APPENDICES 

A - 1 

Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES - The physical evidence or remains of known historic or prehistoric human life, activity or culture. Significant ruins, artifacts, inscriptions, structural and/or human remains may be considered archaeological resources. 

BEACH - The zone of unconsolidated material that extends landward from the mean low water line to 

the place where there is marked change in material or physiographic form, or to the line of permanent 

vegetation, usually the effective limit of storm waves. "Beach," as used in the coastal management element requirements is limited to oceanic and estuarine shorelines. 

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN WAYS - Any road, path or way which is open to bicycle travel and 

traffic afoot and from which motor vehicles are excluded. 

BUFFER AREA - An area or space separating an outdoor recreation area from influences which would 

tend to depreciate essential recreational values of the outdoor recreation area. Especially needed in cases 

such as wilderness areas where the values involved are fragile or volatile or where the outside influences 

are of a particularly harsh and incompatible nature, as in urban or industrial areas, or along a busy highway. 

CARRYING CAPACITY - The amount of outdoor recreation which a given outdoor recreation area, 

resource or facility can actually accommodate or provide at any given time under existing conditions. 

COMMUNITY PARK - A park located near major roadways and designed to serve the needs of more 

than one neighborhood. 

COMPATIBLE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES - Outdoor recreational activities conducted 

on the same resource base without interfering with each other and which are not harmful to the environment. 

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - Plan that meets the requirements of s. 163.3177 and 163.3178, F.S., and 

thus contains the guidelines, principles and standards for the orderly, coordinated and balanced future 

economic, social, physical, environmental and fiscal development of the area. 

CONCURRENCY - The necessary public facilities and services to maintain the adopted level of service 

standards are available when the impacts of development occur. 

CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS (CARL) - Land acquisition program administered by 

the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to acquire property from willing property 

owners to protect environmentally endangered lands for state parks, forest, wildlife management areas, 

beaches and recreation areas which are sensitive due to the presence of unique or rare habitats, endangered or threatened species, or unique historical, archaeological or geological features. 

CONSERVATION USES - Activities or conditions within land areas designated for the purpose of conserving or protecting natural resources or environmental quality, including areas designated for flood 

control and floodplain management, and the protection of quality or quantity of ground or surface water, 

commercial or recreational fish and shellfish habitat, or vegetative communities or wildlife habitats. 

CULTURAL RESOURCES - Archaeological and historical sites and properties. The significance of 
A - 2 

Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

these resources is derived not only from individual artifacts but also from the spatial arrangement of the 

artifacts in both horizontal and vertical planes. 

DEMAND - See “OUTDOOR RECREATION DEMAND.” 

DENSITY - An objective measurement of the number of people or residential units allowed per unit of 

land, such as residents or employees per acre. 

DEVELOPMENT - The act of physically altering an area, site or resource to increase its ability or capacity to serve outdoor recreation purposes; also a representative result of such improvement. Development usually implies improvement by degrees and pertains primarily to the process of opening up, landscaping, erecting structures and facilities, etc. It is a more comprehensive term than "improvement." 

ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT - An integrated approach to the management of Florida’s green infrastructure of native landscapes and communities recognizing the biological, physical and chemical elements of discrete environments conducted through the use of tools such as planning, land acquisition, 

environmental education, regulation and pollution prevention designed to maintain, protect and improve 

the state’s natural managed and human communities. 

ECOTOURISM - Tourism based principally upon natural and archaeological/historical resources that 

involves traveling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific object of 

admiring, studying and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural features (both past and present) found in these areas. 

EXTENSIVE USE - (As contrasted with "intensive use.") Use of an outdoor recreation area for outdoor 

recreation activities which require a relatively high "land/man" ratio (large amount of resource per user 

served, e.g. hunting, wilderness camping, etc.). 

FLORIDA GREENWAYS AND TRAILS SYSTEM - Statewide system proposed to link natural areas, 

open spaces and trails in Florida, consisting of large or medium-sized hubs, smaller sites and extensive 

to small connective landscape features. 

FLORIDA SCENIC HIGHWAY - Any public road on the State Highway System that is designated by 

the Department of Transportation pursuant to Section 335.093, F.S. 

FUNDING ASSISTANCE - The awarding of funds for assistance in financing the acquisition and development of an outdoor recreation project. 

 COST SHARING - The awarding of funds for financial assistance in the acquisition and development of an outdoor recreation project which is matched in varying amounts by the project's 

sponsor. 

 MATCHING BASIS - The awarding of funds for financial assistance in the acquisition and development of an outdoor recreation project which is matched equally by the project's sponsor. 

GREENWAY - A linear open space established along either a natural corridor, such as a riverfront, 

stream valley or ridgeline, or over land along a railroad right-of-way converted to recreational use, a canal, a scenic road or other route; any natural or landscaped course for pedestrian or bicycle passage; an 

open space connector linking parks, nature reserves, cultural features or historic sites with each other 
A - 3 

Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

and populated areas; or a local strip or linear park designated as a parkway or greenbelt. 

HABITAT FRAGMENTATION - Human activity such as agriculture, road building and suburb and city 

development, resulting in the creation of small isolated areas that are poorly suited to maintaining ecological function and support smaller populations of remaining species. Two components of habitat fragmentation which may result in extinction include the reduction in total habitat area, resulting in reduction in population sizes and redistribution of the remaining area into distinct fragments, affecting dispersal and immigration rates. 

HISTORIC RESOURCES - All areas, districts or sites containing properties listed on the Florida Master 

Site File, the National Register of Historic Places or designated by a local government as historically, 

architecturally or archaeologically significant. 

INFRASTRUCTURE - Man-made structures which serve the common needs of the population, such as 

sewage disposal systems, potable water systems, potable water wells serving a system, solid waste disposal sites or retention areas, stormwater systems, utilities, piers, docks, wharves, breakwaters, bulkheads, seawalls, bulwarks, revetments, causeways, marinas, navigation channels, bridges or roadways. 

INTENSITY - An objective measurement of the extent to which land may be developed or used, including the consumption or use of the space above, on or below ground, the measurement of the use of or 

demand on natural resources, and the measurement of the use of or demand on facilities and services. 

INTENSIVE USE - (As contrasted with "extensive use.") Use of an outdoor recreation area for outdoor 

recreation activities which requires a relatively low "land/man" ratio or small amount of resource per 

user served, e.g. swimming, picnicking, sightseeing, etc. 

LAND ACQUISITION - Obtaining land and related resources for public outdoor recreation by various 

means. 

LAND PURCHASE - The acquisition of land and related resources in which title to the property is obtained by transaction involving payment to the grantor. 

LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY - The study of native landscape structure, function and change at the scale of 

entire landscapes, as well as the application of the results to the design and management of both natural 

and human-dominated areas. 

LEVEL OF SERVICE - An indicator of the extent or degree of service provided by, or proposed to be 

provided by, a facility based on and related to the operational characteristics of the facility. Level of service shall indicate the capacity per unit of demand for each public facility. 

MANAGEMENT AREA - An area devoted to specialized management for either game (wildlife management area) or sport fish (fish management area) and declared to be such by the Florida Fish and 

Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

MARINE WETLANDS - Areas with a water regime determined primarily by tides and the dominant 

vegetation is salt tolerant plant species. 

MITIGATION BANKING - Preserving, restoring or enhancing wetland areas for the purpose of setting 

them aside to compensate for future conversions of wetlands for development activities. A wetland bank 
A - 4 

Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

may be created when a government agency, a corporation or a nonprofit organization undertakes such 

activities under a formal agreement with a regulatory agency. The value of a bank is determined by 

quantifying the wetland values restored or created in terms of “credits.” 

MULTI-PURPOSE OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITY - (As contrasted to a "single purpose facility.") An outdoor recreation facility which is designed for more than one activity use, e.g. athletic field 

or racquetball/handball court. 

MULTIPLE USE - A land management objective seeking to coordinate several environmental, recreational, economic, historic, cultural and/or social values in the same geographic area in a compatible and 

sustainable manner. 

NEIGHBORHOOD PARK - A park which serves the population of a neighborhood and is generally 

accessible by bicycle or pedestrian walkways. 

OPEN SPACE - Undeveloped lands suitable for some types of recreation activities or conservation uses. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION - The pursuit of leisure-time activities which occur in an outdoor setting. 

For clarification on types of outdoor recreation, see “resource-based outdoor recreation” and “useroriented outdoor recreation.” 

OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITY - A specific, individual type of outdoor recreation. Activities 

are divided into two categories: active activities are those which involve some direct and specialized 

physical manipulation by the participant such as swimming, hiking, boating, etc.; passive activities are 

those which are more mental than physical, such as sightseeing, nature study, scenic appreciation, etc. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA - Generally, any expanse of real estate, of no particular size, used 

for outdoor recreation. Used in the plural it is all-inclusive, although in specific usage it would be contrasted with an "outdoor recreation site" by being larger and broader in purpose. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION DEMAND - The quantity of outdoor recreation necessary to satisfy all prospective participants during any given time period. Demand is not strictly a matter of desire, but rather 

of desire tempered by such limiting factors as opportunity, awareness, financial ability, physical ability, 

and competing uses of available time. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES - Those improvements or artificially installed accessories 

which facilitate the use of an area or a resource for outdoor recreation. Facilities are divided into two 

categories, primary facilities are those that are essential or extremely desirable for conducting a particular outdoor recreation activity, such as launching ramps for boating, trails for cycling, roads for access to 

areas, etc. and secondary facilities are those that are desirable as a further enhancement of the recreational experience but are still dispensable, such as outdoor grills for picnicking and camping, docks for 

boating, etc. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION INVENTORY - The sum of all public and private outdoor recreation areas, 

resources and facilities making up a complete outdoor recreation system. Also, the process of assembling and cataloging information on such a system. 

 

OUTDOOR RECREATION NEED - The amount by which outdoor recreation demand exceeds available outdoor recreation supply in a given area. Used in the plural, "needs" usually refers to the actual 
A - 5 

Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

resources and facilities which comprise "need." 

OUTDOOR RECREATION OPPORTUNITY - The availability of a preferred type of outdoor recreation to a potential user or participant. Used in a collective sense, it refers to the total amount of potential 

outdoor recreation available at any given time. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN - An overall framework for the planning and provision of balanced 

outdoor recreation opportunities for potential and actual users. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION PROGRAM - An ongoing series of related and coordinated efforts designed to further a common outdoor recreation purpose. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCE AND FACILITY REQUIREMENTS - The total amount of 

actual outdoor recreation resources and facilities necessary to supply a specified amount of outdoor recreation demand at a given time. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCE AND FACILITY GUIDELINE - Hypothetical measures of 

outdoor recreation opportunities expressed as park, resource or facility units which are intended to represent conditions of use and optimum levels of supply for the individual user, a given population of residents or a specific service area within a city or county. 

 USE GUIDELINE (OR USE STANDARD) - A hypothetical measure of use conditions for outdoor recreation resources and facilities, e.g. the number of hikers per unit of trail, the number of 

bathers per unit of beach, etc. Use guidelines are used to translate outdoor recreation supply 

(expressed in physical units of measure) into outdoor recreation demand (expressed in useroccasions). 

 POPULATION GUIDELINE - An optimum ratio of a given quantity of resources and facilities 

to a hypothetical number of people, e.g. one tennis court per 2,000 population. Population guidelines are provided for both resource-based and user-oriented activities and are used primarily by 

local government and private development agencies. 

 SITE GUIDELINE - An estimate of local park and recreation area acreage proposed for serving 

various specific service areas or particular populations residing within a given radius, e.g. two 

acres of neighborhood park per 1,000 population, serving not more than 5,000 people and a 

population residing within 1/4 to 1/2 mile of the park. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION RESOURCES - Those natural resources used for the support of outdoor 

recreation, such as land, water, wildlife, natural scenery, etc. A special case is made where historical and 

archaeological remains are concerned. Although not natural resources, they are included because of their 

limited, non-renewable character. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION SITE - An outdoor recreation area of relatively small size. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION SUPPLIER - An agency, organization, group or individual, either public or 

private, with a broad area of responsibility for providing public outdoor recreation, distinguished on the 

basis of both the nature of the supplier and the nature of the outdoor recreation supplied. Six categories 

of outdoor recreation suppliers have been defined: federal and state government, county and municipal 

government, private commercial enterprise, private non-profit, private club and private un-inventoried. 
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Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

OUTDOOR RECREATION SUPPLY - The total amount of potential outdoor recreation afforded at any 

given time by an outdoor recreation system. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION SUPPLY CAPACITY - The amount of outdoor recreation which a given 

outdoor recreation area, resource, facility or site can accommodate or provide at any given time under a 

specified measure of use conditions. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION SUPPLY POTENTIAL - The amount of potential outdoor recreation afforded in the future by any outdoor recreation system. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION SYSTEM - A purposeful assemblage of physical units or elements made up 

of recreation areas, resources and facilities designed to meet the demands of a given segment of the public. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION USE - The involvement of outdoor recreation areas, resources or facilities 

in the purpose for which they were intended. 

OUTDOOR RECREATION USER - One who uses outdoor recreation areas, resources or facilities. 

PARTICIPANT ACTIVITIES - Those outdoor recreation activities which involve direct participation, 

either active (as in the case of swimming) or passive (as in the case of nature study), by the individual. 

See "spectator activities." 

PARTICIPANTS-PER-FACILITY RATIO - A need methodology that compares the number of one 

time activity users per unit of supply. 

PER CAPITA PARTICIPATION RATE - The rate at which a person participates in a particular outdoor 

recreation activity, expressed in number of times per year. 

PLAYGROUND - A recreation area with play apparatus. 

PRIORITY - The ranking or order of precedence assigned to each project or need to establish its place 

with respect to all others under consideration at any given time. 

PRIVATE RECREATION SITES - Sites owned by private, commercial or non-profit entities available 

to the public for purposes of recreational use. 

PROJECTION - An extrapolation or extension of known data to derive comparable working data for 

selected target dates. 

PUBLIC ACCESS - The ability of the public to physically reach, enter or use recreation sites including 

beaches and shores. 

PUBLIC LANDS - Any lands in the state which are owned by, leased by or otherwise assigned to the 

state or any of its agencies and which are used by the general public for recreational purposes. 

PUBLIC RECREATION SITES - Sites owned or leased on a long-term basis by a federal, state, regional or local government agency for purposes of recreational use. 
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Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

gional or local government agency for purposes of recreational use. 

RECREATION - The infinite variety of activities which people elect to occupy their leisure time and 

satisfy their need for diversion. 

REGIONAL PARK - A park which is designed to serve two or more communities. 

RESOURCE-BASED OUTDOOR RECREATION - Types of outdoor recreation activities dependent on 

natural and cultural resources, contrasted with “user-oriented” outdoor recreation. For this plan, activities include saltwater beach activities, bicycle riding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, nature study, off-highway vehicle riding, picnicking, freshwater swimming and visiting 

archaeological and historical sites. 

RESOURCE/FACILITY REQUIREMENTS - The total amount of outdoor recreation resources/

facilities necessary to accommodate the total outdoor recreation demand at any given time. 

RESOURCE TYPE - A class of outdoor recreation resource which can be specifically identified, such as 

a freshwater lake, an ocean beach, a hardwood forest, etc. 

RURAL AREAS - Low density areas characterized by social, economic and institutional activities 

which may be largely based on agricultural uses or the extraction of natural resources in unprocessed 

form, or areas containing large proportions of undeveloped, unimproved or low density property. 

SERVICE AREA - The surrounding land area from which an outdoor recreation resource, area, site or 

facility draws its participants. 

SHORELINE OR SHORE - The interface of land and water, as used in the coastal management element 

requirements, and is limited to oceanic and estuarine interfaces. 

SINGLE-PURPOSE FACILITY - (As contrasted to "multi-purpose.") A specialized type of outdoor recreation facility which is designed for one recreational activity, e.g. tennis court. 

SPECTATOR ACTIVITIES - Those outdoor recreation activities which are carried on primarily for the 

visual benefit of others rather than for the direct enjoyment of the active participants, such as stadium 

sports, horse races, etc. 

STAKEHOLDER - Group or individual who can affect, or is affected by, the achievement of the organization or program’s mission. Examples include managers, employees, policy makers, suppliers, vendors, 

citizens and community groups. 

STEWARDSHIP - Sense of responsibility for, desire to participate in, or taking charge of the protection 

and management of land and water resources. 

SUITABILITY - The degree to which the existing characteristics and limitations of land and water are 

compatible with a proposed use or development. 

SYSTEMS PLANNING - The process of assessing the park, recreation, open space and greenway facility needs of a community and translating that information into a framework for meeting the physical, 

spatial and facility requirements to satisfy those needs. 
A - 8 

Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

TRAIL - Linear corridor and any adjacent support parcels on land or water providing public access for 

recreation or authorized alternative modes of transportation. 

 Trail Types: 

Hiking - Path used solely for backpacking or long distance hiking. 

Bicycle - Designated trail or system of trails used primarily for bicycling. 

Interpretative/Nature - Trail designed or marked for nature interpretation and study. 

Horseback - Improved or unimproved trail designated and used primarily for horseback riding. 

Canoe and Kayak- Distance along most commonly used route on a designated or undesignated 

waterway used for canoeing. 

Exercise/Parcourse - Course designed generally for jogging, but which may or may not have 

exercise stations. 

Multipurpose, Multi-use or Shared - Trail used for more than one of the above activities. 

URBAN AREA - An area of, or for development, characterized by social, economic and institutional 

activities which are predominantly based on the manufacture, production, distribution or provision of 

goods and services in a setting which typically includes residential and nonresidential development uses 

other than those which are characteristic of rural areas. 

URBAN SPRAWL - Urban development or uses which are located in predominantly rural areas, or rural 

areas interspersed with generally low-intensity or low-density urban uses, and which are characterized 

by one or more of the following conditions: (a) The premature or poorly planned conversion of rural 

land to other uses; (b) The creation of areas of urban development or uses which are not functionally 

related to land uses which predominate the adjacent area; or (c) The creation of areas of urban development or uses which fail to maximize the use of existing public facilities or the use of areas within which 

public services are currently provided. Urban sprawl is typically manifested in one or more of the following land use or development patterns: Leapfrog or scattered development; ribbon or strip commercial 

or other development; or large expanses of predominantly low-intensity, low-density, or single-use development. 

USER-ORIENTED OUTDOOR RECREATION - Types of outdoor recreation that can be placed at the 

convenience of the user to take advantage of proximity to population centers. For this plan, these activities include golf, tennis, baseball/softball, football/soccer, handball/racquetball, shuffleboard, basketball, 

volleyball and outdoor pool swimming. Land areas for space is usually the only consideration dealing 

with the natural resource base. Some types of outdoor recreation may be either "user-oriented" or 

"resource-based" depending on the setting they utilize and the conjunctive values involved, as with the 

case of swimming, bicycling, picnicking, camping, etc. 

USER-PREFERENCE - The exercise of choice of outdoor recreation activities by a potential participant. The total impact of user-preference is the determination of activity distribution in outdoor recreation demand. 

USER-SATISFACTION - The measure of the extent to which an outdoor recreation experience satisfies 

the desires of the participant. Also sometimes referred to as user-enjoyment. 

WETLANDS - Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water at a frequency 

and a duration sufficient to support, and [that] under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of 

vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soils. Soils present in wetlands generally are classified 

as hydric or alluvial, or possess characteristics that are associated with reducing soil conditions. The 

prevalent vegetation in wetlands generally consists of facultative or obligate hydrophytic macrophytes 
A - 9 

Appendix A 

Terms and Definitions 

that are typically adapted to areas having soil conditions described above. Florida wetlands generally 

include swamps, marshes, bayheads, bogs, cypress domes and strands, sloughs, wet prairies, riverine 

swamps and marshes, hydric seepage slopes, tidal marshes, mangrove swamps and other similar areas. 

WILDERNESS - An undeveloped area of land which has essentially retained its primeval character and 

influence without permanent alteration. 

WILDLIFE - Animals such as birds, fish, insects, mammals, amphibians and reptiles that are living in 

natural or wild environments. Wildlife does not include animals living in aquariums, zoos and other artificial surroundings, or domestic animals such as pets and livestock. 

B - 1 

Appendix B 

Unit Classification System 

Public Land Classifications 

Each land managing agency has a classification system for management of public lands. Classifying 

sites in this way is a management technique designed to make the sites serve the public recreation purposes which are in greatest demand and for which the properties themselves are best suited. In striving 

for such an objective, some compromise is inevitable. Simultaneous use and protection of the resources 

of any given site are not fully compatible. Any use of the site diminishes the quality of the resources to 

some extent, while any resource protective measure will similarly reduce the amount of use possible. 

The intent is to seek a proper balance between the types and amount of use the site may receive and the 

degree of protective management required to insure the long-term maintenance of the resources which 

support that use. Classifying each site appropriately is the first major step toward achieving that desired 

use protection balance. 

Following are descriptions of management classifications implemented by the National Park Service, 

United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United 

States Forest Service, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

National Park Service 

National Park Service (NPS) includes numerous designations and sites and the authorizing Congressional legislation or the president creates all designations and names. The president has the authority to 

proclaim "national monuments” under the Antiquities Act of 1906. Many names are descriptive, such as 

lakeshores, seashores and battlefields, but others cannot be neatly categorized because of the diversity of 

resources within them. In 1970, Congress elaborated on the 1916 National Park Service Organic Act 

declaring that all units of the system have equal legal standing in a national system. 

National Park 

These are generally large natural places with a wide variety of attributes and at times including significant historical assets. Hunting, mining and consumptive activities are not authorized. 

National Monument 

The Antiquities Act of 1906, authorized the president to declare by public proclamation landmarks, 

structures and other objects of historic or scientific interest situated on lands owned or controlled by the 

government to become national monuments. 

National Preserve 

National preserves are areas having characteristics associated with national parks, but in which Congress 

has permitted continued public hunting, trapping, oil/gas exploration and extraction. Many existing national preserves, without sport hunting, would qualify for national park designation. 

National Historic Site 

Usually a national historic site contains a single historical feature that was directly associated with its 

subject. Derived from the Historic Sites Act of 1935, a number of historic sites were established by Secretaries of the Interior, but most have been authorized by acts of Congress. 

National Historic Park 

This designation generally applies to historic parks that extend beyond single properties or buildings. 
B - 2 

Appendix B 

Unit Classification System 

National Memorial 

A national memorial is commemorative of a historic person or episode; it need not occupy a site historically connected with its subject. 

National Battlefield 

This general title includes national battlefield, national battlefield park, national battlefield site and national military park. In 1958, an NPS committee recommended national battlefield as the single title for 

all such park lands. 

National Cemetery 

There are presently 14 national cemeteries in the National Park System, all of which are administered in 

conjunction with an associated unit and are not accounted for separately. 

National Recreation Trail 

Twenty five national recreation trails have been certified throughout Florida offering paddling, bicycling, hiking and walking. 

National Seashore 

Ten national seashores have been established on the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts; some are developed and some are relatively primitive. Hunting is allowed at many of these sites. 

National Lakeshore 

National lakeshores, all on the Great Lakes, closely parallel the seashores in character and use. 

National River 

There are several variations to this category: National River and Recreation Area, National Scenic River, 

National Wild River, etc. The first was authorized in 1964 and others were established following passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. 

National Parkway 

The title parkway refers to a roadway and the parkland paralleling the roadway. All were intended for 

scenic motoring along a protected corridor and often connect cultural sites. 

National Scenic Trail 

National Scenic Trails and National Historic Trails are the titles given to these linear parklands (over 

3,600 miles) authorized under the National Trails System Act of 1968. 

Affiliated Areas 

On August 18, 1970, the National Park System was defined in law as, "any area of land and water now 

or hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through NPS for park, monument, historic, 

parkway, recreational or other purposes." The Affiliated Areas comprise a variety of locations in the 

United States and Canada that preserve significant properties outside the National Park System. Some of 

these have been recognized by Acts of Congress and others have been designated national historic sites 

by the Secretary of the Interior under authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935. All draw on technical 

or financial aid from the National Park Service. 

Other Designations 

Some units of the National Park System bear unique titles or combinations of titles, like the White 

House and Prince William Forest Park. 
B - 3 

Appendix B 

Unit Classification System 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

National Marine Sanctuary 

Under Title III of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, the United 

States Congress authorizes the designation of discrete areas of the marine environment as National Marine Sanctuaries to protect distinctive natural and cultural resources whose protection and beneficial use 

requires comprehensive planning and management. The mission of the National Marine Sanctuary program is to identify, designate and manage areas of the marine environment of special national significance due to their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, research, educational or aesthetic 

qualities. The goals of the National Marine Sanctuary program are to provide enhanced resource protection through conservation and management of the sanctuaries that complements existing regulatory authorities; to support, promote and coordinate scientific research on, and monitoring of, the site-specific 

marine resources of the Sanctuaries; to enhance public awareness, understanding, appreciation and wise 

use of the marine environment; and to facilitate, to the extent compatible with the primary objective of 

resource protection, multiple uses of the National Marine Sanctuaries. 

