ATTACHMENT D - Adaptive Management Plan.pdf

Adaptive Management Plan

Starke Bypass Mitigation Area

This adaptive management plan addresses mitigation implementation at the Starke Bypass Mitigation Area.

A site assessment was conducted in March 2022 to evaluate current site conditions and provide recommendations to ensure the SBMA meets permitted success criteria and provides appropriate functions and values to the watershed. Please see Appendix A of this adaptive management plan for summary data collected during the site assessment. A site visit was conducted with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Florida Department of Transportation, and Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) Staff on 26 May 2022 to review site conditions. An additional site visit was conducted with USACE, FDOT, and SRWMD staff on 1 November 2022. During the November 2022 site visit, ongoing maintenance activities were observed, and elements of the Adaptive Management Plan were discussed. Upon approval, The Adaptive Management Plan will serve to define success criteria, refine habitat boundaries, and update functional lift associated with the SBMA, Site History

The SBMA was permitted to offset unavoidable impacts associated with the construction of the Starke Bypass Project. Upland buffer enhancement, wetland creation, wetland enhancement, and wetland re-establishment was conducted over approximately 251.41 acres of altered habitat. Implemented management activities associated with the issuance of the SBMA are listed below.

Site Work Plan

Completed mitigation activities included:

• Blocking of ditches that rapidly drain the site

• Removal of invasive/exotic and nuisance species

• Removal of fill material to create wetland habitat

• Planting native grasses and trees

• Perpetual preservation through conservation easements

Blocking of Ditches that Rapidly Drain the Site

A number of ditch blocks were installed within the network of ditches that facilitated the draining of the SBMA.

The blocking of these ditches resulted in a more natural hydroperiod within the SBMA wetlands.

Removal of Invasive/Exotic and Nuisance Species

The coverage of invasive exotic species at the SBMA has long been a management challenge. Supplemental herbicide applications have reduced coverage of invasive/exotic and nuisance species coverages. However, coverages of invasive/exotic species, namely rattlebox (Sesbania punicea) and Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) currently exceed permitted standards.

Removal of Fill Material to Create Wetland Habitat

Upland pasture was scraped to appropriate wetland grade to create hydric pine flatwoods and wetland forested mixed wetland habitat. Desirable native wetland vegetation was then installed.

Planting Native Grasses and Trees

Within upland and wetland habitat the re-colonization by native plant species was augmented by the planting of additional native tree and grass species. Installed material was bare-root Supplemental plantings have also been conducted. Plating efforts experienced some success, however, regenerating communities are not demonstrating appropriate tree densities consistent with maturing upland and wetland habitats.

Perpetual Preservation Through Conservation Easement

A conservation easement was recorded over the SBMA site to ensure preservation of the site in perpetuity.

2022 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN

While implemented mitigation activities were successful in increasing the ecological functions provided by the SBMA, permitted success standards are not being met within several wetland polygons. Through the implementation of this Adaptive Management Plan, the SMBA will achieve appropriate ecological functions to offset unavoidable impacts associated with the Starke Bypass construction project.

Timeline for Achieving 100% Success Criteria

Condition (11) of the USACE permit indicates that “if mitigation areas are not meeting established success criteria, a new management plan will be adopted” and that “if success has not been met at the end of year ten (10), FDOT commits to purchase federal mitigation bank credits to offset wetland losses authorized by DA Permit No. SAJ-2013-00113(SP-AWP)." The issued permit was signed on 4 March 2016, with the first annual report submitted in the Spring of 2017. Discussions with USACE staff on 1 November and 15 November 2022 indicated that the demonstration of success will need to occur prior to 4 March 2027.

Intensive Removal of Invasive/Exotic Species

The removal of invasive/exotic species is paramount to the success of the SBMA. While ongoing herbicide treatments have reduced the presence of invasive/exotic species, coverages exceed permitted standards.

As specified in USACE Permit Number SAJ-2013-00113 (SP-AWP), the site will be inspected for the occurrence of invasive/exotic (Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council I and II species) and nuisance (species listed in Rule 5B 57.007, Florida Administrative Code) vegetation. Invasive/exotic and nuisance species included on these lists will be aggressively targeted for eradication. Methods of removal will include, but not be limited to, mowing, herbicide, roller chopping, hand removal, and hack and squirt chemical application.

Rattlebox and Chinese tallow are the most problematic species at the SBMA. Rattlebox will be treated through a combination of mowing and herbicide application. Mowing has been documented by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences as an effective method for rattlebox removal. An initial mowing of the regenerating wetland forested mixed community was conducted May 2022.

In coordination with mowing, herbicide treatments will occur to depress coverage of rattlebox. Chinese tallow will be treated through the cutting of stumps and application of herbicide. While Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), and Peruvian primrosewillow (Ludwigia peruviana) provide minimal coverage at the SBMA, they will be treated with herbicide where encountered. Coverage of non-native species not included on the aforementioned invasive/exotic and nuisance species lists will not be classified as “invasive/exotic” or “nuisance” species.

