur ~. \Yruch can
be ach'eJrr;,e[y affect ed by bJ.ID1.111 cKti\ities.
Q3 FGr those '>F.e('ie, that des en:e attention from th e ~omm :mi ty, do y,::,u ha·,·e addi tK,naJ
inf orm af.ion on their habit::its an d thr eats'?
Ye~. "'ddi tio1ul in fo mutic,u ,;:(o ::he- [5A -li ~ted. ,;p ecie~ undtr !'J;~ff S · ~ juri ;diction e:u1 ~ futmd
on e-ur wtb ~ite. Be knv are link:; tr. the 1\'>.iIF S w eb,;i te-s fo r log~erhead SP.a tm 1:l e!'., K as;au
gr Gupli:L stc1gr1orn c1x~ and elli ho.m rnrru (addi:tic.1I1:1l 1pe cies c;:rn b-e found by u~in g fu e Search
featm e at th e ~op of each of tl:.ete pages} From .flse m ain pages ycu CJ.l.l IuT,igc-ite to find link ;;,
to dc-cun1erM 'Xifu m ore d.etaile d i:nfon11.:i.tim1 on spec ie-~· habifa t~, life hi <Jtorie,. u":.reats a."'.ld
rec ,orery ,K ti.ou ,.
March 15, 2023 A ppendix B Page 79 of 94
Flo odplain Species
A ssessm ent & P lan
Q4 Are the.re any recovery actions that mould be priorities to pursue?
Below are tim :s to om ESA reco 'eJ:Y plans for loggerhead sea turtl es (Northwes Atlantic DPS)
mi elkhom IDd staghom cora ls, and a. recovery outline for Nassau groupe r. '.Vhile there i~, a. lot
of information in these plans, e sections titled Recovery Program pro vide specific actions
nece,!;ary to achieve the sp eci es re ~oveI~i goals and objectives of eac h plan Tue rec ov ery actions
are each describe d in more detail in the Rrn.:n:.r1:;i• Adi011 Narraftw: sectio n of each recovery plan
The reco ,-ery actions in these plans are also a good starting place for dev elopin g a CR S
Flocdplam Species Plan for the Village of K€}' Bis a~1me.
For exam ple, the folkmring recovery actions from the eik horn and staghom coral recovery plan
are link ed tc- several or the CRS cre ditable action yon have identifi ed m your FSA
• Address sewage discharge,; throughout the species' ranges;
• Develop and i:mp~ment effecrive watershed/land me, management plans for the
protection of coral reefs;
• Restore. and maint ain man grove and seagrass ecosyst em resources to buffer land-based
influences: and
• Reduce impacts from planned physical disturbances - no net loss from developme nt
projects.
Elkhorn and staghom coral recovery pl.'.111 link:
tqJ:i.:,'i\\,\ w.fisheries.noaa :pviresource/document'reco;;erv-pl:m-e · · hom.:.roral-acrooo:a
palmata-&1d-~t.i.g:hprn-ccral-c ervicorni.s
Simil arly the. Northwest • .lJJmtic loggerhead DP 5; recovery plan inc ludes the followin g recovery
actions impleme ntable at the local level;
• Ensur e beach sand placem ent projects are conducted in a manne r that accommodates
loggerhead needs and does not degra de or elimin ate nestin g 1abitat (the plan lists 9
specific sub-actions under this action);
• Main tain and acquir e nesting be.icl-es and adjc.cent uplands to be beld in pub!ic trust;
• !-,'1i.mmize effects of light poilutic,n an t atchling'> and nesting fem.1le;; md
• F n.cilitate rezm.:el"}' through. public ,n\·aren.es'.';, eiucatior-.., and informa tion !ra11o;fer.
