2000 ANNUAL REPORT

National Park

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

Dry TortugasDry Tortugas

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

MESSAGE FROM

THE

SUPERINTENDENT

I am pleased to submit this annual report for Dry TortugasNational Park. The year 2000 continued to be an active yearof challenges and accomplishments; the challenges of restor-ing, protecting, and managing the superlative natural andcultural resources of a near pristine marine and island en-vironment located more than 70 miles from Key West andthe accomplishments of gaining increased public support forits preservation, as well as maintaining effective day-to-dayoperations.

Over the past 6 years, the park has experienced a quadru-pling of visitation, from 24,000 to more than 95,000 a year.This increase is predominantly due to the initiation of high-speed ferries. Affected issues as a result of this increasedvisitation include impacts on park facilities, the structuralintegrity of Fort Jefferson, submerged cultural resources,marine resources management, visitor safety, and quality of the visitor experience.

In order to address these and other park management concerns, a General Management Planningeffort was started in 1998 to examine visitor uses and commercial services at the park. Alterna-tives for visitor use and resource protection were developed through a series of public meetings inlate 1998 and continued planning in 1999. In 2000, we developed a preferred alternative and helda series of public meetings throughout the south Florida region and in Washington, D.C. Out ofover 5,000 comments received, the majority supported the preferred alternative. Public input hasbeen overwhelmingly positive that actions should be considered to address the impacts of in-creasing visitation. With continued public support, we will work together to assure the preserva-tion of this unique resource for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Sadly, in January 2000, Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks lost a true friend with thepassing of Dr. William B. Robertson, Jr. Affectionately known to successive generations of parkemployees as “Dr. Bill”, the experiences he gained and shared through almost almost fifty years ofwork at both parks helped to educate the present generation of scientists and managers who arecarrying on his fight to stop and reverse the continued degradation of the South Florida ecosys-tem. This annual report is dedicated to his memory.

Maureen Finnerty

Superintendent Maureen Finnerty

CONTENTS

Message from the Superintendent ....................1In Memory ............................................................2Park Purpose and Significance ...........................2Park Map ..............................................................3Park Facilities .......................................................3Park Organization ...............................................4Park Visitation .....................................................5General Management Plan Amendment ..........6Partnerships .........................................................62000 Performance and Results Section ........8-13FY 2000 Financial Summary ............................13FY 2001 Budget and Goals ...............................14

CREDITS

Text: The staff of Dry Tortugas and EvergladesNational ParksDesign, graphs and editing: Deborah NordeenPhotos: Walter Chavez, Mark Foster, WayneLandrum, Mike Ryan, and Alan Scott

The 2000 Annual Report is available on the webat www.nps.gov/drto. These materials may alsobe obtained by contacting:Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks40001 State Road 9336Homestead, Florida 33034-6733(305) 242-7700

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

PARK PURPOSE

AND

SIGNIFICANCE

IN MEMORY

Dry Tortugas National Park was established for the following purposes:➣ to protect and interpret a pristine subtropical marine ecosystem, including an intact coral reef

community;➣ to proactively manage populations of fish and wildlife, including loggerhead and green sea

turtles, sooty terns, frigate birds, numerous migratory bird species, and other sensitive spe-cies;

➣ to safeguard the pristine natural environment of the Dry Tortugas group of islands;➣ to protect, stabilize, restore, and interpret Fort Jefferson, an outstanding example of 19th cen-

tury masonry fortification;➣ to preserve and protect submerged cultural resources;➣ to provide opportunities for public enjoyment and scientific research in ways consistent with

the park purpose.

The park is significant because it:➣ contains historic Fort Jefferson, a militarily and architecturally significant 19th century fort;➣ protects the historic Loggerhead Key lighthouse, and the historic Garden Key harbor light;➣ possesses one of the greatest concentrations of historically significant shipwrecks in North

America, with some vessels dating back to the 1600s;➣ maintains one of the most isolated and least disturbed habitats for endangered and threatened

sea turtles in the United States;➣ supports the only significant North American sooty and noddy tern nesting colonies on Bush

and Long Keys and harbors the only frigate bird nesting colonies in the U.S. on Long Key;➣ serves as an important resting spot for migrating birds;➣ provides unique opportunities to view tropical seabirds;➣ protects the least disturbed portion of the Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem;➣ presents outstanding potential for education, recreation, and scientific research related to the

park’s exceptional marine resources;➣ offers a sense of remoteness and peace in a vast expanse of sea and sky;➣ affords an opportunity to understand and appreciate a rare combination of natural, historic,

marine, and scenic resources.