Regular site visits will be conducted to monitor the coverage of invasive/exotic and nuisance species within enhancement polygons at SBMA. Prior to final success, quarterly site inspections will be conducted to identify inclusions of invasive/exotic and nuisance species coverage. Upon release of monitoring responsibilities, annual site visits will be conducted to ensure the site remains in compliance.

Installation of Desirable Trees Within Polygons that are not Currently Meeting Success Criteria

During the site assessment, average tree numbers within each community type were calculated. Average trees per acre are depicted in the table below.

Table 1: Trees per acre during conducted site assessment

Community Type Average Trees Per Acre

Upland Mixed Forest 103

Regenerating Hydric Flatwoods 152

Regenerating Wetland Forested Mixed 75

Regenerating Cypress 108

While the Upland Mixed Forest, Regenerating Hydric Flatwoods, and Regenerating Cypress wetlands are meeting proposed success criteria of greater than 100 trees per acre above the shrub level, there are inclusions within these communities that do not currently meet proposed success criteria. Additionally, the regenerating Wetland Forested Mixed community averages less than 100 trees per acre above the shrub level. A supplemental planting of 3-gallon trees will occur within these communities. This 3-gallon material is larger than the material installed in the initial mitigation plantings, positioning installed trees above the shrub strata and decreasing the potential of tree mortality experienced by flooding, drought, or shading. The eastern shoreline of Lake Rowell includes remnant mixed forested wetlands. Observed dominant canopy species include pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), slash pine (Pinus elliottii), red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidamber sfyraciflua), water oak (Quercus nigra), and laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia). Therefore, installed tree species within regenerating mixed forested wetlands will consist of species observed in adjacent forested wetlands; primarily pond cypress, bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), sweetgum, and red maple.

Slash pine and swamp tupelo may also be installed to supplement the aforementioned species. Within Regenerating Hydric Pine Flatwoods, 3-gallon slash pine and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) will be installed.

Upland Mixed Forest habitat not currently exhibiting 100 trees per acre above the shrub layer will be bolstered by the installation of 3-gallon slash pine. Plantings will be conducted to achieve appropriate trees per acre within all upland and wetland community types. Please see the attached Appendix B for the approximate location of proposed plantings. Prior to material installation, the plant list will be provided to USACE and SRWMD for review and approval.

As control of nuisance and invasive/exotic species is paramount to mitigation success, trees will be installed in rows to allow ongoing maintenance (mowing, herbicide, hand cutting, etc) of undesirable species while avoiding accidental mortality of installed trees. As installed trees mature and decreased coverage of invasive/exotic species allows for increased recruitment, tree assemblages are expected to exhibit a more natural distribution.

Reclassification of Permitted Wetland Polygons

During the conducted site assessment, 26 May 2022 site visit, and 1 November 2022, site visit; it was noted that approximately 17.65 acres± of permitted wetland forested mixed habitat (Permitted habitat WE1A) exhibited hydrologic conditions and vegetative assemblages consistent with a wet pine flatwoods community (Permitted habitat WE1B). Additionally, permitted bay swamp (Permitted habitat WE4) was also exhibiting characteristics of wet pine flatwoods. Therefore, approximately 2.26 acres of bay swamp and 17.65 acres of wetland forested mixed habitat will be reclassified as hydric pine flatwoods. Please see the attached Appendix C depicting reclassified polygons.

Revision of Performance Standards to a Target Tree Density Range of 100-400 Stems Per Acre

Current performance standards require 300 stems per acre present above the shrub layer in the Wetland Forested Mixed and Cypress communities. Previous tree installations were completed using bare root seedlings and were largely unsuccessful. The permittee proposes the installation of larger tree material (3-gallon trees) to increase survivorship and support existing tree numbers. The range of 100-400 trees per acre is characteristic of a maturing wetland forested mixed system, and indicative that the area is trending towards success. Desirable wetland tree species proposed for installation include, but are not limited to, bald cypress, pond cypress, sweetgum, red maple, swamp tupelo, laurel oak, and slash pine.

Utilization of Hydric Soil Indicators to Demonstrate Appropriate Hydrology Within Wetland Communities

With the implementation of the Adaptive Plan, indicators of surface hydrology and soil indicators will be used as evidence to demonstrate appropriate hydrology. Piezometer data was previously utilized, however, the presence of appropriate hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soil indicators will be used illustrate the presence of the desired wetland hydroperiod. Hydric indicators should be evaluated near the upland/wetland ecotone, and not within the interior of wetland habitat.

Partial Release of Credits Associated with Habitats Demonstrating Success

Discussions with USACE staff during the 26 May 2022 and 1 November 2022 detailed the potential to identify individual areas (polygons) where success criteria are achieved and allowing credits generated by those areas to be released early and independently from those of the rest of SBMA. No specific areas are recommended for separate credit release at this time.

