Final Report

Charlotte Harbor Watershed

Charlotte Harbor Watershed (FDEP, 2005a).

Assessment Report

Tristan Sola

American Public University

2

Watershed Assessment Charlotte Harbor Watershed

Table of Contents

Section 1: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Today

Section 1.1: Population

Section 1.2: Land Use

Section 1.3: Economic Activity

Section 2: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Resources

Section 2.1: Endangered & Threatened Species

Section 2.2: Conservation Lands

Section 3: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Stresses

Section 3.1: Stormwater Discharge

Section 3.2: Agriculture

Section 3.3: Phosphate Mining

Section 3.4: Residential Development

Section 3.5: Hydrologic Alterations

Section 4: Addressing Watershed Issues

Section 4.1: The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

Section 4.2: Water Management Districts

Section 5: Recommendations

Section 6: Conclusion

Section 7: Literature Cited

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Section 1: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Today

The Charlotte Harbor watershed, located in Southwest Florida and encompassing

some 270 square miles of open-water surface area, is the 17th largest estuary in the United

States, and the second largest open-water estuary in the state of Florida (Florida

Department of Environmental Protection [FDEP], 2005a). The harbor, which is comprised of

Lemon Bay, Charlotte Harbor Proper, and Pine Island Sound, is provided with freshwater

from the Peace River, Myakka River, and Caloosahatchee River, which in turn mixes with

saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico to create the estuary (2005a).

The harbor is situated in Florida's coastal lowlands where the Myakka, Peace, and

Caloosahatchee Rivers flow through Charlotte Harbor and into the Gulf of Mexico via the

Boca Grande, Captiva, Redfish and Punta Rassa Passes (FDEP, 2007). Separating the harbor

from the Gulf of Mexico are a series of barrier islands that include Gasparilla, Cayo Costa,

North Captiva, Captiva and Sanibel (2007). Near the mouths of the three rivers, where

freshwater meets salt water from the Gulf of Mexico, are the estuarine wetlands of Charlotte

Harbor, which formed roughly 5,000 years ago when rising sea levels caused the mouths of

the Peace and Myakka rivers to be flooded (2007).

Section 1.1: Population

The Greater Charlotte Harbor region, which incorporates smaller watersheds in

Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota Counties and, is a heavily populated area that is home to over

1.2 million people, the majority of which reside in the cities and towns of Punta Gorda, Port

Charlotte, Fort Myers, Venice, Englewood, and Sarasota (FDEP, 2005a). Figure 1 provides a

breakdown of population by county, as well as the documented growth in the region over

the period of two decades.

The Charlotte Harbor watershed has an immediate population of some 33,000 people

residing in the coastal area; a breakdown of the total population in the watershed is

provided in figure 2 (University of South Florida [USF], 2012). This area is amongst the

fastest growing in the United States, and with an expanding population comes increased

environmental stressors as the demand for fresh water increases along with the output of

urban, industrial, and agricultural waste (McPherson, Miller, & Stoker, 1996).

Charlotte Harbor Watershed (USF, 2012)

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Figure 1 Population Growth by County in the Charlotte Harbor Region

Note: Reproduced from FDEP (2005a).

Figure 2 Total Population of Charlotte Harbor Watershed

Note: Reproduced from USF (2012).

Section 1.2: Land Use

Water comprises the largest area of the approximately 224,021 acres that makes up

the Charlotte Harbor Watershed (USF, 2012). Wetlands and uplands forest cover an

additional 31 percent of the total acreage of the watershed, while human related activities --

urbanization, transportation and utilities, and agriculture consume an additional 17%.

Figure 3 provides a more detailed breakdown on land use in the watershed.

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1980 2000 2010 Total

Charlotte

Lee

Sarasota

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Population

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Figure 3 Land Use by Percentage of Land Area in the Charlotte Harbor Watershed


Section 1.3: Economic Activity

The greatest economic driver in this area is tourism, with around 1.7 million visitors

per year vacationing in the harbor's three coastal counties of Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee

(FDEP, 2005a). Among the most popular recreational activity for tourists and residents in

the region is fishing, largely due to prevalence of a number of sport fish species that include

snook, tarpon, redfish, and trout (2005a). Economic studies conducted in the late 1990s

valued recreational fishing in Charlotte Harbor at $107.2 million per year (2005a).

