HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibit APOLICY NUMBER:
APM- #-##
DAIE:
ISSUED BY:
Arthur Noriega, V.
City Manager
SIGNATURE
CITY OF
MIAMI
ADMINISTRATIVE
POLICY
REVISIONS
REVISED DATE OF
SECTION REVISION
Created 3/14/24
Subject: Leave No Trace Policy for Waterfront Parks
PURPOSE:
To establish uniform policies and procedures for the City of Miami ("City") Department of Parks
and Recreation ("Parks Department") employees and various City Departments involved in the
process of managing debris removal services provided to city -owned and operated islands, lands,
and other facilities located along Biscayne Bay, Miami River, Little River, Blue Lagoon, and
various canals situated in the city limits ("Waterfront Parks").
This policy is governed by Chapters 38 & 50 of the City of Miami Code of Ordinances ("City
Code"). It works in conjunction with the Parks Department permitting policy and general use
guidelines. Nothing herein, including penalties for violation, shall be construed to conflict with
the provisions of Florida Statue § 403.413 ("Florida Litter Law"), § 327.46 (Boating Restricted
Areas), or § 327.60 (Local regulations; limitations) as may be amended or revised occasionally.
Law enforcement officers enforce Florida Litter Law and additional regulations. "Law
enforcement officer" means any officer of the Florida Highway Patrol, a county sheriff's
department, a municipal law enforcement department, a law enforcement department of any other
political subdivision, or the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
As defined by the Florida statute, "Litter" means any garbage, rubbish, trash, refuse, can, bottle,
box, container, paper, tobacco product, tire, appliance, mechanical equipment or part, building or
construction material, tool, machinery, wood, motor vehicle or motor vehicle part, vessel, aircraft,
farm machinery or equipment, sludge from a waste treatment facility, water supply treatment
plant, or air pollution control facility, or substance in any form resulting from domestic,
industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural, or governmental operations.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Miami recognizes the importance of preserving the natural beauty and environmental
integrity of its islands, lands, and facilities and is committed to promoting responsible and
sustainable use of these natural resources. The city owns, operates, manages, and strives to
preserve the positive environmental qualities of numerous city parks and recreation facilities,
which are essential to the public health, safety, welfare, and economy of the city and the
Administrative Policy Manual Page 1
City of Miami
APM #-##: Leave No Trace Policy for Waterfront Parks
surrounding communities. Implementing a "Leave No Trace" policy for waterfront parks is
essential to achieve the goals of preservation and responsible stewardship. It is within the Parks
Department's mission to promote responsible use, conservation, and minimal environmental
impact for visitors and users of these areas.
Leave No Trace is a national educational program to inform visitors about reducing the damage
caused by outdoor activities, particularly non -motorized recreation. Leave No Trace principles
and practices are based on respecting the natural world and fellow wildland visitors.
GUIDELINES:
The Parks Department is responsible for coordinating trash removal at waterfront parks. Upon
adopting this policy, the Parks Department will:
A. Partner with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to implement `Leave No
Trace' principles within its management strategies.
a. Update the City of Miami website and install new signage at waterfront parks,
educating visitors on the `Leave No Trace' principles. The principles applicable
include:
• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors
B. Update maintenance standards for waterfront parks to preserve the positive environmental
qualities of its city parks and recreation facilities further.
a. Garbage receptacles will remain available at all waterfront parks except Legion
Island, Mangrove Island, Osprey Island, Morningside Island, Teachers Island,
Willis Island, and the Dinner Key Islands. The Parks Department will monitor
facilities without garbage receptacles to ensure compliance with Florida Litter Law
and may revise park operations as needed.
b. Garbage is to be deposited in receptacles & recycling bins provided onsite. Where
garbage containers are unavailable, park visitors should "pack it in and pack it
out," packing out all trash, leftover food, and litter for disposal. It shall be unlawful
for any person to litter within City Parks.
c. The Parks Department will encourage the use of reusable, recyclable, and
compostable alternatives to polystyrene containers. It shall be unlawful for any
person to use, carry, place, sell, distribute, provide, provide food or drink in, or
discard any expanded polystyrene product in any city parks.
C. Collaborate with the Grants Departments to leverage funding for the Parks Department
and stretch available park funding through grants, partnerships, and philanthropic
opportunities.
Administrative Policy Manual Page 2
City of Miami APM #-##: Leave No Trace Policy for Waterfront Parks
D. Coordinate with other City Departments and partners to position parks to address complex
community challenges most important to residents.
a. Collaborate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to
implement the Adopt -an -Island Program to motivate individual citizens, local
organizations, and other groups interested in participating in litter prevention
program activities.
b. Create an outreach plan that includes the existing Keep Miami Beautiful campaign
to identify brand awareness & perception in the community and determine the
most effective strategies to maximize outreach.
c. Regular meetings and community forums will be established with the City of
Miami Office of Resilience and Sustainability, Department of Real Estate and
Asset Management, Miami -Dade County, Florida Wildlife Commission, Florida
Inland Navigation District, law enforcement officers, and appropriate agencies to
foster opportunities for cross -functional collaboration.
Administrative Policy Manual Page 3