Proposed Success Criteria

Following implementation of the Adaptive Management Plan, the following community-specific success criteria will be met within SBMA habitats. If success is achieved prior to the ten- year period ending 4 March 2027, wetland communities will be released from more intensive short-term monitoring requirements and maintenance efforts will enter long-term management.

Regenerating Wetland Forested Mixed and Cypress Creation and Enhancement (WC4, WE1A, WE2, WE3, WR1)

• 100-400 trees per acre present above the shrub layer

• 85% relative cover of native wetland groundcover and understory species

• Demonstration of appropriate hydrology using hydric soil indicators and/or signs of surface hydrology

• Less than 5% coverage of invasive exotic species as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) I and II species

• Less than 5% coverage of those nuisance species as defined by Rule 5B-57.007, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

• Qualitative evidence of wildlife utilization; including sightings, tracks, scat, or other data

Regenerating Hydric Pine Flatwoods (WC1, WC2, WC3, WE1B, WE4, WR2)

• Minimum of 100 hydric pine trees per acre present above the shrub layer

• 85% relative cover of native wetland groundcover and understory species

• Demonstration of appropriate hydrology using hydric soil indicators and/or signs of surface hydrology

• Less than 5% coverage of invasive exotic species as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) I and II species

• Less than 5% coverage of those nuisance species as defined by Rule 5B-57.007, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

• Qualitative evidence of wildlife utilization; including sightings, tracks, scat, or other data

Mature Hydric Pine Flatwoods, Wetland Forested Mixed, and Cypress (WE5, WEH-1, WEH-2, WEH-3, WP)

• 85% relative cover of native wetland vegetation

• Less than 5% coverage of invasive exotic species as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) I and II species

• Less than 5% coverage of those nuisance species as defined by Rule 5B-57.007, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)

• Demonstration of appropriate hydrology using hydric soil indicators and/or signs of surface hydrology

• Qualitative evidence of wildlife utilization; including sightings, tracks, scat, or other data

Community-Specific Mitigation Plans

U1: Mixed Upland Forest (U1) – 25.40 Acres±

Completed mitigation activities within this community type included the removal of non-desirable species and the installation of native upland trees. This community type is trending towards success. The implementation of continued herbicide and mechanical treatments will ensure invasive/exotic and nuisance species do not become problematic within the U1 community. Observed recruitment of slash pine has supplemented installed species, and tree numbers are trending towards success. To bolster the number of trees present above the shrub layer, approximately 973 3-gallon trees will be installed within this community type.

W1A: Regenerating Hydric Pine Flatwoods (WC1, WC2, WC3, WE1B, WE4, WR2) -– 117.64 Acres±

Completed mitigation activities within this community type included the blocking of ditches, removal of non-desirable species, wetland creation through fill material removal, and the installation of pine species. This community type is trending towards success. The implementation of continued herbicide and mechanical treatments will ensure invasive/exotic and nuisance species do not become problematic within the W1 community, and will increase the coverage of desirable wetland species. Observed recruitment of slash pine has supplemented installed species, and overall tree numbers are exceeding permitted success criteria.

However, several areas of this community type are not meeting the appropriate number of trees per acre. To bolster the number of trees present above the shrub layer, approximately 1,375 3-gallon trees will be installed within this community type.

W1B: Mature Hydric Pine Flatwoods (WEH-2, WE-5) – 9.48 Acres ±

Completed mitigation activities within this community type included the blocking of ditches and removal of earthen berms. This community type is currently meeting or exceeding all permitted success criteria except for the coverage of invasive/exotic and nuisance species. Chinese tallow will be removed through the application of herbicide on cut stumps. Upcoming monitoring events will note coverages of invasive/exotic species and indicate if additional treatments are required.

W2A: Regenerating Wetland Forested Mixed (WE1A, WC4, WR1) – 63.17 Acres±

Completed mitigation activities within this community type included the blocking of ditches, removal of non-desirable species, wetland creation through fill material removal, and the installation of pine species.

Coverage of rattlebox and Chinese tallow will be reduced through the implementation of an intensive removal program. Both mowing and the application of herbicide will be used to reduce the coverages of invasive/ exotic and nuisance species. To bolster the number of trees present above the shrub layer, approximately 2,596 3-gallon trees will be installed within this community type.

W2B: Mature Wetland Forested Mixed (WEH-1, WEH-3) – 16.33 Acres ±

Completed mitigation activities within this community type included the blocking of ditches and removal of earthen berms. This community type is currently meeting or exceeding all permitted success criteria except for the coverage of invasive/exotic and nuisance species. Chinese tallow will be removed through the application of herbicide on cut stumps. Upcoming monitoring events will note coverages of invasive/exotic species and indicate if additional treatments are required.