Dr. Bill Robertson dedicated fifty years to re-searching and understanding the ecology ofEverglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks.The National Park Service hired him as a scien-tist in 1951. For many years, Dr. Bill was theagency’s only field scientist east of the Missis-sippi. He studied the ecology of the entire Ever-glades ecosystem and was a pioneer in the fieldof fire ecology. However, Dr. Bill is best knownfor his ornithological expertise; his knowledgeof South Florida’s birds is legendary. He and hiswife, Betty, tagged over half a million sooty ternsin the Dry Tortugas. Their work led to a greaterunderstanding of this bird’s life history and mi-gratory patterns. Though he formally retiredfrom the National Park Service in 1997, Dr. Billremained active in field research until the endof his life.

Dr. Bill RobertsonAugust 22, 1924 - January 28, 2000

Dr. Bill and Betty Robertson studied sooty terns in the DryTortugas for 40 years.

2

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

The 64,657 acre national park encompasses a cluster of 7 coral reef and sand islands, surroundedby shoals and water. Garden Key is the site of historic Fort Jefferson.

National Park Service development is limited toGarden Key and the central portion of Logger-head Key.

All administrative and maintenance facilities areon Garden Key, within or adjacent to historicFort Jefferson. New development and rehabili-tation of existing facilities is designed to mini-mize intrusion upon the historic structures andhistoric scene.

The park’s remote location requires that it beself-sufficient for solid waste removal, electric-ity, water and wastewater.

The NPS supply vessel, MV Activa, makesweekly trips from Key West to bring mail, gro-ceries, and supplies, and to transport employ-ees and others on official business.

DEVELOPMENT AND FACILITIES

• Visitor center in Fort Jefferson• Self-guiding tour of Ft. Jefferson with 19

wayside exhibits• 11 site campground/picnic area• Dockhouse and dock• Swim beach and snorkeling area• 15 housing units for park employees, coop-

erative researchers and volunteers

The Activa providestransportation to and from

the park for employees, andprovides logistical support for

transporting mail, groceries,and operational supplies.

PARK MAP

PARK

FACILITIES

3

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

PARK

ORGANIZATION

Dry Tortugas National Parkcan only be reached by boator seaplane.

Magnificant frigate birdsnesting in the Dry Tortugas.

Secretary PublicAffairsOffice r

Chief o fConcessionsManagem ent

CaptainMoto rVessel

ACTIVA

Chief o fLegis lation ,

Lands &Lega l

Counselo r

Managem entAssistant fo rDry Tortugas

NP

Chief o fInterpretatio n

Adm inistrativeSupport A id

Park R ange r(Interpreta tion )

Park R anger(P rotection )

Park R anger(Protection )

Park R anger(Protection )

Supervisory ParkRange r

Chief of V isitor andResource P rotection

Adm inistrativeOffice r

Mason/ExhbitsSpecialis t

Mainte nanceMechanic

MaintenanceW orker

Genera lEquipm ent

W orke r

MaintenanceW orker

(Seasonal)

MaintenanceMechanic Superviso r

Chief o fMaintenance

Director, SFNRC

Deputy Superin tenden tPark M anager

Superin tenden tPark M anager

Shaded boxes denote park staff stationed at Dry Tortugas National Park. Unshaded boxes indicate park management andadministrative staff for both Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks. The MV Activa and its crew, based in Key West, arepart of the superintendent’s staff to provide transportation and logistical support for Dry Tortugas National Park.

4

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

5,513

7,269

5,557

4,356

7,356

9,5199,623

10,797

9,94410,204

7,9057,218

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2000 MONTHLY VISITATION

The majority of visitors comebetween March and July.

During this period visitationaverages 327 people per

day.

PARK

VISITATION

Over the past 6 years, parkvisitation has more thanquadrupled, rising from

24,000 visitors in 1994 toover 95,000 visitors in 2000.This increased popularity isstressing park facilities and

is threatening parkresources, visitor safety, and

the quality of the visitorexperience.

95,261

84,109

69,465

56,207

46,567

46,554

23,266

35,209

34,25826,870

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

90,000

100,000

91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 2000

10 YEAR VISITATION

1991-1999

5

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

PARTNERSHIPS

GENERAL

MANAGEMENT

PLAN

AMENDMENT

FORT JEFFERSON PRESERVATION TRUST

Fort Jefferson has suffered continuing deterio-ration over the years due to harsh weather andclimatic conditions, and is in need of major ma-sonry repairs. In 1998, the Fort Jefferson Preser-vation Trust was established, as a nonprofit or-ganization, to aid the National Park Service inits efforts to stabilize and prevent the deteriora-tion of the fort.

In May 1999, Fort Jefferson received a majorgrant under the President’s Save America’s Trea-sures Program that will be matched with an on-going non-Federal fund raising effort to addressmajor structural rehabilitation and stabilizationneeds. The grant of $970,400 is a challenge grantto attract additional support on a matchingfunds basis, with the potential to provide nearly$2 million in desperately needed work on the

massive fortress. In recognition of this urgentneed, the park has entered into a cooperativerelationship with the Fort Jefferson PreservationTrust and the National Park Foundation to raiseprivate and corporate funds that would allowmajor stabilization work to proceed.

The proposed stabilization work will help tostructurally safeguard a nationally significanthistoric monument. The fort is the base of op-erations for the park’s preservation, interpreta-tion, research and law enforcement/patrol of thepristine marine environment of the Tortugas re-gion. As such, public and private assistance willnot only help preserve Fort Jefferson, but willalso:

The National Park Service completed a DraftGeneral Management Plan Amendment and/Environmental Impact Statement for Dry Tor-tugas National Park. The plan sets forth the man-agement philosophy and direction for the parkfor the next 15-20 years. Development of thedraft plan was coordinated with the FloridaKeys National Marine Sanctuary’s Tortugas2000 planning and the U.S. Coral Reef TaskForce’s National Action Plan to Protect Coral Reefs.

The preferred alternative (Alternative C) wouldprovide a high level of protection to park re-sources by:• establishing a carrying capacity for visitors

and resources at specific sites• using commercial services to structure and

disperse visitor use; and,• designating approximately 46% of the park as

a Research Natural Area, where consumptiveuses such as fishing would be prohibited andother uses carefully limited.

Six public meetings were held in Florida andWashington DC to receive comments on thedraft plan. The comment period closed on Au-gust 1, 2000. Public comments were overwhelm-ingly in favor of a management plan at least asprotective as the preferred alternative. Sportfishermen, who maintain that properly regu-lated recreational fishing has no negative im-pacts on fish populations, have expressed op-

position to Alternative C. Several commentershave expressed concern about limiting the ferryconcession to one vessel, and also about the re-quirements for interpretation, education, andintra-park transportation that would be placedupon the concessionaire. Environmental orga-nizations generally support the preferred alter-native, although some believe the ResearchNatural Area should be larger.

The planning team evaluated public commentsand was preparing to modify the proposed ac-tion in response to comments at the close of thefiscal year. Upon approval of the Final GMPamendment, (anticipated in February 2001), anumber of actions, including rule-making, in-stallation of mooring buoys and preparation ofa concessions contract prospectus will be neces-sary to implement the plan. A draft GMP Imple-mentation Plan has been prepared.

The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force cited NPS/NOAA cooperative planning for the Tortugasas a model for protecting coral reef ecosystems.

The Final GMPA is available on the Internet atwww.nps.gov/drto/planning.

6

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

• enhance protection of ocean systems fromcontamination, degradation, and otherabuses; and

• defend biodiversity through habitat protec-tion.

MIAMI NATIONAL PARKS COMMUNITY

PARTNERS PROGRAM

The National Park Ser-vice, in partnershipwith the NationalParks ConservationAssociation (NPCA)and several multi-cul-tural organizations,created the Commu-nity Partners Programto engage diversepopulations in parkvisitation, the work-force, park planning,park protection and in

decision-making. The Miami National ParksCommunity Partners Program is a community-based task force, which includes the four SouthFlorida National Parks and a number of localorganizations. It is one of five such groups or-ganized in major cities around the country.

