Biological Survey and Habitat Assessment Crystal River ...mgcenvironmental.com/Primerica Final Rpt...

Biological Survey and Habitat Assessment Crystal River Commons Commercial Tract

105 acres (MOL) Citrus County, Florida

Sections 3-19-17 and 34-18-17 Citrus County, Florida

Prepared for:

Primerica, Group One, Inc. 3629 Madaca Lane

Tampa, Florida 33618 (813) 933-0629

Prepared by:

Michael G. Czerwinski, P.A. Environmental Consultants

2716 South Lecanto Hwy Lecanto, Florida 34461

August 31, 2007

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461

È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

Phase 1 ESA’s ٭ Wetland Delineation ٭ Sinkhole Probability & Evaluation ٭ Listed Species & Habitat Assessments & Mapping ٭ Cultural Resource Assessments ٭ Water Quality Studies ٭ Environmental Impact Assessment

Biological Survey and Habitat Assessment Crystal River Commons for Primerica, Group One, Inc.

August 31, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page Introduction 1 Background 1 Site Location 2 Methodology 2 Environmental Setting 3 Topography 3 Soils ... 3 Vegetative Assemblage/Land Use/Land Cover 4 Wildlife . 5 Results 6 Upland Communities 7 Wetland Communities 8 Listed Plant Species 10 Exotic / Invasive Plant Species 10 Wildlife ... 11

State / Federal Listed Species 12 Black Bear 13 Florida Mouse 13 Sherman’s Fox Squirrel 13 Southeastern American Kestrel (SAK) 14 Eastern Indigo Snake 15 Wading Birds 17 Gopher Tortoise 17

Gopher Tortoise Management Guidelines 19 Conclusions / Recommendations 21 Bibliography 20

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mailto:[email protected]




Biological Survey and Habitat Assessment Crystal River Commons for Primerica, Group One, Inc.

August 31, 2007

LIST OF APPENDICES

A Maps and Exhibits

USGS Homosassa Quadrangle (Overview) 1999 Color-Infrared Aerial Photo 2006 True Color Aerial Photo Soils Mapping Units Land Use Land Cover Map (SWFWMD, 1999) Land Use Land Cover Map (Field Data) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Map Features and Results Map Gopher Tortoise Locations and Habitat Map Wetland Reference Map

B Photo Documentation C FNAI Element Occurrence Data Query Results D Expected or Observed Plant Species E Expected or Observed Wildlife Species F Invasive / Exotic Plant Reference Material G Indigo Snake Educational Brochure (Sample)

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Biological Survey and Habitat Assessment Crystal River Commons Commercial Tract for Primerica, Group One, Inc.

105 acres (MOL) in Sections 3-19-17 and 34-18-17

Citrus County, Florida August 31, 2007

INTRODUCTION Primerica, Group One, Inc. contracted with MICHAEL G. CZERWINSKI, P.A., ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS (MGC) to perform a preliminary biological survey and habitat assessment at the above-referenced property (subject site). The 105 acre (MOL) subject site known as the Crystal River Commons Commercial Tract is located in Sections 3-19-17 and 34-18-17, Citrus County, Florida. It is our understanding that the site is to be developed as a commercial retail center consisting of two anchor stores and several mixed use and retail outparcels. The purpose of this assessment is to characterize the native vegetative communities present on site, and to identify the presence or likely presence of listed species, their associated habitat or protected vegetative communities occurring on-site. Listed species, for the purpose of this report, are those plants and animals that are formally listed as Endangered, Threatened, or a Species of Special Concern, or listed as a commercially exploited plant by the US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (50 CFR 17.11-12), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Chapter 68A-27 F.A.C.) or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Section 581 F.S.). This Biological Survey and Habitat Assessment was designed to comply with and satisfy the requirements of Section 4173 of the Citrus County Land Development Code. Background The subject site is a portion of a site known previously as “The Preserve at Crystal River” or the “Realty Corp. Site” which comprised approximately 220 acres. Lotspeich and Associates, Inc. prepared an Ecological Assessment Report for RealtiCorp in March 2006 in support of Environmental Resource Permitting for a commercial and residential development on the larger property. That report provided information on listed species presence as well as evaluated the environmental impacts development. The findings of this earlier report were reviewed as part of this Biological Assessment. In addition MGC performed a cursory biological survey on the subject site in July 2007 and submitted a report to Citrus County on August 1, 2007. the finding of this report do not vary significantly from the cursory report but provide nore detailed and quantitative results, estimates of gopher tortoise population found on site and recommendations with respect to gopher tortoises. Delineation of jurisdictional wetlands and establishment of Seasonal High Water (SHW) elevations were conducted previously by others and were not the responsibility of MGC. It is our understanding that wetlands were delineated, SHW elevations were established




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in 2002 and these were subsequently reviewed and approved by the SWFWMD and the USACE. The site’s wetlands have been field located by a professional land surveyor and are depicted on conceptual project plans. Results maps and photo documentation for this investigation are provided in Appendix A and B at the end of this report. A list of Appendices provided has been included in the Table of Contents. Site Location The 105 acre (MOL) project site is located in Sections 3-19-17 and 34-18-17 in western Citrus County, Florida. The site is located directly east of U.S. Highway 19 and south of W. Venable Street and can be accessed to the north and south via W. Penn Drive which bisects the site. A portion of the site is bordered on the North by W. Venable Street and the Progress Energy Nuclear Training Facility, on the east by the vacant Crystal River Commons residential tract, on the south by a church and residential lots, and to the west by U.S. Highway 19. The property is split into a north and south section by W. Penn Drive and a power line easement traverses the north section from W. Penn Drive to W. Venable Street in a north-south direction. METHODLOGY Environmental Consultant Michael G. Czerwinski, P.G., P.W.S., and his associates conducted field investigations for the biological assessment during July and August 2007 for a total of 8 days. A key objective of the field survey was to evaluate the likelihood that listed plant and animal species may be present on the site based upon vegetative habitat types, direct observation or sign, and to conduct a gopher tortoise burrow survey in the suitable habitat areas. Additionally, other significant biological or geological features of interest were also recorded. The field methodologies employed were designed to conform to accepted guidelines for determining the presence of such species, including those established for general development projects by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC Allen, M. 1988). The site includes ten (10) wetland areas totaling approximately 44 acres. The project site wetlands were evaluated during this biological assessment. Wetland areas were surveyed for wading birds and listed species presence by walking the perimeters and interiors of the wetlands and performing observations for a minimum of 3 consecutive days. Upland and wetland observations were conducted for a total of 8 days. These surveys were conducted at various times of the day including an early morning predawn survey and a post sunset survey to increase the likelihood of species observations. A total of 22 upland pedestrian transects were performed on site, covering an estimated 11 acres. Random off-transect areas were also inspected as deemed necessary. Transects were of sufficient density to achieve more than the 15% minimum coverage recommended by FFWCC for each habitat type. Pedestrian transects covered approximately 99% of the commercial tract containing the open field located in the Southwest corner of the site. A gopher tortoise (GT) burrow survey was conducted along the transects. Burrow s located within the transects were located in the field




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utilizing a Garmin Model GPSmap60CS ™ Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to identify its approximate longitude and latitude position. Burrows were classified according to their status as defined by Cox, (et. al. 1987) as: Active; Inactive; or Abandoned. Each burrow also was marked in the field with red wire utility flag markers and the number and burrow status placed upon the flag. Other animal burrows (armadillo, fox, etc.) that were encountered within a transect were similarly marked with wire flag utility markers to signify that they were inspected and discounted as gopher tortoise burrows. Snag (dead standing) trees were also identified with flagging, their locations recorded with the GPS receiver, and inspected for nesting cavities and as sentinel or perch sites for listed species such as the Southeastern American Kestrel (SAK). ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Physiography and Topography The site lies within the Gulf Coastal Lowlands Physiographic Region. This physiographic region is a transitional zone that lies between the coastal swamp to the west and the Brooksville Ridge to the east and generally runs parallel to the coastline down through the Florida Peninsula. Elevations in the physiographic region range from just above sea level to about 70 feet above NGVD. The Gulf Coastal Lowlands are characterized by sandy soils and a gradual increased slope to the east. A review of the USGS Homosassa SE quadrangle reveals that the site ranges in elevation from approximately 0 to 15 feet NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical Datum). Topographically, the subject site can be best described as mostly flat though sloping up to the east with intermittent shallow depressions. (Appendix A). Soils According to the Soil Survey of Citrus County Florida (USDA/SCS Soil Survey of Citrus County, 1996) six (6) major soil mapping units are found within the project site limits. Brief descriptions for each individual soil unit and their relative location within the project area are included below:

• Okeelanta Muck (13) is a very poorly drained, nearly level soil found in depressions and freshwater coastal swamps. Typical vegetative land cover for this soil type is freshwater marshes and ponds. The water table recedes to less than 10 inches during dry periods and ponds for 6 to 12 months. Ponding is a major limitation for septic tank absorption fields, residential and commercial buildings, local roads and streets, and recreational facilities. This soil is the dominant soil mapping unit found on site. It is associated with the larger wetland systems and adjacent pine flatwood vegetative land cover and comprises approximately 65 acres.

• Quartzipsamments, 0 to 5 percent slopes (22) is a nearly level to gently sloping soil commonly found adjacent to urban lands. It has been reworked and shaped by earthmoving equipment. The depth to the water table is variable, but it ranges from about 20 to more than 72 inches depending on the thickness of the fill material. Permeability is generally rapid and water capacity is very low. This




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soil has slight limitations for septic tank absorption fields. This soil is found in the western region of the project site associated with U.S. Highway 19 and comprises approximately 16 acres.

• Adamsville Fine Sand (2) is a somewhat poorly drained, nearly level to gently sloping soil found on low ridges and knolls on or adjacent to flatwoods. Typical vegetative land cover for this soil type is flatwoods with scattered pine trees and an understory of saw palmetto. Most years the seasonal high water table is at a depth of 20 to 40 inches for 2 to 6 months. Permeability is rapid and water capacity is low. Wetness is a moderate limitation affecting sites for residential and commercial buildings and local roads and streets. Wetness is also a severe limitation on sites for septic tank absorption fields. This soil is found in two fingerlike projections on the eastern portion of the subject site and comprises approximately 14 acres.

• Basinger Fine Sand, Depressional (6) is a poorly drained, nearly level soil found in depressions and adjacent to some bodies of water. The water table is within 10 inches of the surface and the soil is ponded for periods of 3 to 9 months. Ponding is a severe limitation for urban development. This soil is associated with wetlands W-8 and W-9 on site and comprises approximately 5 acres.

• Basinger, Fine Sand (5) is a poorly drained, nearly level soil found in drainageways and sloughs. The water table can be found at a depth of less than 10 inches for 2 to 6 months. Permeability is rapid and water capacity is very low. Wetness and poor filtering capacity are severe limitations to use this sandy soil for septic tank absorption fields, residential and commercial buildings, and local roads and streets. This soil is found in the eastern portion of the site and comprises approximately 3 acres.

• Tavares, 0 to 5 percent slopes (11) is a moderately well drained, nearly level to gently sloping soil found on knolls and ridges. Typical vegetative land cover for this soil type is longleaf pine and turkey oak. The water table is between 40 and 72 inches for more than 6 months of the year. Wetness is a moderate limitation for septic tank absorption fields, residential and commercial buildings, local roads and streets, and recreational facilities. A small area of this soil is located in the northeast corner of the subject site and comprises approximately 2 acres.

Vegetative Assemblage / Land Use – Land Cover The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD 1995) land cover/land use data, which utilizes the Florida Land Use Cover Forms Classification System (FLUCFS, FDOT 1999) identify four (4) land cover / habitats occurring on site which are presented in the table below.




