Vol. 80 Tuesday, No. 193 October 6, 2015

Part II

Department of the Interior

Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum (Florida Bristle Fern); Final Rule

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Listing a species as an endangered or Species Description threatened species can only be Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Fish and Wildlife Service completed by issuing a rule. This rule floridanum, commonly referred to as the will finalize the listing of the Florida bristle fern, is mat-forming, has 50 CFR Part 17 Trichomanes punctatum ssp. root-like structures, and contains [Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2014–0044; floridanum (Florida bristle fern) as an trichomes (hairlike/bristlelike 4500030113] endangered species. outgrowths), which extend from soral The basis for our action. Under the RIN 1018–AY97 involucres (tubes containing sporangia Act, we can determine that a species is (an enclosure in which spores, or Endangered and Threatened Wildlife an endangered or threatened species reproductive cells, are formed)) on the and Plants; Endangered Species based on any of five factors: (A) The tips of some fronds (leaves of ferns) Status for Trichomanes punctatum present or threatened destruction, when the plant is fertile (Wunderlin and ssp. floridanum (Florida Bristle Fern) modification, or curtailment of its Hansen 2000, pp. 153–154). This habitat or range; (B) Overutilization for subspecies is very small in size and AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, commercial, recreational, scientific, or superficially resembles bryophytes, Interior. educational purposes; (C) Disease or such as mosses and liverworts, making ACTION: Final rule. predation; (D) The inadequacy of it difficult to observe in its natural existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) habitat. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Other natural or manmade factors Wunderlin and Hansen (2000, pp. Wildlife Service (Service), determine affecting its continued existence. We 153–154) described Trichomanes endangered species status under the have determined that the threats to punctatum ssp. floridanum as having Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), Trichomanes punctatum ssp. leaves, with the petiole (stalk by which as amended, for Trichomanes floridanum consist primarily of a leaf is attached to a plant) 0.1–2.0 punctatum ssp. floridanum (Florida destruction and modification of habitat centimeters (cm) (0.04–0.79 inches (in)) bristle fern), a plant subspecies from (Factor A), proliferation of nonnative long and typically shorter than the Miami-Dade and Sumter Counties, invasive species, natural stochastic blade. The blade is fan-shaped, round, Florida. The effect of this regulation will events including hurricanes and tropical entire or irregularly lobed at the apex, be to add this subspecies to the Federal storms, and impacts from climate and 0.5–2.0 cm (0.20–0.79 in) long and List of Endangered and Threatened change including temperature shifts and 0.2–1.1 cm (0.08–0.43 in) wide. T. p. Plants and extend the Act’s protections sea level rise (Factor E), and that ssp. floridanum has thin veinlets (small to this subspecies. existing regulatory mechanisms have veins) that are not enlarged towards the DATES: This rule becomes effective on not reduced or removed such threats margin while true veins are uniform in November 5, 2015. (Factor D). width to their apices (tips) (Nauman ADDRESSES: This final rule is available Peer review and public comment. We 1986, p. 179). This subspecies has few on the internet at http:// sought comments from independent false veins, and fronds are considered www.regulations.gov and http:// specialists to ensure that our simple (Morton 1963, p. 89). www.fws.gov/verobeach/. Comments designation is based on scientifically One unusual characteristic of this and materials we received, as well as sound data, assumptions, and analyses. plant is that it lacks cuticles (the supporting documentation we used in We invited these peer reviewers to protective layer that covers the preparing this rule, are available for comment on our listing proposal. We epidermis, which is the outermost layer public inspection at http:// also considered all comments and of cells that cover the leaves) or has www.regulations.gov. All of the information received during the highly reduced cuticles. The fern has comments, materials, and comment period. differentiated epidermises and stomata documentation that we considered in Previous Federal Actions (small openings in leaves and stems this rulemaking are available by through which gases are exchanged), appointment, during normal business Please refer to the proposed listing causing it to be dependent on elevated hours at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, rule for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. moisture conditions because a barrier is South Florida Ecological Services floridanum (79 FR 61136), published on not present to prevent unregulated loss Office, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL October 9, 2014, for a detailed of water (Kro¨mer and Kessler 2006, p. 32960; telephone 772–562–3909. description of previous Federal actions 57). This dependence restricts most FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: concerning this subspecies. Trichomanes ssp. to shaded areas Roxanna Hinzman, Field Supervisor, Our proposed listing rule included a within forested environments with high U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, South finding that designation of critical humidity, making them more vulnerable Florida Ecological Services Office, 1339 habitat was prudent, but that critical to changes in localized climatic 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960, by habitat was not determinable. In this conditions (Schuster 1971, p. 91; telephone 772–562–3909 or by facsimile final listing rule, we find that critical Nauman 1986, pp. 181–182; van der 772–562–4288. Persons who use a habitat is still not determinable (see Heiden 2014, p. 5). telecommunications device for the deaf Critical Habitat discussion below). (TDD) may call the Federal Information Taxonomy Background Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. The genus Trichomanes contains SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Below we present updated and approximately 320 species of ferns that revised information, based on peer occur primarily in the tropics and for Executive Summary review and public comment received which we generally lack ecological Why we need to publish a rule. Under during the comment period on the information (Nauman 1986, p. 179; the Act, a species may warrant proposed rule, as well as new Nelson 2000, p. 77). The genus belongs protection through listing if it is information, related to the subspecies’ to the family Hymenophyllaceae and the endangered or threatened throughout all life history, historical and current hymenophylloid clade, where ferns are or a significant portion of its range. ranges, and habitat requirements. also referred to as filmy ferns, which

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describes the thin, filmy leaves of the 2008, (http:// gametophyte stage. The gametophyte species (Nelson 2000, p. 77). The www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/ contains separate sperm and egg- common name, bristle fern, is used to Plant.aspx?id=1122), producing structures. In the presence of reference the bristlelike structure that • The Flora of North America water or moisture, sperm reach the eggs singularly protrudes from each soral (http://www.efloras.org/ for fertilization. Fertilized eggs, under involucre (a structure that holds and florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_ the proper conditions, develop into produces spores) (Nelson 2000, p. 77). id=233501316), and sporophytes. The sporophytes produce Five species commonly known as • The Florida Natural Areas spores, which in turn can germinate to bristle ferns (Trichomanes ssp.) have Inventory (FNAI) (FNAI, 2013, http:// produce new gametophytes (Nelson been found in Florida (Kro¨mer and fnai.org/trackinglist.cfm). 2000, pp. 17–19). Reproduction may Kessler 2006, p. 57). Trichomanes In summary, there is consensus that also occur in one other way: By punctatum ssp. floridanum is a Trichomanes punctatum ssp. division, when rhizomes (horizontal, subspecies of Trichomanes punctatum, floridanum is a distinct taxon. underground plant stems capable of the current taxonomy of which is the Currently there are two extant producing the shoot and root-like result of monographic revision of metapopulations (groups of spatially structures of a new plant) break, forming Trichomanes sections (a taxonomic rank separated populations) of this clones of the parent plant. or position below the genus but above subspecies (Gann et al. 2002, pp. 552– Although it has been suggested that the species) Didymoglossum and 554), comprising four populations in plants sporulate (produce spores) Microgonium by Wessels Boer (1962, Miami-Dade County and two in Sumter mostly in the spring and summer pp. 300–301). All U.S. species of County, separated by a distance of (Nauman 1986, p. 182), field Trichomanes now belong to the section approximately 400 kilometers (km) (249 observations in Miami-Dade County Didymoglossum, except T. boschianum miles (mi)). As noted by Small (1938, p. have observed sporangia in the months (Morton 1963). Wessels Boer, in 50), the Sumter metapopulation is a of February, March, May, August, reviewing specimens from throughout considerable distance from where T. p. October, and December. The plants are the American tropics, determined that ssp. floridanum was first discovered likely fertile any time of year; however, all Trichomanes punctatum plants in (i.e., south Florida) and resides in a during the dry season, sporophytes have Florida represented the same taxon, not climate and habitat unlike the Miami- been observed to desiccate and probably two separate species, and that T. Dade County metapopulation. These do not produce spores (Possley 2013d, sphenoides (which he described as T. differences are likely why Morton (1963, pers. comm.). In Sumter County, punctatum ssp. sphenoides) does not p. 90) suggested that the previous sporangia have been observed from occur in Florida. He further determined determination of these two April through September; however, that Trichomanes punctatum plants in metapopulations be reviewed. In March researchers suggest they are likely Florida were different from those in the 2014, the Service contracted researchers producing all year, with peaks in the tropics and described them as a new from Florida Atlantic University to wet season (van der Heiden 2013c, pers. subspecies, Trichomanes punctatum determine if the two metapopulations comm.). For Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum (Boer 1962, pp. 300– were the same subspecies. Samples ssp. floridanum, specific reproductive 301). This treatment has been followed were collected from both and growth requirements, such as by almost all subsequent authors (Lakela metapopulations for genetic analysis. moisture levels needed for each stage of and Long 1976, p. 53; Wunderlin 1982, DNA was isolated from the samples, and its life history, plant longevity, growth p. 32; Lellinger 1985, p. 205; Nauman sequencing was completed on five rates, recruitment rates, dispersal 1986, p. 181; Flora of North America samples from each metapopulation. methods, and genetic variation, are Editorial Committee 1993, p. 196; Researchers found no observable currently unknown. Wunderlin 1998, p. 44; Nelson 2000, p. differences in the sequence between the Organizations such as the Institute for 81; Wunderlin and Hansen 2000, p. 153; five samples collected from Miami-Dade Regional Conservation (IRC) and Wunderlin and Hansen 2003, p. 44). County and the five samples from Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden The only exception is Long and Lakela Sumter County, indicating that both (Fairchild) are working together to (1971, p. 73), who treated the subspecies metapopulations are the same understand the biology and life history as T. punctatum without further subspecies (Hughes 2014, pp. 1–4). of Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum. In 2002, IRC and Fairchild explanation. Additionally, the following Life History entities use the name T. p. ssp. collaborated with fern culture experts floridanum and indicate that this The life cycle of ferns is not from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens subspecies’ taxonomic standing is commonly understood (Possley 2014c, (MSBG) in Sarasota, Florida, and tissue accepted: pers. comm.). Information about the culture experts at the Lindner Center for • Florida Department of Agriculture specific life cycle of T. p. ssp. Conservation and Research on and Consumer Services (2013, https:// floridanum is also lacking. Like all Endangered Wildlife (CREW) in www.flrules.org/gateway/ ferns, this taxon has two life-history Cincinnati, Ohio (Gann et al. 2009, pp. RuleNo.asp?title=PRESERVATION%20 stages, a gametophyte stage and a 35–36). Currently, Fairchild maintains OF%20NATIVE%20FLORA% sporophyte stage, and only the fewer than five healthy clusters of T. p. 20OF%20FLORIDA&ID=5B-40.0055), sporophyte form is recognizable in the ssp. floridanum from plants obtained in • The Integrated Taxonomic wild, while the gametophyte form is local hammocks (tropical hardwood Information System (2011, p. 1), very cryptic (Possley 2013a, pers. forests) that are monitored by their • NatureServe (2013, http:// comm.; van der Heiden 2013b, pers. organization. The success of this effort explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/ comm.). Therefore, all reported to grow healthy T. p. ssp. floridanum NatureServe?loadTemplate=tabular_ populations of Trichomanes punctatum has yet to be determined due to several report.wmt&paging=home& ssp. floridanum have been in the factors, including: Slow growth rates, save=all&sourceTemplate= sporophyte stage. the formation of unusual linear fronds, reviewMiddle.wmt), Mature plants can reproduce sexually the susceptibility to mold, and the lack • The online Atlas of Florida or asexually. The initial stage, when a of sporulation (Possley et al. 2013, pp. Vascular Plants (Wunderlin and Hansen spore germinates, is referred to as the 43–45). However, researchers at CREW

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have recently developed a successful greater temperature variations, as in interior, while the margins can be method to culture T. p. ssp. floridanum Sumter County, this temperature almost impenetrable due to dense in-vitro and cryopreserve (to preserve by minimization effect can help prevent growth of smaller shrubs, trees, and freezing at low temperatures) frost damage to the interior of the vines (FNAI 2010, pp. 24–27). The sporophytes (V. Pence, submitted; Pence hammock (FNAI 2010, p. 25). Mesic canopy cover is typically very dense and Charls 2006, pp. 29–34). The new conditions are further maintained by the where Trichomanes punctatum ssp. plants from CREW have recently been hammock’s rounded canopy profile, floridanum occurs. In Miami-Dade transferred to MSBG, and plans are which deflects winds, limiting County, the hammocks consist of a mix under way to establish T. p. ssp. desiccation during dry periods and of temperate and tropical hardwood floridanum onto limestone rock, which reducing interior storm damage (FNAI trees, both canopy and understory, could potentially be transferred to 2010, p. 25). Changes in the canopy can including Ocotea coriacea (lancewood), solution hole (see description under impact humidity and evaporation rates, Coccoloba diversifolia (pigeon plum), ‘‘Habitat’’ section, below) walls for as well as the amount of light available Quercus virginiana (live oak), eventual reintroduction to the wild to the understory. Simarouba glauca (paradise tree), Ficus (Holst 2014, pers. comm.). In Miami-Dade County, Trichomanes aurea (strangler fig), and Sideroxylon It is important to note that the punctatum ssp. floridanum is generally foetidissimum (mastic) (see Snyder et al. numerous efforts to cultivate epipetric (a plant that grows on rocks) 1990, p. 241, for complete list). Soils Trichomanes punctatum ssp. or epiphytic (a plant that grows non- where T. p. ssp. floridanum is extant in floridanum ex-situ for possible future parasitically upon another plant), Miami-Dade County generally consist of reintroduction have been only partially typically growing in rocky outcrops of an uneven layer of highly organic soil successful. Researchers have not been rockland hammocks, in oolitic overlying rock (Snyder et al. 1990, p. able to propagate T. p. ssp. floridanum (composed of minute rounded 238); soils are classified as Matecumbe via sexual reproduction. Although they concretions resembling fish eggs) Muck (moderately well-drained soils have been able to maintain the limestone solution holes (see that are very shallow) (Florida subspecies in cultivation in the description below), and, occasionally, Geographic Data Library 2013, http:// greenhouse for several months at a time, on tree roots in limestone-surrounded www.fgdl.org/). Soils from historical and and temporarily establish rhizome areas (Phillips 1940, p. 166; Nauman extant records consist of the following growth onto limestone rock, the 1986, p. 180; Whitney et al. 2004, pp. soil types: Krome Very Gravelly Loam, propagated fern eventually declines or 105–106; Possley 2013e, pers. comm.; Cardsound Silty Clay Loam-Rock becomes overrun with mosses. Even van der Heiden 2014b, pers. comm.). Outcrop Complex, Opalocka Sand-Rock when there is vegetative growth, there is These rockland habitats are outcrops Outcrop Complex, and Dania Muck. no sign of spore production (Holst 2014, primarily comprising marine limestone The limestone solution holes are pers. comm.). representing the distinct geological considered specialized habitat within formation of the Miami Rock Ridge, a these hammock areas that host Habitat feature that encompasses a broad area Trichomanes punctatum ssp. In southeastern North America, from Miami to Homestead, Florida, and floridanum, as well as several other fern Trichomanes ssp. are considered rare narrows westward through the Long species (Snyder et al. 1990, p. 247). The because of their delicate nature and Pine Key area of Everglades National solution hole features that dominate the requirements for deeply sheltered Park (ENP) (Snyder et al. 1990, pp. 233– rock surface in the Miami Rock Ridge habitats with almost continuous high 234). Several endemic plant species are steep-sided pits, varying in size, moisture and humidity (Farrar 1993, pp. have been identified to be closely formed by dissolution of subsurface 190–197; Zots and Buche 2000, p. 203), associated with the rocklands of limestone followed by a collapse above restricting them from a more southern Florida; these plants are (Snyder et al. 1990, p. 236). Limestone widespread pre-glaciation distribution. believed to have no adaptation for long- solution holes vary in size, from shallow Trichomanes punctatum ssp. distance dispersal, suggesting a lengthy holes less than 0.5 meter (m) (1.6 feet floridanum is considered strongly period of evolution on rocky substrate (ft)) deep to those that cover over 100 m2 hygrophilous (growing or adapted to in southern Florida (Snyder et al. 1990, (1,076 ft2) and are several meters deep damp or wet conditions) and generally p. 236). (Snyder et al. 1990, p. 238). The bottoms perceived as restricted to constantly Rockland hammocks are a type of rich of most solution holes are filled with humid microhabitat (Kro¨mer and tropical hardwood forest on upland sites organic soils, while deeper solution Kessler 2006, p. 57). T. p. ssp. in areas where limestone is very near holes penetrate the water table and have floridanum occurs only in the United the surface and often exposed. Once (at least historically) standing water for States in the State of Florida. In Florida, numerous throughout South Florida, part of the year (Snyder et al. 1990, pp. T. p. ssp. floridanum is known to occur these rockland hammocks have a 236–238). Humidity levels are higher in only in Miami-Dade and Sumter diverse closed canopy and shrub layer, and around the solution holes because Counties. where more than 120 native tree and of standing water and moisture retained Both extant metapopulations occur in shrub species are known to occur, in the organic soils. Many tropical, dense canopy habitats, with shady including a number of rare plant and epipetric plant species are associated conditions that may be obligatory due to animal species, federally listed and with the sinkholes and solution holes in the poikilohydric (i.e., possessing no candidate species, South Florida rockland hammocks. mechanism to prevent desiccation) endemics, and tropical species at or In Sumter County, Trichomanes nature of some fern species (Kro¨mer and near the northern limit of their ranges punctatum ssp. floridanum is known to Kessler 2006, p. 57). The canopy (Phillips 1940, p. 166; Snyder et al. be epipetric, residing on limestone directly contributes to the surrounding 1990, p. 16; Gann et al. 2009, p. 3). The boulders in high atmospheric humidity humidity of an area. Dense canopies forest floor is characterized by leaf litter hammocks (van der Heiden 2013a, pers. found in rockland habitats can with varying amounts of exposed comm). The extant populations are minimize temperature fluctuations by limestone and has few herbaceous located in mesic hammocks on reducing soil warming during the day species. Rockland hammocks generally limestone boulders 0.1–1.5 m (0.3–4.9 and heat loss at night. In areas with consist of larger, mature trees in the ft) tall (see ‘‘Current Range’’ section,

