GT CCA 1 st Annual Report

1. GT CCA 1st Annual Report Results and Recommendations

2. 1st annual report - results • Twelve of thirteen parties submitted reports (last report received Jan 8) • Approximately half of the reports submitted contained comprehensive information & data on gopher tortoise conservation efforts • The report covers approximately 2.5 million acres of gopher tortoise habitat in its non-listed range (8 parties reporting)

3. 1st annual report - results • Various types of habitat management conducted including mechanical and prescribed burning (8 parties reporting) • Surveying and/or monitoring activities for gopher tortoises ongoing (7 parties reporting) • Six parties are facilitating relocation and/or head start efforts • Research studies are underway for 9 parties

4. 1st annual report - results • Approximately 5,000 new acres of habitat preserved; 39,000 acres of habitat lost • Education and outreach materials were developed and/or distributed by 10 parties • New legal protection in Alabama; USFS policy/contract clause for Timber Sale Contracts protecting burrows from damaged by motorized vehicles; new conservation plan underway in South Carolina

5. Recommendations • Data be collected year-round in an ongoing manner • A point of contact for each reporting party be specified to the GTT Chair • All parties have access to the appropriate reporting format and/or software • State agency partners find a means to collect data from other state agencies (state forestry, state parks, etc.) to include in the report • All parties strive to meet the report deadline (Dec. 1)