Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan A.R.M. - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Arthur R. Marshall

Loxahatchee

National Wildlife Refuge

Visitor Services Plan

Visitor Services Planning Process

• Wildlife-dependent recreation
• Step-down from Comprehensive Conservation Plan
• 14 Standards (goals, objectives, and strategies)
• Public involvement
• Public use and compatibility
• Facilities and maps

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

1997 Refuge Improvement Act

“Big 6” Wildlife-dependent Recreation Fishing Hunting Photography Interpretation Wildlife Observation Environmental Education

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Visitor Services Standards

• 1. Visitor Services Plan
• 2. Welcome and orient visitors
• 3. Hunting
• 4. Fishing
• 5. Wildlife observation and photography
• 6. Environmental education
• 7. Interpretation of key resources and issues
• 8. Other recreational uses
• 9. Outreach
• 10. Work with volunteers, Friends, and other partnerships
• 11. Recreation fees
• 12. Concessions
• 13. Commercial Use
• 14. Wilderness (not applicable at Lox)

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Refuge map

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Current Uses and Potential Uses

Strazzulla EA License Agreement

• Evaluate 25 proposed uses

Public scoping in May

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Standard 2

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Welcome and Orient Visitors

Proposed: Refuge Hours Lee Road/Headquarters/Visitor Center hours remain same (5 AM to 10 PM). Remainder of the Refuge would be open 24 hours/day. Signs, Kiosks, and Publications Update and replace all signs, kiosks, and publications consistent with USFWS Sign Standards and USFWS Graphic Standards. Access-Designated Entry Points Existing entrances are at Loxahatchee Road, Lee Road, and 20 Mile

• Bend. Additional access points would be established on the L-40, L-

39, and L-7 levees and Strazzulla. Designated access points may be identified over the life of the plan.

Hunting Opportunities

Proposed:

• For hunts, only one watercraft per permit.
• Certain quota permits would be determined by population

surveys and Refuge carrying capacity, and would be subject to change.

• No hunting from Refuge structures or within 1/2 mile of canoe

trails or boat ramps.

Standard 3 - Hunting

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Proposed: Deer in Interior

• Hunts would be 0 to 16
• days. Archery, crossbow,

air gun, shotgun, and centerfire rifle.

• Quota permit deer hunt

with non-motorized and airboat access permitted for permittees only. Only

• ne deer per permit.
• Maximum of 20 airboat

permits, less than 10 permits to start.

• Airboat must be in place

and stopped one hour before sunrise and not move until 1 hour after

• sunrise. No forward

movement and airboat shutoff/idle for 15 minutes before shooting.

Standard 3 - Hunting

Continued Proposed: Deer in Interior

• Airboat permit required.
• Refuge interior closed to

public and staff during hunts.

• Dogs would be prohibited

for deer and hog hunting.

• Only deer with at least
• ne antler with two or

more points (forked antler) may be harvested, except for those approved for Specialty Hunts.

Standard 3 - Hunting

Proposed: Deer in Strazzulla

• Archery, crossbow, air

gun, and shotgun.

• Hunts would be zero to 16

days dependent on population data.

• We will start with - two, 3-

day hunts; one in early season and one in winter.

• Incidental take on hogs.
• No limits or size

restrictions for hogs.

• 300 foot buffer from

private property.

• Dogs would be prohibited

for deer and hog hunting.

• Only deer with at least one

antler with two or more points (forked antler) may be harvested, except for those approved for Specialty Hunts.

Standard 3 - Hunting

Proposed: Specialty Hunts, Cypress Swamp and Strazzulla

• Archery, crossbow, air gun,

shotgun, and centerfire rifle.

• Hunts would be one or two

days per year, with hunt area closed to other uses during the hunt.

• Incidental take on hogs.
• No limits or size restrictions

for hogs.

• Only one deer per permit

may be harvested.

• 300 foot buffer from private

property.

• Dogs would be prohibited for

deer and hog hunting.

• Any deer can be harvested

during this hunt.

Standard 3 - Hunting

Proposed: Alligator

• Would allow airboating for

alligator hunting in L-7, L- 39, entire motorized zone.

• Maximum of 20 airboat

permits at any time. Less than 15 permits to start.

• Increase permits as

population surveys allow.

• Hunting from levees and

those areas posted as closed is prohibited.

• Hunting on the Refuge is

allowed 1 hour before sunset on Fridays through 1 hour after sunrise on Saturdays, and 1 hour before sunset on Saturdays through 1 hour after sunrise on Sundays.

Standard 3 - Hunting

Continued Proposed: Alligator

• Alligator hunting would be

permitted the first 2 weekends during Harvest Period 1 (August) and the first 2 weekends during Harvest Period 2 (September). Following the close of Harvest Period 2, the remaining weekends in October would be open for alligator harvest.

• Taking of alligators using

baited hooks or baited wooden pegs.

• Allow bang sticks with

nontoxic ammunition for taking alligators.

