Tab D Threatened and Endangered Species.pdf

45 SW INRMP

Tab D Threatened and Endangered Species

Threatened and Endangered Species (T&E) AFI 32-7064, Chapter 7, Threatened and Endangered Species Management, instructs military installations to develop and implement programs to protect and conserve federally listed threatened and endangered plants and wildlife in accordance with Public Law 93-205. Paragraph “c.” of this law further acknowledges separate state-recognized lists and advises installations to also consider impacts of actions that could jeopardize the quality of the state listed species’ habitat. An ecosystem management strategy should be provided in the INRMP for the protection and recovery of T& E species and candidate species when practical. Protection measures for state listed species are also included in the INRMP with discussion of consultation with state authorities if impact mitigation is required and feasible due to conflicts with the military mission.

The U. S. Fish Wildlife Service (FWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), as well as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) review the INRMP, assess concurrence with their plans to manage species, and provide acceptance signatures for the installation’s INRMP.

Consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) must be performed when proposed or ongoing actions may affect a listed species (or its habitat). The agency will send a “no effect” letter, provide stipulations under informal consultation or issue a Biological Opinion (BO) under formal consultation which will list requirements for carrying out the proposed actions. Adequate protection and management of T&E species described in the INRMP should prevent the need for “critical habitat” designation on DoD lands.

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory, the Nature Conservancy’s Natural Heritage branch for the state, conducted a comprehensive biotic survey of the 45 SW installations. This two-year survey was completed during December 1997 and covered rare, threatened and endangered flora and fauna, migratory birds, and outstanding natural communities. These species lists are subject to change pending future species listings.

The 45 Space Wing (45 SW) is home to numerous species of State and Federally listed T&E species.

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) There is no formally designated critical habitat under Section 4 of the ESA located on the installation. Table 1 provides a current list of threatened and endangered species on CCAFS.

Table 1: Threatened and Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna Found On and In The Vicinity of CCAFS

Status

Common Name Scientific Name Federal State

Curtiss’ milkweed Asclepias curtissii E

Sand dune spurge Chamaesyce cumulicola E

Satinleaf Chrysophyllum oliviforme T

Florida lantana Lantana depressa var.

floridana

E

Nodding pinweed Lechea cernua T

Hand fern Ophioglossum palmatum E

Nakedwood, Simpson’s stopper

Myrcianthes fragrans T

Shell mound prickly-pear cactus

Opuntia stricta T

Beach star Remirea maritime E

Scaevola, inkberry Scaevola plumieri T

Sea lavender Tournefortia gnaphalodes E

Coastal vervain Verbena maritime E

American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis T (S/A) SCC

Atlantic Loggerhead Turtle

Caretta caretta T T

Atlantic Green Turtle Chelonia mydas E E

Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea E E

Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle

Lepidochelys kempi E E

Hawksbill Turtle * Eretmochelys imbricata E E

Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus T

Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon corais couperi T T

Florida Pine Snake Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus

SSC

Florida gopher frog Rana capito aesopus SSC

Roseate Spoonbill Ajaia ajaja SSC

Florida Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma coerulescens T T

Piping Plover Charadrius melodus T T

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea SSC

Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens SSC

Snowy Egret Egretta thula SSC

Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor SSC

White Ibis Eudocimus albus SSC

Arctic Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius E

Southeastern American Kestrel

Falco sparverius paulus T

American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus SSC

Wood Stork Mycteria americana E E

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis SSC

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger SSC

Least Tern Sterna antillarum T

Right Whale * Balaena glacialis E E

Sei Whale * Balaenoptera borealis E E

Finback Whale * Balaenoptera physalus E E

Humpback Whale * Megaptera novaeangliae E E

Gray Bat * Myotis grisescens E E

Southeastern Beach Mouse

Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

T T

Florida Mouse Podomys floridanus SSC

Florida Manatee Trichechus manatus E T

SSC– Species of Special Concern T– Threatened E– Endangered S/A- Similar in Appearance

* - Not observed on CCAFS, but known to occur in the vicinity.

