Title
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Invasive Upland Plant Removal Program Grant Application (B)
This item involves a request for the City Commission to authorize the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs to submit an application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for a grant to aid in invasive plant removal.
Explanation
The City received notice of funding availability through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Upland Invasive Plant Removal Program for non-native invasive plant control activities in conservation areas of the State. The intent of these grants is to provide funding to public organizations who wish to control non-native invasive plant species on public lands managed for the conservation of natural resources.
Non-native invasive plants are recognized as a significant threat to native plants and wildlife. The Nature Operations division controls non-native invasive plants in City of Gainesville nature parks for the benefit of both the public and the natural resources in the parks.
Nature Operations is requesting permission to write a grant to obtain contract services in the amount of approximately $30,000 to treat invasive plants in the Hudson addition of Bivens Arm Nature Park from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Upland Invasive Plant Removal Program. This grant application will be submitted jointly with the University of Florida. All contract services awarded to the City will be for invasive weed control in Bivens Arm Nature Park under the supervision of the City's Nature Operations Division Natural Resource Management staff. All services awarded to the University of Florida will be for treatment of invasive plants in the Bivens Rim Forest, under the supervision of University of Florida staff. A contract between the City and the DEP will be required to allow the contractors' activities on City property.
The DEP requires that follow-up monitoring and the maintenance of the control site by the managing site steward be available in perpetuity. This commitment requires the City to manage and maintain City nature parks and conservation areas. The perpetuity of these activities is also required by the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Fiscal Note
The value of contract services through this grant is approximately $30,000. The City provides approximately $30,000 in in-kind services for existing City invasive weed removal and education programs as matching funds.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the City Manager or his designee to submit a grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Upland Plant Management Program; and 2) authorize the City Manager to execute the contract and other grant-related documents, pending approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality, if awarded.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission deny the request to submit the grant application for the Upland Plant Management Program.