Tab D-1 Sea Turtle Management Plan.pdf

45 SW INRMP

Tab D-1, Sea Turtle Operational Management Plan

Introduction Each year, between 2,000 and 3,000 sea turtle nests are deposited on the 21 kilometers of beach at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS); 1,000 to 1,500 nests are deposited on the seven kilometers of beach at Patrick Air Force Base (PAFB) (Figure 1). Between 1977 and 1983, observations of sea turtle nests indicated a high level of predation by raccoons (Procyon lotor) on CCAFS.

In 1984, a program was initiated to preserve sea turtle nests by trapping and relocating raccoons and placing wire screens over turtle nests to deter excavation by raccoons. Predation at PAFB has been minimal therefore trapping has only occurred when necessary and no nests have been screened. Since nesting sea turtles on both installations are federally listed as either threatened (loggerhead) or endangered (green and leatherback) species, preservation of sea turtles and their nests is required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

45th Space Wing Turtle Nesting45th Space Wing Turtle Nesting

1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007

PAFB

CCAFS

Figure 1 - 45 SW Historic Sea Turtle Nesting Activity

Since the sea turtle program began, preservation techniques have been modified and improved. The overall program has been expanded to include: predator control, exterior light management, sea turtle walks and education, rescue and release of hatchlings, daily nest surveys, stranding and salvage activities, nest relocation, and participation in the State of Florida (FDEP) Index Nesting Beach Survey. All activities are permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) and fulfill all the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) which oversees the implementation of the ESA.

In 1986, the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) began sea turtle monitoring at CCAFS and this function is currently being carried out by 45 CES/CEVP personnel in-house.

45SW INRMP

The University of Central Florida Marine Turtle Research Group (UCF), under contract to the 45 SW, provides the same function at PAFB. The sea turtle management program involves the protection, conservation, and management of threatened and endangered sea turtles and their nests. Monitoring was incorporated into the program to allow 45 SW biologists to gauge sea turtle nesting on 45 SW beachfront property, and make determinations as to whether Air Force actions were impacting the species. In 1988, CCAFS and PAFB were included in the FDEP Index Nesting Beach Survey. This survey program was designed to provide an index of sea turtle population trends through standardized sampling of selected nesting beaches. This long-term, systematic program provides high quality data from nesting beaches around the State. Continued participation in this program is crucial in the determination of the recovery of threatened and endangered sea turtles.

Management Objectives The 45 SW management objectives are to protect and conserve sea turtles and their nests, and to document the effectiveness of these efforts through systematic monitoring of the species. The successful completion of these primary goals is dependent on several management objectives inherent to the INRMP. These objectives were developed from guidance documents, particularly species recovery plans such as the ones developed for the loggerhead, Atlantic green, and leatherback sea turtles. These recovery plans can be accessed via the FWS Endangered Species home page (http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/SpeciesRecovery.do?sort=1). These plans were developed by a team of sea turtle biologists and resource managers appointed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the FWS that share jurisdiction for sea turtles. The plans delineate reasonable actions that are believed to be required to recover and/or protect the species. The ultimate goal of the recovery plan is to implement actions that lead to delisting the species in the U. S. once recovery criteria are met.

Species of Sea Turtles Found on the 45 SW

Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) The loggerhead turtle is the most commonly found nesting sea turtle on both installations. Adult and subadult loggerheads have reddish-brown carapaces and dull brown to yellowish plastrons. Adult loggerheads in the southeastern U. S. have a mean straight carapace length of approximately 92 centimeters (cm) and a mean body weight of about 113 kilograms (kg) (249 lbs). The brown hatchlings weigh approximately 20 grams (g) (0.70 oz) and are 45 millimeters

(mm) long.

Each year, between May and August, approximately 3,000 loggerhead turtle nests are deposited on CCAFS. At PAFB, totals can reach up to 1,500 nests.