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below). Mesic hammock is a developed (widespread polypody) (van der Heiden Florida, some high-elevation areas dry evergreen hardwood and/or palm forest 2013b, pers. comm.; van der Heiden and enough to support a semi-tropical mesic on soils that are rarely inundated (FNAI Johnson 2014, pp. 15–16). hammock do exist; however, most ‘‘high 2010, pp. 19–23) and commonly Within one occupied Sumter County hammocks’’ are rockland hammocks associated with hydric hammock and hammock (Rocky Hammock), the occurring on limestone (FNAI 2010, pp. mixed wetland hardwoods. The majority of Trichomanes punctatum 19–23). Q. virginiana is common in difference between mesic hammocks ssp. floridanum occur on the northern mesic hammock communities. Oak and surrounding habitats is a slight face of limestone boulders; however, species found in these hammocks tend difference in elevation. Mesic those clusters found on non-north- to possess a broader tolerance of a range hammocks occur on higher ground facing limestone generally occur in of conditions than do oaks in other within basin or floodplain wetlands; as close proximity to other boulders, trees, habitats (FNAI 2010, pp. 19–23). Mesic patches of oak/palm forest in dry prairie or within protected crevices (van der hammocks do not contain wetland trees, or flatwoods communities; on river Heiden and Johnson 2014, p. 7). Van der as found in hydric hammocks; however, levees; in ecotones (transition area Heiden and Johnson (2014, pp. 9–10) these two hammock types often occur as between two biomes or areas of distinct suggested that the northern aspect of intermixed stands. Because mesic plant and animal groups) between limestone boulders is more often hammocks are often associated with wetlands and upland communities; and inhabited by this taxon because of the hydric hammocks, with wetlands, or as at the edges of lakes, sinkholes, other reduced exposure to sunlight, a transition to uplands, they are depressional or basin wetlands, and promoting cooler temperatures and sensitive to hydrologic alteration in the river floodplains where natural fires do higher moisture as compared to other landscape. For example, changes in not occur (FNAI 2010, pp. 19–23). sun-exposed sections of rock. This may flooding frequency and/or duration can Recent field surveys (van der Heiden also be the case for those clusters kill most mesic hammock tree species, 2015a, p. 6; van der Heiden 2015b, shielded by other boulders, by trees, or while lowered water tables can shift unpublished data; van der Heiden in crevices, allowing the plant to grow vegetation towards xeric species or 2015c, unpublished data) have provided on any portion of the shielded rock as promote wildfires, destroying the additional information regarding long as moisture levels remain high hammock (FNAI 2010, pp. 19–23). potential suitable habitat in Sumter enough to prevent desiccation (van der Mesic hammocks may be distinguished County. These surveys, conducted by Heiden and Johnson 2014, pp. 9–10). from rockland hammocks by the IRC and funded by the Service, Additionally, both populations of T. p. dominance of temperate species in the delineated suitable habitat within and ssp. floridanum in Sumter County grow canopy, whereas rockland hammocks around the Jumper Creek Tract of the within the northern quadrant of each are composed of predominantly tropical Withlacoochee State Forest. Within hammock. woody species. surveyed areas, IRC mapped all suitable Soils of mesic hammock are sands Trichomanes punctatum ssp. substrate found in areas having suitable mixed with organic matter, often floridanum in Sumter County can be canopy and hydrology to support containing a thick layer of leaf litter and found under a dense canopy including growth of Trichomanes punctatum ssp. generally well-drained. Although some Q. virginiana, Sabal palmetto (cabbage floridanum. The resulting map included areas maintain high-moisture soils due palm), Carpinus caroliniana (American limestone rocks and boulders in not to the accumulation of leaf litter and hornbeam), Celtis laevigata (sugarberry), only mesic hammock, but also hydric extensive canopy cover, in general, Acer negundo (boxelder), Liquidambar hammock, elevated hydric hammock, mesic hammocks can occur across a styraciflua (sweetgum), and Sapindus and (in a small number of instances) broad gradient of soil moisture saponaria (wingleaf soapberry) (van der adjacent wetland (but non-hammock) conditions, from somewhat xeric to Heiden 2013c, pers. comm.; van der habitats. The Service is still evaluating almost hydric soils. Rock outcrops may Heiden and Johnson 2014, p. 19). The this information and working with IRC also occur in mesic hammocks, hammocks where T. p. ssp. floridanum to further refine suitable habitat especially where limestone is near the has been found are also surrounded by parameters for the fern in Sumter surface (FNAI 2010, pp. 19–23). Soil a mosaic of wetlands dominated by County. Despite extensive surveys types for the extant metapopulation of Taxodium distichum (cypress trees). through approximately 1,904 ha (4,705 Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Field surveys of Sumter County ac) in and around the Jumper Creek floridanum in Sumter County include populations recorded 18 canopy species Tract, van der Heiden (2015a, p. 9) did Okeelanta Muck, Frequently Flooded, in Rocky Hammock and 12 in Tree Frog not find any new populations of T. p. and Mabel Fine Sand (i.e., deep and Hammock (van der Heiden and Johnson ssp. floridanum. very deep, somewhat poorly drained, 2014, p. 19). The average canopy closure Although there are several slowly permeable soils that formed in for both populations in Sumter County occurrences of Trichomanes punctatum sandy to clayey marine deposits, with a has been estimated to be more than 75 ssp. floridanum in Sumter County bouldery (abounding in rocks or stones) percent, where it is heavily shaded, where sunlight can be observed through subsurface and 0–5 percent slopes maintaining high humidity to reduce the canopy, generally the habitat is (Florida Geographic Data Library 2013, chances of desiccation (van der Heiden shaded throughout the year, with the http://www.fgdl.org/)). Additionally, and Johnson 2014, p. 9). Van der Heiden lowest amount of canopy cover recorded one historical record has Adamsville and Johnson (2014, p. 9) speculate this at approximately 65 percent (van der Fine Sand, Bouldery Subsurface, while dense, closed canopy can serve as a Heiden and Johnson 2014, p. 20; in another population containing a shield for T. p. ssp. floridanum to Rocky Hammock). T. p. ssp. floridanum questionable record from an extirpated inhibit the growth of other plant species has been observed growing on small population has what is classified as on the same part of an inhabited rock limestone rocks, as well as boulders Malabar Fine Sand, Frequently Flooded. area. with tall, horizontal faces with Plant communities associated with Although it is believed this numerous other species, including rare mesic hammocks vary depending on the subspecies needs high temperatures State-listed species (e.g., Asplenium latitude; tropical species gradually (although likely not above 100 degrees cristatum (hemlock spleenwort)) and increase in frequency from the central to Fahrenheit (°F); Possley 2014c, pers. widespread Pecluma dispersa southern peninsular Florida. In south comm.) and humidity, along with dense

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canopy, there is limited information on Miami-Dade County protected as a Miami-Dade County optimal temperature and humidity In Miami-Dade County, the historical Environmentally Endangered Lands ranges or thresholds for Trichomanes range of this subspecies extended from (EEL) Preserve. In 1909, the subspecies punctatum ssp. floridanum growth and its southern limit in Royal Palm was collected in Royal Palm Hammock survival. In Miami-Dade County where Hammock (now part of ENP) northeast (also known as Paradise Key), now T. p. ssp. floridanum currently is found, to Deering-Snapper Creek Hammock, within ENP, and later reported by W.E. the mean maximum temperature from which includes the modern-day site of Stafford in 1917 (Stafford 1919, p. 386; 2004 to 2013 was 29.0 degrees Celsius Smather’s Four Fillies Farm residential Gann et al. 2002, pp. 552–554). (°C) (84.3 °F), and the mean minimum area, near R. Hardy Matheson Preserve Several collections of Trichomanes temperature for the same time period (derived from Gann et al. 2002, pp. 552– punctatum ssp. floridanum were made was 21.4 °C (70.5 °F) (http:// 554), a range of at least 45 square in Miami-Dade in 1915, including: Hattie Bauer Hammock, Shields www1.ncdc.noaa.gov). In contrast, kilometers (km2) (17 square miles (mi2)). Hammock, Nixon-Lewis Hammock, yearly mean temperatures were lower Plants in Miami-Dade were known to Fuchs Hammock, and Deering-Snapper for Sumter County with 23.4 °C (74.2 °F) historically occur in at least 11 Creek Hammock. Hattie Bauer recorded as the mean maximum hammocks: Deering-Snapper Creek Hammock, now a Miami-Dade County temperature from 2004 to 2013, and 11.8 Hammock, Castellow Hammock, Silver conservation area, has numerous °C (53.2 °F) as the mean minimum Palm Hammock (also known as subsequent collection records by Small temperature for the same time period Caldwell), Ross Hammock, Royal Palm (1915, 1916), Correll (1936), and (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Hammock (in ENP), Hattie Bauer McFarlin (1934, 1940) as cited by Gann Administration 2014, http:// Hammock, Shields Hammock, Nixon- 2013, http://regionalconservation.org/ www1.ncdc.noaa.gov). Lewis Hammock, Fuchs Hammock, ircs/database/plants/ Recent field studies have provided Addison Hammock (in the Deering IRCSpAccount.asp?TXCODE= some data on microhabitat conditions Estate at Cutler), and Matheson Tricpuncflor&GENUS=Trichomanes& (e.g., temperature and humidity) for Hammock. In the 1980s, T. p. ssp. SPECIES=punctatum&Author=Poir.& Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum was also documented in INFRA1=subsp.&INFRA1NAME= ssp. floridanum populations in Sumter Meissner Hammock and Cox Hammock floridanum& County. Van der Heiden and Johnson (now part of the tourist attraction INFRA1AUTHOR=Wess.%20Boer& (2014, pp. 8, 21) found average relative ‘‘Monkey Jungle’’) (Small 1918, p. 6; CommonNames=Florida%20 humidity to be around 95 percent in Small 1921, p. 211; Morton 1963 p. 90; bristle%20fern. The last known both Rocky Hammock and Tree Frog Fairchild Tropical Garden 1968, p. 1; collection in Hattie Bauer Hammock Hammock, while average ambient Nauman 1986 p. 182; Gann et al. 2002, was recorded in 1960, by T. Darling, Jr. temperature in both hammocks was pp. 552–554; Gann 2013, http:// It was subsequently reported as approximately 21 °C (70 °F) from regionalconservation.org/ircs/database/ extirpated by Gann et al. (2002, pp. 552– September 2013 to November 2013. plants/IRCSpAccount.asp? 554), until it was rediscovered in this However, during cooler periods (19–21 TXCODE=Tricpuncflor& hammock in 2011 by Possley (Possley et °C; 66–70 °F) when humidity levels GENUS=Trichomanes& al. 2013, pp. 1–2). Shields Hammock dropped slightly (by approximately 2 SPECIES=punctatum&Author=Poir.& was destroyed prior to 1991 (Cressler percent), observed plant health INFRA1=subsp.&INFRA1NAME= ssp. 1991, Handwritten Notes). Fuchs declined, demonstrating the fragile floridanum&INFRA1AUTHOR= Hammock is now part of the Fuchs nature of this taxon and its dependence Wess.%20Boer& Hammock Preserve (Gann et al. 2002, on high-humidity conditions (van der CommonNames=Florida%20 pp. 552–554), and the subspecies was Heiden and Johnson 2014, pp. 9, 21). bristle%20fern). vouchered (pressed plant samples taken J.K. Small documented Trichomanes Collection of humidity and temperature for future reference) again in 1954, by L. punctatum ssp. floridanum in 1901 at data within these same areas was J. Brass; in 1959, by T. Darling Jr.; and Deering-Snapper Creek. J.K. Small made subsequently continued through March in 1969, by F.C. Craighead (The Institute subsequent collections of the subspecies 2015. From September 2013 to March for Regional Conservation, Herbarium in and around Miami-Dade County Specimens, Floristic Inventory of South 2015, average monthly temperatures in including one in 1903, probably located both hammocks were very similar and Florida Database, September 12, 2007). ° ° in or near present-day Castellow T. p. ssp. floridanum was also ranged from approximately 12 C (53 F; Hammock (Gann 2014d, pers. comm.). in January 2014) to 25 °C (78 °F; in vouchered in Fuchs Hammock in 1993, A.A. Eaton collected additional following Hurricane Andrew (1992) by August 2014) (van der Heiden 2015a, p. specimens from Castellow Hammock in 17). The average relative humidity in A. Cressler (Cressler 12 February 1993, 1903. More recent observations of T. p. handwritten notes), and it has been both hammocks was 94.8 percent ssp. floridanum in Castellow Hammock throughout the study (van der Heiden more recently observed by Possley and include documentation by G. Gann and others over the years (Gann et al. 2002, 2015a, p. 5). This type of information K. Bradley in the late 1990s (Bradley pp. 552–554; Possley et al. 2013, pp. needs to be further explored to and Gann 1999), and subsequent 43–45). T. p. ssp. floridanum was determine habitat requirements (i.e., observations by J. Possley and others observed by G. N. Avery in 1983 in thresholds for humidity and (Gann et al. 2002, pp. 552–554; Possley Meissner Hammock (immediately temperature) for both metapopulations et al. 2013, pp. 43–45). T. p. ssp. adjacent to Fuchs Hammock) and was of this taxon. floridanum was collected by A.A. Eaton since vouchered by K. Bradley in 1997 Historical Range/Distribution in Silver Palm Hammock in 1903 and and 2002 and also observed by others reported again in 1980; however, the (Gann et al. 2002, pp. 552–554; Possley The historical range of Trichomanes 1980 report was not confirmed. The fern et al. 2013, pp. 43–45). punctatum ssp. floridanum included was collected from Ross Hammock by In 1916, J.K. Small reported southern (Miami-Dade County; see J.K. Small and colleagues in 1906. Since Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Table 1, below) and central (Sumter then, part of this hammock has been floridanum in Addison Hammock, now County; see Table 2, below) Florida. damaged, and what remains is currently located within Deering Estate at Cutler,