National Estuarine Research Reserve 

National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR) are a protected areas network of federal, state and local 

partnerships. The estuary reserves represent the wide range of coastal and estuarine habitats found in the 

United States and its territories. Through linked programs of stewardship, education and research, 

NERR enhance informed management and scientific understanding of the Nation's estuarine and coastal 

habitats. The reserves serve as classrooms where the effects of both natural and human activities can be 

monitored and studied. 

United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

National Wildlife Refuge 

The purpose of a National Wildlife Refuge is to "preserve a national network of lands and waters for the 

conservation and management of the fish, wildlife and plants of the United States for the benefit of present and future generations." As long as the goal of wildlife conservation is not compromised, other uses 

may be a part of the refuge formula. Nature study, hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking and other naturebased activities are permitted in wildlife refuges when compatible with the natural resources. 

United States Forest Service 

National Forest 

National forests are large areas of protected open space that are managed for multiple use. The uses permitted in a national forest include consumptive agriculture and hunting recreation, as well as nonconsumptive outdoor recreation activities. Some of the non-consumptive activities available in a national 

forest include backpacking in remote wilderness areas, using an all-terrain vehicle on a designated trail, 

enjoying the views along a scenic byway, or fishing in a trout stream. 

Florida State Park System 

Florida's state park system is made up of many diverse areas held together by only one universally common trait - the ability to provide public recreational opportunity of one type or another. Traditionally, 

these various areas have been grouped loosely into only two categories, parks and historic memorials. 
B - 4 

Appendix B 

Unit Classification System 

Any area without a distinct historical association was by default called a state park. Often this broader 

term was applied indiscriminately to all properties under the jurisdiction of the state parks agency. 

Since 1963, the Division of Recreation and Parks has considerably broadened the scope of its responsibilities in the recreation field. Instead of providing only state parks in the classic sense, the State now 

fully recognizes the need to afford other types of legitimate public recreational opportunities and is actively seeking additional lands for this purpose. Along with the change in program philosophy and scope 

it has become necessary to refine and modernize the public recreational lands classification system. 

 

State Park 

State parks are relatively spacious areas established primarily to preserve and maintain a natural setting 

of exceptional quality, while at the same time permitting a full program of compatible recreational activities, both active and passive. To qualify as a state park, an area must have exceptional natural attributes of statewide or at least broad regional significance. It must have some special quality that will attract visitors from long distances, in spite of closer and more conveniently located recreation areas. 

State Recreation Area 

State recreation areas are sites which are provided to meet the more active recreation needs for the public in a multi service area. A recreation area needs be of no particular size or have any set combination of 

physical attributes. It is preferably located convenient to a highly populated area and is selected to insure 

the availability of the types of recreational resources most needed in its locality. Normally, much more 

intensive use is permitted in a state recreation area than in a state park, although certain included areas of 

exceptional natural value may be set aside for special protective management. 

State Special Feature Site 

A "special feature," for the present purpose, is a discrete and well-defined object or condition which attracts public interest and provides recreational enjoyment through visitation, observation and study. A 

state special feature site contains such a feature and is set aside for controlled public enjoyment. Special 

feature sites are generally either historical or archaeological by type, but may also have a geological, 

botanical, zoological or other basis. As the features themselves are usually small in size, so are the sites 

which contain them, but they may be as large as necessary to accomplish the purpose. State special feature sites must be of unusual or exceptional character or have a statewide or broad regional significance. 

State Preserve 

A preserve is an area set aside essentially to maintain objects or conditions existing thereon. A state preserve in the recreation and parks system is an area designed to perpetuate certain exceptional objects or 

conditions which provide a type of recreational experience which would not be possible otherwise. Usually, a state preserve is rather large and expansive and may in some cases contrast with special feature 

sites purely on the basis of size. Generally, a preserve is designed to save representative samples, varying in size, of natural characteristic of Florida. 

State Ornamental Garden 

Ornamental gardens are sites which have been intensively landscaped, usually in a formal manner, to 

provide aesthetic enjoyment. Such gardens differ from state parks, special feature sites and preserves in 

that their primary recreational attributes are artificially created. Size is immaterial, but the quality of the 

gardens must be such that they attract visitors from a broad area. The development of ornamental gardens as a primary entity is not considered a responsibility of the recreation and parks system, although 

several such areas have been accepted through donations and are maintained generally in accordance 

with their original concepts. 
B - 5 

Appendix B 

Unit Classification System 

State Museums 

State museums, as a separate class, are interpretive facilities which relate to natural, historical, cultural 

or other such interests important to the general locality, but not specifically to the exact sites on which 

the museums are located. In this major respect they differ from museums which interpret the intrinsic 

values of specific sites and which are usually provided as adjuncts of special feature sites. In other 

words, for a "state museum" it is the museum itself and not the site where it is located which is significant. Because it bears no essential relationship to its site, the state museum may be located on any convenient and suitable site within the general area of interest. Such areas of interest may vary from a 

neighborhood or small community to the state as a whole. The site physically supporting the state museum may be of any reasonable size, but should be appropriately adapted to the need and purpose. 

Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas 

Aquatic Preserve

Aquatic preserves were established to protect the area’s resources so that their aesthetic, biological and 

scientific values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations. Chapter 18-20 of the Florida Administrative Code identifies eight goals for the administration and management of aquatic preserves to 

balance the traditional recreational uses, such as boating, fishing and swimming with the protection and 

preservation of the indigenous life forms and habitats. 

Buffer Preserve 

Buffer preserves are publicly owned upland sites adjacent to aquatic preserves that help protect the submerged resources. State buffer preserves are managed primarily to buffer the impacts from stormwater 

runoff and coastal development to aquatic preserves, although the management of endangered species 

and habitat diversity in both the upland and aquatic sites is equally important. Buffer preserves are managed to provide public access and education, to protect archaeological and historical resources, to protect 

and preserve natural species and communities, and to restore natural communities.

Florida State Forest System 

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has operated state forests under the guidance of the Division of Forestry (DOF) for more than 70 years. 

State Forest 

DOF manages state forests to protect and maintain the biological diversity of the many ecosystems 

found in and around the state forests while integrating public use of the resources. Through sound forest 

management practices, DOF maintains the integrity of the forest environment while providing for the 

state's future natural resource needs. In addition, state forests offer recreational activities such as camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing and nature study. The division permits 

hunting on most of the larger state forests and is regulated jointly with the Florida Fish and Wildlife 

Conservation Commission (FWCC) as part of the state's wildlife management area programs. 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

FWCC manages four types of units that provide various levels of outdoor recreation access. 
B - 6 

Appendix B 

Unit Classification System 

Wildlife Management Area 

An area of private or public ownership established for the management of wildlife or freshwater fish on 

which hunting, fishing or other outdoor recreation may be permitted only at such times and under such 

regulations as are specifically provided for each individual area. 

Wildlife and Environmental Area 

Endangered or environmentally unique habitats which shall have as their primary management objective 

the protection and conservation of their endangered or unique resources. Outdoor recreation will be specifically provided for in regulations established for each area when such use does not conflict with the 

primary management objectives. 

Fish Management Area 

A fish management area is a pond, lake or other body of water established for the management of freshwater fish. The commission cooperatively manages these areas with the local county governments. Public fishing and other outdoor recreation activities may be permitted. In many areas, the commission or 

local government stocks these lakes with channel catfish, largemouth bass and sunshine bass. 

Mitigation Park 

In response to some of the problems associated with "on-site" mitigation, the commission authorized the 

development and implementation of the Mitigation Park Program as an alternative wildlife mitigation 

strategy. The goal of this program is to provide development interests with a biologically defensible offsite alternative for resolving certain wildlife resource conflicts. In practice, this program consolidates 

mitigation throughout a geographical region and directs these efforts towards the acquisition of a large 

and manageable mitigation park. Each park is publicly owned and ranges in size between 350 and 2,000 

acres. Management activities are tailored to emphasize the protection and enhancement of habitat important to upland listed wildlife. 

In general, the program is able to increase the biological effectiveness of mitigation while minimizing 

economic costs to the development community. More specifically it (1) provides an opportunity to direct 

wildlife habitat protection and acquisition efforts to the most biologically important sites in a region; (2) 

can consolidate many otherwise small and isolated protection efforts into larger units which maximizes 

resource protection efforts; (3) allows public access and use to mitigation lands that are managed by the 

state for the long term protection of wildlife resources; and (4) from an economic perspective, mitigation 

parks are a cheaper form of mitigation than preserving acreage within a development with developers 

retaining greater use of a project site for development. 
C - 1 

Appendix C 

Outdoor Recreation Agencies and Organizations 

Federal Agencies 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

1849 C Street NW 

Washington, DC 20240 

(202) 208-3100 

http://www.doi.gov 

National Park Service 

1849 C Street NW 

Washington, DC 20240 

(202) 208-6843 

http://www.nps.gov 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Jacksonville District 

400 West Bay Street 

Jacksonville, Florida 32202 

(904) 232-2244 or 1-800-291-9405 

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

Mobile District 

P.O. Box 2288 

Mobile, AL 36628-0001 

www.sam.usace.army.mil 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

1849 C Street NW, Room 3242 

Washington, DC 20240-0001 

(202) 208-3736 

http://www.fws.gov 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 

325 John Knox Road 

Suite F-100 

Tallahassee, Florida 32303 

(850) 942-9300 

http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation 

State Agencies 

Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services 

Division of Forestry 

3125 Conner Boulevard, C-25 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1650 

(850) 488-3022 

http://www.fl-dof.com 

Florida Department of Community Affairs 

Florida Communities Trust 

2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Suite 310 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100 

(850) 488-8466 

http://www.dca.state.fl.us 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas 

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 235 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 

(850) 245-2094 

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Florida State Parks 

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 500 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 

(850) 245-2157 

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Beaches and Coastal Systems 

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 300 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 

(850) 488-7708 

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Division of Law Enforcement 

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 600 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 

(850) 488-2929 

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/law 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Florida Recreation and Development Assistance 

Program 

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 500 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 

(850) 245-2501 

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/OIRS/

default.htm 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Division of State Lands 

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 140 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 

(850) 245-2555 

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands
C - 2 

Appendix C 

Outdoor Recreation Agencies and Organizations 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Office of Greenways and Trails 

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, MS 795 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 

(850) 245-2052 

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt 

Florida Department of State 

Division of Historical Resources 

5000 S. Bronough Street 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250 

(850) 245-6300 

http://www.flheritage.com 

Florida Department of Transportation 

State Bicycle and Pedestrian Program 

602 Suwannee Street, MS 53 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 

(850) 245-1500 

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Safety/ped_bike/

ped_bike.htm 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

620 South Meridian Street 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 

(850) 488-4676 

http://www.myfwc.com 

Northwest Florida Water Management District 

81 Water Management Drive 

Havana, Florida 32333-4712 

(850) 539-5999 

http://www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us 

St. Johns River Water Management District 

Land Management 

32177 Highway 100 

P.O. Box 1429 

Palatka, Florida 32178-1429 

(386) 329-4500 

http://sjr.state.fl.us 

South Florida Water Management District 

Land Stewardship 

3301 Gun Club Road 

West Palm Beach, Florida 33416-4680 

(561) 686-8800 

http://www.sfwmd.gov 

Southwest Florida Water Management District 

US 41 South 

2379 Broad Street 

Brooksville, Florida 34609-6899 

(352) 796-7211 or (800) 423-1476 (FL only) 

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us 

Suwannee River Water Management District 

Land Acquisition and Management 

9225 CR 49 

Live Oak, Florida 32060 

(386) 362-1001 or 1-800-226-1066 (inside Florida) 

http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us 

Florida Inland Navigation District 

1314 Marcinski Road 

Jupiter, Florida 33477-9498 

(561) 627-3386 

http://www.aicw.org 

West Coast Inland Navigation District 

P.O. Box 1845 

Venice, FL 34284 

(941) 485-9402 

http://www.wcind.net

Non-Government Organizations

1000 Friends of Florida 

P.O. Box 5948 

Tallahassee, Florida 32314 

(850) 222-6277 

http://www.1000friendsofflorida.org 

American Planning Association 

Florida Chapter APA 

2040 Delta Way 

Tallahassee, Florida 32303 

(850) 201-3272 

http://www.floridaplanning.org 

Audubon Society- Florida State Office 

444 Brickell Ave., Suite 850 

Miami, Florida 33131 

(305) 371-6399 

http://www.audubon.org/chapter/fl 
C - 3 

Appendix C 

Outdoor Recreation Agencies and Organizations 

Enterprise Florida 

325 John Knox Road, Suite 201 

Tallahassee, Florida 32303 

(850) 298-6620 

http://www.eflorida.com 

Florida Association of Counties 

P.O. Box 549 

100 South Monroe Street 

Tallahassee, Florida 32302 

(850) 922-4300 

http://www.fl-counties.com 

Florida League of Cities 

P.O. Box 1757 

Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1757 

(850) 222-9684 

http://www.flcities.com 

Florida Bicycle Association 

P.O. Box 718 

Waldo, FL 32694 

(407) 898-4137 

http://www.floridabicycle.org 

Wildlife Foundation of Florida 

P.O. Box 11010 

Tallahassee, Florida 32302 

(850) 922-1066 

http://wildlifefoundationofflorida.com 

Florida Defenders of the Environment 

4424 NW 13th St. Suite C-8 

Gainesville, FL 32609 

(352) 378-8465 

http://www.fladefenders.org 

Florida Disabled Outdoor Association 

2475 Apalachee Parkway, Suite 205 

Tallahassee, Florida 32301 

(850) 201-2944 

http://www.fdoa.org 

Florida Native Plant Society 

P.O. Box 278 

Melbourne, Florida 32902 

(321) 272-6702 

http://www.fnps.org 

Florida Natural Areas Inventory 

1018 Thomasville Road, Suite 200-C 

Tallahassee, Florida 32303 

(850) 224-8207 

http://www.fnai.org 

 

Florida Professional Paddle Sports Association 

P.O. Box 1764 

Arcadia, Florida 33821 

http://www.paddleflausa.com/ 

Florida Recreation and Parks Association 

411 Office Plaza Drive 

Tallahassee, Florida 32301-2756 

(850) 878-3221 

http://www.frpa.org 

Florida Sierra Club 

111 Second Ave NE, Suite 1001 

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 

(727) 824-8813 

http://florida.sierraclub.org 

Florida Sports Foundation 

2930 Kerry Forest Parkway 

Tallahassee, FL 32309 

(850) 488-8347 

http://www.flasports.com 

Florida Trail Association 

5415 SW 13 Street 

Gainesville, Florida 32608 

 (800) 343-1882 

http://www.floridatrail.org 

Florida Trail Riders 

PO Box 531071 

DeBary, Florida 32753 

(386) 668-9700 

http://floridatrailriders.org 

Florida Wildlife Federation 

P.O. Box 6870 

Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6870 

(850) 656-7113 

http://www.fwfonline.org 
C - 4 

Appendix C 

Outdoor Recreation Agencies and Organizations 

Leave No Trace, Inc. 

P.O. Box 997 

Boulder, Colorado 80306 

http://www.lnt.org 

National Association of Recreation 

Resource Professionals 

P.O. Box 221 

Marienville, Pennsylvania 16239 

(814) 927-8212 

http://www.narrp.org 

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 

1133 Fifteenth Street, N.W. Suite 1100 

Washington, D.C. 20005 

(202) 857-0166 

http://www.nfwf.org 

National Recreation and Park Association 

22377 Belmont Ridge Rd. 

Ashburn, Virginia 20148 

(703) 858-0784 

http://www.nrpa.org 

The Nature Conservancy, Florida Regional Office 

222 S. Westmonte Drive, Suite 300 

Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714 

(407) 682-3664 

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/

states/florida/ 

Rails to Trails Conservancy, Florida Chapter 

P.O. Box 15227 

Tallahassee, Florida 32317 

(850) 942-2379 

http://www.railtrails.org 

Sunshine State Horse Council 

P.O. Box 6663 

Brandon, Florida 33508 

(813) 651-5953 

http://www.sshc.org 

Trust for Public Land 

Southeast Regional Office 

306 North Monroe Street 

Tallahassee, Florida 32301 

(850) 222-7911 

http://www.tpl.org 

VISIT FLORIDA Inc. 

2450 W. Executive Center Circle, Suite 200 

Tallahassee, Florida 32301 

(850) 488-5607 

http://www.visitflorida.com 
D - 1 

Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

Use Guidelines 

The primary purpose for collecting information on the supply of and demand for outdoor recreation resources and facilities is to estimate present and future recreation needs. Because supply and demand data 

are generally expressed in different units, the application of guidelines is required to facilitate meaningful planning comparisons. This chapter will explain the nature of outdoor recreation guidelines and how 

they are developed and used in estimating resource and facility needs. 

Three types of guidelines are commonly used in outdoor recreation planning. The first type, use guidelines, are employed as a means of stating the amount of use a resource or facility can accommodate under certain conditions. The second type, population guidelines, are used in determining the amount of 

resources and facilities that are required to serve a given population. The third type, site guidelines, are 

used primarily for estimating acreage needs for local parks and recreation areas. Because of the numerous variations in outdoor recreation environments in Florida and the diversity of planning purposes that 

exist, no single type of resource and facility guidelines can adequately meet all outdoor recreation planning needs. Each outdoor recreation supplier should, therefore, select the guidelines that best serve their 

specific planning needs. 

In an effort to develop current and definitive resource-based and user-oriented facility use guidelines, the 

Division of Recreation and Parks and the Florida State University System, Institute for Government, in 

coordination with the Florida Recreation and Park Association and the Florida League of Cities, sponsored research conducted by the University of Florida, Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, to 

collect and examine existing levels of use in both resource-based and user-oriented outdoor recreation 

activities. The 1989 study Recreation Standards for Comprehensive Planning in Florida gathered information from a cross-section of Florida cities and counties on the levels of facility use permitted on outdoor recreation facilities operated by local governments. The results of the study form the basis for the 

use guidelines contained in this chapter. 

The guidelines presented in this plan are intended for broad, statewide application, and make no allowances for localized differences in communities or in specific outdoor recreation environments. As a result, these guidelines may not be wholly applicable in any given instance and should not generally be 

applied without some modification. Local jurisdictions, particularly are encouraged to develop their own 

guidelines to more adequately reflect local conditions in determining recreation needs. The 1989 study 

cited above is recommended for use by local agencies in developing guidelines applicable for use at a 

local level. A copy of the study report may be obtained from the Division of Recreation and Parks. 

Outdoor Recreation Facility Use Guidelines 

The use guidelines in this plan are based on assumptions about the nature and condition of the resource 

or facility being used, and the expectations of the user. They express the amount of outdoor recreation 

demand that can be met by a particular unit of supply under stated conditions of use. They are used in 

this plan as conversion factors to translate units of supply (miles of beach, hunting acreage, etc.) into 

units of demand (user occasions), thus allowing comparisons between the two. Use guidelines have been 

established for 12 resource-based and nine user-oriented activities. 
D - 2 

Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

Use Guidelines for Resource-Based Facilities 

Since local governments do not extensively provide resource-based outdoor recreation opportunities, the 

results of the guidelines study did not produce sufficient data to develop use guidelines for those activities. Therefore, the guidelines for resource-based activities, except where noted, are based on maximum 

levels of carrying capacity developed by the Division of Recreation and Parks for use and protection of 

state park resources. This was done so that the resultant statistical needs for additional resources and 

facilities would be as close as possible to the practical ability of state government to provide them. A 

discussion of resource-based guidelines for each activity follows. A summary of the guidelines is presented in Table D-1 on page D-8. 

Freshwater and Saltwater Beach

Use guidelines for freshwater and saltwater beach are expressed in both linear and areal units of measurement. The average area needed to obtain a worthwhile recreational experience was assumed to be 200 

square feet per person. It was assumed that this same area of beach would be used twice during the same 

day. Therefore, the use guideline was established as 100 square feet of beach per person per day. The 

linear use guideline was set at 2.5 linear feet of beach per person per day, based on an average use of 

five linear feet per person and a daily turnover rate of two. 

Freshwater and Saltwater Piers or Catwalks

The use guideline for freshwater or saltwater fishing from piers, boardwalks, catwalks, jetties or other 

shoreline facilities was based on the estimate that 10 linear feet of pier or catwalk are required for each 

person at any given time. It was assumed that this space would be used an average of twice per day. 

Therefore, the use guideline was established at five linear feet per person per day. 

Boat Ramps - Freshwater and Saltwater

The average number of people in a group using a freshwater or saltwater boat ramp is three, based on 

information obtained from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. It was assumed that each 

boating party will use the boat ramp facility for 20 minutes per day. Thus, during a 12-hour day, an average of 36 boats could use a single-lane ramp. By multiplying the average number of people per boat 

(three) by the average number of boats using a boat ramp per day (36), a use guideline of 108 people per 

ramp per day was calculated. 

Camping Facilities (RV/Trailer and Tent)

The use guideline for recreational vehicle and tent camping was based on an average state park carrying 

capacity of four persons per campsite. A turnover rate of one camping group per site per day was used to 

establish the campsite guideline at four persons per campsite per day. 

Picnic Tables

The guideline for picnic tables was based on an average picnic group size of four people. Since the average picnic table can seat four people comfortably, it was assumed that the average party would require 

one table. A further assumption was made that each table could be used twice per day. Thus, the use 

guideline for picnicking is eight persons per table per day. 

Recreational Trails

The use guidelines for designated bicycle, horseback riding, hiking and nature study trails were based on 

carrying capacity guidelines adopted for the state park system. Since the guidelines for these uses are a 

range rather than a fixed number, the average of the range was used in calculating demand. The use 
D - 3 

Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

guideline for horseback riding trails, eight to 32 users per mile per day, assumes two to eight groups of 

four riders per mile per day. The bicycle trail use guideline of 40 to 80 users per mile per day assumes 

10 to 20 riders per mile per day with a daily turnover rate of four. Similarly, the use guideline for hiking 

trails, four to 20 hikers per mile per day, assumes one to five groups of two hikers per mile per day with 

a daily turnover rate of two. The use guideline for nature trails, 40 to 160 persons per mile per day, assumes five to 20 groups of two hikers per mile per day with a daily turnover rate of four. 

Archaeological and Historical Sites

Based on visitation patterns at a representative sampling of different types of archaeological and historical sites in the state park system, the average number of persons visiting a site at a given moment during 

weekends or weekday holidays was estimated at 20 persons. The average length of time spent at a site 

was estimated to be 40 minutes. The average length of time sites are open to the public was 7.5 hours. 

This established a turnover rate of approximately 11 groups per day (7.5 hours divided by 40 minutes/

group = 11.25). By multiplying the number of visitors in an average group by the daily turnover rate, a 

use guideline of 220 visitors per site per day was established. 

Hunting Land

The use guideline for hunting lands was developed from information supplied by the Florida Fish and 

Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Commission has established a Quota Hunt System for most of 

the state wildlife management areas under its jurisdiction. This system is designed to regulate hunting 

pressure at wildlife management areas during the beginning of the general hunt and selected special hunt 

seasons. Careful consideration is given each year to the condition of the game population and habitat at 

each management area when hunter quota levels are established. The Commission's guideline of 90 

acres per hunter was selected as the basis for a use guideline representing all types of hunting including 

deer, turkey and squirrel. It was assumed that these same 90 acres could be used twice in the same day. 

Therefore, a use guideline was established at 45 acres per person per day. 

Use Guidelines for User-Oriented Facilities 

The use guidelines for user-oriented outdoor recreation activities presented in this section were derived 

from Recreation Standards for Comprehensive Planning in Florida, previously referenced. The purpose 

of the study was to collect information on outdoor recreation facility use from a cross section of suppliers of user-oriented facilities and to develop a definitive set of facility use guidelines that could be used 

by state and local planners. The study also sought to determine if there was a consensus among city and 

county suppliers, the primary providers of user-oriented facilities, on the amount of use that facilities 

could support on the average each day. The study examined what was considered the minimum, moderate and maximum levels of use that facilities could sustain under various conditions, according to local 

government recreation providers. Approximately, 100 cities and counties were selected and surveyed, 

based on their geographic location and population size. 

As a source of information for the study, a survey was conducted to document what the recreation suppliers thought was the amount of use per day that facilities could support under existing conditions of 

operation and management. In a similar manner, the survey also documented the maximum level of use 

respondents thought facilities could support under optimum conditions of operation and management. 

And, the survey sought to determine the maximum level of use on facilities under conditions where no 

operation or management limitations existed. The optimum daily use level, representing the level of use 

that survey participants perceived as the most desirable, was selected for application in establishing the 

use guidelines for this plan. Table D-2 identifies the median value of the survey results for each of the 
D - 4 

Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

nine user-oriented facilities for which information was collected. 

The user-oriented and resource-based guidelines in this plan are intended to apply at the statewide level 

and are not intended to be prescriptive or applicable for any specific city or county. It is recommended 

that local governments further consider any number of specific factors that may affect the sustainable or 

preferred use level for facilities. All guideline values developed for this plan are based on the assumption that the facilities are available for use on an average of 12 hours per day. Adjustments should be 

made for lighted facilities to reflect longer hours of availability. For the purposes of this plan, these 

guidelines were used only to convert units of supply into units of demand in order to compare supply of 

outdoor recreation facilities against demand to estimate resource and facility needs. 

