Results Memo

PROJECT MEMORANDUM

Project: Rainbow Springs 5th Replat CP 72 Drainage Improvements Project– Ponds 2166, 2176 & 2188

To: Chuck Pigeon, P.E. Pigeon Roberts & Associates, LLC

From: Andrew Holland, Environmental Scientist MICHAEL G. CZERWINSKI, P.A., ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

Date: September 26, 2016

Subject: Results of Modified Environmental Impact Study

MICHAEL G. CZERWINSKI, P.A., ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS (MGC) contracted with Pigeon Roberts, Inc. to perform a limited scope Modified Environmental Impact Study (MEIS) of the proposed Rainbow Springs 5th Replat Drainage Easement Improvements Project for Marion County. The subject site comprises approximately 3.5 acres of Drainage Retention Area (DRA) ponds 2166, 2176 & 2188 and associated drainage easements, located within central portions of the Rainbow Springs subidivision, north of the City of Dunnellon in Sections 13 & 24 T16S, R22E, Marion County, Florida. The subject site DRAs are located approximately one mile west of the Rainbow River, an Outstanding Florida Waterway (OFW), Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) and Aquatic Preserve. A Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) was recently approved for the Rainbow River principally to address Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for nitrate, requiring an 82% reduction in nitrate concentration within Rainbow Springs and Rainbow Springs run. The proposed construction activities include modification of three existing ponds and associated drainage easements to include application of “Bold & Gold” soil amendment, as well as potential drainage swale modifications within six adjacent drainage easements running to the existing pond sites. It is our understanding these pond retrofits are ultimately intended to reduce the amount of nutrients entering the Rainbow River.

The purpose of this MEIS study is to document the presence of listed species, wetlands, surface waters or other environmentally sensitive areas within / adjacent to the project limits in advance of proposed construction activities and to address potential impacts to those resources. Listed species, for the purposes of this assessment, are those plants and animals that are formally listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Species of Special Concern, or as a commercially exploited plant by the US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USWFS) (50 CFR 17.11-12), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) (Chapter 68A-27 FAC) or the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FCACS) (Section 581 F.S.). Results maps and photo documentation for this investigation are provided in at the end of this report. Wetlands and their limits are defined in Chapter 62-340, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) Wetland Delineation Manual (1987). Wetlands, for the purpose of this 1

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

assessment are defined as “those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water at a frequency and a duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soils” (Chapter 62-340 F.A.C).

Ultimately, the inspection revealed the presence of one listed species – the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) – within two of the ponds proposed for modification (Ponds 2166 & 2176). Portions of the subject site assessment area are located within potential suitable habitat for the Federally Threatened sand skink, though no evidence of occurrence was documented on-site, and the limited scope of the project is considered unlikely to adversely affect this species. No wetlands or other surface water features were identified on-site, with the closest apparent wetland / surface water located over 4,000’ to the east or southwest of the subject site.

Prior to conducting the field investigations, publicly available mapping data were queried to gain an understanding of the project area conditions. The property is located within the Brooksville Ridge physiographic province (White 1970), in close proximity to the Northern Gulf Coastal Lowlands and Western Valley divisions. Elevations in the project area (based upon USGS Belleview Quadrangle) range from approximately 70-110’ (NGVD), and are generally higher in ponds 2166 & 2176 than in pond 2188. The entire subject site is underlain by Candler Fine Sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes & 5 to 8 percent slopes, both hydrologic group A soil with very rapid permeability and a water table more than 6’ below the surface in most years. Adjacent Land Uses include medium density residential parcels and associated paved road networks associated with the Rainbow Springs subdivision.

Results: MGC staff conducted a field inspection of the subject site on September 21, 2016. The majority of the subject site assessment area (~95%) is existing dry Drainage Retention Area ponds and their associated drainage easements, and could best be described as Open Lands habitat (FLUCFCS 19001). The open lands habitat is dominated by a thick herbaceous ground cover of bahia grass (Paspalum notatum), centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides), and common ruderal weeds including cottonweed (Froelichia floridana), ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), and Mexican clover (Richardia brasiliensis). There is a fringe of both developed and vacant lots adjacent to portions of each pond. On vacant lots, habitat is best described as Hardwood / Conifer Mixed forest (FLUCFCS 4340), with a somewhat dense canopy (little maintenance) of live oak (Quercus virginiana), longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), sand live oak (Quercus geminata), black cherry (Prunus serotina), turkey oak (Quercus laevis), persimmon tree (Diospyros virginiana), and Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum). Sub-canopy / shrub species noted include winged sumac (Rhus copallinum), beauty berry (Callicarpa americana), and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). There are a few landscape plantings of Florida coonti (Zamia floridana) present along the edges of the drainage easements and ponds.

