16-06 APPENDIX B UESDOCS.pdf

Protected Species Survey for the

Proposed Stormwater Basin at S.E. 134th Avenue Road, Weirsdale, FL universalengineering.com

March 15, 2023

Mr. Kevin M. Vickers, P.E.

Engineering Project Manager

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Office of the County Engineer 412 S.E. 25th Avenue Ocala, FL 34471

Reference: Protected Species Survey Proposed Stormwater Basin S.E. 134th Avenue Road Weirsdale, Marion County, FL UES Project No. 0240.2300009

Universal Engineering Sciences, LLC (UES) is pleased to have completed the Protected Species Survey for the above-referenced site (the “subject property”) and has attached the summary report for your use.

The purpose of the protected species assessment was to determine if protected species (plants and animals as listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), reside or potentially reside on the property, if known nesting sites on or near the property will affect development, and if the site contains critical habitat areas. There are no federally-listed critical habitat areas on site and we located no listed species during the site visit. Please refer to the report for additional details.

UES appreciates this opportunity to provide environmental services to you and we look forward to future endeavors. Please contact the undersigned if you have any questions regarding this report.

Respectfully submitted, Universal Engineering Sciences

Tim Mann Kurt Hardy, P.E.

Ecological Scientist Environmental Division Manager tmann@teamues.com khardy@teamues.com

T. Mann

Protected Species Survey UES Project No.: 0240.2300009 Proposed Stormwater Basin Weirsdale, Marion County, Florida March 15, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

1.0 GENERAL SITE DESCRIPTION

2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

3.0 PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY METHOD

4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY RESULTS

5.0 LIMITATIONS

FIGURES

SITE LOCATION MAP ........................................................................................................ FIGURE 1 SITE PLAN / AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH ................................................................................... FIGURE 2 LAND USE MAP ................................................................................................................. FIGURE 3

APPENDICES

SITE PHOTOGRAPHS ................................................................................................... APPENDIX A

USDA NRCS SOIL SURVEY INFORMATION…………………………………………………………………..APPENDIX B

USFWS IPAC RESOURCE LIST AND FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY .................. APPENDIX C DOCUMENTATION AND REFERENCES FOR POTENTIAL SPECIES ................................. APPENDIX D

Weirsdale, Marion County, Florida March 15, 2023

1.0 GENERAL SITE DESCRIPTION

The subject property reviewed during this project occupies one vacant residential 0.81-acre parcel located on the west side of Southeast 134th Avenue Road, approximately 0.2 mile south of SE Hwy 42 and 0.1 mile west of Hwy 25 in Weirsdale, Marion County, Florida. A Site Location Map is provided as Figure 1, a site plan is provided as Figure 2, and site photographs of the subject property obtained during the field visit and presented in Appendix A. The details provided by the Marion County Property Appraiser’s website are shown in the table below.

Parcel ID Area (acres)

Section- Township-

Range

Land Use (per Property Appraiser)

49794-000-00 0.81 29-17S-24E 0001 – Vacant Residential

2.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS

At the time of our evaluation, the subject property was vacant, highly disturbed land, partly forested with an herbaceous understory. The immediate vicinity is characterized primarily by undeveloped land, sparse single-family homes, and a nearby elementary school.

On-site land uses: The land uses described in this report are based on the 2018 Florida Land Cover Classification System retrieved from the FWC website. A Land Use map is provided as Figure 3.

Land Use ID Land Use Name Acres Percent of Property

18221 Residential, Medium density –

2.5 dwelling units / acre 0.81 100

Soils: According to the National Resource Conservation Service, the subject property falls on two mapped soil series.

Soil Series Gopher Tortoise Burrowing Suitability Acres Percent of Property

Candler sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes Highly suited Negligible <1

Tavares sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes Highly suited 0.8 Nearly 100

Detailed soils maps are provided in Appendix B.

Weirsdale, Marion County, Florida March 15, 2023

3.0 PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY METHOD

The purpose of the protected species survey was to determine if protected species (plants and animals as listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), reside or potentially reside on the property, if known nesting sites on or near the property will affect development, and if the site contains critical habitat areas.

On March 1, 2023 Mr. Tim Mann, Ecological Scientist with UES, reviewed the property for presence of any species listed as protected by the USFWS and the FWC. The protected species survey included:

1) Prior to the site visit, a review of reference data and information provided by the USFWS, FWC, eBird.org, and Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) to determine:

• The potential protected species that may inhabit or use the property;

• The location of known nearby Bald Eagle nests;

• The location of the nearest known Wood Stork colonies and their associated core foraging buffers; and

• To determine the consultation areas for potential federally protected species such as the eastern indigo snake and sand skink.

2) A survey on foot of the property.