During the 1999 nesting season, a record number of loggerhead nests were documented on CCAFS (3,581). On PAFB, a record number of loggerhead nests were reported during 1998 (1,993). Based on nest surveys at CCAFS from 1986 to 2007, the average annual number of loggerhead turtle nests is 2,245.

Based on re-nesting frequency estimates, this represents approximately 898 nesting females (2,245/2.5). For PAFB the average number of loggerhead nests deposited from 1987-2007 is 1,289. This represents approximately 516 nesting females.

Atlantic Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) The green sea turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle. Adults have a carapace varying in color from black to gray to greenish or brown, often with bold streaks or spots, and a yellowish white plastron. The Florida populations of green turtles average 101.5 cm straight carapace length and 136.2 kg (300 lbs) body weight. Characteristics that distinguish them from other sea turtles are their small, rounded head and smooth carapace. Hatchlings weigh approximately 25 g (0.88 oz), their black carapace is about 50 mm long, and the ventral surface is white.

Each summer, during low years at least four (4) to 17 green turtle nests are deposited on the CCAFS beach while no (0) to 13 nests have been observed on the PAFB beach. Based on surveys from 1986-2007, the average annual number of green turtle nests deposited on CCAFS is 49 and 18 for PAFB (from 1987-2007). During the 2005 nesting season, a record number of green turtle nests were documented at CCAFS (163) while the record number at PAFB occurred in 2002 (51). CCAFS and PAFB also followed the same State-wide trend of abnormal low and high years for green nesting.

Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all living sea turtles, attaining a length of 150-170 cm straight carapace length and a weight that occasionally reaches 500 kg (1,100 lbs). Its shell is unique in being covered with a continuous layer of thin, black, and often white-spotted skin, instead of keratinized scutes. The carapace is raised into a series of seven longitudinal ridges. Other distinctive features are the absence of claws, the absence of scales, the long forelimbs, and the reduced skeleton.

Thirty-seven leatherback nests have been documented on CCAFS since surveys began. At PAFB, ten leatherback nests have been documented since 1987.

CCAFS had a record number of eight (8) leatherback nests in 2005 and PAFB recorded three (3) nests in 2007.

Sea Turtle Permit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issues permits for activities involving marine turtles in Florida under authority granted to the State through a Cooperative Agreement with the FWS under Section 6 of the ESA and Chapter 370.12 of the Florida Statutes. Each permit designates a principal permit holder, up to 25 authorized personnel, and a list of authorized activities.

Principal permit holders are responsible for ensuring that all authorized personnel listed on their permit are thoroughly trained by an experienced turtle biologist.

Permit holders are authorized to conduct specific activities depending upon experience, area of investigation, and demonstrated sea turtle conservation needs. The permit must be in the possession of all authorized personnel while conducting sea-turtle related activities.

In addition, the FWC provides written guidelines about acceptable research and conservation techniques. Personnel are only authorized to conduct those activities specifically listed on their marine turtle permit. The guidelines specify the conditions and responsibilities that permitted personnel are expected to know for the activities that they conduct. All sea turtle projects conducted on PAFB and CCAFS are performed under FWC permits TP 025 (issued to UCF) and TP 114, respectively (see Tab N). Occasionally, the Air Force approves studies on the CCAFS beach that are conducted by other people that hold their own sea turtle permits, as well.

Sea Turtle Management Techniques The nesting beach at CCAFS is divided into 21 kilometers marked with white PVC or wood posts for survey purposes (Figure 2). These markers provide reference points for all marine turtle activity recorded on CCAFS. The beach is characterized by a high-energy surf zone, a gently sloping sandy beach, and a substantial dune system. Because CCAFS is a secured area, no public access is permitted. Beach fishing is permitted at three dune crossovers; however, the fishing area is limited to 0.25 miles north and south of each dune crossover and is only open to badged personnel and their guests.