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currently Miami-Dade County Park; mi) northeast of Castellow Hammock range that are presumed destroyed however, these reports were never Park. Additional hammocks existing include Nixon Lewis Hammock, which vouchered (J.K. Small 1916; Gann et al. today where the taxon formerly is partially destroyed (Gann 2013, 2002, pp. 552–554). Surveys in recent occurred include Ross and Royal Palm http://regionalconservation.org/ircs/ years have yet to find any populations Hammock (in ENP) and Deering- database/plants/ of T. p. ssp. floridanum in Deering Snapper Creek Hammock. A section of IRCSpAccount.asp?TXCODE= Estate at Cutler, Matheson Hammock, or Deering-Snapper Creek Hammock was Tricpuncflor&GENUS=Trichomanes& Silver Palm Hammock (Possley 2013i, destroyed in 1912–1913, when the SPECIES=punctatum&Author= pers. comm.). The subspecies was last Snapper Creek Canal was constructed. Poir.&INFRA1=subsp.&INFRA1NAME= reported from Cox Hammock in 1989, Dredging of this canal drastically altered ssp. floridanum& by A. Cressler, where plants were the water table in the area, depleting the INFRA1AUTHOR=Wess.%20Boer& observed in a sinkhole in the tourist freshwater springs, while a large spoil CommonNames=Florida% attraction ‘‘Monkey Jungle’’ (Cressler berm from excavation of the canal 20bristle%20fern) and a station 1991, handwritten notes); it is not destroyed habitat (Metro-Dade County presumably near the Matheson known if these plants still exist. Cox Park and Recreation Department 1991, Hammock Park vouchered by G. Hammock is located about 1.6 km (1.0 p. 10). Other hammocks in the historical Peterson in 1940.

TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF HISTORICAL REPORTS AND CURRENT POPULATION AND HAMMOCK STATUS OF EACH TRICHOMANES PUNCTATUM SSP. FLORIDANUM LOCATION IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY [Gann et al. 2002; The Institute for Regional Conservation, Herbarium Specimens, Floristic Inventory of South Florida Database, September 12, 2007; Florida Natural Areas Inventory element occurrences 9/12/2013; Possley 2013c, i–j, 2014a–c; Possley 2013, 2014a pers. comm.; Gann 2013, pers. comm.; van der Heiden 2013e, pers. comm.; Gann 2014a–f, pers. comm.; Gann et al. 2001–2014). Population locations (hammocks) are numbered in chronological order by T. p. ssp. floridanum initial discovery date.]

Number of Current No. Population location Year(s) of Observer specimens population Current initial report(s) collected status hammock status

1 ...... Deering-Snapper Creek Ham- 1901 J.K. Small, G.V. 3 Extirpated Protected Area, Par- mock-Smather’s Four Fillies Nash. tially Destroyed. Farm (R. Hardy Matheson Preserve). 1915 J.K. Small, C.A. 1 Mosier. 2 ...... Castellow Hammock ...... 1903 J.K. Small, J.J. Car- 2 Extant ...... Protected Area. ter. 1903 A.A. Eaton...... 4 3 ...... Silver Palm Hammock ...... 1903 A.A. Eaton ...... 1 Extirpated Protected Area. 4 ...... Ross Hammock ...... 1906 J.K. Small, J.J. Car- 2 Extirpated Protected Area, Par- ter. tially Destroyed. 5 ...... Royal Palm Hammock (ENP); 1909 J.K. Small, J.J. Car- 2 Extirpated Protected Area. aka Paradise Key. ter. 1917 W.E. Stafford...... None 1915 J.K. Small, C.A. 2 Mosier. 1915 J.K. Small...... 3 1915 J.K. Small, C.A. 5 Mosier, G.K. Small. 6 ...... Hattie Bauer Hammock (Orchid 1916 J.K. Small ...... 1 Extant ...... Protected Area. Jungle). 1934 J.B. McFarlin...... 2 1936 D.S. Correll...... 2 1940 J.B. McFarlin...... 1 1960 T. Darling Jr...... 1 7 ...... Shields Hammock ...... 1915 J.K. Small, C.A. 1 Extirpated Destroyed. Mosier, G.K. Small. 8 ...... Nixon-Lewis Hammock ...... 1915 J.K. Small, C.A. 1 Extirpated Protected Area, Par- Mosier. tially Destroyed. 9 ...... Fuchs Hammock (Sykes Ham- 1915 J.K. Small, C.A. 1 Extant ...... Protected Area. mock). Mosier. 1954 L.J. Brass...... 1 1959 T. Darling Jr...... 1 1969 A.F. Clewell, F.C. 1 Craighead. 10 ...... Deering Estate at Cutler 1916 J.K. Small...... None Unconfirm- Protected Area. (Addison Hammock). ed 1. 11 ...... Matheson Hammock Park ...... 1940 G. Peterson ...... 2 Unconfirm- Protected Area. ed 2. 12 ...... Meissner Hammock ...... 1983 G.N. Avery ...... None Extant ...... Protected Area. 13 ...... Monkey Jungle (Cox Hammock) 1989 A. Cressler ...... None Unknown 3 Privately Owned, Partially Destroyed. 1 Initial report is questionable. 2 Precise location of sample and associated report is questionable. 3 It is not known whether the subspecies still occurs here.

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Sumter County is believed that these label data may previous collections; however, label have been incorrectly recorded, data were again minimal and the exact In Sumter County, early collections indicating a direction of south from location is uncertain. In 1959, T. Darling and herbarium label data for Floral City, when it should have been Jr. found this subspecies near Floral Trichomanes punctatum ssp. east. In all likelihood, McFarlin’s City, 11.26 km (7.0 mi) south near a floridanum are not accurate or precise collection probably referred to the location called Battle Slough. This in their location descriptions. The first population in the Wahoo area, where St. record has never been confirmed documented collection in 1936, by R.P. John previously collected because he because it is located on private property. St. John, simply states that T. p. ssp. states his collection was from the same Another specimen was found in 1963, floridanum was found 11.26 km (7.0 mi) locality where it was originally found in by O. Lakela in an area known as Indian east of Floral City. This collection is 1936. The specimen found by McFarlin close to the extant populations in Field Ledges. Lakela recorded his eventually led to reports of the taxon in location and collection to be west of Sumter (in Rocky Hammock within Citrus County (Wherry 1964, p. 232; Withlacoochee River off State Road #48. Withlacoochee State Forest), which is Nelson 2000, p. 81); however, this was This information is believed to be east-southeast of Floral City, and is never confirmed beyond the initial thought to be the location where T. p. report. Systematic surveys have not incorrect based on a site visit by Darling ssp. floridanum existed on private land been conducted in Citrus County; (1961, p. 7), stating that the Indian Field until it was cleared for cattle sometime therefore, the only documented Ledges is north of Wahoo, a locality east after 1983. A specimen found 3 years occurrences of T. p. ssp. floridanum in of the Withlacoochee River. T. p. ssp. later, by J.B. McFarlin in 1939, was this region of Florida have been in floridanum was not found again in originally thought to be T. sphenoides; Sumter County, just north of Wahoo and Sumter County until 1983, when SW. the herbarium label data described this east of the Withlacoochee River. Leonard made a collection on private collection as ‘‘South of Floral City, Several years later, in 1954, R. Garrett property known as Rocky Point, north of Florida. T. sphenoides is a misapplied collected Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Wahoo. This is presumed to be the same synonym for T. p. ssp. floridanum floridanum southeast of Floral City. It is location where St. John, McFarlin, and according to FNAI. This is the only thought to be the same location where Garrett collected their specimens. This known station in the United States.’’ It St. John and McFarlin made their population is now extirpated.

TABLE 2—SUMMARY OF PRESUMED EXTIRPATED, EXTIRPATED, AND UNCONFIRMED TRICHOMANES PUNCTATUM SSP. FLORIDANUM POPULATIONS IN SUMTER COUNTY [Gann et al. 2002; The Institute for Regional Conservation, Herbarium Specimens, Floristic Inventory of South Florida Database, September 12, 2007; Florida Natural Areas Inventory Element Occurrences 9/12/2013; van der Heiden 2013d, 2014a, pers. comm.; Gann et al. 2001– 2014). Population locations (hammocks) are numbered in chronological order by T. p. ssp. floridanum initial discovery date.]

Number of No. Population location Year of initial Observer specimens Current Current report collected population status hammock status

1 ...... 11.26 km (7 mi) East 1936 R.P. St. John ...... 1 Presumed Extirpated .. Privately Owned, Pre- of Floral City 1. sumed Destroyed. 2 ...... Floral City Area 1 ...... 1939 J.B. McFarlin...... 1 Unconfirmed 2 ...... Unknown. 3 ...... Southeast of Floral 1954 R. Garret ...... 1 Presumed Extirpated .. Privately Owned, Pre- City 1. sumed Destroyed. 4 ...... Floral City, 11.26 km 1959 T. Darling Jr...... 1 Unconfirmed 2 ...... Privately Owned, Un- (7 mi) south (Battle known. Slough) 1. 5 ...... East of Withlacoochee 1963 O. Lakela ...... 1 Extirpated ...... Protected Area. River, off State Road #48 (Indian Field Ledges) 1. 6 ...... Rocky Point, (north of 1983 S.W. Leonard ...... 1 Extirpated ...... Privately Owned, De- Wahoo). stroyed. 1 Sumter County collections and herbarium label data for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum are inaccurate in location descriptions. 2 Initial report is questionable.

Current Range approximately 400 km (249 mi) south of public lands (see Table 3, below). In The extant metapopulation of the extant metapopulation in Sumter general, Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Trichomanes punctatum ssp. County. Both metapopulations of T. p. floridanum occurs in small areas within floridanum in Miami-Dade County is ssp. floridanum are located entirely on each hammock.

TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF KNOWN EXTANT OCCURRENCES OF TRICHOMANES PUNCTATUM SSP. FLORIDANUM. [Possley 2013, pp. 1–2; Dozier 2014, Pers. Comm.; van der Heiden and Johnson 2014, pp. 5, 26]

Metapopulation location Population location Land ownership Number of Status (county) subpopulations

Miami-Dade ...... Meissner Hammock ...... State ...... 2 Extant. Miami-Dade ...... Fuchs Hammock Preserve...... County ...... 4 Extant. Miami-Dade ...... Castellow Hammock Park ...... County ...... 3 Extant.

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TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF KNOWN EXTANT OCCURRENCES OF TRICHOMANES PUNCTATUM SSP. FLORIDANUM.—Continued [Possley 2013, pp. 1–2; Dozier 2014, Pers. Comm.; van der Heiden and Johnson 2014, pp. 5, 26]

Metapopulation location Population location Land ownership Number of Status (county) subpopulations

Miami-Dade ...... Hattie Bauer Hammock ...... County ...... 1 Extant. Sumter ...... Rocky Hammock, Withlacoochee State Forest’s State ...... 1 Extant. Jumper Creek Tract. Sumter ...... Tree Frog Hammock, Withlacoochee State Forest’s State ...... 1 Extant. Jumper Creek Tract.

Miami-Dade County T. p. ssp. floridanum in Silver Palm Sumter County. However, not all of The four populations that constitute Hammock (Gann et al. 2002, pp. 552– these areas have been systematically the Miami-Dade County metapopulation 554; Possley 2013f, pers. comm.). A surveyed. Surveys were conducted of a are located in urban preserves managed sporophyte sample was collected in boulder field within Withlacoochee by the County’s EEL Program and the Nixon-Lewis Hammock by Small and State Forest’s Jumper Creek Tract (called Natural Areas Management (NAM) Mosier in 1915; however, due to the Indian Field Ledges) in August 2007 Division of Miami-Dade County’s Parks, extensive disturbance of this hammock, and April 2013 and were unsuccessful Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) subsequent surveys conducted in 2006, (van der Heiden 2013c, pers. comm.). Department (see Factor A, Conservation by IRC, could not find the taxon The discovery of new populations may Efforts to Reduce Habitat Destruction, (Bradley and Gann 2005, unpublished be possible in the area. Indeed, the Modification, or Curtailment of Its data). Over the years, IRC has completed population of this subspecies in Jumper Range, below). These EEL Preserves systematic surveys in ENP in Royal Creek’s Tree Frog Hammock is a new include: Castellow Hammock Park (39.5 Palm Hammock and other hammocks on population that was discovered in April hectares (ha)) (97.6 acres (ac)), Hattie Long Pine Key (also in ENP); however, 2013, during additional hammock Bauer Hammock (5.7 ha (14.0 ac)), sporophytes have not been found there surveys within Withlacoochee State Fuchs Hammock Preserve (15.7 ha (38.8 (Gann et al. 2009; pp. 1–66). In 2003, Forest and the surrounding area (van ac)), and Meissner Hammock (4.1 ha based on historical records, staff from der Heiden 2013c, pers. comm.). (10.1 ac)). Three of these preserves (76 ENP and IRC surveyed Royal Palm However, IRC recently conducted percent of the land area) are owned by Hammock for T. p. ssp. floridanum extensive surveys through the County; the fourth, Meissner without success; subsequent surveys approximately 1,904 ha (4,705 ac) in Hammock (24 percent), is owned by the conducted in rockland hammocks and around the Jumper Creek Tract, and State and leased to the County (Dozier throughout Long Pine Key for other rare no additional populations of T. p. ssp. 2014, pers. comm.). The population in plants also were not successful in floridanum were located (van der Fuchs Hammock Preserve includes a finding T. p. ssp. floridanum (Sadle Heiden 2015a, p. 9). new subpopulation that was found in 2013, pers. comm.). It is also possible that other subpopulations may exist in Sumter July 2013 (Possley et al. 2013, pp. 43– Sumter County 45). Fuchs and Meissner Hammocks are County. Indian Ledges, a hammock immediately adjacent to each other, and The Sumter County metapopulation located on private land near Jumper Castellow Hammock Park is 10.5 km consists of two extant populations of Creek (not to be confused with Indian (6.5 mi) to the northeast. Although the Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Field Ledges), just north of Wahoo, is fern was thought to be extirpated from floridanum that have been reported believed to be suitable for Trichomanes Hattie Bauer Hammock in 1960, another north of Wahoo, in the Withlacoochee punctatum ssp. floridanum, including a population was re-discovered there in State Forest’s Jumper Creek Tract; these dense canopy and appropriate soil 2011 (8 ha (20 ac)) (Possley et al. 2013, populations are located in Rocky (Deangelis 2014a–b, pers. comm.). Over pp. 43–45). Hattie Bauer Hammock is Hammock (located on 44 boulders) and the years, many rare ferns and orchids 4.02 km (2.5 mi) south of Castellow Tree Frog Hammock (located on 4 have been observed in the Indian Ledges Hammock and approximately 8.05 km boulders) (van der Heiden and Johnson Hammock; unfortunately, this hammock (5 mi) northeast of Fuchs and Meissner 2014, p. 7). The population in Tree Frog was heavily damaged by hurricanes in Hammocks. Hammock was discovered as recently as 2004 (Deangelis 2014a, pers. comm.). No comprehensive survey has been April 2013, during regional surveys (van Portions of the Southwest Florida conducted in rockland hammocks in der Heiden 2013c, pers. comm.). Two Water Management District (SWFWMD) Miami-Dade County where suitable additional populations were known property within the Green Swamp, more Trichomanes punctatum ssp. from private land just south of the State than 40.23 km (25 miles) southeast of floridanum habitat has been identified. Forest; however, these populations were the Jumper Creek Tract in Although these areas have been subsequently extirpated due to the Withlacoochee State Forest, may also extensively explored by numerous clearing of land for agriculture by the contain appropriate habitat for botanists and plant enthusiasts, property owner (van der Heiden 2013c, Trichomanes punctatum ssp. including sites where the subspecies pers. comm.). floridanum based on existing habitat was formerly found, due to the cryptic Recent GIS analyses show the soil features such as dense canopy, high nature of this plant it may have been type associated with known extant humidity microclimates, mesic overlooked and new occurrences may occurrences of Trichomanes punctatum hammock, and limestone outcroppings yet be discovered (Possley 2013e, pers. ssp. floridanum in the northern (Elliott 2014, pers. comm.). The comm.; van der Heiden 2013c, pers. metapopulation to be Okeelanta Muck, SWFWMD property within the Green comm.). Surveys conducted in the late Frequently Flooded; this soil covers Swamp is the only area where land 1990s, and as late as 2010, did not find approximately 1,478 ha (3,652 ac) in alteration has not occurred in Sumter