The USFWS IPaC resource list and the FNAI Biodiversity Matrix are provided in Appendix C.

4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY RESULTS

Mr. Mann found no protected species during the site visit. The property is highly disturbed with a fairly dense herbaceous understory without open areas exposing sand; and there are no open water or wetlands. Therefore we are providing comments for only four species.

Bald Eagle: There is no Bald Eagle nest on the property. The closest recently-active nest is approximately 0.25 mile to the southwest, and that nest was not active in 2022. Mr. Mann did not see an eagle during the site visit.

Eastern Indigo Snake: The subject property lies within the consultation area established for this threatened species, and while the property does have suitable habitat based on the mapped soil series, its presence is unlikely;

however the USFWS Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake should be implemented on the site during future construction activities. No further action is required as long as the standard measures for protection are utilized. The standard measures typically include placing of signage at construction site entrances and in the construction office, along with educating construction staff on how to identify the indigo snake and what steps to take if one is observed or one is found injured/dead during construction activities. We have included a sample poster in Appendix D.

Gopher Tortoise: The subject property is located on “highly suited” mapped soil series, but Mr. Mann located no tortoises nor tortoise burrows during his field visit.

If tortoises are located later in the development process, ground clearing must stop and the gopher tortoise relocation permitting process must begin. Florida regulations require that any gopher tortoises must be relocated prior to any ground-clearing activities.

To briefly summarize the relocation permitting process: A 15% survey is conducted by an FWC-authorized gopher

Weirsdale, Marion County, Florida March 15, 2023 tortoise agent within 90 days of submitting an application to FWC for a relocation permit. No more than 90 days prior to and no fewer than 72 work week hours before commencing capture activities, the agent will submit a 100% burrow survey. The FWC website provides the gopher tortoise permitting guidelines here:

https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/gopher-tortoise-permits/permitting-guidelines. FWC data sheets for gopher tortoises are provided in Appendix D.

Sand skink - The subject property lies within the consultation area established for this federally-threatened species due to the property’s location (Marion County) and its elevation (greater than 80 feet), however the habitat is not suitable, and Mr. Mann saw no evidence of this species due to the groundcover. The USFWS sand skink survey protocol is included in Appendix D.

5.0 LIMITATIONS

In expressing the opinions stated in this report, UES has exercised the degree of skill and care ordinarily exercised by a reputable and competent environmental professional in the same area and time frame given the same facts and circumstances. Documentation and data provided by the Client or other interested parties, or from the public domain, and referred to in the preparation of this assessment, have been used and referenced with the understanding that UES assumes no responsibility or liability for their accuracy. The information contained in this report, including its conclusions, is based on the information that was made available to UES during the investigation and upon the services described that were performed. Because the report is based on available information, some of its conclusions could be different if the information upon which it is based is determined to be false, inaccurate, or contradicted by additional information.

This assessment represents the results of our review based on observations and technical information available on the date of the indicated on-site evaluation. UES accepts no responsibility for recruitment of protected wildlife or plants to the site following the date(s) of this assessment. The USFWS, FFWCC, and local government agencies may request additional assessments and/or surveys at any time. This report is intended for general planning purposes only. If applicable for this assessment scope, the limits of any on-site wetlands/surface waters can only be determined and verified through field delineation and/or on-site review by the pertinent regulatory agencies.

The wildlife surveys conducted within the subject property boundaries do not preclude the potential for any listed species, currently or in the future.

This report is intended for the sole use of our client. Its contents may not be relied upon by other parties for any purpose without the express written consent of UES. UES is not responsible for conclusions drawn by others upon review of the enclosed report. This is not a statement of suitability of the property for any use or purpose. This assessment was conducted in accordance with the UES General Conditions, which are incorporated into the Client authorized agreement that governs this assessment.

PROPOSED STORMWATER BASIN

S.E. 134TH AVENUE ROAD

WEIRSDALE, MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

T. MANN 3/14/2023 K. HARDY 3/15/2023

AS SHOWN 0240.2300009 2008156 1

DRAWN BY DATE CHECKED BY DATE

SCALE PROJECT NO. REPORT NO. FIGURE NO.

USGS SITE LOCATION MAP

SOURCE: USGS “LADY LAKE, FL” QUADRANGLE 7.5-MINUTE SERIES (DATED 2021)

SUBJECT PROPERTY

WEIRSDALE, MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

T. MANN 3/14/2023 K. HARDY 3/15/2023

AS SHOWN 0240.2300009 2008156 2

DRAWN BY DATE CHECKED BY DATE

SCALE PROJECT NO. REPORT NO. FIGURE NO.