Over the past year, the Miami Community Part-ners worked on increasing the number of visi-tors from under-represented and culturally di-verse segments of the population to the nationalparks, by identifying interested groups and or-ganizing special interpretive programs andtours. They also worked on advancing NationalPark Service employment recruitment efforts.One of the monthly meetings was held at DryTortugas National Park. The meeting involvedan overnight camping outing and an opportu-nity to learn the history, and issues surround-ing this remote site. The group developed a mis-sion statement and selected program coordina-tors.

FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Dry Tortugas National Park has a close work-ing relationship with the Florida Keys NationalMarine Sanctuary (FKNMS). There is shared rec-ognition of the mutual influences between parkand sanctuary administration, including waterquality, the coral reef tract, operations and man-agement. The park is a formal participant in the

FKNMS’ Water Quality Steering Committee.The FKNMS is an active partner in the ecosys-tem restoration effort. The two agencies contin-ued their collaboration with the EnvironmentalProtection Agency in the production of "Water-ways". This half-hour television show airswidely in the region and explores the naturalresources and environmental issues of SouthFlorida.

The NPS and the FKNMS are continuing an in-teragency planning effort to protect sensitiveTortugas habitats. The Dry Tortugas NationalPark General Management Plan Amendmentwill determine ways to enhance resource pro-tection while continuing to provide high qual-ity visitor experiences. The FKNMS’ Tortugas2000 effort will establish a marine ecological re-serve to protect biodiversity and ecosystem in-tegrity.

CORAL REEF PROTECTION

On June 11, 1998, the President signed Execu-tive Order 13089 directing federal agencies totake actions to assist in protecting coral reefs, tofully consider the impacts of their actions oncoral reefs, to further scientific research, includ-ing mapping and monitoring, and to undertakeinternational initiatives for the same purposes.In October 1998, the first meeting of the CoralReef Task Force established under the Order metat Biscayne National Park. Dry Tortugas Na-tional Park actively participated and will con-tinue to be active in implementing the terms ofthe Order. Utilizing existing relationships withthe Bahamas National Trust and contacts withWorld Heritage Site managers, the park will alsopursue implementation of the Order’s provi-sions with respect to international cooperation.

7

Members of the MiamiCommunity Partners create a

mission statement whilemeeting at Dry Tortugas

National Park.

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

This section of the annual report summarizes Dry Tortugas National Park’s accomplishments inFiscal Year 2000. The park’s mission goals describe the desired future conditions that would bestfulfill the park purpose and are expressed in terms of resource condition and visitor experience.Long-term goals and annual goals provide steps for achieving progress towards the mission goalsover a five-year period. All goals are tied to service-wide goals established for the National ParkService.

PRESERVE PARK

RESOURCESMission Goal: All natural resources and associated values are protected, re-stored, and maintained in near pristine condition.

By September 30, 2002, 40 acres of disturbedpark land is restored.

Since the 19th century, exotic plants have beenintroduced to Loggerhead Key, altering theisland’s native plant population. By 1980, Aus-tralian pine (Casuarina equisitifolia) and Agave(Agave sisalana) had out-competed most of thenative plant communities. Native plant andwildlife populations suffered. Habitat forground nesting birds was severely restricted andsea turtles encountered many obstacles to repro-duction.

Upon the establishment of the Dry Tortugas asa National Park in 1992, resource managers be-gan to assess the alterations to the communitiesof Loggerhead Key with the intent of restoringthe island back to pre-settlement conditions. In1995, the NPS began to actively remove the twodominant exotic species, Agave and Casuarina,along with several lesser exotic plant species.

Eradication was accomplished utilizing pre-scribed burning and herbicidal treatment. Dis-turbed areas have been monitored and retreatedon a recurring basis to facilitate restoration. Asof 2000, all of the exotics had been removed fromLoggerhead. The transformation has been re-markable; the reduction in the numbers of exot-ics has led to a corresponding increase in thenumbers of native species.