Outdoor Recreation Population Guidelines 

Population guidelines are hypothetical estimates of the amounts of outdoor recreation resources and facilities that are required to support a given population. Generally, population guidelines make no distinction between the varying requirements of different segments of the population, but they can be tailored 

to suit most planning purposes. Such guidelines are widely used to assess community recreational needs 

by determining the minimum number of resources and facilities required to serve the local population. 

When used in concert with facility use guidelines and park/open space site guidelines (discussed later in 

this chapter), population guidelines can prove a useful tool for community-level outdoor recreation planning. 

Florida's resource and facility population guidelines, shown in Tables D-3 and D-4, were formulated 

after extensive analysis of the various guidelines established by community recreation and parks departments, the National Recreation and Park Association, the Florida Recreation and Park Association, and 

various recreation publications. This analysis revealed a large diversity of guidelines upon which local 

government outdoor recreation planning is based. In order to establish general resource and facility 

population guidelines for this plan, it was necessary to synthesize from the several existing guidelines. 

Minimum and maximum ranges were identified for each activity, and median values calculated. 

Outdoor Recreation Site Guidelines

Site guidelines are a set of general criteria for determining the specific types and amounts of park lands 

necessary to accommodate the recreational needs of local communities. The criteria define the acreage, 

facility type and service area requirements for various types of community recreation sites and areas. 

They are most commonly used as a means of expressing outdoor recreation needs, based on population 

guidelines, in terms of spatial and facility requirements. 

The outdoor recreation site guidelines shown in Table D-5 were formulated primarily to provide guidance to local governments for acquisition and development of recreation resources and facilities. They 

are intended to be used only as a general guide and should be adjusted to meet the specific recreation 

needs of individual communities. 

The site guidelines presented in this plan were obtained through synthesis of the guidelines established 

by local government recreation and park departments, the Florida Recreation and Park Association, various recreation publications, and the National Recreation and Park Association. Community resources 

and facilities are divided into two classifications: (1) special-use areas and facilities, and (2) parkland 

areas. Both types have special functions, but they can be combined at recreation areas to provide a wider 

variety of outdoor recreation experiences. 
D - 5 

Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

Special-use areas and facilities meet a large part of the demand for user-oriented recreational activities. 

All segments of the population participate in a wide range of these pursuits, for which opportunities are 

generally provided at special-use areas and facilities close to their residences. Typical areas and facilities 

might include golf courses, tennis courts, ball fields and swimming pools. These may be located in park 

areas or they may be situated individually. 

Parkland areas serve two purposes: they conserve open space and natural resources, and they provide 

outdoor recreation opportunities. Florida is still abound with open space resources such as forestlands, 

grasslands, wetlands, lakes and beaches, although the availability of these resources is steadily dwindling. Conservation of open space through the acquisition of recreation areas is one of the best means for 

maintaining examples of Florida's original domain. Demand for outdoor recreation opportunities can be 

met by providing large parks for such passive, resource-based pursuits as picnicking and nature study, 

and neighborhood or community parks for active user-oriented pursuits such as tennis, baseball and 

shuffleboard. 

Park lands that conserve open space and provide outdoor recreation opportunities can be classified into 

six types, dependent primarily on the size of their service area: equipped play areas and tot lots, 

neighborhood parks, community parks, urban open space, urban-district parks and regional parks. Beach 

access and parking facilities technically do not by themselves satisfy outdoor recreation needs, and are 

not usually classified as special-use or parkland areas. Yet, their acquisition and development is crucial 

for use of publicly-owned beach frontage for which public access is limited or otherwise nonexistent. 

Consequently, a site guideline is included for this special type of support facility. 

Site Guidelines for Community Resources and Facilities

Equipped Play Area and Tot Lot

Equipped play areas and tot lots are open areas with play apparatus for preschool and school age children. It is recommended that an equipped play area serve neighborhoods of between 500 and 2,500 people on a minimum of a quarter acre at a site adjoining an existing recreation facility or elementary 

school. Elsewhere, one acre is suggested. Recommended facilities include play apparatus, landscaping, 

benches and open space. Depending on local recreation needs, picnic tables may be included. 

Neighborhood Park

The neighborhood park is a "walk-to" park, generally located along streets where people can walk or 

bicycle without encountering heavy traffic. It serves the population of a neighborhood in a radius of up 

to one-half mile, and should have at least two acres for each 1,000 population. Its size usually ranges 

from five to 10 acres, and it serves a population of up to 5,000. 

Because the service areas of a neighborhood park and an elementary school often coincide, it is desirable 

for the neighborhood park to physically join the elementary school, when feasible. Both park and school 

serve the same basic population, share compatible land uses, and contain recreation facilities that are of 

mutual benefit. Because recreation needs vary from one neighborhood to another, site design for this 

type of park should be flexible in order to meet the particular recreation needs of each neighborhood. 

Site design should also reflect the character of the neighborhood and incorporate compatible elements of 

both passive and active types of recreation. Typical facilities developed in the neighborhood park may 

include play apparatus, recreation buildings, multipurpose courts, sports fields, picnic areas and free play 

areas. Additional facilities may be added, depending on the recreation demands of the neighborhood. 
D - 6 

Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

Community Park

A community park is a "ride to" park, located near major streets. It is designed to serve the needs of four 

to six neighborhoods. It serves an area with a radius of up to three miles, or a service population of up to 

25,000. A minimum of 20 acres for each community park is recommended, with acreage needs based on 

a standard of two acres per 1,000 population. Where a community park can be located adjacent to a junior or senior high school, a minimum of five acres is recommended. The community park offers a wide 

range of program and facility opportunities for all individuals and families. Just as the neighborhood 

park fulfills the recreation needs of the neighborhood, the community park is designed to meet the recreation needs of the entire community. 

Typical facilities at a community park may include swimming pools, ball fields, tennis courts, play areas, picnic areas, multipurpose courts, recreation buildings, and sports fields. Additional recreation facilities may be included to meet a particular recreation demand in the community. Adequate off-street 

parking may be needed to contain parking overflow from the school parking areas. Two important elements of every community park are the use of landscaping and the provision of passive recreation activity areas. 

Urban Open Space

Urban open space sites are landscaped or natural open areas, located within built-up areas. Depending on 

their location, open space sites may serve populated areas ranging in size from a single neighborhood to 

an entire city. Their principal function is to intersperse congested urban environments with aesthetically 

pleasing buffer areas. Urban open space areas may vary in size from a tenth of an acre to several acres 

depending on their intended use. Some serve as linear, vest pocket or traffic circle parks, while others 

are parkways, boulevard medians, plazas, malls, courthouse squares and promenades. Benches, commemorative structures, trails and paths are optional depending on local needs and the size and location 

of individual sites. 

Urban-District Park

An urban-district park is designed to serve the recreation needs of several communities, a city, or a 

county, and usually provides some areas and facilities that are resource-based. Typical areas and facilities include natural areas, campgrounds and play apparatus. Additional facilities may include a zoo, a 

golf course or a botanical garden. 

Driving periods of up to 30 to 40 minutes may be required to reach an urban-district park, which should, 

when possible, be located on the periphery of a large urban area. Such parks should serve an average 

population of 50,000, with a desirable space allowance of five acres per 1,000 people. While 100 acres 

may meet minimum requirements, a size range of 200 acres or more is desirable. 

Regional Park

Regional parks are large, resource-based areas that serve two or more communities or counties and are 

usually located within an hour's driving distance of the residents they serve. A space allowance of 20 

acres per 1,000 population is suggested. The park should serve a population of over 100,000 and should 

range in size from a minimum of 250 acres to as much as several thousand acres. Because regional parks 

are generally designed for resource-based activities, location is dependent upon the availability of high 

quality natural resources capable of being developed and used for outdoor recreation. 

Typical facilities provided at a regional park include water-based recreation sites, camping areas, hiking 

and nature trails, picnic areas and other facilities not requiring intensive development. Parking areas are 

necessary support facilities and should be designed to minimize adverse effects on the natural environ-
D - 7 

Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

ment. The most prominent feature of a regional park is that it provides recreational opportunities that, 

through the design and development of outdoor recreation resources and facilities, capitalize on the natural environment and promote an atmosphere of beauty and serenity.

Beach Access Site

Access points and parking areas are primarily support facilities for public-owned beaches. In many areas 

beach access is limited to pedestrian paths and raised wooden walkways which extend to the publicowned portion of the beach (that part lying seaward of the mean high water line). Public parking may or 

may not be provided. Sites may range from ten to more than 100 feet in width; parking areas may range 

from less than to more than an acre. The study Recreation Standards for Comprehensive Planning in 

Florida found that approximately three parking spaces are presently provided for every 100 square feet 

of beach at public access points, with a turnover rate of three cars per day (2.75 people per car). These 

figures reflect the median values of all survey responses statewide. A distance of one-half mile between 

access sites has been developed as a guideline for the spacing of public access sites at state-financed 

beach restoration projects as required by Chapter 62B-36, Florida Administrative Code. 
Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

D - 8 

1Based on average carrying capacities and visitation patterns at state parks. 2Average number of people in a group is based on information from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Each boating party uses the boat ramp facility for 20 minutes/day, and during a 12-hour day, 36 boats can use a single-lane ramp. 3The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission developed the hunting guidelines for the state's Quota Hunt System. 

Table D-1 

Use Guidelines for Resource-Based Outdoor Recreation Activities

Activity Area Requirements User Per Unit Of Facility Turnover Rate Guideline

Bicycling 10-20 bicycles per mile 1 user per bike 4/day 40-80 cyclists per mile per day Camping: RV, Trailer and Tent1 3-10 sites/acre 4 campers per site 1/day 4 users per campsite per day Freshwater and Saltwater Beach Activities 200-500 square feet 2/day 100 square feet of freshwater or saltwater Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing (non-boat) 10 linear feet of pier, jetty or

 catwalk per person 

2/day 5 linear feet of pier, jetty or catwalk 

 per user per day 

Freshwater and Saltwater Boat Fishing, Power 1 boat per lane 3 users per boat 36 boats/day 108 users per single-lane ramp/day Freshwater and Saltwater Swimming 5 linear feet of beach per person 2/day Hiking 1-5 groups per mile 2 users per group 2/day 4-20 hikers per mile of trail /day Horseback Riding 2-8 groups per mile 4 equestrians per group 3/day 24-96 equestrians/mile of trail/day Hunting3 90 acres per hunter 2/day 45 acres per hunter per day Nature Study 5-20 groups per mile 2 users per group 4/day 40-160 users per mile of trail/day Picnicking 4 persons per table 2/day 8 user per table per day Visiting Archeological and Historical Sites1 Average visit is 40 minutes

Average day is 7.5 hours 

20 persons at any pointin the day 

11/day 

2.5 linear feet of fres220 user per site per day 

hwater or saltwater 

 sandy beach/user/day 

 of beach per person sandy beach/user/day 
Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

D - 9 

1 Based on a standard community pool measuring 81 feet x 60 feet (4,800 square feet). 

Activity Resource/Facility Guideline

Baseball/Softball Baseball/softball field 120 users per field per day Basketball Basketball court 90 users per court per day Football/Soccer/Rugby Football/soccer field 175 users per field per day Golf Golf course (9-hole) 200 user per 9-hole course per day Physical Exercise (urban jogging and hiking) Linear mile of exercise/parcours trail 100 users per mile of trail per day Racquetball/Handball Racquetball/handball court 40 users per court per day Shuffleboard Shuffleboard court 20 users per court per day Swimming (pool) Swimming pool 1 256 users per pool per day Tennis Tennis court 30 users per court per day 

Table D-2 

Use Guidelines for User-Oriented Outdoor Recreation Activities 
Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

D - 10 

Table D-3 

Population Guidelines for Resource-Based Outdoor Recreation Activities1

1 Population guidelines were not developed for canoeing and boat fishing, which use extensive water resources. 

Activity Resource/Facility Population Served

Minimum Maximum Median 

Bicycling Riding Linear mile of trail 1,500 10,000 5,000 Camping (RV, trailer and tent) Acre of camp area 5,600 25,000 6,750 Freshwater and saltwater beach activities Mile of freshwater or saltwater sandy 

beach shoreline 

25,000 211,200 25,000 

Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing (non-boat) 800 feet of pier, catwalk or jetty 5,000 25,000 5,600 Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing, Power boating, Water skiing, Sailing 

Boat ramp lane 1,500 12,500 5,000 

Hiking Linear mile of trail 5,000 10,000 6,750 Horseback Riding Linear mile of trail 5,000 10,000 5,000 

Nature Study Linear mile of trail 6,250 10,000 6,750 

Picnicking Picnic area 5,000 10,000 6,000 
Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

D - 11 

Table D-4 

Population Guidelines for User-Oriented Outdoor Recreation Activities 

Activity Resource/Facility

Minimum Maximum Median

Baseball/Softball Baseball/Softball field 2,000 10,000 5,000Basketball Baseketball court 500 20,000 5,000Football/Rugby Football/Soccer field 4,000 25,000 6,000General Play Equipped play area 500 15,000 10,000

Multipurpose field 500 10,000 3,750

Multipurpose court 3,000 4,000 3,000

Golf 9-hole golf course 8,000 50,000 25,000

18-hole golf course 25,000 65,200 50,000

Physical Exercise (urban jogging and hiking) Exercise/Parcours trail 10,000 50,000 15,000Racquetball/Handball Racquetball court 2,500 20,000 10,000Shuffleboard Shuffleboard court 1,000 12,000 6,000Swimming (pool) Swimming pool1 1,000 50,000 25,000

Tennis Tennis court 1,067 10,000 2,000Volleyball Volleyball court 4,000 12,000 6,000

1Based on a standard community pool measuring 81 feet X 60 feet (4,800 square feet). 

Population Served
Appendix D 

Use Guidelines 

D - 12 

Park Facility Location Population 

Served 

Area per 

1,000 Population 

Size as a Park 

Adjoining 

School 

Size as a 

Separate 

Park 

Facilities 

Equipped Play and Tot Lot1

Less than .25 mile distance in residential setting 2,500 maximum .5 acre Minimum of .25 acre Minimum of 1 acre Play structures, benches, picnic ar- eas, open spaces, landscaping. 

Neighborhood Park Neighborhood area - .25 

- .5 mile distance 

5,000 maximum 2 acres Minimum of 2 

acres 

Minimum of 5 acres 

Play structures, recreation buildings, court games, hard courts, tennis courts, internal trails, shuffleboard, volleyball courts, picnic area, open area, landscaping. 

Community Park Usually serves two or 

more neighborhoods and .5 to 3 miles distance 

5,000 maximum 2 acres Minimum of 5 

acres 

Minimum of 20 acres; Optimal is 20-50 acres 

All of the facilities found in a neighborhood park plus informal ball fields, swimming pools, archery ranges, disc golf areas, ornamental gardens, open space and facilities for cultural activities. 

Urban Open Space Urban Areas .25 - .5 mile 1 acre Min. of .1 acre Resource-based recreation area. Urban District Park In a large urban area or 

its periphery with 30-40 minutes driving time 

One park per 50,000 

5 acres Minimum of 50 

acres; optimal is 75+ acres 

Play structures, restrooms, trails, nature center, boating, swimming, picnic areas, sports fields. 

Regional Park On the periphery of an 

urban area - 30 - 60 minutes driving time 

>100,000 Population 20 acres Minimum of 250 acres - several thousand 

acres 

Camping, nature and bridle paths, picnicking, and other facilities nonintensive development. 

Beach Access with Parking 

Within .25 mile of urban coastal beach or on its periphery, 1 access/.5 mile of shoreline 

 .5 acre Minimum of 1 

acre 

Walkways, parking and restrooms optional. 

Sports Complex Strategically located 

community-wide facilities 

 Minimum of 25 

acres; Optimal is 40-80 acres 

Ball fields, soccer fields, football fields, tennis courts, play structures, hard courts, volleyball, internal trails, picnic areas. 

Table D-5 

Site Guidelines for Community Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities
E - 1 

Appendix E 

Open Project Selection Process 

Open Project Selection Process 

Grants in aid to local governments in Florida from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund 

(LWCF) program must be administered to assure equal opportunity for all eligible applicants and all 

sectors of the general public to participate in the processes and benefits of the programs. In addition, 

LWCF grants administration must enable the State to insure that the program is directed toward meeting 

the priority outdoor recreation needs identified in the state comprehensive outdoor recreation plan. The 

processes and procedures for the administration of the LWCF in Florida are contained with Chapter 

62D-5 Part VII, of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC). This rule serves to implement Section 

375.021(4), Florida Statutes. 

The rule states that the Department of Environmental Protection shall publicize the dates of the application submission period and other pertinent application information specified in this rule in the Florida 

Administrative Weekly. The Department shall announce additional application submission periods if 

sufficient funds remain after the initial funding cycle. An applicant may submit only one application 

during each announced application submission period. The application may contain no more than one 

project site except for sandy beach access sites. 

The LWCF grants program is administered on an annual cycle subject to federal fund availability. It 

begins with letters that are sent to all eligible applicants announcing the application deadline. The Secretary of the Interior issues the apportionment letter to the governor which notifies the State of the 

amount available to Florida from the LWCF. 

The reoccurring funding schedule is: 

November A public notice is sent to all local governmental entities with the legal responsibility for providing public outdoor recreational sites and facilities. 

March Deadlines for applications for that fiscal year. 

April/May Applications are reviewed, analyzed, inspected, evaluated, and ranked by staff. 

July The State Liaison Officer and staff selects a list of successful projects for the 

available funds. All applicants are notified of the decisions. 

August/September Selected projects are forwarded to the Southeast Regional Office of the National 

Park Service for approval and fund obligation. 

LWCF grants shall only be awarded to grantees for projects that are for the sole purpose of providing 

outdoor recreational opportunities to the public. 

Each eligible project application shall be evaluated on the basis of the information provided in the application and in accordance with the Evaluation Criteria contained in Section 62D-5.072 FAC. Each application shall be assigned a total point score pursuant to this criteria and an eligible application’s standing 

among competing eligible applications shall be determined by the extent to which it is determined to 

meet the criteria as follows: 
E - 2 

Appendix E 

Open Project Selection Process 

(1) GENERAL CRITERIA. 

Points shall be awarded as follows: 

(a) The project implements the applicant’s adopted local comprehensive plan and is included in their 

capital improvement plan or schedule (CIP) during the current or next three fiscal year = 20 points. 

Or 

is included as part of the plan through an adopted resolution committing the applicant to amend its CIP 

and complete the project should it receive program funds = 10 points. 

(b) The extent to which the project would implement the outdoor recreation goals, objectives and priorities specified in the Plan = 4 points. 

(c) The extent to which the project would provide for priority resource or facility needs in the region as 

specified in the Plan = 7 points. 

(d) The project has been considered in the applicant's public participation process = 21 maximum points. 

Points shall be awarded as follows: 

1. Presentation at an advertised public meeting solely for the discussion of the proposed project = 10 points. 

2. Presentation at a regularly scheduled advisory board meeting = 7 points. 

3. Presentation to community organizations, neighborhood associations, or taking of an opinion survey = 4 points. 

(e) The project is for a linear park purpose = 13 points. 

(f) The project is for preservation purposes such as historical, archaeological, or cultural preservation 

and the site has been verified in writing by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources = 7 points. 

(g) The applicant has the capability to develop, operate and maintain the project = 8 maximum points. 

Points shall be awarded as follows: 

1. Has a full-time recreation or park department staffed to provide facility development, programming, and maintenance capabilities = 8 points. 

2. Has demonstrated the existence of a full-time ability to provide facility development, programming, and maintenance capabilities = 4 points. 

(2) DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA. 

Points shall be awarded as follows: 

(a) The project provides for new development of entirely undeveloped property = 5 points. 

(b) The project provides new or additional recreation facilities and opportunities: 

3 or more facilities or opportunities = 15 points. 

2 facilities or opportunities = 10 points. 

1 facility or opportunity = 5 points. 
E - 3 

Appendix E 

Open Project Selection Process 

(c) The project provides renovation of existing recreation facilities: 

3 or more facilities = 13 points. 

2 facilities = 9 points. 

1 facility = 4 points. 

(d) The project provides new or renovated support facilities and improvement to existing recreation areas = 15 points. 

(e) The project provides developed pedestrian access to or along water resources, such as trails, boardwalks, or dune walkovers = 7 points.

(f) The project provides facilities for recreational use of water resources, such as boat ramps, swimming 

docks, or fishing piers = 12 points. 

(g) The project provides a facility identified in the priority of new facilities needs or renovation/ repair 

needs within the applicant's population density set forth in the study entitled "An Infrastructure Assessment of Local Government Recreation and Park Department Facility Needs in the State of Florida" = 12 

points. 

(h) The project addresses the priority of infrastructure funding needs set forth in the applicant's population density in the study entitled "An Infrastructure Assessment of Local Government Recreation and 

Park Department Facility Needs in the State of Florida" identified in (g), above: 

1. Higher priority in Infrastructure Assessment or combination of new construction and renovation/

repairs = 13 points. 

2. Lower priority in Infrastructure Assessment = 8 points. 

(3) ACQUISITION CRITERIA. 

Points shall be awarded as follows: 

(a) The Project assists in conserving and protecting environmentally unique, irreplaceable and valued 

ecological resources such as flora, fauna, natural communities, or other special features identified in the 

“Florida Natural Areas Inventory” = 13 points. 

(b) The project provides frontage on wetlands or water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or oceans = 6 points. 

(c) The project provides for development of facilities identified in the top three priority ranked index 

clusters of outdoor facilities needs for new construction identified within the applicant's population density set forth in the Department's study entitled “Infrastructure Assessment of Local Government Recreation and Park Department Facility Needs in the State of Florida” identified in (2) (g) above = 15 

points. 

(d) The project provides the following pursuant to the applicant's adopted local comprehensive plan = 23 

maximum points. 

 Points shall be awarded as follows: 

1. Needed acreage = 15 points.

2. Needed distribution of acreage = 8 points.
E - 4 

Appendix E 

Open Project Selection Process 

(e) The applicant has: 

Identified development of the property in their capital improvement plan (CIP) or schedule during the 

current or next three fiscal years = 6 points.

Or 

The applicant has included development of the property as part of the plan through an adopted resolution 

committing the applicant to amend its CIP and develop the property should it receive program funds = 3 

points.

(4) TIE BREAKER SYSTEM. 

If two or more applications receive the same score as a result of the above evaluation, the following tie 

breaker system will be used to decide the priority ranking among them. Tied applicants will be evaluated 

according to each step of the tie-breaker system in order and will be assigned their priority accordingly. 

If Step 1 does not break the tie, Step 2 shall be used. 

(a) Step 1 - Funding History. An order of priority among those applications with equal scores shall be 

established based on the per capita amount of funds previously received by the applicant from LWCF 

during the previous five fiscal years. The application from the applicant having the lowest per capita 

amount of funds receives the highest priority. Other applications will be arranged in descending order 

inversely to their applicants' per capita amount of funds received. The resident population within the 

applicant's jurisdictional boundaries shall be utilized to compute the applicant's per capita amount of 

funds received. 

(b) Step 2 - Per Capita Operating Budget. The applicant with the lowest per capita expenditure of general operating funds receives the highest priority. The resident population within the applicant's jurisdictional boundaries will be divided into the applicant's total general operating budget for the applicant's 

current fiscal year to obtain the per capita operating fund amount. 

Applications are assigned a total point score by the Department. A grading report addressing the extent 

to which each criterion has been met is filed with each application evaluated. 

Each spring the State Liaison Officer submits to the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, for formal consideration, a recommended priority ranked listing (in descending order 

of the total point scores) of all program applications evaluated. The list includes the Deputy Secretary’s 

recommendations for program grant awards. 

In order to encourage effective participation by all potential program participants, annual program announcements are sent to all counties and municipalities and other agencies having primary recreational 

responsibilities. Workshops are held periodically to promote program benefits and to explain program 

requirements, particularly the need for local projects to be well supported by local recreation planning 

and public involvement and to support the state comprehensive outdoor recreation plan and action program. 

Technical assistance in preparing and submitting grant applications, site design, planning, needs analysis, management, funding sources, public participation, permitting, and other common needs of potential 

applicants is provided by the Department of Environmental Protection upon request. Further technical 

guidance is given to local governments through Recreation Assistance Program mail outs, telephone 

contacts, lending library services, on-site visits, workshops, and conferences with Department staff. 
F - 1 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

2002 Statewide Outdoor Recreation 

Participation Study Methodology 

Resident Study 

Subjects and Sampling Frame 

In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a statewide survey of Florida residents was conducted via 

telephone to target the residents of the 67 counties. The survey population consisted of adults aged 18 or 

older who permanently resided in this region. The survey employed random digit-dial samples of household telephone numbers in Florida. Stratified random samples of residents within two types of groups 

were asked to participate in the survey. Quotas per county type were created (26,000 completed surveys 

for non-rural counties and 900 for rural counties). 