SITE PLAN/2021 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH

SOURCE: GOOGLE EARTH

WEIRSDALE, MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

T. MANN 3/14/2023 K. HARDY 3/15/2023

AS SHOWN 0240.2300009 2008156 3

DRAWN BY DATE CHECKED BY

DATE

SCALE PROJECT NO. REPORT NO. FIGURE NO.

LAND USE MAP

SOURCE: SWFWMD Land Use, Cover & Forms Classification System (FLUCCS)

SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Proposed Stormwater Basin Project No. 0240.2300009 SE 134th Avenue Road Weirsdale, Marion County, FL Photograph Date: March 1, 2023

Photograph No. 1: Northeast corner facing west

Photograph No. 2: Southeast corner facing north

Photograph No. 3: Southwest corner facing east

Photograph No. 4: Northwest corner facing south

Photograph No. 5: Center of the property facing east

Photograph No. 6: Center of the property facing west

WLF - Gopher Tortoise Burrowing Suitability—Marion County Area, Florida (134th Ave Rd parcel)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

2/25/2023

409630 409640 409650 409660 409670 409680 409690 409700 409710 409720

409630 409640 409650 409660 409670 409680 409690 409700 409710

28° 58' 44'' N

5'

9' ' W

28° 58' 44'' N

5'

6' ' W

28° 58' 42'' N

5'

9' ' W

28° 58' 42'' N

5'

6' ' W

N

Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 17N WGS84 0 20 40 80 120

Feet 0 5 10 20 30

Meters Map Scale: 1:452 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.

Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.

MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION

Area of Interest (AOI) Area of Interest (AOI)

Soils Soil Rating Polygons

Unsuitable

Less suited

Moderately suited

Highly suited

Not rated or not available

Soil Rating Lines Unsuitable

Less suited

Moderately suited

Highly suited

Not rated or not available

Soil Rating Points Unsuitable

Less suited

Moderately suited

Highly suited

Not rated or not available

Water Features Streams and Canals

Transportation Rails

Interstate Highways

US Routes

Major Roads

Local Roads

Background Aerial Photography

The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:15,800.

Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.

Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.

Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map measurements.

Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey URL:

Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)

Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required.

This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below.

Soil Survey Area: Marion County Area, Florida Survey Area Data: Version 20, Sep 1, 2022

Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger.

Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Jan 6, 2022—Mar 21, The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.

WLF - Gopher Tortoise Burrowing Suitability—Marion County Area, Florida (134th Ave Rd parcel)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

2/25/2023

WLF - Gopher Tortoise Burrowing Suitability

Map unit symbol

Map unit name Rating Component name (percent)

Rating reasons (numeric values)

Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

22 Candler sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes

Highly suited Candler (90%) 0.0 0.4%

Tavares (5%)

Millhopper (5%)

69 Tavares sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes

Highly suited Tavares (85%) 0.8 99.6%

Apopka (6%)

Candler (4%)

Adamsville (3%)

Zolfo (2%)

Totals for Area of Interest 0.8 100.0%

Rating Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

Highly suited 0.8 100.0%

Totals for Area of Interest 0.8 100.0%

WLF - Gopher Tortoise Burrowing Suitability—Marion County Area, Florida 134th Ave Rd parcel

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

Description

This soil interpretation is intended to provide ratings based on the dominant soil characteristics that influence the suitability of the soil for excavation, maintenance, and preservation of burrows by gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). The information allows the user to identify areas of potentially suitable habitat area prior to the application of conservation practices. The ratings are for the soils in their natural condition and do not consider present land use, existing vegetation, water sources, and the presence or absence of wildlife in the area. The presence or absence of a species is determined at the local level and by many factors including soil characteristics.

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a burrowing reptile that inhabits open pine forests throughout the southeastern United States. Historically, typical gopher tortoise habitat consisted of open, frequently burned longleaf pine or longleaf pine/scrub oak uplands and flatwoods on moderately well drained to xeric soils. The burrows of a gopher tortoise are the habitat and center of normal feeding, breeding, and sheltering activity. Gopher tortoises excavate and use more than one burrow for shelter beneath the ground surface. Burrows, which may extend for more than 30 feet, provide shelter from canid predators, winter cold and summer heat.

The soil criteria that are taken into account in this soil interpretation are those that have been determined to have the most effect on burrow excavation, maintenance, and preservation. These include the soil texture, percent coarse fragments, depth to a restrictive layer or layer with greater than or equal to 35% clay, ponding or flooding frequency, slope, and depth to seasonal high water table.

Each soil criteria is assigned a numerical rating between 0 and 1. In this rating, 1 represents more suitable soil characteristics, and 0 represents less suitable soil characteristics. Each criterion is calculated separately and the lowest rating is reported as the overall soil suitability rating, representing the most limiting factor in the soil's suitability for gopher tortoise burrows.

