Attachment_3_East_SRI_Restoration_Plan_April2022_(1).docx

Eglin – East Santa Rosa Island Dune Restoration & Enhancement

1. INTRODUCTION

The coastal dune ecosystem exists in dynamic environments where disturbances, whether natural or human-caused, can create significant, long-term changes to the system. Many parts of the coastal dune ecosystem across the Florida Panhandle have been severely damaged by tropical storms over the past 25 years. Human-caused disturbance adds to those problems on many sites. Restoring vegetation is critical for the long-term resilience of the coastal dune systems and to ensure those systems regain their natural biodiversity and ecological functions.

This restoration plan is part of a larger multi-year project to implement tightly focused restoration activities to improve habitat quality, connectivity, and resilience in the coastal dune ecosystem throughout its historical distribution in the Florida Panhandle. The project is a joint effort between the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Gulf Restoration Office and University of Florida, who are working collaboratively to ensure that project activities are strategic and focused on locations that will maximize plant diversity and dune resiliency, while minimizing potential conflicts with other coastal species.

Project objectives include:

· Restoring the historical heterogeneity of landscape features within the dune ecosystem

· Re-establishing connectivity of dunes in degraded areas where disturbance has created gaps or openings

· Restoring or enhancing the natural diversity and richness of native dune vegetation

· Increasing the diversity and resilience of the coastal dune ecosystems to enhance wildlife/beach mouse populations that are dependent on them The success of site-specific restoration activities will be measured by assessing changes in the dune community relative to control sites (i.e., non-restored) and high-quality reference sites. In addition, beach mouse populations will be monitored at selected restoration sites, control sites, and reference sites, both pre- and post-restoration, to assess potential increases in beach mice occupancy and/or abundance in restored sites.

2. FOCUS AREA DESCRIPTION

2.1 Setting

Santa Rosa Island is a 40+ mile barrier island in the western Panhandle of Florida, stretching from Pensacola Bay to Choctawhatchee Bay. The East Santa Rosa Island (ESRI) project area sits on the easternmost end of Santa Rosa Island in Okaloosa County and includes approximately 4 miles of beach, dune, interdunal swale, and scrub habitat along the Gulf of Mexico. Located within the public beach area on Eglin Air Force Base, the site is owned by the U.S. Department of Defense and is managed for several state and federally listed species, as well as for public use and access. It is bordered by John Beasley Park to the west, East Pass to the east, and the Choctawhatchee Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Both boundary waters are part of Gulf Islands National Seashore, National Park Service (NPS).

Figure 1. East Santa Rosa Island project vicinity

2.2 Impacts

The Island’s long-established dunes have been heavily impacted by tropical storms in recent history, including Hurricanes Opal (1994, Cat. 3), Ivan (2004, Cat. 4), and Dennis (2005, Cat. 4). Increased storm activity has shortened the duration of recovery windows for dune vegetation and subsequent sand accretion, resulting in more extensive damage from smaller storms like recent Hurricane Sally (2020, Cat. 2).

In addition, East Santa Rosa Island has four beach access points that impact dune system health. Open to the general public, the Airman’s Beach, Matterhorn Dune and Beach, and Princess Beach accesses include unpaved parking areas along Highway 98 with predominantly sand paths leading south to the beach. Eglin Beach Park at the east end of the site is open only to Department of Defense personnel and includes a paved parking lot, four large pavilions and a deck, and two restroom facilities situated just off the beach. Anthropogenic disturbance to beach and dune habitat is common in and around these accesses.

2.3 Specific Needs

The area contains the remnants of two large oblique dune systems that are indicative of an old, stable system. These large dunes have experienced severe erosion which has resulted in exposure of the roots of woody vegetation growing atop the dunes. Woody vegetation, such as oak and magnolia, is critical for long term dune stabilization, especially on leeward slopes. Slowing erosion and fortifying heavily impacted windward slopes around woody vegetation will be important in facilitating natural recovery and preservation of these large relic dunes.