The sampling frame included 35 counties for non-rural counties (large and medium sized counties) and 

32 rural counties. Rural counties were those with a population of less than 75,000 residents. Non-rural 

counties were those with populations over 75,000 people. A target of 74 completed interviews was set 

for the non-rural counties and 28 completed interviews for rural counties. 

For the purpose of analysis, the sampled counties were clustered based on the population count, in which 

32 counties were designated as small counties (under 75,000), 28 were medium (75,000-500,000), while 

seven were large (over 700,000) counties. In addition, counties were clustered and analyzed based on the 

11 planning regions as designated by the State of Florida, and by coastal or non-coastal characteristics. 

Collection of Data 

A six page telephone interview was developed for the purpose of gathering representative information 

from residents of Florida (see Resident Survey). Data was collected in a computer-assisted telephoneinterviewing laboratory maintained by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR). BEBR 

is an applied research center in the Warrington College of Business Administration at the University of 

Florida, Gainesville. BEBR generates Florida’s official state and county population estimates and projections, develops economic forecasts, collects survey data from Florida households and publishes the 

Florida Statistical Abstract. 

Interviewing occurred on weekday evenings and weekend afternoons during late April to mid June 2001. 

Up to three callbacks were made for each member of the designed sample. A total sample of 3,610 was 

collected. About 59 percent of the interviews were conducted in May, while 37 percent were conducted 

in June 2001, and four percent in April. 
F - 2 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

Tourist Study 

Subjects and Sampling Frame 

In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a nationwide survey of tourists who have visited Florida 

was conducted via a mail-out survey. The survey population consisted of adults aged 18 or older who 

permanently reside in the United States. The data was selected from a convenience sample of respondents who have previously answered questionnaires from D.K. Shifflet. The original D.K. Shifflet sample called the “Traveler Study” is stratified demographically to match the U.S. Census data. This original sample is drawn from a pool of over 700,000 households every month. They have found in their 

“traveler study” that approximately 51 percent of the households returned their questionnaires and approximately 40 percent have traveled. 

Collection of the Data 

A four page mail-back survey was developed for the purpose of gathering representative information 

from tourists to Florida (see Tourist Questionnaire). Data was collected by D.K. Shifflet and Associates 

of Virginia. D.K. Shifflet is a tourism consulting firm specializing in tracking U.S. travel behavior. The 

company is responsible for DKS&A Directions® Travel Intelligences System, the largest most 

comprehensive monthly syndicated database. 

Questionnaires were mailed out May 6th and data were collected until mid June 2001. Questionnaires 

were sent to a select group of households (maintained by D.K. Shifflet & Associates) who agreed to 

participate in on-going travel research. A total sample of 2,659 was collected. Respondents who traveled 

were categorized by the primary county of their destination. 
F - 3 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

Florida Statewide Outdoor Recreation Participation Study- Resident Questionnaire 

(2001) 

County _________________ Month ________________ Phone ____________________ 

Hello, my name is _______________________, representing the University of Florida. The State of Florida is conducting a survey to determine 

the kinds of outdoor recreation activities in which people participate and their opinions about outdoor recreation in Florida. This information is 

being collected to help plan for the public’s use of recreation facilities. This survey should take about 15 minutes to complete. (Please read the 

informed consent form before proceeding with the interview) 

I would like to ask you a few questions regarding recreation activities in which you may have participated during the past TWELVE months. 

Please keep in mind that your responses should be based on your participation in the State of FLORIDA. 

1. What activities did you participate in during the last 12 months? (Check all that apply)

2. Among those activities that you did participate in, which activities did you participate the MOST in 

 the last twelve months? (Indicate the TOP THREE activities) 

3a. Did you use Public or Private/Commercial lands most frequently to participate in Activity #1? 

ACTIVITIES

Saltwater Beach Tent Camping Soccer or Rugby

Freshwater Beach RV/Trailer Camping Outdoor Basketball

Outdoor Swimming Pool Horseback Riding Outdoor Shuffleboard

Saltwater Boat Fishing Hiking Outdoor Tennis

Saltwater-Non Boat Fishing Hunting

Outdoor

Handball/Racquetball

Freshwater Boat Fishing Canoeing Bicycle Riding (paved roads)

Freshwater-Non Boat

Fishing

Visiting Historical or

 Archeological Sites Bicycle Riding (unpaved roads)

Saltwater Boat Ramp Use Golfing Off-road motorized vehicles

Freshwater Boat Ramp Use Baseball or Softball

Nature Study (take nature-walk

or observe wildlife/birds)

Picnicking Football

ACTIVITIES: 1. (name of activity)

2. (name of activity)

3. (name of activity)

Public Lands Commercial Lands Private Lands Don’t know

(County, State, National

Parks, Forest, etc.)

(Commercial campgrounds, theme parks, 

resort golf courses, etc.)

(Backyards, family farms, private hunting

 lands, private lands & lakes, etc.)

If you used Public Lands, was it___________? 

Federally Managed Lands State Managed Lands Locally Managed Lands 

Do you think there is enough access to publicly owned lands in Florida to meet your needs to participate in Activity #1? 

Yes No I don’t know 

If No, ask the following.....Would you like to add any additional comments about this issue? 

 

 
F - 4 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

3b. Did you use Public or Private/Commercial lands most frequently to participate in Activity #2? 

3c. Did you use Public or Private/Commercial lands most frequently to participate in Activity# 3? 

4. Keeping in mind the list of activities that I read to you earlier, could you tell me if there are any activities that you would LIKED to have 

participated in but were not able to do in your city or county? Please rank ONLY THREE ACTIVITIES as 1, 2, 3, in order of importance to 

you. 

(Rank 1, 2, 3, in the order of Importance) 

Public Lands Commercial Lands Private Lands Don’t know

(County, State, National

Parks, Forest, etc.)

(Commercial campgrounds, theme parks, 

resort golf courses, etc.)

(Backyards, family farms, private hunting

 lands, private lands & lakes, etc.)

If you used Public Lands, was it___________? 

Federally Managed Lands State Managed Lands Locally Managed Lands 

Do you think there is enough access to publicly owned lands in Florida to meet your needs to participate in Activity #2? 

Yes No I don’t know 

If No, ask the following.....Would you like to add any additional comments about this issue? 

 

 

Public Lands Commercial Lands Private Lands Don’t know

(County, State, National

Parks, Forest, etc.)

(Commercial campgrounds, theme parks, 

resort golf courses, etc.)

(Backyards, family farms, private hunting

 lands, private lands & lakes, etc.)

If you used Public Lands, was it___________? 

Federally Managed Lands State Managed Lands Locally Managed Lands 

Do you think there is enough access to publicly owned lands in Florida to meet your needs to participate in Activity #3? 

Yes No I don’t know 

If No, ask the following.....Would you like to add any additional comments about this issue? 

 

 
F - 5 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

5. Based on those activities that you would liked to have participated in, could you tell me if there is a reason why you were not able to participate in your three-ranked activities in your city or within your community? 

ACTIVITY #1: 

Interview Instruction:

If the response is time and/or money limitations, please record this but also probe for at least one additional reason. 

6. On a scale of 1 through 5 with 1 being not at all satisfied, and 5 being extremely satisfied, how satisfied were you with the following items 

during the last 12 months? 

(Circle the number that best represents their level of satisfaction)

ACTIVITIES

Saltwater Beach Tent Camping Soccer or Rugby

Freshwater Beach RV/Trailer Camping Outdoor Basketball

Outdoor Swimming Pool Horseback Riding Outdoor Shuffleboard

Saltwater Boat Fishing Hiking Outdoor Tennis

Saltwater-Non Boat Fishing Hunting

Outdoor

Handball/Racquetball

Freshwater Boat Fishing Canoeing Bicycle Riding (paved roads)

Freshwater-Non Boat

Fishing

Visiting Historical or

 Archeological Sites Bicycle Riding (unpaved roads)

Saltwater Boat Ramp Use Golfing Off-road motorized vehicles

Freshwater Boat Ramp Use Baseball or Softball

Nature Study (take nature-walk

or observe wildlife/birds)

Picnicking Football

Reason:

ACTIVITY #2:

Reason:

ACTIVITY #3:

Reason:
F - 6 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

7. What would encourage you to participate or to participate more in outdoor recreation activities within your city or community? On a scale of 

1 through 5 with, 1 being Strongly Disagree, and 5 being Strongly Agree, please indicate one number for each issue that best reflects how you 

feel. 

(Circle only ONE response per item) 

SA=Strongly Agree, AG=Agree, U=Uncertain, DA=Disagree, SD=Strongly Disagree, NO=No Opinion 

8. I’d like to read some reasons why people do not visit parks and public lands in Florida. For each one please tell me if it is a major reason why 

you haven’t visited parks and public lands this year, or a minor reason or not a reason at all. If you are unsure then please indicate accordingly. 

Please respond by either saying MAJOR, MINOR, NOT A REASON or NOT SURE for each of the following reasons. (Circle only ONE 

response per item). 

Not at all

satisfied

Somewhat 

satisfied

Moderately 

satisfied

Very 

satisfied

Extremely 

satisfied

Availability of areas that support the activities 

that you participated in or wanted to participate in 

within your city or community? 1 2 3 4 5

If they indicated 1 or 2, ask them to please 

explain why.......?

 The Quality of natural areas that support the 

activities that you participated in or wanted to 

participate in within your city or community? 1 2 3 4 5

If they indicated 1 or 2, ask them to please 

explain why.......?

The Quality of facilities that support the activities that you participated in or wanted to participate in within your city or community? 1 2 3 4 5

If they indicated 1 or 2, ask them to please 

explain why.......?

ISSUES SD DA U AG SA NO

More Outdoor Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 0

More Information about Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 0

Better Repair of Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 0

Better Security 1 2 3 4 5 0

Increased Accessibility to Parks and Public lands 1 2 3 4 5 0

More Organized Activities 1 2 3 4 5 0

Lower fees required to participate 1 2 3 4 5 0

No fees required to participate 1 2 3 4 5 0
F - 7 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

9. I am going to read you a list of various policy issues not restricted to the State of Florida, please identify whether each issue should be a 

priority for State and Local policy makers. On a scale of 1 through 5 with, 1 being Strongly Disagree, and 5 being Strongly Agree, please indicate one number for each issue that best reflects how you feel. 

(Circle only ONE response per item) 

SA=Strongly Agree, AG=Agree, U=Uncertain, DA=Disagree, SD=Strongly Disagree, NO=No Opinion 

REASONS

MAJOR MINOR

NOT A REASONNOT SURE

Don’t have enough time 1 2 3 4

Have no way to get to the public parks 1 2 3 4

Fear of crime 1 2 3 4

Too busy with other activities 1 2 3 4

Poor health 1 2 3 4

Poor weather 1 2 3 4

Don’t have a travel companion 1 2 3 4

Lack of family interests 1 2 3 4

Don’t have the skills to participate 1 2 3 4

Don’t have enough money 1 2 3 4

Don’t have the equipment 1 2 3 4

Parks are too crowded 1 2 3 4

Public Parks are too far away 1 2 3 4

Like to do other things for recreation 1 2 3 4

Companion prefers to do other things 1 2 3 4

Don’t like to do things outdoors 1 2 3 4

Lack of information about the parks or

 their programs 1 2 3 4

ISSUES

SD DA U AG SA NO

Maintain Current Funding Levels for Public Parks 1 2 3 4 5 0

Increase Funding for Public Parks 1 2 3 4 5 0

Acquire More Land for Public Parks 1 2 3 4 5 0

Increase Accessibility to parks and public lands 1 2 3 4 5 0

Increase Accessibility for people with disabilities 1 2 3 4 5 0
F - 8 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

The following questions are about your background, which will be used for statistical purposes only. The information that you provide will 

remain STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. 

 

That completes our survey. Thank you very much for your assistance! 

10. In what year were you born?

11. What do you consider the area around where you live to be?

Farm, ranch, rural area Urban area

Suburban area Metropolitan area

12. Is your residence within 20 miles of the coast? Yes No

13. What was the highest grade or year of school you COMPLETED?

8 years or less (no high school) Some College

9-11 years (some high school) College Degree

High School Degree

Graduate/Professional School (e.g. Medical, Law School, etc)

14. What is your Zipcode? 

15. What was your household income in the past year?

Less than $10, 000 Between $40, 000 - $59, 999

Between $10, 000 - $19, 999 Between $60, 000 - $79, 999

Between $20, 000 - $39, 999 More than $80, 000

16a. Are you of Spanish or Hispanic origin? Yes No

16b. Do you consider yourself to be?

Caucasian or White Pacific Islander

African American or Black Native American or American Indian

Hispanic or Spanish Multi-racial or Mixed race

Asian Other (please specify)

17. Gender Male Female
F - 9 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

Florida Statewide Outdoor Recreation Participation Study - Tourist Questionnaire 

(2001) 

County ___________________ State ______________ Month 

______________________

The State of Florida is conducting a survey to determine the kinds of outdoor recreation activities in 

which people participate and their opinions about outdoor recreation in Florida. This information is 

being collected to help plan for the public's use of recreation facilities. This survey should take 

about ten minutes to complete. Please read the informed consent letter before you proceed. 

1. During your MOST RECENT TRIP to the State of FLORIDA, you may have participated in 

various recreation activities. What activities did you participate in during your most 

recent trip to Florida? (Check all that apply) 

Among those activities that you did participate in, which activities did you participate the MOST 

during your most recent trip to Florida? (Indicate the TOP THREE activities) 

ACTIVITIES: 1. ____________________________________ (name of activity) 

 2. ____________________________________ (name of activity) 

 3. _____________________________________ (name of activity) 

ACTIVITIES

Saltwater Beach Tent Camping Soccer or Rugby

Freshwater Beach RV/Trailer Camping Outdoor Basketball

Outdoor Swimming Pool Horseback Riding Outdoor Shuffleboard

Saltwater Boat Fishing Hiking Outdoor Tennis

Saltwater-Non Boat Fishing Hunting

Outdoor

Handball/Racquetball

Freshwater Boat Fishing Canoeing Bicycle Riding (paved roads)

Freshwater-Non Boat

Fishing

Visiting Historical or

Archeological Sites Bicycle Riding (unpaved roads)

Saltwater Boat Ramp Use Golfing Off-road motorized vehicles

Freshwater Boat Ramp Use Baseball or Softball

Nature Study (take nature-walk

or observe wildlife/birds)

Picnicking Football
F - 10 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

3a. Did you use Public or Private/Commercial lands most frequently to participate in Activity #1? 

Public Lands Private/Commercial Lands - Don't know 

(County, State, National Parks, (Backyards, family farms, theme parks, commercial 

Forest, etc.) campgrounds, private hunting lands, private lake, etc.) 

If you used Public Lands, was it ______________ ? 

Federally Managed Lands State Managed Lands - Locally Managed Lands 

Do you think there is enough access to publicly owned lands in Florida to meet your needs to participate 

in Activity #1? 

Yes No I don't know 

If No, would you like to add any additional comments about this issue? 

3b. Did you use Public or Private/Commercial lands most frequently to participate in Activity #2? 

Public Lands Private/Commercial Lands - Don't know 

(County, State, National Parks, (Backyards, family farms, theme parks, commercial 

Forest, etc.) campgrounds, private hunting lands, private lake, etc.) 

If you used Public Lands, was it _____________ ? 

Federally Managed Lands State Managed Lands - Locally Managed Lands 

Do you think there is enough access to publicly owned lands in Florida to meet your needs to participate 

in Activity #2? 

Yes No I don't know 

If No, would you like to add any additional comments about this issue? 

3c. Did you use Public or Private/Commercial lands most frequently to participate in Activity #3? 

Public Lands Private/Commercial Lands - Don't know 

(County, State, National Parks, (Backyards, family farms, theme parks, commercial 

Forest, etc.) campgrounds, private hunting lands, private lake, etc.) 

If you used Public Lands, was it _____________ ? 

Federally Managed Lands State Managed Lands - Locally Managed Lands 

Do you think there is enough access to publicly owned lands in Florida to meet your needs to participate in Activity #3? 

Yes No I don't know 

If No, would you like to add any additional comments about this issue? 
F - 11 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

4. Could you tell me if there are any activities that you would have LIKED to participate in but 

were not able to do so in the city or community that you visited in Florida? (Rank 1, 2, 3, in order 

of Preference) 

5. Based upon your above choices, could you tell me if there is a reason as to why you were not able 

to participate in your three-ranked activities in the city or community that you visited in Florida? 

Activity #1: 

Reason: 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

Activity #2: 

Reason: 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

Activity #3: 

Reason: 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________ 

ACTIVITIES

Saltwater Beach Tent Camping Soccer or Rugby

Freshwater Beach RV/Trailer Camping Outdoor Basketball

Outdoor Swimming Pool Horseback Riding Outdoor Shuffleboard

Saltwater Boat Fishing Hiking Outdoor Tennis

Saltwater-Non Boat Fishing Hunting

Outdoor

Handball/Racquetball

Freshwater Boat Fishing Canoeing Bicycle Riding (paved roads)

Freshwater-Non Boat

Fishing

Visiting Historical 

or

Archeological Sites

Bicycle Riding (unpaved 

roads)

Saltwater Boat Ramp Use Golfing Off-road motorized vehicles

Freshwater Boat Ramp Use Baseball or Softball

Nature Study (take naturewalk

or observe wildlife/birds)

Picnicking Football
F - 12 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

6. On a scale of 1 through 5 with 1 being not at all satisfied, and 5 being extremely satisfied, how satisfied were you with the following items during your most recent trip to Florida? (Circle only ONE response per item). 

Not at all Somewhat Moderately Very Extremely 

satisfied satisfied satisfied satisfied satisfied 

Availability of areas that support 

the activities that you participated in 

or wanted to participate in the city or 1 2 3 4 5 

community that you visited? 

If you indicated 1 or 2, please 

explain why ......... ? 

The Quality of natural areas that 

support the activities that you 

participated in or wanted to 1 2 3 4 5 

participate in the city or community 

that you visited? 

If you indicated 1 or 2, please 

explain why ......... ? 

the activities that you participated in 

or wanted to participate in the city or 1 2 3 4 5 

community that you visited? 

If you indicated 1 or 2, please 

explain why ......... ? 

What would encourage you to participate or to participate more in outdoor recreation activities in the city 

or community that you visited in Florida? On a scale of 1 through 5 where, 1 being Strongly Disagree, and 

5 being Strongly Agree, please circle one number for each issue that best reflects how you feel. (Circle only 

ONE response per item). 

SA=Strongly Agree, AG=Agree, U=Uncertain, DA=Disagree, SD=Strongly Disagree, NO=No Opinion 

The Quality of facilities that support 

ISSUES SD DA U AG SA NO

More Outdoor Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 0

More Information about Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 0

Better Repair of Facilities 1 2 3 4 5 0

Better Security 1 2 3 4 5 0

Increase Accessibility to parks and public lands 1 2 3 4 5 0

More Organized Activities 1 2 3 4 5 0

Lower fees required to participate 1 2 3 4 5 0

No fees required to participate 1 2 3 4 5 0
F - 13 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

9. The following items are various policy issues not restricted to the State of Florida, please identify whether each issue should be a priority for State and Local policy makers. On a scale of 1 through 

5 where, 1 being Strongly Disagree, and 5 being Strongly Agree, please circle one number for each 

issue that best reflects how you feel. (Circle only ONE response per item). 

SA=Strongly Agree, AG=Agree, U=Uncertain, DA=Disagree, SD=Strongly Disagree, NO=No Opinion 

8. The following are general reasons why people do not visit parks and public lands or don't visit very 

often in Florida. For each one please indicate if it is a major reason why you haven't visited parks and 

public lands in Florida this year, or a minor reason or not a reason at all for you. If you are unsure then 

please indicate accordingly. (Circle only ONE response per item). 

ISSUES SD DA U AG SA NO

Maintain Current Funding Levels for Public Parks 1 2 3 4 5 0

Increase Funding for Public Parks 1 2 3 4 5 0

Acquire More Land for Public Parks 1 2 3 4 5 0

Increase Accessibility to parks and public lands 1 2 3 4 5 0

Increase Accessibility for people with disabilities 1 2 3 4 5 0

REASONS MAJOR MINOR

NOT A 

REASON

NOT

SURE

Don't have enough time 1 2 3 4

Have no way to get to the public parks 1 2 3 4

Fear of crime 1 2 3 4

Too busy with other activities 1 2 3 4

Poor health 1 2 3 4

Poor weather 1 2 3 4

Don't have a travel companion 1 2 3 4

Lack of family interests 1 2 3 4

Don't have the skills to participate 1 2 3 4

Don't have enough money 1 2 3 4

Don't have the equipment 1 2 3 4

Parks are too crowded 1 2 3 4

Public Parks are too far away 1 2 3 4

Like to do other things for recreation 1 2 3 4

Companion prefers to do other things 1 2 3 4

Don't like to do things outdoors 1 2 3 4

Lack of information about the parks or

their programs 1 2 3 4
F - 14 

Appendix F 

Participation Study Methodology and Survey Questionnaires 

The following questions are about your background, which will be used for statistical purposes only. 

The information that you provide will remain STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. 

In what year were you born? 

What do you consider the area around where you live to be? 

Farm, ranch, rural area Urban area 

Suburban area Metropolitan area 

Is your residence within 20 miles of the coast? 

Yes No 

What was the highest grade or year of school you COMPLETED? 

8 years or less (no high school) 

9-11 years (some high school) 

High School Degree 

What is your Zip code? 

What was your household income in the past year? 

Less than $10, 000 Between $40, 000 - $59, 999 

Between $10, 000 - $19, 999 Between $60, 000 - $79, 999 

Between $20, 000 - $39, 999 More than $80, 000 

What is your race or ethnic origin? 

Caucasian or White Pacific Islander 

African American or Black Native American or American Indian 

Hispanic or Spanish Multi-racial or Mixed race 

Asian ____________________________________________________________________________Other (please specify) 

17. Gender Male Female 

That completes our survey. Thank you very much for your assistance! 
G - 1 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

November 9, 2006 -Lack of water access -ATV 

Guana Tolomato Matanzas -New sports – cricket, lacrosse -Paintball 

National Estuarine Research Reserve -Multi-use fields -Boat ramp refurbishing 

Ponte Vedra, FL -Geo-caching – managing 

 

 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

January 11, 2007 -Canoe trail and outfitters support -blueways trail programs 

DEP Service Center -support for bike trail - pedestrian/bike 

issues 

Ft. Myers, FL 

 

 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

February 15, 2007 -Lack of consistent standards -Additional funding for land purchase 

Lakeland, FL -Open space -Additional funding for infrastructure (restrooms) 

Lakeland Public Library -Environmental lands -Additional funding for management (including 

security, i.e. cameras) 

Larry R. Jackson Branch -Active/passive parks -Shortage of recreation opportunities 

 -Access to lakes/trails -Need all-terrain vehicle parks 

 -Poor understanding of planning process -Equestrian trails 

 -Rural vs. Urban interface -Boat ramps – land acquisition 

 -Funding mechanisms -Neighborhood parks - including lighting (active – 

basketball, etc.) 

 -Lack of vision/master plan -Semi-primitive camping - water available and 

restroom. 

 -ROS, VAMP, VEMP, LAC, etc. 

 -Connect corridors through conservation 

easements, etc. 

Public Workshop Information 

In 2007, the Division of Recreation and Parks conducted 14 public workshops around the state to gather 

public input. The following charts identify the time and dates of the workshops along with the issues and 

concerns expressed at each workshop. 
G - 2 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

March 1, 2007 -Skewed data from atypical year re: 2002 

tourism study (UF) -Competing user/uses conflicts 

Marion County Public Library -Local actions may impact data in SCORP 

– Orange County buying $250 million in 

land 

-Should require a percent of acquisition dollars be 

dedicated to management of lands (i.e. new staff 

and positions) Ocala, FL 

-Potential conflict between locals 

(residents) and SCORP needs. May not be 

the same. 

-Emphasize replanting native plants when exotics 

are removed. 

-Evaluate public lands for further mixed use (i.e. 

equestrian camping) 

 -Issue pertaining to larger counties vs. 

smaller counties in reference to new vs. 

retrofit (points given to grants) 

-Public lands evaluation 

 -Demand exceeds supply 

 -Assurance for proper representation from 

non-government agencies re: horseback 

riding 

-Strengths: Large properties (national forests, 

state parks, forests, greenway, WMD, counties); 

water resources; volunteer organizations (state 

park cso); recreation opportunities 

 

 -Connectivity between local jurisdictional 

boundaries (seamless). 

 -Enhance communications between all 

levels of government for regional planning 

-Water resources 

 -Volunteer organizations (state park cso) 

 -Regional issues affecting outdoor recreation. -Recreation opportunities 

 -Rapid population growth. -Weaknesses 

 -Land cost and availability. -Lack of joint management 

 -Unmanaged recreation impacts on resources -Funding 

 -Multiple managing agencies with overlapping missions. -Lack of youth programs 

 -Water quality (detoxification) -User competition (ATV vs. hikers vs. horses, etc.) 