Rating classes have been defined as follows:

Highly suited (numerical rating 0.95-1): These soils have no restrictions for use and are favorable for burrowing by gopher tortoise. Colonization and population densities may be above average if other habitat factors are not limiting.

Moderately suited (numerical rating 0.5-0.95): These soils are suitable and somewhat favorable for burrowing by gopher tortoise. Some restrictive features may limit the use of the site to a minor extent. Colonization and population densities may be average to above for the area if the other habitat requirements are met.

Less suited (numerical rating 0.05-0.5): These soils have characteristics that may limit establishment, maintenance, or use of the site by gopher tortoise.

Colonization and population densities may be below average or restricted in the area due to the limiting factors even though all of the other species habitat requirements are met.

Unsuitable (numerical rating 0-0.05): These soils have characteristics that may limit establishment, maintenance, or use of the site by gopher tortoise. Areas of

WLF - Gopher Tortoise Burrowing Suitability—Marion County Area, Florida 134th Ave Rd parcel

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey included soils with better drainage may provide suitable soil properties in some locations.

Not Rated: Miscellaneous areas are given a not rated status.

The map unit components listed for each map unit in the accompanying Summary by Map Unit table in Web Soil Survey or the Aggregation Report in Soil Data Viewer are determined by the aggregation method chosen, which is displayed on the report. An aggregated rating class is shown for each map unit.

The components listed for each map unit are only those that have the same rating class as listed for the map unit. The percent composition of each component in a particular map unit is presented to help the user better understand the percentage of each map unit that has the rating presented.

Other components with different ratings may be present in each map unit. The ratings for all components, regardless of the map unit aggregated rating, can be viewed by generating the Selected Soil Interpretations report with this interpretation included from the Soil Reports tab in Web Soil Survey or from the Soil Data Mart site. Onsite investigation may be needed to validate these interpretations and to confirm the identity of the soil on a given site.

Citations:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

2012. Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Soil Classifications for the Federally Listed Range using the National Soil Information System Database, Version 1.

Rating Options

Aggregation Method: Dominant Condition

Component Percent Cutoff: None Specified

Tie-break Rule: Higher

WLF - Gopher Tortoise Burrowing Suitability—Marion County Area, Florida 134th Ave Rd parcel

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

Depth to Water Table—Marion County Area, Florida (134th Ave Rd parcel)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

2/25/2023

409630 409640 409650 409660 409670 409680 409690 409700 409710 409720

409630 409640 409650 409660 409670 409680 409690 409700 409710

28° 58' 44'' N

5'

9' ' W

28° 58' 44'' N

5'

6' ' W

28° 58' 42'' N

5'

9' ' W

28° 58' 42'' N

5'

6' ' W

N

Map projection: Web Mercator Corner coordinates: WGS84 Edge tics: UTM Zone 17N WGS84 0 20 40 80 120

Feet 0 5 10 20 30

Meters Map Scale: 1:452 if printed on A landscape (11" x 8.5") sheet.

Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.

MAP LEGEND MAP INFORMATION

Area of Interest (AOI) Area of Interest (AOI)

Soils Soil Rating Polygons

0 - 25

25 - 50

50 - 100

100 - 150

150 - 200

> 200

Not rated or not available

Soil Rating Lines 0 - 25

25 - 50

50 - 100

100 - 150

150 - 200

> 200

Not rated or not available

Soil Rating Points 0 - 25

25 - 50

50 - 100

100 - 150

150 - 200

> 200

Not rated or not available

Water Features Streams and Canals

Transportation Rails

Interstate Highways

US Routes

Major Roads

Local Roads

Background Aerial Photography

The soil surveys that comprise your AOI were mapped at 1:15,800.

Warning: Soil Map may not be valid at this scale.

Enlargement of maps beyond the scale of mapping can cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping and accuracy of soil line placement. The maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a more detailed scale.

Please rely on the bar scale on each map sheet for map measurements.

Source of Map: Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey URL:

Coordinate System: Web Mercator (EPSG:3857)

Maps from the Web Soil Survey are based on the Web Mercator projection, which preserves direction and shape but distorts distance and area. A projection that preserves area, such as the Albers equal-area conic projection, should be used if more accurate calculations of distance or area are required.

This product is generated from the USDA-NRCS certified data as of the version date(s) listed below.

Soil Survey Area: Marion County Area, Florida Survey Area Data: Version 20, Sep 1, 2022

Soil map units are labeled (as space allows) for map scales 1:50,000 or larger.

Date(s) aerial images were photographed: Jan 6, 2022—Mar 21, The orthophoto or other base map on which the soil lines were compiled and digitized probably differs from the background imagery displayed on these maps. As a result, some minor shifting of map unit boundaries may be evident.