Figure 2. Example of dune erosion around woody vegetation Since Hurricane Sally in September 2020, foredune recovery has been promising, with a large sea oats bloom the following growing season. Unfortunately, a 100-meter long foredune breach near Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access remains barren of vegetation. This large gap poses a risk to the backdunes to the north, which include habitat for the threatened Santa Rosa beach mouse and federally-listed Cladonia perforata, and nesting areas for state-listed snowy plovers and least terns. Planting species adept at sand accumulation will help increase the elevation of this gap and protect the backdune areas from storm surge and excessive salt spray. Thus, increasing dune resiliency and structural protection for Highway 98.

Figure 3. Foredune breach from Hurricane Sally in September 2020. Photo faces west.

Additional disturbance to this area is exacerbated by insufficient exclusion fencing at public access points. Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access has no permanent barrier that defines a designated beach access pathway and results in a wide trampled social path. The addition of a defined public access path will aid in the continued natural recovery currently underway and will protect restoration planting sites.

3. RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES

The plans detailed below address restoration needs that have been identified for three specific sites within the East Santa Rosa Island project area and take into consideration the needs of other species that utilize beach and dune habitats, such as shorebirds and marine turtles. Prior to the initiation of these restoration activities, FWC and/or UF project team members will demarcate restoration plots, control plots, and reference sites with flagging, as well access paths that contractors shall use to enter and exit work areas.

Figure 4.Three restoration sites within East Santa Rosa Island

3.1 Airman’s Beach Access

3.1.1 Overview

The majority of work at the Airman’s Beach Access site will be conducted landward of the primary dune line, as the foredunes have shown promising growth since Hurricane Sally in September 2020. As such, the restoration plantings focus on restoring diversity and beach mouse food sources, as well as dune stabilization. Addition of sea oats along designated entry points will restore sand catching capability lost because of Hurricane Sally and human impacts. Additionally, permanent access fencing will help reduce human disturbance in the backdunes and protect restoration plantings.

Figure 5. All Airman’s Beach plots with plot identification numbers

3.1.2 Fencing

Figure 6. Access fencing plans at Airman's Beach Most of the length of the designated access path has old ~4-foot tall 4x4 timber posts that are still in good shape and are to be reused. First, remove the old wires, most of which are downed on the ground, that used to be strung between the original posts. Then, replace posts as needed and string up two taught rows of rope spanning the entire length of the original posts on both the east and west sides of the path, stretching 694.4 linear feet and 673.6 linear feet respectively. Use heavy duty fence staples to attach rope to posts.

Several posts have been buried by sand near the southern end of the existing fence line (see Figure 7). Do not remove these posts as they’re stabilizing the dunes and vegetation at this point. Install new posts adjacent to the buried posts so that rope can be strung up to restrict foot traffic into the backdunes and encourage visitors to stay on the path.

Figure 7. Example of existing posts buried by sand Starting at the southernmost existing posts on both sides, new posts shall be installed southward and fanning out in front of the primary dunes, according to technical specification TS-7. In total, approximately 241.5 linear feet and 245.2 linear feet of new post and rope will be installed on the east and west sides, respectively, of the beach access. The post and rope fencing should not interfere with existing vegetation (as possible), restoration plots, or marked nests (shorebird or sea turtle). The concrete block (Figure 8) should be kept within the public area of the access path, with the fencing running just northeast of the block.

Figure 8. Concrete block and adjacent foredunes at Airman's Beach Access. Photo faces north.

3.1.3 Plots 1 and 6

For Plot 1, plant one row of beach elder 1 meter landward of the post and rope fencing, at 18 inches on center. Plant one row of sea oats 1 meter landward of the beach elder, at 18 inches on center. Leave a 15-meter section on the western end of Plot 1 unplanted, as shown in Figure 9, which shall be used as a control.

For Plot 6, plant one row of sea oats 1 meter landward of the post and rope fencing, at 18 inches on center. Plant one row of bitter panicum 18 inches landward of the sea oats and one row of beach elder 18 inches landward of the bitter panicum, all at 18 inches on center.