Accomplishments• Conducted prescribed burn on northern

Loggerhead Key in November 1999, com-pleting a series of planned burns.

By September 30, 2002, breeding populationsof loggerhead and green sea turtles increase.

Accomplishments• Entered into cooperative agreements with:

-the University of Florida’s Center for SeaTurtle Research to monitor nesting sea turtles,and-the University of Miami’s Rosensteil Schoolof Marine and Atmospheric Science to sum-marize the physical oceanography, larvaltransport, and park fisheries in order to de-velop a Tortugas Site Characterization to helpguide future management decisions that mayimpact the park’s natural resources.

• Collected sea turtle nesting data for the sixthconsecutive season.

By September 30, 2002, fish and avian popula-tions, including breeding populations of sootyand noddy terns, brown pelicans, boobies andfrigate birds, lobster and conch populationsand coral reef and other benthic-type commu-nities remain stable.

National Park Service biologists visually assessthe bird life at the park. The Florida Marine In-stitute assesses lobster populations to ascertainabundance, distribution, size and fecundity. In1999, the NPS funded the Florida Marine Re-search Institute to establish 3 new coral reefmonitoring stations inside park waters. Thesewill become part of the greater U.S. Environmen-tal Protection Agency/Florida Keys NationalMarine Sanctuary Coral Monitoring Program.

Accomplishments• Completed an intensive rat abatement pro-

gram at Loggerhead Key, Garden Key andBush Key.

PERFORMANCE

AND RESULTS

FOR 2000

8

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

Mission Goal: All submerged and land based cultural resources have been iden-tified, documented, protected, and or stabilized.

By September 30, 2002, metal is removed from30 of the 180 embrasures in the Fort and theyare re-bricked.

A major restoration goal is to replace the origi-nal iron gun shutters that were designed to closeafter artillery was fired to provide protectionfrom incoming enemy fire. The shutters have ex-panded during the process of corrosion, displac-ing the surrounding masonry.

Accomplishments• Purchased 80,000 bricks, at a cost of

$102,320, to be used for embrasure work.• Completed stabilization of five embrasures.• Initiated crack monitoring program of his-

toric fort fabric

By September 30, 2002, 3 structures listed onthe List of Classified Structures are in goodcondition.

Fort Jefferson’s masonry has deteriorated be-cause of the harsh marine environment. In someareas, large sections of the outer brick wall havefallen into the moat. In addition to stabilizationof the fort’s walls, other efforts are underwayto improve the condition of classified structureswhere feasible. Examples include preservationwork on the sally port and its granite arch andrepairs to cistern structures.

Accomplishments• Replaced the historic slate roof on the old

superintendent’s quarters.• Cleared the small powder magazine of in-

vasive vegetation.

• Completed tuck pointing of 16 paradeground arches.

• Rehabilitated the fort’s sally port stone por-tal and replaced its hinge gudgeons.

• Examined the potable water cisterns andcompleted repairs to all internal and exter-nal surfaces; installed pressurized pump sta-tion.

• Completed archeological assessment of Log-gerhead Key.

By September 30, 2002, 45 of the recorded sub-merged cultural sites in 30’ or less of water arenot degraded due to human activity.

The Dry Tortugas contain one of the largest as-semblages of shipwreck sites in North Ameri-can waters. These sites provide a rich archeo-logical record spanning more than 4 centuriesof international economic and political activityin the area. NPS archeologists have compiled siteinformation into a database that has facilitatedanalysis of wreck sites as an interrelated collec-tion. Knowing resource condition and how itchanges on a continuing basis is fundamentalto the park’s ability to manage its resources andperpetuate their integrity.

Ongoing work to stabilizeFort Jefferson’s masonry.

Park staff rescue aLoggerhead turtle on

Loggerhead Key

9

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

PROVIDE FOR THE

PUBLIC USE AND

ENJOYMENT AND

VISITOR EXPERIENCE

OF THE PARK

foepyTytivitcA

s'PBIfo# sregnessaP

,noitatropsnarT.lcni

seirref-spihsesiurc-evid/lekrons-

sretrahc

51 566,15

ixaTriA 2 266,8

erutaNdediuG/sruoTgnidriB

9 717,3

sediuGgnihsiF 12 531

gniliaS 11 201

latoT 85 539,06

2000 Commercial Services

Mission Goal: Available park facilities, infrastructure, and services are sufficient tosupport operational needs, park staff; appropriate recreational opportunities are safe and

adequate for visitors and employees.