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County (11,343 ha (28,030 ac)). Portions its nodes). Fronds are scattered in Miami-Dade County of Green Swamp owned by the matted clusters along the stems, making In Miami-Dade County, there are four SWFWMD also extend into three other it difficult to count clusters, or groups populations of the fern with a total of 10 counties: Lake, Polk, and Pasco. Future of plants in the same location, and subpopulations (i.e., nine solution holes survey efforts, coordinating with local nearly impossible to accurately count and one rocky outcropping on a tree land owners and conservation individual plants (Nelson 2000, p. 79). root). Overall, this taxon occurs in small organizations in this area, may prove This issue has been encountered in areas (i.e., less than 0.5 ha (1.2 ac)) at successful in finding new populations other Trichomanes species, such as each site, with 88 percent of the total of T. p. ssp. floridanum. Trichomanes boschianum (Appalachian area in three subpopulations in Population Estimates and Status bristle fern) (Hill 2003, p. 11). As such, Castellow Hammock. Recent surveys populations are typically described by (see Table 4, below) in Miami-Dade by Trichomanes punctatum ssp. the number of clusters (i.e., groups of Fairchild (Possley 2013, pp. 1–2) found floridanum grows in dense mats and is plants in various sinkholes, on tree the fern covering a total area of rhizomatous (a horizontal stem that roots, on boulders) and the total area approximately 9.92 m2 (106.56 ft2) often sends out root-like structures from covered by the cluster. (Possley 2013, pp. 1–2).

TABLE 4—AREA COVERED BY EACH OF 10 KNOWN SUBPOPULATIONS OF TRICHOMANES PUNCTATUM SSP. FLORIDANUM IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2013 [(Possley 2013, pp. 1–2) and in Sumter County, December 2013 (van der Heiden and Johnson 2014, pp. 7, 14)]

Estimated area Number of Metapopulation Population Subpopulation covered clusters (m2)

Miami-Dade ...... Hattie Bauer Hammock ...... Hole (no tag) ...... 0.078 2–10 Miami-Dade ...... Fuchs Hammock ...... Hole 532 ...... 0.017 2–10 Miami-Dade ...... Fuchs Hammock ...... Hole 533 ...... 0.038 2–10 Miami-Dade ...... Fuchs Hammock ...... Hole 1431 ...... 0.128 2–10 Miami-Dade ...... Fuchs Hammock ...... Root 1430 ...... 0.047 1 Miami-Dade ...... Meissner Hammock ...... Hole 2319 ...... 0.145 2–10 Miami-Dade ...... Meissner Hammock ...... Hole 3337 ...... 0.713 2–10 Miami-Dade ...... Castellow Hammock ...... Hole 2332 ...... 4.688 11–100 Miami-Dade ...... Castellow Hammock ...... Hole 2331 ...... 3.925 11–100 Miami-Dade ...... Castellow Hammock ...... Hole 944 ...... 0.141 2–10

Miami-Dade County Total ...... 9.920 ...... Sumter ...... Rocky Hammock ...... N/A ...... 4.355 44 Sumter ...... Tree Frog Hammock ...... N/A ...... 0.132 4

Sumter County Total ...... 4.487 ......

TOTAL Area Covered ...... 14.407 ......

The largest known population of July 2013, totaling an area of 0.230 m2 comment on the proposal. Newspaper Trichomanes punctatum ssp. (2.476 ft2) (Possley 2013, pp. 1–2; notices inviting general public comment floridanum in Miami-Dade County is Possley et al. 2013, pp. 43–45). were published in the Miami Herald. located at Castellow Hammock (Possley We did not receive any requests for a Sumter County et al. 2013, p. 43), where it occurs in public hearing. All substantive three of the larger subpopulations. In In Sumter County, the Rocky information provided during comment October of 2011, field surveys revealed Hammock subpopulation contains 44 periods has either been incorporated extensive desiccation of this population clusters, while the newly discovered directly into this final determination or after intensive nonnative vegetation subpopulation (Tree Frog Hammock) is addressed below. much smaller with only 4 clusters removal (Possley 2013g, pers. comm.); Peer Reviewer Comments however, by November 2013, these observed (van der Heiden and Johnson plants had recovered, and the total area 2014, p. 7). Average cluster size for In accordance with our peer review covered by all clusters (i.e., two or more Rocky Hammock is estimated at 4.355 policy published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR plants next to each other) was estimated m2 (46.877 ft2) and 0.132 m2 (1.421 ft2) 34270), we solicited expert opinion at 8.754 m2 (94.227 ft2). Meissner for Tree Frog Hammock. from five knowledgeable individuals Hammock has two subpopulations; the with scientific expertise that included Summary of Comments and clusters in this hammock cover an area familiarity with Trichomanes Recommendations of 0.858 m2 (9.235 ft2) and are punctatum ssp. floridanum and its considered healthy, with no signs of In the proposed rule published on habitat, biological needs, and threats. desiccation (Possley et al. 2013, pp. 43– October 9, 2014, we requested that all We received responses from all five of 45). There is one subpopulation in interested parties submit written the peer reviewers. Hattie Bauer Hammock covering comments on the proposal by December We reviewed all comments received approximately 0.78 m2 (8.4 ft2), and 8, 2014. We also contacted appropriate from the peer reviewers for substantive three subpopulations of T. p. ssp. Federal and State agencies, scientific issues and new information regarding floridanum at Fuchs Hammock, with an experts and organizations, and other the listing of Trichomanes punctatum additional one that was discovered in interested parties and invited them to ssp. floridanum. The peer reviewers

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generally concurred with our methods Our Response: Table 2 is a composite floridanum in the Life History section and conclusions and provided of populations that are presumed from not well known to not commonly additional information, clarifications, extirpated, extirpated, or unconfirmed understood, as suggested by one of the and suggestions to improve the final (where the report was questionable). commenters. The second part of the rule. Table 3 is a summary of the known sentence, which includes information (1) Comment: One peer reviewer extant occurrences of Trichomanes on other members of the genus noted that he was unaware of any punctatum ssp. floridanum. The title of Trichomanes, is unnecessary and has documentation that Trichomanes Table 2 has been modified for clarity in been removed. We have also revised the punctatum ssp. floridanum formed the final rule. last sentence in that paragraph to best gemmae, as stated in the proposed rule. (5) Comment: One peer reviewer describe the gametophyte and He commented that the works cited noted that numerous efforts to cultivate sporophyte forms. were in reference to other species of Trichomanes punctatum ssp. (7) Comment: One commenter noted Trichomanes and Hymenophyllaceae, in floridanum ex-situ for possible future that Trichomanes punctatum ssp. general. Also, the peer reviewer pointed reintroduction have only been partially floridanum bristles do not protrude out a reference (Hughes 2014) in the successful and provided information on from the sporangia, but rather one proposal that the two metapopulations ex-situ reproduction efforts. The bristle protrudes from each soral have no observable genetic differences. reviewer noted that, given the problems involucre, which is the tube that also The peer reviewer noted that, in the Life with ex-situ reproduction, it is critical houses the sporangia. History section, the proposal states the extant wild populations be protected Response: We have corrected this many traits of the subspecies, such as to the greatest extent possible. information in the Background section ‘‘genetic variation,’’ are unknown, Our Response: We have added text of this final rule. (8) Comment: Two commenters noted which contradicts the data from Hughes. explaining propagation challenges and that the four populations of Our Response: We appreciate this the importance of protecting extant Trichomanes punctatum ssp. information and have corrected and populations in the wild. floridanum within the urban preserves updated the rule as follows: (1) We Comments From the State of Miami-Dade County are cooperatively removed the phrase that stated We received one comment from the managed by Miami-Dade County’s EEL Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Florida Natural Areas Inventory Program as well as the NAM Division of floridanum produces gemmae; and (2) regarding a discrepancy between Table Miami-Dade County. One of these the term genetic variation has been 2 and Table 3. That comment is commenters suggested specific edits to removed from a sentence discussing addressed above under Peer Reviewer sections about the EEL Program and the specific reproductive and growth Comments in our response to Comment EEL Covenant Program. Both requirements that are unknown for the (4). commenters provided additional subspecies, as it conflicted with information and clarification about the previous information within the Public Comments impacts of Hurricane Andrew on Hattie proposed rule. We received eight public comments, Bauer Hammock and the recovery of the (2) Comment: Two peer reviewers three of which were from the same hammock. noted that, under the Species individual, directly addressing the Our Response: We agree that the NAM Description section, the proposed rule proposed listing. Most commenters Division of the Miami-Dade County incorrectly compares physical suggested technical corrections PROS Department and the EEL Program characteristics of Trichomanes pertaining to the Background and are significant local partners in the punctatum ssp. floridanum with ‘‘other Summary of Factors Affecting the conservation of Trichomanes bryophytes.’’ The phrase should only Species sections of the proposed rule, punctatum ssp. floridanum. As such, read ‘‘bryophytes,’’ not ‘‘other scientific names, species biology, and their efforts have been acknowledged in bryophytes.’’ citations. Some commenters suggested the final rule. We have incorporated Our Response: The word ‘‘other’’ has we include additional information and suggested edits about the EEL Program, been deleted from the text within the correct minor errors. We did not receive the EEL Covenant Program, and Hattie Species Description section because any requests for a public hearing. The Bauer Hammock. Trichomanes punctatum ssp. comments are appreciated, and most (9) Comment: A commenter provided floridanum is a fern and not a have been incorporated into the information clarifying the historical bryophyte. appropriate sections of the final rule. range of the subspecies. The text in the (3) Comment: One peer reviewer (6) Comment: Two commenters noted proposed rule reads ‘‘In Miami-Dade, noted, under the Life History section, an inaccurate statement in the proposed the range of this subspecies extended that although it is true that the listing rule that states ‘‘The life cycle of from Royal Palm Hammock (now in sporophyte form is recognizable and ferns is not well known’’ (Woodmansee, Everglades National Park (ENP)) at its spores are invisible to the naked eye, 2013, pers. comm.). One of these southern limit, northeast to Snapper that sentence does not align with the commenters also noted that the second Creek Hammock, which is located in R. previous thought in the paragraph that part of the same sentence mentions the Hardy Matheson Preserve.’’ The there are two stages, a sporophyte and life history of Trichomanes punctatum reviewer noted that portions of a gametophyte stage. ssp. floridanum and then includes other historical Snapper Creek are now Our Response: We have restructured members of the genus, which is developed and are a residential the sentence and noted that the inconsistent. One of these commenters community called Smather’s Four gametophyte form is cryptic and also noted that the next sentence in this Fillies Farm, owned by the University of invisible to the naked eye. paragraph is incorrect and provided Miami. Smather’s Four Fillies Farm is (4) Comment: One peer reviewer edits to describe the gametophyte form located in the northwestern 6.5 acres of questioned why the two extant and the sporophyte form. what was historical Snapper Creek populations in Sumter County (that are Our Response: We revised the Hammock. listed in Table 3) are not listed in Table language regarding the life cycle of the Our Response: We modified the 2. Trichomanes punctatum ssp. historical range of the subspecies to

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include the additional description of the commenters, we made the changes for adding species to the Federal Lists Smather’s Four Fillies Farm residential listed below. Additional minor of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife development within the Background corrections and edits were made in the and Plants. Under section 4(a)(1) of the section of the final rule. text of the rule. We also incorporated Act, we may list a species based on one (10) Comment: One commenter noted new temperature, humidity, and survey or more of the following five factors: (A) the proposed listing rule states, in the information from a recent study The present or threatened destruction, Species Description section, that the conducted by the IRC in Sumter County modification, or curtailment of its subspecies does not have roots and then and added information about the Clean habitat or range; (B) overutilization for later states, in the Life History section, Water Act (CWA; 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) commercial, recreational, scientific, or that the subspecies sends out roots and under Factor D. The Inadequacy of educational purposes; (C) disease or shoots. The commenter requested Existing Regulatory Mechanisms. predation; (D) the inadequacy of clarification on this issue. existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) Response: The first paragraph in the Background Section other natural or manmade factors Species Description section has been (1) We modified the information in affecting its continued existence. Listing modified to state that Trichomanes the rule regarding the relationship actions may be warranted based on any punctatum ssp. floridanum is mat- between the bristles and the sporangia of the above threat factors, singly or in forming, has root-like structures, and of Trichomanes punctatum ssp. combination. contains trichomes. The Life History floridanum and their functions. Information pertaining to section has been modified to reflect that (2) We clarified the sentence Trichomanes punctatum ssp. T. punctatum ssp. floridanum is regarding the visibility of the floridanum in relation to the five factors rhizomatous (having a horizontal stem sporophyte and the gametophyte of provided in section 4(a)(1) of the Act is and scale leaves, bearing aerial shoots Trichomanes punctatum ssp. discussed below. In considering what from its tips, and producing root-like floridanum. factors might constitute threats, we must structures from its undersurface). (3) We clarified information regarding look beyond the mere exposure of the (11) Comment: One commenter noted the historical extent of the subspecies to species to the factor to determine that the proposed listing states the include the addition of the current-day whether the species responds to the subspecies needs high temperatures and residential community, Smather’s Four factor in a way that causes actual humidity for optimum growth. The Fillies Farm, to the description of the impacts to the species. If there is commenter remarked that this Snapper Creek Hammock historical exposure to a factor, but no response, or information is vague and temperatures area. only a positive response, that factor is above 100 °F may be harmful to the (4) We added the NAM Division of not a threat. If there is exposure and a subspecies. Miami-Dade County’s PROS Department negative response, the factor may be a Response: We have modified our as cooperative managers of EEL’s threat, meaning that it may drive or statements regarding suitable preserves and clarified the difference contribute to the risk of extinction of the temperatures for Trichomanes between the EEL Program and the EEL species such that the species warrants punctatum ssp. floridanum. In addition, Covenant Program. listing as an endangered or threatened we have included new humidity and (5) We clarified that Trichomanes species as those terms are defined by the temperature data recorded in two punctatum ssp. floridanum does not Act. This does not necessarily require Sumter County hammocks where have roots and that the subspecies is empirical proof of a threat. The Trichomanes punctatum ssp. rhizomatous. combination of exposure and some floridanum is found. (6) We added information regarding corroborating evidence of how the (12) Comment: One commenter challenges to propagation and the species is likely impacted could suffice. reported that Ross Hammock continues importance of protecting extant The mere identification of factors that to exist and was not destroyed by a populations in the wild. could impact a species negatively is not hurricane in 1935. The same commenter sufficient to compel a finding that Summary of Factors Affecting the listing is appropriate; we require reported the canopy of Hattie Bauer has Species Section also recovered after Hurricane Andrew. evidence that these factors are operative Response: We have corrected these (1) We revised the information about threats that act on the species to the statements in the Background section of the impacts of the hurricane of 1935 on point that the species meets the this final rule. the habitat at Ross Hammock and the definition of an endangered or (13) Comment: One commenter noted impacts of Hurricane Andrew on Hattie threatened species under the Act. that we cannot definitively state that Bauer Hammock and Trichomanes Factor A. The Present or Threatened Trichomanes punctatum ssp. punctatum ssp. floridanum. We also Destruction, Modification, or included additional information about floridanum is extirpated outside of the Curtailment of Its Habitat or Range four known populations in Miami-Dade the recovery and restoration of that County. It is possible that gametophytes habitat in Hattie Bauer Hammock after Habitat modification and destruction, or undiscovered sporophytes exist Hurricane Andrew. caused by human population growth outside the known extant range, (2) We added information regarding and development, agricultural particularly in the ‘‘Monkey Jungle’’ the potential existence of Trichomanes conversion, regional drainage, and canal (Cox Hammock) area. punctatum ssp. floridanum in Miami- installation, have impacted the range Response: We have revised this Dade County outside of the four known and abundance of Trichomanes statement in the Summary of Factors populations, particularly in ‘‘Monkey punctatum ssp. floridanum. Secondary Affecting the Species section in this Jungle’’ (Cox Hammock). effects from hydrology and canopy final rule. changes have resulted in changes in Summary of Factors Affecting the humidity, temperature, and existing Summary of Changes From the Species water levels; loss of natural vegetation; Proposed Rule Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), and habitat fragmentation. The Based on the information we received and its implementing regulations at 50 modification and destruction of habitat from peer reviewers and public CFR part 424, set forth the procedures where T.p. ssp. floridanum was once

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found has been extreme in most areas of Castellow Hammock (Phillips 1940, p. punctatum ssp. floridanum is found has Miami-Dade County; while they have 167). Habitat impacts were further been zoned as ‘‘agricultural’’ on the been less dramatic in Sumter County, exacerbated by natural stochastic Sumter County Future Land Use Map clearing of land for agricultural events, such as the hurricane in 1935 (Sumter County 2012, p. 42). The conversion and historical logging has that impacted Ross Hammock (Phillips County exempts single-site residential resulted in very few areas where the 1940, p. 167). development and agriculture from habitat has not been modified. These Public conservation lands play a environmental review and does not threats are discussed in detail below. significant role in the recovery of regulate land clearing for a single rockland hammock habitat where future residence. Therefore, any Human Population Growth, development and habitat alteration are undocumented populations and suitable Development, and Agricultural less likely than on private lands. habitat on private lands are at risk due Conversion However, these lands could be sold off to land-clearing activities, agricultural Miami-Dade County—Rockland in the future and become more likely to conversions, and development. For hammocks are considered imperiled be developed or altered in a way that example, one Sumter County both locally and globally, with a limited negatively impacts the subspecies and subpopulation observed in 1999 on distribution and an FNAI ranking of G2 its habitat. Additionally, rockland private land was extirpated due to (imperiled globally because of rarity (6 hammock may be found on private pasture clearing on the property for to 20 occurrences or fewer than 3,000 lands; however, the fate of this existing livestock (van der Heiden 2013c, pers. individuals) or because of vulnerability habitat is unknown, as it is dependent comm.). A full survey for T.p. ssp. to extinction due to some natural or upon actions of individual property floridanum and associated suitable manmade factor)/S2 (either very rare owners (see discussion under Factor D). habitat is needed in Sumter County to and local in Florida (21–100 Therefore, we find that habitat loss due determine the severity of potential occurrences or fewer than 10,000 to population growth, development, and habitat loss on this subspecies individuals) or found locally in a agricultural conversion poses a threat to regionally, including the potential restricted range or vulnerable to this subspecies in Miami-Dade County. impact from future human population extinction from other factors)) (FNAI Sumter County—In Sumter County, growth and development. 2010, pp. 24–26, FNAI 2013). The human population growth and Due to existing agricultural and tremendous development and development has occurred, but to a residential clearing of mesic hammocks agricultural pressures in the rapidly lesser degree than in Miami-Dade and potential future clearing on private urbanizing rockland hammock areas in County. However, Sumter County has a lands, habitat loss due to human south Florida have resulted in long history of agriculture dating back to population growth, development, and significant reductions of this habitat the early 1860s. Generally speaking, all agricultural conversion poses a threat to type, which is also susceptible to fire, land that was feasible for agriculture T.p. ssp. floridanum in Sumter County. frost, canopy disruption, and was cleared at some point. In particular, groundwater reduction (FNAI 2010, pp. mesic hammocks where Trichomanes Regional Drainage and Consumptive 24–26). punctatum ssp. floridanum occurs have Use Extensive land clearing for human experienced disturbances from human Miami-Dade County—Landscape- population growth and development in activities such as logging, understory level drainage has been extensive in Miami-Dade County has altered, clearing, cattle grazing, and introduction Miami-Dade County. In the early 1900s, degraded, or destroyed hundreds of of feral hogs. These natural mesic drainage initiatives were undertaken to acres of this once abundant rockland canopies and soils have largely been modify land for agriculture and hammock ecosystem. Rockland destroyed due to their desirable development. Impacts resulted in a hammocks once occurred across the locations for living, camping, and region-wide drop in the water table Miami-Rock Ridge, usually in recreating. The global and State rank for (Nauman 1986, p. 182; Lodge 2005, p. association with pine rocklands, or the mesic hammock habitat (G3/S3) 222), disturbing rockland hammocks edges of marl prairies (areas of thin, signifies it is considered to have a and their flora (Service 1999, pp. 3– calcitic soil that has accumulated over restricted range or be vulnerable to 138), including Trichomanes punctatum limestone bedrock) or tidal swamps extinction from other factors (FNAI ssp. floridanum. Additional stress from (Service 1999, p. 122). Destruction of 2010, p. 22). regional drainage for canal construction rocklands, including rockland Concerns exist regarding future has also contributed to the decline of hammocks, has occurred since the population growth and development in this metapopulation (Nauman 1986, p. beginning of the 1900s. Historical those communities remaining in Sumter 182; see also ‘‘Historical Range/ impacts to the environment were County and on lands where Distribution,’’ Miami-Dade County addressed by Small (1938, p. 50), who urbanization and agriculture have not section, above). As a consequence of the called attention to the demise of yet been established. According to the pervasive drainage throughout Miami- Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Sumter County Comprehensive Plan, a Dade County, solution holes, which floridanum from habitat destruction, growth management paradigm has been often contained standing water during and Phillips (1940, p. 167) who developed that focuses public resources the rainy season, now hold much less, expressed his concern for south Florida on urban areas to protect existing if any, water during much of the year, hammocks due to the obvious and vast undeveloped land for agricultural use resulting in decreased ambient humidity amount of destruction of land in the (Sumter County 2012, Data and Analysis levels (Phillips 1940, p. 171; Nauman region. Early settlers in Florida cleared section). Currently, the threat with 1986, p. 182; Adimey 2013a, field hammocks for residential development, greatest impact to T.p. ssp. floridanum notes). Even though regional changes in farming, and range for livestock, while habitat in Sumter County is the hydrology have not caused extirpation industrial logging also occurred in the potential for agricultural and residential of T.p. ssp. floridanum at most region (Snyder et al. 1990, pp. 271–272). clearing of mesic hammocks on small, locations, they may have already Consistent burning of pinelands in fragmented private parcels. induced stress by promoting Miami-Dade also encroached upon Privately owned land in the area vulnerability to other stressors, such as adjacent hammocks, as in the case of around Wahoo where Trichomanes periodic long-term droughts, cold

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weather exposure, and other stochastic drainage, the hydrology of Trichomanes features essential to this subspecies. events. Furthermore, groundwater levels punctatum ssp. floridanum habitat has Field observations in Miami-Dade in the vicinity of T.p ssp. floridanum are changed drastically and has contributed County have found clusters of T.p. ssp. not targeted as part of the to the alteration in ambient humidity floridanum desiccated when the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration and temperature. immediate canopy above the ferns was Plan (CERP) (a framework and guide to For a hygrophilous (living or growing destroyed or substantially reduced, restore, protect, and preserve the water in damp places) subspecies thought to allowing high amounts of light into the resources of central and southern be restricted to a consistently humid understory (Possley 2013g, pers. Florida, including the Everglades), and, microhabitat (Kro¨mer and Kessler 2006, comm.); however, over the course of therefore, impacts from regional p. 57), high humidity is a critical factor many months, these clusters eventually drainage are not expected to be to its survival, so any habitat recovered. ameliorated by CERP. Rockland modification or destruction that changes The loss of canopy can result in plant hammocks in Miami-Dade County have ambient humidity levels poses a threat desiccation via increased sun and wind been modified as a result of hydrology to this subspecies (Nauman 1986, p. exposure, increased ambient changes, reducing the amount of water 182). As noted above, drainage efforts temperatures, changes in ambient available to these habitats. This is an implemented in south Florida have humidity, and the proliferation of exotic ongoing threat to T.p. ssp. floridanum, significantly reduced historical water species (see Factor E discussion, below). as hammocks on limestone substrates table levels, altering ambient humidity Destruction or changes in canopy of any are dependent on the underlying water in the area. It is speculated that this existing populations could result in table to keep humidity levels high, subspecies may be living in discrete elimination of an entire population. especially in limestone sinkholes areas where humidity may be at the Therefore, we find the loss of canopy (Service 1999, pp. 3–127). threshold for T.p. ssp. floridanum to through habitat loss and modification to Currently, the human population in survive. Minor drops in ambient be a threat to T.p. ssp. floridanum. Miami-Dade County is expected to grow humidity may limit reproduction and Habitat Fragmentation to more than 4 million by 2060, an can negatively impact overall health of annual increase of roughly 30,000 existing metapopulations, as well as Habitat fragmentation limits dispersal people (Zwick and Carr 2006, p. 20). inhibit the growth of new plants, and population size, and promotes Although water demands will continue impacting long-term viability (van der vulnerability among existing to rise with population increases, the Heiden, 2013c, pers. comm.; Possley populations. In Miami-Dade County, extent of future impacts on existing 2013e, pers. comm.). Van der Heiden most remaining Trichomanes habitat and the metapopulation of and Johnson (2014, p. 9) recently punctatum ssp. floridanum habitat (i.e., Trichomanes punctatum ssp. observed this in Sumter County, where Fuchs, Meissner, Castellow, Hattie floridanum in Miami-Dade County is small drops in ambient temperature and Bauer hammocks) is surrounded by unknown at this time. humidity resulted in observed declines housing development and agricultural Sumter County—In Sumter County, in the health of some clusters of T.p. land, resulting in scattered and small water drawdowns have historically been ssp. floridanum within the local natural areas. Regional drainage and minimal. Regional modeling conducted population. hydrology changes may also have by SWFWMD indicates less than a 0.06- contributed to the fragmented habitat in m (0.2-ft) current use of water in the Canopy Changes Miami-Dade County. In Sumter County, Upper Floridan Aquifer (Deangelis Canopy also is an important habitat the impacts of habitat fragmentation are 2014a, 2014c, pers. comm.). No surface feature for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. not as severe, as conservation lands are water withdrawals are currently floridanum, and, in most cases, is the on large, adjacent tracts. Future occurring in Sumter County; however, primary factor controlling surrounding development in Sumter County could they are possible in the future. temperature and humidity levels that result in an increase in fragmented Minimum flows and levels (MFLs), are critical to the survival of this habitat and pose a threat for this which are water withdrawal standards subspecies. The proper amount of high northern metapopulation (van der to limit water use set by the regional shade and low light is critical for the Heiden 2013c, pers. comm.). However, water management districts, are already persistence of this subspecies. These data regarding the impacts and established for the Withlacoochee River features help to maintain humidity and subsequent consequences from habitat portion of the Withlacoochee River prevent desiccation from excessive light fragmentation are incomplete for both watershed in Sumter County. Although exposure (van der Heiden 2013c, pers. metapopulations of Trichomanes increases in human population and comm.; Possley 2013e, pers. comm.; punctatum ssp. floridanum. Information development in Sumter County may Adimey 2013a–b, field notes). and understanding of dispersal increase water use, it is believed that Currently, in both metapopulations, mechanisms for this subspecies are also changes due to drought conditions (e.g., dense canopy cover is a necessity; currently lacking. The best available on the order of several feet) will have a however, the amount of canopy density data for other plant species regarding far greater impact on the hydrology needed to ensure survival is not yet the impacts of habitat fragmentation (Deangelis 2013a, pers. comm.). known. Changes to existing canopies suggest that habitat fragmentation is can result from land clearing and likely a stressor impacting this Hydrology Changes conversion, natural stochastic events, subspecies but does not indicate that it Hydrology is a key ecosystem competition with nonnative species, rises to the level of a threat. property that affects distribution and and nonnative species control (see viability of rare plants (Gann et al. 2009, discussion under Factor E). Conservation Efforts To Reduce Habitat p. 6). Hydrology changes have Historically, as land was developed, Destruction, Modification, or extensively modified and, in some natural features of the landscape Curtailment of Its Range cases, destroyed habitat in south changed, directly eliminating Conservation efforts to reduce habitat Florida. As a result of human Trichomanes punctatum ssp. destruction are generally focused on the population growth, development, floridanum and also eliminating conservation of land on which both agricultural conversion, and regional surrounding vegetation and habitat metapopulations occur. All known