Figure 9. Planting diagrams for Plots 1 and 6

3.1.4 Plots 2 to 5

For Plots 2 and 3, plant two rows of sea oats downslope of three rows of Gulf bluestem, all 18 inches on center. Begin planting the top row of Gulf bluestem as high up the scarped face as possible without further damaging the dune, preferably 2-3 feet from the bottom of scarp. Surround plugs of Gulf bluestem with wheat straw applied at two different depths. Divide the plot in half (left and right), laying 2 inches of straw on one side and 4 inches of straw on the other.

Plot 4 will be planted at two densities. Plant eight rows of Gulf bluestem 1 meter on center on the windward dune face. Leave a 15-meter section on the eastern end of Plot 4 unplanted, as shown in Figure 10, which shall be used as a control. Within this low-density area, leave five 3-meter diameter circles unplanted for high-density plots. Plant Gulf bluestem at 18 inches on center in two of the circle plots and coastal groundcherry at 18 inches on center in the remaining two circle plots.

In Plot 5, plant one row of sea oats on the SW side, with two rows of bitter panicum to the NE, all 18 inches on center.

Figure 10. Planting diagrams for Plots 2 through 5

3.1.5 Plots 7 and 8

Plot 7 will be planted at two densities. Plant eight rows of Gulf bluestem 1 meter on center on the windward dune face. Within this low-density area, leave seven 3-meter diameter circles unplanted for high-density plots. Plant Gulf bluestem at 18 inches on center in four of the circle plots and coastal groundcherry at 18 inches on center in the remaining three circle plots.

Plot 8 will also be planted at two densities, but with only coastal groundcherry at high density. Plant six rows of Gulf bluestem 1 meter on center on the windward dune face. Within this low-density area, leave six 3-meter diameter circles unplanted for high-density plots. Plant coastal groundcherry at 18 inches on center in all six circle plots.

Figure 11. Planting diagrams for Plots 7 and 8

3.1.6 Plot 41

For 41, plant two rows of sea oats downslope of three rows of Gulf bluestem, all 18 inches on center. Begin planting the top row of Gulf bluestem as high up the scarped face as possible without further damaging the dune, preferably 2-3 feet from bottom of scarp. Leave a 15-meter section on the western side of the plot unplanted, as shown in Figure 12, which shall be used as a control. Surround plugs of Gulf bluestem with wheat straw applied at two different depths. Divide the plot in half (left and right), laying 2 inches of straw on one side and 4 inches of straw on the other.

Figure 12. Planting diagram for Plot 41

3.2 Officers’ Club

3.2.1 Overview

The Officer’s Club site is a relic of the large oblique dune system that once dominated the island. Goals for this site include slowing extreme scarping, trapping sand within the system, and protecting woody vegetation. This site does not include any permanent access fencing.

Figure 13. All Officer's Club plots with plot identification numbers

3.2.2 Plots 9 and 10

For Plots 9 and 10, plant three rows of sea oats downslope of three rows of Gulf bluestem, all 18 inches on center. Begin planting the top row of Gulf bluestem as high up the scarped face as possible without further damaging the dune, preferably 2-3 feet from bottom of scarp. Leave a 15-meter section near the center of Plot 9 unplanted, as shown in Figure 14, which shall be used as a control. Surround plugs of Gulf bluestem with wheat straw applied at two different depths. Divide the plot in half (left and right), laying 2 inches of straw on one side and 4 inches of straw on the other.

Figure 14. All Officer's Club plots with plot identification numbers

3.2.3 Plot 11

Plot 11 encircles a remnant magnolia. Plant one row of Gulf bluestem 1.5 meters from the magnolia at 1 meter on center. Plant three rows of sea oats 18 inches on center beginning a minimum 3 meters from the magnolia, and approximately 1.5 meters from the single row of Gulf bluestem. Leave a 15-meter section on the east side of the plot unplanted, as shown in Figure 15, which shall be used as a control.

Figure 15. Planting diagram for Plot 11

3.2.4 Plot 12

The purpose of Plot 12 is to close a gap between two dune ridges to protect the interior of this large dune system. The plot is oriented relatively N-S. Plant four rows of sea oats 18 inches on center on the interior of the dune system, on the east side of the plot. Plant four rows of bitter panicum 18 inches on center west of the rows of sea oats.