Depth to Water Table—Marion County Area, Florida (134th Ave Rd parcel)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

Depth to Water Table

Map unit symbol Map unit name Rating (centimeters) Acres in AOI Percent of AOI

22 Candler sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes

>200 0.0 0.4%

69 Tavares sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes

145 0.8 99.6%

Totals for Area of Interest 0.8 100.0%

Description

"Water table" refers to a saturated zone in the soil. It occurs during specified months. Estimates of the upper limit are based mainly on observations of the water table at selected sites and on evidence of a saturated zone, namely grayish colors (redoximorphic features) in the soil. A saturated zone that lasts for less than a month is not considered a water table.

This attribute is actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the representative value is used.

Rating Options

Units of Measure: centimeters

Aggregation Method: Dominant Component

Component Percent Cutoff: None Specified

Tie-break Rule: Lower

Interpret Nulls as Zero: No

Beginning Month: January

Ending Month: December

Depth to Water Table—Marion County Area, Florida 134th Ave Rd parcel

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Web Soil Survey National Cooperative Soil Survey

Skink Survey Protocol

April 4, 2011

Following the 5-year review for sand and bluetail mole skinks (Service 2007) and our assessment of the skink surveys to date, the Service provides this revised skink survey protocol for all counties in Florida in which they occur:

The three most important factors in determining the presence of skinks are location, elevation, and suitable soils. Sand skinks occur on sandy ridges of interior central Florida from Marion County south to Highlands County. The extant range of the sand skink includes Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Putnam Counties (Christman 1988; Telford 1998).

Principal populations occur on the Lake Wales Ridge, Winter Haven Ridge, and Mount Dora Ridge (Christman 1970; Christman 1992; Mushinsky and McCoy 1995). Bluetail mole skinks are only known to occur on the Lake Wales Ridge in Polk, Osceola, and Highlands Counties (Mount 1965; Christman 1978). These skink species are found in this geographic area typically at elevations 80 feet above sea level or higher. A reference map depicting the consultation area can be found along with this protocol on our webpage (www.fws.gov/verobeach). Sand skinks are much more numerous, broadly distributed, and more easily detected than bluetail mole skinks. As such, sand skinks will be used as a proxy for both species in the counties in which they co-occur.

Once the location and elevation for a site has been determined to be within these parameters, then the soil types should be examined. Skinks are found in excessively drained, well-drained and moderately well-drained sandy soils. Suitable soil types include: Apopka, Arredondo, Archbold, Astatula, Candler, Daytona, Duette, Florahome, Gainesville, Hague, Kendrick, Lake, Millhopper, Orsino, Paola, Pomello, Satellite, St. Lucie, Tavares, and Zuber.

These soil types typically support scrub, sandhill, or xeric hammock natural communities, although they may be degraded by human impacts to overgrown scrub, pine plantation, citrus grove, old field, or pasture condition. Skinks have been found in all these degraded conditions where soil types are suitable regardless of vegetative cover (Pike et al. 2008). Thus, habitat condition is not important in determining whether a site is occupied by skinks.

When the location, elevation, and soil type are suitable and the action is proposed to disturb the soils on-site, then either: (1) a skink survey is necessary to determine if the site is occupied or (2) presence should be assumed and the appropriate avoidance, minimization, mitigation, or conservation measures should be implemented.

If presence of the species is not assumed, then a visual pedestrian survey to survey for skink tracks should be conducted first. This survey can be performed at any time of the year, but tracks are most detectable in the spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) (Ashton and Telford 2006; Pike et al. 2008b). We recommend an intensive pedestrian survey be completed during one of these periods prior to proceeding with a coverboard survey. Sand skinks leave a sinusoidal (“S”-shaped) track (Figure 1) at the surface that can be readily identified through a visual pedestrian survey. All open, exposed sandy areas on the property should be surveyed. The survey route (preferably global positioning system

[GPS] based) should be recorded and depicted in map form with all locations of skink sign (skinks or skink tracks) marked. A photo documentation log of the skink signs should also be maintained.

Provided the location and elevation meet the parameters described previously, the Service assumes all contiguous suitable soils within 780 feet of skink signs are occupied based on observed skink movement (Schrey et al. in press). To determine the occupied skink area, place a 780-foot buffer around all skink signs. The area of suitable soils within this buffer is considered occupied if no physical barriers (e.g., canals, paved roads, etc.) preclude skinks from accessing the suitable soils. A coverboard survey is not required if the site is determined occupied by the pedestrian survey.

If the pedestrian survey is negative or some portions of the site were determined not occupied, then a coverboard survey is necessary to reach a presumed absence conclusion. Prior to initiating coverboard surveys, we recommend contacting a Service biologist in the appropriate field office (Figure 2) to confirm survey dates, provide guidance on placement of the boards across the landscape, and determine if a site visit is appropriate to verify sampling protocol prior to initiating coverboard surveys.