Patrick Air Force Base (PAFB) There is no formally designated critical habitat under Section 4 of the ESA located on the installation. Table 2 provides a current list of threatened and endangered species on PAFB.

Table 2: Threatened and Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna Found On and In The Vicinity of PAFB

Status

Common Name Scientific Name Federal State

Shell mound prickly-pear cactus

Opuntia stricta T

Beach star Remirea maritime E

Scaevola, inkberry Scaevola plumieri T

American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis SSC T (S/A)

Atlantic Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta T T

Atlantic Green Turtle Chelonia mydas E E

Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea E E

Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle* Lepidochelys kempi E E

Hawksbill Turtle * Eretmochelys imbricata E E

Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus T

Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon corais couperi T T

Roseate Spoonbill* Ajaia ajaja SSC

Piping Plover* Charadrius melodus T T

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea SSC

Reddish Egret* Egretta rufescens SSC

Snowy Egret Egretta thula SSC

Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor SSC

White Ibis Eudocimus albus SSC

Southeastern American Falco sparverius paulus T

Kestrel

Arctic Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus tundris E

American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus SSC

Wood Stork Mycteria americana E E

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis SSC

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger SSC

Least Tern Sterna antillarum T

Right Whale * Balaena glacialis E E

Sei Whale * Balaenoptera borealis E E

Finback Whale * Balaenoptera physalus E E

Humpback Whale * Megaptera novaeangliae E E

Florida Manatee Trichechus manatus E T

SSC – Species of Special Concern T – Threatened E – Endangered S/A – Similar in Appearance

* Not observed on PAFB, but known to occur in the vicinity

Malabar Transmitter Annex (MTA) There is no formally designated critical habitat under Section 4 of the ESA located on MTA. Two listed species (eastern indigo snake and the gopher tortoise) have been documented on MTA. Florida Scrub-jays were observed on the property in the 1980s but none have been observed in the last 10 years.

Currently, only one federally listed species is found at MTA, the Eastern indigo snake. The indigo snake has been identified on MTA through a shed skin only.

The shed skin of an Eastern indigo suggests that a remnant population may exist at MTA, although no individuals have been observed by biologists performing surveys. To minimize adverse effects to potential indigo snakes, construction activities will follow the FWS’s Standard Eastern Indigo Snake Protection Measures. MTA has suitable habitat preferred by indigos and the presence of gopher tortoise burrows may provide denning sites for individuals that may be present. A full scale survey for gopher tortoise (State threatened) has not occurred at MTA, however a survey of open areas in 1997 (Schultz and Knight) reported over 25 active burrows, while more recently (2003-2008) at least 10 gopher tortoise (active) burrows have been observed at any given time of the year. Likewise, three gopher tortoises were observed in a one hour period at MTA during a late afternoon in September 2007.

Jonathan Dickinson Missile Tracking Annex (JDTMA) There is no formally designated critical habitat located on JDMTA. The federally threatened Florida scrub-jay has been known to forage and cache at JDMTA, but has not been observed nesting within the annex. To minimize the adverse effects to the Scrub-jay, all land clearing and/or vegetation cutting will be conducted outside of the Scrub-jay nesting season (March 1 to June 30). If any scrub-jay nests are encountered in the project vicinity, they will be surveyed before clearing begins to identify early nesting attempts. Likewise, to minimize adverse effects to the Federally threatened Eastern Indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) during construction activities, the FWS’s Standard Eastern Indigo Snake Protection Measures will be implemented. The Florida perforate lichen (Cladonia perforata) is the only federally and state listed (endangered) plant species found on JDMTA. The current lichen population only consists of fragmented species.

Refer to the perforate lichen section below for more specific conservation measures. Finally, a small population of gopher tortoises exists on JDMTA.

Tortoises will be avoided unless a project may adversely affect the species or its burrow, and then relocation will occur using the 45 SW blanket relocation permit.