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EXPECTED LANDCOVER SWFWMD (1999)

FLUCCS CODE FLUCS DESCRIPTION Acres 4110 PINE FLATWOODS 66 6150 STREAM AND LAKE SWAMPS (BOTTOMLAND) 18 6210 CYPRESS 18 1400 COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES 3

TOTAL 105 Pine flatwood habitat is a common land cover in Central Florida. Pine flatwoods are dominated by either slash pine or longleaf pine. The common flatwoods understory species include saw palmetto, wax myrtle, gallberry and a wide variety of herbs and brush and typically occur on nutrient rich soils or poorly to very poorly drained soils. The stream and lake swamps community is usually found on river, creek and lake flood plain or overflow areas. This community has a wide variety of predominantly hardwood species of which some of the more common species include red maple, sweetgum, willows, tupelos, bays, water ash and buttonbush. A Cypress community is typically an isolated or depressional basin covered predominately by pond cypress or bald cypress. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps have similar coverage to the Land Use / Land Cover map. The stream and lake swamp area is broken into four (4) wetland types: Palustrine-forested-broad leaved deciduous/mixohaline-seasonally flooded-semipermanently flooded, Palustrine-forested-broad leaved evergreen/hyperhaline-seasonally flooded, Palustrine-forested-needle leaved deciduous-semipermanently flooded, and Palustrine-scrub shrub-broad leaved evergreen-saturated. The Cypress Land Use / Land Cover area is labeled as Palustrine-forested-broad leaved deciduous/scrub shrub-broad leaved evergreen-seasonally flooded and Palustrine-forested-needle leaved deciduous-semipermanently flooded. The expected natural communities on the subject site can provide habitats for numerous listed species such as but not limited to the gopher tortoise, Florida pine snake, and indigo snake, and are being rapidly developed throughout Florida. In addition, forested wetland areas provide valuable functions within the landscape including but not limited to floodwater storage and nutrient uptake and assimilation. Impacts to wetlands are regulated by the SWFWMD, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the United States Army Corp of Engineers. Wildlife The wildlife expected to occur on site would be those within the geographic range of west-central Florida and typically associated with the habitats that occur on-site. The listed wildlife species that might be expected to occur, would include:




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Upland Species Wetland Dependent Species Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) American alligator (Alligator Mississippi) Short-tailed snake (Stilosoma extenuatum) American bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucoocephalus) Southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitius) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Florida gopher frog (Rana capito) Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) Florida gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) Sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsii) Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea Southeastern American kestrel (Falco sparverius pratensis) Tri-colored heron (Egretta tricolor) Red cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Wood stork (Mycteria americana) Florida mouse (Podomys floridanus) Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) Sherman’s fox squirrel (Sciurus niger shermanii) Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) Florida scrub jay (Aphelcoma coerulescens) Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) Information regarding previously recorded listed species or natural community occurrence (Element Occurrence) in the area of the project was requested and received from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). Element occurrences refer to more than a casual sighting and usually indicate a viable population of a species. According to the FNAI data report (Appendix C), the site appears to be located within a significant region of natural areas and habitat for several rare species. No elementa occurances have been specifically identified as occurring on the site according to FNAI, however several element occurrences are mapped within a one mile radius. The report indicates a flowering giant orchid (Pteroglossaspis ecristata) less than a mile east of the site and a Sherman’s Fox Squirrel was noted approximately 1 mile north of the subject site. An occurrence of the Florida scrub jay and osprey occur within a 2 mile radius of the study site. Two bald eagle nests occur approximately 2.5 miles southwest and northwest of the study site. A complete list of all wildlife species observed on the site may be found in Table A. The results of the FNAI element occurrence query and a complete Citrus County tracking list have been provided in Appendix C. RESULTS The field investigations conducted in July and August 2007 revealed a principally vacant 105 acre site characterized by approximately 61 acres of upland and 44 acres of wetland habitats. The intent of this study was not to alter the land use land cover map but when existing communities differed significantly from the SWFWMD data, deviations were noted and are presented on the Modified Land Use Land Cover Map presented in Appendix A. The field inspection also revealed a network of trails and remnant perimeter and interior fencing. The trails appear to be dirt maintenance trails and old, vegetation covered trails, perhaps associated with past timber harvesting activities. Dumping of household garbage and old furniture was observed in several areas along the trails. A dilapidated commercial building that formerly held a sales and construction office for an aluminum enclosures business was located in the southwest corner of the subject site. There is a




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cleared, open land area associated with the old building. The July/August 2007 field survey revealed a total of 7 land cover types at the subject site. A brief description of the upland and wetland cover types identified is included below. The Modified Land Cover / Land Use Map and Features and Results Map presented in Appendix A graphically depict the results and findings of the 2007 biological-assessment.

OBSERVED LANDCOVER (Revised 2006)

FLUCFCS CODE COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION Approx. Acres

UPLAND HABITATS 4120 LONGLEAF PINE - XERIC OAK 44 4110 PINE FLATWOODS 13 1400 COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES 3 8140 TRANSPORTATION 1

WETLAND HABITATS 6530 STREAM AND LAKE SWAMPS (BOTTOMLAND) 23 6210 CYPRESS 19 6440 EMERGENT AQUATIC VEGETATION 2

TOTAL 105 Upland Communities Longleaf Pine-Xeric Oak (FLUCFCCS 4120): This classification accounts for approximately 44 acres of the subject site. The longleaf pine / xeric oak community is a fire dominated habitat dominated by long-leaf pine, and/or xeric oaks and typically associated with sandy, well to moderately well drained, nutrient poor soils. Sandhill habitat of the project site is dominated by longleaf pine trees with a mid-story of blue-jack oak (Q. incana), turkey oak (Q. leavis), laurel oak (Q. laurifolia) and live oak (Q. virginiana). Ground cover throughout the habitat includes bahia grass (Paspalum notatum), and lush wiregrass (Aristida stricta). Other herbaceous vegetation present on site includes saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia humifustra), silver croton (Croton argyranthemus), blackroot (Pterocaulon pycnostachyum), narrow leaf pawpaw (Asimina augustifolia) blackberry (Rubus cunefolius), and bracken fern (Pterydium aquilinum). Other trees noted in this habitat include persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), myrtle oak (Q. myrtifolia), sand holly (Ilex ambigua), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera). Longleaf Pine–Xeric Oak communities are not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing as Endangered or Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species




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Act of 1973, Sec. 3. However, this land cover is considered an imperiled community in the state of Florida by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) because of its rarity and its vulnerability to destruction due to its desirability for development. Pine Flatwoods (FLUCFCCS 4110): This classification accounts for approximately 13 acres on site. Pine flatwoods are low lying areas typically found in the areas immediately landward of the wetland or lying in the landscape between wetlands and long leaf pine / xeric oak communities. Pine flatwoods are dominated by long leaf or slash pine and an understory of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), gallberry (Ilex glabra) and fetterbush (Lyonia sp.). Pine flatwoods generally have a higher water table and more meisic-type soils than long leaf pine / xeric oak habitat. The dominant canopy plant species recorded within the pine flatwood land cover include long leaf pine (Pinus palustris), slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia). Isolated facultative wet species such as sweetgum and red maple occurred in this land cover as well. Ground cover included gallberry, saw palmetto and fetterbush as well as a variety of sedges and grasses. Commerical and Services (FLUCFCCS 1400): This classification accounts for approximately 3 acres of the subject site. This coverage is located in the southwest corner of the property and includes a dilapidated abandoned building formerly the location of White’s Aluminum. There is a cleared, open field immediately to the north of the structure characterized by a dominance of bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) and dog fennel (Eupatorium spp.) with scattered blackberry, wiregrass and bare ground. Transportation (FLUCFCCS 8140): This classification accounts for approximately 1 acre of the subject site. This land use was included because W. Penn Road bisects the property in an east-west direction. A culvert connects wetland W-7 to W-6 on the western end of Penn Drive and appears to provide a surface water connection. The road appears to partially act as a barrier to surface water movement in the eastern portion of the site. Wetland Communities The majority of the ten (10) wetland areas on the project site can be classified as natural forested wetlands and freshwater marsh. It is likely that the other two wetlands (W-8 and W-9) were created wetlands and are remnant borrow pits remaining from the construction of W. Penn Drive. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD 1995) land cover / land use data and the Florida Land Use Cover Forms Classification System (FLUCFS, FDOT 1999) identified two (2) wetland land cover / habitats comprising a total of 36.0 acres as occurring on site (Appendix A). The actual wetland acreage and types identified on the subject site during the 2007 site reconnaissance differed slightly from the 1999 mapped units. A total of four (4) wetland land cover / habitat types comprising approximately 44 acres were identified during the July/August 2007 survey.




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The Wetland Map in the Appendix A of this report depicts the approximate locations of the wetlands on site. The wetland community types found on site are listed in the following table and descriptions follow below. Wetland acreage listed in the table below were taken from the Lotspeich and Associates 2002 Ecological Assessment Report. However, descriptions of the wetland habitat are based on the 2007 MGC assessment.

WETLAND TYPE / ACREAGE SUMMARY TABLE Wetland Name / Number Wetland Type Estimated Acreage1

W-1 Freshwater Marsh 0.21 W-2 Cypress 5.03 W-6 Stream and Lake Swamps 19.64 W-7 Stream and Lake Swamps 3.32 W-8 Emergent Aquatic Vegetation

(Borrow Pit) 1.09

W-9 Emergent Aquatic Vegetation (Borrow Pit)

0.60

W-10 Cypress 13.09 W-10a Freshwater Marsh 1.43 W-10b Cypress 0.03 W-15 Emergent Aquatic Vegetation 0.03

Total All Wetlands 44.47 acres 1Subject to verification by all appropriate local, State, and Federal regulatory agencies.

Wetland W-6 and W-7 – Stream and Lake Swamps: These wetlands totaling approximately 23 acres and support a mixed wetland forest community dominated by pond cypress. Slash pine, red maple and sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana) are also abundant. Subcanopy species include dahoon holly and wax myrtle. Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) dominated the ground cover at the time of the assessment. Wetlands W-6 and W-7 are linked via a culvert under Penn Drive and a culvert leads from W-6 to the west under U.S. Highway 19. Wetland W-2, W-10, and W-10b - Cypress: These wetlands are located along the southern and southeast boundary of the study area and comprise approximately 19.5 acres. These wetlands support a cypress community dominated by pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens), with scattered red maple (Acer rubrum) and laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia). The subcanopy includes dahoon holly, wax myrtle and devils walking stick (Aralia spinosa). Ground cover includes gallberry, blackberry and shiny lyonia. Standing water was not present at the time of the inspection. Wetland W-1 and W-10a – Freshwater Marsh: These wetlands totaling approximately 1.64 acres are small depressional areas located in the center of the southern portion of the site and are classified as freshwater marsh. These areas exhibit an open canopy with dahoon holly and wax myrtle along the margin of the wetland. Ground cover species include gallberry (Ilex glabra), bushy beardgrass (Andropogon glomeratus) and primrose willow (Ludwigia repens). Wetland W-8, W-9 and W-15 – Emergent Aquatic Vegetation: These wetlands totaling 1.72 acres are depressional areas that lie to the north and south of Penn Drive




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and south of Venable St. near the north boundary of the subject site. Both wetlands W-8 and W-9 appear to have been created as borrow pits during the construction of Penn Drive. The northern, shallower portion of wetland W-8 supports a mixed wetland forest. Slash pine, red maple and sweetbay make up the canopy species in this area. Red maple, sweetbay, dahoon holly, wax myrtle, false willow (Bacharis halimifolia) and Virginia willow (Itea virginica) surround the open water portions of these wetlands. Ground cover is dominated by red root (Lachnanthes caroliniana). Scattered royal fern (Osmunda regalis), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) and Virginia chain fern (Osmunda virginiana) are also present. Open water areas of the wetland did have stagnant water present. Wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) and duck weed (Lemna minor) were observed growing in the open water areas. Listed Plant Species Royal fern (Osmunda regalis), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) and coontie/Florida arrowroot (Zamia integrifolia) were present at the subject site and are listed as commercially exploited species according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Plant Industry, Rule Chapter 5B-40 due to their desirability as landscaping plants. Royal and cinnamon fern are wetland plants and therefore are afforded some measure of protection under the wetlands regulations (62-340 FAC and 40D-4 ERP). FDACS does not prohibit the destruction of state-listed plant species as a result of development activities. However the collection, sale and distribution of these plants is regulated. The coontie is also listed in Appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Appendix II contains species that may become threatened with extinction unless trade is closely controlled. It is our recommendation that the state regulated coontie plants be excavated, potted and relocated to a designated open space on site or used in landscape areas remaining after construction. Occurance of the plant can be flagged prior to construction for relocation purposes, if requested. Exotic / Invasive Plant Species Invasive and exotic (non-native) plants identified on-site during this study were limited to cogon grass (Imperata cylidrica), mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) and wild taro (Colocasia esculenta). Cogon grass is an extremely invasive exotic plant species and was identified only in a small portion of the project site in the northeast corner. Cogon grass can invade and overtake disturbed ecosystems, forming a dense mat of thatch and leaves that make it nearly impossible for other plants to coexist. Large infestations of cogon grass can alter the normal fire regime of a fire-driven ecosystem by causing more frequent and intense fires that injure or destroy native plants. Cogon grass displaces a large variety of native, indigenous plant species used by resident fauna as forage, host plants, and shelter. Some ground-nesting species are specifically known to be displaced due to the dense cover created by cogon grass. Mimosa tree originates from Asia and usually occurs in drier areas such as fence rows