:fortlr west Atlantic loggerhe.:id DPS recovery plan liul :
http-s;i/v,,vw.falleries.noJ:1.!l-ov/r~oun:eidoctllllc'11t'reeo\·en·-p£an-north'.:vest-att,mtic-popuhtion
!<J~g~rl1~ad-~e-~.:turtJe--e aretta--<C'l.1.Tetta
\Vhile the :fam:u grouper recove-:ry 0uiline identifie, fishing a;; the mrrJor threat t,o thi'i species, it
aho note5, that ilie 1os.s ofneariliore habitat and ch.:.mge, in water qaality couldnegatiwly imp n:r:
(.Jir':ri'/ill !lnd grmirth of lo.:al recruit~ wb.i:~h i£ ako e5senti.J.! for re::o\-ery Therefore, CPS
March 15, 2023 Appendix B Page 80 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t & Plan
elements under Acti1:ity .,1.50 S:rornm ater _\!.·1nago11en t would likely benefit K at.scru g:rnu:per
rec ru itme nt by im provin g 1,1.,· ater quali ty in ne ars hcre envir cnm ents that supp ort thi s speci es
Yes, >lM FS would be wil lin g to as sist rn some capacity with implementation of priori ty project s
a:5 pm of a CR S credited Floodplain Sp ... cies Plan for the Yillage- of Key Bi ~cayn.e. The amount
of ass istanc e we can provi de will depend on a number of factors in cludin g the timin g of the
reque st, the dur ati on of the pr oject implem entation p :,;i-:.e _ the type s of proj ects proposed, and rLe
relevance of the proposed plan to our work and expe rti se
March 15, 2023 Appendix B Page 81 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A ss e ssm e n t & P la n
Review Requested - Floodplafn Species Assessment draft - Village of Key Biscayne
l:sta m bouli, Rashid {RER} <Ras hicU sta m bo ufi@ miamidadie.gov> Thu. Jan 26. 20Zl at 4:17 PM
To: •·ffu.sco .cr sm ex~mail.co m " <rfus co .crs m.a x@ g-m ail .. co m>
Cc:: "tstarnbouli, Rashid (RER)' <R3shf-d.lsfamboufi@mjami:dade.gov>, "Spadafma, Lisa (RER)'
<Lisa.Spadafina@mi.am idade.g,c,v>. "Velazquez, Christine {RERj" "'-Ch.ristin>=.VelazqueZi __ miamfdade.gov>
The attad1ed electronic ccrrespcndsncs is being, forNarded to you -0n !:>:half of ~Ir. Ra$hid Z. lrtam bour,. PE, Interim
Director - Division of Environm enta l. Rew un:es M anagement.
Be ad•,ised that a paper cc py will not fo lio•;,,- via US ;:\o-sta I Ser.•ice.
Frances Rod gers, Se n ic r Exe w ~ive Se cr etary
Division of Environmental R4!sources Management {DERM)
Office of the DERM Director
Re g u lato ry an d Ec o n om ic Reso u rces
701 N \J i rt Court, ,:.t:h Ffoor l\.liami, Florida 32.136
\'.305) 372 -6754 (3051 37 2-6759 fa x
March 15, 2023 Appendix B Page 82 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A sse ssm e n t & Plan
MIAMI··
t!WHi1iii#
Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources
En-.·ironmental Resources tvlandgernent
70T l--i'N Isl Court. 41h F/001
Miomi, Floridc1 111 J6-3() I 2
T JOS-372-6754 F JOS-.172-6759
miarnidade.gov
January 26, 2023
Ms. Rebecca E. D. Fusco
CRS Max Consultants, Inc.
ViA EMAIL rfuscc crsmax('l\qmail corn
RE: Draft Floodplain Species Assessment Report for the Vi!lage of Key Biscayne
Dear Ms. Fusco
The purpose of this letter is to address the questions from your email dated November 14. 2022. Please
see the below comments in response to the Village of Key Biscayne's Floodplain Species Assessment.
Are the lists of threatened and endangered species in the tables on page 3-7 appropriate and
complete? Are there any species that should be mcved from the first section of the table (to be
included in floodplain planning efforts) to the next section of the table (and be excluded), or vice
versa?