By September 30, 2002, 95% of park visitors aresatisfied with appropriate park facilities, ser-vices and recreational opportunities.

To assist the National Park Service in comply-ing with the Government Performance and Re-sults Act, a visitor survey was conducted in DryTortugas National Park in June 2000. The sur-vey results indicated that 93% of park visitorswere satisfied with appropriate facilities, ser-vices, and recreational opportunities. This is 1%percent under the FY 00 goal of 94% visitor sat-isfaction.

The National Park Service manages over 50 ac-tive Incidental Business Permits (IBPs) that pro-vide commercial services within Dry TortugasNational Park. In May 1999, a moratorium wasplaced on new or expanded commercial servicesuntil the general management planning processis completed and implementation of its decisionsis underway. Current permittees are allowed tocontinue their business operations as set forthin their permits.

Park visitation increased by 20% in 2000.

Accomplishments• Installed new park benches.• Maintained all visitor and administrative fa-

cilities in a safe and sanitary condition.• Maintained electric, water and sewer ser-

vices on both Garden and Loggerhead Key.

• Re-plumbed sections of the reverse osmosissystem.

• Completed water sample testing to ensurecompliance with state water system regula-tions.

By September 30, 2002, the rate (19.80) of visi-tor accidents/incidents is reduced by 10% to17.82.

Accomplishments• Responded to 24

incidents requir-ing EmergencyMedical Servicesand 5 Search andRescue incidents.

• One park rangerand a critical-hireadminis t ra t ivesupport aid ob-tained EMT-B cer-tification.

• Constructed and equipped park medicalcare facility.

• Tested water quality at designated swimbeaches in accordance with Director’s Or-der 83.

• Installed new radar and GPS systems in bothprimary patrol vessels.

• Completed a comprehensive review of firesuppression equipment; replaced all defec-tive extinguishers, including 4 largewheeled units, and installed an emergencypumping cache at Loggerhead Key.

• Began hazardous materials evaluation ofGarden Key North Coaling Dock dump site.

Dry Tortugas National Parkhas a small campground onGarden Key.

10

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

By September 30, 2002, 60% of park visitors un-derstand and recognize the significance of thepark’s historical and natural resources.

The future of Dry Tortugas National Park is de-pendent upon an informed and involved pub-lic, as well as responsible resources manage-ment. To meet this goal, the National Park Ser-vice provides a variety of orientation and edu-cational opportunities through interpretive ser-vices and programs.

Dry Tortugas National Park has one park rangerposition specializing in interpretation; this po-sition was vacant for most of FY 2000. Becauseof the small interpretive staff size, all park em-

ployees, includingcommissioned parkrangers, maintenanceworkers, and adminis-trative staff have fre-quent contacts withvisitors and are re-sponsible for promot-ing an awareness andunderstanding of thepark’s significance.Traditional ranger-ledprograms, while de-sired and valuable,

cannot be offered on a daily basis. Most of theguided tours of Fort Jefferson are conducted by

By September 30, 2002, reliable and cost effec-tive radio and telephone communications ex-ist for 24 hours per day, 365 days per year fororganizational and operational needs and em-ployee and visitor safety.

Because of the remote nature of the Dry Tortu-gas, it is extremely difficult to provide and main-tain reliable telephone communications. Thereare no telephone lines to the island, so the parkdepends upon a collection of radio/telephonelinks that are dependent upon six different re-lays, as well as a photovoltaic power source. Theradio-telephone (RTI) system was inoperable formuch of the year. The alternative satellite sys-

tem was operational, but far more costly to op-erate. All of the systems are dependent upontechnology and components that are adverselyinfluenced by the harsh salt environment.

Accomplishments• Maintenance, problem diagnosis and repair

of communication systems was ongoingthroughout the year using NPS and contractpersonnel.

• Established a service contract with local ven-dor to provide fast response to downed equip-ment and service.

