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02-26-2014 AGENDA CITY OF EDGEWATER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD ECOTOURISM SUB-COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING February 26,2014 8:00 A.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS We respectfully request that all electronic devices are set for no audible notification. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL PUBLIC MEETLNGS ARE RECORDED AND MAY BE STREAMED ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular meeting of January 22,2014 4. REPORTS: A. Economic Development/Events Coordinator Update — regarding past processes to establish Edgewater as a Blue Water Paddling Community and current activities in process to set blue water trails and/or hiking trails.Y B. Contractor for Salty Paddle Outpost—invited Eric Lumbert of Paddleboard New Smyrna to report on current schedule and plans for upcoming season. Also report on ways that the City can help to increase participation. V 5. CONTINUED BUSINESS: A. Compile a list of businesses that would benefit from, and may help fund, ecotourism in Edgewater and promotion of the same.V B. List locations to place brochures regarding Ecotourism activities in Edgewater. C. Discuss"wayfinding" signage and the process of determining: • targeted locations to guide people to • locations to place signs • process to initiate signage D. Discuss the next step in support of Edgewater becoming a Blue Water Paddling Community and timeframe.V/ E. Compile a list of groups that would be interested in participating in Echotour activities and contact methods for those groups. Purpose to invite participants to help develop opportunities and activities that would augment Edgewater's existing plans. 6. NEW BUSINESS: A. Considerations of activities that Volusia County currently supports as Echotourism that Edgewater could incorporate for Ecotourism in Edgewater (i.e. ECHOrangers, Bike Trail mapping,etc.) B. Discuss inviting Mark Porter Site Manager of the construction company installing bridge and trail from Rotary Park to the south side of Indian River Boulevard(442)to report on progress and time frames of construction. C. Assignment to compile a list of things to see and do in Edgewater that fit in the Volusia County Echotourism framework including Ecological, Cultural, Heritage and Outdoors. 7. ADJOURNMENT: Pursuant to Chapter 286, F.S., if an individual decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at a meeting or hearing, that individual will need a record of the proceedings and will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made. The City does not prepare or provide such record. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact City Clerk Bonnie Wenzel, 104 N Riverside Drive, Edgewater, Florida, telephone number 386-424-2400 x 1101, 5 days prior to the meeting date. If you are hearing or voice impaired, contact the relay operator at 1-800-955- 8771 PUBLIC NOTICE LOG ECOTOURISM SUBCOMMITTEE AGENDA / MINUTES DATEQ - ,IL{ TIME b••V V DrA�TE& TIME FULL PACKAGE c9 ATE 1. (3)BOARD MEMBERS (EMAIL) 2. CITY MANAGER(EMAIL) 3. ECONOMIC DEV/EVENTS COORDINATOR(EMAIL) 4. PLANNING AND ZONING(EMAIL) 5. BOARD COORDINATOR 6. CITY CLERK (EMAIL) 7. PAT CARD(EMAIL) 8. ROBERT MCINTOSH (EMAIL) AGENDA ONLY 1. LIBRARY ❑ 2. CITY HALL(2-POST, 1 -VAULT) ❑ 3. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES(EMAIL) 4. POLICE(EMAIL) 5. BUILDING(EMAIL) V17 6. MAYOR/COUNCIL MEMBERS ( }' 7. HOMETOWN NEWS(EMAIL) 8. NEWS JOURNAL(EMAIL) 9. CHAMBER n 10. TWO(2)POST(PLANNING,COMM.CENTER) ❑ 11. MARGIE(EMAIL) 12. DOUG MCGINNIS(EMAIL) 13. PEDRO LEON (EMAIL) [� 14. PHILIP EHLINGER(EMAIL) 15. SAMANTHA BISHOP (EMAIL) 16. GRANICUS 1�,litu_GCS sn AN?4. I:sk rd:C: ALa-r Ccrtacr Wens Calenca- Get I�r,cly=_d Hon-,e Search �'c Florida Fish and Wildlife a Conservation Commission Licenses & Wildlife Wildlife & Fishing Boating Hunting Permits Viewing Habitats Research Education Conservation Home : Boating : Waterway Management : Paddling Trails Paddling Trait Sign Information Boating Regulations Are you interested in installing signs for a paddling trail? Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ's)that will help guide you through the process Safety & Education of permitting and installing signs for a paddling trail: Anchoring & Mooring Can I make up my own trail marker design for my paddling trail? No. Paddling trail Waterway Management signs are a part of the'uniform waterway marker'system and it is a legal requirement to use a standardized sign format. Signs need to be designed to be highly visible and Restricted Area Rulemaking decrease hazards for other boaters and be in conformance with the federal aids to navigation system adopted by the state. The FWC's Division of Law Enforcement has the Waterway Markers statutory responsibility for ensuring that the placement of markers (signs) within state Derelict Vessels waters adheres to all state and federal requirements. Waterway marker permits and guidance is obtained through the FWC's Boating and Waterways Section. Paddling Trails Trail Scouting How do I learn about the standardized signs? Before you install canoe/kayak paddling trail signs, also known as Uniform Waterway Markers (UWM), you must obtain a Target Audience permit from the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section. FWC Trail Safety has the statutory responsibility for ensuring that the placement of markers within state waters adheres to all state and federal requirements. Waterway marker permits and Publications guidance is obtained through the Boating and Waterways Section. Permit are provided at Protection no cost. Trail Marker The waterway marker application form is very easy to fill out and FWC staff will be happy Launch Design to assist. You can obtain a sign template, installation information, state rules, and permit Make it Enjoyable application from the Boating and Waterways Section by calling (850)488-5600, visiting their website at myfwc.com/boating or sending an e-mail to Testing Results waterway.management@myfwc.com. Trail Info Why do I have to have a permit to install and who do I contact? To ensure the Promotion signs are in compliance with the federal uniform waterway marker system adopted that has Links been adopted by the state. State law requires a permit from FWC. The permit is free and an application can be obtained by contacting the Boating and Waterways Section. Trail Sign FAQs Are there any permit exemptions? Information markers placed by counties, Non-Motorized Watercraft municipalities, or other governmental entities on inland lakes and their associated canals Vessel Registration Fees are exempt from permitting by FWC. Such markers, if not permitted, must display in lieu of a permit number, the name of the county, municipality, or other governmental entity that Workshops placed the marker. However, nothing prevents counties, municipalities or other Boat Ramps & Access governmental entities from choosing to voluntarily apply for waterway marker permits. Boating Grant Programs Will I need different signs if the paddling trail crosses the Intracoastal Waterway Advisory Council or a busy channel? No. However, authorization from the United States Coast Guard and the United States Army Corps of Engineers may be needed. How long will it take to get a permit?As provided by state law, the Boating and Waterways Section is required to process your permit request within 90 days of receipt of a complete application. You will be advised within 30 days of receipt of the permit application if any information is needed to complete the application. Staff will make every effort to process your request as soon as possible. Can I submit my permit application for signs on-line? FWC is work ng to finalize the on-line permitting system. You can find out of the status of the on-line permitting option by calling (850)488-5600, visiting their website at myfwc.com/boating or sending an e- mail to waterway.management@myfwc.corr. FWC will always process paper applications. What will the signs look like? Markers used on paddling trails are required to be rectangular and can be no smaller than minimum of 3'on one side. It is possible to receive a variance from this size requirement if you contact FWC at (850)-488-5600. Markers must be installed not less than 36 inches above the surface of the water. Signs must have a white reflective white background and 2"wide international orange line used to draw the borders. Lettering must be black block characters and can have brown crossed paddles. Two 6"bands of reflective white tape are required to be placed 8"apart on the post 6"below the sign. Mount the signs with a spacer or extra *TOR washers between the sign and �_►� Ga post on the uppermost hardware. SPRINGS TUND The angle of the sign,though not / �" required, is recommended to _ I _....,�� j increase longevity and visibility by Spfdh-CariiPGR u reducing the impacts resulting 1"'LE from birds that perch on the signs. It is recommended but not required that two signs be placed at each location to insure visibility of the marker from both sides. If one sign is used, placement should be as close as possible to the shoreline as feasible to avoid becoming a hazard to navigation and hit by boats. The FWC permit number issued to the