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and roadsides. Mimosa can tolerate partial shade but is seldom found in forests with full canopy cover. It has naturalized primarily in north and central Florida. A mimosa tree was found in the northern section of the xeric oak habitat, south of the cogon grass infestation. Wild taro originates from southeast Asia and is widely naturalized in Florida along streams, canals, ditches and marshy shores. Wild taro can form dense growth along river and lake shores, displacing native shoreline vegetation. Wild taro was found in wetland W-15 on the subject site. Possession or movement of plant pests and noxious weeds is regulated by the Department and the USDA. It is unlawful to introduce, possess, move, or release any plant pest or noxious weed regulated by the department and the USDA except under permit issued by the department or the USDA. Further information on the treatment of these pest plants is provided in Appendix F and a complete list of the observed or expected plant list is provided in Appendix D. We would recommend that construction activities use controls to ensure that these species do not spread off site. Wildlife Wildlife species opportunistically observed on site (by sight or sign) include the Gopher Tortoise* (Gopherus polyphemus), fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus), green anole (Anolis carolinensis), Southern toad (Bufo terrestris), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), blue-jay (Cyanocitta cristata), red bellied woodpecker (Centurus carolinus), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), ground dove (Columbina passerina), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), wild hog (Sus scrofa), tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), barred owl (Strix varia), Florida nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemicinctus), Southeastern pocket gopher (Geomys pinetis), Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Southern chorus frog (Pseudacris nigrita), Southern cricket frog (Acris gryllus), Eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii), American green treefrog (Hyla cineria), pinewoods treefrog (Hyla femoralis), oak toad (Bufo quercicus), and squirrel tree frog (Hyla squirella). Wetland areas are usually typified by increased wildlife abundance and species richness due to the large supplies of natural food resources. Wetland areas were surveyed for wading birds and listed species presence by walking the perimeters and interiors of the wetlands and performing observations for a minimum of 3 consecutive days. These surveys were conducted at varying times of day, including evening, dusk, dawn, morning, and afternoon. Due primarily to the lack of standing water in most of the on-site wetlands, no wading birds were observed on-site during the inspection. Frog chorus surveys were also conducted on multiple evenings to assist in the identification of vocal amphibian species occurring on-site. No listed or exotic / invasive species of frogs or toads were noted during these chorus surveys, although numerous other amphibian species were heard vocalizing on-site.




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There are also several snag (dead standing) trees with, and without, well defined cavities located in the sandhill and pine flatwoods areas. The presences of tree cavities suggest possible activity by cavity nesting species such as flying squirrels, woodpeckers, owls, or Southeastern American kestrels. A complete list of observed and expected wildlife on the study site is included in Appendix E. A more detailed description of the State and Federally listed species observed on the site via sign or physical presence is included below. Descriptions for the Southeastern American Kestrel, Eastern Indigo snake, and Florida pine snake have also been included due to the amount of suitable habitat found on the project site and surrounding areas, and the likelihood that these species may be encountered, nest or breed on-site. Listed Terrestrial / Avian Species The Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) was listed as a threatened species by the FFWCC in 1974 and is currently protected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) under Chapter 68A-27.002-004, F.A.C.. Bears have large home ranges, covering approximately 11 square miles for females and sometimes greater than 66 square miles for males. The Florida black bear is an omnivore whose diet consists of palmetto berries, fruits, acorns, insects and occasionally other small animals such as armadillo or carrion. The Florida black bear or its sign were not encountered on-site within the scope of this investigation. However, the Florida black bear typically utilizes a large habitat range, and it is possible that individuals from the Greater Chassahowitzka Ecosystem (GCE) population or Crystal River subpopulation have historically and / or currently utilized the site for foraging. There are significant obstructions that would discourage the GCE population of Florida black bears from utilizing the site, including the location of Highway U.S. 19 and the overall urbanized nature of much of the land in the vicinity of the subject site. It is highly unlikely that the FFWCC would require any permitting for “taking” of bear habitat on-site based on similar approved projects and the location of the site within a largely urbanized area. The Florida mouse (Podomys floridanus) is listed as a “Species of Special Concern” by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) under Chapter 68A-27.002-006, F.A.C. It is a commensal resident of tortoise burrows and often shares habitat with the gopher tortoise and pocket gophers. The Florida mouse or its sign were not encountered on-site within the scope of this investigation. Methods of habitat conservation of this species include preserving areas supporting sandhill and scrub, using prescribed fire to maintain openings in scrub and encourage the growth of grasses and forbs important for food and cover, and protecting populations of gopher tortoises. The Sherman's fox squirrel (Sciurus niger shermani) occurs in peninsular Florida to the north end of Lake Okeechobee, and is currently listed by the State of Florida as a "Species of Special Concern”. The fox squirrel is a large squirrel commonly recognized for it black head and face and the large fox-like tail (Appendix F). The fox




13


squirrel or its nests were not observed on site. However, signs (eaten pine cones) were observed on-site, and it may be likely that the fox squirrel utilizes the site to occasionally forage. It appears that the sandhill habitat immediately east of the site has a greater potential to support the Sherman’s fox squirrel as well as the Florida mouse. Fox squirrels are selective in their habitat needs and are typically found in areas that have open spaces, oak hammocks and longleaf pines. This species prefers the outer edges of woodland that abut open pastures, and thrives best in locations with a fairly open under story (maintained by moderate grazing or fire) and a variety of habitat types (such as Longleaf pine –Turkey Oak - wiregrass associations, with sporadic areas of Live Oak or other hardwood forest) which insure a more reliable variety of food and cover sources for this opportunistic feeder (Kantola and Humphrey 1990). Sherman Fox squirrels are fairly opportunistic feeders, known to consume a variety of available food sources including: pine nuts, acorns, fruits, flowers, seeds, buds, mushrooms, (Hoover et al, 1999-2000), and agricultural grain crops (Sheperd and Swihart 1995) when available. The ideal fox squirrel habitat could be described as “park-like,” with a high, open overstory and a low, grassy understory. The ideal fox squirrel vegetative assemblage, all of which was found on the subject site, includes:

• A tall, mature longleaf pine canopy for easy arboreal travel and nest sites; • An open understory for safe, high-visibility ground travel, foraging, and nut

caching; • a variety of hardwoods (turkey oak, post oak, live oak) for both mast (acorn)

variety and nesting; • fruit providers (such as prunus species, haws, blueberries, grapes etc.), and

native or agricultural grains. Fox squirrels are relatively solitary and an individual’s range may cover 5 to 40 acres (Hoover et al, 1999). Sherman’s Fox squirrel populations are known to utilize residential subdivisions and golf courses, particularly in those areas which provide large expanses of undeveloped greenways (as “horse trails,” conservation easements, or parks) which function as wildlife corridors, and provide additional forage and nest options. The major threat to Fox Squirrel populations in residential developments that provide adequate habitat is vehicular collision and predation by domestic pets (Spence & Ditgen, 1997). If it is determined that the Sherman’s fox squirrel is nesting or breeding on-site then it may be necessary to implement a fox squirrel management plan. A fox squirrel management plan would likely include one or a combination of the following items: off-site relocation, on-site protection and preservation of existing active Fox squirrel nest trees; preservation of some of the older, larger Long-leaf pine trees on site; the preservation of larger blocks of native habitat where possible; the placement of conservation easements away from roads; the inclusion of preferred native habitat types and native plant species in community landscaped areas; education of builders and




14


residents regarding this species of special concern, the threats to its survival (vehicular collision, predation by domestic pets, harassment), and its habitat requirements; reduced speeds on residential roads; and the use of pertinent wildlife caution signs. The Southeastern American kestrel is listed in the State of Florida as a “Threatened” species and is legally protected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC). This species is similar in appearance to the non-listed, migratory American kestrel (Falco sparverius) and both are present in Florida from approximately October to March (Appendix F). Kestrels are secondary cavity nesters and typically use cavities previously excavated by woodpeckers for raising their young. Current regulations prevent the taking of an active Southeastern American kestrel (SAK) nest or (snag) tree without obtaining a nest removal permit. In addition, disturbance of the nest site area during the nesting season (January to June) is not allowed. Preservation of foraging and nesting habitat is critical to the survival and maintenance of kestrel populations. The population decline of SAK’s in Florida is attributed to land changes (primarily agricultural practices and fire suppression) which have degraded nesting and foraging habitat. Preferred habitat includes open communities of Longleaf pine-Xeric Oak (Sandhill), pastures, grasslands, and open sites in residential and suburban areas such as golf courses, parks, or private residential yards that are managed to accommodate kestrel presence. Successful habitat areas typically provide open areas of short vegetation with scattered perch sites, adequate prey resources, and suitable nest sites that are all in close proximity to one another. Kestrels were not observed or heard calling on-site during the inspection. Long leaf pine – xeric oak habitat present on-site is not ideal habitat for SAKs due to the shrub layer and the lack of many open canopied areas on-site, as ground cover is generally thick with pine needles or tall ground cover vegetation. If SAK’s are nesting in development areas it may be possible to compensate for “taking” of the nest tree during non-nesting season by establishing artificial nest boxes on-site, strategically placed around the development, golf course or open areas or within the conservation area/preserve. Preservation of foraging and nesting habitat is also critical to the survival and maintenance of kestrel populations and oftentimes can easily be incorporated into a habitat protection plan. The Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) is listed in the State of Florida as a “Threatened” species by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) since 1971 and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) since 1978. It is illegal to harass, harm, capture, keep, or kill an eastern indigo snake without specific state and/or federal permits. Male indigo snakes typically utilize a large area comprising 120 to 500 acres and typically require a variety of native habitats including wetlands and adjacent hammocks and sandhills populated by gopher tortoises. However, Indigo snakes also inhabit old fallow fields as well as rural residential areas. No Eastern indigo snakes or their typical evidence of presence (skin sheds) were observed on-site during this investigation. However, it is possible that the site is utilized by the snakes due to the number of gopher tortoise burrows and habitats found on site.




15


The eastern indigo is the largest snake native to North America, typically ranging from 5 to 7 feet long (but can reach lengths greater than 8 feet). Indigos are shiny black, with smooth conspicuous scales). The lower face and chin may be black, light grey, or red, and the coloration can extend down the body past the throat. Indigo snakes are non-venomous and generally docile; they rarely become aggressive even when threatened. They are long-lived, and there are reports of captive individuals surviving for 25 years, but life spans in the wild are likely much shorter. Eastern indigo snakes were once common from the southern tip of South Carolina west to southeastern Mississippi and throughout Florida, including the Keys. Their current range is restricted to southern Georgia and peninsular Florida, with a few isolated populations in the Florida panhandle and north Key Largo (Multi-Species Recovery Plan - Volume I). The main reason for its decline is habitat loss. As habitats become fragmented by roads, indigo snakes will be increasingly vulnerable to highway mortality as they travel through their large territories (Schaeffer and Junkin 1990). Eastern indigos use a wide variety of habitats ranging from very wet to very dry. They tend to stay in a specific area known as a home range, but this area is not static and can change over time, probably in response to habitat conditions and prey availability. Because indigo snakes are sizeable predators that actively hunt for their food, they require large home ranges and relatively large areas of undeveloped land. During the winter, home range sizes are smaller and they seldom stray far from gopher tortoise burrows during this time. Eastern indigos are heavily dependent upon gopher tortoise burrows year round but particularly during the winter months due to the constant temperature and humidity maintained within the burrows. Although Indigos are very general in the types of habitats they will use, their home ranges must include suitable den sites. In habitats where indigos share their habitat with gopher tortoises, gopher tortoise burrows are often used for shelter and egg deposition, and have been found in active, inactive, and abandoned burrows. Other den sites include root mounds at the base of trees and shrubs, piles of sticks and/or dirt, and man-made debris piles. Indigos use dens not only as protection from seasonal temperature extremes, but also from daily temperature fluctuations, fire, inclement weather, and predators just before and during shedding, when they are particularly vulnerable. Eastern indigos actively search for prey during the day and enter dens at night. They consume a wide variety of foods; virtually any small vertebrate that is available will be grabbed and swallowed alive. Fish, frogs and toads, other snakes (including venomous snakes and other indigos), turtles, birds, and small mammals are all documented prey of the indigo snake. Although no Eastern Indigo snakes have been documented to be on-site, additional measures should and can be taken to ensure that any individuals encountered are relocated from construction areas. This would include, but not be limited to, capturing individuals by using drift fences and modified funnel traps placed at the mouth of gopher tortoise burrows. Individual snakes captured would then be relocated well outside of the construction area or to a specifically designated preserve. All contractors should also be made aware of the presence of these species prior to construction. Contractor




16


notification should include using educational brochures (see attached example in Appendix G) and construction signage to inform the workers and future residents of the documented presence and protection/relocation requirements of the Eastern indigo and Florida pine snake. Listed Wading Bird Species Management and protection of most wading bird species requires establishment of preserves and regulation of wetlands to allow for breeding and foraging habitats and the restoration and maintenance of natural hydroperiods in degraded wetland areas. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection have developed setback distances around wading bird colonies of 330 ft. (100m) to prevent human disturbance. It should be noted that the ideal time to census for wading bird nesting and rookeries is in the Spring Nesting Season – typically in March / April. However, no wading bird colonies or evidence of past nesting / rookeries were observed within the project site during the site inspections. Gopher Tortoise The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is also listed in the State of Florida as a “Species of Special Concern” and is soon to be upgraded to a State “Threatened” listing. The gopher tortoise is protected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC, Chapter 68A-27 F.A.C.). The gopher tortoise is crucial to the survival of a number of other listed species because its burrows provide important refuges for a much larger wildlife community (Speake 1981, Franz 1986). As gopher tortoise habitat decreases, so do many of the “commensal” species that utilize their burrows. Several of the vertebrate species considered species of special concern or threatened species by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are closely linked with gopher tortoise burrows and are likely to occur on site based upon the habitat conditions. The Eastern indigo snake, gopher frog (Rana capito), Florida mouse (Podomys floridanus) and the Florida pine snake are a few of the “listed” commensal residents of these burrows. Due to the presence of borrow pits on site and the potential for standing water to occur in them, it is likely that the gopher frog may also be present on-site. The Florida mouse, Eastern Indigo snake, gopher frog, and Florida Pine snake were not positively identified on site but there is a strong likelihood that they exist on site. A total of 22 gopher tortoise burrows were observed on the 105 acre (MOL) site within the 22 transects. These were classified as to activity status in the following manner: 15 active, 3 inactive and 4 abandoned. All burrows were located in the Longleaf Pine / Xeric Oak Sandhill areas of the site (reference Table 1). Gopher tortoises frequently use more than one burrow in an area, particularly if such burrows are in close proximity. In addition, inactive burrows may be reactivated or re-




17


colonized. As a result, a standard conversion factor of 0.614 times the number of active and inactive burrows (Affenburg and Franz, 1987) has been accepted by FFWCC to estimate the probable number of tortoises. The resulting value (also called the habitat importance value) is the population density of gopher tortoises (per acre) that are supported by each habitat type where tortoises are present. These values may then be used to calculate mitigation for proposed development impacts to habitat. Based upon the field survey results, the formula for the project site is presented in Table 2 below.

Based upon Table 2 above, the long leaf pine / xeric oak (Sandhill) portion of the site has a tortoise density of 1.0 (gross) per acre and supports and estimated 44 tortoises on 44 acres. Therefore, it is estimated that the entire site supports approximately 44 tortoises, almost all of which are likely located in the Sandhill habitat. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission guidelines suggest that sites with suitability indexes greater than 0.4 per acre, but less than 0.8 are indicative of “significant” gopher tortoise habitat; and sites with values greater than 0.8 indicate “valuable” gopher tortoise habitat (Cox, Inkley and Kautz 1987). The FFWCC protection and mitigation guidelines for habitat suitability generally apply to sites that are 25 acres or larger and contain a minimum of 40 individuals and therefore it is applicable to this site. FFWCC compensation criteria for habitat designated as “valuable” habitat (0.8 or greater) is 25 percent of the habitat acreage and “significant” habitat (0.4-0.79) is 15 percent of the applicable habitat. Habitats where the Suitability index (tortoise density) is less than 0.4/acre are compensated at a fractional value of 15%. Based on the FFWCC guidelines, the Long Leaf Pine / Xeric Oak Sandhill portions of the site would be considered valuable gopher tortoise habitat.

Table 1. Gopher Tortoise Burrows by Dominant Vegetative Habitat Types

Vegetative Habitat

Total Habitat Acres

Habitat Acres In Transects

Active Burrows

Inactive Burrows

Abandoned Burrows

Total Burrows

Xeric Oak- Longleaf Pine 44.3 11(25 %) 15 3 4 22

Table 2. Habitat Importance Value Estimate

Habitat Type Active Burrows

Inactive Burrows

Active +Inactive Burrows

Conversion Factor

Estimated Tortoises

Transect Acres

Habitat Importance

Value

FORMULA

AC + IN

TB x CF

ET ÷ TA =

Value

Sandhill (Xeric Oak-

Longleaf Pine) (4210)

15 3 18 0.614 11 11 1




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Gopher Tortoise Management Guidelines The following options are available to address the presence of tortoises on lands slated for development1:

• Avoidance- It may be possible to avoid destruction of gopher tortoises and their burrows during construction of roads and infrastructures.

• On Site Preservation- preserve habitat where there are concentrations of burrows.

• On-site Relocation • Off- site Relocation • Mitigate for incidental take of tortoise habitat (Tortoises within construction areas

require mandatory relocation as of July 30, 2007).

On-Site Preservation In order to avoid a regulatory “taking” of this species as well as commensal species, on-site preservation of GT habitat is recommended by FFWCC for tracts of at least 25 acres or larger that support significant or valuable habitat or a somewhat sustainable population of at least 40-50 individuals. It is estimated, based on the field surveys, that the subject site may support as many as 44 gopher tortoises on approximately 44 acres of sandhill habitat. The tortoise burrows are widely spaced through the habitat and preserving these areas would not be compatible with the proposed use. On-Site Relocation In order to avoid a regulatory “taking” of this species or mitigation, it may be possible to relocate the tortoises from the construction area to other suitable habitat areas on-site. This might include available sandhill habitats of a suitable size that can be protected from future disturbance or destruction within other areas of the development. A standard relocation permit will need to be obtained from the FFWCC to capture and relocate the individuals. This option would need to be approved by FFWCC staff and more information regarding the recipient site and its potential suitability will be required. In addition, a maintenance plan will need to be developed for the recipient or preservation areas and submitted to FFWCC for review and approval if this option is selected. Ideal habitat that is managed properly would require a minimum of 14.7 acres to support 44 tortoises at a density of 3 tortoises per acre. On-site relocation would not appear to be a viable or practical alternative due to the widespread distribution of the gopher tortoises. Incidental Take An incidental take permit is required in the absence of a “relocation permit” for the on-site tortoises. If an incidental take permit is sought, the developer would be required to preserve appropriate habitat on site for the remaining tortoises or contribute funds to an approved off-site habitat mitigation bank or to a similar FFWCC Wildlife Resources Mitigation Fund. The Trust for Public Lands (TPL) maintains such a fund within the geographic area of the project. It is very important to note that, as of July 30, 2007, entombment of tortoises is no longer an accepted practice under incidental take permits and consequently all tortoise burrows expected to be impacted by

1. The FFWCC is expected to approve a new gopher tortoise plan in September, 2007.




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construction must be excavated and any tortoises found relocated to suitable habitat on or off site. Any off site relocation must provide a notice from the property owner accepting the tortoises onto their property. Unlike a typical on-site relocation or preservation, it is our understanding that the incidental take option does not require a minimum acreage or long term management plan for the habitat, however, the density of the relocation recipient site cannot exceed 3 tortoises per acre, including tortoises already established on the recipient property. In addition to the mandatory relocation, it is our understanding that the FFWCC compensation criteria will remain the same during this interim period. For habitat designated as “valuable” habitat (0.8 or greater), 25 percent of the habitat acreage is required to be preserved, and “significant” habitat (0.4-0.79) requires 15 percent of the applicable habitat be preserved, with a fractional calculation for values below 0.4. It is estimated that the habitat mitigation for the Crystal River Commons site would require approximately 11 acres2 of preservation. Therefore the land owner/developer may choose to preserve a similar compensating habitat of 11 acres on-site in exchange for an incidental take permit to allow development activities on-site to occur and allow the “taking” of tortoise habitat within those development areas. In lieu of land preservation, a habitat mitigation fee option may be elected. The habitat mitigation fee for this region as of November 7, 2005 is $6,451.00 per habitat acre. Therefore, a fee of $70,961.00 would be required if the habitat compensation fee mitigation option is selected. It is important to note that either a habitat preservation or fee in lieu of mitigation will still require a mandatory excavation / relocation of any tortoise burrows / tortoises within the construction area. Off-site Relocation An alternative and sometimes less costly method of impact compensation would be relocation of the existing on-site tortoises to an approved tortoise preserve managed for such purposes. Similarly, this mitigation method requires approval by FFWCC of a relocation permit application. This method involves identification, excavation and removal of the tortoises by qualified and permitted professionals, and the transport, placement and management of the tortoises with respect to an approved preserve. It is expected that the relocation efforts would result in the relocation of approximately 44 tortoises. Finding a suitable relocation site is sometimes difficult and time consuming, especially with a large population of tortoises. Gopher Tortoise Draft Management Plan A gopher tortoise draft management plan is currently being prepared by FFWCC that will detail necessary actions required to improve upon the gopher tortoise populations’ future prospects, along with the new permitting system for gopher tortoise management. Currently, the system proposed is a multi tiered mitigation assessment, which requires differing degrees of mitigation based on the number of burrows affected and the status of habitat tortoises are relocated to. The final details of this plan, including the time line implementation of the new permitting rules, are still subject to approval in a September, 2007 meeting.

2 ((25% * 44 acres) = 11 acres




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CONCLUSIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS This biological survey on the 105 acre subject site known as the Crystal River Commons Site resulted in the identification of five (5) native habitat types. The habitats included approximately 44 acres of wetlands and 61 acres of upland habitat. A majority of the wetland area was comprised of forested swamps dominated by pond cypress. Smaller areas of freshwater marsh and emergent vegetation were present as well. Long leaf pine / xeric oak was the most prevalent upland habitat comprising approximately 44 acres is considered an imperiled community in the state of Florida by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) because of its rarity and its vulnerability to destruction due to desirability for development. One State and/or Federally Listed wildlife species, the gopher tortoise, was identified on-site during the July/August 2007 biological assessment. Several other species included the Eastern indigo snake and Florida mouse were identified as likely to occur due to habitats on site. A complete list of observed and plant species and expected wildlife for the site is included in appendix E. It is estimated that the long leaf pine / xeric oak (sandhill) habitat on site supports approximately 44 tortoises. Preservation options for terrestrial species such as the gopher tortoise and its associated commensal species have been addressed under the Gopher Tortoise Management Guidelines section of this report. An off site relocation of the affected gopher tortoises on the property is most likely the best development approach for dealing with conservation of these animals given the current conceptual plan. Previous development plans (by others) called for impacts to the northwestern wetlands (W-6) which were later deemed of local importance due to its presumed connectivity to surface water / wetlands west of US Highway 19. The current site plans avoids impacting this wetland along with wetland W-2, W-7 and W-15, though a total of approximately 16.42 acres of wetland are expected to be impacted on site based upon a review of the current site plan and include wetlands W-1, W-8, W-9, W-10A and a large portion of W-10. A wetland mitigation plan is currently being considered with the current conceptual plan. It is our understanding that an on-site and off-site mitigation will be used. The proposed mitigation plan includes the purchase of an approximately 190 acre, off-site mitigation parcel that will be donated to FDEP to offset wetland impacts for this proposed project. FDEP will add this property to the Crystal River State Buffer Preserve which is recognized as a significant conservation area contributing to the long term protection of the Crystal River and its associated estuary. It is anticipated that wetland impacts and associated mitigation will be evaluated and reviewed during the ERP permit process.




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BIBLIOGRAPHY Allen, Mike, (January 1988). Wildlife Methodology Guidelines for Section 18D of the Application for Development Approval. Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission, Office of Environmental Services.

Bell, Ritchie C. (1982). Florida Wild Flowers and Roadside Plants. Bynum, N.C.: Joyce Kachergis Book Design and Production.

Coile, Nancy C. (1996). Notes on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Plants. Gainesville, FL: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

Cox, James, Douglas Inkley and Randy Kautz (1987). Ecology and Habitat Protection Needs of Gopher Tortoise Populations Found on Lands Slated for Large-scale Development in Florida. Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission, Office of Environmental Services. Nongame Wildlife Program, Technical Report No. 4. FDEP (1998). Florida Wetland Plants: An Identification Manual, Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Florida Department of Transportation (1985). Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCFCS). 82 pgs.