1 Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classifications System (FDOT, 1999) 2

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

Wildlife species observed during the September 21st field inspection include (listed species in bold) Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), southeastern pocket gopher (Geomys pinetis), and eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Generally, the suitability of the site for use by many wildlife species is limited by the habitat (DRA ponds) and location within a mostly developed residential subdivision limits.

Observed Listed Species - Gopher Tortoise The gopher tortoise (Gopherous polyphemous) is a state listed threatened wildlife species, and the tortoise and its burrow are protected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) under Chapter 68A-27.002-004, F.A.C. The gopher tortoise is the only native land tortoise in the southeastern United States and creates a crescent or half-moon shaped burrow in the sand. The gopher tortoises preferred habitat is sandhill, oak scrub and other xeric (dry / nutrient poor) habitats. 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 species that utilize their burrows. The current FFWCC guidelines generally prohibit land clearing or soil disturbing activities within 25’ of a potentially occupied burrow without first obtaining a permit.

A total of seven (7) potentially occupied gopher burrows (POBs - legally protected) and two (2) abandoned burrows (not protected) were found within or directly adjacent to the project ponds. Of these, four potentially occupied burrows were found within pond 2166, and three were found within pond 2176. No tortoise burrows were observed at pond 2188. Based upon discussions with the Project Engineer, it is not clear at this time the full extent of modification activities that may occur within the DRA’s, whether portions of the DRA’s will be re-graded, and ultimately if construction activities will occur within 25’ of identified potentially occupied gopher tortoise burrows. If the identified gopher tortoise burrows can be avoided by construction activities by more than the legally required 25’, no gopher tortoise permitting or relocation actions would be required. Gopher tortoise permitting and relocation would not be required if construction activities can avoid impacting the burrows and legally associated 25’ protection zones around each burrow.

Other Listed Species A review of the Florida Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) and USFWS species GIS databases revealed no known eagle nests, wading bird rookeries, sand skink, Florida scrub jay or red-cockaded woodpecker documentations within a 2 mile radius of the project area. One known wading bird rookery (non-wood stork) is located nearly five miles to the southeast of the project area within the Silver River State Park. In addition, the nearest Florida wood stork (a federally listed species) rookery is located nearly 15 miles to the southeast of the subject site. Protection for state listed wading birds generally involve preventing the direct take (harm / harassment of birds and nests) and also prevention of certain disruptive activities within setbacks (generally

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

400’) from known / active rookery sites. Because there are no nest / rookery sites within 400’ of the project area, the project as proposed would not create an impact to these species. The nearest documented bald eagle nest is located over two miles to the south of the site. Current FFWCC / USFWS regulations mandate a 660’ buffer protection zone around eagle nests for most construction activities; as the site is substantially distant from any documented nests, the project should have no adverse affect on this species. Generally, due to the distance from documented wetland habitat (>4000’), it is not expected that any wetland dependent threatened / endangered wildlife species would be impacted by proposed construction activities.

The subject site is located within Marion County, which is a designated Consultation Area for the Florida sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi), a Federally threatened species, regulated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Sand skink habitat is generally considered those habitat areas within the Consultation Area with elevations above 82’ NGVD, having well drained (hydrologic group “A”) soils, and generally sandhill / scrub habitat with sandy exposed areas interspersed throughout. Elevations throughout the majority of the project area appear to be above 82’. Suitable soils are also noted in these locations; however, in general the habitat within the subject site lacks suitable land cover, is dominated by thick covers of either pasture grass (principally bahia grass (Paspallum notatum)) or Hardwood Conifer Mixed forest, and is located in direct vicinity to major human disturbance (residential and recreational development). It is therefore very unlikely that the proposed construction activities, which will involve minimal soil disturbance, will adversely affect this species. However, as the project area is within the Marion County Consultation Area, it is recommended a copy of this report be submitted to the regional USFWS Jacksonville Office to seek their technical assistance to reach an official concurrence with this finding in advance of construction activities.

The Florida scrub-jay (FSJ) (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is listed as a federally threatened species by the USFWS. The FSJ is the only bird species endemic to (only occurring within) the state of Florida. The species is typically only found in Florida scrub habitat, where nutrient poor, well drained soils establish low growing oaks and other shrub / tree species and open patches of ground required by the species for general foraging and acorn caching. However, the species is also known to colonize altered land uses such as citrus groves and other land uses that provide similar reduction of large canopy species and maintain open patches of ground. Habitat available on the subject site could be considered fringe habitat for the species due to the presence of relatively low growth canopy and some sandy exposed ground cover areas for food caching. However, typical scrub (xeric) oaks critical for forage are notably absent from the property, and therefore the site is not considered suitable for the species. The FFWCC maintains a historic database of scrub jay documented occurrences from the 1992-1993 statewide survey. According to this database, a colony of scrub jay were historically recorded approximately eight miles to the east of the subject site. A scrub jay tape recorded vocalization survey was conducted at each pond site on September 21st. However, no response was elicited, and the FSJ was not observed to occur on or on adjacent off-site habitat during this assessment. It is very unlikely that scrub jays currently utilize habitat on-site due to the lack of suitable habitat conditions and extent of surrounding development essentially isolating the ponds from additional potential habitat areas. The proposed limited scope and temporary nature of the construction activities are unlikely to

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

adversely affect this species.