Other Managed Species Management plans have been developed for listed species on 45 SW property in which population monitoring requirements were established, these plans are for sea turtles and the Florida scrub-jay (Tabs D-1 thru D-3). Years of nesting data has been collected for these listed species and are outlined in their associated Tabs. There are several other listed species discussed below that are managed on the 45 SW that do not have specific plans since there have been no requirements outlined in Biological Opinions. If specific plans were to be developed, more information would need to be collected on populations including more detailed demographics, and site specific species utilization of 45 SW habitat. Recent discussions with FWS have indicated a desire for more monitoring of protected species. Monitoring will be funded by the Air Force for species that may be subjected to recurring impacts due to 45 SW actions and for those that are easily disturbed, however, unless a BO outlines requirements, most monitoring will consist of studies every 3-5 years to provide population trends and demographics. If these studies indicate impacts then regular monitoring may be budgeted to assess causes and consultation with FWS will occur to devise an adaptive management strategy.

Juvenile Green Sea Turtle The Trident Basin at CCAFS is home to a significant population of juvenile green sea turtles, listed as Federally endangered. These resident juvenile turtles inhabit the basin and forage for algae off of the rock revetments along the shoreline of the basin. In addition to the management objectives of the Sea Turtle Management Plan in Tab D-1, a study of the juvenile green sea turtles that inhabit the Trident Basin at CCAFS is conducted annually. Studies of this juvenile population have been conducted in the Trident Basin under a contract with the University of Central Florida (UCF). Study objectives include the distribution, biology, morphology, and size class determinations of this population and may include any potential and/or observed impacts to the species from activities occurring in the Trident Basin. Useful information is gathered and documented about this particular population and its associated size class for the species. Since little is known about the complete life cycle of sea turtles, particularly of this size class, the study provides information to the scientific community regarding the foraging needs and range of this size class, and may contribute to the recovery of the species. In compliance with the ESA, conservation of this species includes the use of all methods necessary to bring any T&E back to a stable status that would allow for de-listing of the species.

The data also shows the Navy submarine activity in the Trident Basin hasn’t affected the juvenile green turtle population, and in fact construction of the rock lined Basin has provided a foraging area that is supplementing this population’s diet.

Southeastern Beach Mouse The Southeastern beach mouse was listed by the FWS as a threatened species on 12 May 1989. The beach mouse is a sub-species of the numerous, widely distributed old field mouse. Beach mice populations are restricted to the coastal dune and coastal strand communities along Florida’s East Coast. The historical distribution of this species was from Ponce Inlet (Volusia County), south to Hollywood Beach (Broward County). Human alteration of the coastal barrier islands has resulted in extirpation of the beach mouse from the majority of its range. The most viable populations are now located on Federal lands, including the Canaveral National Seashore, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge/KSC and CCAFS. Studies conducted in the vicinity of LC- 40 indicate a large and healthy population of beach mice residing in coastal dune/strand and disturbed oak scrub communities in this area. Further research has shown that beach mice are located in interior oak scrub sites, as well as buildings. The coastal dune habitat is afforded considerable protection, and the species is protected by Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Currently no critical habitat for the beach mouse has been designated.

Impacts to this species are addressed on a project specific basis and through Section 7 Consultation with FWS. Trapping will normally be conducted prior to initiation of consultation so that presence of the species can be confirmed. All trapping is done in accordance with Scientific Collecting Permit WV05481a. This permit allows for the capture and release of beach mice by non-harmful means for status survey purposes. It is the decision of FWS what mitigative measures will be taken to reduce potential impacts to this species. Mice may be relocated out of the project area and/or FWS may issue a “take permit” to the proponent of the project.

Smaller projects that involve digging in areas where beach mice may be found will be reviewed by CCAFS natural resource managers and consultation normally will not take place if it is determined that impacts to mice can be avoided.

Currently, the 45SW has two Programmatic BOs that address impacts to southeastern beach mice. The first involves disturbance to areas where beach mice are present, but will not result in a permanent removal of the habitat.

Examples of such projects include scrub restoration, burning, and installation of utility lines. The BO allows a take for all beach mice located in these areas. The

BO requires the AF to maintain a database identifying projects covered under the BO, the number of acres involved, and number of beach mice burrows in the project areas. This Programmatic BO is being worked with the FWS for updating and renewal (2007). A federal permit for handling of SE beach mice is also in process.