Park Mission Goal: Visitors understand, appreciate, and are inspired by thepark’s historical and natural resources, and they support the protection of these

resources.

guides with the permitted ferry services. In lightof budget and staffing constraints, emphasis isshifting towards non-personal interpretive ser-vices and media, such as television, exhibits,waysides and publications that have the abilityto serve a broader audience. The future devel-opment of an interagency visitor center in KeyWest will also increase visitors’ opportunities forinformation and education regarding the park.Park rangers contact vessels upon entrance tothe park, providing boaters with an orientationto visitor opportunities and park regulations.

The park’s volunteer program is an importanttool for meeting the greatly increased visitationand resource management needs. Volunteers areactive in supporting vital park functions, includ-ing facility maintenance, grounds-keeping, re-source protection, research, habitat improve-ment, and visitor services. The main focus of thevolunteer program is on Loggerhead Key. Vol-unteers work in pairs, in stints lasting from oneto six months, and live in a small house on theisland. They are responsible for resource pro-tection and interpretation, grounds-keeping, andmaintenance of island facilities, including a gen-erator, fuel and water systems, equipment, andseveral buildings. New emphasis is being placedon using volunteers on Garden Key, where de-ferred maintenance projects are being accom-plished.

Sea turtle researcher RussellReardon presents a program

on turtles for park visitors

11

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

The Public Affairs Office for Everglades and DryTortugas National Parks, located at EvergladesNational Park, responds to telephone and mailrequests for general park information and man-ages the maintenance and updating of the park’sweb site. Commercial filming activities are alsomanaged by the Public Affairs Office.

The park’s educational efforts are assisted andenhanced by its partnership with the Florida Na-tional Parks and Monuments Association(FNPMA). The Fort Jefferson visitor center book-store is staffed daily by an FNPMA employee,who disseminates park information and pro-vides visitor orientation. The Association sup-ports the park’s interpretive and education pro-grams, special events, and publications.

Accomplishments• 24,674 visitors were contacted at park visi-

tor center.• Implemented Junior Ranger Program.

• Maintained park web pages, and the ex-panded web site for the Dry Tortugas Gen-eral Management Plan Amendment, withup-to-date information and in accordancewith NPS Internet publication policy.

• Prepared and input content for new "ParkProfiles" databases on ParkNet, the officialNational Park Service web site, which wenton-line in August 2000.

• Recorded 98,082 "hits" on www.nps.gov/drto.

• 104 volunteers worked 6,689 hours in thepark.

• Park rangers contacted approximately 1,670vessels upon entrance to the park, provid-ing boaters with a park map, orientation tovisitor opportunities and park regulations.

• Park law enforcement rangers encounteredand addressed 21 violations involving athreat to park resources.

ORGANIZATIONAL

EFFECTIVENESS

Mission Goal: Dry Tortugas National Park is a responsive and efficient organi-zation, enhancing managerial capabilities through initiatives and support from

other agencies, organizations, and individuals.

By September 30, 2002, 5 of 14 housing unitsclassified as being in poor or fair condition areremoved, replaced or upgraded to good condi-tion.

Most park employees live in apartments builtinto the casemates of Fort Jefferson. Out of 14housing units, 11 are constructed within the his-toric walls as part of the structure. Problems as-sociated with this type of construction includewater leaks through the sides and top of the case-mates and the continual flaking of mortar, white-wash and pieces of brick. The quarters have alimited life span and do not meet code. A proto-type housing unit, which utilizes an indepen-dent roof and wall system, was completed in1999 to address these ongoing problems. Twoadditional housing units are in the formerengineer’s quarters. Two 4-plex units, in KeyWest, Florida, were acquired in 1999 from theDepartment of the Navy. Following rehabilita-

tion, these units will provide housing for a largerstaff, as well as a temporary administrative siteon the mainland.

The park is making progress towards theachievement of this goal. A full-time housing of-ficer, duty stationed at Everglades NationalPark, manages the housing program. Fundingfor housing replacement and historic housingrehab has been requested, as has repair/rehabfunding for non-historic housing.

Accomplishments• Refurbished Quarters #2• Purchased energy-efficient gas appliances

for Garden Key housing.• Used volunteer help to begin debris re-

moval from Key West housing units, priorto rehabilitation work.

