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Agenda Item: 6C |
Prepared By: Jim Kornas |
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Business: Old Business |
Department: Executive Office |
Subject:
Title
“Most Unwanted” Invasive and Noxious Plants Update (R. Sullivan)
Body
BACKGROUND: At the Committee’s July 9, 2025 meeting, Member Ryan Sullivan shared and displayed his "second draft" listing of potential tree, shrubs, vines, grasses, and ground cover species for inclusion on the Committee's future "Most UnWanted" poster(s), informational piece(s), and eventual Committee-recommended modifications to Marco Island Ordinance 98-19 for the City Council's consideration at a future date.
Member Sullivan received the following inputs from the Committee:
1) Identify and narrow the list to a manageable number of the most invasive/noxious species in each of the three categories specified;
2) add the Earleaf Acacia tree (Acacia auriculformis) to the list of unwanted trees;
3) confirm the shorter, refined list with the contact(s) from the University of Florida IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Science) that will be made available following the meeting**, and;
4) use QR codes on future awareness-building / information pieces to direct interested citizens to the comprehensive list of "Most UnWanted" plant species for Marco Island.
[** Editorial Note: the University of Florida IFAS list of contacts was provided to Member Sullivan on July 10, 2025]
An update from Member Sullivan will be provided at the Committee’s October 1st meeting.
FUNDING SOURCE / FISCAL IMPACT: TBD
RECOMMENDATION: Review Member Sullivan’s next iteration, and determine the Committee’s Action Plan to:
1) modify Ordinance 98-19, and;
2) disseminate the information to the public
POTENTIAL MOTION: None expected.