Figure 16. Planting diagram for Plot 12

3.3 Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access

3.3.1 Overview

Matterhorn Dune is another relic of the large oblique dune system that once dominated the island. Goals for this site include slowing extreme scarping, trapping sand within the vicinity of Matterhorn, protecting woody vegetation, and controlling public access to decrease human disturbance.

Figure 17. All plots at the Matterhorn Dune and Beach Access with plot identification numbers

3.3.2 Fencing

Currently, there is no fencing along the path leading to the beach and, as a result, visitors have trampled a wide social path. To prevent further damage to the dunes and vegetation, install all new post and rope fencing extending from the parking area south to the beach, then fanning out in front of the primary dunes. The narrow stretch of path, starting at the parking area and ending where the outward fan begins, should be 10 feet wide. No existing posts are available for reuse. The post and rope fencing should not interfere with existing vegetation (as possible), restoration plots, or marked nests (shorebird or sea turtle).

In total, approximately 1,077.8 linear feet and 1,116.5 linear feet of fencing should be installed on the east and west sides of the access path, respectively (Figure 18).

Figure 18. Access fencing plans at Matterhorn Dune and Beach

3.3.3 Plots 13 to 17

The majority of plots at Matterhorn have the same downslope-to-upslope arrangement of species—beach elder, bitter panicum, sea oats, and Gulf bluestem; however, slope aspect varies from plot to plot. Plant three rows of each species in Plots 13 and 16 and two rows of each species in Plot 14. Plot 15 abuts a small but growing dune, so downslope will be modified to work around the growing dune’s existing vegetation (see Plot 15 in Figure 19). Plant six rows of each species, leaving out plugs of beach elder and bitter panicum in the first several rows that disturb the adjacent dune, as needed.

The purpose of Plot 17 is to bury timber posts from old access path fencing, some of which are already partially buried. Plant five rows of sea oats along the NW side of the old fence line. Do not remove these posts as they’re stabilizing the dunes and vegetation at this point.

Figure 19. Planting diagrams for Plots 13 through 17

3.3.4 Plot 18

From downslope to upslope, plant four rows each of beach elder, bitter panicum, sea oats, and Gulf bluestem.

Figure 20. Planting diagram for Plot 18

3.3.5 Plots 19 to 21

For Plots 19 and 21, plant eight rows and six rows each, respectively, of beach elder, bitter panicum, sea oats, and Gulf bluestem going from downslope to upslope. The purpose of Plot 20 is to bury timber posts from the old access path fencing, some of which are already partially buried. Plant four rows of sea oats along the NW side of the old fence line. Do not remove these posts as they’re stabilizing the dunes and vegetation at this point.

Figure 21. Planting diagrams for Plots 19 through 21

3.3.6 Plots 22 and 23

The purpose of Plots 22 and 23 is to recover foredune vegetation and elevation in a breach created by Hurricane Sally in September 2020. The ~100-meter-long gap in the foredunes is not recovering naturally, as foredunes elsewhere onsite have (see Figure 3). Both plots are 44.8 meters (147 feet) long with a 15.5-meter (51-foot) gap in between. In both plots, plant three rows each of beach elder, bitter panicum, sea oats, and Gulf bluestem going from seaward to landward, which is relatively N-S. Place all plugs 18 inches on center, with 1 meter between all rows.

Figure 22. Planting diagrams for Plots 22 and 23

3.3.7 Plots 24 and 28

Plot 24 is 33.4 meters long and Plot 28 is 15.5 meters long. For Plot 24, plant four rows each of beach elder, bitter panicum, sea oats, and Gulf bluestem going from seaward to landward, which is relatively N-S, all at 18 inches on center. For Plot 28, plant in the same arrangement and spacing, but with only two rows of each species.