 -Squatters – long-term winter visitors -Opportunities – Address weaknesses 

 -Cultural diversity demands or variety of 

recreational offerings -Threats – Population growth 

 -OHV demand vs. offered -Activity vs. Activity usage 

 -Accessibility – ADA -Cultural usages 

 -Inholdings – noise/access/trespass -Population 

 -Local/regional political support -DCA comprehensive plans: guidelines; standards 
G - 3 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

April 4, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs 

Conference Room -acquisition of lands -lack of canoeing, biking, & trail opportunities 

Holiday Inn Express -water access -lack of public boat ramps 

 Tampa, FL -ability to partner with other agencies -lack of public community centers 

 -beach access -no dedicated revenue source to support parks 

and recreation improvements 

 -golf courses - Pinellas County -impact fees have not kept pace with the cost of 

park improvement 

 -youth Program / senior citizen programs -not enough senior recreation opportunities 

 -in programs such as OGT, Florida Forever, FCT -boating access, water access in Pinellas Co. 

 -state parks -funding 

 -small funding projects such as ADA resurfacing -available land in Pinellas Co. 

 -funding for multi-site rehabilitation -ADA compliance 

 -resource based recreation -off highway vehicle access and opportunities for 

young kids and senior citizens 

 -nature study -skateboard access with challenging levels 

 -user-based recreation -marina environments/slips 

 -golfing Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 -number and quality of athletic fields 

(regional strength/Manatee Co) 

 -due to increased cost of construction, grant 

funding limits should be increased 

 

 -partnerships with developers, school 

board, YMCA, etc. for Youth Sports 

leagues (regional strength/Manatee Co.) 

 -lack of a coordinated trail connectivity plan 

 

 -county property tax millage dedicated to 

conservation lands (regional strength/

Manatee Co.) 

 -trail signage 

 -2.6 miles of maintained saltwater 

beaches (regional strength/Manatee Co.) 

 -poor communication in available funding programs 

 

 -diverse recreational activities: beaches, 

golf courses, athletic fields, hunting 

(regional strength/Manatee Co.) 

 -funding 

 Strengths of state programs, opportunities: -lack of maintenance funds for state parks 

 -resource-based recreation -FRDAP cap 

 -historical/archaeological sites -funding for Brownfield clean up 

 -grant programs -multi-site rehabilitation 

 -one of the best state park programs 

 -small funding programs for projects such as 

ADA surfacing for playgrounds, renovating facilities for ADA compliance 

 -availability of park development grants 

 -excellent campgrounds & water/river 

access 

 -land acquisition programs (OGT, FCT) 
G - 4 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

April 5, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs 

Leu Gardens -self management in Seminole Co. -not enough trails and connectivity 

Orlando, FL -variety of opportunities -comprehensive plan and zoning inconsistency 

 -community support -land availability (prices from $30k to $70k/acre) 

 -leveraged dollars -huge increases in impact fees 

 -skateboard facilities -sustainability/maintenance 

 -sports facilities for all ages (i.e. pickle 

ball) -vandalism 

 -playgrounds -available land 

 -dog parks -not enough staff 

 -shared facilities (i.e., dog park/ball field 

and parks/school grounds) -need equestrian trails 

 -urban parks -development of parks 

 -lake access -community support 

 -diverse customers -land use guidelines 

 -trails Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 -use of facilities by users from outside the 

local area -few facilities in central Florida 

 Strengths of state programs, opportunities: -focus on beaches 

 -convenience of online services -facilities 

 -staffing -lack of coverage across the state 

 -cleanliness of facilities -lack of equestrian camping - horse tourism is 

very popular 

 -OGT and outreach program 
G - 5 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

April 18, 2007 Strengths of programs, opportunities: Weaknesses of programs, opportunities: 

Miami Shores Community Center -CERP planning process bringing communities together to address regional needs -ADA funding for universal accessibility 

Miami Shores, FL 

 -regulations to safeguard existing recreation lands (80% vote of local government is 

required to sell or transfer recreational 

lands) 

 -public transportation to parks (ADA compliant 

vehicles) 

 -foundations for funding site development -transportation challenges/expense for recreation 

programs 

 -bond program to acquire marinas for 

public purposes 

 -aging (boomers) population creating need for 

facilities for comfort (community center, recreation 

halls, pavilions, etc.) 

 

 -local initiatives to provide amenities 

(trails, docks, piers) to access water for 

non-boaters 

 -lack of constant financial support for maintaining 

parks (chasing bond issues) 

 -pedestrian-friendly access -grants should require funds for maintenance 

 -Miami-Dade County initiative to bring 

governments and communities together to 

develop open space/recreation plan (50-

 -lack of development funding once land is acquired 

 -dog parks 

 -private sector funds for park -not enough boating access 

 development -lack of available land/too expensive 

 -need creative solutions to parking 

 -DERM/CORPS won't allow construction 

 -economic as well as recreation issue 

 -lack of funds to purchase archaeological sites 

 -potential conflicts between recreation and preservation (archaeological sites for example) 

 

 -lack of amenities to facilitate access to water/

canals for non-boating public (piers/platforms, 

etc.) 

 -funding for exotics control and eradication 
G - 6 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

April 19, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

1:00 p.m. -standards of development -need more operational funds 

Elsa R. Kimbell -available resources -accessibility to land and information 

and Research Center -affordability -need educational/interpretive signage 

Jonathan Dickinson State Park -user-based programs -perception 

Hobe Sound, FL -user driven -need to publicize more -- maps and plans 

 -local control/flexibility -lack of connectivity -- properties separated by 

easements, etc. 

 -local community support -dog friendly parks/beaches (off-leash) 

 -coastline parks -programming uncertain (availability of funding) 

 -relationships with boards, etc. and intergovernmental/interagency agreements 

 -special needs of specific user groups (off road 

bikes, equestrian, etc.) 

 -connectivity (multi-modal) -lack of public education about programming/

facilities/opportunities 

 -identification -land ownership 

 

 -Northeast Everglades Natural Areas 

(NENA) program identifying linkages 

(emphasis on greenways assists in linkages) 

Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 -affordability, free access -cost -- park entrance fees, expensive cabins 

 -Crime Prevention Through Design 

(CPTD) standards 

 -educational issues -- burning/ burn bans -- need 

to better educate public regarding benefits and 

purposes 

 Strengths of state programs, opportunities: -lack of partnerships 

 -large areas/sites -fees impede trail systems 

 -nature-based activities -limited number of access points 

 -conservation opportunities -lack of grant availability 

 -Citizen Support Organizations -dependency on federal funding 

 -insufficient law enforcement staffing 

 -need to address geocaching 

 -lack of ATV parks in South Florida 

 -declining boat ramp facilities -- need to be replaced 

 -no net loss for hunting 

 -greenway plans -- lack of ability to connect lands 

 -freshwater boating access 

 General Concerns: 

 -youth violence prevention 

 -deviant sexual behavior 

 -homelessness -- homeless population in parks drives visitors away 

 -escalating land acquisition and development costs restricting purchase and accessibility particularly I coastal communities with boating access demands and beach properties 

 -addressing costs of disaster impacts such as hurricanes, limited funds to reconstruct, and 

impacting general public use and accessibility 

 -one size does not fit all by region; impacts grants ratings 

 -how to account for seasonal populations and their impacts on facilities and space 

 -State mandates, i.e. "enforce water quality regulations" without funding. Formulas and approaches need to be developed for funding of statewide needs and concerns 

 -purchase of development rights to protect conservation properties. How will these lands be 

inventoried when they are not "owned" 

 -tax reduction: potential impacts on acquisition and protection of active and passive resources 
G - 7 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date 

April 19, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

7:00 p.m. -need improved boating access to public waters 

(motorized and non-motorized) 

Elsa R. Kimbell Strengths of state programs, opportunities: 

 -need for greater cooperation and less competition between cities 

Environmental Education -upgrades of existing facilities -increased demand for dog parks not being met 

and Research Center -state parks provide outstanding recreation opportunities 

 -operating hours do not match user requirements, 

need to consider expanded hours (24/7), access 

permits, self-policing 

Jonathan Dickinson State Park -state park cabins are excellent -problems with homeless population 

Hobe Sound, FL -educational opportunities at state parks 

(LIFE program) 

 -lack of formal process to initiate change in operating hours and area access 

 -good meeting facilities -availability of facilities not well know or advertised 

 -state parks web pages have good information 

 -need funds for purchasing and/or developing 

campgrounds -- cooperation between State and 

local governments 

 

 -consider/include all types of boating activities 

and access: ramps, sailing, personal water craft, 

etc. 

 Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 

 -need a cultural change in park management's 

thinking process (ability to adapt to changing circumstances) 

 

 -need to provide information regarding website 

usage to field staff and encourage park managers 

to keep webpage current 

 - push for greater OPS funding to meet staffing 

needs 

 -Reserve America is not a good program 

 -need more input from FWCC and other land 

managers to bolster staffing 

 

 -operating hours do not match user requirements, 

need to consider expanded hours (24/7), access 

permits, self-policing 

 -lack of formal process to initiate change in operating hours and area access 

 -RV use fees are too low 

 -park fee scale should consider indexing in line 

with inflation 

 -availability of facilities not well know or advertised 

 

 -consider/include all types of boating activities 

and access: ramps, sailing, personal water craft, 

etc. 

 General Concerns: 

 -SCORP plan: table 4 needs modification to include slips, overnight uses and transient use 

 -SCORP plan: consider condensing various sections of the plan. 

 -SCORP should be more vocal 

 -lack of campgrounds in southeast Florida 

 -consider opportunities for non-staffed sites 

 -need more creative thinking 

Identified Needs/Issues 
G - 8 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

April 25, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

Santa Fe Room -lots of public lands and state parks in the 

area 

 -lack of funding for facility staffing, programming 

and upkeep 

Suwannee River Water -good access to public lands w/springs & 

rivers 

 -perceived lack of access to public lands i.e. no 

vehicle traffic allowed on some WMD lands 

Management District HQS -canoe trail development -inadequate signage for recreation lands 

Live Oak, FL 

 -REDI waivers have helped small rural 

communities 

qualify for grants to develop and acquire 

recreation 

land and facilities 

 -need for ATV, equestrian & extreme sports facilities 

 -fortunate to have lands left to be acquired 

if the funding is available 

 -visibility of recreation areas needs improvement 

 & better promotion of the area's assets 

 Strengths of state programs, opportunities: 

 -recreation resources and facilities should receive 

better appreciation from citizens - cut down on 

vandalism and abuse 

 -Grant programs & technical assistance Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 -field staff at state parks and recreation 

sites are valuable resources 

 -two-way communications between locals and 

state 

need some improvement 

 -Lack of state staff to work on historic resources 

issues 

 -need more law enforcement staff at recreation 

sites to protect historic and natural resources 

 -there is state funding for acquisition of resources 

but no funding to maintain and protect lands once 

acquired 

 -FRDAP grants give highest priority to saltwater 

activities and non-coastal areas like North Central 

FL communities can't qualify 

 

 - grant programs don't give a high enough priority 

to nature based activities like hunting and fishing 

for areas where those activities dominate to qualify for state grants 

 

 -state needs to survey equestrian trail users to 

get 

a better grasp of the demand within that user 

group 

for equestrian camping & facilities to meet needs 

of 

both riders and mounts. 

 

 -state land managers need to consider science 

that 

refutes the impact of horses in the spread of non-

 

 -state needs to consider economic impact of the 

equestrian recreationists, both residents and visitors who visit FL state parks, forests and other 

public lands either for day trips or long stays 
G - 9 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

April 25, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

Balis Community Center 

 - enormous demand in some areas for 

playing fields for league sports teams (e.g. 

soccer, baseball, softball) gets shortchanged because SCORP state-level and 

broad regional demand assessments upon 

which many community officials rely in 

planning recreational facilities do not reflect 

needs at the micro level. 

 - boating access points do not have adequate 

parking 

Jacksonville, FL -need more handicap access to parks and handicap specific facilities and programs 

Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 

 -need state guidelines for recreational beach 

driving; 

why hasn't the state addressed the safety issue of 

unregulated beach driving? 

 Strengths of state programs, opportunities: 

 -Putnam County got funding to build a 

handicap baseball field & T-Ball facility 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

May 17, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

Florida Department of Transportation District 3 Headquarters  -need to bring bike trails north of 331 

bridge (for recreation and transportation) 

 -do not abandon any waterfront access whether 

river, lake, bayou, bay or gulf (state or county) 

Chipley, FL -Walton County needs more bike trails and 

feeder trails 

 -provide onsite parking with restrooms, showers, 

etc. 

 -multi-use parks -identify all existing waterfront access 

 -beaches -ban jet skis in enclosed waters 

 -community support for recreation -concern about loss of horse trails or being condensed with ATVs and dirt bikes 

 -new facilities -get rid of airboats 

 -available grants -need better trail head parking and access 

 -full-featured park in Cottondale -- not just 

nature appreciation, but activities as well -need bridges and equipment 

 -there is space for park areas in the city of 

Marianna -need right-of-way and access 

 -upcoming Chipola River Greenway project -need more volunteers and publicity 

 -state parks in area -existing trails not wide enough (12 feet) 

 -available grants -multi-trail users are too close on bridges 

 -great improvement in organized use of 

recreational facilities 

 -need funding for restroom facilities in areas open 

for public use. 

 -funding for land acquisition -need ATV trails in each county 

 -Chipola River Greenway program shows 

real promise -need more horse trails with camping facilities 

 -Florida Caverns State Park is a great 

attraction -need more canoe trails 
G - 10 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location cont. Identified Needs/Issues cont. 

 Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

 -need more hiking trails 

 -need more outdoor swimming pools 

 -need more camping areas 

 -need more bike trails 

 -need better communication between agencies 

 -need more land available and affordable for recreation 

 -maintenance and staffing 

 -beach and boater access sites 

 -more parking 

 -need more enclosed, secure storage areas 

 

 -resources! we have interests in outdoor swimming areas, trails, racquetball, jogging, fishing and 

nature study programs, we just need the will and 

the funds to develop programs and areas 

 Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 -need more areas added to the Greenways and 

Trails program 

 -counties not always able to meet the State 

matching requirements - adjust requirements 

 -better publicity for existing areas - produce a 

handbook showing available facilities 

 -need more horse trail riding areas and facilities in 

Northwest Florida, including maps, camping, water 

supply and facilities 

 

 - need more parks similar to Blackwater and Coldwater. These areas have well laid out trails, good 

camping and recreation facilities, but are almost 

always full. 

 -lots of land available, but not accessible to public 

 -more ATV trails 

 -more beach access sites 

 -recognition of multi-modal uses/needs 

 -need closer coordination with the water management districts to develop trails, especially equestrian trials 

 -availability of potable water for equestrian camping and trail activities 

 -need to partner with local governments who lack 

funding for acquisition, development and promotion 
G - 11 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

May 17, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

Pensacola Junior College -equestrian groups (unity) -need trails and equestrian center in Barrineau 

Park (Molino) area 

Pensacola, FL -popularity of parks -need to open waterfront in Eglin for horseback, 

trails and camping 

 -ability to designate where funds should 

go 

 -need to complete Stage III development of 

equestrian center (trails) 

 -length of trails / opportunities for trails 

users -a lot of horses with no place to ride 

 -generally, the facilities are good -need to address need for providing water for 

horses 

 -Escambia County Equestrian Center is 

available for rodeos and other events -hunting appears to have priority over other uses 

 -Coldwater facilities are well maintained -local land managers need funding and grants to 

develop and maintain recreational areas 

 -beach access in Okaloosa County 

 -local government doesn't have professional staff 

that understand recreational issues and that it is a 

sustainable industry 

 -local facilities -lack of planning for more open spaces 

 -opportunities to provide more water management district lands available -not enough equestrian, multi-use or hiking trails 

 -Friends of Florida State Forests accomplishments -lack of outreach to user groups 

 -University of West Florida multi-use trails -access to Escambia River for recreational use 

 -large amount of land being conserved -lack of public pools 

 -Chumuckla Area (for soccer and horse 

use) and Milton Recreation Arena -need to allow horses in water bodies 

 

 -there is a massive opportunity with the 

development of property in the north end of 

Escambia County 

 -need more parking and trailer accessible parking 

 -lots of Gulf-front beach with easy public 

access 

 -trails in Washington County need more potable 

water facilities 

 Strengths of state programs, opportunities: -lack of wagon trail availability 

 -Fred Gannon State Park - very nice park -gaps in trail sections (hiking, biking, etc.) 

 -Blackwater State Forest offers a variety 

of activities -lack of multiple use and compatible use trails 

 -good trail system in Blackwater River 

State Forest 

 -need long distance trails with camping and infrastructure 

 -Florida Forever program -need to provide bathrooms along canoe/kayak 

trials 

 -opportunity for input via public meetings/

workshops -need more volunteers 

 -trails at Coldwater are well maintained 

(go easy on the rock beds though) 

 -there is a need for youth and clean family activities in Escambia County 

 -Eglin Air Force Base multi-use trails and 

recreation -need off-road/motorbike facilities 

 -popularity of horse facilities -need to make available recreational opportunities for home schooler's needs 

 -good rapport with Division of Forestry 

staff 

 -lack of any equestrian trails (state or local) in 

north Escambia County 

 -knowing we have the ability to designate 

funds to our local State facilities 

 -need to improve communication between agencies 

 -transportation enhancement projects -need a pet park for healthy pets 
G - 12 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location cont. Identified Needs/Issues cont. 

 Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

 -need more boat ramps on West Choctawhatchee 

Bay 

 -need more bay-front parks for inlanders 

 -need more vegetation to stabilize shorelines and 

absorb boat wake energy 

 -need to educate users regarding health issues 

and pollution 

 -need saltwater access area for pets 

 Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 -Tarkiln Bayou State Park - great opportunity for 

equestrian use 

 -need to have equestrian access to Perdido River 

side of Tarkiln Bayou State Park 

 -need to increase space accommodations -- bathrooms and showers 

 -not enough facilities for equestrian use/camping/

trails 

 -no access to water for horses 

 -lack of funding and grants to develop and maintain recreational areas 

 -not enough staff to maintain areas 

 

 -need to conduct study to thoroughly investigate 

and determine source of fecal contamination in 

local waters 

 -Coldwater has cut back on food plots -- seeing 

less wildlife as a result 

 -hunting should never be allowed where there are 

horse trails 

 -time involved in process and lack of staff/

resources to support recreational trails 

 -connectivity of public land to cities/communities 

with trails 

 -need to provide 4-wheeler/off-road activities in 

Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties. 

 

 -look into possibility of using Perdido Water Land 

Management Area for horse activities as well as 

camping 

 -need to collect data on number of out-of-state 

horses coming into Florida 

 -horses can't go where vehicles can on water 

management lands 

 -improve methods of gathering data -- state is 

made up of more than just tourists 

 -need to update horse ownership information 

statewide 

 -need to be proactive in land acquisition planning 

 -use requirements are not consistent across user 

groups 
G - 13 

Appendix G 

Public Workshop Information 

Date/Location Identified Needs/Issues 

June 7, 2007 Strengths of local and regional programs: Weaknesses of local and regional programs: 

Dept of Environmental Protection -lower population density in north Florida -threats to local programs: high cost of insurance; 

risk management limits program types; population Douglas Building growth and change in growth patterns -public ownership of springs - good water 

quality 

Tallahassee, FL -many quality multiple-use trails -connectivity of natural habitats 

 -karsts resources abundant but fragile -rising cost of real estate 

 -springs natural resource feature is unique 

and world class -lack of staffing for publicly managed lands 

 -availability of boating access to public 

waters -technology: changing recreation trends 

 -local governments provide activities that 

are not provided at state level, i.e. sports 

 -cultural-based heritage tourism as well as archaeological-based 

 -wide variety of local trails, river access -recreation access requirements differ across 

individual parks - lack of standardization 

 Strengths of state programs, opportunities: -access is under priced 

 -good funding through Florida Forever -ability to purchase land for parks in high-dollar 

areas of the county. This causes a void in recreation facilities located in high-dollar areas. -more progressive and comprehensive 

planning than many states 

 -areas provided for public hunting -lack of programs provided by local governments 

 -Florida National Scenic Trail -lack of staffing at public parks 

 -quality of local state parks, number of 

parks Weaknesses of state programs, opportunities: 

 -pristine rivers from Panhandle to Leon 

County 

 -lack of agency coordination due to complexity of 

organization -- federal, local and State 

 -more karsts features than any other region in Florida -lack of volume, multi-use trails 

 -Big Bend Aquatic Seagrass Preserve 

 -lack of aquatic cave management plans and lack 

of cave access (diving). Need to measure demand 

and revenue generation potential. Past SCORP 

does not reflect growth of cave diving and quality 

of diver training. 

 -state capital 

 -major universities 

 -closest to Floridian aquifer 

 -organized mechanism for volunteers, like 

the "Friends of ..." is useful and should be 

expanded 

 -Diving resources in different areas need to be 

identified clearly considering the fragility of certain 

caves and diving resources. Access to springs 

varies and needs to be laid out clearly to define 

where you can and cannot dive. 

 -the grant programs help develop and 

acquire a lot of parks that would not be 

built without help 

 -many state park and trail facilities (such 

as boat ramps on St. Marks trail, are available to all around the clock 

H - 1 

Appendix H 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

The Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 (PL 99-645), requires each state comprehensive outdoor recreation plan to include a component that identifies wetlands as a priority concern within that 

state. To fulfill the requirements sections of the 2006-2010 Coastal Zone Management Act 309 Assessment and Strategies and a summary of wetland and other surface water regulatory and proprietary programs prepared by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Office of Submerged 

Lands and Environmental Resources in 2007 are used. This addendum identifies the wetlands communities that exist in Florida, discusses major threats to the State's wetlands and describes the wetlands protection and acquisition programs that exist today. 

 

Extent of Florida’s Wetlands 

DEP and the water management districts (WMD) share responsibility for implementing the Wetland 

Resource and Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) programs and sovereign submerged lands authorization for dredge, fill and construction in wetlands and other surface waters. Since 1984, the department and WMD have been independently tracking total wetland acreages permitted to be eliminated, 

temporarily disturbed, improved, created and preserved. The data reported in Table H-1 indicates wetlands gain/loss data as permitted through the department and the five WMD. Data is not tracked by wetland type, therefore, the non-tidal and freshwater acreage cannot be reported by type. 

Threats to Florida's Wetlands 

Human activity and natural factors are directly responsible for the loss and degradation of wetland habitat. In Florida, natural threats such as droughts, hurricanes and natural succession are relatively insignificant when compared to the losses incurred through human actions such as drainage for agriculture, flood 

control and filling for development. Given all the benefits of wetlands, it is important to recognize what 

kinds of activities threaten these important areas. The following information is extracted from the document submitted by the Coastal Management Program of DEP pursuant of Section 309 of the Coastal 

Management Zone Act, which lists and describes direct and indirect threats to Florida’s wetlands. The 

threats to wetlands discussed by the Coastal Management Program can be considered throughout the 

state as a result of Florida’s costal zone that includes all 67 counties and territorial seas. 

Direct and indirect threats to coastal wetlands:

Note: Suppositions noted below on the scope of the threat and recent trends are anecdotal and inconclusive. Sufficient data does not exist to address the scope of the threat or recent trends for the threats identified. Impediments may not be noted in cases where none were identified by agency partners. There is 

no statewide wetlands data available; data referred to is that derived from the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI). The NWI data cannot be compared to state permitting data as the delineation methodologies 

differ and the NWI data is fragmented and outdated. Therefore, an overlying impediment to addressing 

all the threats is the lack of accurate, up-to-date, comprehensive data. 

Threat of Development/Fill: Filling wetlands results in the loss of habitat, marine productivity and 

areas for water storage and groundwater recharge; flooding; increased stormwater runoff and pollution; 

and fragmentation of wildlife corridors.
H - 2 

Appendix H 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

Wetlands Type Extent

(Acres)

Tidal No accurate data statewide 76,020 for NWFWMD1

 55,000 for 

IRL-NEP2

Non-tidal/Freshwater No accurate data statewide 2,176,312 for NWFWMD1

Publicly acquired Wetlands 5,646,890 acres3 

Preserved Wetlands 111,625.33 

Created Wetlands 17,064.614

Improved Wetlands 5

 42,652.23 4

Temporarily Disturbed Wetlands 8,868.4 4

Permanently Destroyed Wetlands 27,329.91 4

Mitigation Bank Credits Used 6,954.66 

Notes:

1 Northwest Florida Water Management District reporting acreage based on DEP Land Cover GIS layers (1994 aerials) and 

NWI information (1971-1992 aerials). Limitations of information noted below in Resource Characterization item 2. 

2 Of the 55,000 acres of coastal (tidal) wetland in the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program system, over 40,000 acres 

were impounded for mosquito control with over 29,350 acres of those impoundments now reconnected via culverts, breached, 

or restored by all parties. In addition, 2,000 acres of wetlands were severely impacted by dragline ditching, also for mosquito

control. Just over 80 acres of these wetlands have been rehabilitated, thereby returning approximately 35 acres to wetland 

elevations. 