Because minor land clearing activities may occur in the vicinity of identified potentially occupied gopher tortoise burrows, there is also the potential for the Eastern indigo snake (Dymarchon corais couperi) to be encountered. However, it is not anticipated that construction activities will impact gopher tortoise burrows or other potential denning sites, and in general, proposed project impacts to suitable habitat will be minimal. Generally on sites where a large number of gopher tortoise burrows or other denning sites will be impacted within suitable habitat areas, it is recommended that the US Fish and Wildlife Service Standard Protection Measures for the eastern indigo snake be incorporated into the project construction plan to properly educate contractors and other construction staff on identification and protection of this species. Because this project is unlikely to impact a large number of gopher tortoise burrows or suitable habitat areas, these protection measures are not likely warranted; however, this report should be submitted to the USFWS to seek concurrence with this finding.

It is noted that the project area is in located between the Ocala National Forest and Chassahowitzka populations for the Florida Black Bear. In addition, the FWRI indicates six black bear nuisance calls have been documented within five miles of the site since 1980. Black bears were recently removed from the state list of threatened / endangered species; however, they are still afforded protections under a state approved Black Bear management plan. Although the project will occur along the edges of known black bear habitat range, the surrounding land uses and road infrastructure prevent the subject site from being considered a valuable black bear travel corridor or denning site. Therefore, it is unlikely the proposed construction activities will have a significant effect on this species.

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., though it is currently recommended for delisting under the new FFWCC Imperiled species management plan. 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. However, they have been previously identified on the nearby Cold Springs DRI and western phases of Rainbow Springs. In general, the Florida mouse is more likely to occur in natural longleaf pine / xeric oak sandhill and scrub areas with oak acorns and other suitable forage. It is unlikely Florida mice will be impacted by the project unless gopher tortoise burrows will be impacted. If gopher tortoise burrows must be impacted, any Florida mice encountered can legally be relocated under the standard conditions of the FFWCC issued gopher tortoise relocation permit at no additional mitigation / permitting cost.

One exotic / invasive plant species –Chinese tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum) – was identified on-site, principally along the landscaped edges of the drainage easements. Chinese tallow tree is listed as a category 1 invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, and is also regulated as a noxious weed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Care should be taken during construction activities to prevent the spread of this species on or off-site. A short identification and educational / identification pamphlet created by the FLEPPC are provided as an attachment to this report. 5

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

Appendix A

Maps and Exhibits

Pigeon-Roberts & Associates, LLC – Rainbow Springs 5th Replat CP 72: Ponds 2166, 2176 & 2188 3.5 Acres (MOL) in Sections 13 & 24, Township 16S, Range 18E Marion County, Florida September 22, 2016

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

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

Appendix B

Photo Documentation

Pigeon-Roberts & Associates, LLC – Rainbow Springs 5th Replat CP 72: Ponds 2166, 2176 & 2188 3.5 Acres (MOL) in Sections 13 & 24, Township 16S, Range 18E Marion County, Florida September 22, 2016

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

P hoto 1. A photo of pond 2188, as viewed from cul-de-sac Photo 2. Photo of one of two drainage easements extending t erminus of SW 96th Place. from pond 2188 to the east, ultimately tying in to culvert under SW 96th Place.

P hoto 3. P hoto of hard wood / c onifer mix ed forest pre sent P hoto 4. Pho to of one of a few snag trees with poten tial nesting ad jacent to portions o f drainage easemen t depicted in Photo 2 . c avities loc ated around pond 2188 . No threa tened / endangered wildlife use of the snags was documented.

Photo 5. Photo of pond 2166 as viewed from end of drainage Photo 6. Photo of drainage easement (swale) leading to pond easement connecting to SW 93rd Lane Road. 2166 depicted in photo 5.

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

P hoto 7. A photo of an active gopher tortoise burrow within Photo 8. Photo of Chinese tallow tree, an invasive / exotic pond 2166, one of four potentially occupied tortoise burrows species found in landscaping surrounding the project area identified within the pond limits. ponds.