The second Programmatic BO, no longer in force, addresses pest control operations on CCAFS. Several years ago, beach mice were being captured inside facilities on CCAFS. As a result, pest control operations were changed to ensure no beach mice were killed. The BO allowed a take of 50 beach mice within CCAFS associated with pest control operations for a period of one year from 22 Aug 2002. For areas located east of Pier Road, Lighthouse Road, ICBM Road and North Phillips Parkway, which are considered typical beach mouse habitat, the AF is required to live trap. Any beach mice captured in these areas must be relocated outside the facility. The Air Force is required to submit a monthly report identifying numbers of beach mice trapped, method of capture, and location. Although this BO is no longer valid, it does set an important precedent that could be renewed if necessary. Live traps are still used in facilities near the beach to prevent beach mice mortality.

Manatees Manatees are one of the few marine mammals known to inhabit the local salt-water lagoon system. They are federally listed as endangered due to the low population level (approximately 3,300 as of Feb 2008 per FWS) within the continental United States. In Brevard County, the FWS has designated all inland waters of the Banana River and all waterways between the Indian and Banana Rivers as critical manatee habitat. The northern Banana River, north of the NASA Causeway has had restricted boat access since 1963. An increasing number of manatees using the region (Provancha and Provancha 1988) pre-empted the FWS to deny public power boats access to nearly all of the Banana River waters adjacent to CCAFS. The turning basin, west of facility Hangar AF, is an area of exceptionally high concentration. Manatees may also be found in the Port Canaveral area, particularly in the Trident Basin.

Due to the nature of the activities conducted at 45 SW properties and the proximity to the designated manatee critical habitat, the Air Force will take particular consideration when siting projects which could adversely influence the quality of the AF turning basin, waterways and adjacent shorelines of the Indian to the Banana Rivers. Additionally, manatees are known to utilize the waters of Port Canaveral; therefore, the Air Force will also take this area into consideration when completing projects at the Trident Wharf, Poseidon Wharf, and Air Force Wharf. Manatees also utilize the PAFB Marina waters and the Banana River waters adjacent to PAFB’s western boundary. Dredging, docks/pilings repair and replacement will require FWC “Standard Manatee Protection Construction Conditions” language in project specifications and contract language/drawings.

Any projects that have the potential to impact manatees will require Section 7 consultation under the ESA, consultation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and/or consultation under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act with FWS.

The FWS will determine the necessary mitigating measures to be taken to reduce potential impacts to this species. Normal safeguarding actions consist of installation of signs warning construction personnel to the presence of manatees and their protective status, instituting no wake requirements, and requiring work stoppage if a manatee enters the project area from as far as 50 feet. Any natural resource enhancement projects or installation construction actions that may affect manatee habitat or the species will also be compared to the guidelines established in the Brevard County Manatee Protection Plan developed under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act.

Eastern Indigo Snake Federally listed as a threatened species, the indigo snake has been identified throughout CCAFS from road kills, field collections, and observations. The major threats to the indigo snake on CCAFS are habitat loss and vehicle strikes.

Relatively stable habitat exists on CCAFS due to controlled access and minimal development which makes this installation capable of maintaining a population of indigo snakes close to that which would occur in a similar but undisturbed area.

Management occurs on a project specific basis and all potential impacts are addressed through the use of the Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP). Impacts to the eastern indigo snake are addressed through Section 7 consultation with FWS if the Air Force believes that the action “may affect” the species. Generally, indigos leave construction areas once activities begin and if any are encountered they are left alone and permitted to leave on their own with resumption of construction/clearing after they are out of the area.

The only time indigo snakes may be relocated is during relocation of gopher tortoises. In accordance with the Air Force Gopher Tortoise Relocation Permit WR04151c, no more than one indigo snake may be relocated. Should additional specimens of this species be encountered, the capture operation is suspended and the FWCC office in Tallahassee is contacted for instructions.

Per the FWS Standard Eastern Indigo Snake Protection Measures, informational posters about the indigo snake are provided to construction contractors for display in a prominent location at construction sites and access roads to the site.