FNAI, Guide to The Natural Communities of Florida. (February 1990). Tallahassee, FL Florida Natural Areas Inventory and Department of Natural Resources. Franz, R. (1986). Gopherus polyphemus (gopher tortoise). Burrow commensals. Herp review 17:64. Hoover, K., et al, 1999-2000. Sherman’s fox squirrel. (Web-published collected data and results from studies conducted during Spring 1999 at the White Oak Plantation, Yulee, Florida). Department of Biology and Marine Science, Jacksonville University. Knof, Alfred A. (1995). National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds. New York: National Audubon Society, Inc. Kantola, A.T, and Humphrey, S.R. (1990). Habitat use by Sherman’s fox squirrel (Sciurus niger shermanii), Journal of Mammalogy 71:411-419. Lotspeich and Associates, Inc. (2006) Ecological Assessment Report for Joint Application for Environmental Resource Permit / Federal Dredge and Fill Permit. The Preserve at Crystal River. March 2006. Schaefer, J and Junkin, J. (1990). Document WEC-24-, Eastern Indigo Snake- A Threatened Species. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: December,




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Speake, D. W. (1981). The gopher tortoise burrow community. Pgs 44-47. In Lohoefner, R., Lohmeier, L., Johnston G., (eds.) The future of gopher tortoise habitats. Proc. 2nd Annual Meeting of the Gopher Tortoise Council. Florida State Museum, Gainesville, Fl. Sheperd, B.F. and Swihart, R.K (1995). Spatial Dynamics of Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) in Fragmented Landscapes. Canadian Journal of Zoology 73(11):2098-2105. Spence, C. & Ditgen, R., (1997). Threatened Squirrels Can Call Golf Course Home. Article from University of Florida’s UF News (http://www.napa.ufl.edu/oldnews). Stys, Beth (1993), Ecology and Habitat Protection Needs of The Southeastern American Kestrel(Falco Sparverius Paulus) on Large Scale Development Sites in Florida. Florida Game & FreshWater Fish Commission, Office of Environmental Services. Nongame Wildlife Program, Technical Report No. 13. Taylor, Walter Kingsley (1998). Florida Wildflowers in Their Natural Communities. Gainesville Florida: University Press of Florida The Florida Bat Center (2000) Southeastern Bats website :www.floridabats.org. Pilny, P. E. , C. T. Grantham, J. N. Schuster, and D. L. Stankey (1988) Soil Survey of Citrus County, Florida. USFWS, (1978). Multi-Species Recovery Plan - Volume I EISN Technical Agency Draft


http://www.napa.ufl.edu/oldnews)

http://www.floridabats.org




Appendix A

Maps and Exhibits

Crystal River Commons For Primerica, Group One, Inc.

105 acres (MOL) Sections 3-19-17 and 34-18-17

Citrus County, Florida


USGS Homosassa Quadrangle

This map is for informational purposes only. This is not a survey. Boundaries are approximate.

Data Source: Labins

105 acres (MOL) in Sections 3-19-17 and 34-18-17,Citrus County, Florida

Crystal River Commonsfor Primerica Group One, Inc.

July 31, 2007Compiled By: AH . 3,000 0 3,0001,500

Feet

Color-Infared Aerial Photo (1999)


Data Source: Field Data, Labins


Crystal River Commons, Commercial Lotsfor Primerica Group One, Inc.

July 31, 2007Compiled By: AH . 400 0 400200

Feet

*Wetland perimiters also surveyed

True Color Aerial Photo (2006)


Data Source: SWFWMD

105 acres (MOL) in Sections 3-19-17 and 34-18-17, Citrus County, Florida

Crystal River Commonsfor Primerica Group One, Inc.

July 26, 2007Compiled By: AH

400 0 400200

Feet.

OKEELANTA MUCK

ADAMSVILLE FINE SAND

QUARTZIPSAMMENTS/0 TO 5 PERCENT SLOPES

BASINGER FINE SANDBASINGER FINE SAND/DEPRESSIONAL

TAVARES FINE SAND/0 TO 5 PERCENT SLOPES

Soil Mapping Units


Data Source: SWFWMD



August 29, 2007Compiled By: AH . 400 0 400200

Feet

LegendADAMSVILLE FINE SAND

BASINGER FINE SAND

BASINGER FINE SAND/DEPRESSIONAL

OKEELANTA MUCK

QUARTZIPSAMMENTS/0 TO 5 PERCENT SLOPES

TAVARES FINE SAND/0 TO 5 PERCENT SLOPES

Subject Site

~14 Acres~3 Acres

~5 Acres~65 Acres

~16 Acres

~2 Acres

PINE FLATWOODS

CYPRESS

CYPRESS

LAKES

COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES

PINE FLATWOODS

INSTITUTIONAL

CYPRESSINSTITUTIONAL

STREAM AND LAKE SWAMPS (BOTTOMLAND)

TRANSPORTATION COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES

COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES CYPRESS

CYPRESS


FRESHWATER MARSHES

FRESHWATER MARSHES

FRESHWATER MARSHES

FRESHWATER MARSHES

Land Use Land Cover (SWFWMD 1999)


Data Source: SWFWMD




Feet

Revised Land Use Land Cover


Data Source: SWFWMD, Field Data




Feet

Legend

Xeric Oak / Long Leaf Pine ~44 Acres

PINE FLATWOODS ~13 Acres

COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES ~3 Acres

CYPRESS ~19 Acres

STREAM AND LAKE SWAMPS ~23 Acres

Transportation ~1 Acre

Emergent Aquatic Vegetation ~2 Acres

FRESHWATER MARSHES ~2 Acres

Subject Site

National Wetlands Inventory


Data Source: NWI




Feet

Legend

Subject Site

PALUSTRINE-FORESTED-BROAD LEAVED DECIDUOUS/MIXOHALINE(BRACKISH)-SEASONALLY FLOODED-SEMIPERMANENTLY FLOODEDPALUSTRINE-FORESTED-BROAD LEAVED DECIDUOUS/SCRUB SHRUB-BROAD LEAVED EVERGREEN-SEASONALLY FLOODEDPALUSTRINE-FORESTED-BROAD LEAVED EVERGREEN/HYPERHALINE-SEASONALLY FLOODEDPALUSTRINE-FORESTED-NEEDLE LEAVED DECIDUOUS-SEMIPERMANENTLY FLOODEDPALUSTRINE-SCRUB SHRUB-BROAD LEAVED DECIDUOUS-SEASONALLY FLOODEDPALUSTRINE-SCRUB SHRUB-BROAD LEAVED EVERGREEN-SATURATED

UPLANDS

UPLANDS

UPLANDS

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Features and Results


Data Source: Field Data




Feet

Legend

qp Coontie

#0 Den

]̂ Downed Fencing

{ Dumping

43 Large Fill Mound

!( Pond

D Skull

!e Small Sinkhole

o Snag

l Snag, No Cavities

c Squater Shelter

Subject Site

!? Abandoned GT Burrow

[¶ Active GT Burrow

[¶ Innactive GT Burrow

\ Cogon Grass

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Gopher Tortoise Survey Results


Data Source: SWFWMD, Field Data




Feet

Legend

Transect Locations

Emergent Aquatic Vegetation

Transportation

Xeric Oak Long Leaf Pine

COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES

CYPRESS

INSTITUTIONAL

PINE FLATWOODS

Subject Site

!? Abandoned

[¶ Active

[¶ Innactive

FRESHWATER MARSHES


W-6

W-15

W-8

W-9W-2

W-10BW-10A

W-10

W-1

W-7

On-Site Approved Wetland Areas (Approximate Depiction)


Data Source: Lotspeich and Associates, Inc., Field Data




Feet




Appendix B

Photo Documentation








Photo 1. Photo of typical pine / turkey oak habitat on site. Photo 2. View of power line looking north taken from north of Penn Drive.

Photo 3. Area of cogon grass on site with open canopy of scattered pines.

Photo 4. Historical evidence of fire on site.

Photo 5. Photo of wetland in NW area of site looking west from SW corner of adjacent Progress Energy training site.

Photo 6. Photo of active gopher tortoise burrow on site with recent “slide” marks from shell.





Photo 7. Photo of open canopied area with palmetto ground cover on site.

Photo 8. An image of the western site boundary.

Photo 9. Photo of Florida coontie (Zamia florida) found scattered on site.

Photo 10. Depression on north side of wetland 1 with standing water.

Photo 11. Evidence of hog rooting in Wetland 3. Photo 12. Photo of interior of wetland 3.





Photo 13. A long leaf pine – xeric oak association found in the southern portion of the site.

Photo 14. Photo of house hold trash debris found in numerous areas on site.

Photo 15. Photo of squatters camp found on site.

Photo 16. Photo of pine flatwoods habitat found on site.

Photo 17. A gopher tortoise burrow found on site. Photo 18. Photo of the roadside slough south of Penn Drive.





Photo 19. Photo looking west along south side of Penn Drive. Photo 20. Photo looking east along Penn Drive.

Photo 21. Image of culvert located at western boundary of wetland W-6, conveying water west under Highway U.S. 19.

Photo 22. An image of the wetland W-6 culvert’s termination point on the west side of Highway U.S. 19.





Appendix C

Florida Natural Areas Inventory Elemental Occurrence Report





Tracking Florida�s Biodiversity

August 1, 2007

Andrew Holland Michael G. Czerwinski Environmental Consultants 2716 South Lecanto Highway Lecanto, FL 34461

Dear Mr. Holland:

Thank you for your request for information from the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). We have compiled the following information for your project area.

Project: Crystal River Commons

Date Received: July 31, 2007

Location: Citrus County

Element Occurrences A search of our maps and database indicates that currently we have several Element Occurrences mapped within the vicinity of the study area (see enclosed map and element occurrence table). Please be advised that a lack of element occurrences in the FNAI database is not a sufficient indication of the absence of rare or endangered species on a site.

The Element Occurrences data layer includes occurrences of rare species and natural communities. The map legend indicates that some element occurrences occur in the general vicinity of the label point. This may be due to lack of precision of the source data, or an element that occurs over an extended area (such as a wide ranging species or large natural community). For animals and plants, Element Occurrences generally refer to more than a casual sighting; they usually indicate a viable population of the species. Note that some element occurrences represent historically documented observations which may no longer be extant.

Likely and Potential Rare Species In addition to documented occurrences, other rare species and natural communities may be identified on or near the site based on habitat models and species range models (see enclosed Biodiversity Matrix Report). These species should be taken into consideration in field surveys, land management, and impact avoidance and mitigation.

FNAI habitat models indicate areas, which based on landcover type, offer suitable habitat for one or more rare species that is known to occur in the vicinity. Habitat models have been developed for approximately 300 of the most rare species tracked by the Inventory, including all federally listed species.

FNAI species range models indicate areas that are within the known or predicted range of a species, based on climate variables, soils, vegetation, and/or slope. Species range models have been developed for approximately 340 species, including all federally listed species.

Andrew Holland Page 2 August 1, 2007


The FNAI Biodiversity Matrix Geodatabase compiles Documented, Likely, and Potential species and natural communities for each square mile Matrix Unit statewide.

The Inventory always recommends that professionals familiar with Florida’s flora and fauna should conduct a site-specific survey to determine the current presence or absence of rare, threatened, or endangered species.

Please visit www.fnai.org/trackinglist.cfm for county or statewide element occurrence distributions and links to more element information.

The database maintained by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory is the single most comprehensive source of information available on the locations of rare species and other significant ecological resources. However, the data are not always based on comprehensive or site-specific field surveys. Therefore, this information should not be regarded as a final statement on the biological resources of the site being considered, nor should it be substituted for on-site surveys. Inventory data are designed for the purposes of conservation planning and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions.

Information provided by this database may not be published without prior written notification to the Florida Natural Areas Inventory, and the Inventory must be credited as an information source in these publications. FNAI data may not be resold for profit.

Thank you for your use of FNAI services. If I can be of further assistance, please give me a call at (850) 224-8207.