P hoto 9. P hoto of dra inage eas ement fro m SW196t h Circle cu l- P hoto 10. P hoto of one of three potentially occupied tortoise de- sac lead ing down to pond 217 6. burr ows iden tified wit hin or dire ctly adjacen t to pond 2176.

Photo 11. Photo of one of several small rodent dens identified Photo 12. Photo of pond 2176 as viewed from end of drainage within ponds on-site. easement depicted in photo 9.

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Appendix C

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – List of Threatened / Endangered Species for Marion County, FL

Pigeon-Roberts & Associates, LLC – Rainbow Springs 5th Replat CP 72: Ponds 2166, 2176 & 2188 3.5 Acres (MOL) in Sections 13 & 24, Township 16S, Range 18E Marion County, Florida September 22, 2016

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

Federally Listed Species in Marion County, Florida | North Florida ... https://www.fws.gov/northflorida/CountyList/Marion.htm

orth Florida Ecological Services

Welcome Our Strategic Federally Listed Species in Marion County, Florida Plan Area of This information is provided as a guide to project planning, and is not a substitute for Responsibility Our Office site-specific surveys. Such surveys may be needed to assess species' presence or absence, Location as well as the extent of project effects on listed species and/or designated critical habitat. Contact Us Current News The following table lists those federally-listed species known to be present in the county. Note 1 Releases Code Key: E = Endangered, T = Threatened, CH = Critical Habitat Designated, C = Candidate News Archives Landowner Category Species Common Name Species Scientific Name Code Tools Mammals West Indian (Florida) Manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris E/CH Programs and Resources Everglade Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus E Partners for Florida Scrub-jay Aphelocoma coeruluscens T Fish and Wildlife Birds Coastal Wood Stork Mycteria americana E Program Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis E Habitat Conservation Fish None Plans Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus C Federally-listed Species in Reptiles Sand Skink Neoseps reynoldsi T Florida Eastern Indigo Snake Dymarchon corais couperi T Students & Teachers Amphibians Striped Newt Notophthalmus perstriatus C Related Sites of Mollusks None Interest Crustaceans None Key North Bonamia grandiflora Florida Florida Bonamia T Species Longspurred Mint Dicerandra cornutissima E Bald Eagle Plants Lewton's Polygala Polygala lewtonii E Florida Manatee Eastern Indigo Eriogonum longifolium var. Scrub Wild Buckwheat T Snake gnaphalifolium Florida Scrub-Jay Home Species: North Florida County Species: South Florida County Species: Panhandle County Sand Skinks Sea Turtles For a list of State species by county use the Florida Natural Areas Inventory's Tracking Lists at http://www.fnai.org Whooping /trackinglist.cfm Crane Wood Stork For State listed species details, please go to http://myfwc.com/imperiledspecies//

General Note 1. Candidate species receive no statutory protection under the ESA. The FWS encourages cooperative Information conservation efforts for these species because they are, by definition, species that may warrant future protection Hunting-Fishing under the ESA. Licenses & Permits NOTE: Bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list in June 2007 because their populations Injured/Nuisance recovered sufficiently. However, the protections under the Bald and Golden Eagle Act (Eagle Act) continue to apply. Wildlife Please see the eagle information on our Landowner Tools page or our national website at http://www.fws.gov Wildlife Law /migratorybirds/baldeagle.htm for information regarding new permit requirements under the Eagle Act. Violations

Other USFWS Resources Service Office Finder Office Directory Southeast Region Contacts

1 of 2 9/26/2016 4:20 PM

Appendix D

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission List of Protected Species

Pigeon-Roberts & Associates, LLC – Rainbow Springs 5th Replat CP 72: Ponds 2166, 2176 & 2188 3.5 Acres (MOL) in Sections 13 & 24, Township 16S, Range 18E Marion County, Florida September 22, 2016

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

FLORIDA’S ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES

Updated January 2016

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CONTENTS

PREFACE ...... 2 NUMERICAL SUMMARY OF SPECIES ...... 4 OFFICIAL LISTS ...... 5 VERTEBRATES ...... 5 FISH ...... 5 AMPHIBIANS...... 5 REPTILES ...... 5 BIRDS ...... 6 MAMMALS...... 7 INVERTEBRATES ...... 8 CORALS ...... 8 CRUSTACEANS...... 9 INSECTS ...... 9 MOLLUSKS ...... 9 KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS AND NOTATIONS ...... 10 SPECIES ADDED, REVISED, OR REMOVED SINCE 2010 ...... 11