The Air Force environmental office is contacted immediately if any indigos are encountered that may be potentially harmed from construction activities. During normal operations, indigos are expected to avoid any area of high human activity, therefore, no mitigative actions are normally required. The 45 SW has developed an Indigo Snake Education Plan, approved by the FWS, that is provided to contract managers prior to initiation of projects. The contract manager is required to read and be familiar with the Plan, as well as ensure all construction personnel are familiar with the Plan. If required per permit, an indigo snake monitoring report is submitted to the FWS after construction/clearing activities.

Gopher Tortoise The gopher tortoise is listed as threatened in the State of Florida, and is federally listed in several other regions of the U.S. It is illegal to take, harm, or harass this species. The destruction of gopher tortoise burrows constitutes a take under this law except if authorized by specific permit. Although the gopher tortoise is not federally protected in Florida, it is afforded protection by the Air Force due to its state ranking and the commensal use of its burrow by other federally protected species. Gopher tortoises live in burrows that average 15 feet long and 6 feet deep. The burrows provide protection from predators, fire, and the weather.

The gopher tortoise is considered a keystone species because its burrow provides important habitat for scores of other native species. Some commensals observed utilizing burrows on CCAFS include the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, eastern coachwhip, ghost crabs, box turtle, cotton mouse, cotton rat, Florida gopher frog and armadillo.

Gopher tortoises inhabit upland habitats common in central Florida, including scrub, pine flatwoods, and the dune area along beaches. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, grass-like plants, and legumes. The current population of gopher tortoises on CCAFS is not known; although, based on Air Force biologists’ observations, a considerable number of individuals inhabit the station probably in the 100s. The primary reason for the decline of this species throughout the southeast is habitat destruction. The dry upland habitat favored by this animal is also desired for construction development for business and residential areas. The space program on CCAFS is currently experiencing fast-paced growth due to new Air Force and commercial launch programs. In 1999, the 45SW CES/CEV received the first blanket tortoise relocation permit for CCAFS, allowing captures and relocations for a three year period rather than requiring procurement of individual permits for projects. A Gopher Tortoise Preservation Plan (Appendix 1), approved by FWC, has been developed that outlines procedures for relocating gopher tortoises on CCAFS. Appendix 1 is found at the bottom of Tab D. This Plan was updated prior to submitting for each new blanket permit. A new relocation permit covering CCAFS, PAFB, MTA, and JDMTA was received in 2008. This permit requires 24-hour relocation notification to FWC and a 30-day reporting requirement. The 45 SW reviews all projects and flags those actions which may impact the gopher tortoise. Surveys occur prior to land disturbance activities to assess potential impacts to gopher tortoises. If avoidance isn’t possible, Air Force environmental personnel relocate gopher tortoises out of the project area to another area on property.

Least Terns Least terns are a state listed threatened species known to nest on CCAFS and PAFB. As with most nesting shorebirds, they have been impacted throughout the State of Florida due to coastal development, nesting habitat destruction and habitat disturbance by both people and animals.

Consultation with the FWS will occur under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act if a 45 SW action that does not fall under its Federal Migratory Bird Depredation Permit has the potential to adversely affect a migratory bird species. Note, however, that incidental take of a migratory bird is authorized for military readiness per FWS Final Rule (50 CFR 21, March 2007) with implementation of migratory bird conservation measures in the installation’s INRMP. See Tab A, Fish and Wildlife, for the migratory bird discussion.

Small colonies of terns have been observed nesting on rooftops at CCAFS, particularly in the area of the NOTU Port area of CCAFS and the Industrial area at PAFB. Every year, periodic surveys of rooftops will be conducted during the nesting season to determine the location(s) of any nesting tern populations.

Once identified, facility managers and occupants are informed of the nests and any necessary restrictions on activities required during the nesting season. In addition, colonies have been observed nesting on the beach at CCAFS.

Morning surveys are conducted and beach areas with nesting terns are identified and avoided as much as practical to prevent impacts while reducing inconsistencies in the sea turtle monitoring program.