Coverboard surveys should be conducted from March 1st through May 15th. Negative results obtained outside this period of time are not considered adequate to conclude the presumed absence of skinks. Surveys should be conducted a minimum of four times in consecutive weeks within the survey time period to conclude that skinks are not present. Coverboards must be lifted and checked for tracks a minimum of once per week.

Coverboards should be placed within suitable soil types at a minimum density of 100 coverboards per hectare (40 per acre). Coverboards should be located in areas of bare sand or sparse vegetation adjacent to leaf litter or detritus. Carefully rake or grade the soil to ensure full contact of the coverboard with the soil surface. Placement of soil from surrounding areas may be necessary under some coverboards where stems or roots preclude full contact of the coverboard with the soil surface. Certain conditions (overgrown scrub, old fields, pastures) may require vegetation to be removed to place sufficient coverboards. Xeric scrub habitat where skinks occur may also be occupied by rare, state and federally listed plants. While setting up coverboard surveys, minimize impacts to rare plant communities (For more information on plants, see http://www.archbold-station.org/fai/species4.html#Plants).

Coverboards should be 61 cm by 61 cm (2 ft by 2 ft) in dimension and may be constructed of 1.2 cm (0.5 in) or greater thick plywood, masonite, rigid insulation board (without metallic sheathing) , or other rigid material of the same dimensions. Record the geographic coordinates of all coverboards. Coverboards should be allowed to acclimate for 7 days before the first sampling event. Check for tracks upon lifting each coverboard. The use of gloves during sampling is highly recommended as coverboards often attract venomous insects and reptiles. We recommend lifting the coverboards from the edge farthest from you to keep the coverboard between you and any potential threats. After checking for tracks and skinks, carefully smooth the soil surface with the edge of the coverboard and replace the coverboard. During each site visit, look for and record tracks in sandy patches between coverboard locations. Once tracks or skinks are detected in an area, the survey can be concluded. Absence of skink signs from the pedestrian and coverboard surveys combined indicates a low risk of take. Do not leave coverboards in the field between sampling seasons as weathering can degrade the effectiveness of the boards to detect skink tracks (Pike et al. 2008).

A survey report that includes the following, as applicable, should be forwarded to the Service:

1. Project description of the action including site specific habitat and vegetative descriptions.

2. Soil map over a topographical map or aerial photograph of the project area including the path of the pedestrian surveys, coverboard locations, locations of skink signs, and the 780-foot buffer.

3. Photo documentation of tracks.

4. Field data sheets that include:

A. Survey dates with starting and ending times of all surveys conducted and personnel conducting surveys;

B. Weather conditions during all surveys, including average temperature, wind speed and direction, visibility, and precipitation;

C. Total number of skink tracks observed; and D. All skink observations.

5. The following ArcGIS layer files in shapefile format that include accurate metadata (the preferred projection is Florida Albers NAD83 in meters):

A. Project boundary;

B. GPS locations of survey routes;

C. Coverboard Locations; and D. Skink track/sign locations with 780-foot buffer.

LITERATURE CITED

Ashton, K.G. and S.R. Telford, Jr. 2006. Monthly and daily activity of a fossorial lizard, Neoseps reynoldsi. Southeastern Naturalist 5(1):175-183.

Christman, S.P. 1970. The possible evolutionary history of two Florida skinks. Quarterly Journal of the Florida Academy of Science 33(4): 291-293.

Christman, S.P. 1978. Threatened: bluetailed mole skink, Eumeces egregius lividus (Mount).

Pages 38-41 in R.W. McDiarmid, editor. Rare and endangered biota of Florida. Volume 3: amphibians and reptiles. University Press of Florida; Gainesville, Florida.

Christman, S.P. 1988. Endemism and Florida’s interior sand pine scrub. Final project report no.GFC-84-010, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission; Tallahassee, Florida.

Christman, S.P. 1992. Threatened: sand skink, Neoseps reynoldsi (Stejneger). Pages 135-140 in

P.E. Moler, editor. Rare and endangered biota of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

Mount, R.H. 1965. Variation and systematics of the scincoid lizard, Eumeces egregius (Baird).

Bulletin of the Florida State Museum. 9(5):183-213.

Mushinsky, H.R. and E.D. McCoy. 1995. Vertebrate species compositions of selected scrub islands on the Lake Wales Ridge of Central Florida. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Nongame Wildlife Program, Project Report GFC-87-149; Tallahassee, Florida.