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 1 PREFACE

This document consolidates the official State of Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List of wildlife. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) maintains the state list of animals designated as Federally-designated Endangered or Threatened, State-designated Threatened, or State-designated Species of Special Concern, in accordance with Rules 68A-27.003, and 68A-27.005, respectively, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), https://www.flrules.org/Default.asp. On November 8, 2010 new Threatened species rules approved by the Commission went into effect (https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=68A-27). The list of wildlife contained herein reflect the changes to the rules. All Federally listed species that occur in Florida are now included on Florida’s list as Federally-designated Endangered or Federally- designated Threatened species. In addition, the State has a listing process to identify species that are not Federally listed but at risk of extinction. These species will be called State-designated Threatened. All State-designated species and have recently undergone biological status reviews that were presented at the June 2011 Commission meeting and approved. Based on the status reviews and other information, staff recommended that 40 of the 61 species evaluated be included on Florida's Threatened list in addition to the three species (gopher tortoise, Miami blue butterfly and Panama City crayfish) that were reviewed in the past decade. Staff recommended that 16 species be removed from the existing list. Three of these were classified as State- designated Threatened species at the time, and 13 are still classified as State Species of Special Concern. These listing status changes will not occur until species action plans and a comprehensive Imperiled Species Management plan are approved for all of the 60 species evaluated that do not have recent management plans completed. FWC will continue to maintain a separate Species of Special Concern category until all the species have been reviewed and those species are either designated as State-designated Threatened, or given a management plan and removed from the list. The State lists of plants, which are designated Endangered, Threatened, and Commercially Exploited, are administered and maintained by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS) via Chapter 5B-40, F.A.C. This list of plants can be obtained at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our- Forests/Forest-Health/Florida-Statewide-Endangered-and-Threatened-Plant-Conservation- Program/Florida-s-Federally-Listed-Plant-Species. The Federal agencies that share the authority to list species as Endangered and Threatened are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-NMFS) and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The NOAA-NMFS is responsible for listing most marine species. The Federal list of animals and plants is administered by the USFWS, and this list is published in 50 CFR 17 (animals) and 50 CFR 23 (plants). Additional information regarding Federal listings can be located at the following websites; NOAA-NMFS - http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/esa/listed.htm and USFWS - http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/reports/ad-hoc-species- report?kingdom=V&kingdom=I&status=E&status=T&status=EmE&status=EmT&status=EXPE &status=EXPN&status=SAE&status=SAT&mapstatus=3&fcrithab=on&fstatus=on&fspecrule=o n&finvpop=on&fgroup=on&header=Listed+Animals.

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 2 Common and scientific names listed first are as they appear in the Florida Administrative Code, Title 68A. Common and/or scientific names following this and located within parentheses ( ) are names as used by USFWS, or other commonly used names.

Bradley J. Gruver, Ph. D., SCP Section Leader Caly Coffey, Assistant Listed Species Coordinator Species Conservation Planning Section Division of Habitat and Species Conservation Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Cover Photos by FWC Staff: Key Largo Woodrat, Burrowing Owls, Okaloosa Darter, Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly, Short-tailed Snake.

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 3 NUMERICAL SUMMARY OF SPECIES Listed by the State of Florida as Federally-designated Endangered (FE), Federally-designated Threatened (FT), Federally-designated Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance [FT(S/A)], Federal Non-Essential Experimental Population (FXN), State-designated Threatened (ST), or State Species of Special Concern (SSC).

STATUS DESIGNATION FISH AMPHIBIANS REPTILES BIRDS MAMMALS INVERTEBRATES TOTAL

FE 3 1 4 8 23 12 51 FT 2 1 6 6 1 15 31 FT(S/A) 0 0 1 0 0 3 4 FXN 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 ST 3 0 7 5 2 0 17 SSC 6 4 6 16 6 4 42

TOTAL 14 6 24 36 32 34 146

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 4 FLORIDA’S ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES OFFICIAL LIST

VERTEBRATES

FISH

Common Name Scientific Name Status Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus FE Blackmouth shiner Notropis melanostomus ST Bluenose shiner Pteronotropis welaka SSC Crystal darter Crystallaria asprella ST Acipenser oxyrinchus [=oxyrhynchus] Gulf sturgeon FT desotoi Harlequin darter Etheostoma histrio SSC Key silverside Menidia conchorum ST Lake Eustis pupfish Cyprinodon hubbsi SSC Okaloosa darter Etheostoma okalossae FT Rivulus Rivulus marmoratus SSC Saltmarsh topminnow Fundulus jenkinsi SSC Shortnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum FE Smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinate FE Southern tessellated darter Etheostoma olmstedi maculaticeps SSC

AMPHIBIANS

Common Name Scientific Name Status Florida bog frog Lithobates okaloosae SSC Frosted flatwoods salamander Ambystoma cingulatum FT Georgia blind salamander Haideotriton wallacei SSC Gopher frog Lithobates capito SSC Pine barrens treefrog Hyla andersonii SSC Reticulated flatwoods Ambystoma bishopi FE salamander

