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03/15/2022 Item S.E. Considerations in Preliminary Design: ■ Re -Vegetation Strategies: In uplands, the plan incorporates existing areas with native vegetation. Plans include initial removal of non-native Australian pines & Brazilian pepper via mechanical treatment (mulching). Mulched areas will recruit native species, and non-native vegetation will be treated. In existing mangroves, exotic vegetation will be treated in place and allowed to decompose. Created wetlands will be planted with native saltmarsh species. Transitional areas (grasslands, shorelines) are planned to have exotic species removed, and allowed to re -vegetate via recruitment. Supplemental planting of native groundcover & shrubs may be may be included as needed. ■ Shorebird/Wading Bird Habitat. Potential nesting habitat for protected terns and other avian species is a diminishing resource in IRC. Meetings with representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the FDEP's Aquatic Preserve Staff have providedconcepts for incorporating shorebird nesting platforms in strategic locations on the islands. Considerations in Preliminary Design: ➢ Construction Costs & Associated Phasing: Previous wetland mitigation projects on LTICA have provided insight into the logistics associated with construction within the Lagoon. Design has considered the soil balance on each island (amount of excavated soil must balance the projected fill volumes). Design has also factored in mobilization and ccnstruction sequencing. Phasing of the restoration of each island will be based on project funding. ➢ Operation & Maintenance Costs: The restoration design for the LTICA is planned to be low-tech; there will be structures for controlling water flow through the wetlands, and passive recreational facilities such as trails, boardwalks, and potential docks and/or kayak launching sites. 0&M for the project considers the fact that it is not feasible for Parks staff to be on-site daily. Structures and other facilities will be inspected and maintained as needed. The most significant maintenance need will be the control of non-native species; this need should decrease over time as the cover of native species increases.