Mushinsky, H.R., E.D. McCoy, K. Gianopulos, K. Penney and C. Meyer. 2001. Biology of the threatened sand skink of restored scrub habitat and their responses to land management practices. Final report to the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.Pike, D.A, K.S. Peterman, R.S. Mejeur, M.D. Green, K.D.

Nelson and J.H. Exum. 2008. Sampling techniques and methods for determining the special distribution of sand skinks (Plestiodon reynoldsi). Florida Scientist 71-02-01.3d

Schrey, A.W., A.M. Fox, H.R. Mushinsky, and E.D. McCoy. In press. Fire increases variance in genetic characteristics of Florida sand skink (Plestiodon reynoldsi) local populations.

Molecular Ecology.

Telford, S.R., Jr. 1998. Monitoring of the sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) in Ocala National

Forest. Final report submitted to U.S. Forest Service, Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs, Florida.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). 2007. Bluetail mole skink (Eumeces egregius lividus) and sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) [Internet]. 5-year review: summary and evaluation.

South Florida Ecological Services Office, Vero Beach, Florida [cited October 29, 2008].

Available from: http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/five_year_review/doc1071.pdf

Figure 1. Typical “S”-shaped track of the sand skink (photographs courtesy of Randy Mejeur;

Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin Lopez Rinehart, Inc; 2000).

Figure 2. Skink survey protocol: US Fish and Wildlife Service areas of responsibility.

ATTENTION:

THREATENED EASTERN INDIGO

SNAKES MAY BE PRESENT ON

THIS SITE!!!

IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:

• Cease clearing activities and allow the eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move away from the site without interference.

• Personnel must NOT attempt to touch or handle snake due to protected status.

• Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes.

• Immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service (USFWS) office, with the location information and condition of the snake.

• If the snake is located in a vicinity where continuation of the clearing or construction activities will cause harm to the snake, the activities must halt until such time that a representative of the USFWS returns the call (within one day) with further guidance as to when activities may resume.

IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:

• Cease clearing activities and immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake.

• Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes.

• Thoroughly soak the dead snake in water and then freeze the specimen. The appropriate wildlife agency will retrieve the dead snake.

USFWS Florida Field Offices to be contacted if a live or dead eastern indigo snake is encountered:

North Florida Field Office – (904) 731-3336 Panama City Field Office – (850) 769-0552 South Florida Field Office – (772) 562-3909

Killing, harming, or harassing indigo snakes is strictly prohibited and punishable under State and Federal Law.

DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the glossy, blue-black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported to only have cream coloration on the throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive and will attempt to crawl away when disturbed.

Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be handled.

SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE if handled.

LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types throughout Florida.

Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands and agricultural areas.

Eastern indigo snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher tortoise burrows and other below- and above-ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, stumps, roots, and debris piles. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through June, with young hatching in late July through October.

PROTECTION: The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without a permit. “Take” is defined by the USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct. Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for criminal offenses, if convicted.

Only individuals currently authorized through an issued Incidental Take Statement in association with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so.

Photo: Dirk Stevenson

August 12, 2013

STANDARD PROTECTION MEASURES FOR THE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

August 12, 2013

The eastern indigo snake protection/education plan (Plan) below has been developed by the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Florida for use by applicants and their construction personnel. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall notify the appropriate USFWS Field Office via e-mail that the Plan will be implemented as described below (North Florida Field Office: jaxregs@fws.gov; South Florida Field Office:

verobeach@fws.gov; Panama City Field Office: panamacity@fws.gov). As long as the signatory of the e-mail certifies compliance with the below Plan (including use of the attached poster and brochure), no further written confirmation or “approval” from the USFWS is needed and the applicant may move forward with the project.

If the applicant decides to use an eastern indigo snake protection/education plan other than the approved Plan below, written confirmation or “approval” from the USFWS that the plan is adequate must be obtained. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall submit their unique plan for review and approval. The USFWS will respond via e-mail, typically within 30 days of receiving the plan, either concurring that the plan is adequate or requesting additional information. A concurrence e-mail from the appropriate USFWS Field Office will fulfill approval requirements.

The Plan materials should consist of: 1) a combination of posters and pamphlets (see Poster Information section below); and 2) verbal educational instructions to construction personnel by supervisory or management personnel before any clearing/land alteration activities are initiated (see Pre-Construction Activities and During Construction Activities sections below).

POSTER INFORMATION

Posters with the following information shall be placed at strategic locations on the construction site and along any proposed access roads (a final poster for Plan compliance, to be printed on 11” x 17” or larger paper and laminated, is attached):

DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the glossy, blue-black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported to only have cream coloration on the throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive and will attempt to crawl away when disturbed. Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be handled.

SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE if handled.

LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types throughout Florida. Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands and agricultural areas. Eastern indigo snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher tortoise burrows and other below- and above-ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, stumps, roots, and debris piles. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through June, with young hatching in late July through October.

