The Gopher Tortoise Biology, Management, Permitting, Conservation, and Local Governments

1. The Gopher Tortoise Biology, Management, Permitting, Conservation, and Local Governments

2. Gopher tortoise(Gopherus polyphemus) Only land tortoise east of Mississippi River Inhabits sandhill, xeric hammock, pine flatwoods, scrub, dry prairie, coastal dunes, mixed hardwood pine, pastures, and disturbed areas

3. A keystone species Excavated burrows average 15 ft long x 6.5 ft deep Burrows provide refuge for over 350 other species (commensals) Loss of the gopher tortoise would result in a decline of commensal population

4. Distribution and status

5. Why the decline? Habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation development mining agriculture silviculture Fire suppression urban interface lack of resources Human predation

6. Why the decline? Long life span (40 to 60 years) Slow reproductive maturity (9 to 21 years) Low reproductive rate(1 clutch of 5 to 9 eggs per year)

7. Management plan September 2007 – FWC approved the new management plan and reclassified the gopher tortoise from a species of special concern to threatened species

8. Conservation goal To restore and maintain secure, viable populations throughout the species’ current range in Florida

9. Conservation objectives Optimize carrying capacity by appropriate habitat management of public and private lands Increase protected gopher tortoise habitat through acquisition and protection of public and private lands Restock tortoises to protected, managed, suitable habitats where densities are low Decrease gopher tortoise mortality on lands proposed for development

10. Management Plan Revisions Update The 2nd draft of the Management Plan is currently available online More than 100 individuals and stakeholders already have made suggestions through written input and public meetings May 17- June 25– Revised plan open to public comment draft revised plan (45 days) To comment, go to MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise and click on the “Management Plan” link

11. Management Plan Revisions Update continued July 13 – Next stakeholder meeting July 18 – Revised plan finalized in advance of Commission meeting (internal approval of draft) September 5-6 - Revised plan presented to Commission for consideration The Permitting Guidelines are scheduled to be updated next year, after the approval of the management plan revisions

12. Gopher tortoise permitting guidelines

13. Activities that do notrequire a permit Routine agricultural practices Silvicultural activities Wildlife management activities Linear utility and highway right- of-way vegetation maintenance Routine yard maintenance that does not damage a burrow

14. Activities that do require a permit A permit is required for any activity not covered previously, that causes a take, harassment, molestation, damage or destruction of gopher tortoise or their burrows Clearing Grading Paving Bulldozing Digging Construction Site preparation for development

15. How do you know if tortoises need to be relocated? • Relocation must be permitted by FWC prior to any site disturbance • All gopher tortoises within 25 feet of construction, development or soil disturbance should be relocated. • Copy of permit must be posted on site

16. Permit types Authorized gopher tortoise agent Relocation (on-site or off-site) 10 or Fewer Burrows Conservation Recipient site Long-term protected Public conservation lands Short-term or unprotected Temporary Exclusion Disturbed Site Emergency Take

17. Authorized gopher tortoise agent permit An authorized agent is required when relocating tortoises to an off-site location Not all authorized agents are permitted to perform every task Relocation activities requiring a permit Burrow surveys Bucket trapping, live trapping, and hand shovel excavation Transport, marking and release of tortoises Collection of blood samples Supervision of burrow excavation using equipment

18. 10 or fewer burrows permit Projects with no more than 10 burrows impacted On-site relocation Sufficient habitat must remain following site development Individuals relocating tortoises must complete FWC e-learning and online quiz May capture tortoises via bucket trapping, hand shovel excavation or live trapping Installation of temporary exclusion fencing is required Off-site relocation or excavation with mechanical equipment must be completed by authorized agent

19. Conservation permit Projects with more than 10 burrows Phased developments which obtained a 10 or fewer burrows permit on a previous phase Relocation of tortoises on-site or off-site All relocation activities must be completed by an authorized agent

20. Conservation permit - new option • Allows relocation of tortoises from public projects to contiguous public conservation land • This option is intended for public projects where the donor site is contiguous to public conservation lands • Recipient site must be designated as public conservation lands or public lands protected by a minimum 50-year conservation easement or lease • Potential to reduce overall project costs