• Of the plant species recommended for inclusion in the assessment, the on!y species currently
present on Key Biscayne is beach clustervine/beach jacquernontia (.Jacquemontia rec!inata)
• American chaffseed (Sc/Jw-1/bea emeticene, should be removed from the recommended for
inclusion list as this plant has not been vouchered in Miami-Dade County.
• Johnson's seagrass (Halophila johnsonii) should be removed kom the recommended for
inclusion list as the species was delisted in May 2022 as the result of new genetic data
demonstrating that Johnson's seaqrass is not a uruque taxon but rather a done of an lndo
Pacific species, Ha/ophila oveiis.
• We recommend that rare p!ant species on the county and state lists be included. One
example is the state listed Biscayne Prickiy Ash (Zanthoxylum coriaceum). The full county list
of county, state and federally listed species is found in Appendix A and B of the County's
Conservation element of the Comprehensive Development Master Plan. Golden leather fern
(Acrostichum aureum) and Porter's spurge (Chaemaesyce ,oorleriam) should be added to the
list oi recommended for inclusion. Both are endemic to Florida and found in Miami-Dade
County. Golden leather fern is threatened in Florida and Porter's spurqe is endanqered in
Hxidci Q ,05pitt> ::ib<:t>nr>• fmrn ff'rlPrn l li<:tin,::r,. m ,1ny r;-itp plant '>f)f!ciPs h.ivP been extirpated
from the island.
Florida prairieclover (Oa/eci florid<1na) has been documented on Key Biscayne; however. the
species is listed as not present. Note that Florida prairieclover is endangered in Florida.
Note that the occurrences of Blodgett's wild mercury/Blodget's siivebush (Argythamnia
blodgetti) in Miami-Dade County are restricted to pine rock!and and rockland hammock
systems However, in Monroe County iarge populations of A b/odgettii can be found within
coastat berm and coastal rock barren habitats
2. Are there any species listed that the community should not spend time on? And why?
American chaffseecl and Johnson's seaqrass should be removed from the proposed species
list as discussed above.
3. For those species that deserve attention from the community, do you have additional intorrnation on
th t>ir habit;its ;inrl lhre;it,7
• Beach jacquernontia (Jacquemontia rec/inata), Blodgett's silverbusn (Argythamma biodgettil),
and C<1rter's mustard (Warea mrterr) ore all ecotone/transitional species and can be found in
March 15, 2023 Appendix B Page 83 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment & Plan
Ms. Rebecca E. D. Fusco
CRS Max Consultants. Inc
Page 2
varying habitats close to the coast. Special attention should be given to beach jacquemontia
and Blodgett's silverbush as they are both endemic to Florida. Furti1ennore, beach
jacquemontia and Carter's mustard are both federally endangered; however, the latter has a
much wider range beyond Florida.
• It is recommended that the assessment include further narrative on the extirpation of the
Miami blue butterfly from Key Biscayne as it is one of the most significant extirpations in
Miami-Dade County in the last few decades.
• It is recommended that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is consulted for planning
considerations pertaining to active sea turtle nesting areas.
4. Are there any recovery actions that should be priorities to pursue?
• It is recommended that any proposal for habitat enhancement include a plan for the
eradication of invasive exotic plant species.
• Recovery of species that have been extirpated from the island ir.cluding planning re
introductions.
• Implement and partner on sea turtle recovery.
5. Would you be able to assist us in implementing any priority projects?
• Projects seeking to implement natural shoreline protections may require regulatory
authorizations from County, State, and federal agencies. It is highly recommended that early
coordination with Miami-Dade County's RER-DERM be sought to determine site
appropriateness and consistency with the Code of Miami-Dade County.
• The Environmentally Endangered lands Program would like to assist with priority projects
including providing collaboration initiatives regarding Miami Blue butterfl)" and other
rare/endangered butterlly recovery on the island.