applicant must be posted in the lower left hand corner on all markers. This number is our only way of identifying ownership in the event a report is received on the need for maintenance or the marker has been damaged. i How do I install the signs? Place signs on shore or as close to the shore as possible to decrease possible hazards to other boats. In a narrow trail through a forested area, place the signs between trees off the waterway to avoid posing a hazard to boats. It is recommended that signs not be attached to trees. Who is responsible for maintaining the signs? After obtaining the permit,the permit holder must install, inspect, maintain, and remove the permitted marker at its own expense and as directed by the FWC. Each permit also requires that markers be inspected triennially (every three years) and that records of such inspection be kept by the permit holder. How many signs are needed to post a paddling trail? Minimize trail markers as much as possible to preserve the wilderness experience and to reduce installation and maintenance costs. Avoid providing markers at each one-mile mark; instead use signs to clarify a route at a'decision point'or where navigation is complicated or a campsite identified. For safety reasons, signs should always clearly mark take-out points (launches, ramps) along a paddling trail. Provide clear navigation in supporting maps and guides so that users will not rely on signs as the primary tool for navigation as signs can disappear from vandalism or storm activity. When placing an initial sign order, obtain duplicate copies of waterway signs to reduce time in replacing missing ones. The decision on the number of markers needed to mark a particular paddling trail is up to the applicant. For assistance with planning and design of paddling trails please contact the FWC's Office of Public Access&Wildlife Viewing Services (850) 922-6160. FWC Facts: Anyone under 21 years of age with a breath-alcohol level of,02 or higher and operating or controlling a vessel is In violation of Florida law. Learn h111,re iii AskFWc- © © .• f>f ;kW' nt ia4_ is rroaOA n i7> Co:r. AD O P T I O N A Got 'W 4 News Feeds 0 Copyright 1599 2013 State of Florida • Technical Help EEO/AA ADA• Privacy w,r'o, `..f1.01t10k l4li$A P• / r I Frave,and Atrusr RIS.NT TO yj Statement•Adve-tising Statement F. i f as d/M"'.'a 0111 aeon."_ 4e•, M.. 1 Disclaimer• Site lisp Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation yw.y ,*' Commission.Farris Bryant Building 1 Employee Resources(Password required) 620 S.Meridian St.•Tallahassee,Fl SharePoint 1 Outk ok E-iaail I Retiree Info 32359-1600• (850)488-467E Florida Famille*First Disaster Informal on for FWC Employees IMMEZEZZErgr 1 . • 11•1.: ! 4r t :. .�,`• `max 1,4,:f.. Keys to Establishing and Promoting A Paddling Trail or Blueways System By Doug Alderson,Florida Paddling Trails Coordinator, Office of Greenways and Trails, doug.alderson@dep.state.fl.us, with input from Hank Brooks and Ed Schessl (Florida Paddling Trails Association), Carol Sheppard and Jim Wood(Office of Greenways and Trails), Liz Sparks (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission),and Betsy Clayton(Calusa Blueway). Before Beginning While the purposes of establishing a paddling trail are many fold—raising environmental awareness, creating a sense of place,promoting good health through outdoor recreation, bringing young people outdoors, and boosting eco-tourism—each individual paddling trail has unique qualities. Some are suitable just for day trips while others can feature overnight opportunities utilizing primitive campsites on public lands with little investment or river hubs and developed river camps with a higher investment, such as the Suwannee Wilderness Trail (http://www.floridastateparks.org/wilderness/). If primitive campsites are small, fragile, and in high use areas, composting toilets or port-a- lets may be desired, adding to cost. Creating a vision for a paddling trail and a list of 2 assets and challenges will help determine the budget and tasks required. Also, it may be important to decide whether the trail and associated amenities will be designed for paddlers only or open to other users, such as boaters. Maps and Guides • Create clear maps and guides that delineate launch points, distances, amenities such as water and restrooms, camping and campgrounds, nearby motels, restaurants and outfitters, and points of interest. Add waterfront lodging that has kayak-friendly docks and/or kayak launches, and add Great Florida B irding Trail designations. Provide gps points. Ground-truth maps and gps points. • Ask someone new to the area to follow maps and guides to