Depending on the location of the nests and any potential impacts to the nests, different management methods are employed. Examples may include posting signs that warn of nesting shorebirds and prohibit entry or disturbance during the nesting season to notifying sea turtle monitoring personnel of locations of beach nesting areas that must be carefully buffered. In addition, management occurs on a project specific basis and all potential impacts are addressed under NEPA through the use of the Environmental Impact Analysis Process (32 CFR 989).

Black Skimmers The black skimmer is listed as a Species of Special Concern in the State of Florida. As with most nesting shorebirds, they have been impacted throughout the State of Florida due to coastal development, nesting habitat destruction and habitat disturbance by both people and animals.

Consultation with the FWS will occur under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act if a 45 SW action that does not fall under its Federal Migratory Bird Depredation Permit has the potential to adversely affect a migratory bird species. See Tab A, Fish and Wildlife, for the migratory bird discussion. Small colonies of black skimmers have been observed on CCAFS and PAFB. They have been known to nest on the beaches at CCAFS and they have been observed nesting on rooftops at PAFB, particularly in the Industrial area.

Every year, periodic seasonal surveys of rooftops will be conducted during the nesting season to determine the location(s) of any nesting black skimmer populations. Once identified, the facility managers and occupants are informed of the nests and any necessary restrictions on activities required during the nesting season. In addition, small groups have been observed nesting on the beach at CCAFS. Morning surveys are conducted and beach areas with nesting skimmers are identified and avoided as much as practical to prevent impacts while reducing inconsistencies in the sea turtle monitoring program.

Depending on the location of the nests and any potential impacts to the nests, different management methods are employed. Examples may include posting signs that warn of nesting shorebirds and prohibit entry or disturbance during the nesting season to notifying sea turtle monitoring personnel of locations of beach nesting areas that must be carefully buffered. In addition, management occurs on a project specific basis and all potential impacts are addressed under NEPA through the use of the Environmental Impact Analysis Process (32 CFR 989).

Florida Perforate Lichen Cladonia perforata is a federal and state listed endangered species. It is found in well-drained sands of scrub in only a few locations in Florida. Currently, no critical habitat for the lichen has been designated. The population at JDMTA is part of a larger population at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP), located adjacent to JDMTA.

Impacts to this species are addressed on a project specific basis and through Section 7 ESA consultation with FWS. Recently, the lichen at JDMTA was relocated to JDSP through coordination with their biological staff under a FWS Biological Opinion (7 Feb 2005) for a JMDTA fence and tower replacement project. The lichen at JDMTA was almost entirely limited to the maintained open areas at the fence line, particularly in the area of the boresight tower. In 2005, the lichen communities were permanently and carefully relocated to recipient sites established on JDSP. Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of the recipient sites were recorded and provided to JDSP for locations to prevent fire impacts from their controlled burns. These recipient sites are monitored by 45 SW environmental personnel periodically. Only fragments of the perforate lichen that were too difficult to retrieve remain on JDMTA.

Smaller projects that involve impacts to areas where any remaining lichen may be found at JDMTA will be reviewed by natural resource managers; consultation will occur if it is determined that impacts to the lichen can’t be avoided.

Generally, impacts will be avoided by prohibiting mowing, foot and vehicular traffic in the areas where lichen is located. It is possible that the lichen may disperse back into JDMTA with wind and rain; the annex will be surveyed annually to determine if new populations of perforate lichen have established.

A 30-foot clear zone was established as a part of the fence replacement. In accordance with the BO, this clear zone will be maintained for security purposes and vegetation will be cleared and mowed regularly. Additionally, a 70-foot clear zone was established adjacent to the fence clear zone for Scrub-jay habitat enhancement. This area will be maintained on approximately five-year cycles by the Air Force with a mosaic clearing of natural vegetation to preferred Scrub-jay heights, and treated with prescribed fire by JDSP in accordance with the burn plan for JDSP. Refer to the JDMTA and Other Managed Species sections above for Scrub-jay and Indigo snake conservation measures.