Figure 23. Planting diagrams for Plots 24 and 28

3.3.8 Plots 25 and 27

Plot 25 is 54.9 meters long and Plot 27 is 38 meters long. For Plot 25, plant seven rows each of beach elder, bitter panicum, sea oats, and Gulf bluestem going from seaward to landward, which is relatively N-S, all at 18 inches on center. For Plot 27, plant the same arrangement and spacing, but with eight rows of each species going from downslope to upslope.

Figure 24. Planting diagrams for Plots 25 and 27

3.3.9 Plots 26 and 38 to 40

Plots 26 is 43.9 meters long while Plots 38 through 40 are 44.8 meters long, all with approximately 15-meter gaps between plots. For all four foredune plots, plant five rows each of beach elder, bitter panicum, sea oats, and Gulf bluestem going from seaward to landward, all at 18 inches on center.

Figure 25. Planting diagrams for Plots 26 and 38 through 40

3.3.10 Plots 29 and 30

Plot 29 sits on the windward slope a dune, while Plot 30 encircles the remnants of a dune with exposed roots of woody vegetation. Going from downslope to upslope, plant five rows of bitter panicum, five rows of sea oats, and two rows of Gulf bluestem, all at 18 inches on center in both plots. Begin planting the top row of Gulf bluestem as high up the scarped face as possible without further damaging the dune, preferably 2-3 feet from the bottom of the scarp. Surround plugs of Gulf bluestem and sea oats with wheat straw, applied at two different depths. Divide the plot in half (left and right), laying 2 inches of straw on one side and 4 inches of straw on the other.

Figure 26. Planting diagrams for Plots 29 and 30

3.3.11 Plots 31 to 33

The purpose of Plots 31 through 33 is to slow extreme scarping around woody vegetation atop the remnants of the Matterhorn Dune. Going from downslope to upslope, plant five rows of bitter panicum, five rows of sea oats, and two row of Gulf bluestem, all at 18 inches on center in all three plots. Begin planting the top row of Gulf bluestem as high up the scarped face as possible without further damaging the dune, preferably 2-3 feet from the bottom of the scarp. Surround plugs of Gulf bluestem and sea oats with wheat straw, applied at two different depths. Divide the plot in half (left and right), laying 2 inches of straw on one side and 4 inches of straw on the other.

Figure 27. Planting diagrams for Plots 31 through 33

3.3.12 Plots 34 and 35

The purpose of Plots 34 and 35 is to slow extreme scarping around woody vegetation atop the remnants of the Matterhorn Dune. Going from downslope to upslope, plant five rows of bitter panicum, five rows of sea oats, and two row of Gulf bluestem, all at 18 inches on center in all three plots. Begin planting the top row of Gulf bluestem as high up the scarped face as possible without further damaging the dune, preferably 2-3 feet from the bottom of the scarp. Leave a 15-meter section on the southeast facing slope of Plot 34 unplanted, as shown in Figure 28, which shall be used as a control. Surround plugs of Gulf bluestem and sea oats with wheat straw, applied at two different depths. Divide the plot in half (left and right), laying 2 inches of straw on one side and 4 inches of straw on the other.

Figure 28. Planting diagrams for Plots 34 and 35

3.3.13 Plots 36 and 37

Plots 36 and 37 run N-S through a low area at the western foot of Matterhorn Dune, with the goal of trapping sand sloughing off the dune faces to the east and keeping that sand within the Matterhorn system. For Plot 36, plant five rows of sea oats on the west side of the plot with five rows of bitter panicum on the east side of the plot, all 18 inches on center. For Plot 37, plant five rows of bitter panicum on the west side of the plot with five rows of sea oats on the east side of the plot, all 18 inches on center.

Figure 29. Planting diagrams for Plots 36 and 37 image6.jpeg image7.png image8.png image9.jpeg image10.jpeg image11.jpeg image12.jpeg image13.jpeg image14.jpeg image15.jpeg image16.jpeg image17.jpeg image18.jpeg image19.jpeg image20.jpeg image21.jpeg image22.jpeg image23.jpeg image24.jpeg image25.jpeg image26.jpeg image27.jpeg image28.jpeg image29.jpeg image1.jpeg image2.jpg image3.jpeg image4.jpeg image5.jpeg