PAFB is located roughly 15 miles south of CCAFS. The nesting beach at PAFB stretches from the Pineda Causeway (SR 404) for seven kilometers to the north (Figure 3). The PAFB beach is located just east of US A1A, a heavily used road by tourists, locals and military personnel. The beach is characterized by a high-energy surf zone with an offshore worm rock reef, beyond the breakers, parallel to the southern quarter of PAFB. The PAFB beach is open to the public until dark each day, but can close under high security conditions or if the 45 SW Commander requires closure for safety or security.

Figure 2- CCAFS Nesting Beach

Figure 3 - PAFB Nesting Beach

Methods At CCAFS the nesting survey is conducted seven days per week (dependent on weather), beginning 1 May and ending 30 September, and at PAFB seven days per week 1 May to 31 August and two days per week 1 September to 31 October. These surveys are conducted in conjunction with the FWC beach indexing protocol that requires daily surveys 15 May through 31 August. After 30 September, the CCAFS beach is patrolled periodically until the conclusion of nest fate determinations. The PAFB beach is patrolled two days a week from 1 September to 31 October for disorientation surveys and recording of late nesting events.

Daily surveys are conducted beginning at 0700 hours, using all-terrain-type vehicles. At CCAFS, surveyors are occasionally delayed or prevented from conducting a survey due to safety and/or security constraints related to launch support activities. Weather is the common factor impacting sea turtle surveys.

New nests are numerically marked using wooden survey stakes sprayed with high-visibility orange paint. At CCAFS stakes are numbered sequentially and each is placed approximately one meter landward of the nest cavity. At PAFB two small stakes are placed in line with the nest (at set distances) at the seaward base of the dune and within the dune to avoid obstructing the beach and to prevent beachgoer vandalism of nest demarcation. The marking scheme is currently every thirteenth nest for loggerheads and every nest for greens and leatherbacks. Nests and false crawl determinations are made visually and by hand digging where confirmation was necessary. Nests are observed daily to determine nest fates, and all disturbed nests are noted by marking on the stake and survey sheets.

Nest success evaluations are conducted either 70 days after the eggs are deposited (80 days in the case of a leatherback nest) or 72 hours after the first emergence, whichever occurs first. A nest that has been subjected to inundation, excessive rainfall, shading, or cold fronts is not excavated until 80 days after egg deposition or 96 hours after the first emergence. Nest success evaluation is determined by excavating marked nests. Total success rate is calculated using the following formula:

Total Success Rate = (# Nests Successfully Emerged)(Avg. # Hatchlings Emerged/Nest) / (Total # Nests)(Avg. Clutch Size)

Nest success evaluations and relocations are performed in accordance with the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Guidelines (MTCG).

Nest relocation is considered a management technique of last resort. The most desirable alternative is to eliminate the problems that prompt relocation of the nest. Normally a nest is relocated only if it is deposited below the high tide line or if it is deposited in thick vegetation out of sight of the ocean. A small number of nests are relocated on CCAFS (<20) every year. An occasional nest at PAFB has been relocated because of storm erosion. If a nest requires relocation, the eggs are moved no later than 9:00 AM the day following its deposition. Eggs are moved no later than 12 hours after deposition to prevent the potential for movement-induced egg mortality.

Disorientation surveys are performed daily for both adults and hatchlings and all incidents are reported to FWC using standardized Marine Turtle Hatchling Disorientation Incident Report Forms. When possible, a description of any light(s) that appears to be responsible for the disorientation is included in reports.

When disorientation incidents become a recurring problem at a particular location or a light source cannot be identified, a night survey is done to determine the source and extent of the problem. Coordinates of light sources are added to the form when the source is fairly certain and can be obtained.

In accordance with the Biological Opinion (BO) associated with hatchling incidental take, periodic light surveys are required to identify and resolve problem light sources to keep hatchling incidental take below the 3% stipulated in the BO.

In addition, compliance with the 45 Space Wing Instruction 32-7001 (45 SWI 32- 7001, Exterior Lighting Management) is mandatory. More discussion on light management is included later in this plan.