REPTILES

Common Name Scientific Name Status Alligator snapping turtle Macrochelys temminckii SSC American alligator Alligator mississippiensis FT(S/A) American crocodile Crocodylus acutus FT Atlantic salt marsh snake Nerodia clarkii taeniata FT Barbour’s map turtle Graptemys barbouri SSC Bluetail mole skink Eumeces egregius lividus FT

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 5 Common Name Scientific Name Status Eastern indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi FT Florida brownsnake1 Storeria victa ST Florida Keys mole skink Eumeces egregius egregius SSC Florida pine snake Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus SSC Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus ST Green sea turtle Chelonia mydas FE Hawksbill sea turtle Eretmochelys imbricata FE Kemp’s ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempii FE Key ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus acricus ST Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea FE Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta FT Peninsula ribbon snake1 Thamnophis sauritus sackenii ST Red rat snake1 Elaphe guttata SSC Rim rock crowned snake Tantilla oolitica ST Sand skink Neoseps reynoldsi FT Short-tailed snake Stilosoma extenuatum ST Striped mud turtle1 Kinosternon baurii ST Suwannee cooter Pseudemys suwanniensis SSC

BIRDS

Common Name Scientific Name Status American oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus SSC Audubon’s crested caracara Polyborus plancus audubonii FT Bachman’s wood warbler Vermivora bachmanii FE Black skimmer Rynchops niger SSC Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis SSC Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia SSC Cape Sable seaside sparrow Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis FE Eskimo curlew Numenius borealis FE Everglade snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus FE Florida grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus savannarum floridanus FE Florida sandhill crane Grus canadensis pratensis ST Florida scrub-jay Aphelocoma coerulescens FT Ivory-billed woodpecker Campephilus principalis FE Kirtland’s wood warbler Dendroica kirtlandii FE (Kirtland’s warbler) (Setophaga kirtlandii)

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 6 Common Name Scientific Name Status Least tern Sterna antillarum ST Limpkin Aramus guarauna SSC Little blue heron Egretta caerulea SSC Marian’s marsh wren Cistothorus palustris marianae SSC Osprey2 Pandion haliaetus SSC Piping plover Charadrius melodus FT Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis FE Reddish egret Egretta rufescens SSC Roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaja SSC Roseate tern Sterna dougallii dougallii FT Rufa red knot Calidris canutus rufa FT Scott’s seaside sparrow Ammodramus maritimus peninsulae SSC Snowy egret Egretta thula SSC Charadrius nivosus Snowy plover ST (Charadrius alexandrinus) Southeastern American kestrel Falco sparverius paulus ST Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor SSC Wakulla seaside sparrow Ammodramus maritimus juncicola SSC White-crowned pigeon Patagioenas leucocephala ST Whooping crane Grus americana FXN White ibis Eudocimus albus SSC Worthington’s marsh wren Cistothorus palustris griseus SSC Wood stork Mycteria americana FT

MAMMALS

Common Name Scientific Name Status Anastasia Island beach mouse Peromyscus polionotus phasma FE Big Cypress fox squirrel Sciurus niger avicennia ST Caribbean monk seal Monachus tropicalis FE Choctawhatchee beach mouse Peromyscus polionotus allophrys FE Eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus SSC Everglades mink Neovison vison evergladensis ST Finback whale Balaenoptera physalus FE Florida bonneted (mastiff) bat Eumops [=glaucinus] floridanus FE Florida mouse Podomys floridanus SSC

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 7 Common Name Scientific Name Status Florida panther Puma [=Felis] concolor coryi FE Florida salt marsh vole Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli FE Gray bat Myotis grisescens FE Gray wolf Canis lupus FE Homosassa shrew Sorex longirostris eonis SSC Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae FE Indiana bat Myotis sodalis FE Key deer Odocoileus virginianus clavium FE Key Largo cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola FE Key Largo woodrat Neotoma floridana smalli FE Lower Keys rabbit Sylvilagus palustris hefneri FE North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis FE Perdido Key beach mouse Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis FE Red wolf Canis rufus FE Rice rat Oryzomys palustris natator FE1 Sanibel Island rice rat Oryzomys palustris sanibeli SSC Sei whale Balaenoptera borealis FE Sherman’s fox squirrel Sciurus niger shermani SSC Sherman’s short-tailed shrew Blarina [=carolinensis] shermani SSC Southeastern beach mouse Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris FT Sperm whale Physeter catodon [=macrocephalus] FE St. Andrew beach mouse Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis FE West Indian manatee (Florida Trichechus manatus FE manatee) (Trichechus manatus latirostris)