Sincerely,

Jason A. Griffin Jason A. Griffin Data Services Coordinator

encl

http://www.fnai.org/trackinglist.cfm

Scientific Name Common NameGlobalRank

StateRank

FederalStatus

StateListing

Florida Natural Areas Inventory1018 Thomasville Road Suite 200-CTallahassee, FL 32303(850) 224-8207(850) 681-9364 Faxwww.fnai.org

Biodiversity Matrix Report

23511Matrix Unit ID:

LikelyCrotalus adamanteus Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake G4 S3 N NDrymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S3 LT LTScrub G2 S2 N NUrsus americanus floridanus Florida Black Bear G5T2 S2 N LT*

23762Matrix Unit ID:

DocumentedPteroglossaspis ecristata Giant Orchid G2G3 S2 N LT

LikelyDrymarchon couperi Eastern Indigo Snake G3 S3 LT LT

Potential from any/all selected unitsAgrimonia incisa Incised Groove-bur G3 S2 N LEAimophila aestivalis Bachman's Sparrow G3 S3 N NAphelocoma coerulescens Florida Scrub-jay G2 S2 LT LTAsplenium heteroresiliens Wagner's Spleenwort GNA S1 N NAsplenium x curtissii Curtiss' Spleenwort GNA S1 N NCalopogon multiflorus Many-flowered Grass-pink G2G3 S2S3 N LECentrosema arenicola Sand Butterfly Pea G2Q S2 N LEChamaesyce cumulicola Sand-dune Spurge G2 S2 N LECorynorhinus rafinesquii Rafinesque's Big-eared Bat G3G4 S2 N NDicerandra cornutissima Longspurred Mint G1 S1 LE LEDigitaria floridana Florida Crabgrass G1 S1 N NForestiera godfreyi Godfrey's Swampprivet G2 S2 N LEGopherus polyphemus Gopher Tortoise G3 S3 N LSHeterodon simus Southern Hognose Snake G2 S2 N NJusticia cooleyi Cooley's Water-willow G2 S2 LE LELechea divaricata Pine Pinweed G2 S2 N LEMatelea floridana Florida Spiny-pod G2 S2 N LEMesic flatwoods G4 S4 N NMonotropsis reynoldsiae Pigmy Pipes G1Q S1 N LEMyotis austroriparius Southeastern Bat G3G4 S3 N NNemastylis floridana Celestial Lily G2 S2 N LENeofiber alleni Round-tailed Muskrat G3 S3 N NNeovison vison halilimnetes Gulf Salt Marsh Mink G5T3 S3 N NNotophthalmus perstriatus Striped Newt G2G3 S2S3 N NPicoides borealis Red-cockaded Woodpecker G3 S2 LE LSPodomys floridanus Florida Mouse G3 S3 N LSPteroglossaspis ecristata Giant Orchid G2G3 S2 N LTPycnanthemum floridanum Florida Mountain-mint G3 S3 N LTRana capito Gopher Frog G3 S3 N LSSandhill G3 S2 N NSandhill upland lake G3 S2 N NSciurus niger shermani Sherman's Fox Squirrel G5T3 S3 N LS

Page 1 of 208/01/2007

Documented - Rare species and natural communities documented on or near this site.Documented-Historic - Rare species and natural communities documented, but not observed/reported within the last twenty years.Likely - Rare species and natural communities likely to occur on this site based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity.Potential - This site lies within the known or predicted range of the species listed.

Definitions:

http://www.fnai.or

Scientific Name Common NameGlobalRank

StateRank

FederalStatus

StateListing

Florida Natural Areas Inventory1018 Thomasville Road Suite 200-CTallahassee, FL 32303(850) 224-8207(850) 681-9364 Faxwww.fnai.org

Biodiversity Matrix Report

Spigelia loganioides Pinkroot G2Q S2 N LEStilosoma extenuatum Short-tailed Snake G3 S3 N LT

Page 2 of 208/01/2007

Documented - Rare species and natural communities documented on or near this site.Documented-Historic - Rare species and natural communities documented, but not observed/reported within the last twenty years.Likely - Rare species and natural communities likely to occur on this site based on suitable habitat and/or known occurrences in the vicinity.Potential - This site lies within the known or predicted range of the species listed.

Definitions:

http://www.fnai.or

Florida Natural Areas Inventory Rank Explanations February, 2007


GLOBAL AND STATE RANKS

Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) defines an element as any rare or exemplary component of the natural environment, such as a species, natural community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. FNAI assigns two ranks to each element found in Florida: the global rank, which is based on an element's worldwide status, and the state rank, which is based on the status of the element within Florida. Element ranks are based on many factors, including estimated number of occurrences, estimated abundance (for species and populations) or area (for natural communities), estimated number of adequately protected occurrences, range, threats, and ecological fragility.

GLOBAL RANK DEFINITIONS

G1 Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences or less than 1000 individuals) or because of extreme vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor.

G2 Imperiled globally because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than 3000 individuals) or because of vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor.

G3 Either very rare and local throughout its range (21-100 occurrences or less than 10,0000 individuals) or found locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction from other factors.

G4 Apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range).

G5 Demonstrably secure globally.

G#? Tentative rank (e.g., G2?)

G#G# Range of rank; insufficient data to assign specific global rank (e.g., G2G3)

G#T# Rank of a taxonomic subgroup such as a subspecies or variety; the G portion of the rank refers to the entire species and the T portion refers to the specific subgroup; numbers have same definition as above (e.g., G3T1)

G#Q Rank of questionable species - ranked as species but questionable whether it is species or subspecies; numbers have same definition as above (e.g., G2Q)

G#T#Q Same as above, but validity as subspecies or variety is questioned.

GH Of historical occurrence throughout its range, may be rediscovered (e.g., ivory-billed woodpecker)

GNA Ranking is not applicable because element is not a suitable target for conservation (e.g. as for hybrid species)

GNR Not yet ranked (temporary)

GNRTNR Neither the full species nor the taxonomic subgroup has yet been ranked (temporary)

GX Believed to be extinct throughout range

GXC Extirpated from the wild but still known from captivity/cultivation

GU Unrankable. Due to lack of information, no rank or range can be assigned (e.g., GUT2).

STATE RANK DEFINITIONS

Definition parallels global element rank: substitute "S" for "G" in above global ranks, and "in Florida" for "globally" in above global rank definitions.



FEDERAL AND STATE LEGAL STATUSES (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – USFWS)PROVIDED BY FNAI FOR INFORMATION ONLY.

For official definitions and lists of protected species, consult the relevant state or federal agency.

FEDERAL LEGAL STATUS

Definitions derived from U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, Sec. 3. Note that the federal status given by FNAI refers only to Florida populations and that federal status may differ elsewhere.

LE Listed as Endangered Species in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Defined as any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

LE,XN A non essential experimental population of a species otherwise Listed as an Endangered Species in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. LE,XN for Grus americana (Whooping crane), Federally listed as XN (Non essential experimental population) refers to the Florida experimental population only. Federal listing elsewhere for Grus americana is LE.

PE Proposed for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants as Endangered Species.

LT Listed as Threatened Species, defined as any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

LT,PDL Species currently listed Threatened but has been proposed for delisting.

PT Proposed for listing as Threatened Species.

C Candidate Species for addition to the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, Category 1. Federal listing agencies have sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to support proposing to list the species as Endangered or Threatened.

SAT Threatened due to similarity of appearance to a threatened species.

SC Species of Concern, species is not currently listed but is of management concern to USFWS.

N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

FLORIDA LEGAL STATUSES (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – FFWCC/ Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – FDACS)

Animals: Definitions derived from “Florida’s Endangered Species and Species of Special Concern, Official Lists” published by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - FFWCC, 1 August 1997, and subsequent updates.

LE Listed as Endangered Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species, subspecies, or isolated population which is so rare or depleted in number or so restricted in range of habitat due to any man-made or natural factors that it is in immediate danger of extinction or extirpation from the state, or which may attain such a status within the immediate future.

LT Listed as Threatened Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species, subspecies, or isolated population which is acutely vulnerable to environmental alteration, declining in number at a rapid rate, or whose range or habitat is decreasing in area at a rapid rate and as a consequence is destined or very likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future.

LT* Indicates that a species has LT status only in selected portions of its range in Florida. LT* for Ursus americanus floridanus (Florida black bear) indicates that LT status does not apply in Baker and Columbia counties and in the Apalachicola National Forest. LT* for Neovison vison pop. 1 (Southern mink, South Florida population) state listed as Threatened refers to the Everglades population only (Note: species formerly listed as Mustela vison mink pop. 1. Also, priorly listed as Mustela evergladensis).

LS Listed as Species of Special Concern by the FFWCC, defined as a population which warrants special protection, recognition, or consideration because it has an inherent significant vulnerability to habitat modification,



environmental alteration, human disturbance, or substantial human exploitation which, in the foreseeable future, may result in its becoming a threatened species.

LS* Indicates that a species has LS status only in selected portions of its range in Florida. LS* for Pandion haliaetus (Osprey) state listed as LS (Species of Special Concern) in Monroe County only.

PE Proposed for listing as Endangered.

PT Proposed for listing as Threatened.

PS Proposed for listing as a Species of Special Concern.

N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing.

Plants: Definitions derived from Sections 581.011 and 581.185(2), Florida Statutes, and the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act, 5B-40.001. FNAI does not track all state-regulated plant species; for a complete list of state-regulated plant species, call Florida Division of Plant Industry, 352-372-3505 or please visit: http://DOACS.State.FL.US/PI/Images/Rule05b.pdf

LE Listed as Endangered Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as species of plants native to the state that are in imminent danger of extinction within the state, the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a decline in the number of plants continue, and includes all species determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.

PE Proposed by the FDACS for listing as Endangered Plants.

LT Listed as Threatened Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as species native to the state that are in rapid decline in the number of plants within the state, but which have not so decreased in such number as to cause them to be endangered. LT* indicates that a species has LT status only in selected portions of its range in Florida.

PT Proposed by the FDACS for listing as Threatened Plants.

N Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing.

1018 Thomasville Road Suite 200-C Tallahassee, FL 32303 (850) 224-8207 (850) 681-9364 Fax www.fnai.org

http://DOACS.State.FL.US/PI/Images/Rule05b.pdf

http://www.fnai.org

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Appendix D

Expected or Observed Plant Species








Appendix D: Plant Species Observed or Expected at Crystal River Commons

Citrus County, Florida (listed species in bold)

Scientific Binomial Common Name Scientific Binomial Common Name

Acer rubrum Red maple Cassia chamaecrista Partridge pea

Acrostichum spp. Leather fern Ceanothus americanus New jersey tea

Agalinis setacea Gerardia Ceanothus mycrophylla Littleleaf buckrush

Alibizia julibrissin Mimosa Celtis laevigata Sugarberry

Alternanthera philoxeroides alligator weed Ceratiola ericoides Florida rosemary

Ambrosia artemesiifolia Ragweed Chryopsis mariana Golden aster

Ampelopsis arborea Peppervine Chryopsis scabrella Coastal plain golden aster

Andropogon ternarius Splitbeard bluestem Cinnamonum camphora Champhor tree ***

Andropogon virginicus Bluestem broomsedge Citrus spp. Citrus

Aralia spinosa Devil's walking stick Cladium jamaicense saw grass

Ardisia crenata Coral marlberry*** Cladonia sp. Deer moss lichens

Aristida spiciformis Bottlebrush threeawn Colocasia esculenta Wild taro

Aristida stricta Wiregrass Commelina sp. Dayflower

Arnoglossum floridanum Florida Indian plantain Cornus florida Flowering dogwood

Aronia arbutifolia Red chokeberry Cnidoscolus stimulosus Spurge nettle

Ascelpias humistrata Purple milkweed Crataegus flava Yellow leaf hawthorn

Asclepias tuberose Butterfly milkweed Crotolaria rotundifolia Rabbit bells

Asclepias verticillata Whorled milkweed Croton argyranthemus Silver croton

Asimina pygmaea Dwarf pawpaw Cuscuta sp Dodder vine

Asimina sp Pawpaw Cyperus sp. Sedge

Aster concolor Silvery aster Dalea pinnata Summer farewell

Aster dumosus Bushy aster Desmodium incanum Beggar weed

Aster tortifolius White-topped aster Dichanthelium commutatum Panic grass








Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Digitaria sp. Crab grass

Bacopa caroliniana Lemon bacopa Diosperos virginiana Common persimmon

Balduina angustifolia Yellow buttons Elephantopus elatus Florida elephant's foot

Baptista lecontei Wild indigo Eragrostis spectabilis Purple lovegreass

Bejaria racemosa Tar flower Erigeron annuus Daisy fleabane

Berlandiera subceaulis Green-eyes Erigeron quercifolius Southern fleabane

Bidens alba Beggar ticks Eriogoneum tomentosum Buckwheat

Bidens pilosa Spanish needles Erythrina herbacea Coral bean

Bumelia rufotomentosa Rusty bumelia Eupatorium capillifolium Dog fennel

Bumeliia sp. Bumelia Eupatorium compositifolium Dog fennel

Callicarpa americana Beauty berry Eupatorium rotundifolium False hoarhound

Campsis radicans Trumpet vine Froelichia floridana Cottonweed:Plains snakecotton

Caraya glabra Pignut hickory Galactia sp. Milkpea

Carphephorus corymbosus Paint brush Garberia sp. Garberia

Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam Gaylussacia dumosa Dwarf huckleberry

Gelsemium sempervirens Yellow Jessamine Myrica cerifera Wax myrtle

Gerardia spp. False foxglove Nephrolepsis sp. Tuberous sword fern

Gordonia lasianthus Loblolly bay Nuphar lutea Spatterdock; Cow lily

Helianthemum corymbosum Pinebarren frostweed Nyssa sylvatica Swamp tupelo

Herpothallun sp. Red blanket lichen Onosmodium virginianum False gromwell

Hieracium floridanum Coastal plain hawkweed Oplimenus hirtellus Woodsgrass

Hydrocotyle umbellata Water penny wort Optunia humifusa Prickly-pear cactus








Hypericum spp. Pineweed; St. johns wort Osmanthus americanus Wild olive

Ilex ambigua Carolina; Sand holley Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern

Ilex angustifolia Dahoon holley Osmunda regalis Royal fern

Ilex glabra Gallberry Paederia foetida Skunk vine***

Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holley Panicum hemitomon Maidencane

Indigofera hirsuta Harry indigo Panicum repens torpedo grass

Ipomea sp. Morning glory Panicum sp Witchgrass

Itea virginiana Virginia willow Parthenocissus quinquifolia Virginia creeper

Juniperus virginiana Red cedar Paspalum notatum Bahia grass

Krameria sp. Sandspur: Trailing ratany Passiflora incarnata Passion flower

Krigia virginica Dwarf dandelion Persea borbonia Red bay

Lachnanthes caroliniana Red root Persea palustris Sweet bay

Lantana camara Lantana Phoradendron macrophyllum Broadleaf mistletoe

Laportea canadensis Wood nettle Phylla nodiflora Frog fruit

Lechea sp. Pinweed Physalis sp. Ground cherry

Lemna minor Duckweed Phytolacca americana American Pokeweed

Lespedeza hirta Hairy bush pea Pinus clausa Sand pine

Licania michauxii Gopher apple Pinus elliotii Slash pine

Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum Pinus palustris Longleaf pine

Lonicera sempervirens Japanese honeysuckle*** Polygonella sp. Wireweed;jointweed

Ludwigia peruviana Primrose willow Polypodium polypodiodes Resurrection fern

Ludwigia repens Red ludwigia Pontederia cordata Pickerel weed

Lupinus sp Lupine Proserpinaca pectinata Cut-leaved mermaid weed








Lygodesmia aphylla Rose rush Prunus angustifolia Chickasaw plum

Lyonia ferruginea Rusty staggerbush Prunus caroliniana Carolina laurel cherry

Lyonia Lucida Fetterbush Prunus serotina Black cherry

Magnolia grandiflora Southern magnolia Pteridium aquilinum Bracken fern

Magnolia virgiana Sweebay magnolia Pterocaulon virgatum Blackroot

Merremia dissecta Alamo vine Pterocaulon virgatum Blackroot

Mitchella repens Partridge berry Q. chapmanii Chapman's oak

Monarda punctata Spotted beebalm; horsemint Thelypteris palustris Shield ferns

Morus rubrus Red mulberry Tillandsia spp. Ai plant / Spanish moss

Quercus incana Bluejack oak Tilia americana American basswood

Quercus hemispaerica Laurel oak Toxicodendron pubescens Poison oak

Quercus laevis Turkey oak Toxicodendron radicans Poison ivy

Quercus myrtifolia Myrtle oak Trichostema dicotonum Blue curls

Quercus nigra Water oak Typha spp. Cat-tails

Quercus pumila Runner oak Vaccinium arboreum Sparkleberry

Quercus stellata Sand post oak Vaccinium myrsinites Ground huckleberry

Quercus virginiana Live oak Vaccinium stamineum Deerberry

Rhapidophyllum hystrix Needle palm Viola sp. Violets

Rhus copallina Winged sumac Vitis aestavalis Summer grape

Rubus cunefolius Briar berry Vitis rotundifolia Muscadine grape

Rumex hastatulus Dock; Sorrel Wahlenbergia marginata Southern rockbell

Rynchelytrum repens Natal grass Woodwardia areolata Netted chain fern

Sabal palmetto Cabbage palm Woodwardia virginica Virginia chain fern








Salidago sp. Goldenrod Xyris caroliniana Yelleow-eyed grass

Salvinia rotundifolia common salvinia Yucca aloifolia Spanish bayonet

Sambucus candensis Elderberry Yucca filamentosa Yucca; Beargrass

Saururus ceruus Lizard tail Zamia floridana** Florida coontie

Schrankia microphylla Sensitive briar Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

Hercules club; Prickly ash

Serenoa repens Saw palmetto

Setaria sp. Foxtail

Silphium compositum Rosinweed

Smilax auriculata Laurel greenbriar

Smilax bono-nox Saw greenbriar

Smilax glauca Cat sawbriar

Solanum americanum Common nightshade

Sorghastrum nutans Indian grass

Sorghastrum secundum Lop-sided indian grass

Sorgghum halepense Johnson grass***

Sporobolus junceus Pineywoods dropseed

Stillingia sylvatica Queen's delight

Taxodium ascendens Pond cypress

Taxodium distichum Bald cypress

Tephrosia chrysophlla Hoarypea





Appendix E Expected or Observed Wildlife Species








Appendix E: List of Wildlife Species Expected or Observed at Crystal River Commons


HERPETILES (Reptiles and Amphibians)

Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status

State Status Occurrence

Acris gryllus gryllus Florida Cricket Frog -- -- L

Agkistrodon piscivorus Water Moccasin -- -- L

Amphiuma means Two- toed amphiuma -- -- L

Anolis carolinensis Green anole -- -- O

Bufo terrestris Southern toad -- -- L

Bufo quericicus Oak toad -- -- L

Chelydra serpentina Common snapping turtle -- -- NL

Cnemidorphorus sexlineatus Six-lined racerunner -- -- L

Coluber constrictor priapus Southern black racer -- -- L

Crotalus adamanteus Eastern diamondback rattlesnake -- -- L

Drymarchon corais couperi Eastern indigo snake T T L

Elaphe obsolete Yellow rat snake -- -- L

Eleutherodactylus planirostris planirostris

Greenhouse frog -- -- L

Eurycea bislineata Two-lined salamander -- -- L

Eurycea quadridigitata Dwarf salamander -- -- L

Gopherus polyphemus Gopher tortoise -- SSC O

Heterodon simus Southern hognose snake -- -- L

Hyla cinera Green Tree Frog -- -- O

Hyla femoralis Pine woods tree frog -- -- L

Hyla gratiosa Barking tree frog -- -- L

Hyla squirella Squirrel tree frog -- -- O

Pseudacris nigita Southern chorus frog -- -- O







HERPETILES (Reptiles and Amphibians)



Kinosternon bauri Striped mud turtle -- E NL

Kinosternon subrubrum Florida mud turtle -- -- NL

Lampropeltis getulus Eastern king snake -- -- NL

Masticophis flagellum flagellum Coachwhip snake -- -- L

Neoseps Ground skink -- -- L

Ophisaurus ventralis Glass lizard -- -- L

Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus Florida pine snake -- SSC L

Plethodon glutinosus Slimy salamander -- -- L

Pseudobranchus striatus Dwarf siren -- -- L

Pseudotriton montanus Mud salamander -- -- L

Rana capito Gopher frog -- SSC L

Rana catesbeiana Bull Frog -- -- NL

Rana sphenocephala Southern Leopard Frog -- -- L

Scaphiopus holbrookii holbrooki Eastern spadefoot toad -- -- L

Sceloporus undulates Eastern fence lizard -- -- L

Scincella laterale Ground skink -- -- L

Siren intermedia Dwarf siren -- -- L

Siren lacertina Greater siren -- -- L

Sistrurus miliarius Dusky pygmy rattlesnake -- -- L

Tantilla relicta Crowned snake -- -- L

Terrapene Carolina bauri Florida box turtle -- -- L

Thamnophis sauritus sackeni Florida ribbon snake -- T NL







Birds



Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged black bird -- -- NL

Aix sponsa Wood duck -- -- NL

Anas platyrhynchos Mallard duck -- -- NL

Anas Spp. Teal duck -- -- NL

Anhinga anhinga Anhinga -- -- NL

Aphelcoma coerulescens Florida scrub jay T T NL

Aramus guranna Limpkin -- SSC L

Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated hummingbird -- -- L

Ardea alba Great egret -- -- L

Ardea herodias Great blue heron -- -- L

Athene cunicularia floridana Florida burrowing owl -- SSC NL

Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar waxwing -- -- L

Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern -- -- L

Bubo jamaicensis Red-tailed hawk -- -- L

Bubo virginianus Great horned owl -- -- L

Buteo lineatus Red shouldered hawk -- -- L

Caprimulgus carilinensis Chuck-will’s- widow -- -- L

Cardinalis cardinalis Northern cardinal -- -- O

Casmerodius albus Great egret -- -- L

Catharus guttatus Hermit thrush -- -- L

Centurus carolinus Red-bellied woodpecker -- -- O

Ceryle alcyon Belted kingfisher -- -- L







Birds



Chaetura pelagica Chimney swift -- -- L

Charadrius vociferous Killdeer -- -- NL

Chordeiles minor Common nighthawk -- -- L

Circus cyaneus Northern harrier “Marsh Hawk” -- -- NL

Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren -- SSC NL

Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed cuckoo -- -- NL

Colinus virginianus Northern bobwhite quail -- -- L

Columbina passerin Common ground dove -- -- O

Contopus virens Eastern wood-pewee -- -- L

Corvus brachyrynchos American crow -- -- L

Cyanocitta cristata Blue jay -- -- O

Dendroica coronata Yellow rumped warbler -- -- L

Dendroica palmarum Palm warbler -- -- L

Dryocopus pileatus Pileated Woodpecker -- -- O

Dumetella caroinensis Gray catbird -- -- L

Egretta caerolea Little blue heron -- SSC L

Egretta rufescens Reddish egret -- SSC L

Egretta thula Snowy Egret -- SSC L

Egretta tricolor Tri Colored Heron -- SSC L

Elanoides forficatus American swallow-tailed kite -- -- L

Eudocimus albus White ibis -- SSC L

Falco peregrinus Peregrine falcon -- E NL

Falco sparverius American kestrel -- -- L







Birds



Falco sparverius paulus Southeastern American kestrel -- T L

Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen -- -- NL

Geothlypis trichas Common yellowthroat -- -- NL

Grus canadensis Sandhill Crane -- T NL

Haliaeetus leuscocephalus American bald eagle T T L

Ixobrychus exilis Least bittern -- -- L

Melanerperpes erythrocephalus Red-headed woodpecker -- -- L

Meleagris gallopavo Florida wild turkey -- -- L

Mimus polyglottos Northern mockingbird -- -- O

Mniotilta varia Black and white warbler -- -- L

Mycteria americana Wood Stork E E L

Myiarchus crinitus Great crested flycatcher -- -- L

Nycticorax nycticorax Black Crowned Night Heron -- -- L

Otus asio Eastern screech owl -- -- L

Pandion halieatus Osprey -- SSC L

Parula Americana Northern parula -- -- L

Parus bicolor Tufted titmouse -- -- L

Parus caroliniensis Carolina chickadee -- -- L

Phalacrocorax auritus Double breasted cormorant -- -- L

Picoides pubescens Downy woodpecker -- -- O

Pipilo erythropthalmus Eastern towhee -- -- L

Piranga rubra Summer tanager -- -- L







Birds



Plegadis falcinellus Glossy ibis -- -- L

Polioptila caerulea Blue- gray gnatcatcher -- -- L

Porphyrula martinica Purple Gallinule -- -- NL

Sayornis phoebe Eastern phoebe -- -- L

Sialis sialis Eastern bluebird -- -- L

Stryx varia Barred Owl -- -- L

Tachycineta bicolor Tree swallow -- -- L

Toxostoma rufum Brown thrasher -- -- L

Thryothorus ludovicianus Carolina wren -- -- L

Tringa flavipes Lesser yellow legs -- -- NL

Turdus migratorius American robin -- -- L

Vireo griseus White- eyed vireo -- -- L

Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed vireo -- -- L

Zenaida macroura Mourning dove -- -- O







MAMMALS


State Status

Occurrence

Canis latrans Coyote -- -- L

Dasypus novemicinctus Nine-banded armadillo -- -- L

Didelphis Virginia Virginia opossum -- -- L

Eptesicus fuscus Big brown bat -- -- L

Geomys pinetis Southeastern pocket gopher -- -- S

Glaucomys volans Southern flying squirrel -- -- L

Lasiurus borealis Eastern red bat -- -- L

Lasiurus intermedius Northern yellow bat -- -- L

Lasiurus seminolus Seminole bat -- -- L

Lutra canadensis River otter -- -- NL

Lynx rufus floridanus Bobcat -- -- L

Nycticeius humeralis Evening bat -- -- L

Myotis austroriparius Southeastern bat -- -- L

Ochrotomys nuttalli Golden mouse -- -- L

Odocoilus virginianus White-tailed deer -- -- L

Oryzomys palustris Marsh rice rat -- -- L

Peromyscus gossypinus Cotton mouse -- -- L

Pipistrellus subflavus Eastern pipistrelle -- -- L

Podomys floridana Florida mouse -- SSC L

Podomys polionotus Old field mouse -- -- L

Procyon lotor Raccoon -- -- S

Puma concolor coryi Florida Panther E E NL







MAMMALS


State Status

Occurrence

Sciurus carolinensis Eastern gray squirrel -- -- O

Sciurus niger shermani Sherman’s fox squirrel -- SSC L

Sigmodon hispidus Hispid cotton rat -- -- L

Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern cottontail rabbit -- -- L

Sylvilagus palustris Marsh rabbit -- -- NL

Tadarida brasiliensis Brazilian free-tailed bat -- -- L

Urocyon cinereoargenteus Gray fox -- -- L

Ursus americanus floridanus Florida black bear -- T NL

Vulpes vulpes Red fox -- -- L

Federal and State Status: E= Endangered, T= Threatened, SSC= Species of Special Concern, C= Candidate for Listing, --= Not Listed, O= occurred on Site, S= indirectly observed by sign, L=likely to occur on site but not observed, NL= not likely to occur or low probability of occurrence based on habitat characteristics onsite or species specific habitat requirement/range.