W3A: Regenerating Cypress (WE2, WE3) – 5.04 Acres±

Completed mitigation activities within this community type included the blocking of ditches, removal of non-desirable species, wetland creation through fill material removal, and the installation of pine species.

Coverage of rattlebox and Chinese tallow will be reduced through the implementation of an intensive removal program. Both mowing and the application of herbicide will be used to reduce the coverages of invasive/exotic and nuisance species. To bolster the number of trees present above the shrub layer, approximately 78 3-gallon trees will be installed within this community type.

W3B: Mature Cypress (WP)– 13.48 Acres±

Completed mitigation activities within this community type included the blocking of ditches and removal of earthen berms. This community type is currently meeting or exceeding all permitted success criteria except the coverage of invasive/exotic and nuisance species. Chinese tallow will be removed through the application of herbicide on cut stumps. Upcoming monitoring events will note coverages of invasive/exotic species and indicate if additional treatments are required.

Long Term Management Plan

Long-term management begins once performance standards have been achieved. The long term management of SBMA will remain consistent with Section (10) of the Objectives listed in the issued permits

SAJ-2013-00113 (SP-AWP).

Functional Gain

Permit SAJ-2013-00113 (SP-AWP) indicates that “it was determined that a total number of 52.93 federal UMAM Credits will be generated on the 251.41 acres by the mitigation project.” During the conducted site assessment, approximately 17.65 acres of permitted wetland forested mixed enhancement (Permitted habitat type WE1A) was observed to exhibit as hydric pine flatwoods enhancement (Permitted habitat type WE1B).

Additionally, approximately 2.26 acres of permitted bay swamp (Permitted habitat type WE4) will be reclassified to hydric pine flatwoods. No additional habitat polygons are proposed for boundary or scoring adjustment. As a result of habitat reclassification from WE1A and WE4 to WE1B, permitted UMAM scores were utilized to obtain credit generation of the modified habitat reclassification. Please see the attached updated UMAM table reflecting proposed federal UMAM credits. A total of 52.30 federal UMAM credits are proposed. Please see attached UMAM scoring for review (Appendix D).

Please note that the primary mitigation responsibility for the SBMA is to offset wetland impacts associated with the construction of the Starke Bypass Roadway. Issued permit SAJ-2013-00113 (SP-AWP) references the impact of 72.5 acres of waters of the United States (58.76 acres of wetlands and 13.74 acres of surface waters). However, while the permit identifies SBMA as the mitigation source for Starke Bypass Roadways impacts, a total units of functional loss are not identified within the permit text. Research conducted by ERS identified the attached UMAM sheet, depicting a total of 72.5 acres of direct impact and 92.29 acres of secondary impact, resulting in a total functional loss of 47.05 units (Appendix E). Through the implementation of this Adaptive Management Plan, the SBMA will provide approximately 52.3 units of functional lift within the Santa Fe River Basin (HUC 03110206). Therefore, upon implementation of the Adaptive Management Plan and final success of communities within the SBMA, the watershed will experience greater functional gain than functional loss associated with the construction of the Starke Bypass will be offset.

Appendix A: Summary of Site Assessment Data Collection Appendix B: Planting Polygon Map Appendix C: Reclassified Polygon Map Appendix D: Revised UMAM Scoring Appendix E: Permitted Starke Bypass Functional Loss

Appendix A

Summary of Site Assessment Data Collection

37 36

29 28

25 24 23 22 21

19 18

13 12

Esri, HERE, Garmin, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community

LEGEN D

Approxim a te Proje ct Are a - 251.41 a c.± 40' x 250' Tra nse cts Roa d Exclusion - 0.87 a c.±

N on-Fore ste d Enha nce m e nt Cypre ss - 4.23 a c.± Hydric Pine Fla twood - 117.17 a c.± Upla nd Mixe d Fore st - 25.40 a c.± W e tla nd Fore ste d Mixe d - 61.47 a c.±

Pre se rva tion/Hydrolog ic Enh a nce m e nt Cypre ss - 14.29 a c.± Hydric Pine Fla twood - 9.95 a c.± W e tla nd Fore ste d Mixe d - 18.03 a c.±

0 700'

Source : ArcGIS Online Im a g e ry a nd W orld Tra nsporta tion X:\Projects\2020\20074.10\Graphics\mxd\StarkeBP_MitigationAssessment_Sampling_20220422.mxd

20074.09

4-22-22 ®By: N EE

Proje ct N o.:

Exhib it N o.:

Da te :

Re v. Da te :