The following figures depict historic sea turtle disorientation rates on CCAFS and

PAFB.

Figure 4 - Historic Disorientation on CCAFS

Figure 5 - Historic Disorientation on PAFB

Portable light shields are occasionally used as a temporary method of reducing hatchling disorientation. Set up landward and along the sides of the nest cavity, these shields block illumination of known disorienting light sources.

Reduction of sea turtle nest predators on CCAFS and PAFB is accomplished by live-trapping and removal of animals from the beach and coastal strand areas.

The raccoon and feral hog have historically been the dominant predators on CCAFS; however, other predators have included bobcats, armadillos, coyotes, and ghost crabs. PAFB has experienced minor depredation by raccoons, feral cats, and ghost crabs. Tomahawk live traps baited with sardines are used for raccoon trapping. Beach trapping by 45 SW personnel is conducted by setting multiple traps in areas of intense raccoon activity. On CCAFS, trapping is conducted from late April through October, as required, using single or multiple traps at various locations. Additionally, raccoon and feral hog trapping and removal are performed by a professional trapper under contract with the 45 SW.

The following figures illustrate the historic depredation activity on CCAFS and

PAFB.

Figure 6 – Historic Depredation on CCAFS

Figure 7 - Historic Depredation on PAFB

A small number of nests at CCAFS are protected using 4’ x 4’ sections of welded wire fence. These screens are placed over the nest and secured in place with rebar anchors at each corner. This allows hatchlings to escape from the nest upon emergence, yet reduces potential nest disturbance by predators, such as raccoons and feral hogs. The screen is centered over the egg chamber to make it less likely for predators to burrow to the eggs from the side. The location of the egg chamber is found by hand-digging. A limited number of loggerhead nests are screened each year, due to the extended time required to locate a nest and screen it. Most green and leatherback turtle nests at CCAFS are protected with predator screens.

As illustrated in Figure 7, depredation events at PAFB are minimal to non-existent. Generally, less than 1% of nests deposited are depredated. Trapping for predators is called into the Civil Engineering Pest Shop when depredation is reported by UCF to 45 CES/CEVP. Traps are set beachside of the areas in which sea turtle nests or emerging hatchlings were hit by the predators.

Trapping for feral cats has been aggressive throughout the years due to feeding by some residents in the beachside Temporary Lodging Facilities. Signs are posted and residents have been notified that feeding of wildlife is considered illegal on base property. Only one cul-de-sac of housing is left after demolition of the rest because of maintenance burdens; feral cat populations have dwindled since 2007.

Educational and Outreach Activities Approximately two turtle watches are conducted each summer with one reserved for a group selected by the CCAFS Commander and/or the 45 SW Commander.

Since there are numerous organizations off base which provide this activity, CCAFS has chosen to reserve its public watches for special circumstances.

Turtle watches are conducted in accordance with the FWCC Marine Turtle Conservation Guidelines. All participants in turtle watches are informed of the Federal and State of Florida laws protecting sea turtles and their nests.

Participants are reminded that conducting turtle watches, touching sea turtles, and handling their eggs without a permit is unlawful. Other educational and outreach activities are outlined in Tab P.

Stranding and Salvage These activities involve the collection of information from stranded turtles on land or found floating in the water, whether dead or alive. Approximately 30-40 turtles are found stranded on CCAFS each year and on average six marine turtles are found stranded on PAFB annually. All permit holders participating in this activity are required to complete a Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network stranding report for each turtle encountered. Any live stranded turtles are transported to a holding facility for further evaluation and care (Sea World, Orlando, Volusia Rehabilitation Center, etc.), as directed by FWC sea turtle staff.

Maintaining Preserved Specimens Maintaining preserved specimens allows for the display of sea turtles or sea turtle body parts for educational or scientific research purposes. A small number of sea turtle specimens are maintained at CCAFS and PAFB for educational purposes. Specimens are labeled and accompanied by appropriate interpretive displays. A written inventory is kept of all preserved specimens. The FWCC sea turtle permit provides approval for this activity.

Other Management Actions/Issues

Off-Road Vehicles All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use is generally not permitted on 45 SW installations.

The only approved use for off-road vehicles is for environmental personnel performing wildlife surveys and prescribed burn support, and security personnel performing safety and security operations. Security personnel have been provided an electronic briefing (slide show) and poster board presentation outlining environmental protection while using ATVs for mission safety and security operations. During operational ATV safety training, the ATV trainer (45 SW Security) also provides a short briefing discussing the importance of protecting natural resources for future use. The ATV training area is in a developed area that is a mixture of grass and sand; no protected species are within or near this area. The 45 CES/CEVP personnel utilize all terrain-type vehicles during the sea turtle monitoring season, prescribed burns for scrub restoration, and beach clean-up activities. All personnel are required to attend ATV training prior to using these vehicles. In addition to safety adherence, personnel are cognizant of natural and cultural resource protection practices while utilizing ATVs. While on the beach, ATV operators look out for and avoid ground nesting birds, loafing/foraging shorebirds, dune vegetation, and sea turtle adults and hatchlings. ATVs are driven over the sea turtle tracks to ensure that the nest (new or freshly hatched) is not counted more than once. Daily ATV use on the beach does result in several ATV tracks that have caused some hatchlings to crawl into the ruts and away from the ocean for a distance before correcting their orientation and reaching the water; however, this occurs to less than 1% of the 100,000s of hatchlings that reach the water directly. Sea turtle monitoring is benefited worldwide by being able to track thousands of sea turtle nests and disorientation events a year over hundreds of kilometers efficiently and quickly with the use of ATVs. Personnel do not drive ATVs through sensitive areas (archeological or protected habitat) or wetlands, and make all attempts to avoid harassment of wildlife due to noise disturbances.

Several off-road vehicles are used to monitor prescribed burns for habitat restoration in fire dependent communities on CCAFS. Burn units are assessed prior to ATV use for archeological resources, wildlife nesting and use, erosion issues and wetlands. Once assessed, paths are cut as fire breaks as needed with minimal impacts and optimal benefit of containing the prescribed fire to the selected unit. ATVs are used along the cut/disked dirt path fire breaks, and along existing dirt and paved roads. Operators are vigilant to wildlife fleeing from the fire and do not divert from established paths unless safety is at risk. Generally, 45 CES/CEVP personnel utilizing off-road vehicles adhere to the following requirements:

Wear protective equipment as required for operation of the vehicle.

Wear a reflective outer upper garment during hours of darkness.

Cognizant of heat stress and signs that you or co-workers could be in danger.

Drive at a speed that is appropriate for the terrain, visibility conditions, and expertise. Speeds will not exceed 30 mph.

Headlights must be used at all times while on roadways.

Follow all traffic regulations.

Yield the right of way to all traffic.

Minimize strike hazards by being constantly aware of changes in terrain and newly deposited debris.

Avoid driving in water.

Carry a cell phone and/or radio and check in with supervisors upon completing the sea turtle survey or leaving the burn site.

Aware of the presence of sea turtle nests, ground nesting birds, archeological resources, wetlands and make all attempts to avoid disturbance.

Minimize damage to vegetation and soils.

Dune Restoration/ Beach Enhancement Projects The 45 SW (Civil Engineering) routinely programs for projects involving dune and beach restoration/enhancement projects. This has included installation of dune crossovers, planting of dune vegetation, beach tilling, beach escarpment removal and installation of dune berms. Most of these measures block exterior lighting from reaching the beach, thus reducing the likelihood of disorienting sea turtles.

Tilling and escarpment removal have been in accordance with beach restoration permits to improve sea turtle nesting on nourished beaches by preventing sand compaction and steep slopes. Native dune plants have been planted in areas where storm surge has scoured away existing vegetation. The 45 SW installed sand fencing along with the most recent (2005) beach nourishment project at PAFB to encourage dune rebuilding and re-vegetating. Sand fencing has also been installed at CCAFS on sections of the beach where dune vegetation is scarce or nonexistent, or in areas where the profile of the beach is extremely flat.