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extant populations occur on State- or agreements and not regulatory in nature. In Sumter County, monitoring and County-owned land that is currently Miami-Dade County currently has management in Withlacoochee State protected from future development. In approximately 21 rockland hammock Forest is provided through the Florida Miami-Dade County, extant occurrences properties enrolled in this program, Forest Service (Werner 2013e, pers. of Trichomanes punctatum ssp. preserving 20.64 ha (51 ac) of rockland comm.). Habitat is assessed annually for floridanum have been protected through hammock habitat (Joyner 2013b, pers. canopy changes that may alter ambient acquisition within the County’s EEL comm.). The vast majority of these humidity levels and for impacts from Program. properties are small, and many are in nonnative plant species and feral pigs. need of habitat management, such as Additionally, surveys on SWFWMD Fee Title Properties removal of nonnative, invasive plants. property are conducted periodically to In 1990, Miami-Dade County voters Although the EEL Covenant Program assess habitat and search for rare plant approved a 2-year property tax to fund has the potential to provide valuable species in the area (Deangelis 2013b, the acquisition, protection, and habitat for unknown or future pers. comm.). maintenance of natural areas by the EEL populations of Trichomanes punctatum Summary of Factor A Program. The EEL (acquisition) Program ssp. floridanum, the actual contribution purchases and manages natural lands of these designated conservation lands Past human actions have destroyed, for preservation. Land uses deemed is largely determined by whether modified, and curtailed the range and incompatible with the protection of the individual landowners follow habitat available for Trichomanes natural resources are prohibited by prescribed EEL management plans and punctatum ssp. floridanum. Human current regulations; however, the NFC regulations (see ‘‘Local’’ under population growth and development, County Commission ultimately controls Factor D below). agricultural conversion, and regional what may happen with any County The County- and State-owned land drainage have modified, or in most property, and land use changes may areas that are protected by the EEL cases, destroyed, habitat where T. p. occur over time (Gil 2013b, pers. Program are critical to providing habitat ssp. floridanum once occurred, thereby comm.). To date, the Miami-Dade for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. limiting the subspecies’ current range County EEL Program has acquired a floridanum, as well as other native flora and abundance in Florida. total of approximately 95 ha (236 ac) of in Florida. Conservation efforts to In Miami-Dade County, habitat tropical hardwood and rockland prevent the future extirpation of T. p. modification and destruction have hammocks (Gil 2013b, pers. comm.). ssp. floridanum and other fern species severely impacted rockland hammocks The EEL Program also manages in Miami’s EEL Preserves have been that were once abundant. The approximately 639 ha (1,578 ac) of under way for many years. In Miami- Trichomanes punctatum ssp. tropical hardwood and rockland Dade County, conservation lands are floridanum metapopulation in Miami- hammocks known as EEL Preserves and and have been monitored by Fairchild Dade County is currently composed of owned by the Miami-Dade County and IRC, in coordination with the EEL four known populations, all on County- PROS Department, including some of Program and the NAM Division of managed conservation lands. the largest remaining areas of tropical Miami-Dade County’s PROS Historically, T. p. ssp. floridanum was hardwood and rockland hammocks (e.g., Department, to assess habitat status and found in an additional nine hammocks Matheson Hammock Park, Castellow determine any changes that may pose a in Miami-Dade County. Most of these Hammock Park, and Deering Estate Park threat to or alter the abundance of T. p. populations have been extirpated, and and Preserves). The EEL Program may ssp. floridanum (Possley 2013k, pers. the historical range of the southern acquire lands that were once under an comm.; van der Heiden 2013f–h, pers. metapopulation has been reduced by EEL Covenant (see description below). comm.). Impacts to habitat (e.g., canopy) nearly 80 percent. However, the However, the existence of an EEL via nonnative species and natural subspecies was observed in ‘‘Monkey Covenant is not a requirement or stochastic events are monitored and Jungle’’ (historically referred to as Cox precursor for acquisition of lands under actively managed in areas where the Hammock) in 1989, and no thorough the EEL Program. taxon is known to occur. These surveys have been conducted there programs are long term and ongoing in since then. Upon recent visitation to the EEL Covenant Program Miami-Dade County; however, programs site (Adimey 2013a, field notes), the In 1979, Miami-Dade County are limited by the availability of annual habitat features appeared to be similar established the EEL Covenant Program funding. to other hammocks where T. p. ssp. to reduce taxes for private landowners floridanum is currently known to occur who own natural forest communities Other Efforts (large solution holes, high humidity, (NFC), such as pine rocklands and To date, only one reintroduction of dense canopy, standing water). Thus, rockland hammocks. Under the EEL filmy ferns (no specific species was much of the habitat has been destroyed, Covenant Program, landowners agree indicated) was attempted by F.C. and while those fragments suitable for not to develop their property and to Craighead in the early 1960s, in several the plant remain protected in Miami- manage it for a period of 10 years, with hammocks within ENP within the Long Dade County, habitat loss and the option to renew for additional 10- Pine Key area. These efforts were modification from future development year periods (Service 1999, pp. 3–177). unsuccessful, but no explanation was or conversion on private and The EEL Covenant Program currently provided as to why they were conservation lands in Miami-Dade protects approximately 119 rockland unsuccessful (Gann 2013). Within-range County poses a threat. In addition, the hammock properties, comprising reintroductions into unoccupied habitat areas where T. p. ssp. floridanum approximately 315.65 ha (780 ac) of have historically resulted in low success currently exists are still vulnerable to habitat (Joyner 2013b, pers. comm.). rates for plants (Maschinski et al. 2011, activities in the surrounding areas, Although these temporary p. 159). Future reintroduction efforts including agricultural clearing and conservation easements provide will likely be attempted by MSBG from hydrologic alterations. valuable protection for their duration, Trichomanes punctatum ssp. The Sumter County metapopulation they are not considered under Factor D, floridanum plants grown in-vitro from of Trichomanes punctatum ssp. below, because they are voluntary CREW. floridanum is composed of two known

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populations, both on State-owned land Factor D. The Inadequacy of Existing programs providing a framework for in the Jumper Creek Tract of the WSF. Regulatory Mechanisms issuance of section 401 certifications In central Florida, the subspecies was Under this factor, we examine related to applications for section 404 historically found in as many as seven whether threats to the subspecies permits. This legislation does not additional locations. All of these discussed under the other factors are prohibit the discharge of these materials historical populations have since been continuing due to an inadequacy of an into wetlands; rather, it provides a extirpated, primarily due to land existing regulatory mechanism. Section regulatory framework that requires conversion and clearing (including for 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act requires the Service permits prior to such action being taken. cattle grazing) and the impacts of local to take into account ‘‘those efforts, if The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and regional drainage. Land clearing any, being made by any State or foreign (Corps) reviews individual permits for and hydrological alterations on private nation, or any political subdivision of a potentially significant impacts; lands adjacent to the Jumper Creek Tract State or foreign nation, to protect such however, most discharges are continue to be threats to T. p. ssp. species . . . .’’ In relation to Factor D considered to have minimal impacts floridanum populations and habitat. under the Act, we interpret this and may be covered by a general permit that does not require individual review. The destruction and modification of language to require the Service to On June 29, 2015, the Environmental habitat have resulted in changes in consider relevant Federal, State, and Protection Agency and Corps published canopy, humidity, hydrology, and tribal laws, regulations, and other such a final rule (80 FR 37054), effective fragmentation that have contributed to mechanisms that may minimize any of the threats we describe in threat August 28, 2015, that revises the the declines of this taxon. High definition of ‘‘waters of the United humidity and dense canopy cover are analyses under the other four factors, or otherwise enhance conservation of the States.’’ Specific guidance on critical for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. implementation of this revised floridanum’s survival. Therefore, any species. We give strongest weight to statutes and their implementing definition is currently lacking, but it habitat modification or destruction that appears that the revised definition is changes ambient humidity levels or regulations and to management direction that stems from those laws and likely to include hydric hammocks in canopy cover poses a threat to this areas where Trichomanes punctatum subspecies. Data regarding the impacts regulations. An example would be State governmental actions enforced under a ssp. floridanum occurs in Sumter of habitat fragmentation are incomplete State statute or constitution or Federal County among waters of the United for both metapopulations of T. p. ssp. action under statute. States. However, as noted above, section floridanum because information on Having evaluated the impact of the 404 of the CWA does not necessarily dispersal mechanisms of this subspecies threats as mitigated by any such prevent degradation to such habitats is currently lacking. Habitat conservation efforts, we analyze under from the discharge of dredge or fill fragmentation is likely a stressor Factor D the extent to which existing material. It simply provides a regulatory impacting this subspecies, but the best regulatory mechanisms are inadequate program for permitting activities that available data do not indicate that it to address the specific threats to the would result in such a discharge. rises to the level of a threat. species. Regulatory mechanisms, if they Further, discharges associated with Conservation efforts are currently exist, may reduce or eliminate the normal farming, ranching, and forestry providing some benefits to this impacts from one or more identified activities, such as plowing, cultivating, subspecies but are not sufficient to threats. In this section, we review minor drainage, and harvesting for the ameliorate the habitat threats. Therefore, existing Federal, State, and local production of food, fiber, and forest based on the best information available, regulatory mechanisms designed to products are exempt from the we have determined that the threats to address threats to Trichomanes requirement to obtain a permit. Trichomanes punctatum ssp. punctatum ssp. floridanum to determine State floridanum from habitat destruction, whether they effectively reduce or modification, or curtailment are remove threats to the subspecies. FNAI considers the State status of Trichomanes punctatum ssp. occurring throughout the entire range of Federal the species and are expected to continue floridanum to be S1, ‘‘critically into the future. The only known extant populations of imperiled in Florida because of extreme Trichomanes punctatum ssp. rarity (five or fewer occurrences or less Factor B. Overutilization for floridanum occur on State- or County- than 1,000 individuals) or because of Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or owned properties, and development of extreme vulnerability to extinction due Educational Purposes most of these areas is not likely to to some natural or man-made factor’’ require a Federal permit or other (FNAI, 2013; Element Tracking The best available data do not authorization. Summary). The IRC considers its status indicate that overutilization for Section 404 of the Clean Water Act as ‘‘critically imperiled’’ (Gann et al. commercial, recreational, scientific, or (CWA; 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) 2002, pp. 552–554). educational purposes is occurring and, establishes a Federal program for The Florida Department of therefore, we find that overutilization is regulating the discharge of dredged or Agriculture and Consumer Services has not a threat to Trichomanes punctatum fill material into waters of the United listed Trichomanes punctatum ssp. ssp. floridanum. States, including wetlands. floridanum on the Regulated Plant Factor C. Disease or Predation Additionally, section 401 of the CWA Index (Index) as endangered under forbids Federal agencies from issuing a Chapter 5B–40, Florida Administrative No diseases or incidences of permit or license for activities that may Code (State of Florida 2013, Florida predation have been reported for result in a discharge to waters of the Statutes). This listing provides little or Trichomanes punctatum ssp. United States until the State or Tribe no habitat protection beyond the State’s floridanum. Therefore, the best available where the discharge would originate has Development of Regional Impact data do not indicate that disease or granted or waived certification. The process, which discloses impacts from predation is a threat to the subspecies. State of Florida maintains regulatory projects, but provides no regulatory

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protection for State-listed plants on described earlier) are not directly Commissioners in an effort to protect private lands. applicable in the area of Miami Rock environmentally sensitive forest lands. Florida Statutes chapter 581.185, Ridge where Trichomanes punctatum The Miami-Dade County Department of sections (3)(a) and (b), prohibit any ssp. floridanum occurs, they do Regulatory and Economic Resources person from willfully destroying or indirectly limit ground water (RER) has regulatory authority over harvesting any species listed as withdrawals in other areas of south these County-designated NFCs and is endangered or threatened on the Index, Florida, including other areas of the charged with enforcing regulations that or growing such a plant on the private Miami Rock Ridge. Unfortunately, MFL provide partial protection of remaining land of another, or on any public land, thresholds in place that establish water upland forested areas designated as NFC without first obtaining the written withdrawal standards are set so low that on the Miami Rock Ridge. NFC permission of the landowner and a protection measures are rarely triggered. regulations are designed to prevent permit from the Florida Department of These low water level standards may be clearing or destruction of native Plant Industry. The statute further further exacerbated during times of vegetation within preserved areas. provides that any person willfully drought, resulting in even greater Miami-Dade County Code typically destroying or harvesting; transporting, impacts to the water table and the allows up to 10 percent of a rockland carrying, or conveying on any public overall regional hydrology. hammock designated as NFC to be road or highway; or selling or offering Furthermore, MFL standards also do not developed for properties greater than 5 for sale any plant listed in the Index as apply to wells on private property or for acres and requires that the remaining 90 endangered must have a permit from the consumptive use. The lowering of percent be placed under a perpetual State at all times when engaged in any ground water and associated changes in covenant for preservation purposes such activities. Further, section (10) of local ambient humidity have already (Joyner 2013a, 2014, pers. comm; Lima the statute provides for consultation occurred throughout south Florida and 2014, pers. comm.). However, for similar to section 7 of the Act for listed have likely contributed to the decline of properties less than 5 acres, up to one- species, by requiring the Department of T. p. ssp. floridanum and possibly half an acre can be cleared if the request Transportation to notify the FDACS and limited distribution and resilience (i.e., is deemed a reasonable use of property; the Endangered Plant Advisory Council ability to withstand stochastic (random) this allowance often can be greater than of planned highway construction at the events and recover from disturbances) of 10 percent of the property (Lima, 2014, time bids are first advertised, to the subspecies (Grossenbacher 2013, pers. comm.). NFC landowners are also facilitate evaluation of the project for pers. comm.). Plants are likely to be required to obtain an NFC permit for listed plant populations, and to further stressed by the continued any work, including removal of ‘‘provide for the appropriate disposal of lowering of ground water if additional nonnatives, within the boundaries of the such plants’’ (i.e., transplanting). large wells are created on private NFC on their property. When However, this statute provides no property for such activities as discovered, unpermitted work is substantive protection of habitat or agriculture or during extended periods pursued by RER through appropriate protection of potentially suitable habitat of drought because these types of enforcement action, and restoration is at this time. Sections (8)(a) and (b) of the circumstances are not regulated by the sought when possible. The NFC statute waive State regulation for certain water withdrawal standards established program is responsible for ensuring that classes of activities for all species on the by the SFWMD. In general, this NFC permits are issued in accordance Index, including the clearing or removal regulatory mechanism has not been with the limitations and requirements of of regulated plants for agricultural, sufficient to reduce or remove the threat the county code and that appropriate forestry, mining, construction to T. p. ssp. floridanum posed by NFC preserves are established and (residential, commercial, or changes in hydrology discussed under maintained in conjunction with the infrastructure), and fire-control Factor A by ensuring that current water issuance of an NFC permit when activities by a private landowner or his levels will persist into the future. development occurs. or her agent. Sumter County MFLs identified and The Florida Forest Service (FFS) is adopted by the SWFWMD protect the Although the NFC program is the lead managing agency for State Withlacoochee River and the Tsala designed to protect rare and important forests, as outlined in the Management Apopka lake chain, which connects to upland (non-wetlands) habitats in south Lease from the landowner (Board of the Withlacoochee in the vicinity of Florida, it is a regulatory strategy with Trustees of the Internal Improvement Jumper Creek Tract where Trichomanes limitations. For example, in certain Trust Fund of the State of Florida) with punctatum ssp. floridanum occurs. circumstances where landowners can guidance provided in chapters 253, 259, Maintaining designated MFLs will have demonstrate that limiting development and 589 of the Florida Statutes (State of a direct bearing on the design of future to 10 percent does not allow for Florida, 2013 Florida Statutes, water supply development projects, of ‘‘reasonable use’’ of the property, Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna). which there are several already additional development may be FFS is responsible for the management proposed in Sumter County (Deangelis approved. Furthermore, Miami-Dade and supervision of the multiple-use 2014c, pers. comm.). However, it is County Code provides for up to 100 guidelines of Withlacoochee State uncertain how these future projects percent of the NFC to be developed in Forest. For research on State forest would impact extant occurrences of T. limited circumstances for parcels less lands, prior approval is required. p. ssp. floridanum or suitable habitat for than 2.02 ha (5 ac) in size and requires Research deemed legitimate will be the subspecies. coordination with the landowners only issued a State Forest Use Permit if they plan to develop property or (FDACS–11228) or letter of Local perform work within the NFC authorization (The Florida Forest In 1984, section 24–49 of the Code of designated area. As such, many of the Service 2013, State Forest Handbook). Miami-Dade County established existing private forested NFC parcels Although the MFLs established by the regulation of County-designated NFCs. remain fragmented, without South Florida Water Management These regulations were placed on management obligations or preserve District (SFWMD) in southeast Florida specific properties throughout the designation, as development has not (a separate entity from the SWFWMD County by an act of the Board of County been proposed at a level that would

