Gopher_Tortoise_Guidelines.pdf
PDF 57 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Lake Geneva Restoration Project
- Solicitation number
- 25/26-013
- Issued by
- Clay County, Harold CDP, Florida
About this file
This file consists of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission guidelines document and a state and local contract opportunity issued by Clay County, Florida. The Lake Geneva Restoration Project, Phase I, seeks qualified contractors to remove trees measuring four inches in diameter or greater from the exposed lakebed. This phase is designed as a standalone effort to clear vegetation and prepare the area for future restoration activities while improving hydrologic conditions and habitat health. The project requires contractors to execute work efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with all environmental and regulatory requirements. Bidders must submit inquiries through the Question and Answer tab of the Request for Bids, with strict communication restrictions prohibiting contact with Board members, County employees, evaluation committee members, or County agents during the bid period, which extends from publication until 72 hours after a bid decision becomes final, or longer if protests occur.
The guidelines document emphasizes critical environmental compliance requirements for the project. Gopher tortoises are a threatened species protected under Florida Administrative Code Chapter 68A-27, and tortoises must be relocated before land clearing or development activities commence, requiring permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Contractors must obtain these permits and comply with Commission-approved guidelines to avoid violations of state law protecting gopher tortoises, their burrows, and eggs. The file provides contact information for regional gopher tortoise biologists, the Wildlife Alert Reward Program (888-404-FWCC), and relevant regulatory resources, indicating that adherence to these environmental protections is mandatory for project execution.
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Gopher Tortoise Rules and Regulations
Gopher tortoises are a threatened wildlife species and are protected by state law, Chapter 68A-27, Florida Administrative Code. Gopher tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before they can move them. For more information about permitting guidelines or the laws protecting gopher tortoises please contact the gopher tortoise biologist in your region.
Rules and regulations are in place to benefit both the species and the people. We've included rules that relate to the gopher tortoise along with brief descriptions of those rules.
Rule 68A-27.003: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is hereby declared to be threatened, and shall be afforded the protective provisions specified in this paragraph. No person shall take, attempt to take, pursue, hunt, harass, capture, possess, sell or transport any gopher tortoise or parts thereof or their eggs, or molest, damage, or destroy gopher tortoise burrows, except as authorized by Commission permit or when complying with Commission approved guidelines for specific actions which may impact gopher tortoises and their burrows. A gopher tortoise burrow is a tunnel with a cross-section that closely approximates the shape of a gopher tortoise. Permits will be issued based upon whether issuance would further management plan goals and objectives.
Wildlife Alert Reward program
It is against the law to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises, their eggs or burrows. If you suspect a wildlife law violation, report it to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Reward Program at 888-404-FWCC, 24-hours a day or online. You could be eligible for a reward if your information leads to an arrest.
https://myfwc.com/ https://myfwc.com/ https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68A-27 https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/gopher-tortoise-permits/ https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/gopher-tortoise-permits/contacts/ https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/gopher-tortoise-permits/contacts/ https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?title=RULES%20RELATING%20TO%20ENDANGERED%20OR%20THREATENED%20SPECIES&ID=68A-27.003 https://myfwc.com/contact/wildlife-alert/ tel:888-404-3922
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .