Agenda Item: 6F
Prepared By: Jim Kornas
Business: Old Business
Department: Executive Office
Subject:
Title
"Most UnWanted" Invasive and Noxious Plants Update (R. Sullivan)
Body
BACKGROUND: At the Committee's June 4, 2025 meeting, Committee Member Ryan Sullivan shared a "Marco's Most UnWanted" proof-of-concept poster with the Committee that identified and explained the reasons why the twelve (12) named trees depicted are not desired on Marco Island. He proposed creating similar "Most UnWanted" posters for: 1) undesired shrubs & vines and; 2) undesired grasses & ground covers.
The Committee provided positive feedback to Member Sullivan on his approach and execution, and it discussed its desire to:
1) encourage dissemination of this information to property owners and contractors who engage with the City's Building Services Department;
2) invite horticulturalist and former Beach & Coastal Resources Advisory Council Chair Lindsay Boehner to lead a presentation/discussion of noxious plants and invasive species at the Committee's 2026 Marco Nature Night Event, and;
3) draft proposed updates to Marco Island Ordinance 98-19 for City Staff and City Council approval
Public Works Director Justin Martin proposed that the Committee consult online resources available through Collier County and the University of Florida which specifically address noxious plants and invasive species for southwest Florida in "marking up" proposed changes to Marco Island Ordinance 98-19. He also recommended that the Committee consult with the City's Environmental Planner on this effort.
Committee Member Ryan Sullivan volunteered to lead the Committee's effort in contacting the City's Environmental Planner and other outside resources in drafting an update to Ordinance 98-19 for the Committee's review.
He may also be prepared to share proof-of-concept executions for undesired shrubs & vines as well as undesired grasses & ground covers.
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT: To be determin...
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