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trigger the NFC regulatory requirements. Therefore, the County code prevents subspecies by a wide array of sources Often, nonnative vegetation over time unmitigated destruction of endangered, (see discussions under Factors A and E). begins to dominate and degrade the threatened, or rare species only when Factor E. Other Natural or Manmade undeveloped and unmanaged NFC associated with ‘‘major developments.’’ Factors Affecting Its Continued landscape until it no longer meets the Current zoning in the Wahoo area limits Existence legal threshold of an NFC, which development to one unit per 4 ha (10 requires the land to be dominated by ac); therefore, ‘‘major developments’’ do Other natural or manmade factors native vegetation. When development of not seem to be likely in that area. In affect Trichomanes punctatum ssp. such degraded NFCs is proposed, general, existing county ordinances do floridanum to varying degrees. Specific Miami-Dade County Code requires not prevent the conversion of habitat to threats include the spread of nonnative, delisting of the degraded areas as part of agricultural use or building on sites invasive species; potentially the development process. Property with endangered, threatened, or rare incompatible management practices previously designated as NFC is plant species. Without complete survey (e.g., inadvertent spraying of T. p. ssp. removed from the list even before information for Sumter County, it is floridanum while controlling for development is initiated because of the difficult to assess the extent to which nonnatives); direct impacts to plants abundance of nonnative species, making unknown occurrences and suitable from recreation and other human it no longer considered to be habitat on private lands are at risk. activities; small population size and jurisdictional or subject to the NFC Agriculture and development are isolation; climate change; and the protection requirements of the Miami- ongoing and promoted in this County, related risks from environmental Dade County Code (Grossenbacher 2013, and no regulatory mechanisms exist that stochasticity (extreme weather). Each of pers. comm.). protect T. p. ssp. floridanum and its these threats and its specific effect on T. Although Trichomanes punctatum habitat on private lands. p. ssp. floridanum is discussed in detail ssp. floridanum is currently afforded below. Summary of Factor D some protection from outright Nonnative Species destruction on public conservation land, Currently, Trichomanes punctatum Nonnative species can stress, alter, or changes in the surrounding landscape ssp. floridanum is only known to occur that affect the subspecies are not even destroy native species and their on State and County lands; however, habitats. The threat of nonnative plant regulated. For example, the private there are no regulatory mechanisms in property known as ‘‘Monkey Jungle’’ species is ongoing due to their: (1) place that provide substantive Number and extent, (2) ability to out- (historically referred to as Cox protection of habitat or protection of Hammock) is a public attraction and is compete native species, (3) abundant potentially suitable habitat at this time. seed sources, and (4) extensive home to a considerable number of In addition, subsections of applicable primate species. Upon recent visitation disturbance within habitats. Further statutes waive State regulation for challenges exist due to limitation of to this site (Adimey 2013a, field notes), private landowners or their agents, the habitat features appeared to be resources to combat this threat, as well allowing certain activities to clear or similar to other hammocks where T. p. as the difficulty in managing fragmented remove species on the Index. Little, if ssp. floridanum currently is known to hammocks bordered by urban any, protection is afforded to T. p. ssp. live (i.e., large solution holes, high development, which often can serve as floridanum by the established MFLs in humidity, dense canopy, standing seed sources for nonnative species south Florida, as they are set very low, water). Although much of the hammock (Bradley and Gann 1999, p. 13). are rarely triggered, and are not has been altered to accommodate Nonnative, invasive plants compete applicable in the portion of the Miami captive animals and visitors, a with native plants for space, light, Rock Ridge where the subspecies significant portion of the hammock still water, and nutrients, and they limit currently lives. Established MFLs in remains untouched and overgrown with growth and abundance of natural extensive nonnative, invasive plant Sumter County can positively impact vegetation and can make habitat species. ‘‘Monkey Jungle’’ receives areas where T. p. ssp. floridanum conditions unsuitable for native plants. limited protection under the Miami- occurs, provided that these designated In south Florida, at least 162 Dade County Environmental Protection MFLs are maintained when future water nonnative plant species are known to Ordinance as an NFC, where only supply development projects are invade rockland hammocks. Impacts are portions of NFCs can be cleared once a undertaken. The NFC program in Miami particularly severe on the Miami Rock permit is obtained from the County. is designed to protect rare and Ridge (Service 1999, pp. 3–135). Additionally, Miami-Dade County has important upland (non-wetland) Nonnative plant species have oversight of any work or research habitats in south Florida. However, this significantly affected rockland completed within the local preserve regulatory strategy has several hammock and mesic hammock habitats areas; permits are required for any limitations that can negatively affect T. where Trichomanes punctatum ssp. outside work or research on County- p. ssp. floridanum. Sumter County code floridanum occurs and are considered owned lands in order to further protect prevents unmitigated destruction of one of the threats with greatest impact the habitat from potential direct or endangered, threatened, or rare species to the subspecies (Snyder et al. 1990, p. indirect impacts (Gil 2013a, pers. only when associated with ‘‘major 273; Gann et al. 2002, pp. 552–554; comm.). developments’’ and does not prevent FNAI 2010, pp. 22, 26). Nonnative Under section 13–644(a)(1) of the conversion of habitat to agricultural use plants outcompete and displace T. p. Sumter County code, ‘‘[m]ajor or building on private property. ssp. floridanum in solution holes, and developments shall identify and protect Although all known extant may form dense strata (layers) in the habitats of protected wildlife and populations of Trichomanes punctatum hammock, where it is possible that the vegetation species,’’ and in section 13– ssp. floridanum are afforded some level fern may be blanketed and smothered 644(a)(1)2.b.2, ‘‘[n]o permit will be of protection because they are on public (Possley 2014c, pers. comm.). It has also issued for development which results in conservation lands, existing regulatory been suggested that the insular nature of unmitigated destruction of specimens of mechanisms have not led to a reduction south Florida, as well as the hammocks endangered, threatened or rare species.’’ or removal of threats posed to the themselves, predispose this habitat to

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invasion by nonnative plants (e.g., the sun exposure due to the removal of S. or another introduced species (Possley proximity of seed sources, which terebinthifolia canopy has already 2013b, c, pers. comm.). increases the volume of nonnatives and occurred. In this case, the Climate Change accelerates the time it takes for the subpopulation of T. p. ssp. floridanum arrival and establishment of nonnatives) below the S. terebinthifolia tree turned Climatic changes, including sea level (Horvitz et al. 1998, p. 961). brown; however, T. p. ssp. floridanum rise (SLR), are occurring in the State of In many Miami-Dade County parks, could eventually revitalize if sufficient Florida and are impacting associated nonnative plant species comprise 50 canopy is reestablished to limit sunlight plants, animals, and habitats. The term percent of the flora in hammock exposure (Possley 2013d, pers. comm.). ‘‘climate,’’ as defined by the fragments (Service 1999, pp. 3–135). Additionally, nonnative plant control Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Horvitz (et al. 1998, p. 968) suggests the may also become a threat when T. p. Change (IPCC), refers to the mean and displacement of native species by ssp. floridanum is inadvertently sprayed variability of different types of weather nonnative species in conservation and while authorities conduct local conditions over time, with 30 years preserve areas is a complex problem nonnative removal efforts (Possley being a typical period for such with serious impacts to biodiversity 2013d, pers. comm.). measurements, although shorter or conservation. Problematic nonnative Nonnative plant species are also a longer periods also may be used (IPCC invasive plants in Miami-Dade County concern on private lands, where often 2013, p. 1450). The term ‘‘climate associated with Trichomanes these species are not controlled due to change,’’ thus, refers to a change in the punctatum ssp. floridanum include associated costs, lack of interest, or lack mean or variability of one or more Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian of knowledge of detrimental impacts to measures of climate (e.g., temperature or pepper), Bischofia javanica (bishop the ecosystem. Overall, active precipitation) that persists for an extended period, typically decades or wood), Syngonium podophyllum management is necessary to control for longer, whether the change is due to (American evergreen), Jasminum nonnative species and to protect unique natural variability, human activity, or fluminense (Brazilian jasmine), Rubus and rare habitat where T.p. ssp. both (IPCC 2013, p. 1450). A recent niveus (mysore raspberry), Thelypteris floridanum occurs (Snyder et al. 1990, compilation of climate change and its opulenta (jeweled maiden fern), p. 273). Treatment of nonnative plant effects is available from reports of the Nephrolepis multiflora (Asian species should consider canopy and IPCC (IPCC 2013, entire). swordfern), Schefflera actinophylla humidity needs of T.p. ssp. floridanum. (octopus tree), Jasminum dichotomum Various changes in climate may have Nonnative feral hogs living in the (Gold Coast jasmine), Epipremnum direct or indirect effects on species. Withlacoochee State Forest are also pinnatum (centipede tongavine), and These effects may be positive, neutral, considered a threat to this plant. Nephrolepis cordifolia (narrow or negative, and they may change over Surveys in Sumter County have swordfern) (Possley 2013g–h, pers. time, depending on the species and revealed evidence of hogs lying against comm.). other relevant considerations, such as In Sumter County, the most or rubbing their bodies against large interactions of climate with other problematic nonnative invasive species rocks, removing existing vegetation in variables (e.g., habitat fragmentation) occurring in Trichomanes punctatum the process. Recently, van der Heiden (IPCC 2007, pp. 8–14, 18–19). Projected ssp. floridanum habitat are Tradescantia and Johnson (2014, p. 11) found one changes in climate and related impacts fluminensis (small leaf spiderwort) and small rock where Trichomanes can vary substantially across and within Paederia foetida (skunkvine) (Werner punctatum ssp. floridanum had been different regions of the world (e.g., IPCC 2013d, pers. comm.). Furthermore, scraped off when a hog rubbed itself on 2007, p. 8–12). Therefore, we use Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) is found the rock after wallowing in the mud. ‘‘downscaled’’ projections when they in this locale and is considered Furthermore, rooting from hogs can are available and have been developed problematic due to its tendency to destroy existing habitat by displacing through appropriate scientific attract feral hogs, another nonnative smaller rocks where T.p. ssp. procedures (see Glick et al. 2011, pp. species associated with extensive floridanum is found to grow and 58–61, for a discussion of downscaling). habitat destruction (see below). potentially damaging or eliminating a As to Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Agricultural fields in proximity to the cluster (Werner 2013d, pers. comm.). In floridanum, downscaled projections Sumter metapopulation are a nonnative Withlacoochee State Forest, damaged suggest that SLR is the largest climate- seed source, increasing potential areas from feral hogs are also more driven challenge to low-lying coastal encroachment of nonnative plants to the susceptible to invasion from nonnative areas in the subtropical ecoregion of area (Werner 2013b–c, pers. comm.). plant species, such as Urena lobata southern Florida (U.S. Climate Change In some instances, management of (Caesarweed) and Tradescantia Science Program (USCCSP) 2008, pp. 5– nonnative vegetation may also be fluminensis (small-leaf spiderwort) 31, 5–32). All Miami-Dade County detrimental, in that nonnative species (Werner 2013a, pers. comm.). If feral populations of T.p. ssp. floridanum may actually provide the necessary hogs continue to forage in areas where occur at elevations 2.83–4.14 m (9.29– canopy to limit sunlight exposure and T.p. ssp. floridanum lives, it is possible 13.57 ft) above sea level, making the control humidity, so that removing the that entire clusters inhabiting one rock/ subspecies highly susceptible to nonnative species exposes the fern. In boulder could be eliminated. increased storm surges and related Castellow Hammock, the majority of the In recent years, scientists in south impacts associated with SLR, whereas shade near two of the large solution Florida have noticed an increase in the Sumter County populations are at holes containing Trichomanes sightings of the nonnative genus approximately 10.40 m (34.12 ft) above punctatum ssp. floridanum is provided Zachrysia (Cuban tree snails). Although sea level and significantly farther from by giant Schinus terebinthifolia trees; snail grazing has not been observed on the coast. eliminating these trees could likely Trichomanes punctatum ssp. The long-term record at Key West result in detrimental effects to T. p. ssp. floridanum, it has been documented on shows that sea level rose on average floridanum residing in the underlying other rare ferns living in the same 0.229 cm (0.090 in) annually between solution holes. In hammocks such as habitat and could possibly become a 1913 and 2013 (National Oceanographic Castellow, desiccation from excessive threat in the future, either by this snail and Atmospheric Administration