3 The Florida Natural Areas Inventory reported that a total of 5,646,890 acres of functional wetlands are protected on conservation lands to date. Of that acreage, 497,890 were added since 2001. Note that conservation lands include conservation easements as well as publicly owned lands. “Functional wetlands” is defined on the inventory’s website (www.fnai.org). 

4 Numbers only reflect the acreages as they were permitted, by DEP and all five WMDs, and do not reflect what was actually 

constructed, or the degree to which such creation, restoration, and enhancement was successful. Approximately one year ago, 

DEP updated its permit application tracking database (ERPce) to allow staff, for the first time, to keep track of such numbers.

Due to resource limitations however, DEP staff are not able to perform compliance inspections of all sites to determine if 

mitigation projects are meeting all success criteria. 

5 Over the last five years DEP’s Bureau of Invasive Plant Management has had success controlling hydrilla in 120,000 acres of 

waterways, and controlling plant invaders on more than 250,000 acres of wetland and upland forest. This acreage is not reflected in the "improved" wetland acreage. 

Source: 2006-2010 Coastal Zone Management Act 309 Assessment and Strategies. 

Table H-1: Extent of Wetlands in Florida 
H - 3 

Appendix H 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

Impediments: Staff has limited tools to rapidly assess functional losses and cumulative impacts. The 

environmental resource program has limited engineering staff to assess flooding potential associated 

with individual single family residential construction. 

Threat of Alteration of Hydrology: Alteration of hydrology can result in loss of wetland functions, 

conversion from a wetland to upland or conversion from one wetland type to another wetland or surface 

water type. Disturbances to the timing of water delivery can also adversely affect wetland functions. 

However, some hydrologic alterations are positive, in that they can also improve natural conditions. 

Impediments: Same as those specifically noted above in development/fill threat. 

Threat of Erosion: Erosion causes sedimentation leading to loss of wetland functions by smothering of 

habitat, food resources and breeding areas. Reduced productivity may result over time if community 

types change and water clarity is reduced.

Impediments: Erosion in itself is not specifically regulated and is only mediated through properly functioning stormwater controls. 

Threat of Pollution: Pollution impacts are far-ranging, depending on the type, nature and quantity of 

the pollutant involved. Impacts can include chronic and acute toxicity of marine resources, loss of habitat and changes to reproductive capability.

Impediments: The complexity of controlling non-point source pollution.

Threat of Channelization: Channelization most typically results in draining of wetlands and direct loss 

of resources.

Impediments: None identified.

Threat of Nuisance or Exotic Species: Nuisance or exotic species primarily affecting Florida wetlands are Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, melaleuca trees and Chinese tallow. Proliferation of those 

species typically results from hydrologic alteration. Wetland impacts may be authorized to address the 

presence of exotic species or the removal of exotic species, which activities may in turn be used to offset 

Threat Significance

Development/fill High

Alteration of hydrology Medium

Erosion Low

Pollution Low

Channelization Low

Nuisance or exotic species High

Freshwater input Medium

Sea level rise Medium

Other Medium

H-2: SIGNIFICANCE OF THREATS TO FLORIDA’S 

WETLANDS 
H - 4 

Appendix H 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

other wetland impacts. DEP’s Bureau of Invasive Plant Management and the WMD administer programs for the control of exotics in waters used for navigation and recreation. 

Impediments: The scale and complexity of the threat and the limited resources available to confront it. 

Threat of Freshwater Input: Freshwater input is essential in estuaries and freshwater wetlands. Adverse effects result when the amount, timing, or quality of freshwater input is changed. Effects vary depending on the change, including alteration of vegetative composition, death and changes to animal 

communities and decline in water quality. This is most notable when “slugs” of freshwater are discharged to estuaries at inappropriate times and volumes. 

Impediments: Balancing the need for flood control while maintaining natural hydrology.

Threat of Sea Level Rise: Sea level rise affects change in community composition, such as conversion 

of freshwater marshes to saltwater marshes and forested systems (mangroves) and contributes to accelerated erosion.

Impediments: None identified.

State Regulatory Efforts 

Florida implements an independent state permit program that operates in addition to the federal dredge 

and fill permit program. The state regulatory permit program is implemented differently, depending on 

the location of the activity. As described below, this includes a statewide regulatory environmental resource and wetland resource permit under part IV of chapter 373 of the Florida Statutes. It also includes 

a mangrove trimming and alteration program under chapter 403 of the Florida Statutes. These are further 

described as follows:

• In peninsular Florida (encompassing the geographic territory of four WMDs, beginning south and 

east of mid-Jefferson County): An environmental resource permit (ERP) program regulates virtually 

all alterations to the landscape, including all tidal and freshwater wetlands and other surface waters 

(including isolated wetlands) and uplands. The ERP addresses dredging and filling in wetlands and 

other surface waters, as well as stormwater runoff quality (i.e. stormwater treatment) and quantity 

(i.e. stormwater attenuation and flooding of other properties) including that resulting from alterations of uplands. This program regulates everything from construction of single-family residences in 

wetlands, convenience stores in the uplands, dredging and filling for any purpose in wetlands and 

other surface waters (including maintenance dredging), construction of roads located in uplands and 

wetlands, and agricultural alterations that impede or divert the flow of surface waters. Issuance of 

the ERP also constitutes a water quality certification or waiver thereto under section 401 of the 

Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1341. In addition, issuance of an ERP in coastal counties constitutes a 

finding of consistency under Florida Coastal Zone Management Program under Section 307 (Coastal 

Zone Management Act). The ERP program is implemented jointly by DEP and the four WMDs, in 

accordance with an operating agreement that identifies the respective division of responsibilities. 

• In the panhandle (encompassing the geographic territory of the Northwest Florida WMD 

(NWFWMD), west of and including mid-Jefferson County): A wetland resource permit (WRP) program under Chapter 62-346, F.A.C. is authorized under Section 373.4145(1)(a), F.S., to provide the 

authority for the department and NWFWMD to regulate stormwater management systems. The remaining components of the comprehensive Northwest ERP program, including isolated wetlands, 

are scheduled for completion in 2008. Until the rules authorized under Section 373.4145(1)(b), F.S., 

become effective, the WRP program remains in effect. This program regulates dredging and filling 
H - 5 

Appendix H 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

in all tidal and freshwater wetlands and other surface waters that are connected (by one or more 

natural or artificial waters) to other bays, bayous, streams, rivers, lakes, estuaries or the Gulf of 

Mexico. It does not regulate dredging or filling in isolated wetlands. Issuance of a wetland resource 

permit also constitutes a water quality certification or waiver thereto under section 401 of the Clean 

Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1341, and a finding of consistency under the Florida Coastal Zone Management Act under Section 307. This program is implemented solely by DEP. 

• An agricultural and dam safety program implemented by the NWFWMD under chapter 40A-4 of the 

Florida Administrative Code. This includes regulating the management, storage and drainage of surface waters associated with agricultural and forestry projects. This program has jurisdiction over 

impacts to isolated wetlands in agricultural lands, and issuance of this permit constitutes water quality certification under section 401 of the Clean water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1341. The dam safety program 

regulates the construction, alteration or abandonment of dams or levees utilized in non-agricultural 

settings.

• The trimming or alteration of mangroves (a tropical tree species growing in the estuaries of middle 

and south Florida, including the red mangrove Rhizophora mangle; black mangrove Avicennia germinans; and white mangrove Laguncularia racemosa) is regulated in accordance with the Mangrove 

Protection Act of 1996 (sections 403.9321-403.9334, F.S.). Levels of regulation include exemptions, 

general permits and individual permits, depending on the number and extent of trimming or alteration.

• In addition to the above regulatory permit programs, activities that are located on submerged lands 

that are owned by the State of Florida (otherwise called sovereign submerged lands) also require a 

proprietary authorization for such use under Chapter 253 of the Florida Statutes. Such lands generally extend waterward from the mean high water line (of tidal waters) or the ordinary high water line 

(of fresh waters) both inland and out to the state’s territorial limit (approximately three miles into the 

Atlantic Ocean, and ten miles in the Gulf of Mexico). If such lands are located within certain designated aquatic preserves, the authorization also must meet the requirements of Chapter 258 of the 

Florida Statutes. Such authorization considers issues such as riparian rights, impacts to submerged 

land resources and preemption of other uses of the water by the public. Authorizations typically are 

in the form of consents of use, easements and leases. This program is implemented jointly by DEP 

and four of the state’s five WMD in accordance with the same operating agreement that governs the 

ERP program. The program is structured such that applicants who do not qualify at the time of the 

permit application for both the regulatory permit and the proprietary authorization cannot receive 

either permit or authorization. 

Federal Regulatory Efforts 

• As described, issuance of a state environmental resource or wetland resource permit also constitutes 

a state water quality certification or waiver thereto under section 401 of the Clean Water Act, 33 

U.S.C. 1341, and, in coastal counties, a finding of consistency under Florida Coastal Zone Management Program under Section 307 (Coastal Zone Management Act). When a corresponding federal 

dredge and fill permit is required, it is issued independently from the state permit by the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers (USACE) after issuance or waiver of the state water quality certification and 

applicable coastal zone consistency concurrence. 

• In addition to the state regulatory programs, Florida has statewide authorization to implement the 

federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program for stormwater. 

Areas of regulation include municipal separate storm sewer systems, certain industrial activities and 

construction activities. The municipal program has jurisdiction over large and medium municipalities. The industrial program covers selected industries and are identified by Standard Industrial 
H - 6 

Appendix H 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

Code. New construction may also require a stormwater permit if the clearing, grading, or excavation 

work disturbs five or more acres of land and discharges to either a surface water of the state or to a 

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. NPDES stormwater permit needed is called the Generic 

Permit for Stormwater Discharge from Construction Activities that Disturb Five or More Acres of 

Land. Copies of the permit, application forms, guidance materials and other information about the 

permit and NPDES stormwater program can be downloaded from the following website: http://

www.dep.state.fl.us/water/stormwater/npdes/. 

• State Programmatic General Permit - USACE has delegated to DEP the ability to issue the federal 

dredge and fill permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for certain activities that qualify for 

an ERP or wetland resource permit or exemption. 

Innovative Features and New Programs/Initiatives: 

• The comprehensive nature of the state program is broader than the federal program in that it also 

regulates alterations of uplands that may affect surface water flows, including addressing issues of 

flooding and stormwater treatment; 

• The state program is in addition to, not in place of or superseded by the federal dredge and fill permit programs. There are no thresholds wherein some activities are reviewed by the state and others 

by the federal government. In essence applicants must get all applicable permits and authorizations 

from both the state and the federal government before beginning work; 

• The division of responsibilities is between DEP and WMD (who have regional ad valorem taxing 

authority); 

• A wetland delineation methodology ratified under state law that is binding on all state, regional and 

local governments throughout Florida. This methodology is specific to Florida, and differs from the 

federal wetland delineation methodology; 

• A statewide mitigation banking program implemented by the department and three of the state’s five 

WMDs; 

• ERP permits that are valid for the life of the system (includes all structures and works authorized for 

construction or land alteration). The ERP permit does not automatically expire after the construction 

phase (typically a five-year period), and continues to cover operation (use of) of the system. 

• A joint permit application form, wherein applicants for a federal dredge and fill permit apply directly to either DEP or the applicable WMD using the same form that is used for the state ERP or 

wetland resource permit. The department and the WMDs then forward the application to the 

USACE for concurrent federal permit processing (which can only be issued after issuance of the 

applicable state permit that grants or waives water quality certification); 

• A program that regulates the trimming or alteration of mangroves; 

• The issuance of a State Programmatic General Permit from USACE to DEP that provides certain 

activities (such as docks, seawalls, dredging and activities that qualify for state exemptions or general permits) that qualify under the state regulatory program also will receive the associated federal 

dredge and fill permit; and 

• A limited delegation of the ERP program from DEP and the South Florida WMD to Broward 

County. 
H - 7 

Appendix H 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

Restoration 

Program Description

Florida’s legislature established the Florida Forever program in 1998 to enhance land acquisition and 

restoration efforts. This program is scheduled to raise $300 million each year during the decade beginning in Fiscal Year 2000-01. Nearly a quarter of these funds may be used for facilities development, 

ecological or hydrological restoration, or other capital improvements to public lands. Most of the ecological and hydrological restoration funds will funnel through the state’s five WMDs, which may spend 

collectively up to $52.5 million annually from Florida Forever funds for these purposes. Each district 

has its own governing board and operation rules and policies, but DEP provides oversight and approves 

all Florida Forever expenditures. In addition to these funds, approximately $10.5 million may be available for capital improvements to the department acquired properties through the Acquisition and Restoration Council, a nine-member board composed of five state agency heads and four governor appointees. 

The Council has not yet fully developed procedures for awarding these funds. However, both WMD and 

the Council’s capital improvement projects must meet goals and measures established in legislation [s. 

259.105(4), F.S.]. 

The state also has a very active invasive plant management program that is critical to its restoration programs. Nearly $34.8 million was appropriated for this effort in Fiscal Year 2000-01. The amount available for invasive plant management is increased substantially through partnerships with other state agencies, WMDs and local and federal governments such that $29,725,376 (includes both uplands and 

aquatic plant control) will be expended in 2007. These funds are allocated based on a priority schedule 

developed by regional working groups in concert with DEP’s Bureau of Invasive Plant Management. 

President George W. Bush and Governor Jeb Bush entered into an historic pact between the state and 

federal government that keeps Everglades restoration on track and ensures long-term protection for the 

“River of Grass”. The agreement, signed nearly one year ahead of schedule, requires Florida to reserve 

water specifically for environmental purposes in order to receive federal funding for the $7.8 billion restoration project. The agreement protects 68 endangered and threatened species as well as the natural resources of the Everglades National Park, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Water Conservation Areas. Everglades restoration is designed to 

recapture over 1.5 billion gallons of water daily that is currently diverted to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf 

of Mexico. The majority of water will be used to protect South Florida’s system, while providing for 

other water-related needs of the region, including water supply and flood control. 

Federal Conservation Reserve, Conservation Reserve Enhancement and Wetland Reserve grants have 

been awarded to the department and the WMDs to assist in funding wetland restoration projects. 

Restoration Program Goals

The Florida Forever program [s. 259.105, F.S.] includes the following goals and measures concerning 

wetlands: 

• Protect, restore and maintain the quality and natural functions of land, water and wetland systems of 

the state, as measured by: 

• The number of acres of publicly-owned land identified as needing restoration, acres undergoing restoration and acres with restoration activities completed; 

• The percentage of water segments that fully meet, partially meet, or do not meet their designated uses as reported in DEP's State Water Quality Assessment 305(b) Report; 
H - 8 

Appendix H 

Assessment and Protection of Wetlands 

• The percentage completion of targeted capital improvements in surface water improvement 

and management plans created under s. 373.453(2), F.S., regional or master stormwater 

management system plans, or other adopted restoration plans; 

• The percentage of miles of critically eroding beaches contiguous with public lands that are 

restored or protected from further erosion; 

• The percentage of public lakes and rivers in which invasive, non-native aquatic plants are 

under maintenance control; or 

• The number of acres of public conservation lands in which upland invasive, exotic plants 

are under maintenance control. 

The Legislature has also established performance measures for DEP invasive plant management program services: 

• The percent of Florida’s public waters where control of hydrilla, water hyacinth and water lettuce 

has been achieved and sustained; 

• The number of new acres of public land where invasive, exotic, upland plants are controlled and 

maintained; 

• The number of acres of public water bodies treated; 

• The number of acres surveyed. 
I - 1 

Appendix I 

Trail Opportunity Maps 

Florida Recreational Trail Opportunities Maps 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) is the 

lead state agency for developing and implementing a statewide system for greenways and trails, and 

serves as administrator of the Florida Greenways Coordinating Council. OGT contracts with the University of Florida GeoPlan Center to identify the best opportunities to protect ecological connectivity statewide and produce a series of trail networks. Working together with agencies, organization and citizens, 

OGT and GeoPlan produced a series of trail maps which collectively serve as a guide for a comprehensive connected statewide system of greenways and trails. 

Several trail option maps were developed as part of a five-year implementation plan for state greenways 

and trails, which in 2004 were reduced to multi-use, paddling and hiking trails and are referred to as the 

Recreational Trail Opportunity Maps. The hiking trail network is the congressionally designated Florida 

National Scenic Trail and did not go through the prioritization process, but the other maps are result of 

statewide consensus and technical input from several sources on what the trail needs are throughout the 

state. 

Because eligibility for OGT’s acquisition program is contingent upon a project being included within the 

trail opportunity maps it is critical that the updated maps reflect current statewide trail planning. OGT 

and GeoPlan produced an ecological connectivity opportunities map which is based on prioritized critical ecological linkages. The critical linkages map serves as the “road map” to guide OGT’s efforts for 

acquiring land to protect hubs and areas threatened by development. 

Updates to the Trail Opportunity Maps take place every four to five years and OGT is currently updating 

and prioritizing the opportunity maps through a series of public workshops as well as providing opportunities via website for community participation in the process. This website is being used to update the 

multi-use trail and paddling trail opportunity maps, and to collect public comment about the maps. The 

hiking map will be updated by conforming it to the planning corridor for the congressionally designated 

Florida National Scenic Trail. 
I - 2 

Appendix I 

Trail Opportunity Maps 

Source: University of Florida Geo Plan Center 
I - 3 

Appendix I 

Trail Opportunity Maps 

Source: Florida Trail Association, Inc. 
I - 4 

Appendix I 

Trail Opportunity Maps 

Source: Florida Trail Association, Inc. 
J - 1 

Appendix J 

Statewide and Regional Participation Projections 

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 958,527 1,042,429 1,533,944Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 362,324 392,283 710,449Canoeing/Kayaking 296,033 319,825 302,639Freshwater Beach Activities 1,121,234 1,222,615 1,211,301Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 251,697 270,863 708,023Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 244,378 263,031 585,273Hiking 792,214 862,937 1,113,855Horseback Riding 203,330 220,622 382,805Hunting 131,735 140,972 240,051Nature Study 2,632,159 2,877,419 2,879,342Off Highway Vehicle Riding 234,620 252,589 540,413Picnicking 2,152,205 2,348,637 2,042,522RV/Trailer Camping 476,241 520,256 718,473Saltwater Beach Activities 8,621,023 9,442,505 5,842,023Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 320,852 347,902 485,252Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 819,473 893,625 758,183Tent Camping 352,566 381,840 460,247Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 2,958,315 3,232,514 4,639,678

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 490,029 531,977 718,174Football 291,578 316,575 355,075Golf 1,105,006 1,208,284 1,181,594Outdoor Basketball 306,215 332,239 395,083Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 39,033 41,770 180,187Outdoor Shuffleboard 294,866 323,129 217,919Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 6,326,369 6,929,292 4,675,134Outdoor Tennis 328,595 357,706 272,632Soccer/Rugby 97,581 104,424 230,049

West Florida

Projected Participants

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 235,036 251,772 267,880Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 145,895 155,969 165,504Canoeing/Kayaking 139,452 150,442 161,556Freshwater Beach Activities 261,451 281,078 300,480Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 215,621 231,190 246,283Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 178,752 190,801 202,053Hiking 194,712 209,024 223,024Horseback Riding 77,194 83,138 89,085Hunting 109,025 115,580 121,275Nature Study 849,864 925,719 1,006,492Off Highway Vehicle Riding 116,493 123,496 129,581Picnicking 555,847 600,993 647,261RV/Trailer Camping 58,246 61,748 64,791Saltwater Beach Activities 1,470,110 1,602,801 1,744,694Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 152,894 164,692 176,508Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 320,811 349,221 379,382Tent Camping 88,116 93,414 98,017Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 704,818 764,132 825,841

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 101,558 107,663 112,968Football 59,740 63,331 66,452Golf 55,259 58,581 61,468Outdoor Basketball 107,064 114,803 122,311Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 22,402 23,749 24,920Outdoor Shuffleboard 7,467 7,916 8,307Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 811,502 883,746 960,601Outdoor Tennis 44,805 47,498 49,839Soccer/Rugby 63,752 68,888 74,133

Apalachee

Projected Participants
J - 2 

Appendix J 

Statewide and Regional Participation Projections 

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 220,731 236,299 250,499Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 122,167 130,080 136,822Canoeing/Kayaking 78,817 83,923 88,272Freshwater Beach Activities 166,830 177,637 186,843Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 157,635 167,846 176,545Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 119,540 127,283 133,880Hiking 173,441 185,945 197,536Horseback Riding 65,681 69,936 73,560Hunting 98,522 104,904 110,341Nature Study 310,185 335,356 360,550Off Highway Vehicle Riding 147,168 157,971 168,111Picnicking 500,788 542,115 583,884RV/Trailer Camping 212,977 231,852 251,680Saltwater Beach Activities 513,925 556,102 598,596Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 116,913 124,486 130,938Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 122,210 131,395 140,159Tent Camping 128,778 138,389 147,515Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 383,748 413,684 442,937

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 161,618 173,357 184,295Football 131,405 141,186 150,457Golf 147,211 159,286 171,448Outdoor Basketball 91,954 97,910 102,985Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 27,586 29,373 30,895Outdoor Shuffleboard 47,333 51,669 56,300Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 492,907 533,723 575,056Outdoor Tennis 36,781 39,164 41,194Soccer/Rugby 28,900 30,772 32,367

North Central Florida

Projected Participants

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 1,277,763 1,406,074 1,533,944Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 592,219 652,307 710,449Canoeing/Kayaking 252,375 278,130 302,639Freshwater Beach Activities 1,008,696 1,109,536 1,211,301Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 590,052 649,708 708,023Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 488,059 537,851 585,273Hiking 927,246 1,019,497 1,113,855Horseback Riding 318,979 351,167 382,805Hunting 200,296 220,901 240,051Nature Study 2,395,349 2,631,304 2,879,342Off Highway Vehicle Riding 450,343 495,835 540,413Picnicking 1,700,258 1,869,312 2,042,522RV/Trailer Camping 597,915 657,123 718,473Saltwater Beach Activities 4,858,663 5,335,262 5,842,023Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 404,603 445,808 485,252Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 631,619 695,132 758,183Tent Camping 383,739 422,798 460,247Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 3,859,440 4,239,105 4,639,678

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 598,237 658,316 718,174Football 296,270 326,750 355,075Golf 983,337 1,080,731 1,181,594Outdoor Basketball 329,653 363,567 395,083Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 150,061 165,080 180,187Outdoor Shuffleboard 181,115 198,701 217,919Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 3,888,166 4,269,531 4,675,134Outdoor Tennis 227,338 250,517 272,632Soccer/Rugby 191,950 211,697 230,049

Northeast Florida

Projected Participants
J - 3 

Appendix J 

Statewide and Regional Participation Projections 

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 445,986 496,879 546,264Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 226,102 252,268 277,398Canoeing/Kayaking 161,282 179,555 197,381Freshwater Beach Activities 556,467 616,722 677,513Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 223,509 249,359 274,197Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 180,464 201,755 221,916Hiking 271,740 302,781 332,879Horseback Riding 80,377 90,163 99,220Hunting 111,491 125,065 137,628Nature Study 736,954 815,094 895,181Off Highway Vehicle Riding 106,305 119,248 131,227Picnicking 769,100 851,836 935,719RV/Trailer Camping 223,004 246,748 271,008Saltwater Beach Activities 1,224,975 1,354,355 1,487,347Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 223,509 249,359 274,197Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 188,243 210,480 231,518Tent Camping 108,898 122,157 134,427Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 983,293 1,088,019 1,194,994

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 154,536 172,670 189,909Football 72,599 81,438 89,618Golf 391,032 433,189 475,861Outdoor Basketball 108,898 122,157 134,427Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 33,707 37,810 41,608Outdoor Shuffleboard 104,240 115,569 126,967Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 1,387,312 1,532,368 1,682,610Outdoor Tennis 84,530 94,140 103,492Soccer/Rugby 41,485 46,536 51,210

Withlacoochee

Projected Participants

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 2,941,858 3,242,540 3,541,752Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 971,653 1,072,761 1,169,994Canoeing/Kayaking 686,245 757,116 826,265Freshwater Beach Activities 2,671,468 2,938,243 3,215,511Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 944,424 1,041,732 1,137,097Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 959,726 1,058,883 1,155,551Hiking 1,890,323 2,080,748 2,275,475Horseback Riding 421,223 464,017 507,088Hunting 280,276 309,283 337,470Nature Study 5,302,022 5,828,492 6,381,435Off Highway Vehicle Riding 652,267 719,539 785,345Picnicking 3,727,993 4,103,495 4,487,564RV/Trailer Camping 1,018,985 1,120,532 1,226,477Saltwater Beach Activities 9,939,754 10,921,632 11,962,762Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 796,635 878,515 959,134Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 1,107,467 1,221,133 1,333,352Tent Camping 796,682 879,482 959,295Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 5,833,682 6,414,875 7,021,554