The 45 SW will continue to program for such projects. Environmental funding for dune/beachfront plantings will occur when the budget will allow and if problematic areas are identified.

These types of projects potentially affecting sea turtle nesting habitat will be proposed for the winter months, avoiding the sea turtle nesting/hatching season.

If for some reason it becomes necessary to complete projects between May and October, the 45 SW will follow the standard protocol of performing sea turtle nesting surveys in those areas at least 65 days prior to project implementation until all nests have hatched. Several loggerhead sea turtles encountered the sand fencing in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 sea turtle seasons at PAFB, but only a few (three to six) were reported as false crawls where the turtle returned to the water after encountering the fencing.

Light Management Extensive research has demonstrated that the principal component of the sea finding behavior of emergent hatchlings is a visual cue (Carr and Ogren 1960, Dickerson and Nelson 1989, and Witherington and Bjorndal 1991). Artificial beachfront lighting has been documented in the disorientation (loss of bearings) and misorientation (incorrect bearing) of hatchling turtles. As hatchlings head towards artificial lights, their exposure to predators and the likelihood of dehydration is greatly increased. Misoriented hatchlings can become entrapped in vegetation or debris, and many hatchlings are found dead on nearby roadways and in parking lots after being struck by vehicles. Intense artificial lighting can even draw hatchlings back out of the surf. Additionally, preliminary research indicates that lights adjacent to sea turtle nesting beaches may hinder the beach nest site selection of nesting females.

Lighting at or near the beach has caused sea turtle mortalities, and has become a major concern of sea turtle conservationists. During 1988 the 45 SW and FWS met and agreed upon the development of light management plans (LMPs) for CCAFS and PAFB to maintain compliance with section 7 of the ESA. The purpose of the plans was to provide guidelines for identification, retrofitting/replacing, and operation of particular lamps and fixtures known to adversely affect threatened and endangered sea turtle nesting activities on CCAFS and PAFB coastal beaches. After development of these LMPs, FWS issued a BO in 1991 authorizing an incidental take of hatchlings from 75 loggerhead and two green sea turtle nests at CCAFS and hatchlings from two loggerhead nests at PAFB. In subsequent years, the authorized level of take was to be reduced by 50% each following year. The BO was modified during 1991 after the 45 SW reported the incidental take had been exceeded for that season. The BO was modified to include all hatchlings that had been disoriented for that year and authorized a 4% take for the 1992 season and 2% for all years following. The BO was again modified during 2000 and authorized an incidental take of 2% of hatchlings and 2% of adults for PAFB and CCAFS. The 45 SWI 32-7001 was developed in 2000 to implement an internal policy under the Endangered Species Act and the light management BO. In 2003, the 45 SWI 32- 7001 was revised to provide a more thorough discussion of responsibilities of 45 SW organizations, tenants and residents. In 2004, the 2% incidental take was exceeded at both PAFB and CCAFS. Subsequent meetings resulted in a new BO in 2006 that resulted in an interim authorized take of 3% of hatchlings for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Per the 2006 BO, the incidental take is being reassessed for the 2008 season, and take will be set for the years following. The 45 SWI 32-7001 was also revised to incorporate the up-to-date BO guidance and was published in January 2008.

Historically, LMPs were required for any new construction that required exterior lighting. The 2006 BO modified this requirement to require LMPs for all new facilities that are in close proximity to the beach, are not constructed in accordance with 45 SWI 32-7001, have lighting directly visible from the beach, and/or may cause significant sky glow.