Other popular recreational activities undertaken in the coastal communities around

the harbor include boating, swimming, and beach-going (FDEP, 2005a). Though a significant

source of revenue for Southwest Florida -- total tourism revenue was estimated to be $1.1

billion in 1998 -- recreational activities have a significant impact on environmental health

due to a number of factors including the degradation of water quality and marine vegetation

from boat activity; overfishing; and the introduction of marine debris from fishing and beach

related activities (2005a).

Commercial fishing and agriculture are the other top industry in the Charlotte Harbor

region. Commercial fisheries in the area, which include mullet, king mackerel, flounder and

grouper, as well as blue crab, pink shrimp, scallops and clams, bring in an estimated total

revenue of $22.6 million on an annual basis (FDEP, 2005a). Agriculture is significantly less

prominent in the coastal areas of Charlotte Harbor, though it is second only to tourism for

the eight counties of the larger drainage basin (2005a). Citrus is the main agricultural

product produced in the area, with around 283,000 acres of land devoted to growing over a

dozen different varieties of citrus (2005a). Cattle ranching is the second largest agricultural

activity, with 371,900 heads of cattle being produced (2005a).

Phosphorous mining was once a major economic driver in the area due to naturally

occurring phosphorous deposits along the Peace River (Phillips, 2012). Though phosphate

46%

19%

4%

5%

12%

12%

1% 1% Water - 105,315 acres

Wetlands - 43,155 acres

Agriculture - 7,933 acres

Rangeland - 11,705 acres Upland Forests - 27,639 acres Urbanization - 25,726

Transportation & Utilities - 2,391 acres Barren Land - 157 acres

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mining has significantly decreased since its heyday in the late 19th century and early 20th

century, mining operations are still conducted in the vicinity the Peace River and other

locations in Charlotte County (FDEP, 2005a).

Section 2: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Resources

Section 2.1: Endangered & Threatened Species

The Charlotte Harbor and its surrounding lands support a wide range of semitropical

plant and animal species which reside in variety of different habitats including rangeland,

upland forests, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and tidal flats (Stoker, 1995). This diverse

range of habitats is home to significant number of endangered and threatened species,

including the Florida panther, Florida and West Indian manatees, the Atlantic loggerhead

sea turtle, and the American alligator (FDEP, 2011). Table 1 provides a more detailed

breakdown of some of the endangered and threatened species residing in Charlotte Harbor.

Table 1 Endangered & Threatened Species in Charlotte Harbor

Common Name Scientific Name State Federal

Reptiles

American alligator Alligator mississipiensis SSC

T

Atlantic loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta caretta T

T

Atlantic green turtle Chelonia mydas mydas E

E

leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea E

E

Atlantic hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata E

E

Kemp's ridley Lepidochelys kempi E

E

Birds

roseate spoonbill Ajaia ajaja SSC

n/a

Southeastern snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus

tenuirostris T

n/a

piping plover Charadrius melodus T

T

little blue heron Egretta caerulea SSC

n/a

peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus E

E

Southeastern American kestrel Falco sparverius paulus T

n/a

bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus T

T

wood stork Mycteria americana E

E

Everglades kite Rostrhamus sociabilis imbricata E

E

Mammals

Florida manatee Trichechus manatus E

E

Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus T

n/a

Florida panther Felis concolor coryi E

E

Note: E = Endangered | T = Threatened | SSC = Species of Special Concern

Note: Reproduced from FDEP (2011).

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Section 2.2: Conservation Lands

The biological and ecological importance of the harbor and its coastal areas has led

to the establishment of five national wildlife refuges, five state aquatic preserves, one state

buffer preserve (see table 2), and a number of wildlife management areas (FDEP, 2005b)

that provide protection for an estimated 27% of the watershed's total land area (USF,

2012). The aquatic preserves encompass around 90% of the surface water area in the

estuary (McPherson et al., 1996). While the majority of the conservation lands in the

watershed are under the protection of federal, state, and local government, several private

land owners in the area have taken steps to establish environmental parks on their

properties, such as Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County (2005). Table 3 provides data on the

percentage and type of land ownership in the watershed.

Table 2

National & State Conservation Lands

Land Type Name of Conservation Land

National Wildlife Refuges J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge

Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge

State Aquatic Preserves Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve

Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve

Gasparilla Sound Aquatic Preserve

Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve

State Buffer Preserve Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

Note: Data retrieved from USFW (2012) & FDEP (2012).