Appendix F Invasive Exotic Plant Reference Material





20 May 2005 Page 1 of 3

Plant Conservation Alliance®s Alien Plant Working Group eeds one ild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/

FACT SHEET: SILK TREE

Silk Tree Albizia julibrissin Durz.Pea family (Fabaceae)

NATIVE RANGE Iran to Japan (according to Hortus 3rd. ed.)

DESCRIPTIONSilk tree, also known as mimosa, or silky acacia, is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20-40 feet tall. The bark is light brown, nearly smooth, and generally thin with lens shaped areas along the stem. The attractive fern-like leaves of mimosa are finely divided, 5-8 inches long by about 3-4 inches wide, and alternate along the stems. Silk tree has showy and fragrant pink flowers, about 1½ inches long, that resemble pom-poms and are arranged in panicles at the ends of branches. Fruits are flat, straw-colored pods about 6 inches long containing light brown oval-shaped seeds about ½ inch in length. Pods ripen in August to September and begin to disintegrate soon after, but remain on the trees into winter.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT Because silk tree can grow in a variety of soils, produce large seed crops, and resprout when damaged, it is a strong competitor to native trees and shrubs in open areas or forest edges. Dense stands of mimosa severely reduce the sunlight and nutrients available for other plants.

DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES Silk tree is naturalized from New Jersey to Louisiana and in California.

HABITAT IN THE UNITED STATES Silk tree takes advantage of disturbed areas, often spreading by seed from nearby ornamentals or from contaminated fill dirt. It prefers full sun and is often seen along roadsides and open vacant lots in urban/suburban areas. Silk tree can tolerate partial shade but is seldom found in forests with full canopy cover, or at higher elevations (above 900 m or 3,000 ft), where cold hardiness is a limiting factor. It can, however, become a serious problem along riparian areas, where it becomes established along scoured shores and where its seeds are

easily transported in water. Like many successful exotics, it is capable of growing in a wide range of soil conditions.

BACKGROUND Silk tree was introduced to the U.S. in 1745. Silk tree continues to be a popular ornamental because of its fragrant and showy flowers.

BIOLOGY & SPREAD Silk tree reproduces both vegetatively and by seed. Silk tree seeds have impermeable seed coats that allow them to remain dormant for many years. One study showed that 90% of the seeds were viable after five years and, for another species of mimosa, a third of its seeds germinated after 50 years in open storage. Seeds are mostly dispersed below or around the parent plant, but can be dispersed further by water. Silk trees grow rapidly under good conditions but are short-lived and have weak, brittle wood. If cut or top-killed, trees resprout quickly and sprouts can grow over three feet in aseason.

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS Silk tree can be controlled using a variety of mechanical and chemical controls.

20 May 2005 Page 2 of 3



Mechanical Trees can be cut at ground level with power or manual saws. Cutting is most effective when trees have begun to flower to prevent seed production. Because mimosa spreads by suckering, resprouts are common after treatment. Cutting is an initial control measure and will require either an herbicidal control or repeated cutting for resprouts.

Girdling is effective on large trees where the use of herbicides is impractical. Using a hatchet, make a cut through the bark encircling the base of the tree, approximately six inches above the ground. Be sure that the cut goes well below the bark. This method will kill the top of the tree but resprouts are common and may require a follow-up treatment with a foliar herbicide. Hand pulling will effectively control young seedlings. Plants should be pulled as soon as they are large enough to grasp, but before they are old enough to flower. Seedlings are best pulled after a rain when the soil is loose. The entire root must be removed since broken fragments may resprout.

ChemicalSilk tree seedlings and small trees can be controlled by applying a 2% solution of glyphosate (e.g., Roundup®) or triclopyr (e.g., Garlon®) and water plus a 0.5% non-ionic surfactant to thoroughly wet all leaves. Systemic herbicides such as glyphosate and triclopyr can kill entire plants because the chemicals travel through a plant from the leaves and stems to the actively growing roots, where they prevent further cell growth. Use a low pressure and a coarse spray pattern to reduce damage from spray drift on non-target species. Use caution when applying these products, as glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that may kill non-target plants that are only partially contacted. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide for many broadleaf plant species. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide for many broad-leaved plant species and should be considered for sites where native or other desirable grasses are meant to be conserved.

The cut-stump and basal bark herbicidal methods should be considered when treating individual trees or where the presence of desirable species preclude foliar application. Stump treatments can be used as long as the ground is not frozen. Horizontally cut stems at or near ground level. Immediately apply a 25% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr and water to the cut stump making sure to cover the outer 20% of the stump. Basal bark applications are effective throughout the year as long as the ground is not frozen. Apply a mixture of 25% triclopyr and 75% horticultural oil to the base of the tree trunk to a height of 12-15 inches from the ground. Thorough wetting is necessary for good control; spray until run-off is noticeable at the ground line.

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: Always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and wear all recommended personal protective gear and clothing. Contact your state department of agriculture for any additional pesticide userequirements, restrictions or recommendations.

NOTICE: mention of pesticide products on this page does not constitute endorsement of any material.

CONTACT For more information on the management of silk tree, please contact:

Kris Johnson, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVE PLANTS Many small to medium-sized trees make excellent alternatives to silk tree. A few examples include serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), redbud (Cercis canadensis), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), river birch (Betula nigra), fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus), American holly (Ilex opaca), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Check with the native plant society in your state for plant recommendations for your particular area.

OTHER LINKS http://www.invasive.org/search/action.cfm?q=Albizia%20julibrissin

AUTHORS Tom Remaley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

EDITORSJil M. Swearingen, National Park Service, Washington, DC Larry Morse, The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, VA

http://www.invasive.org/search/action.cfm?q=Albizia%20julibrissin

20 May 2005 Page 3 of 3



PHOTOGRAPHS Tom Remaley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

REFERENCES Bonner, F.T., M.S. Hooda, D.P. Singh. 1992. Moisture determination on seeds of honey locust and mimosa. Tree Plant

Note, USDA Forest Service 43(3):72-75.

Bransby, D.I., S.E. Sladden, G.E. Aiken. 1992. Mimosa as a forage plant: a preliminary evaluation. Proceedings of the Forage Grasslands Conference. Georgetown, Texas; American Forage and Grassland Council 1:28-31.

Gleason, H.A., A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. 2nd ed. The New York Botanical Garden, 910.

Hartel, P.G., B.L. Haines. 1992. Effects of potential plant CO2 emissions of bacterial growth in the rhizosphere. Journal of Soil Biological Biochemistry and Science 24(3).

Panizzi, A.R., F. Slansky, Jr. 1991. Suitability of selected legumes and the effect of nymphal and adult nutrition in the southern green stink bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidea). Journal of Econ-Entomology 84(1):103-113.

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Appendix G Indigo Snake Educational Brochure





EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE

EDUCATIONAL BROCHURE

Prepared by: Michael G. Czerwinski, P.A. Environmental Consultants

2716 S. Lecanto Hwy Lecanto, Florida 34461

This educational brochure was created to in-form individuals involved with construction ac-tivities on sites where the Eastern Indigo snake has been observed or is likely to occur. It has been designed to alert contractors, future resi-dents and others about the possible presence of the snake on-site and to educate them about the snake’s physical description, habitat prefer-ences, and life history habits. This brochure complies with conditions stipulated by the USFWS to help prevent injury, harm, harass-ment and/or death of an Eastern Indigo snake. This brochure also details the required proce-dures in the event of a sighting and/or acciden-tal killing of an Eastern Indigo snake.

Only the USFWS or an individual who has been permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may capture, trap, or relocate Eastern indigo snakes. Michael G. Czerwinski staff have appropriate scientific permits for the cap-ture and holding of the Eastern indigo snake. Your site may provide potential habitat for the Eastern Indigo snake and should there-fore be treated with precaution. Remember that Eastern indigo snakes are harmless an pose no threat to humans.

MICHAEL G. CZERWINSKI, P.A. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

2716 S. Lecanto Hwy Lecanto, Florida 34461

Phone: 352-249-1012 Fax: 352-249-1013

Toll Free: 877-249-1012

Email: [email protected] Fully Insured

Since 2001

Phase I ESA’s ◊ Wetland Delineation ◊ Sinkhole Probability & Evaluation ◊ Listed Species & Habitat Assessment & Mapping ◊ Water

Quality Studies ◊ Cultural Resource Assessments ◊ Environmental Impact Assessment


Standard Protection Measures The Eastern Indigo should not be captured or handled. When encountered, these snakes often attempt to “hide” by becoming motionless, may also “rattle” their tail if approached or will simply flee. If an Eastern indigo snake is encountered by residents or sighted during construction activi-ties, all construction activities must cease to al-low the snake sufficient time to move away from the site on its own before resuming construction. The snake should be observed from a distance to ensure that it does leave the area and does not simply enter a burrow or other refuge in the con-struction area. The Eastern indigo snake must not be captured, injured, harmed, harassed in any way, or killed. Notification Procedures If an Eastern indigo snake is observed on a con-struction site, construction must be halted. Docu-ment when and where the snake was sighted. Any Indigo snake must be allowed to move out of the construction area under its own power. The construction site manager should be informed of the sighting who should then immediately no-tify Michael G. Czerwinski, P.A., Environ-mental Consultants at (352) 249-1012. If a dead Eastern indigo snake is found on-site, the snake needs to be frozen or put on ice.

EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE

(Drymarchon corais couperi) Description: The Eastern Indigo snake is the largest non-venomous snake in North America, reaching lengths of up to 8½ feet, but average 5-7 feet. These large snakes are an iridescent blue-black with smooth scales. The lower face and chin may be black, light grey, or red, and the coloration can extend down the body past the throat. The Eastern indigo snake has a distinct scale pattern that is obvious when the skin is shed. Frequent shedding occurs about every 30-45 days and sheds are often found within 30’ of a gopher tortoise burrow, where the snakes remain for 10-14 days prior to the shedding event. Breeding: Very little is known about eastern in-digo snake reproduction in the wild. Information that is available comes from captive populations. Mating occurs from November through April and both sexes are often found together during these months. The eggs are deposited in spring, but the location and substrate for nest sites are largely unknown, although abandoned gopher tortoise burrows are known to be used. The young are 16 to 24 inches long at hatching. They may have the same coloration as an adult, or may be speckled with blue or white flecks which fade within a few months.

Habitat: In the Southeastern United States the Eastern Indigo snake (also known as the “blue indigo”) is restricted primarily to the southern half of Georgia and Florida due to habitat loss and degradation. In the peninsular area of Flor-ida, they utilize gopher tortoise burrows as their den site, but have also been observed utilizing rodent holes, pocket gopher channels, hollow root channels of large live oaks and saw pal-metto, and debris piles. While they utilize many habitats they are most commonly associated with Longleaf Pine-Turkey oak (Sandhill) vege-tative communities. Their outside movements usually occur after outside temperatures reach 55° F. During colder periods, the Eastern Indigo Snake will stay in their burrow for refuge, coming out only for short periods to bask and then returning to the burrow. Range: The Eastern Indigo snake can occur from Southeast Georgia through the Florida Keys with scattered populations in the Florida panhandle. Status: The Eastern Indigo snake is in a state of decline throughout its historic range and, in particular, Florida. The species is listed as threatened by both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Due to the docile nature of the Eastern Indigo snake its population has been susceptible decline due to human exploitation, particularly from the pet trade. The Eastern indigo snake feeds on birds, small turtles, frogs, small mammals and other snakes, including rattlesnakes and other indigos. It actively searches for food during the day in burrow, hammocks, rodent holes, debris piles, roadside right of ways, wet prairies, and fields.

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