see if there are any points of confusion. • Add safety information, historical and environmental background, wildlife spotlights, Leave No Trace guidelines, available shuttle services, ideal water levels if applicable, specific restrictions on adjoining lands, and potential environmental conditions (currents, extreme tides, obstructions, etc.). • The National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program provides technical assistance to communities seeking to establish trails: http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/contactus/cu applv.html. • More info about trail creation is available from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: http://myfwc.com/boating/waterway/paddling-trails/. Raising the Profile • Pursue state designation of trail(s)through the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/designation/default.htm. • Once maps and guides are completed and accessible online, seek inclusion in the Visit Florida trails and geenways website. New completed trails can be added at any time. To learn how to submit a trail, contact doug.alderson(&dep.state.fl.us. a 3 • Work with the Florida Paddling Trails Association to make sure the trail is published on their web site: http://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/and take advantage of their blueways communities program. Encourage trail users to file trip reports on the site. • Apply for National Recreation Trail designation with the Department of the Interior: http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/App1yNRT.html. • Apply for inclusion in the new National Water Trails System: http://www.nps.gov/watertrails/. Trail Management • Designate a local person as trail manager to maintain and promote the trail. This person would also work closely with the area tourism development councils, chambers of commerce and volunteers in promotion endeavors and they can represent the trail at paddling festivals, conferences and other gatherings. • Encourage paddling clubs to utilize the trail(s), do volunteer work, "adopt a trail," and to spread the word. Designate a handful of volunteers to routinely patrol the most popular or most remote access points and have them file e-mail reports to a designated person. Such e-mails/reports can prove valuable when making a case to the state or prospective sponsors or other entities that the trail is actively monitored and used. • Support existing outfitters and the development of new outfitters where there might be a void. Work with these outfitters to promote your trail by supplying them with free promotional material. Branding and Advertising • Develop a trail logo to be used on promotional literature and signage. Consider the development of a catchy trail name and motto. 4 • Allocate or raise funds to promote the trail(s)with rack cards, printed guides, and an interactive website. If budget permits, advertise in paddling publications such as Canoe and Kayak, Sea Kayaker and a host of others. Less expensive are advertisements on paddling club websites and in their newsletters. • Install signs at trail access/launch points. Use trail logo on signs. • Create a short description (300 words or less) to use when replying to a-mails and/or requesting partnerships and other uses. This quick word picture describes what it's like on your trail(s) and who uses it in what ways. • Create a PowerPoint program or film about the trail(s)that can be shown to a wide variety of groups around the region and state such as paddling clubs, environmental groups and civic organizations. The Florida Trail Association, although primarily a hiking group, is also interested in paddling trails, and they have chapters throughout the state. Media Outreach • Invite travel writers and bloggers on guided trips of the trail(s) so they can feature them in publications (e.g. Canoe & Kayak, Sea Kayaker, newspaper travel sections). For film crews, an accompanying motorboat will likely be necessary. • Reach out to a waterfront hotel, RV park or campground and get them to agree to put up the invited journalists free of charge for a night or two. Travel writers rarely come without free lodging. • A library of outstanding photos and video clips that is available to the media can be very helpful. Encourage volunteers, paddling clubs and trail users to take photos and have a designated e-mail address where they can submit them.Photos can also help to woo travel writers, enhance press releases, and document active trail use for grant applications. Paddlers depicted in photos should be wearing life jackets and photo release forms should be used if subject's face is showing. 