Standard 3 - Hunting

Proposed: Migratory Birds

• Migratory bird hunting is

being proposed the entire Interior including the Motorized and Non- motorized Zones.

• Open during state hours

and no longer closing at 1:00 PM. Hunt days would match state

• regulations. Waterfowl

hunting would be open 7 days a week and on Christmas Day.

• Strazzulla and A, B, and

C Impoundments are closed.

• Allowing Moorhen, Rail,

and Snipe to be harvested during the waterfowl hunt.

Standard 3 - Hunting

Continued Proposed: Migratory Birds

• No hunting from the canal
• r within ½ mile of boat

ramps and canoe trails.

• Airboats would be allowed

in Phase 2 of the State waterfowl season by quota permit only; other motorized and non-motorized access allowed in designated area during the hunt.

• Maximum of 20 airboat

permits at any time. Less than 15 permits to start.

Standard 3 - Hunting

Proposed: Bowfishing, Fish gigging, Frog gigging

• Allowed anywhere fishing is

allowed except Strazzulla and the A, B, and C Impoundments.

• Fish gigging and bowfishing

would be permitted every day throughout the year.

• Frogging would be permitted

from July 16 through March

• 15. Bag limit for frogging

would be 50 frogs per boat/party.

• Frogging from an airboat

limited by permit to the area

• pen to non-hunting airboats.
• No frogging, fish gigging, or

bowfishing from Refuge structures or within 1/2 mile

• f canoe trails or boat ramps.

Standard 4 - Fishing

Proposed: Observation Towers

• 2 at Strazzulla, 1 in the Cypress Swamp

Photo Blinds

• 1 in Strazzulla

Boardwalks

• 2 in Strazzulla, 1 in the Cypress Swamp

Live Cams

• Install live-feed bird camera.

Impoundment Conversion

• Would evaluate conversion of up to three of our

impoundments and make them suitable for wading bird nesting as resources allow.

Standard 5

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Wildlife Observation and Photography

Environmental Education

Proposed:

Construct an additional teaching facility at Strazzulla

Standard 6

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Interpretation

Proposed:

Exhibits

• Would develop a Visitor Center exhibit geared towards

youth pre-K through 3rd grade. Interpretation

• Recruit and train volunteers to lead interpretive programs

in Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, and other languages. Events

• Incorporate additional Everglades-related events as staff

and budget allow.

Standard 7

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Other Recreational Uses

Proposed:

• Trails
• Motorized and Non-motorized Watercraft access
• Leashed Pets
• Ceremonies
• Instructor-led small group activities
• Camping
• Horseback Riding
• Provisional Non-hunting Airboating

Standard 8

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Proposed: Trails

• Route trail north up Florida Power & Light

(FP&L) right-of-way then west on an unimproved levee.

• Expanding hiking and biking opportunities

adding an additional 18 to 20 miles.

• Construction of a canoe trail on the south end
• f Refuge.

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Proposed: Motorized and Non-motorized Watercraft access

• Open the entire Refuge for

non-motorized watercraft, excluding the A, B, and C Impoundments and Strazzulla.

• The designated Hunt Zone

would be referred to as the Motorized Watercraft Zone (not including airboats) vs. Non-motorized Watercraft Zone.

Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Proposed: Leashed Pets

• Leashed or confined pets would be permitted on the Refuge
• Leashes would be no longer than six feet in length.
• Visitors with pets would be required to immediately bag

and remove their pet’s fecal matter and dispose of it in the proper trash receptacles.

• Pet walkers would be limited to a maximum of two leashed

pets.

• Organized training or competitive events would be

prohibited.

• Pets may be restricted at Refuge-sponsored events (i.e. kids

fishing days, Everglades Day, NWR Week).

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Proposed: Ceremonies by Special Use Permit

• No portion of the Refuge would be closed to accommodate such

ceremonies.

• Props like archway, and aisle runners would not be allowed.
• Music would be limited to unplugged instruments of 5 or less pieces or

hand-held players.

• Activities or practices that could be hazardous to visitors, wildlife,

vegetation, or facilities would not be allowed. Such activities include, but would not be limited to, lighting candles, burning incense, sacrifices (animal or otherwise), or scattering ashes.

• All event activities would meet the standards of public decency and

would not violate any animal or human rights.

• Up 2 events may be permitted per month not to exceed 4 hours in
• duration. Maximum of 50 people.

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Service Plan Development

Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Continued Proposed: Ceremonies by Special Use Permit

• Decorations and other activity-related materials that need to be

approved prior to the event.

• All activities would be conducted in such a manner as to minimize

disturbance to wildlife, Refuge resources, and the visiting public.

• No bird seed, rice, confetti, balloons, similar products, or release of any

animal .

• No food or beverages would be allowed unless part of a religious practice
• r ceremony.