Table 3 Protected Lands & Ownership

Ownership Area (Square Miles)

Federal 0.04

State 93.47

Local 1.96

Private 0.03

Note: E = Endangered | T = Threatened | SSC = Species of Special Concern


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Section 3: Charlotte Harbor Watershed Stresses

A number of activities have contributed to significant changes in Charlotte Harbor's

hydrology and ecology over the years including agricultural operations, phosphate mining,

and urbanization/residential development (FDEP, 2005a).

Section 3.1: Stormwater Discharge

Stormwater discharge is a particularly widespread issue for the Charlotte Harbor

watershed. Pollutants entering the harbor originate from a number of point and non-point

sources -- some of which will be discussed in following sections -- including wastewater

treatment facilities; urbanized areas; and agriculture, silviculture and mining operations

(FDEP, 2005a). The discharge from these pollutant sources cause alterations to the

composition and chemical makeup of the watershed, and have far reaching ecological

impacts on the Harbor.

Section 3.2: Agriculture

The establishment of citrus groves in the areas around Charlotte Harbor were

increased due to a number of harsh freezes in central Florida during the 1980s (FDEP,

2005a). This accelerated rate of agriculture had a number of impacts on region including the

clearing of natural flora from lands to create citrus groves; the establishment of drainage

systems to keep those lands dry; and the over pumping of aquifers for irrigation purposes

(2005a). In addition, irrigation results in runoff from agricultural fields, resulting in the

introduction of fertilizers and pesticides into surface waters which in turn has altered the

natural water chemistry of the three rivers -- Myakka, Peace, and Caloosahatchee -- that

feed into the Harbor (2005a). These alterations have the potential to make their way into

the Harbor.

Cattle farming has also had a significant impact on the surrounding region,

particularly along the length of the Myakka River, one of the main sources of freshwater for

the Harbor. In order to create rangeland and pastureland, much of the Myakka watershed

was diverted or drained (FDEP, 2005a). Cattle ranches share many of the same impacts as

citrus farming, including the destruction of natural vegetation for land clearing and leveling;

increased wastewater runoff; and the use of irrigation systems resulting in increase

wastewater runoff (2005a).

Section 3.3: Phosphate Mining

As of 2005, the State of Florida provided roughly 75 percent of the total phosphate

supply of the United States, and 25 percent of the world's total supply (FDEP, 2005a). The

majority of this phosphate is mined from the Bone Valley phosphate deposit, a 500,000 acre

area that is located in the Peace River watershed, which feeds into Charlotte Harbor and is

the primary supply of freshwater to the estuary (2005a).

Phosphate mining and processing is of particular concern for Charlotte County, which

located downstream of the mines and processing plants (2005a). The residents of Charlotte

County rely on the Peace River for fresh drinking water, and are directly impacted by

negative changes to water quality as the result of discharge from phosphate mines and

processing plants (2005a). In addition, there are concerns over potential dam failures along

the Peace River that would result in massive clay slime spills and/or the discharge of highly

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acidic wastewater; this would not only have wide ranging consequences for residents who

depend on the Peace River for water, but also to the ecological health of the Harbor itself

(2005a).

Section 3.4: Residential Development

The area immediately surrounding the Harbor has been growing exponentially since

the first development boom in the 1950s (FDEP, 2005a). To accommodate the demand for

home sites, lowlands were dredged and filled, pastures and cropland were drained and

cleared, canals were dug, and large tracts of streets were paved (2005a). These efforts

severely altered thousands of acres of natural and agricultural land, and continued

construction of new streets and residential areas near the region's main population centers

is degrading even more natural habitats (2005a).

Increases in urbanization come with other concerns as well, including issues

associated with waste storage and treatment. Of particular concern is the pollution that

originates from wastewater treatment plants and septic systems, the latter of which is in

widespread use in the residential areas surrounding the Harbor (FDEP, 2005a). These

pollutant sources are responsible for algal blooms and a reduction of water quality in areas

around the Harbor, and also negatively impact sea grass populations (2005a).

Section 3.5: Hydrologic Alterations

The natural amount and timing of freshwater flows into the Harbor has been

substantially altered due to human activities such as those detailed above (CHNEP, 2000).

Aquifers have been over pumped, drained, and diverted for agriculture, mining, and

drinking water, resulting in reduced flows from springs and the opening of large sinkholes

along the Peace River (2000). The altered flows that result from these issues has changed

the composition of water in the Harbor, which fluctuates depending on the season. There

are also large discharges of fresh water into the Caloosahatchee River from Lake

Okeechobee, which are the result of the management of the lake's lock system (2000). This

has had dramatic effects of aquatic vegetation, oyster reef coverage, and the population of

bay scallop beds in the Harbor (2000). These discharges are also thought to be the cause of

large algae blooms; to support the growth of harmful fungi; and to increase the number of

fish with lesions in the estuary (2000).