APPENDIX 1- Gopher Tortoise Conservation Plan

Gopher Tortoise Conservation Plan Gopher Tortoise Relocation Permit WR04151c (expiration: 30 June 2009)

Introduction

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) compromises about 15,800 acres of a barrier island located along the central east coast of Florida (see CCAFS Gopher Tortoise Plan, 1999). The space program at CCAFS continues to experience fast-paced growth due to new Department of Defense launch programs and increased commercial launch activities. Assessing the potential impacts from this development in 1998 revealed several areas of environmental concern for the 45th Space Wing (45 SW) of the U.S. Air Force. The 45 SW must determine potential impacts from these proposed projects on several species including the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Gopher tortoises that are determined to be potentially impacted are avoided and relocated to offset adverse effects to the species. Although the gopher tortoise is not a federally protected species, it is afforded protection by the 45 SW due to its State ranking (Threatened), and the commensal relationship with other federally protected species (i.e. Eastern indigo snake).

The Air Force’s commitment to good stewardship of the environment has culminated with a solid working relationship between the 45 SW and the FWC.

This relationship has enabled the 45 SW and the FWC to develop a consensus regarding the best way to proceed with gopher tortoise relocation issues. A meeting to discuss management options and future plans for gopher tortoises was held at CCAFS in February 1999 and included 45 CES/CEV (45 SW Environmental) and FWC. This conservation plan, which establishes guidelines for the blanket gopher tortoise relocation permit on 45 SW properties, is the result of that meeting. Revisions of this plan were made and approved prior to the issuance of the 2008 relocation permit.

Background

Relocation requirements come up frequently on CCAFS due to what appears to be a very substantial gopher tortoise population. In 1999, meetings were conducted with the CCAFS community planner, real property custodian and master planning offices in an effort to establish an estimate of acres of gopher tortoise habitat that could be impacted by future development. Unfortunately, a viable acreage projection could not be determined, since siting is often dictated based on potential environmental impacts, such as presence of tortoises. At that time, approximately 40 acres of previously undisturbed land had been impacted by development in the previous five years. In 2000, approximately 15 acres were developed. A one-year blanket relocation permit for gopher tortoises was issued to assist the 45 SW in responding to short-notice actions. The issuance of the 2000 permit for CCAFS expedited at least seven projects that would have impacted FWC permit workload and delayed actions on CCAFS in as many times. The plan and permit were revised to incorporate relocation on site for the other mainland Florida 45 SW properties of PAFB, MTA and JDMTA.

Methods

The following are the current procedures utilized on 45 SW properties for gopher tortoise relocation issues.

Site Determination No single or centralized site will be used for all tortoise relocations. Permits previously issued by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (now FWC) referred to on-site and off-site relocations. According to the permit, all tortoises must be relocated and released within the boundaries of the 45 SW properties. Donor sites (areas in which habitat suitability could be affected) will be surveyed to determine the number of gopher tortoises occupying the site and the number of individuals that would require relocation. Additionally, a recipient site will be chosen and surveyed to determine the presence/absence of tortoises occupying that site. If the proposed recipient site already contains a dense population of tortoises, an alternate site will be selected. Whenever possible, a number of tortoises removed from a single site will be treated as a “group or neighborhood” and would be relocated to a common recipient site.

Based on gross estimates from Geographical Information System (GIS) data and using 2005 imagery, approximately 11,000 acres of potentially suitable gopher tortoise habitat exists on CCAFS. The following describes, in order of preference, how recipient sites will be chosen:

Choice 1: Tortoises will be relocated as close to the donor site as possible (i.e.

distances ranging from 10 m to 1 km). If the proposed development/action is small, tortoises can be kept on the general site, but away from the construction.

For example, a minor construction activity at a launch complex may require that tortoises be moved from a specific site, without actually removing them from the overall burrowing and foraging area within the perimeter of the complex.

Included in this category is temporary holding and release at the original site.

This would be in support of short-term work in a particular area, like repairing underground utilities, etc. Tortoises may be held for a day and released to their original location.