• Obtained quotes and began rehabilitationwork on Key West housing units.

12

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

FY 2000FINANCIAL

SUMMARY

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS - $1,017,800

FEE REVENUES

FUNDING FOR SPECIAL INITIATIVES &PROGRAMS

Saving America’s Treasures Program ..........................970,400Hazardous Materials Removal...................................... .97,500Cyclic Repair/Rehabilitation............................................92,000Equipment Replacement................................................12,000Public Land Corporation (SCA)...................................... 11,135Fee Demonstration...........................................................6,525Volunteer Program........................................................... 3,400

Campground Fees........................................................$18,183

Facility Operations andMaintenanceOperation and maintenance ofvisitor facilities and facilitiessupporting the park's operationaland administrative needs,including:• Visitor center• Interpretive exhibits• Boat dock• Campground• Employee housing• Utility systems and equipment• Maintenance shops/storage• Offices

Visitor Services• Visitor center/bookstore• Ranger-led and self-guided

activities• Interpretive exhibits• Visitor protection activities

AdministrationSupport functions, such as:• Park management• Budget• Contracting/procurement• Payroll• Personnel• Property management

Resource Management andPreservation• Stabilization of Fort Jefferson• Protection of submerged

cultural resources• Resource management and

protection of naturalresources, including initiativeto advance coral reef iniative

$490,000

$128,200

$206,000

$193,600

NPS Mechanic Al Walsh and Park Ranger Roy Appuglieseinvestigate a sailboat grounding near Long Key.

13

2000 ANNUAL REPORT

FY 2001BUDGET AND

GOALS

Resource Management and Preservation: ..............................................................................$774,600• Resource management and protection activities to address threats to natural resources, in-

cluding the most pristine segment of the only U.S. continental coral reef, consisting of stag-horn coral, patch reefs, sand flats, and seagrass beds.

• Stabilization and preservation of Fort Jefferson.• Protection of submerged cultural resources.

Annual Goals - by September 30, 2001:• Forty acres of disturbed land is 80% restored.• Breeding populations of loggerhead and green sea turtles increase.• Nine non-threatened and endangered species populations remain stable.• Metal is removed from 24 embrasures and they are re-bricked (increase of 6).• Two structures on the List of Classified Structures are in good condition (no increase).• The condition of 45 submerged cultural sites has not degraded.

Visitor Services: ...........................................................................................................................$249,200The National Park Service manages and provides a variety of visitor services that offer opportuni-ties to experience and learn about the unique natural and cultural resources of Dry Tortugas Na-tional Park, including:• Operation of visitor center/bookstore in historic Fort Jefferson, interpretive exhibits, camp-

ground on Garden Key.• Ranger-guided and self-guided activities.• Management of visitor activities supported by commercial services, including ferry and sea-

plane transportation, sailing, guided snorkeling, diving and recreational fishing, and photo-graphic and birding workshops.

• Visitor protection activities to provide for the protection, safety and security of park visitors,employees, commercial services permittees, and public and private property.

Annual Goals - by September 30, 2001:• Ninety-five percent of park visitors are satisfied.• The visitor accident/incident rate is reduced by 8% to 18.22.• Fifty-five percent of visitors understand the park’s significance.

Facility Operations and Maintenance: ....................................................................................$248,000• Operation and maintenance of facilities for visitor use, such as the visitor center in Fort Jeffer-

son, interpretive exhibits, boat dock and campground.• Operation of facilities that support the park’s administrative and operational needs, including

utilities, equipment, employee housing, maintenance shops, storage, and offices.

Annual Goals - by September 30, 2001:• By September 30, 2002, reliable and cost effective radio and telephone communications

exist for 24 hours per day, 365 days per year for organizational and operational needs andemployee and visitor safety.

Park Administration: ....................................................................................................................$26,200This program area includes management staff and administrative support functions for the park,such as budget, contracting and procurement, property management, and human resources.

TOTAL: ....................................................................................................$1,298,000

14

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CARES FOR SPECIAL PLACES SAVED BY THE

AMERICAN PEOPLE SO THAT ALL MAY EXPERIENCE OUR HERITAGE.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR � NATIONAL PARK SERVICE