5 • A talented local freelancer or staff member can be encouraged to write articles to submit for publication. • Create an ongoing trail newsletter. • Put out periodic press releases about trail happenings and improvements. Include stock photos. Events • Sponsor paddling festivals, kayak and canoe races and other events to help promote the trail(s). Establish at least one annual event that tourists can plan their vacations around. Work with local paddling clubs on these events. • Work with groups such as Paddle Florida on establishing multi-day excursions for large numbers of paddlers down the trail(s) if possible. Long-term Support • Seek grants or matching funds for capital park projects and land purchases along the trail(s) and for trail events. • Support or help develop a certified green guides program. For example,the Tallahassee Community College teaches a green guides program in Wakulla County every semester, and the Florida Green Guide Association came about as a result. • Gauge annual trail usage and economic impacts over several years. This will go a long way towards developing political support and gaining funding for trail improvements. Universities will sometimes help with these studies as part of class projects. • From Betsy Clayton of Lee County's Calusa Blueway: "If you build it, they will come" doesn't always apply to paddling trails at the beginning. Get a local club, outfitter or a parks &rec department to set up a trilogy of free "learn to paddle" sessions along the trail during the tourist season/good weather so you attract 6 tourists and locals. Tell them you'll teach them the basics of kayaking and only keep them on the water 45 minutes. Use 15 minutes of that session to explain your blueway, what it is, what a blueway is, how to get maps, how to help, etc. Basically you set up a situation where you teach a bit and then anoint a group of ambassadors to go out and do word-of-mouth advertising. Supporting Economic Facts and Trends • Since the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail was established in 2005, two new state parks were opened and overall attendance at the river parks increased from 500,000 per year to 750,000 annually between 2004 and 2008, a 50% increase. Direct economic benefit during this period rose from $20 million in 2004 to $39 million in 2008. About 5,000 paddlers per year use the Suwannee's established "river camps," and these camps properly dispose of an estimated six tons of human waste a year, waste that may have otherwise ended up in the river. • Since the first phase of Lee County's Calusa Blueway was established in 2003, the number of outfitters doubled and there was a significant rise in the number of "micro-entrepreneurs" in the form of various types of guides and interpreters (fishing, fossiling, photography, Calusa lore). Participation in their annual paddling festival rose 70% in 2007 and 112% in 2008. The festival currently has 17 lodging partners that offer packages, 80 participating businesses, and 24 outfitters. Bed tax money is used to help support the trail. • In 2006, 4.2 million people participated in some form of wildlife viewing in Florida, generating more than $3 billion in economic impact, almost doubling 2001 figures (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Many people view wildlife from a kayak or canoe. • Kayak fishing is extremely popular,part of Florida's $4.3 billion fishing industry. • During the Great Recession of 2008, overall visitation to Florida was down, but participation in nature-based activities was 66.7%among all visitors, an increase 7 of 11.5%. Approximately 80% of Florida residents suggest nearby natural, cultural and historical sites to out-of-state friends or family when they visit. • During the Great Recession, kayak sales dropped the least(6.9%) compared to all other boating sales categories (2008 National Marine Manufacturers Assn.). • According to the National Association of Homebuilders, trails are the most sought after community amenity that Americans seek when buying a home. 2014 Edgewater Businesses with Eco Tourism Connection 1. Blue Heron River Tours 2024 S. Riverside Drive 32141, Gary Raudlett 2. Capt. Frank Brownell 206 Virginia Street 32132 3. Edgewater Bait& Tackle 108 E. Park Avenue, 32132 4. Edgewater River Guide, Inc. 3008 Needle Palm, 32141, Michael Savedow 5. Gone Fishing Guide Service 3320 Mango Tree Drive, 32141, Angela Sills 6. Indian River Guides 2824 Tamarind Drive, 32132, Joe Roberts 7. Nathaniel Lemmon 3038 Vista Palm Drive, 32141 (fishing, cruising, charter) 8. Oarfishing.com 1710 Lime Tree Drive, 32132, Joseph Portera(fishing charters) 9. Piscatorial Pursuits 2816 Woodland