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 1,044,645 1,152,342 1,257,771Football 512,985 565,958 617,652Golf 2,314,778 2,545,138 2,786,091Outdoor Basketball 1,027,633 1,133,070 1,237,230Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 275,192 303,888 331,373Outdoor Shuffleboard 723,454 795,065 870,714Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 15,694,510 17,234,121 18,887,544Outdoor Tennis 891,677 981,795 1,073,389Soccer/Rugby 348,231 384,436 419,311

East Central Florida

Projected Participants
J - 4 

Appendix J 

Statewide and Regional Participation Projections 

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 623,532 681,472 740,225Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 175,133 190,935 206,019Canoeing/Kayaking 103,471 112,962 122,339Freshwater Beach Activities 296,520 323,391 349,278Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 236,046 257,213 277,147Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 221,714 241,618 260,411Hiking 245,917 268,710 291,705Horseback Riding 68,079 74,075 79,496Hunting 117,804 128,557 139,075Nature Study 711,792 778,640 847,834Off Highway Vehicle Riding 139,302 151,949 164,179Picnicking 651,757 712,562 774,700RV/Trailer Camping 288,036 315,295 343,920Saltwater Beach Activities 907,985 992,868 1,079,961Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 103,910 113,061 121,336Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 139,741 152,048 163,176Tent Camping 103,910 113,061 121,336Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 701,482 767,044 834,279

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 306,391 334,888 363,837Football 125,409 136,453 146,440Golf 473,041 517,728 564,497Outdoor Basketball 128,992 140,352 150,624Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 28,665 31,189 33,472Outdoor Shuffleboard 177,838 194,635 212,209Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 1,294,153 1,416,829 1,546,048Outdoor Tennis 110,637 120,759 130,707Soccer/Rugby 35,831 38,987 41,840

Projected Participants

Central Florida

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 2,361,614 2,554,585 2,748,758Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 763,639 822,789 880,435Canoeing/Kayaking 627,472 676,128 723,577Freshwater Beach Activities 1,480,580 1,605,996 1,734,752Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 491,305 529,466 566,719Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 678,260 731,299 783,293Hiking 1,480,580 1,605,996 1,734,752Horseback Riding 272,333 293,324 313,716Hunting 234,791 251,599 267,142Nature Study 4,080,780 4,446,125 4,832,151Off Highway Vehicle Riding 461,862 497,167 531,289Picnicking 3,407,962 3,700,491 4,002,954RV/Trailer Camping 505,310 549,701 596,160Saltwater Beach Activities 8,072,173 8,806,921 9,589,612Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 672,734 723,883 773,147Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 1,049,977 1,136,349 1,223,592Tent Camping 402,974 432,570 460,428Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 3,908,505 4,249,566 4,605,266

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 1,491,253 1,617,432 1,746,895Football 723,902 782,449 841,012Golf 1,756,246 1,908,119 2,065,767Outdoor Basketball 688,933 742,735 795,436Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 160,085 171,545 182,142Outdoor Shuffleboard 556,477 608,267 664,025Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 7,015,153 7,649,579 8,323,274Outdoor Tennis 657,295 711,821 767,157Soccer/Rugby 245,463 263,036 279,285

Tampa Bay

Projected Participants
J - 5 

Appendix J 

Statewide and Regional Participation Projections 

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 2,016,688 2,235,936 2,459,882Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 381,536 425,698 469,136Canoeing/Kayaking 231,647 259,346 286,072Freshwater Beach Activities 678,620 753,655 829,515Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 297,877 332,273 366,154Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 366,801 409,948 451,983Hiking 760,536 842,548 926,736Horseback Riding 101,088 113,923 125,883Hunting 119,468 134,636 148,771Nature Study 3,042,772 3,353,788 3,683,791Off Highway Vehicle Riding 249,077 279,844 308,973Picnicking 1,922,095 2,127,622 2,339,694RV/Trailer Camping 295,183 327,526 360,405Saltwater Beach Activities 6,251,275 6,885,792 7,561,998Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 428,436 477,697 526,342Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 781,610 868,009 955,372Tent Camping 156,228 176,063 194,547Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 2,566,014 2,836,181 3,117,619

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 661,191 733,157 806,614Football 170,012 191,597 211,713Golf 1,726,414 1,905,386 2,093,623Outdoor Basketball 249,077 279,844 308,973Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 102,989 114,354 125,857Outdoor Shuffleboard 557,408 614,487 674,982Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 5,632,074 6,207,658 6,818,445Outdoor Tennis 554,557 613,841 675,022Soccer/Rugby 125,014 140,030 154,480

Projected Participants

Southwest Florida

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 1,825,358 2,000,380 2,177,696Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 363,105 397,632 430,431Canoeing/Kayaking 257,554 281,965 304,551Freshwater Beach Activities 691,411 757,726 825,065Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 268,216 293,750 318,229Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 268,216 293,750 318,229Hiking 687,526 753,362 819,401Horseback Riding 234,328 256,649 278,156Hunting 94,888 103,882 112,203Nature Study 2,997,242 3,286,243 3,591,238Off Highway Vehicle Riding 189,777 207,764 224,406Picnicking 1,477,710 1,619,334 1,762,332RV/Trailer Camping 247,883 271,490 294,185Saltwater Beach Activities 5,678,822 6,226,794 6,808,145Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 483,203 529,448 575,654Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 625,535 685,271 743,958Tent Camping 210,110 230,024 248,449Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 2,345,424 2,570,856 2,803,360

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 606,193 664,320 723,227Football 182,999 200,344 216,391Golf 2,113,079 2,316,825 2,531,829Outdoor Basketball 366,989 401,997 436,095Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 74,555 81,622 88,159Outdoor Shuffleboard 242,097 265,379 289,483Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 5,566,494 6,103,707 6,674,250Outdoor Tennis 726,291 796,136 868,450Soccer/Rugby 169,443 185,504 200,362

Projected Participants

Treasure Coast
J - 6 

Appendix J 

Statewide and Regional Participation Projections 

Resource-Based 2010 2015 2020

Bicycle Riding-Paved Trails 3,345,259 3,563,241 3,777,780Bicycle Riding-Unpaved Trails 1,178,473 1,247,279 1,312,253Canoeing/Kayaking 957,693 1,022,366 1,086,798Freshwater Beach Activities 1,664,404 1,793,963 1,928,731Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 307,636 326,555 344,786Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 463,641 493,140 521,928Hiking 1,586,297 1,705,555 1,828,394Horseback Riding 281,600 297,085 311,340Hunting 238,277 251,380 263,442Nature Study 5,548,502 6,003,747 6,484,015Off Highway Vehicle Riding 710,667 757,753 804,363Picnicking 4,186,941 4,509,261 4,843,507RV/Trailer Camping 541,749 581,548 622,265Saltwater Beach Activities 12,381,294 13,454,492 14,602,336Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 1,438,622 1,531,742 1,623,178Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 1,772,294 1,887,766 2,001,410Tent Camping 970,606 1,031,986 1,091,754Visiting Historical or Archaeological Sites 6,549,936 7,092,279 7,665,779

User-Oriented

Baseball/Softball 1,490,902 1,600,911 1,713,603Football 1,001,016 1,068,071 1,134,696Golf 2,132,629 2,303,950 2,483,689Outdoor Basketball 1,226,171 1,299,601 1,369,648Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 398,657 424,582 450,080Outdoor Shuffleboard 537,584 585,162 636,302Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 11,648,965 12,673,886 13,774,025Outdoor Tennis 1,538,600 1,653,233 1,770,998Soccer/Rugby 533,000 568,315 603,272

Projected Participants

South Florida
K - 1 

Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

A Technical Explanation of the Methodology for Developing 

the Relative Need Index 

“Relative need” expresses the relationship among all outdoor recreation resource and facility 

needs--how the needs in any one activity in any one region compare to the needs for all activities in all regions. The relative need index provides a priority ranking of all these activities after 

a comparative analysis has been accomplished. 

The Relative Need Index For All Suppliers of Outdoor Recreation 

Opportunity-Methodology 

Given: There are 25 activities in 11 regions. 

Step 1: Multiply the resource and facility needs for each activity in each region found in Chapter 5 by the appropriate activity use guidelines found in Appendix D. This is done to 

convert the resources and facilities needed for each activity, which are expressed in 

terms of different units (miles, ramps, sites, etc.) to a common unit. The highest daily 

use recommendations for each activity are used. 

Formula for Step 1: 

Relative Need Index Number = Projected activity resource or facility requirements 

 X 

 Corresponding activity use guideline 

Step 2: Rank all the activities by the relative need index numbers from highest to lowest. 

The relative need indices for 2010, 2015 and 2020 are located in Tables K-1 through K-3. Each table 

includes the relative need index number, statewide ranking and the activity’s region. Tables K-4 through 

K-14 condense the large statewide relative need index tables into regional tables. The regional tables 

rank activities from highest to lowest according to the statewide ranking. Each table provides the statewide ranking and relative need index number for 2010, 2015 and 2020. The tables offer a smaller, more 

manageable reference tool for researching relative needs for a specific region. 

Each index has a total of 272 activities. Saltwater activities in the non-coastal Central Florida Region are 

excluded. Also, a relative need index number for off-highway vehicle trails cannot be calculated because 

a use guideline for off-highway vehicle riding was not established in the Recreation Standards for Comprehensive Planning in Florida study. In addition, canoeing and kayaking, saltwater boat fishing and 

freshwater boat fishing are not included due to the virtually unlimited resources available for each activity. 
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 2 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

1 Picnicking 6 8270 36 Soccer or Rugby 6 21262 RV/Trailer Camping 6 5540 37 Saltwater Beach Activities 4 20983 Picnicking 9 5257 38 Horseback Riding 6 20424 Picnicking 8 4899 39 Baseball or Softball 1 19885 Saltwater Beach Activities 1 4734 40 Saltwater Beach Activities 2 19866 RV/Trailer Camping 9 4389 41 Saltwater Beach Activities 8 19607 Football 6 4318 42 Picnicking 1 19038 RV/Trailer Camping 8 4081 43 Outdoor Tennis 11 18529 Baseball or Softball 6 4007 44 Golf 6 1844

10 RV/Trailer Camping 7 3772 45 Football 5 181811 Football 10 3523 46 RV/Trailer Camping 5 178912 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 11 3470 47 Picnicking 10 176813 Picnicking 11 3429 48 Nature Study 2 175914 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 6 3150 49 Nature Study 5 173815 Baseball or Softball 8 3036 50 Baseball or Softball 5 170116 Football 11 3002 51 Outdoor Tennis 10 168717 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 4 2942 52 Golf 11 165818 Picnicking 7 2892 53 Football 9 164419 Saltwater Beach Activities 9 2864 54 Baseball or Softball 7 164220 Golf 10 2806 55 Football 1 164021 Baseball or Softball 4 2799 56 Nature Study 9 163622 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 9 2722 57 Baseball or Softball 9 163223 Football 8 2702 58 Saltwater Beach Activities 10 162324 Baseball or Softball 10 2651 59 Outdoor Basketball 11 159125 Baseball or Softball 11 2613 60 Picnicking 4 158126 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 8 2579 61 Golf 8 158127 Nature Study 6 2563 62 Outdoor Basketball 10 155328 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 6 2560 63 Outdoor Tennis 6 155329 Outdoor Basketball 6 2496 64 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 6 151930 Picnicking 5 2464 65 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 6 151731 Saltwater Beach Activities 11 2438 66 Football 3 144432 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 10 2224 67 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 11 143733 Saltwater Beach Activities 6 2194 68 Outdoor Basketball 8 142334 Football 4 2169 69 RV/Trailer Camping 11 139635 Golf 9 2167 70 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 2 1387

Table K - 1

2010 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 3 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

71 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 4 1353 106 Soccer or Rugby 10 84472 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 7 1312 107 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 5 84273 Nature Study 11 1307 108 Freshwater Beach Activities 8 83974 Outdoor Tennis 8 1293 109 Outdoor Basketball 9 82975 Soccer or Rugby 11 1291 110 Baseball or Softball 3 82876 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 6 1280 111 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 5 82677 Outdoor Basketball 4 1238 112 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 6 81678 Picnicking 3 1185 113 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 11 81379 Outdoor Tennis 9 1167 114 Horseback Riding 4 79480 Nature Study 4 1163 115 Golf 1 79081 Nature Study 3 1152 116 Outdoor Shuffleboard 6 77982 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 5 1145 117 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 6 77483 Nature Study 7 1144 118 Soccer or Rugby 9 77284 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 1 1133 119 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 11 77285 Soccer or Rugby 8 1109 120 RV/Trailer Camping 1 76886 Nature Study 8 1095 121 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 9 76787 Golf 4 1077 122 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 1 76488 RV/Trailer Camping 10 1045 123 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 11 76389 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 7 1043 124 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 4 76090 Outdoor Basketball 5 1038 125 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 2 75791 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 1 1033 126 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 8 75292 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 8 991 127 Tent Camping 6 74693 Soccer or Rugby 5 972 128 Outdoor Tennis 4 74694 Soccer or Rugby 4 953 129 Horseback Riding 3 73395 Baseball or Softball 2 950 130 RV/Trailer Camping 4 73296 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 9 948 131 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 4 731

97 Horseback Riding 5 947 132 Horseback Riding 8 72298 Picnicking 2 933 133 Nature Study 10 70899 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 9 933 134 Outdoor Basketball 3 700

100 Soccer or Rugby 3 924 135 Soccer or Rugby 1 696101 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 5 913 136 Horseback Riding 7 693102 Football 7 894 137 Football 2 692103 Hunting 9 871 138 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 9 688104 Golf 7 865 139 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 6 684105 Outdoor Shuffleboard 8 849 140 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 8 677

Table K -1 (continued)

2010 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 4 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

141 Outdoor Basketball 7 673 176 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 2 430142 Golf 5 664 177 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 3 429143 RV/Trailer Camping 3 663 178 Hiking 6 422144 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 9 660 179 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 2 420145 Hunting 2 650 180 Soccer or Rugby 2 418146 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 1 641 181 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 10 411147 Tent Camping 5 636 182 Hunting 1 410148 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 8 628 183 Outdoor Tennis 7 400149 Nature Study 1 624 184 Freshwater Beach Activities 6 399150 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 9 619 185 Hunting 6 390151 Hunting 5 601 186 Freshwater Beach Activities 10 388152 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 3 600 187 Hiking 2 373153 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 7 584 188 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 11 368154 Horseback Riding 10 580 189 Outdoor Basketball 2 367155 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 3 573 190 Outdoor Shuffleboard 11 366156 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 1 534 191 Hiking 4 357157 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 9 527 192 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 5 357158 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 3 525 193 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 8 346159 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 6 517 194 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 8 332160 Outdoor Tennis 1 516 195 Outdoor Shuffleboard 10 327161 Outdoor Basketball 1 509 196 Hunting 11 325162 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 10 509 197 Hiking 3 318163 Hiking 5 508 198 Hunting 4 312164 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 11 506 199 Hiking 7 308165 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 10 488 200 RV/Trailer Camping 2 302166 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 7 488 201 Outdoor Tennis 5 301167 Outdoor Shuffleboard 7 485 202 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 4 300168 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 4 482 203 Hiking 10 293169 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 10 469 204 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 10 290170 Outdoor Shuffleboard 9 469 205 Horseback Riding 11 280171 Horseback Riding 9 465 206 Hunting 10 279172 Soccer or Rugby 7 453 207 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 4 266173 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 10 443 208 Hiking 8 260174 Hiking 9 437 209 Tent Camping 1 260175 Horseback Riding 2 432 210 Tent Camping 9 251

Table K - 1 (continued)

2010 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 5 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

211 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 5 248 246 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 3 124212 Hiking 11 246 247 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 5 118213 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 10 237 248 Tent Camping 10 117214 Horseback Riding 1 237 249 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 7 115215 Hunting 3 236 250 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 2 110216 Tent Camping 3 225 251 Freshwater Beach Activities 9 91217 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 4 225 252 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 5 91218 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 8 224 253 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 3 91219 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 1 222 254 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 3 91220 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 2 219 255 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 1 88221 Hiking 1 212 256 Freshwater Beach Activities 11 85222 Tent Camping 4 210 257 Freshwater Beach Activities 1 84223 Tent Camping 2 208 258 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 2 80224 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 1 204 259 Outdoor Shuffleboard 4 78225 Outdoor Tennis 2 204 260 Outdoor Shuffleboard 1 77226 Outdoor Shuffleboard 5 201 261 Freshwater Beach Activities 5 72227 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 7 192 262 Freshwater Beach Activities 4 59228 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 5 188 263 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 1 58229 Golf 2 185 264 Freshwater Beach Activities 2 48230 Outdoor Tennis 3 183 265 Freshwater Beach Activities 3 45231 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 3 179 266 Hunting 7 40232 Golf 3 168 267 Outdoor Shuffleboard 3 37233 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 7 164 268 Hunting 8 36234 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 10 155 269 Saltwater Beach Activities 5 18235 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 11 150 270 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 3 17236 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 9 149 271 Outdoor Shuffleboard 2 9237 Tent Camping 8 135 272 Saltwater Beach Activities 3 8238 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 2 135239 Freshwater Beach Activities 7 134240 Tent Camping 7 134241 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 11 132242 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 4 128243 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 8 128244 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 2 127245 Tent Camping 11 126

Table K -1 (continued)

2010 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 6 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

1 Picnicking 6 30008 36 Soccer or Rugby 6 77332 RV/Trailer Camping 6 20085 37 Saltwater Beach Activities 4 75963 Picnicking 9 19036 38 Horseback Riding 6 74154 Picnicking 8 17818 39 Baseball or Softball 1 71615 Saltwater Beach Activities 1 17116 40 Saltwater Beach Activities 8 71096 RV/Trailer Camping 9 15897 41 Saltwater Beach Activities 2 69987 Football 6 15698 42 Picnicking 1 68728 RV/Trailer Camping 8 14827 43 Outdoor Tennis 11 67459 Baseball or Softball 6 14565 44 Golf 6 6685

10 RV/Trailer Camping 7 13757 45 Football 5 666311 Football 10 12996 46 RV/Trailer Camping 5 650812 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 11 12580 47 Picnicking 10 645913 Picnicking 11 12474 48 Nature Study 5 632114 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 6 11408 49 Baseball or Softball 5 622415 Baseball or Softball 8 11051 50 Nature Study 2 617516 Football 11 10963 51 Outdoor Tennis 10 614517 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 4 10654 52 Golf 11 602618 Picnicking 7 10599 53 Baseball or Softball 7 602519 Saltwater Beach Activities 9 10365 54 Football 9 596420 Golf 10 10199 55 Nature Study 9 592321 Baseball or Softball 4 10154 56 Baseball or Softball 9 591122 Football 8 9856 57 Football 1 590623 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 9 9853 58 Saltwater Beach Activities 10 589524 Baseball or Softball 10 9683 59 Outdoor Basketball 11 583425 Baseball or Softball 11 9518 60 Golf 8 574726 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 8 9359 61 Picnicking 4 573227 Nature Study 6 9288 62 Outdoor Basketball 10 569828 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 6 9281 63 Outdoor Tennis 6 563629 Outdoor Basketball 6 9068 64 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 6 552530 Picnicking 5 8971 65 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 6 551231 Saltwater Beach Activities 11 8844 66 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 11 525232 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 10 8076 67 Outdoor Basketball 8 520033 Saltwater Beach Activities 6 7950 68 RV/Trailer Camping 11 508634 Football 4 7883 69 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 4 489935 Golf 9 7844 70 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 7 4783

Table K - 2

2015 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 7 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

71 Football 3 4782 106 Freshwater Beach Activities 8 305372 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 2 4762 107 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 5 302073 Nature Study 11 4746 108 Outdoor Basketball 9 300474 Soccer or Rugby 11 4715 109 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 11 297375 Outdoor Tennis 8 4710 110 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 6 296576 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 6 4653 111 Soccer or Rugby 3 291177 Outdoor Basketball 4 4500 112 Horseback Riding 4 288078 Outdoor Tennis 9 4226 113 Baseball or Softball 2 285479 Nature Study 4 4214 114 Golf 1 285380 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 5 4185 115 Outdoor Shuffleboard 6 282281 Nature Study 7 4183 116 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 6 281182 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 1 4098 117 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 11 280383 Soccer or Rugby 8 4069 118 Soccer or Rugby 9 279984 Picnicking 3 4068 119 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 11 279185 Nature Study 8 3975 120 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 9 278186 Nature Study 3 3932 121 RV/Trailer Camping 1 277287 Golf 4 3905 122 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 4 275988 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 7 3877 123 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 8 274889 RV/Trailer Camping 10 3838 124 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 1 273890 Outdoor Basketball 5 3806 125 Baseball or Softball 3 271891 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 1 3729 126 Tent Camping 6 271492 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 8 3612 127 Outdoor Tennis 4 270993 Soccer or Rugby 5 3562 128 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 4 265694 Horseback Riding 5 3471 129 RV/Trailer Camping 4 265295 Soccer or Rugby 4 3464 130 Horseback Riding 8 263896 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 9 3434 131 Horseback Riding 7 259297 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 9 3378 132 Nature Study 10 257498 Football 7 3346 133 Outdoor Basketball 7 252099 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 5 3319 134 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 9 2493

100 Picnicking 2 3161 135 Soccer or Rugby 1 2488101 Hunting 9 3158 136 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 6 2486102 Golf 7 3157 137 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 8 2478103 Soccer or Rugby 10 3113 138 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 2 2449104 Outdoor Shuffleboard 8 3076 139 Golf 5 2417105 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 5 3064 140 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 9 2389

Table K - 2 (continued)

2015 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 8 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

141 Tent Camping 5 2332 176 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 2 1509142 RV/Trailer Camping 3 2328 177 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 10 1509143 Horseback Riding 3 2310 178 Outdoor Tennis 7 1477144 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 1 2306 179 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 3 1474145 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 8 2294 180 Hunting 1 1465146 Nature Study 1 2253 181 Freshwater Beach Activities 6 1445147 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 9 2242 182 Horseback Riding 2 1434148 Outdoor Basketball 3 2206 183 Freshwater Beach Activities 10 1418149 Hunting 5 2204 184 Hunting 6 1418150 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 7 2169 185 Soccer or Rugby 2 1410151 Horseback Riding 10 2129 186 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 11 1347152 Football 2 2081 187 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 2 1333153 Hunting 2 1954 188 Outdoor Shuffleboard 11 1326154 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 1 1929 189 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 5 1304155 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 9 1910 190 Hiking 4 1295156 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 3 1891 191 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 8 1263157 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 6 1881 192 Hiking 2 1216158 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 10 1871 193 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 8 1213159 Outdoor Tennis 1 1861 194 Hunting 11 1197160 Hiking 5 1855 195 Outdoor Shuffleboard 10 1191161 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 11 1850 196 Outdoor Basketball 2 1187162 Outdoor Basketball 1 1834 197 Hunting 4 1134163 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 7 1808 198 Hiking 7 1131164 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 3 1806 199 Outdoor Tennis 5 1099165 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 10 1786 200 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 4 1089166 Outdoor Shuffleboard 7 1770 201 Hiking 10 1071167 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 3 1767 202 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 10 1058168 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 4 1747 203 Hiking 3 1042169 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 10 1731 204 Hunting 10 1028170 Outdoor Shuffleboard 9 1696 205 Horseback Riding 11 1028171 Soccer or Rugby 7 1695 206 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 4 966172 Horseback Riding 9 1687 207 Hiking 8 947173 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 10 1623 208 Tent Camping 1 935174 Hiking 9 1582 209 Tent Camping 9 910175 Hiking 6 1532 210 RV/Trailer Camping 2 907

Table K - 2 (continued)

2015 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 9 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

211 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 5 907 246 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 5 431212 Hiking 11 895 247 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 2 424213 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 10 865 248 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 2 407214 Horseback Riding 1 852 249 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 3 391215 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 8 821 250 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 5 332216 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 4 815 251 Freshwater Beach Activities 9 331217 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 1 799 252 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 2 331218 Hiking 1 765 253 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 1 318219 Tent Camping 4 761 254 Freshwater Beach Activities 11 308220 Tent Camping 3 747 255 Freshwater Beach Activities 1 303221 Hunting 3 744 256 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 3 286222 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 1 732 257 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 3 285223 Outdoor Shuffleboard 5 731 258 Outdoor Shuffleboard 4 281224 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 2 728 259 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 2 281225 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 7 703 260 Outdoor Shuffleboard 1 278226 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 5 688 261 Freshwater Beach Activities 5 261227 Tent Camping 2 626 262 Freshwater Beach Activities 4 214228 Outdoor Tennis 2 613 263 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 1 208229 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 7 603 264 Freshwater Beach Activities 2 157230 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 3 583 265 Hunting 7 146231 Golf 3 576 266 Freshwater Beach Activities 3 141232 Outdoor Tennis 3 575 267 Outdoor Shuffleboard 3 132233 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 10 570 268 Hunting 8 131234 Golf 2 557 269 Saltwater Beach Activities 5 66235 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 11 550 270 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 3 57236 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 9 541 271 Outdoor Shuffleboard 2 26237 Tent Camping 7 501 272 Saltwater Beach Activities 3 26238 Freshwater Beach Activities 7 497239 Tent Camping 8 495240 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 11 484241 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 8 466242 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 4 465243 Tent Camping 11 460244 Tent Camping 10 433245 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 7 432