INVERTEBRATES

CORALS

Common Name Scientific Name Status Boulder star coral Orbicella franksi FT Elkhorn coral Acropora palmata FT Lobed star coral Orbicella annularis FT Mountainous star coral Orbicella faveolata FT Pillar coral Dendrogyra cylindricus ST Rough cactus coral Mycetophyllia ferox FT Staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis FT

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 8 CRUSTACEANS

Common Name Scientific Name Status Black Creek crayfish Procambarus pictus SSC (Spotted royal crayfish) Panama City crayfish Procambarus econfinae SSC Santa Fe Cave crayfish Procambarus erythrops SSC Squirrel Chimney Cave shrimp Palaemonetes cummingi FT

INSECTS

Common Name Scientific Name Status American burying beetle Nicrophorus americanus FE Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak Strymon acisbartrami FE Cassius blue butterfly Leptotes cassius theonus FT(S/A) Ceraunus blue butterfly Hemiargus ceraunus antibubastus FT(S/A) Miami blue butterfly Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri FE Nickerbean blue butterfly Cyclargus ammon FT(S/A) Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus FE

MOLLUSKS

Common Name Scientific Name Status Chipola slabshell (mussel) Elliptio chiplolaensis FT Choctaw bean Villosa choctawensis FE Fat threeridge (mussel) Amblema neislerii FE Florida treesnail Liguus fasciatus SSC Fuzzy pigtoe Pleurobema strodeanum FT Gulf moccasinshell (mussel) Medionidus penicillatus FE Narrow pigtoe Fusconai escambia FT Ochlockonee moccasinshell Medionidus simpsonianus FE (mussel) Oval pigtoe (mussel) Pleurobema pyriforme FE Purple bankclimber (mussel) Elliptoideus sloatianus FT Round ebonyshell Fusconaia rotulata FE Shinyrayed pocketbook Lampsilis subangulata FE (mussel) Southern kidneyshell Ptychobranchus jonesi FE Southern sandshell Hamiota australis FT

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 9 Common Name Scientific Name Status Stock Island tree snail Orthalicus reses [not incl. nesodryas] FT Tapered pigtoe Fusconaia burki FT

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 10 KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS AND NOTATIONS

List Abbreviations

FWC = Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FE = Federally-designated Endangered FT = Federally-designated Threatened FXN = Federally-designated Threatened Nonessential Experimental Population FT(S/A) = Federally-designated Threatened species due to similarity of appearance ST = State-designated Threatened SSC = State Species of Special Concern

List Notations

1 Lower keys population only.

2 Monroe County population only.

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 10 SPECIES ADDED, REVISED, OR REMOVED SINCE 2010

The Florida black bear was removed from Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List on August 23, 2012 after approval by the Commission at the June 2012 Commission meeting. A new Florida Black Bear Management Plan was also approved at this meeting.

The Miami blue butterfly was emergency listed as Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on August 10, 2011. On April 6, 2012, the Miami blue was officially listed as Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Effective September 9, 2012 the FWC listed the Miami blue butterfly as Federally-designated Endangered on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List.

The Cassius blue butterfly, ceraunus blue butterfly, and nickerbean blue butterfly were emergency listed as Threatened Due to Similarity of Appearance to the Miami blue by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on August 10, 2011. On April 6, 2012, these three species were officially listed as Threatened Due to Similarity of Appearance to the Miami blue by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These three species were listed on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List as Federally-designated Threatened by Similarity of Appearance to the Miami blue butterfly effective September 9, 2012, and as such only the following prohibitions apply to these three species: a.Incidental take, that is, take that results from, but is not a purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity will not apply to cassius blue butterfly, ceraunus blue butterfly, and nickerbean blue butterfly. b.Collection of the cassius blue butterfly, ceraunus blue butterfly, and nickerbean blue butterfly is prohibited in coastal counties south of Interstate 4 and extending to the boundaries of the State of Florida at the endpoints of Interstate 4 at Tampa and Daytona Beach. Specifically, such activities are prohibited in the following counties: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, De Soto, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota, St. Lucie, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, and Volusia

The Okaloosa darter was reclassified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on effective May 2, 2011 from Endangered to Threatened. A special rule under Section 4d of the Endangered Species Act was also adopted that allows Eglin Air Force Base to continue activities with a reduced regulatory burden and will provide a net benefit to the Okaloosa darter.

Several species of mussels were Federally listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 10, 2012. These species include the: round ebonyshell, southern kidneyshell, Choctaw bean (all Endangered), tapered pigtoe, narrow pigtoe, southern sandshell, and fuzzy pigtoe (all Threatened).

The Florida bonneted bat was Federally listed as Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on October 2, 2013 after receiving a petition for emergency listing.

The wood stork was reclassified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on June 30, 2014, from Endangered to Threatened.