Sta rke Bypa ss Mitig a tion Asse ssm e nt Monitoring Ma p

3550 St. Johns Bluff Rd S ● Ja cksonville , FL 32224

(904) 285-1397 ● www.e rse nvironm e nta l.com

Upland Mixed Forest

T1 Average Desirable Trees per acre 67

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 8

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 81

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 3

T3 Average Desirable Trees per acre 175

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 2

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 58

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 1

Average Nuisance % Coverage 13

T16 Average Desirable Trees per acre 46

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 7

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 49

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 13

T18 Average Desirable Trees per acre 56

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 6

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 49

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 2

Average Nuisance % Coverage 37

T23 Average Desirable Trees per acre 82

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 7

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 35

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 20

T31 Average Desirable Trees per acre 190

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 16

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 49

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 17

Overall Averages

Average Desirable Trees per acre 103

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 8

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 54

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage <1

Average Nuisance % Coverage 17

Regenerating Wet Flatwoods

T2 Average Desirable Trees per acre 175

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 12

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 18

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 1

T11 Average Desirable Trees per acre 113

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 9

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 87

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 1

T12 Average Desirable Trees per acre 72

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 9

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 73

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 9

Average Nuisance % Coverage <1

T13 Average Desirable Trees per acre 139

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 18

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 65

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 1

Average Nuisance % Coverage 25

T14 Average Desirable Trees per acre 128

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 8

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 40

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 1

Average Nuisance % Coverage 4

T15 Average Desirable Trees per acre 56

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 6

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 79

Average Nuisance % Coverage 4

T17 Average Desirable Trees per acre 210

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 17

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 39

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 1

Average Nuisance % Coverage <1

T19 Average Desirable Trees per acre 262

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 14

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 48

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage <1

Average Nuisance % Coverage <1

T20 Average Desirable Trees per acre 67

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 7

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 41

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 6

Average Nuisance % Coverage 32

T22 Average Desirable Trees per acre 92

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 6

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 29

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 7

Average Nuisance % Coverage 1

T24 Average Desirable Trees per acre 103

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 10

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 48

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 3

Average Nuisance % Coverage 3

T25 Average Desirable Trees per acre 252

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 21

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 65

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 9

Average Nuisance % Coverage 25

T27 Average Desirable Trees per acre 113

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 21

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 81

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 1

Average Nuisance % Coverage 10

T29 Average Desirable Trees per acre 560

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 29

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 30

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 6

Average Nuisance % Coverage 0

T30 Average Desirable Trees per acre 133

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 19

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 76

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 3

Average Nuisance % Coverage 15

T32 Average Desirable Trees per acre 159

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 18

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 19

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 2

Average Nuisance % Coverage 2

T33 Average Desirable Trees per acre 344

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 25

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 31

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 2

Average Nuisance % Coverage 3

T34 Average Desirable Trees per acre 323

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 18

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 30

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 4

Average Nuisance % Coverage 4

T35 Average Desirable Trees per acre 72

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 24

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 76

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 5

Average Nuisance % Coverage 18

T39 Average Desirable Trees per acre 277

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 35

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 92

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 5

Average Nuisance % Coverage 0

T41 Average Desirable Trees per acre 51

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 4

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 81

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 2

Average Nuisance % Coverage 5

T42 Average Desirable Trees per acre 92

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 6

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 83

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage <1

Average Nuisance % Coverage 3

T43 Average Desirable Trees per acre 56

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 5

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 65

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 1

Average Nuisance % Coverage 28

T44 Average Desirable Trees per acre 108

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 6

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 83

Average Nuisance % Coverage 5

T45 Average Desirable Trees per acre 87

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 6

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 92

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 3

T46 Average Desirable Trees per acre 51

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 15

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 76

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 7

T47 Average Desirable Trees per acre 0

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 12

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 47

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 7