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Service Plan Development

Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Proposed: Instructor-led small group activities by Special Use Permit

• Up to two (2) activities may be permitted per month.
• Less than two hours in duration.
• A maximum of 50 participants may be permitted for one-time activities,

and a maximum of 20 participants may be permitted for recurring activities.

• All activities would be conducted in such a manner as to minimize

disturbance to wildlife, Refuge resources, and the visiting public.

• duration. Maximum of 50 people.

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Service Plan Development

Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Proposed: Camping

• Limited, permitted, fee-based,
• vernight backcountry

camping opportunities.

• Camping would be allowed
• nly at the designated

campsite.

• All trash and waste must be

carried out and properly disposed off-site.

• The sites would be available
• n a first-come basis by

reservation.

• The maximum length of stay

would be two nights. L7 Levee: Campsites on the L7 would be for hiking and biking access only.

• The maximum number of

people occupying a levee site would be twenty.

Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Continued Proposed: Camping

Canoe Trail Platforms on Southern Canoe Trail- Canoe and boat access

• The maximum number of

tents 2, maximum number people 6.

• Only one motorized boat

would be permitted at a canoe trail platform at a time.

• Strazzulla: Special groups

by permit only.

Standard 8 Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Proposed: Horseback Riding

• Horses would be required

to wear manure containment bags and riders would be responsible for removal of all horse manure.

• Each visitor may ride/walk
• ne horse at a time.
• Groups consisting of more

than five horses would require a Special Use Permit.

Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Proposed: Provisional Non- hunting Airboating

• Limited airboating by permit

in 13,900 acre portion of the motorized zone.

• Limited quota of 0 to 20

boats per year. Start with 15.

• Annual boat permit by

lottery once a year.

• Mandatory airboater
• rientation.
• Water level restrictions.
• Required to use navigation

system, tracking route taken.

Standard 8 Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Proposed: Provisional Non- hunting Airboating

• Monitor and re-evaluate in 3

to 5 years.

• The use of non-hunting

airboating will only be permitted on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from July- November except during waterfowl hunting dates.

• Non-hunting airboating

restricted during waterfowl season.

• Will be required to follow

best management practices.

Standard 8 Standard 8 Other Recreational Uses

Communicate Key Issues (Outreach)

Proposed: Planning meetings

• Would consider annual meetings with other governmental

agencies, stakeholders, and city councils. Outreach plan

• Would develop an outreach plan that articulates

communications strategies and schedules. Off-site events

• Would expand relationships with local leaders and media,

host “town hall” events, and develop specific programs. Informational resources

• Would update and expand outreach information.

Standard 9

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Volunteers, Friends, and Partnerships

Proposed: Volunteer Program

• Would develop new strategies to recruit

volunteers. Friends Program

• Would expand the Friends group.

Partnerships

• Would expand partnerships.

Standard 10

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Recreation Fee Program

Proposed:

• Fees for camping ($10), hunting ($25), and airboats

($50).

• Eliminate pedestrian and bike fee.
• Increase annual fee from $12 to $25 to match the

Federal Duck Stamp.

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Proposed: Concessions

Concession operations at Loxahatchee Road with airboat tours (max capacity 6 people), rental of boats, bikes, fishing gear, guided tours by pontoon boat, boat shuttle from Loxahatchee Road to Lee Road, boat shuttle from Lee Road to Strazzulla, tram tours in the Impoundments, satellite

• perations at Lee Road and 20-

Mile Bend, sale of food, fishing supplies, bait and other items, and visitor contact station with staff offices.

Proposed: Commercial Use

• Guided interpretive tours for the public in various

locations within the Refuge, utilizing a pontoon boat, trams, airboats, canoes, and/or kayaks.

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Planning Process

Process

Public Scoping & Issues Identification

Preplanning

Vision Statement and Goals Develop Alternatives, Objectives and Strategies Prepare Draft Plan

Final Plan

Implement Plan and Monitor Review and Revise Plan Public Input Public Input Public Input

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Next Step?

Dates Actions Now- October 9 Public Comment Review October 10- October 26 Evaluate comments received, Respond to substantive comments, Develop Final VSP End of 2018 Submit VSP for signatures

We want to hear from you!

Please Submit Public Scoping Comments by October 9, 2018:

At: Public Meetings By Email: armloxvsp@fws.gov By Mail: P.O. Box 924 Freeport, FL 32439

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Verbal Comment Session

• Commenters will be called in the order they

submitted comment cards.

• Each person will have 2-minutes before we move

to the next commenter.

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development

Ground Rules

All Comments, Ideas, and Concerns are Valid.

 We are all here to learn.  Be considerate; allow others to have an opportunity to share their

thoughts.

 No personal attacks or accusations.

Respect Differences.

 Take advantage of opportunities to learn something new or see

something from a different perspective.

 Please help maintain an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable

and welcome, regardless of his or her position. Only One Person Speaks at a Time.

 Please remain quiet so others can hear.  Please step out of the room for side discussions.

A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Plan Development