Choice 2: If a nearby relocation is not possible, tortoises will be moved to a more distant site, still located on property, in which suitable, safe habitat exists. In general, primary recipient sites would be in scrub habitat enhancement sites, blast danger areas (BDA), or launch danger areas (LDA). The preferred relocation area would be a BDA. This is an area surrounding an active launch complex, or other explosive operation, where no new construction is allowed due to Air Force safety regulations. An area such as this would ensure a very low potential of secondary relocations. Launch Danger Areas and BDA’s make up approximately 6,896 acres of habitat on CCAFS that is least likely to be developed or otherwise result in impacts to gopher tortoises. Areas that aren’t anticipated to be developed are also found on the other 45 SW installations that could be recipient sites. Additionally tortoise numbers are much lower on PAFB, MTA and JDMTA compared to CCAFS, and there is less of a chance that relocation will be needed.

Choice 3: If a safe habitat (no anticipated clearing in the future) within a BDA, LDA or scrub habitat enhancement site cannot be found, tortoises would be relocated to other suitable habitat on property. In this situation, there would be no guarantee that the recipient site would remain undeveloped, thus opening up the possibility of secondary relocations. Although it is not anticipated that this choice will be required, it is being identified as the method of last resort.

Animal Capture and Handling If the observer cannot confirm whether a burrow is active or is not confident in a determination, the burrow will be assumed active. The presence of tortoises may be confirmed using a gopher tortoise burrow camera, however, confirmation employing this method is not always possible. Typically, gopher tortoises slated for relocation will be captured using the bucket trap method. If tortoises must be removed quickly, or evade bucket traps, a backhoe will be used to excavate the burrow. Only experienced backhoe operators will be used for this activity, with trained tortoise observers providing oversight throughout the entire operation.

Since gopher tortoises are susceptible to cold stress, temperatures will be considered during all non-summer relocations. Tortoises will be captured and/or relocated only on days when the overnight low temperature is forecast to be above 50 degrees F, and the two consecutive overnight lows are also forecast to exceed 50 degrees F.

Tortoises will be measured and permanently marked using the scute drilling method. Since a unique numbering system already exists on CCAFS and the adjacent Kennedy Space Center, the 45 SW will continue to utilize the existing system. If the appropriate level of funding can be provided by the activity requiring tortoise relocation, blood samples will be taken for analysis for Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD). (In 2000, 31 samples were collected.)

Samples will be drawn from the brachial vein of a restrained tortoise using 25 gauge needles and monoject syringes. Blood will be immediately transferred via pipette to lithium heparin separator tubes for preservation. Samples will be kept cold and then centrifuged, for plasma separation. Samples will be frozen at minus 20 degrees C until shipment to the University of Florida for analysis. To ensure risk reduction for cross contamination and spread of disease, including URTD, individual tortoises will be kept separate during holding and processing periods. All processing equipment will be cleaned with a 10% bleach solution between uses and tortoises will be held in clean, separate containers.

Data Dissemination All information relating to the tortoise relocation will be entered into a GIS database, and a short summary will be completed describing the relocation activity (donor and recipient site description, date, turtle ID, morphometrics, sex, general health, etc.). These reports will be kept on file in the CCAFS Environmental office. This information can be provided to FWC, if requested. In accordance with current permit provisions, a report detailing the capture/ relocation effort will be forwarded to the FWC, using the standard report form provided by that office.

In addition, the 45 SW has initiated a program to compile and maintain historical tortoise relocation data, which includes use of GIS to analyze and display this data for future planning. A public awareness program has been initiated on CCAFS to encourage individuals to report sightings of marked tortoises. These opportunistic sightings, along with project related relocation tracking, continue to be documented in the GIS database.

Permit The current permit holder’s name is Ms. Angy Chambers, Conservation and Planning for the 45th Space Wing (45 CES/CEVP). Strict oversight of the permit use will be conducted by Ms. Chambers and Ms. Martha Carroll and other Air Force biologists familiar with gopher tortoise biology and relocation procedures.

The estimated number of tortoises to be moved annually should not exceed 150 individuals. Additional permit requirements established by FWC will be strictly adhered to and the FWC permitting office will be contacted immediately should any questions or problems arise.