• DERM can provide technical assistance for habitat considerations that go along with beach
renourishment projects and technical staff can provide plant lists for rare native plants that
used to occur within the Village of Key Biscayne. Dune species selection is a critical
enhancement that can improve biodiversity on the island. Please note that some rare species
have to be contract grown two years in advance of a project.
Also attached, please find a draft evaluation of Crandon Park prepared by our Environmentally Endangered
Lands Program in 2004 which includes an inventory of rare and endangered plants within the EEL
managed footprint on Biscayne.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact my office at (305) 372-6754
or via email at Rash1d.istc1mbouti@mi<Jmidc1de.gov_
Sincerely,
~~-, Interim Director
Division of Environmental Resources M::inagernent
ec Lisa Spadafina, Senior Division Chief - DERM
Christine Velazquez, Division Chief - DERM
March 15, 2023 A ppend ix B Page 84 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t & Plan -
tw 2end1x C : Review of Possible Reco ve1·y 1\cr1ons
P ro p o se d / Po ssib le A ctio n ite m s:
,... CAS (I.I ,,
Eteme nt s/ Department/ .a .e Spe cies,/ Activit ies Responsible Funding
Act ion Item Group Party Sou rce
Develop and implement public lnformatton and education 330 Outreach programs (Eventually to Incorporate them into future PPI All & PPI update)
y Develop and implement a communication campaign in All 330 Outreach Communication Staff funded various media & PPI Officer
Crocodile,
y Include messages on boating and fishing practices at Fish, 330 Outreach Communication Staff funded public access points Manatee, & PPI Officer
Coral
y Maintain websites with comprehensive information All 330 Outreach Communication Staff funded & PPI Officer
.!
i
Tlme ffi,e :ii'
(Year#) 0
1
ongoing 1
ongoing 1
ongoing 1
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 85 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t & Plan
,... CRS l I Elements/ Dep artmut /
.e Spec ies/ Activities Responslbte Fundint T1mell ne
Action Item G!c>UP - Party Source (VNr #) 01
Continue to develop and disseminate outreach
projects to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and
encourage appreciation for and peaceful coexistence Crocodile, 330 Outreach Communication Staff funded ongoing 1 y with native wildlife (as an example see the Florida Fish Bat, Snake & PP! Officer
& Wildlife "Living with American Crocodiles"
brochure: htt ps://m yfw c.com /m edia/1849/livingw ithcrocodi/es.pdf)
N
Plaee roael signs at wilellife erossings No fatalities or Croeoelile :BO Outreaeh CoFflmunieation litaff ~uneleel 6Rgeiflg -! issues with roadway crossings reported. ~ Qffj€ef
Distribute educational brochures and factsheets All 330 Outreach Communication Staff funded ongoing 1 y & PPI Officer
Crocodile,
Advertise regulations prohibiting harassment, feeding Snake, 330 Outreach Communication
y or harvesting Manatee, & PPI Officer & Code Staff funded ongoing 1
Butterfly, Compliance
Fish
Extensive communications and reminders sent to
y property managers regarding lighting, storage, and Sea 330 Outreach Code staff funded ongoing 1 expected space required around nesting sites in the Turtles & PPI Compliance
weeks leading up to nesting season.