Drive, 32141 (fishing, cruising, charter) 10. Right in Sight Charters 2117 Victory Palm Drive, 32141, Justin Price (fishing guide) 11. Shallow Water Spots 2025 Mango Tree Drive, 32141, Robert Sannasardo (guide service) 12. Tug of War Charters 1332 Victory Palm Drive, 32132, Randy Kraft 13. David Brown(fishing guide) 124 N. Riverside Drive, 32132 We also have the Salty Paddle Outpost concession at Menard May Park (paddleboards/kayaks). Blueway: A water path or trail with launch points, camping and picnic locations and points of interest for paddlers. Blueways are typically developed to encourage recreation, education and community development. Florida Paddling Trails NiraimmAim----eaur 311,11‘ BIueway Community If your community offers basic tourism amenities such as lodging and restaurants, then FPTA can help you market your resources to outdoor recreation enthusiasts as a nature-based tourism destination, resulting in local economic stimulus and increased public awareness of natural Florida. Casual paddlers, day paddlers, and weekend paddlers all want to enjoy the outdoors and your community can provide the gateway to their experience via the Florida Paddling Trails. For a community to apply for Florida Blueway Community status, key criteria includes: • Proximity to a Florida paddling trail or Blueway • Availability of accommodations, from hotels to B&Bs to campgrounds • Availability of restaurants and places to eat • Additional outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking and biking trails, birding, boating, fishing, beaches or traditional visitor draws such as historic districts, museums, shopping and major attractions • The process of being designated a Blueway Community begins by bringing together local community leaders, tourism affiliates, business leaders, and members of the Florida Paddling Trails Association to discuss the communities' nature-based tourism ideas and needs. • A representative from Florida Paddling Trails Association will become your key contact, assisting your community in providing visitors information about the Florida Paddling Trails and in scheduling guided paddling trips as well as providing general knowledge about the trail in your area. • By working together on promotional products. educational resources and special events, FPTA and the Blueway Community can increase each others ability to apply for targeted grants to assist in the community's efforts towards nature- based tourism development, economic development, and trail related infrastructure development. • We provide the know-how and volunteer support, you provide the destination and community support. It's a great partnership to bring more people to your community. 26 2 2-5 tl5 A .,,�Mc 3 z+ 6 43 Ilone 1.1 !i 1 tLt2'1{!l'fj .`111i"non {{1 14.11rr POSi�lling j Q 2 1 1 f, a. f3 k 17 I4• I5 Ecotourism sub committee report for March 5,2014 We had an excellent discussion with Eric Lumbart head of Paddle Board New Smyrna Beach regarding the operation at Salty Paddle Outpost in Edgewater. The discussion reviewed his perspective of having a late start up in August missing the majority of what he considers high season and things that he identified as areas for improvement for this season.These included things that could be done to make the area at the North end of Manard May park more user friendly as simple as insuring the mowing schedule minimized the sand spur growth, signage that has been submitted for consideration to building department as well as having a launch area roped off to avoid conflicts with fishing or boaters for new paddlers. It was also revealed that it was their perception that Edgewater would have the same seasonal influx as the summer season in New Smyrna with June through August being the major season. The concept was presented to him that Edgewater could balance his New Smyrna Season because of the number of full time residents and winter residents that could keep him busy. Additional topics that covered included processes that have been started for the blue water trails and the necessity of the City of Edgewater to retain control of those trails as well as the process to move forward with becoming a Florida Blue Water Trail community. We discussed some of the already existing ecotourism programs that are currently running in Volusia County and how Edgewater can increase exposure and capitalize on attracting people interested in Ecotourism to our area including County Bike maps and EchoRanger program We have invited and plan to have Mark Porter who is the Project Administrator for the pedestrian bridge and rails to trails to rotary park at our next meeting to give an update.