Average Nuisance % Coverage 45

Overall Average

Average Desirable Trees per acre 152

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 14

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 59

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 3

Average Nuiance % Coverage 10

Wetland Forested Mixed

T4 Average Desirable Trees per acre 51

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 12

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 85

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 37

Average Nuiance % Coverage 3

Average Seedlings per acre 31

T5 Average Desirable Trees per acre 15

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 7

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 79

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 25

Average Nuiance % Coverage 7

Average Seedlings per acre 472

T6 Average Desirable Trees per acre 0

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 1

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 82

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 24

Average Nuiance % Coverage 3

Average Seedlings per acre 10

T7 Average Desirable Trees per acre 36

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 6

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 72

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 50

Average Nuiance % Coverage 0

Average Seedlings per acre 15

T8 Average Desirable Trees per acre 10

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 2

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 58

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 45

Average Nuiance % Coverage 12

Average Seedlings per acre 0

T9 Average Desirable Trees per acre 0

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 2

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 68

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 32

Average Nuiance % Coverage 7

Average Seedlings per acre 15

T10 Average Desirable Trees per acre 72

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 8

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 78

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 32

Average Nuiance % Coverage 2

Average Seedlings per acre 36

T26 Average Desirable Trees per acre 103

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 8

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 79

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 6

Average Nuiance % Coverage 2

Average Seedlings per acre 580

T36 Average Desirable Trees per acre 165

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 16

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 85

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 4

Average Nuiance % Coverage 5

Average Seedlings per acre 272

T37 Average Desirable Trees per acre 108

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 20

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 80

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 8

Average Nuiance % Coverage 7

Average Seedlings per acre 467

T38 Average Desirable Trees per acre 153

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 24

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 83

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 4

Average Nuiance % Coverage 12

Average Seedlings per acre 1545

T40 Average Desirable Trees per acre 82

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 21

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 92

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 21

Average Nuiance % Coverage 1

Average Seedlings per acre 2418

T48 Average Desirable Trees per acre 30

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 14

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 84

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 8

Average Nuiance % Coverage 4

Average Seedlings per acre 154

T49 Average Desirable Trees per acre 226

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 15

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 55

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 11

Average Nuiance % Coverage 17

Average Seedlings per acre 123

T50 Average Desirable Trees per acre 36

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 8

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 87

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 48

Average Nuiance % Coverage 2

Average Seedlings per acre 77

T51 Average Desirable Trees per acre 56

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 17

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 95

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 17

Average Nuiance % Coverage 1

Average Seedlings per acre 344

T52 Average Desirable Trees per acre 129

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 12

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 85

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 15

Average Nuiance % Coverage 5

Average Seedlings per acre 488

Overall Average

Average Desirable Trees per acre 75

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 11

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 79

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 23

Average Nuiance % Coverage 5

Average Seedlings per acre 415

Regenerating Cypress

T21 Average Desirable Trees per acre 67

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 4

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 78

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 9

T28 Average Desirable Trees per acre 175

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 13

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 83

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 2

T53 Average Desirable Trees per acre 82

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 7

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 35

Average Invasive/Exotic % Coverage 0

Average Nuisance % Coverage 20

Overall Averages

Average Desirable Trees per acre 108

Average Desirable Shrub % Coverage 8

Average Desirable Ground Cover % Coverage 65

Average Nuisance % Coverage 10

Appendix B

Planting Polygon Map

7 9

Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community

LEGEND

Approxim a te Proje ct Are a - 251.41 a c.± Supple m e nta l Pla nting Zone s - 101.72 a c.± Roa d Exclusion - 0.87 a c.±

Non-Fore ste d Enha nce m e nt Cypre ss - 5.04 a c.± Hydric Pine Fla twood - 117.64 a c.± Upla nd Mixe d Fore st - 25.40 a c.± We tla nd Fore ste d Mixe d - 63.17 a c.±

Pre se rva tion/Hydrolog ic Enh a nce m e nt Cypre ss - 13.48 a c.± Hydric Pine Fla twood - 9.48 a c.± We tla nd Fore ste d Mixe d - 16.33 a c.±

0 700'

Source : ArcGIS O nline Im a g e ry a nd World Tra nsporta tion X:\Projects\2020\20074.10\Graphics\mxd\StarkeBP_SupplementalPlanting_20221024.mxd

20074.10

10-24-22 ®By: NEE

Proje ct No.:

Exhib it No.:

Da te :

Re v. Da te :

Sta rke Bypa ss Mitig a tion Asse ssm e nt Enh a nce m e nt Zone s

3550 St. Johns Bluff Rd S ● Ja cksonville , FL 32224

(904) 285-1397 ● www.e rse nvironm e nta l.com

Zone ID Acreage Zone 1 8.02 Zone 2 3.62 Zone 3 11.43 Zone 4 19.41 Zone 5 2.37 Zone 6 19.76 Zone 7 10.82 Zone 8 2.47 Zone 9 8.83 Zone 10 8.32 Zone 11 6.67

Supplemental Planting Zones

Supplemental Planting Polygons

Polygon # Habitat Classification

Approximate # of

Trees Currently/Acre

Approximate # of Trees

Proposed for

Planting/Acre Acres Total Trees Trees to be planted Total Trees By Community Type

1 Wet Pine Flatwoods 28 72 8.02 577 Pinus elliottii

2 Wet Pine Flatwoods 80 20 3.62 72 Pinus elliottii Community # of Trees

3 Wet Pine Flatwoods 67 33 11.43 377 Pinus elliottii Wetland Forested Mixed 2,596

4 Wet Pine Flatwoods 82 18 19.41 349 Pinus elliottii Wet Pine Flatwoods 1,375

5 Cypress 67 33 2.37 78

Cypress. Would prefer

Taxodium distichum , but T.

ascedens could be used if T.

distichum is unavailable Upland Mixed Forest 973

6 Wetland Forested Mixed 41 59 19.76 1166

Would prefer 45% T.

distichum , 45% Liquidambar styraciflua , and 10% Acer rubrum Cypress 78

7 Wetland Forested Mixed 34 66 10.82 714

Would prefer 45% T.

