Gary R. Milano Miami-Dade County Coastal Habitat Restoration Coordinator

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1 Miami-Dade County Coastal Restoration and Community Outreach / Stewardship Program: Small Business, and Non-Profit Community (Reclamation Project) Partnerships Gary R. Milano Miami-Dade County Coastal Habitat Restoration Coordinator

2 South Florida Unique sub-tropical climate Rapid Population Growth: Miami-Dade County exploded from approximately 267,000 people in 1940 to over 2.5 million by 2010, an increase of 900 % Southeast Florida urban zone only 20 miles wide; Miami-Dade County bordered by Everglades National Park to the west, Biscayne National Park to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to east Coastline consists primarily of coastal wetlands and beaches South Florida Watersheds (SFWMD 2009)

3 Area Threats and Challenges Expansive coastal development- Florida wetland habitats have been reduced by 50% Concentrated and expanding human presence continues to dramatically change the South Florida ecosystem Invasive exotic plant species (Australian pine, Brazilian pepper) Upland runoff impacts coastal water quality Multicultural transient community heavily based on tourism

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7 Ecosystem Restoration Beach Dune Coastal Strand aritime Hammock Freshwater Wetlands Salt Marsh Mangroves Islands Seagrass

8 Dune Community Restoration

9 High Marsh Restoration

10 Red Mangrove Restoration

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14 Miami Beach North Key Biscayne Barrier Island Central Key Biscayne Restoration and Enhancement

15 Bay Island Restoration and Enhancement

16 SEAGRASS RESTORATION

17 Restoration Tasks General Program Administration (Work Orders, Contracts, Resolutions, Agreements, Etc.) Restoration Site Selection Restoration Design Environmental Permitting Site Evaluations Acquisition of Project Funds Contractor Selection Process Construction Oversight Success Monitoring Technical Reports

18 Restoration Accomplishments Habitat Restoration (50 Sites Restored) 500 Acres Wetlands 150 Acres Tropical Hardwood Hammock, Coastal Strand, and Dune Community 22 Island Enhancement Projects 2.6 Acre Seagrass 8 Miles Shoreline Stabilization (Native Vegetation and Lime-Rock Structures ) Partners: Federal, State, Local Government agencies, Scientist, Individuals, Small and Minority Business, Large Corporations, Home Owners Associations, Community Organizations, and Artists.

19 Environmental Restoration Projects Provide the Out-Door Classroom for Environmental Education and Stewardship

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22 Restoration Partnerships Eco-Art and Small Business Eco-art is created to inspire caring and respect, stimulate dialogue, and encourage the long-term flourishing of the social and natural environments in which we live.

23 Initiated in 2006, The Reclamation Project is an eco-art project that was conceived by a Miami artist, Xavier Cortada The Reclamation Project explores our ability to coexist with the natural world. It reminds us of what our community looked like before all the concrete was poured. Xavier Cortada, artist

24 Red mangrove seedlings are collected by volunteers every September

25 Placed in Clear Cups of Water

26 Young mangroves are exhibited for a year (during the germination phase) at retail stores, schools, public buildings, and museums

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31 LOCAL BUSINESSES PARTICIPATING Miami-Dade County Coconut Grove Businesses M Salon Lovely Pets Johnny Rockets Smoothie King American Apparel SGH 3063 Switch G by Guess Le Bouchon du Grove HH Jewels Pineda Covalin Walter Biancuzzo Bath and Body Works Hibuscus Hill Hippo Alladdin's Grill Cherry on Top Color me Mine Siam Oishi Allure Salon Max in the Grove Jaguar Maui Nix Sparkle Plenty Divine Maya Hatcha Celestial Treasures Catch-a-Wave Nutritional Power Center Boardwalk Tavern Avi Little Big Store Dharma Yoga Studio Children's Store Butter Red Kiwi Coconut Grove Flower Shop This n That

32 Lincoln Road Businesses New World Center for the Performing Arts Sports Express/Mr. R Sports Deco Drive Cigars Haagen Daz Novecento 900 Premier Yuca Divine Eye Max J. Kevin Foltz-Studio 106 Scene Post FCUK Morgan Miller Queen of Sole Fly Boutique Kiehl's Eno's Wine Bar Collection Privee SOBE Surf Style Soulier Alvin Island Argentina Intl Christian Audigier Ricky's Teno Sixty See So Good Collection Carnevales's Restaurant The Pink Palm Spris Ghiradella Solstice Sosta Pizza Rustica Peter Lik Art Gallery Steven X.U.T Miami Optics

33 TREASURE COAST (MARTIN/ST. LUCIE COUNTIES) Martin County Arts Council Ocean Research and Conservation Association(ORCA) Elliott Museum Martin County Library System Heathcote Botanical Gardens Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County Aiello Landscape Botanics Wholesale Dale s BBQ Jensen Beach High School The Florida Native Plant Society - Lakelas Mint Chapter Florida Oceanographic Society (FOS) Marine Resources Council (MRC) Keep Martin Beautiful (KMB) South Fork High School Martin County Engineering Dept. The City of Stuart The Smithsonian Institute Florida Department of Environmental Protection Pinellas / Hillsborough Counties Pinellas County Public Art and Design Program Tampa Preparatory School

34 Seedlings are planted at sites prepared by Miami-Dade County Volunteers are the driving force! Participants learn valuable lessons at each phase of project The Reclamation Project has resulted in Partnerships, Environmental Education and Awareness, Habitat Restoration, and Community Stewardship

35 Reclamation Project is a Community Partnership Project Miami-Dade, Martin/St. Lucie Hillsborough, Pinellas County : 850 total volunteers have participated Over 16,000 seedlings have been planted 90 organizations/stores participating

36 Thanks to our Restoration Partners! Urban Environment League Key Biscayne Community Foundation

37 QUESTIONS