To comply with 45 SWI 32-7001 and existing LMPs, the 45 SW Environmental Staff will inspect and record noncompliance and will notify facility managers of lighting violations. Organizations, tenants and residents are responsible for minimizing exterior lighting during the sea turtle season. Exterior lighting that is not mission-, safety-, or security-essential will be extinguished from 2100 to 0600 from 1 May to 31 October. Mission-essential lighting supports launch activities such as launch preparation, processing of boosters, payloads, etc., and any searchlights or banks of lights (portable light-alls) used to light the pad during night launches. This would also include, as an example, lighting within the VIF that is required when the vehicle is being moved in and out (VIF doors are open). Safety-essential lighting is any lighting required for night operations training such as conducted by the 920th Search and Rescue Wing and transient aircraft operations as well as lighting for the airfield, parking lots and/or facility entrances for personnel who work during hours of darkness. Security-essential lighting includes lighting at the base entrance gates, pad specific entrances, perimeter security lighting around critical facilities, national security threats/elevated terrorist levels, and aircraft parking aprons/pads.

Five to ten nighttime lighting surveys will be conducted at CCAFS and five to six at PAFB from 1 May – 31 October to enforce compliance with existing light management policies. Surveys for disorientation will continue in order to evaluate the effectiveness of LMPs and light management policies. Exterior lighting requiring replacement will be done so in accordance with the SWI. The 45 SW will issue annual notices, prior to the sea turtle nesting season, reminding all tenants and residents of their lighting responsibilities under 45 SW SWI 32- 7001 (Appendix A). All operations with artificial lighting will be accomplished using downward-directed, well-shielded LPS light fixtures, full cutoff amber/yellow compact fluorescent fixtures, full cutoff amber (bug light) incandescent fixtures, or shielded amber or red Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights. Where color rendition or explosion-proof fixtures are required for mission-essential operations, well-shielded, high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights may be used; however, a letter of justification must be submitted to the CEVP office with the request for this variance. Further, any lighting other than HPS that is required for color-rendition purposes will require a letter of justification. Mission operations that require unshielded lighting or "uplighting" will require a letter of justification and approval through CEVP and the USFWS. Lighting directly visible from anywhere on the beach must be shielded and/or recessed so that the point source of light or any reflective surface is not directly visible from the beach.

References

Carr, A., and L. Ogren. 1960. The Ecology and Migrations of Sea Turtles. 4. The

Green Turtle in the Caribbean Sea. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 121: 1-48 p.

Dickerson, D.D., and D.A. Nelson. 1989. Recent Results on Hatchling Orientation Responses to Light Wavelengths and Intensities. In: Eckert, S.A., K.L.

Eckert, and T.H. Richardson (compilers). Proceedings on the Ninth Annual Workshop on Sea Turtle Conservation and Biology. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFC-232. 41-43 p.

Witherington, B.E., and K.A. Bjorndal. 1991. Influences of Artificial Lighting on the Seaward Orientation of Hatchling Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta). Biological Conservation. 55:139-149 p.

APPENDIX A- 45SWI 32-7001, Exterior Light Management

BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER,

45TH SPACE WING

45TH SPACE WING INSTRUCTION 32-7001

25 JANUARY 2008

Civil Engineering

EXTERIOR LIGHTING MANAGEMENT

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing website at www.e-publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.

RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.

OPR: 45 CES/CEVP Certified by: 45 CES/CD (William J. Gibson) Supersedes 45SWI32-7001, 1 April 2003 Pages: 3

This instruction implements the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq), Air Force Policy Directive (AFPD) 32-70, Environmental Quality, Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-7064, Integrated Natural Resources Management, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Biological Opinion issued 9 April 1991, updated 2 May 2000 and 23 August 2006. The instruc-tion also explains management responsibilities, exterior lighting restrictions and reporting requirements necessary for the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) to remain in compliance with Federal, State, and local stan-dards. Military personnel who violate this instruction are subject to punitive action under Article 92, Uni-form Code of Military Justice. Violations by civilian employees may result in administrative or other disciplinary action under AFI 36-704, Discipline and Adverse Action.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This document has been revised to include the identification of additional lamps that may be used in lieu of low pressure sodium (LPS) for non-beachfront facility exterior lighting, the inclusion of a requirement for shielding of fixtures that aren’t full cut-off (downward directed), and a change to the official first month of sea turtle nesting season based on the peak season. A margin bar indicates newly revised mate-rial.