distichum , 45% Liquidambar styraciflua , and 10% Acer rubrum Total 5,022

8 Wetland Forested Mixed 72 28 2.47 69

Would prefer 45% T.

distichum , 45% Liquidambar styraciflua , and 10% Acer rubrum

9 Upland Mixed 36 64 8.83 565 Pinus elliottii

10 Upland Mixed 51 49 8.32 408 Pinus elliottii

11 Wetland Forested Mixed 3 97 6.67 647

Would prefer 45% T.

distichum , 45% Liquidambar styraciflua , and 10% Acer rubrum

Appendix C

Reclassified Polygon Map

37 36

29 28

25 24 23

22 21

20 19 18

13 12

Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, Garmin, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors

0 600'

LEGEND

Approxim ate Projec t Area - 251.41 ac .± Monitoring Transec ts

Proposed Mitig ation Plan Road Exc lu sion - 0.87 ac .± WC1-Wetland Creation 1 - 1.68 ac .± WC2-Wetland Creation 2 - 10.26 ac .± WC3-Wetland Creation 3 - 30.82 ac .± WC4-Wetland Creation 4 - 1.07 ac .± WE1A-Wetland Enh anc em ent 1A - 60.40 ac .± WE1B-Wetland Enh anc em ent 1B - 74.41 ac .± WE2-Wetland Enh anc em ent 2 - 4.23 ac .± WE3-Wetland Enh anc em ent 3 - 0.81 ac .± WE5-Wetland Enh anc em ent 5 - 6.38 ac .± WEH-1-Wetland Hydrolog ic Enh anc em ent - 13.92 ac .± WEH-2-Wetland Hydrolog ic Enh anc em ent - 3.10 ac .± WEH-3-Wetland Hydrolog ic Enh anc em ent - 2.41 ac .± WP-Wetland Preservation - 13.48 ac .± Sou th Berm /WR1-Wetland Restab lish m ent - 1.70 ac .± North Berm /WR2-Wetland Re-Estab lish m ent - 0.47 ac .± U1-Upland Enh anc em ent - 25.40 ac .±

Previou sly Perm itted Mitig ation Plan Road Exc lu sion - 0.87 ac .± WC1-Wetland Creation 1 - 1.68 ac .± WC2-Wetland Creation 2 - 10.26 ac .± WC3-Wetland Creation 3 - 30.82 ac .± WC4-Wetland Creation 4 - 1.07 ac .± WE1A-Wetland Enh anc em ent 1A - 78.05 ac .± WE1B-Wetland Enh anc em ent 1B - 54.50 ac .± WE2-Wetland Enh anc em ent 2 - 4.23 ac .± WE3-Wetland Enh anc em ent 3 - 0.81 ac .± WE4-Wetland Enh anc em ent 4 - 2.26 ac .± WE5-Wetland Enh anc em ent 5 - 6.38 ac .± WEH-1-Wetland Hydrolog ic Enh anc em ent - 13.92 ac .± WEH-2-Wetland Hydrolog ic Enh anc em ent - 3.10 ac .± WEH-3-Wetland Hydrolog ic Enh anc em ent - 2.41 ac .± WP-Wetland Preservation - 13.48 ac .± Sou th Berm /WR1-Wetland Restab lish m ent - 1.70 ac .± North Berm /WR2-Wetland Re-Estab lish m ent - 0.47 ac .± UE-Upland Enh anc em ent - 25.40 ac .±

X:\Projects\2020\20074.10\Graphics\mxd\StarkeBP_MitigationAssessment_Comparison11x17_20221024.mxd

Starke Bypass Mitig ation Assessm ent

Proposed/Previou sly Perm itted Com parison

20074.10

10-24-22 By: NEE ®

Projec t No.:

Exh ib it No.:

Date:

Rev. Date:

Sou rc e: Arc GIS O nline Im ag ery and World Transportation

3550 St. Joh ns Blu ff Rd S ● Jac ksonville, FL 32224

(904) 285-1397 ● www.ersenvironm ental.c om

Appendix D

Revised UMAM Scoring

Starke Bypass Acres 251.41 USACEUMAM

ID Mitigation Type Habitat

Type

LLS w/o pres

LLS with pres

WE w/o pres

WE with pres

CS w/o pres

CS with pres Time Lag Risk Factor PAF RFG Acreage FG

WE1A Enhancement 6300 6 8 5 8 3 8 1.26 1.25 1 0.2116 60.40 12.78

WE1B Enhancement 6250 6 8 5 8 3 8 1.1614 1.25 1 0.2296 74.41 17.09

WE2 Enhancement 6210 6 8 5 8 3 8 1.26 1.25 1 0.2116 4.23 0.90

WE3 Enhancement 6210 6 8 5 8 3 8 1.478 1.25 1 0.1804 0.81 0.15

WE4 Enhancement 6250 6 8 5 8 3 8 1.1614 1.25 1 0.2296 0.00 0.00

WE5 Enhancement 6250 6 8 8 8 5 9 1.0341 1.25 1 0.1547 6.38 0.99

WEH-1 Enhancement 6300 7 9 5 8 4 9 1.0341 1.25 1 0.2579 13.92 3.59

WEH-2 Enhancement 6250 7 9 5 8 5 9 1.0341 1.25 1 0.2321 3.10 0.72

WEH-3 Enhancement 6300 7 9 5 8 7 9 1.0341 1.25 1 0.1805 2.41 0.44

WC1 Creation 6250 0 8 0 8 0 8 1.478 1.75 1 0.3093 1.68 0.52

WC2 Creation 6250 0 8 0 8 0 8 1.478 1.75 1 0.3093 10.26 3.17

WC3 Creation 6250 0 8 0 8 0 8 1.478 1.75 1 0.3093 30.82 9.53

WC4 Creation 6300 0 9 0 8 0 9 1.478 1.75 1 0.3351 1.07 0.36

WR1 Re-Establishment 6300 0 9 0 8 0 9 1.478 1.75 1 0.3351 1.70 0.57

WR2 Re-Establishment 6250 0 9 0 8 0 9 1.478 1.75 1 0.3351 0.47 0.16

WP Preservation 6210 6 8 8 8 8 9 1 1 1 0.1000 13.48 1.35

UE Upland 4110 6 8 x x 6 8 1.26 1.25 1 0.1270 25.40 --

Road

Exclusion

0.87 --

251.41

52.30

Total Acreage

Total Functional Gain

Appendix E

Permitted Starke Bypass Functional Loss

Site: USACE UMAM Job: 10041 Date: 9.29.15

Starke Impact Type Location and Water Community Acres Functional Total Total Upland

Bypass Landscape Support Environment Structure Loss Direct Enhancement Acres

Impacts before after before after before after Impact Provided Provided

**1 D/F 5 0 5 0 5 0 1.37 0.6850 Acres

2 D/F 6 0 7 0 7 0 2.45 1.6333 58.76 0.00 0.00 3 D/F 7 0 8 0 7 0 0.06 0.0440

4 D/F 7 0 8 0 7 0 0.64 0.4693

5 D/F 7 0 7 0 6 0 0.10 0.0667

6 D/F 7 0 7 0 6 0 0.22 0.1467 Total Total

7 D/F 7 0 7 0 7 0 7.72 5.4040 Direct Functional

8 D/F 6 0 6 0 7 0 0.34 0.2153 Functional Gain

9 D/F 6 0 6 0 7 0 5.52 3.4960 Loss Units

10 D/F 7 0 5 0 5 0 0.14 0.0793 37.16 0.00 11 D/F 7 0 7 0 7 0 1.08 0.7560

12 D/F 7 0 5 0 6 0 0.26 0.1560

13 D/F 7 0 5 0 6 0 0.03 0.0180

14 D/F 7 0 6 0 5 0 0.93 0.5580

15 D/F 7 0 6 0 5 0 1.09 0.6540 Secondary impacts to wetlands shown in red

16 D/F 6 0 6 0 6 0 0.26 0.1560 on the map were assessed at 250 feet wide.

**17 D/F 5 0 5 0 5 0 1.39 0.6950 Those shown in yellow are 175 feet.

**18 D/F 5 0 5 0 5 0 0.1 0.0500 Those shown in blue are 150 feet.

19 D/F 5 0 7 0 6 0 2.97 1.7820

20 D/F 6 0 6 0 5 0 0.21 0.1190 **Wetlands 1, 17, 18, 23 and 28 are isolated.

21 D/F 6 0 5 0 6 0 4.96 2.8107

22 D/F 7 0 5 0 7 0 0.37 0.2343

**23 D/F 5 0 5 0 5 0 0.42 0.2100

24 D/F 7 0 7 0 7 0 0.82 0.5740

25 D/F 7 0 7 0 7 0 0.44 0.3080

26 D/F 7 0 7 0 7 0 0.77 0.5390 Total

27 D/F 7 0 7 0 7 0 2.65 1.8550 Secondary

**28 D/F 5 0 5 0 5 0 2.83 1.4150 Impact

29 D/F 7 0 8 0 7 0 7.33 5.3753 Acres

30 D/F 6 0 7 0 7 0 5.75 3.8333 92.29 31 D/F 5 0 7 0 7 0 5.32 3.3693 Total

32 D/F 5 0 7 0 7 0 0.08 0.0507 Total Direct and

33 D/F 5 0 7 0 7 0 0.14 0.0887 Secondary Secondary

250' sec Secondary 7 4 6 6 7 6 30.93 4.1240 Functional Functional

175' sec Secondary 7 5 6 6 7 6 29.70 2.9700 Loss Loss

150' sec Secondary 7 6 6 6 7 6 31.66 2.1107 9.20 47.05