PROTECTION UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW: The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without a permit. “Take” is defined by the USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct.

Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for criminal offenses, if convicted.

Only individuals currently authorized through an issued Incidental Take Statement in association with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so.

IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:

• Cease clearing activities and allow the live eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move away from the site without interference;

• Personnel must NOT attempt to touch or handle snake due to protected status.

• Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes.

• Immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate

USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake.

• If the snake is located in a vicinity where continuation of the clearing or construction activities will cause harm to the snake, the activities must halt until such time that a representative of the USFWS returns the call (within one day) with further guidance as to when activities may resume.

IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:

• Cease clearing activities and immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake.

• Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes.

• Thoroughly soak the dead snake in water and then freeze the specimen. The appropriate wildlife agency will retrieve the dead snake.

Telephone numbers of USFWS Florida Field Offices to be contacted if a live or dead eastern indigo snake is encountered:

North Florida Field Office – (904) 731-3336 Panama City Field Office – (850) 769-0552 South Florida Field Office – (772) 562-3909

PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

1. The applicant or designated agent will post educational posters in the construction office and throughout the construction site, including any access roads. The posters must be clearly visible to all construction staff. A sample poster is attached.

2. Prior to the onset of construction activities, the applicant/designated agent will conduct a meeting with all construction staff (annually for multi-year projects) to discuss identification of the snake, its protected status, what to do if a snake is observed within the project area, and applicable penalties that may be imposed if state and/or federal regulations are violated. An educational brochure including color photographs of the snake will be given to each staff member in attendance and additional copies will be provided to the construction superintendent to make available in the onsite construction office (a final brochure for Plan compliance, to be printed double-sided on 8.5” x 11” paper and then properly folded, is attached). Photos of eastern indigo snakes may be accessed on USFWS and/or FWC websites.

3. Construction staff will be informed that in the event that an eastern indigo snake (live or dead) is observed on the project site during construction activities, all such activities are to cease until the established procedures are implemented according to the Plan, which includes notification of the appropriate USFWS Field Office. The contact information for the USFWS is provided on the referenced posters and brochures.

DURING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

1. During initial site clearing activities, an onsite observer may be utilized to determine whether habitat conditions suggest a reasonable probability of an eastern indigo snake sighting (example:

discovery of snake sheds, tracks, lots of refugia and cavities present in the area of clearing activities, and presence of gopher tortoises and burrows).

2. If an eastern indigo snake is discovered during gopher tortoise relocation activities (i.e. burrow excavation), the USFWS shall be contacted within one business day to obtain further guidance which may result in further project consultation.

3. Periodically during construction activities, the applicant’s designated agent should visit the project area to observe the condition of the posters and Plan materials, and replace them as needed. Construction personnel should be reminded of the instructions (above) as to what is expected if any eastern indigo snakes are seen.

POST CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

Whether or not eastern indigo snakes are observed during construction activities, a monitoring report should be submitted to the appropriate USFWS Field Office within 60 days of project completion. The report can be sent electronically to the appropriate USFWS e-mail address listed on page one of this Plan.

Get The Facts About Gopher Tortoises:

Laws, Policies and Guidelines

Gopher tortoises are a threatened species and are protected under state law, Chapter 68A-27 of the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Property owners must obtain relocation permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to relocate all gopher tortoises before any land clearing or development activities can take place.

Rule 68A-27.003 (F.A.C.)

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is hereby declared to be threatened, and shall be afforded the protective provisions specified in this paragraph. No person shall take, attempt to take, pursue, hunt, harass, capture, possess, sell or transport any gopher tortoise or parts thereof or their eggs, or molest, damage, or destroy gopher tortoise burrows, except as authorized by Commission permit or when complying with Commission approved guidelines for specific actions which may impact gopher tortoises and their burrows. A gopher tortoise burrow is a tunnel with a cross-section that closely approximates the shape of a gopher tortoise. Permits will be issued based upon whether issuance would further management plan goals and objectives.

Gopher tortoise enforcement policy Gopher tortoise or gopher tortoise burrow permits are not required to conduct agricultural, silvicultural and management activities intended to improve native wildlife habitat. In addition, if a landowner can demonstrate that gopher tortoise burrows on their land are abandoned, the law pertaining to protecting burrows does not apply.

Upper respiratory tract disease The FWC no longer requires upper respiratory tract disease testing as a prerequisite to issuing gopher tortoise relocation permits.

Permitting guidelines Landowners or developers must relocate gopher tortoises out of harm’s way on land slated for development. Prior to initiating development activity, landowners or developers must obtain proper permits for all gopher tortoise capture, relocation and release.