Section 4: Addressing Watershed Issues

The environmental issues facing the Charlotte Harbor watershed are complex and

widespread, and are often exacerbated or directly caused by activities located along the

three sources of freshwater for the Harbor -- the Peace, Myakka, and Caloosahatchee

Rivers. Addressing these complicated issues, and finding workable solutions, requires

significant involvement from a number of federal, state, and local agencies and

organizations. Though there are a large number of such groups operating in the Charlotte

Harbor Watershed, below is a brief synopsis of the most prominent groups and their roles in

safeguarding the Harbor and its many natural resources.

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Section 4.1: The Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

The National Estuary Program was established in 1987 as an amendment to United

States with the purpose of identifying, restoring, and protecting estuaries located along the

coasts of the United States (CHNEP, 2012). In 1995, the governor of Florida submitted an

application for Charlotte Harbor's inclusion in the program; the application was subsequently

accepted by the EPA and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program [CHNEP] was

created with the purpose of protecting the natural environment of Charlotte Harbor by

"engaging and empowering local citizens, scientists, elected officials, resource managers

and resource users" (CHNEP, 2012, para. 4).

Following the creation of CHNEP, the Management Conference -- a partnership of

resource managers, elected officials, and local citizens divided into four committees that

take on specialized roles in support of program goals and objectives -- began drafting

a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan [CCMP] that identifies environment

issues in the area, as well as the actions necessary to solve them (CHNEP, 2012). Once the

plan was drafted and adopted, CHNEP focused its attention on implementing a number of

projects to address the watershed's environmental concerns (2012).

The four committees of the Management Conference are composed of the following

public and private organizations: 23 local governments (county and city); three regional

planning councils; two water management districts; nine state agencies; seven special

districts; eight federal agencies; and six private resource management groups.

Section 4.2: Water Management Districts

Two water management districts -- the South Florida Water Management District

[SFWMD] and the Southwest Florida Water Management District [SWFWMD] are responsible

for managing water resources in the region of Florida where the Charlotte Harbor watershed

is located.

The South Florida Water Management District oversees water resources in the

southern portion of Florida, and covers 16 counties that are home to an estimated 7.7

million people (SFWMD, 2013). The district was created in 1949, making it one of the oldest

and largest in the state, and is responsible for "managing and protecting water resources of

South Florida by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and

water supply" (SFWMD, 2013, para. 1).

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is responsible overseeing water

resources in the southwest portion of the state, covering 16 counties that are home to

around 4.7 million people (SWFWMD, 2013). The district was created in 1961 as a flood

protection agency, but its role has increased to include "managing the water supply,

protecting water quality and preserving natural systems that serve important water-related

functions" (SWFWMD, 2013, para. 4).

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Section 5: Recommendations

There are a number of existing programs designed to address the environmental

issues facing Charlotte Harbor, but there are also areas that are deserving of greater

attention.

One such area is that of tourism. As mentioned in section one of this report,

recreational activities have a significant impact on environmental health due to a number of

factors including the degradation of water quality and marine vegetation from boat activity;

overfishing; and the introduction of marine debris from fishing and beach related activities

(FDEP, 2005a). Expanded efforts are needed to address these problems.

Some examples of what may help to alleviate the environmental degradation

associated with the tourism industry include a widespread public education campaign

designed to educate visitors and residents as to the importance of observing boating laws

and remaining within established boating channels; sponsoring beach cleanups and

establishing additional waste receptacles at beaches and costal parks; developing strategies

on how to better enforce anti-litter and anti-dumping laws; developing methods to improve

the functionality and effectives of current systems available to the public for reporting

sightings of littering and illegal dumping; and educating fisherman to the importance of

observing catch limits and the proper disposal of fishing gear such as nets and lines

(Morishige & McElwee, 2005).

Stormwater discharge is another significant environmental issue. Of particular

concern are faulty septic systems at residential locations near waterways that are adjacent

to the Harbor. Some action has been taken by Charlotte County to address this issue,

including mandatory inspections of septic systems by homeowners living near the water, but

there is much more work to be done. Some consideration should be given to the

establishment of a city-wide sewer system, which would negate the use of septic systems

altogether. Benefits may also be achieved by educating the public as to the importance of

properly functioning septic systems.