320 Map Zoning & y Provide map information on sensitive areas in All Information Planning staff funded ongoing 1
response to resident inquiries (M17)
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 86 of 94
F l o o d p l a in S p e ci e s
A s s e s s m e n t & P l a n
,.. CRS 1 °" l Elements/ Dep art ment / l Spe cies / Activities llesp onsl ble Fundlnc Tlmetlne
Action Item Grou~ Party Source (Year#) 0
Provide more detailed references: recovery plans, 350 Flood similar technical references, and this Assessment can Protection Communication y be added to the public library's card All Info (LPD and Officer Staff funded ongoing 1
catalog and linked on a separate "Threatened and WEB!) Endangered Wildlife" page on the Village's website
Manage habitat to maximize survival and productivity: All 2,3
Maintain natural coastal formations that perpetuate CIP and State high quality breeding and basking habitat by widening 420 open funding - sandy beach area and restoring dunes. Previous y
efforts have considerably increased habitat for turtle All Space (OSP, Public Works beach 2025 2,3
nesting and the Village is committed to continuing this NFOS, CEOS) renourishment
effort. project
Reduce disturbance from humans and pets (including 540 (Drainage
y a review of Village procedures to reduce disturbance All System Public Works staff funds ongoing 2
caused by routine beach maintenance) Maintenance)
OP and State
Morutor and manage invasive vegetation in habitats, 420 open funding-
y including replanting native vegetation. Incorporate All Space (OSP, Public Works component of 2025 2 native vegetation into beach landscaping projects and beach
reduce or remove non-native vegetation NFOS, CEOS) re nourishment
projects
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 87 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t & P la n
... CRS I I Elements/ Department/
Spec ies/ Activities Responsible FuncH• Timeline
Action Item Grou p Party Source (Year#)
Preserve public beaches and parks as managed open Birds, Sea 420 open Turtles, y space and, if possible, restore or preserve natural Crocodile, Space (OSP, Public Works staff funds ongoing 3,4
water storage and drainage patterns. Plants NFOS, CEOS)
Follow existing regulations governing coastal 420 Open Public works in
development practices, such as beach nourishment Birds, Sea Space coordination
y and shoreline armoring and coordinate with issuing Turtles, Preservation, with Coastal staff funds ongoing 2,3 430 Higher agencies such as Army Corps of Engineers, DEP, Plants Regulatory Engineering
FFWCC. Standards firm
Manatees,
Regulate coastal construction actions to minimize Fish, Sea 430 Higher Building
y Turtles, Regulatory Department/ by staff funds ongoing 3 harm Crocodile, Standards ordinance
Plants
Continue enforcing requirement for all waterfront 430 Higher Code
y properties which have any beachside activities to file Sea Regulatory Compliance/ staff funds ongoing 3 an annual Beach Management plan which allows us to Turtles Standards ordinance update plans based on current regulations.
Continue nighttime inspections of lighting to ensure Sea 430 Higher Code
y compliance with state rules regarding the proper Turtles Regulatory Compliance/ staff funds ongoing 3
amber light spectrum lighting. Standards ordinance
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 88 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment & Plan
,.. CRS I I Element1/ Department/
Spec ies / Ac11vitles Relponsible Fundinc ~lne
Action Item Group Party Source (Year#)
Continue inspections of equipment and any items Sea 430 Higher Code
y stored on the beach for compliance with regulations Turtles Regulatory Compliance/ staff funds ongoing 3
in the weeks leading up to nesting season. Standards ordinance
Support ongoing County efforts to implement the Sea
Turtle Beach Monitoring program within the Village.
County actions include:
• Conducting beach surveys in the mornings during Miami Dade
nesting season and marking off nest areas so Birds, Sea County/ Sea
y they can be easily seen and avoided by property Turtles Turtle Beach County budget ongoing 2
owners, the public & Village staff. Monitoring
• When appropriate, using caging or other Program
methods to protect the nests from predation
• Training County staff to reinforce standardized
methods for marking and inventorying nests
Respond to "Obstructed Nesting Attempt and
Disorientation" reports issued by Miami-Dade Code
y County/Sea Turtle Beach Monitoring Program and Sea Compliance staff funded ongoing 2 work with property owners to address and, whenever Turtles /ordinance possible, correct the conditions causing the
obstruction
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 89 of 94
F l o o d p la in S p e ci e s
A s s e s s m e n t & Plan
,.. CRS I I Ele,""'5/ Department/
SpecJel/ ActMtles Responsible Funclkw Tlme line
Action Item Group Party Source (YNr#) 0
Continue enforcing ordinances and building codes
that protect nesting beaches from light pollution, Sea 430 Higher Code
y obstruction, and other activities and/or conditions Turtles Regulatory Compliance staff funded ongoing 2
that may threaten the success of nesting turtles or Standards /ordinance
pose risks to hatchlings
Reduce the transfer of pollution, particularly plastic Birds, waste, from the land into the sea by contracting a Manatees, general
y company to conduct daily beach cleaning activities Sea Public Works fund/ contracte ongoing 2 according to FDEP and FFWCC beach cleaning permit Turtles, d service requirements (developed to reduce the effects of Coral, Fish beach cleaning on nesting beaches).