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 11 The rufa red knot was Federally listed as Threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on January 12, 2015.

Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species List 12

Appendix E

FNAI Tracking List of Listed / Ranked Floral Species in Marion County, FL Pigeon-Roberts & Associates, LLC – Rainbow Springs 5th Replat CP 72: Ponds 2166, 2176 & 2188 3.5 Acres (MOL) in Sections 13 & 24, Township 16S, Range 18E Marion County, Florida September 22, 2016

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]

FNAI - Search http://fnai.org/bioticssearch.cfm

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MARION COUNTY 39 Plants & Lichens Found Last Updated: June 2016

Key Scientific Name is linked to the FNAI Online Field Guides when available.

- links to NatureServe Explorer, an online encyclopedia of more than 55,000 plants, animals, and natural communities in North America, compiled by the NatureServe network of natural heritage programs, of which the Florida Natural Areas Inventory is a member.

- links to a species distribution map (Adobe SVG viewer required). If your browser does not support Adobe SVG, try this link

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SEARCH RESULTS

NOTE: This is not a comprehensive list of all species and natural communities occurring in the location searched. Only elements documented in the FNAI database are included and occurrences of natural communities are excluded. Please see FNAI Land Cover information or Reference Natural Community map for more information on communities.

Plants and Lichens E X P L A N A T I O N Global State Federal State Scientific Name Common Name Rank Rank Status Status

Adiantum tenerum Brittle Maidenhair Fern G5 S3 E

Agrimonia incisa Incised Groove-bur G3 S2 T

Asplenium heteroresiliens Wagner's Spleenwort GNA S1 N

Asplenium pumilum Dwarf Spleenwort G5 S1 E

Asplenium x curtissii Curtiss' Spleenwort GNA S1 N

Bonamia grandiflora Florida Bonamia G3 S3 T E

Calamintha ashei Ashe's Savory G3 S3 T

Carex chapmanii Chapman's Sedge G3 S3 T

Centrosema arenicola Sand Butterfly Pea G2Q S2 E

1 of 3 9/26/2016 4:23 PM FNAI - Search http://fnai.org/bioticssearch.cfm

Clitoria fragrans Scrub Pigeon-wing G3 S3 T E

Coelorachis tuberculosa Piedmont Jointgrass G3 S3 T

Dicerandra cornutissima Longspurred Mint G1 S1 E E

Digitaria gracillima Longleaf Fingergrass G1 S1 N

Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium Scrub Buckwheat G4T3 S3 T E

Euphorbia commutata Wood Spurge G5 S2 E

Forestiera godfreyi Godfrey's Swampprivet G2 S2 E

Hartwrightia floridana Hartwrightia G2 S2 T

Illicium parviflorum Star Anise G2 S2 E

Litsea aestivalis Pondspice G3? S2 E

Matelea floridana Florida Spiny-pod G2 S2 E

Monotropa hypopithys Pinesap G5 S1 E

Monotropsis reynoldsiae Pygmy Pipes G1Q S1 E

Najas filifolia Narrowleaf Naiad G1 S1 T

Nolina atopocarpa Florida Beargrass G3 S3 T

Nolina brittoniana Britton's Beargrass G3 S3 E E

Parnassia grandifolia Large-leaved Grass- G3 S2 E of-parnassus

Pecluma dispersa Widespread Polypody G5 S2 E

Pecluma plumula Plume Polypody G5 S2 E

Pecluma ptilodon Swamp Plume Polypody G5? S2 E

Polygala lewtonii Lewton's Polygala G2G3 S2S3E E

Pteroglossaspis ecristata Giant Orchid G2G3 S2 T

Pycnanthemum floridanum Florida Mountain-mint G3 S3 T

Salix floridana Florida Willow G2 S2 E

Sideroxylon alachuense Silver Buckthorn G1 S1 E

Sideroxylon lycioides Buckthorn G5 S2 E

2 of 3 9/26/2016 4:23 PM FNAI - Search http://fnai.org/bioticssearch.cfm

Spigelia loganioides Pinkroot G2Q S2 E

Stylisma abdita Scrub Stylisma G3 S3 E

Vicia ocalensis Ocala Vetch G1 S1 E

Warea amplexifolia Clasping Warea G1 S1 E E

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3 of 3 9/26/2016 4:23 PM

Appendix F Invasive Exotic Plant Reference Material

Pigeon-Roberts & Associates, LLC – Rainbow Springs 5th Replat CP 72: Ponds 2166, 2176 & 2188 3.5 Acres (MOL) in Sections 13 & 24, Township 16S, Range 18E Marion County, Florida September 22, 2016

2716 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto, Florida 34461 È Phone (352) 249-1012 s Fax (352) 249-1013 s E mail: [email protected]