Agricultural runoff is another factor in stormwater discharge, and also deserves

additional attention. Pesticides and fertilizer from agricultural operations are altering the

composition and chemical makeup of the Harbor and surrounding watersheds (FDEP,

2005a); it would therefore be beneficial to work educate farmers on the benefits of using

environmental friendly techniques for pest management and crop growth. The creation of an

incentives program for the adoptions of such techniques and BMPs may help with this issue.

Agriculture and ranching rely heavily on irrigation systems that draw from

underground aquifers and other water sources; the need for these systems has altered the

hydrology of several watersheds in the Charlotte Harbor region (FDEP, 2005a). The water

management districts work closely with farmers to develop and adopt irrigation systems

that are low impact (SWFWMD, 2013), but investigating the possibility of adopting alternate

methods of irrigation, such as rainwater harvesting, would be beneficial.

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Section 6: Conclusion

Charlotte Harbor is one of the largest and most important estuaries in Florida, and

perhaps in the United States. It contains many natural resources, and is home to a wide

range of marines and terrestrial organisms that depend on the continued health of the

watershed for their survival. Humans, who have populated the region quite extensively, are

also dependent on the Harbor and other watersheds in the region for everything from

drinking water to food to recreational activities.

Unfortunately, human activities -- urbanization, mining, agricultural operations, and

recreation -- have severely degraded the health of the Harbor and threaten to upset the

delicate balance that gives the area such a great depth of biodiversity. In order to ensure

this does not happen, watershed and resource management groups are working to find

solutions to the many environmental problems facing the Harbor. Through their actions, and

with the continued support of residents and visitors alike, there is good chance that many of

the Harbor's ecological issues can, in time, be addressed in a responsible and sustainable

manner.

Section 7: Literature Cited

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. (2012). Charlotte harbor national estuary

program. Retrieved from http://www.chnep.org/CHNEP.html

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program. (2000). Committing to our future: A

comprehensive conservation and management plan for the greater Charlotte harbor

watershed. Retrieved from http://www.chnep.org/CCMP/CCMP2000_v1.pdf

Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Estuaries and coastal watersheds: Charlotte

harbor NEP profile. Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/nep

/programs_ch.cfm

Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). National estuary program coastal condition

report: Chapter 5: Gulf of Mexico national estuary program coast condition, Charlotte

Harbor national estuary program. Retrieved from http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb

/nep/upload/2007_05_09_oceans_nepccr_pdf_nepccr_nepccr_gom_partb.pdf

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2012). Florida aquatic preserves.

Retrieved from http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/aquatic.htm

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2011). Charlotte harbor aquatic

preserves. Retrieved from http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/sites/charlotte

/info.htm

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2007). Charlotte harbor preserve state

park unit management plan. Retrieved from http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us

/documents/plans/landusemgmt/files/CharlotteHarborPreservestatePark.pdf

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2005a). Water quality assessment report:

Charlotte harbor. Retrieved from http://www.sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu

13


Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (2005b). Charlotte harbor basin: Lakes,

rivers, streams, and aquifers. Retrieved from http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water

/monitoring/docs/bmr/charlotte_harbor.pdf

McPherson, B.F., Miller, R.L., & Stoker, Y.E. (1996). Physical, chemical, and biological

characteristics of the charlotte harbor basin and estuarine system in Southwestern

Florida: A summary of the 1982-89 U.S. Geological Survey Charlotte harbor

assessment and other studies. Retrieved from

http://fl.water.usgs.gov/PDF_files/wsp2486_mcpherson.pdf

Morishige, C. & McElwee, K. (2005). Marine debris action plan. Retrieved from

http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/projects/pdfs/himdap.pdf

Phillips, J. (2012). Southwest Florida Water Management District: The Peace River.

Retrieved from http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/interactive

/peaceriver/phosphate.php

South Florida Water Management District. (2012). About us. Retrieved from

http://www.sfwmd.gov

Southwest Florida Water Management District. (2013). Who we are and what we do.

Retrieved from http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/mission/

Stoker, Y.E. (1995). Salinity distribution and variation with freshwater inflow and tide, and

potential changes in salinity due to altered freshwater inflow in the Charlotte harbor

estuarine system, Florida. Retrieved from

http://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/1992/4062/report.pdf

University of South Florida. (2012). Charlotte harbor watershed. Retrieved from

http://www.chnep.wateratlas.usf.edu/watershed/default.asp?wshedid=2&wbodyatlas

=watershed

United States Fish & Wildlife Service. (2012). National wildlife refuge system. Retrieved

from http://www.fws.gov/refuges/zipCodeLocator/index.cfm

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