Maintain public beaches according to best practices
y that reduce light pollution, obstruction, and other Sea Public Works staff funded ongoing 3 activities and/or conditions that may threaten the Turtles
success of nesting turtles or pose risks to hatchlings.
Continue implementing Village "Iguana Control general fund/
y System" to mitigate the risks these exotic animals Butterfly, Parks & contracted ongoing 2,3 pose to the viability of the native species and Plants Recreation service vegetation.
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 90 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment & Plan
,.. CRS J ti
) Elements/ Department/ I Species/ Act ivit ies Responsible Funclins TlmeU ne
A ct ion Item G l'OUf) Party Source (Year#)
Install bm( c1o11¥erts te allew safe readway cressings.
No fatalities or issues with roadway crossings
reported. Crocodiles cross roadways in parks to the
N north and south of Village but do not cross Village Crecedile, - ~ roadways. However, there have been issues report ~
with wildlife accessing Village equipment and pump
stations. See next action item added as a result of this
discussion.
Prevent wildlife fatalities by installing barriers and Crocodile, Existing Public
backflow preventers where necessary to protect Snake, Works budget:
y crocodiles and other species from access to areas and Manatee, Public Works utility ongoing
equipment (such as pump stations) that may pose a Fish maintenance
danger to the animal. funding
Crocodile,
Enforce regulations prohibiting harassment, feeding Snake,
Manatee, Code y or harvesting by referring suspected or reported Butterfly, Compliance Staff funded ongoing 2,3
incidents to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Fish,
Plants
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 91 of 94
Floodplain Species
Assessment & Plan
I CRS J
Elements/ Department/ u
Species/ Activities Relponslble fundl"I Tlmeflne ! Action Item Grou e Party Source (YHr#)
Evaluate the Village use of pesticides and herbicides Plants, Code
y and adjust use to promote conservation of native Butterfly, Compliance/ Staff funded ongoing 2,3
species Birds Public Works
Sea
Turtles, 450 Birds, Stormwater Code
Monitor and improve the quality of stormwater runoff Manatees, Compliance/ staff funds ongoing 3
Coral, Management Public Works
Fish, (SMR)
Crocodile
Coral, 450 Code
Enforce erosion control measures to prevent excess Stormwater Compliance / 3, y
sediment from entering waterways Fish, Management Public Works/ staff funds ongoing 4 Manatees (SMR) by ordinance
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 92 of 94
F lo o d p la in S p e c ie s
A s s e s s m e n t & Plan
,.. CIIS I I Elements/ D9plrtment/ I Species/ Activities Responsible Funcftnc Timellne
Action Item Gro!'P Party Source (Year#)
Sea
Turtles, 450 Birds, Stormwater DEP
y Install Stormwater Filters Manatees, Public Works Grant/Stormw 2023 3,4
Coral, Management ater Fund
Fish, (SMR)
Crocodile
Sea
Turtles,
Evaluate the Village use of fertilizers and adjust use to Birds, Code 3, y
protect water quality Manatees, Compliance /by staff funds ongoing 4 Coral, ordinance
Fish,
Crocodile
510
Develop, Implement, Evaluate & Update "Floodplain Floodplain Building, Zoning
y Species Assessment & Action Plan" with annual review All Management and Planning Staff funds 2023 All
and· updates every 10 years Planning Dept
(NFP)
March 15, 2023 Appendix C Page 93 of 94