Table K - 2 (continued)

2015 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 10 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

1 Picnicking 6 52242 36 Football 4 131942 RV/Trailer Camping 6 35259 37 Soccer or Rugby 6 131343 Picnicking 9 33254 38 Horseback Riding 6 128234 Picnicking 8 31176 39 Saltwater Beach Activities 8 125945 Saltwater Beach Activities 1 30601 40 Baseball or Softball 1 125286 RV/Trailer Camping 9 27595 41 Saltwater Beach Activities 2 123587 Football 6 26802 42 Picnicking 1 121848 RV/Trailer Camping 8 26074 43 Outdoor Tennis 11 117709 Baseball or Softball 6 24900 44 Golf 6 11749

10 RV/Trailer Camping 7 24242 45 RV/Trailer Camping 5 1133011 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 11 22359 46 Picnicking 10 1119512 Picnicking 11 21853 47 Football 5 1114713 Football 10 21761 48 Nature Study 5 1101814 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 6 20276 49 Nature Study 2 1087715 Baseball or Softball 8 19273 50 Outdoor Tennis 10 1076016 Football 11 18874 51 Golf 11 1060817 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 4 18791 52 Baseball or Softball 5 1052318 Picnicking 7 18475 53 Baseball or Softball 7 1047719 Saltwater Beach Activities 9 18360 54 Nature Study 9 1047220 Golf 10 18000 55 Saltwater Beach Activities 10 1042821 Baseball or Softball 4 17483 56 Football 1 1033622 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 9 17420 57 Baseball or Softball 9 1027823 Football 8 17012 58 Golf 8 1007224 Baseball or Softball 10 16809 59 Football 9 998925 Baseball or Softball 11 16591 60 Picnicking 4 998626 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 8 16559 61 Outdoor Basketball 11 988127 Nature Study 6 16351 62 Outdoor Tennis 6 978728 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 6 16296 63 Outdoor Basketball 10 973529 Saltwater Beach Activities 11 15695 64 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 6 942730 Picnicking 5 15568 65 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 6 937731 Outdoor Basketball 6 15561 66 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 11 900632 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 10 14292 67 Outdoor Basketball 8 889933 Saltwater Beach Activities 6 14052 68 RV/Trailer Camping 11 886134 Golf 9 13816 69 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 4 867035 Saltwater Beach Activities 4 13442 70 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 7 8440

Table K - 3

2020 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 11 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

71 Nature Study 11 8374 106 Soccer or Rugby 10 521372 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 2 8274 107 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 5 512873 Outdoor Tennis 8 8178 108 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 11 509974 Soccer or Rugby 11 8106 109 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 6 508775 Football 3 7945 110 Golf 1 508276 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 6 7942 111 Outdoor Basketball 9 506477 Outdoor Basketball 4 7531 112 Outdoor Shuffleboard 6 498078 Nature Study 4 7421 113 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 11 495179 Outdoor Tennis 9 7383 114 Horseback Riding 4 493180 Nature Study 7 7329 115 RV/Trailer Camping 1 492781 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 1 7327 116 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 6 483982 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 5 7105 117 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 11 478283 Nature Study 8 7018 118 Soccer or Rugby 9 474984 Picnicking 3 6981 119 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 9 474485 Golf 4 6832 120 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 4 471286 Soccer or Rugby 8 6807 121 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 8 469387 Nature Study 3 6714 122 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 1 466388 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 1 6599 123 RV/Trailer Camping 4 464189 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 7 6546 124 Tent Camping 6 461190 RV/Trailer Camping 10 6523 125 Soccer or Rugby 3 460391 Outdoor Basketball 5 6367 126 Outdoor Tennis 4 458292 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 8 6259 127 Nature Study 10 454293 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 9 6023 128 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 4 4517

94 Soccer or Rugby 5 5959 129 Baseball or Softball 2 450895 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 9 5851 130 Horseback Riding 8 450096 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 5 5811 131 Baseball or Softball 3 448097 Horseback Riding 5 5808 132 Horseback Riding 7 431098 Soccer or Rugby 4 5797 133 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 9 427699 Football 7 5563 134 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 6 4260

100 Golf 7 5556 135 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 8 4212101 Outdoor Shuffleboard 8 5473 136 Golf 5 4192102 Picnicking 2 5444 137 Outdoor Basketball 7 4190103 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 5 5334 138 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 9 4156104 Freshwater Beach Activities 8 5327 139 Soccer or Rugby 1 4146105 Hunting 9 5289 140 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 2 4090

Table K - 3 (continued)

2020 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 12 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

141 RV/Trailer Camping 3 4079 176 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 2 2656142 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 1 4022 177 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 10 2561143 Nature Study 1 4011 178 Outdoor Tennis 7 2535144 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 8 3927 179 Freshwater Beach Activities 6 2533145 Tent Camping 5 3901 180 Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 3 2532146 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 9 3839 181 Freshwater Beach Activities 10 2464147 Hunting 5 3688 182 Hunting 1 2442148 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 7 3665 183 Horseback Riding 2 2436149 Horseback Riding 3 3654 184 Soccer or Rugby 2 2423150 Horseback Riding 10 3622 185 Hunting 6 2417151 Outdoor Basketball 3 3488 186 Outdoor Shuffleboard 11 2357152 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 1 3431 187 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 11 2290153 Football 2 3287 188 Hiking 4 2255154 Outdoor Tennis 1 3280 189 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 5 2224155 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 9 3272 190 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 2 2199156 Outdoor Basketball 1 3203 191 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 8 2186157 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 6 3187 192 Outdoor Shuffleboard 10 2086158 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 11 3172 193 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 8 2074159 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 10 3165 194 Hiking 2 2041160 Hiking 5 3162 195 Hunting 11 1999161 Outdoor Shuffleboard 7 3114 196 Outdoor Basketball 2 1983162 Hunting 2 3086 197 Hiking 7 1962163 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 10 3082 198 Hunting 4 1897164 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 7 3069 199 Outdoor Tennis 5 1876165 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 4 3004 200 Hiking 10 1851166 Outdoor Shuffleboard 9 2997 201 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 10 1851167 Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 3 2991 202 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 4 1845168 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 3 2981 203 Hunting 10 1722169 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 10 2898 204 Horseback Riding 11 1717170 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 3 2856 205 Hiking 3 1714171 Horseback Riding 9 2826 206 Hiking 8 1653172 Soccer or Rugby 7 2818 207 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 4 1633173 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 10 2783 208 Tent Camping 1 1625174 Hiking 9 2757 209 Hiking 11 1564175 Hiking 6 2666 210 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 5 1530

Table K - 3 (continued)

2020 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 13 

Rank Activity Region Need Index Rank Activity Region Need Index

211 Tent Camping 9 1525 246 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 7 718212 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 10 1501 247 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 2 695213 Horseback Riding 1 1488 248 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 2 678214 RV/Trailer Camping 2 1433 249 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 3 619215 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 4 1404 250 Freshwater Beach Activities 9 573216 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 1 1387 251 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 5 561217 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 8 1373 252 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 1 559218 Hiking 1 1351 253 Freshwater Beach Activities 11 540219 Tent Camping 4 1290 254 Freshwater Beach Activities 1 536220 Outdoor Shuffleboard 5 1265 255 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 2 522221 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 1 1247 256 Outdoor Shuffleboard 4 504222 Tent Camping 3 1243 257 Outdoor Shuffleboard 1 497223 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 2 1237 258 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 2 494224 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 7 1228 259 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 3 452225 Hunting 3 1176 260 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 3 451226 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 5 1151 261 Freshwater Beach Activities 5 451227 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 7 1049 262 Freshwater Beach Activities 4 370228 Tent Camping 2 988 263 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 1 347229 Golf 3 986 264 Freshwater Beach Activities 2 264230 Outdoor Tennis 2 969 265 Hunting 7 250231 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 10 968 266 Outdoor Shuffleboard 3 234232 Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 3 951 267 Freshwater Beach Activities 3 224233 Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 11 941 268 Hunting 8 219234 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 9 937 269 Saltwater Beach Activities 5 115235 Outdoor Tennis 3 910 270 Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 3 95236 Golf 2 880 271 Saltwater Beach Activities 3 44237 Freshwater Beach Activities 7 847 272 Outdoor Shuffleboard 2 41238 Tent Camping 8 833239 Tent Camping 7 833240 Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 8 818241 Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 11 817242 Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 4 805243 Tent Camping 11 785244 Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 5 733245 Tent Camping 10 725

Table K - 3 (continued)

2020 Relative Need Index Priority Ranking
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 14 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Saltwater Beach Activities 4,734 5 17,116 5 30,601 5

Baseball or Softball 1,988 39 7,161 39 12,528 40Picnicking 1,903 42 6,872 42 12,184 42Football 1,640 55 5,906 57 10,336 56Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 1,133 84 4,098 82 7,327 81Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 1,033 91 3,729 91 6,599 88Golf 790 115 2,853 114 5,082 110RV/Trailer Camping 768 120 2,772 121 4,927 115Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 764 122 2,738 124 4,663 122Soccer or Rugby 696 135 2,488 135 4,146 139Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 641 146 2,306 144 4,022 142Nature Study 624 149 2,253 146 4,011 143Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 534 156 1,929 154 3,431 152Outdoor Tennis 516 160 1,861 159 3,280 154Outdoor Basketball 509 161 1,834 162 3,203 156Hunting 410 182 1,465 180 2,442 182Tent Camping 260 209 935 208 1,625 208Horseback Riding 237 214 852 214 1,488 213Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 222 219 799 217 1,387 216Hiking 212 221 765 218 1,351 218Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 204 224 732 222 1,247 221Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 88 255 318 253 559 252Freshwater Beach Activities 84 257 303 255 536 254Outdoor Shuffleboard 77 260 278 260 497 257Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 58 263 208 263 347 263

Table K - 4

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region I - West Florida

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 15 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Saltwater Beach Activities 1,986 40 6,998 41 12,358 41

Nature Study 1,759 48 6,175 50 10,877 49Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 1,387 70 4,762 72 8,274 72Baseball or Softball 950 95 2,854 113 4,508 129Picnicking 933 98 3,161 100 5,444 102Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 757 125 2,449 138 4,090 140Football 692 137 2,081 152 3,287 153Hunting 650 145 1,954 153 3,086 162Horseback Riding 432 175 1,434 182 2,436 183Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 430 176 1,509 176 2,656 176Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 420 179 1,333 187 2,199 190Soccer or Rugby 418 180 1,410 185 2,423 184Hiking 373 187 1,216 192 2,041 194Outdoor Basketball 367 189 1,187 196 1,983 196RV/Trailer Camping 302 200 907 210 1,433 214Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 219 220 728 224 1,237 223Tent Camping 208 223 626 227 988 228Outdoor Tennis 204 225 613 228 969 230Golf 185 229 557 234 880 236Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 135 238 424 247 695 247Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 127 244 407 248 678 248Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 110 250 331 252 522 255Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 80 258 281 259 494 258Freshwater Beach Activities 48 264 157 264 264 264Outdoor Shuffleboard 9 271 26 271 41 272

Table K - 5

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region II - Apalachee

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 16 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Football 1,444 66 4,782 71 7,945 75

Picnicking 1,185 78 4,068 84 6,981 84Nature Study 1,152 81 3,932 86 6,714 87Soccer or Rugby 924 100 2,911 111 4,603 125Baseball or Softball 828 110 2,718 125 4,480 131Horseback Riding 733 129 2,310 143 3,654 149Outdoor Basketball 700 134 2,206 148 3,488 151RV/Trailer Camping 663 143 2,328 142 4,079 141Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 600 152 1,891 156 2,991 167Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 573 155 1,806 164 2,856 170Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 525 158 1,767 167 2,981 168Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 429 177 1,474 179 2,532 180Hiking 318 197 1,042 203 1,714 205Hunting 236 215 744 221 1,176 225Tent Camping 225 216 747 220 1,243 222Outdoor Tennis 183 230 575 232 910 235Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 179 231 583 230 951 232Golf 168 232 576 231 986 229Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 124 246 391 249 619 249Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 91 253 286 256 452 259Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 91 254 285 257 451 260Freshwater Beach Activities 45 265 141 266 224 267Outdoor Shuffleboard 37 267 132 267 234 266Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 17 270 57 270 95 270Saltwater Beach Activities 8 272 26 272 44 271

Table K - 6

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region III - North Central 

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 17 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 2,942 17 10,654 17 18,791 17

Baseball or Softball 2,799 21 10,154 21 17,483 21Football 2,169 34 7,883 34 13,194 36Saltwater Beach Activities 2,098 37 7,596 37 13,442 35Picnicking 1,581 60 5,732 61 9,986 60Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 1,353 71 4,899 69 8,670 69Outdoor Basketball 1,238 77 4,500 77 7,531 77Nature Study 1,163 80 4,214 79 7,421 78Golf 1,077 87 3,905 87 6,832 85Soccer or Rugby 953 94 3,464 95 5,797 98Horseback Riding 794 114 2,880 112 4,931 114Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 760 124 2,759 122 4,712 120Outdoor Tennis 746 128 2,709 127 4,582 126RV/Trailer Camping 732 130 2,652 129 4,641 123Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 731 131 2,656 128 4,517 128Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 482 168 1,747 168 3,004 165Hiking 357 191 1,295 190 2,255 188Hunting 312 198 1,134 197 1,897 198Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 300 202 1,089 200 1,845 202Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 266 207 966 206 1,633 207Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 225 217 815 216 1,404 215Tent Camping 210 222 761 219 1,290 219Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 128 242 465 242 805 242Outdoor Shuffleboard 78 259 281 258 504 256Freshwater Beach Activities 59 262 214 262 370 262

Table K - 7

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region IV - Northeast Florida

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 18 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Picnicking 2,464 30 8,971 30 15,568 30

Football 1,818 45 6,663 45 11,147 47RV/Trailer Camping 1,789 46 6,508 46 11,330 45Nature Study 1,738 49 6,321 48 11,018 48Baseball or Softball 1,701 50 6,224 49 10,523 52Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 1,145 82 4,185 80 7,105 82Outdoor Basketball 1,038 90 3,806 90 6,367 91Soccer or Rugby 972 93 3,562 93 5,959 94Horseback Riding 947 97 3,471 94 5,808 97Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 913 101 3,319 99 5,811 96Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 842 107 3,064 105 5,334 103Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 826 111 3,020 107 5,128 107Golf 664 142 2,417 139 4,192 136Tent Camping 636 147 2,332 141 3,901 145Hunting 601 151 2,204 149 3,688 147Hiking 508 163 1,855 160 3,162 160Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 357 192 1,304 189 2,224 189Outdoor Tennis 301 201 1,099 199 1,876 199Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 248 211 907 211 1,530 210Outdoor Shuffleboard 201 226 731 223 1,265 220Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 188 228 688 226 1,151 226Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 118 247 431 246 733 244Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 91 252 332 250 561 251Freshwater Beach Activities 72 261 261 261 451 261Saltwater Beach Activities 18 269 66 269 115 269

Table K - 8

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region V - Withlacoochee

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 19 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Picnicking 8,270 1 30,008 1 52,242 1

RV/Trailer Camping 5,540 2 20,085 2 35,259 2Football 4,318 7 15,698 7 26,802 7Baseball or Softball 4,007 9 14,565 9 24,900 9Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 3,150 14 11,408 14 20,276 14Nature Study 2,563 27 9,288 27 16,351 27Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 2,560 28 9,281 28 16,296 28Outdoor Basketball 2,496 29 9,068 29 15,561 31Saltwater Beach Activities 2,194 33 7,950 33 14,052 33Soccer or Rugby 2,126 36 7,733 36 13,134 37Horseback Riding 2,042 38 7,415 38 12,823 38Golf 1,844 44 6,685 44 11,749 44Outdoor Tennis 1,553 63 5,636 63 9,787 62Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 1,519 64 5,525 64 9,377 65Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 1,517 65 5,512 65 9,427 64Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 1,280 76 4,653 76 7,942 76Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 816 112 2,965 110 5,087 109Outdoor Shuffleboard 779 116 2,822 115 4,980 112Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 774 117 2,811 116 4,839 116Tent Camping 746 127 2,714 126 4,611 124Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 684 139 2,486 136 4,260 134Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 517 159 1,881 157 3,187 157Hiking 422 178 1,532 175 2,666 175Freshwater Beach Activities 399 184 1,445 181 2,533 179Hunting 390 185 1,418 184 2,417 185

Table K - 9

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region VI - East Central Florida

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 20 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

RV/Trailer Camping 3,772 10 13,757 10 24,242 10

Picnicking 2,892 18 10,599 18 18,475 18Baseball or Softball 1,642 54 6,025 53 10,477 53Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 1,312 72 4,783 70 8,440 70Nature Study 1,144 83 4,183 81 7,329 80Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 1,043 89 3,877 88 6,546 89Football 894 102 3,346 98 5,563 99Golf 865 104 3,157 102 5,556 100Horseback Riding 693 136 2,592 131 4,310 132Outdoor Basketball 673 141 2,520 133 4,190 137Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 584 153 2,169 150 3,665 148Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 488 166 1,808 163 3,069 164Outdoor Shuffleboard 485 167 1,770 166 3,114 161Soccer or Rugby 453 172 1,695 171 2,818 172Outdoor Tennis 400 183 1,477 178 2,535 178Hiking 308 199 1,131 198 1,962 197Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 192 227 703 225 1,228 224Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 164 233 603 229 1,049 227Freshwater Beach Activities 134 239 497 238 847 237Tent Camping 134 240 501 237 833 239Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 115 249 432 245 718 246Hunting 40 266 146 265 250 265Saltwater Beach Activities NA NA NA NA NA NASaltwater Boat Ramp Use NA NA NA NA NA NASaltwater Non-Boat Fishing NA NA NA NA NA NA

Table K - 10

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region VII - Central Florida

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 21 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Picnicking 4,899 4 17,818 4 31,176 4

RV/Trailer Camping 4,081 8 14,827 8 26,074 8Baseball or Softball 3,036 15 11,051 15 19,273 15Football 2,702 23 9,856 22 17,012 23Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 2,579 26 9,359 26 16,559 26Saltwater Beach Activities 1,960 41 7,109 40 12,594 39Golf 1,581 61 5,747 60 10,072 58Outdoor Basketball 1,423 68 5,200 67 8,899 67Outdoor Tennis 1,293 74 4,710 75 8,178 73Soccer or Rugby 1,109 85 4,069 83 6,807 86Nature Study 1,095 86 3,975 85 7,018 83Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 991 92 3,612 92 6,259 92Outdoor Shuffleboard 849 105 3,076 104 5,473 101Freshwater Beach Activities 839 108 3,053 106 5,327 104Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 752 126 2,748 123 4,693 121Horseback Riding 722 132 2,638 130 4,500 130Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 677 140 2,478 137 4,212 135Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 628 148 2,294 145 3,927 144Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 346 193 1,263 191 2,186 191Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 332 194 1,213 193 2,074 193Hiking 260 208 947 207 1,653 206Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 224 218 821 215 1,373 217Tent Camping 135 237 495 239 833 238Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 128 243 466 241 818 240Hunting 36 268 131 268 219 268

Table K - 11

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region VIII - Tampa Bay

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 22 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Picnicking 5,257 3 19,036 3 33,254 3

RV/Trailer Camping 4,389 6 15,897 6 27,595 6Saltwater Beach Activities 2,864 19 10,365 19 18,360 19Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 2,722 22 9,853 23 17,420 22Golf 2,167 35 7,844 35 13,816 34Football 1,644 53 5,964 54 9,989 59Nature Study 1,636 56 5,923 55 10,472 54Baseball or Softball 1,632 57 5,911 56 10,278 57Outdoor Tennis 1,167 79 4,226 78 7,383 79Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 948 96 3,434 96 6,023 93Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 933 99 3,378 97 5,851 95Hunting 871 103 3,158 101 5,289 105Outdoor Basketball 829 109 3,004 108 5,064 111Soccer or Rugby 772 118 2,799 118 4,749 118Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 767 121 2,781 120 4,744 119Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 688 138 2,493 134 4,276 133Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 660 144 2,389 140 4,156 138Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 619 150 2,242 147 3,839 146Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 527 157 1,910 155 3,272 155Outdoor Shuffleboard 469 170 1,696 170 2,997 166Horseback Riding 465 171 1,687 172 2,826 171Hiking 437 174 1,582 174 2,757 174Tent Camping 251 210 910 209 1,525 211Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 149 236 541 236 937 234Freshwater Beach Activities 91 251 331 251 573 250

Table K - 12

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region IX - Southwest Florida

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 23 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Football 3,523 11 12,996 11 21,761 13

Golf 2,806 20 10,199 20 18,000 20Baseball or Softball 2,651 24 9,683 24 16,809 24Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 2,224 32 8,076 32 14,292 32Picnicking 1,768 47 6,459 47 11,195 46Outdoor Tennis 1,687 51 6,145 51 10,760 50Saltwater Beach Activities 1,623 58 5,895 58 10,428 55Outdoor Basketball 1,553 62 5,698 62 9,735 63RV/Trailer Camping 1,045 88 3,838 89 6,523 90Soccer or Rugby 844 106 3,113 103 5,213 106Nature Study 708 133 2,574 132 4,542 127Horseback Riding 580 154 2,129 151 3,622 150Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 509 162 1,871 158 3,165 159Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 488 165 1,786 165 3,082 163Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 469 169 1,731 169 2,898 169Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 443 173 1,623 173 2,783 173Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 411 181 1,509 177 2,561 177Freshwater Beach Activities 388 186 1,418 183 2,464 181Outdoor Shuffleboard 327 195 1,191 195 2,086 192Hiking 293 203 1,071 201 1,851 200Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 290 204 1,058 202 1,851 201Hunting 279 206 1,028 204 1,722 203Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 237 213 865 213 1,501 212Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 155 234 570 233 968 231Tent Camping 117 248 433 244 725 245

Table K - 13

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region X - Treasure Coast

2010 2015
Appendix K 

Relative Need Methodology 

K - 24 

Activity

Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank Need Index Statewide Need Rank

Outdoor Swimming Pool Use 3,470 12 12,580 12 22,359 11

Picnicking 3,429 13 12,474 13 21,853 12Football 3,002 16 10,963 16 18,874 16Baseball or Softball 2,613 25 9,518 25 16,591 25Saltwater Beach Activities 2,438 31 8,844 31 15,695 29Outdoor Tennis 1,852 43 6,745 43 11,770 43Golf 1,658 52 6,026 52 10,608 51Outdoor Basketball 1,591 59 5,834 59 9,881 61Saltwater Non-Boat Fishing 1,437 67 5,252 66 9,006 66RV/Trailer Camping 1,396 69 5,086 68 8,861 68Nature Study 1,307 73 4,746 73 8,374 71Soccer or Rugby 1,291 75 4,715 74 8,106 74Bicycle Riding - Paved Trails 813 113 2,973 109 5,099 108Visiting Historical or Archeological Sites 772 119 2,803 117 4,951 113Saltwater Boat Ramp Use 763 123 2,791 119 4,782 117Outdoor Handball/Racquetball 506 164 1,850 161 3,172 158Freshwater Boat Ramp Use 368 188 1,347 186 2,290 187Outdoor Shuffleboard 366 190 1,326 188 2,357 186Hunting 325 196 1,197 194 1,999 195Horseback Riding 280 205 1,028 205 1,717 204Hiking 246 212 895 212 1,564 209Freshwater Non-Boat Fishing 150 235 550 235 941 233Bicycle Riding - Unpaved Trails 132 241 484 240 817 241Tent Camping 126 245 460 243 785 243Freshwater Beach Activities 85 256 308 254 540 253

Table K - 14

2020

Relative Need Priority Index

Region XI - South Florida

2010 2015
L - 1 

Appendix L 

List of Acronyms 

Acronyms 

BWFS Boating, Waterways and Field Service Section 

CAMA Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas 

CARL Conservation and Recreation Lands 

CERP Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 

DCA Florida Department of Community Affairs 

DEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

DFFM Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management 

DHR Division of Historical Resources 

DLE Division of Law Enforcement 

DOF Division of Forestry 

DOS Florida Department of State 

DOT Florida Department of Transportation 

DRP Division of Recreation and Parks 

DSL Division of State Lands 

DWRM Division of Water Resource Management 

ERP Environment Resource Permit 

DFFM Freshwater Fisheries Management 

FHWA Federal Highway Administration 

FIND Florida Inland Navigation District 

FWCC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

LATF Land Acquisition Trust Fund 

LWCF Land and Water Conservation Fund 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

NPS National Park Service 

NWFWMD Northwest Florida Water Management District 

OCHP Office of Cultural and Historical Programs 

OGT Office of Greenways and Trails 

OHV Off-Highway Vehicle 

ORS Office of Recreation Services 

SFWMD South Florida Water Management District 

SJRWMD St. Johns River Water Management District 

SOR Save Our Rivers 

SRWMD Suwannee River Water Management District 

SWFWMD Southwest Florida Water Management District 

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers 

USDOD United States Department of Defense 

USFS United States Forest Service 

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

WCIND West Coast Inland Navigation District 

WRP Wetlands Resource Permit