21. Recipient sites • Long-term, short-term, unprotected and public conservation lands • Long-term provides the highest conservation value for the gopher tortoise and its habitat • Designed to provide financial incentives and advantages to landowners who establish long-term protected sites • Most cost effective to relocate tortoises to long-term sites • Tortoise stocking density is based on habitat conditions • Recipient site fact sheet available

22. Coordination between FWC and local governments is essential to the conservation and management of the gopher tortoise

23. How can local governments help with gopher tortoise conservation? Coordinate with FWC Provide educational materials to residents Report all suspected violations to FWC Provide protected and managed areas for gopher tortoises Establish a recipient site

24. How can local governments help with gopher tortoise conservation? Stay current with FWC regulations Coordinate to ensure that local policies are consistent with the goals and objectives of the gopher tortoise management plan Establish policies that focus on habitat for gopher tortoises, listed burrow commensals and other important or listed wildlife

25. How can local governments help with gopher tortoise conservation? Remind residents that gopher tortoises and their burrows are protected by law Provide information to landowners, builders, and the residents about regulations and permitting options Look for burrows when conducting site visits and notify FWC staff of sites where burrows have been documented Report suspected violations to FWC’s wildlife alert hotline 888-404-FWCC (3922)

26. How can local governments help with gopher tortoise conservation? Establish land development code incentives Require developers to provide a monetary donation Fund habitat management Before issuing land clearing permit Require a listed species survey be completed Inform the landowner about required gopher tortoise permits Require proof of FWC gopher tortoise relocation permit

27. How can local governments help with gopher tortoise conservation? • Establish a long-term protected recipient site in your county • Help retain local tortoise populations • May generate revenue for habitat management • May reduce overall project costs

28. Local government considerations for a long-term protected recipient site Identify property with 40 acres of tortoise habitat 15% baseline survey for existing tortoise burrows Survey canopy, understory, and groundcover Establish fixed photo stations Develop or amend a management plan Establish a permanent conservation easement Provide financial assurance

29. Desirable criteria >200 acres > 50% herbaceous cover <40% canopy cover Enhanced conservation value Final density is up to 4 tortoises per acre Long-term protected recipient sites Acceptable criteria • >40 acres • > 30% herbaceous cover • <60% canopy cover • Final density is up to 2 tortoises per acre ***Recipient sites for restocking public conservation lands must meet the same criteria with exception of final restocking density

30. Recipient sites for restocking public conservation lands • Restocking gopher tortoises to severely depleted populations is the preferred population restoration tool • Restocking shall occur only at 50% of the site specific maximum allowable density • Not intended to establish populations at a maximum

31. LTP vs. PCL Recipient Sites

32. Short-term protected or unprotected recipient sites Criteria • >25 acres • >30% herbaceous ground cover • <60% canopy cover • Final stocking rate is up to two tortoises per acre

33. How to establish a recipient site in your county • Contact your regional Gopher Tortoise Conservation Biologist • Initial pre-screening phone call • Pre-application packet • Pre-application site review

34. Financial considerations for a long-term protected recipient site Potential to generate revenue for land management $500 application contribution Temporary enclosures or permanent fencing Habitat management Monitoring

35. Incidental Take Permits • No longer issued as of June 2009 • Humane relocation is encouraged • Permit holder can work with an AA or the Humane Society to have tortoises relocated • Permit is transferable and does not expire • Permittee must obtain an amendment to transfer permit or relocate tortoises off-site

36. How can FWC help local governments with gopher tortoise conservation? Outreach and partnerships Technical assistance Habitat management assistance for gopher tortoise habitat on protected local government lands

37. Outreach and partnership Provide outreach publications Participate in community workshops Supply schools with education materials

38. Technical assistance Provide input on planning directives Provide guidance for future land use compatibility Assist with the development of codes and ordinances Landowner resource guide for gopher tortoise conservation Recipient site pre- application opportunity

39. Habitat management assistance • Funding for local government to manage gopher tortoise habitat • Help optimize carrying capacity on protected lands through appropriate management • Help prepare habitat for futurerecipient sites • Funded projects are to be completed by the end of May 2013 Application packets are available on the back counter!

40. Funded Habitat Management Assistance Projects 2010

41. For more information on the gopher tortoise Visit MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise Contact your regional Gopher Tortoise Conservation Biologist for questions specific to permitting Contact Allie Perryman, Local Government Coordinator Alexandra.Perryman@MyFWC.com (850) 921-1145