1. Background. In 1998, the 45 SW and USFWS agreed to develop Light Management Plans (LMPs) in an effort to reduce the amount of exterior lighting visible from the beach. This action was required to reduce sea turtle hatchling mortality caused by disorientation. Disorientation occurs when sea turtles crawl toward inland light sources rather than the ocean. The LMPs identified exterior lights that could be replaced with LPS lamps, unnecessary lights that could be eliminated, and operational constraints for all exterior lights. The USFWS has recently approved additional types of fixtures that may be used instead of LPS when shielded.

http://www.e-publishing.af.mil

2 45SWI32-7001 25 JANUARY 2008

2. Concept. This instruction establishes responsibilities and provides guidance for the protection of threatened and endangered sea turtles in accordance with the Endangered Species Act and the Biological Opinion issued by the USFWS. This instruction applies to all exterior lighting systems/fixtures located within Air Force property boundaries of the 45 SW that may affect sea turtles.

3. Responsibilities.

3.1. Organizations, tenants, and residents are responsible for minimizing exterior lighting during the sea turtle nesting season, 1 May through 31 October, between the hours of 2100 and 0600. Exterior lighting that is not mission-, safety-, or security-essential will be extinguished during this time frame.

All exterior lights will be controlled by either individual or cluster light-specific switches, or an Energy Management Control System (EMCS).

3.1.1. Mission-essential operations that require artificial lighting will be accomplished with fix-tures using downward-directed and well-shielded LPS, full cutoff amber/yellow compact fluores-cent, full cutoff amber (bug light) incandescent, or full cutoff amber Light Emitting Diode (LED).

Where color rendition or explosion-proof fixtures are required, well-shielded, high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights may be used; however, a letter of justification must be submitted to the 45 SW Civil Engineering Environmental Flight (45 CES/CEV) with the request for this variance.

Further, any lighting other than HPS that is required for color-rendition purposes will require a let-ter of justification. Lighting directly visible on the beach must be shielded to prevent incidental illumination of the beach.

3.1.2. Interior lighting that creates an incidental glow visible outside the facility must be extin-guished or shielded to prevent the light from being visible external to the facility. Mission opera-tions that require unshielded lighting or "uplighting" will require a letter of justification and approval through 45 CES/CEV and the USFWS. If interior lighting is required for safety or secu-rity reasons and is visible outside the facility, the facility manager must work with the 45 CES/ CEV to identify alternative light types and shielding options.

3.1.3. Use of photo cells is not permitted unless lighting is a security requirement. Programmable timers may be used for area lighting, if essential for personnel safety. Requests to 45 CES/CEV for the installation of photocells must be accompanied by written justification.

3.2. The 45 CES/CEV office will be responsible for monitoring and enforcement of light use restric-tions for sea turtle protection on 45 SW installations.

4. Notification and Reporting.

4.1. The 45 CES/CEV office will issue annual notices to all personnel prior to the sea turtle nesting season to remind organizations, tenants and residents of light use constraints and responsibilities.

4.2. Detachment 1, 45th Mission Support Group Commander (Det 1, 45 MSG/CC) will issue the annual notices to organizations and tenants on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

4.3. Incidents of inappropriate light operation will be reported to the accountable facility managers and appropriate Commanders.

45SWI32-7001 25 JANUARY 2008 3

4.4. Questions regarding the requirements of this Space Wing Instruction or concerns related to sea turtles and lighting should be directed to 45 CES/CEVP at 494-7288.

SUSAN J. HELMS, Brigadier General, USAF Commander

3.2. The 45 CES/CEV office will be responsible for monitoring and enforcement of light use restrictions for sea turtle protection on 45 SW installations.