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(NOAA) 2013, p. 1). This equates to The Science and Technology Committee composition may not be an issue in the approximately 22.9 cm (9.02 in) over the of the Miami-Dade County Climate immediate future (5–10 years); however, last 100 years. IPCC (2008, p. 28) Change Task Force (Wanless et al. 2008, over the long term (within the next 10– emphasized it is very likely that the p. 1) recognizes that significant SLR is 50 years), it may be an issue if current average rate of SLR during the 21st a serious concern for Miami-Dade projections of SLR occur and freshwater century will exceed the historical rate. County in the near future. In a January inputs are not sufficient to maintain The IPCC Special Report on Emission 2008 statement, the committee warned high humidities and prevent changes in Scenarios (2000, entire) presented a that sea level is expected to rise at least existing canopy species through range of scenarios based on the 0.9–1.5 m (3.0–5.0 ft) within this salinization (Saha et al. 2011, pp. 22– computed amount of change in the century (Wanless et al. 2008, p. 3). With 25). Ross et al. (2009, pp. 471–478) climate system due to various potential a 0.9–1.2 m (3.0–4.0 ft) rise in sea level suggested that interactions between SLR amounts of anthropogenic greenhouse (above baseline) in Miami-Dade County, and pulse disturbances (e.g., storm gases and aerosols in 2100. Each spring high tides would be at about surges) can cause vegetation to change scenario describes a future world with 1.83–2.13 m (6.0–7.0 ft); freshwater sooner than projected based on sea level varying levels of atmospheric pollution resources would be gone; the Everglades alone. Patterns of human development leading to corresponding levels of global would be inundated on the west side of will also likely be significant factors warming and corresponding levels of Miami-Dade County; the barrier islands influencing whether natural SLR. The IPCC Synthesis Report (2007, would be largely inundated; storm communities can move and persist entire) provided an integrated view of surges would be devastating to coastal (IPCC 2008, p. 57; USCCSP 2008, climate change and presented updated habitat and associated species; and p. 7–6). projections of future climate change and landfill sites would be exposed to Impacts from climate change, related impacts under different erosion, contaminating marine and including regional SLR, have been scenarios. coastal environments. Freshwater and studied for coastal hammocks, but not Subsequent to the 2007 IPCC Report, coastal mangrove wetlands will be rockland hammock habitat. Saha (et al. the scientific community has continued unable to keep up with or offset SLR of 2011, pp. 24–25) conducted a risk to model SLR. Recent peer-reviewed 0.61 m (2.0 ft) per century or greater. assessment on rare plant species in ENP publications indicate a movement With a 1.52-m (5.0-ft) rise, Miami-Dade and found that impacts from SLR have toward increased acceleration of SLR. County will be extremely diminished significant effects on imperiled taxa. Observed SLR rates are already trending (Wanless et al. 2008, pp. 3–4). This study also predicted a decline in along the higher end of the 2007 IPCC Prior to inundations from SLR, there the extent of coastal hammocks with estimates, and it is now widely held that will likely be habitat transitions related initial SLR, coupled with a reduction in SLR will exceed the levels projected by to climate change, including changes to freshwater recharge volume and an the IPCC (Rahmstorf et al. 2012, p. 1; hydrology and increasing vulnerability increase in pore water (water filling Grinsted et al. 2010, p. 470). Taken to storm surge. Hydrology has a strong spaces between grains of sediment) together, these studies support the use influence on plant distribution in salinity, which will push hardwood of higher end estimates now prevalent coastal areas (IPCC 2008, p. 57). Such species to the edge of their drought in the scientific literature. Recent communities typically grade from salt to (freshwater shortage and physiological) studies have estimated global mean SLR brackish to freshwater species. From the tolerance, jeopardizing critically of 1.0–2.0 m (3.3–6.6 ft) by 2100 as 1930s to 1950s, increased salinity of imperiled and/or endemic species with follows: 0.75–1.90 m (2.50–6.20 ft; coastal waters contributed to the decline possible extirpation. In south Florida, Vermeer and Rahmstorf 2009, p. 21530), of cabbage palm forests in southwest SLR of 1–2 m (0.30–0.61 ft) is estimated 0.8–2.0 m (2.6–6.6 ft; Pfeffer et al. 2008, Florida (Williams et al. 1999, pp. 2056– by 2100, which is on the higher end of p. 1342), 0.9–1.3 m (3.0–4.3 ft; Grinsted 2059), expansion of mangroves into global estimates for SLR. These et al. 2010, pp. 469–470), 0.6–1.6 m adjacent marshes in the Everglades projected increases in sea level pose a (2.0–5.2 ft; Jevrejeva et al. 2010, p. 4), (Ross et al. 2000, pp. 101, 111), and loss threat to coastal plant communities and and 0.5–1.4 m (1.6–4.6 ft; National of pine rockland in the Keys (Ross et habitats from mangroves at sea level to Research Council 2012, p. 2). al.1994, pp. 144, 151–155). In Florida, salinity-intolerant, coastal rockland Other processes expected to be pine rocklands transition into rockland hammocks where elevations are affected by projected warming include hammocks, and, as such, these habitat generally less than 2.00 m (6.1 ft) above temperatures, rainfall (amount, seasonal types are closely associated in the sea level (Saha et al. 2011, p. 2). Loss timing, and distribution), and storms landscape. A study conducted in one or degradation of these habitats can be (frequency and intensity) (see pine rockland location in the Florida a direct result of SLR or a combination ‘‘Environmental Stochasticity,’’ below). Keys (with an average elevation of 0.89 of several other factors, including Models where sea level temperatures are m (2.90 ft)) found an approximately 65 diversion of freshwater flow, hurricanes, increasing also show a higher percent reduction in an area occupied and exotic plant species infestations, probability of more intense storms by South Florida slash pine over a 70- which can ultimately pose a threat to (Maschinski et al. 2011, p. 148). The year period, with pine mortality and rare plant populations (Saha et al. 2011, Massachusetts Institute of Technology subsequent increased proportions of p. 24). (MIT) modeled several scenarios halophytic (salt-loving) plants occurring Saha (et al. 2011, p. 4) suggested that combining various levels of SLR, earlier at the lower elevations (Ross et the rising water table accompanying temperature change, and precipitation al. 1994, pp. 149–152). During this same SLR will shrink the vadose zone (the differences with human population time span, local sea level had risen by area that extends from the top of the growth, policy assumptions, and 15 cm (6 in), and Ross et al. (1994, p. ground surface to the water table); conservation funding changes (see 152) found evidence of ground water increase salinity in the bottom portion ‘‘Alternative Future Landscape and soil water salinization. of the freshwater lens (a convex layer of Models,’’ below). All of the scenarios, Extrapolating this situation to fresh ground water that floats on top of from small climate change shifts to hardwood hammocks is not denser saltwater), thereby increasing major changes, indicate significant straightforward, but it suggests that brackishness of plant-available water; effects on coastal Miami-Dade County. changes in rockland hammock species and influence tree species composition

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of hardwood hammocks based upon hamper successful regeneration of variations in financial resources for species-level tolerance to salinity and/or forests and cause shifts in vegetation conservation (Vargas-Moreno and drought. Evidence of population types through time (Wear and Greis Flaxman 2010, pp. 1–6). The scenarios declines and shifts in rare plant 2012, p. 39). With regard to do not account for temperature, communities, along with multi-trophic Trichomanes punctatum ssp. precipitation, or species habitat shifts effects, already have been documented floridanum, any weather shifts causing due to climate change, and no storm on the low-elevation islands of the less precipitation would likely impact surge effects are considered. The current Florida Keys (Maschinski et al. 2011, p. the viability of existing populations and MIT scenarios in Florida range from an 148). Altered freshwater inputs can lead could potentially limit future increase in sea level of 0.09–1.0 m (0.3– to the disappearance or decline of reproduction if droughts were to 3.3 ft) by 2060. critically imperiled coastal plant become a common occurrence. Based on the most recent estimates of species. Shifts in freshwater flows, Ecosystem shifts would result in SLR and the best available data at this annual precipitation, and variability in rockland and mesic hammocks having time, we evaluated potential effects of SLR can impact salinity regimes. drier conditions, regular droughts, and SLR using the current ‘‘worst case’’ (e.g., Although it is unknown if salinity changes in humidity, temperature, and the highest range for SLR) MIT scenario, changes will impact existing habitat canopy. Increases in the scale, as well as comparing elevations of where T. p. ssp. floridanum currently frequency, or severity of droughts and remaining rockland hammock fragments lives, it should be noted that salinity- wildfires (see ‘‘Fires’’ section, below) in Miami-Dade County and mesic intolerant plants can become stressed could have negative effects on this taxon hammocks in Sumter County with within a few weeks from exposure to considering its general vulnerability due extant populations of Trichomanes saline conditions, and persistent to small population size, restricted punctatum ssp. floridanum. The ‘‘worst conditions can promote colonization by range, few populations, and relative case’’ MIT scenario assumes SLR of 1.0 more salinity-tolerant species, thereby isolation. m (3.3 ft) by 2060, low financial leading to an irreversible composition Climate change impacts specifically resources, a ‘business as usual’ change, even if the salinity is lower over for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. approach to planning, and a doubling of subsequent years (Saha et al. 2011, p. floridanum may be numerous and vary human population. 23). depending on factors such as severity, Based on the 1.0-m (3.3-ft) scenario, In some areas of south Florida, the speed at which climate changes none of the rockland hammocks in precipitation is the main source of fresh occur, timing, health of the species, and Miami-Dade County where extant water. Predictive climate change models habitat and tolerance of species. Overall, populations of Trichomanes punctatum demonstrate periods of drought will management of healthy ecosystems can ssp. floridanum occur would be pose a threat to existing populations of support greater biodiversity, which is inundated. However, all four Trichomanes punctatum ssp. considered one of the best strategies to populations would be within 9.66 km floridanum. Saha (et al. 2011, pp. 19– combat impacts of climate change. (6.0 mi) of saltwater, increasing the 21) found that during times of drought Removing nonnative plants and likelihood of localized vegetation shifts and resultant salinity stress, coastal minimizing natural disturbance impacts within the rockland hammocks and hardwood tree density from the canopy and other external stresses can improve vulnerability to natural stochastic was lost, while other species showed an the subspecies’ response to climate events such as hurricanes and tropical increase. Areas with a deeper freshwater change impacts (Maschinski et al. 2011, storms. The 1.0-m SLR scenario shows lens, such as rockland hammocks, may p. 159). In general, the best ways to existing rockland hammocks in Miami- be able to sustain vegetation during prepare and protect rare species, such as Dade County (that do not contain T.p. periods of drought; however, whether T. p. ssp. floridanum, from impacts of ssp. floridanum) directly adjacent to this theory is true is currently unknown. climate change include actively saltwater. Although these existing Some tree species in coastal hammocks managing habitats to improve hammocks are located in higher have the ability to access pockets of population growth and potential for elevation areas along the coastal ridge, fresh water and tolerate mild salinities. natural dispersal, and controlling for changes in the salinity of the water table These initial responses to salinity nonnative species. Efforts to actively and soils, along with additional increases may trigger responses similar manage for T. p. ssp. floridanum are vegetation shifts in the region, are to drought, while prolonged exposure currently limited for both likely. A few remaining rockland may cause irreversible toxicity caused metapopulations due to logistical hammocks further inland (e.g., Big and by accumulation of salts (Munns 2002, feasibility (e.g., dense forest, difficulty Little George Hammocks) are located in p. 248), causing a reduction in canopy locating populations), insufficient highly urbanized areas; these hammocks or mortality (Maschinski et al. 2009, funding and research, small and are small and fragmented, reducing the entire paper). Impacts from climate fragmented existing populations, and chances of further development due to change causing shifts in local plant lack of successful reintroduction efforts SLR in the area. Actual impacts may be communities and invasion of additional into the wild. greater or less than anticipated based nonnative plant species may be lessened upon the high variability of factors Alternative Future Landscape Models by the ability of hardwood hammocks involved (e.g., SLR, human population (such as rockland hammocks) to harvest To accommodate the high uncertainty growth) and the assumptions made in rainfall water and retain it in the highly in SLR projections, researchers must this model. organic soil and lower their estimate effects from a range of A projected SLR (using elevation data) transpiration (i.e., the process of water scenarios. Various model scenarios of 2.0 m (6.6 ft) appears to inundate movement through a plant and its developed at MIT and GeoAdaptive Inc. much larger portions of urban Miami- evaporation from leaves and stems) have projected possible trajectories of Dade County. This evaluation was not during the dry season (Saha et al. 2011, future transformation of the peninsular based on any modeling, as opposed to p. 24). Florida landscape by 2060 based upon the previous 1.0-m scenario; rather, this Drier conditions and increased four main drivers: Climate change, shifts scenario examines current elevation variability in precipitation associated in planning approaches and regulations, based on LiDAR (remote sensing with climate change are expected to human population change, and technology that measures distance by

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illuminating a target with a laser and physiological and adaptive limits fewer hurricanes, hurricane wind analyzing the reflected light) data. (Baguette 2004, p. 216). speeds are expected to increase by 5–10 Under this 2.0-m (6.6-ft) SLR scenario, The climate in Florida is driven by a percent due to an increase in available none of the four hammocks where combination of local, regional, and energy for intense storms. Increases in Trichomanes punctatum ssp. global events, regimes, and oscillations hurricane winds can elevate the chances floridanum is known to occur will be (e.g., El Nin˜ o Southern Oscillation with of damage to existing canopy. inundated, but all will be within a frequency of every 4 to 7 years, solar In south Florida, tropical hardwood approximately 2.41 km (1.5 mi) of cycle every 11 years, and the Atlantic hammock forests are known to saltwater in the inundated transverse Multi-decadal Oscillation); however, the experience frequent disturbances from glades joining the enlarged Biscayne exact magnitude, direction, and hurricanes (Horvitz et al. 1998, p. 947). Bay. Castellow Hammock will be the distribution of these climatic influences Hurricanes and tropical storms can least impacted at approximately 2.41 km on a regional level are difficult to damage existing canopy, which (1.5 mi) from saltwater, while Hattie project. There are three main ‘‘seasons’’ provides shade and cover from wind. Bauer will be adjacent to saltwater. in Florida: (1) The wet season, which is Canopy loss of any kind is determined Fuchs and Meissner hammocks will be hot, rainy, and humid from June to be the threat with greatest impact to 1.61 km (1.0 mi) from saltwater and will through October; (2) the official existing metapopulations of be surrounded by more wetlands. This hurricane season that extends 1 month Trichomanes punctatum ssp. scenario will leave all these locations beyond the wet season (June 1 through floridanum (Adimey 2013b, field notes; extremely vulnerable to vegetation November 30), with peak season being Possley 2013l, pers. comm.). For shifts, natural stochastic events, and August and September; and (3) the dry example, impacts from Hurricane loss of existing habitat and land season, which is drier and cooler, from Andrew in 1992 may have been protection. Of the remaining rockland November through May (Miller 2013, responsible for the temporary loss of the hammocks not containing T.p. ssp. pers. comm.). In the dry season, subspecies from Hattie Bauer Hammock, floridanum in south Florida, most periodic surges of cool and dry where it had been observed for many would be fully or partially inundated continental air masses influence the years. Following this hurricane, the after a 2.0-m (6.6-ft) SLR, except for the weather with short-duration rain events canopy was damaged, allowing hammocks located on the higher followed by long periods of dry weather. increased exposure to sunlight for elevated coastal ridge, which would still Florida is considered the most several years. T.p. ssp. floridanum was be adjacent to saltwater. vulnerable State in the United States to not seen again in Hattie Bauer hurricanes and tropical storms (Florida Hammock until 2011 (Possley 2013l, Due to the higher elevation and Climate Center, http://coaps.fsu.edu/ pers. comm.). Through natural recovery, inland location of Sumter County in climate_center). Based on data gathered assisted by active management activities north Florida, existing populations of from 1856 to 2008, Klotzbach and Gray by the EEL Program and PROS–NAM, a Trichomanes punctatum ssp. (2009, p. 28) calculated the large portion of the Hattie Bauer floridanum and associated habitat will climatological probabilities for each Hammock canopy has been restored to not be impacted by 1.0- and 2.0-m (3.3- State being impacted by a hurricane or pre-hurricane Andrew conditions and 6.6-ft) rises in sea level. The 2.0-m major hurricane in all years over the (Guerra 2014, pers. comm.). Destruction (6.6-ft) SLR scenario would still leave 152-year timespan. Of the coastal States of habitat due to hurricanes has also the Sumter occurrences approximately analyzed, Florida had the highest been documented in Sumter County in 37.0 km (23.0 mi) from saltwater. climatological probabilities, with a 51 the Indian Ledges Hammock located Regional shifts in water table salinity, percent probability of a hurricane near the town of Wahoo. This hammock, soils, or vegetation are not expected. (Category 1 or 2) and a 21 percent known to host a variety of rare ferns, Environmental Stochasticity probability of a major hurricane orchids, and large trees, sustained (Category 3 or higher). From 1856 to severe damage from several hurricanes Endemic species whose populations 2008, Florida experienced 109 in 2004; very few native plant species exhibit a high degree of isolation, such hurricanes and 36 major hurricanes. once found in Indian Ledges Hammock as Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Given the few isolated populations and exist in this location today (Deangelis floridanum, are extremely vulnerable to restricted range of Trichomanes 2014a, pers. comm.). extinction from both random and punctatum ssp. floridanum in locations Historically, Trichomanes punctatum nonrandom catastrophic natural or prone to storm influences (i.e., Miami- ssp. floridanum may have benefitted human-caused events. Small Dade County), this subspecies is at from more abundant and contiguous populations of species, without positive substantial risk from hurricanes, storm habitat to buffer it from storm events. growth rates, are considered to have a surges, and other extreme weather The destruction and modification of high extinction risk from site-specific events. native habitat, combined with the demographic (variability in population Natural stochastic events can pose a subspecies’ small population sizes, has growth rates arising from random threat to the persistence of Trichomanes likely contributed over time to the differences among individuals in punctatum ssp. floridanum through the stress, decline, and, in some instances, survival and reproduction within a destruction of existing habitat. Some extirpation of populations or local season) and environmental climate change models predict occurrences due to stochastic events. (unpredictable changes in increased frequency and duration of A study conducted by Horvitz et al. environmental conditions such as severe storms, including hurricanes and (1998, p. 947) found that the weather, food supply, or predators) tropical storms (McLaughlin et al. 2002, regeneration of forest species after stochasticity (Lande 1993, pp. 911–927). p. 6074; Cook et al. 2004, p. 1015; stochastic events depended on the Populations at the edge of a species’ Golladay et al. 2004, p. 504). Other amount of canopy disturbance, the time range, as may be the case with T.p. ssp. models predict that hurricane and since disturbance, and the biological floridanum in Sumter County, may be tropical storm frequencies in the relationship between the individual particularly vulnerable to Atlantic will decrease between 10–30 species and its environment. Following environmental stochasticity, as they percent by 2100 (Knutson et al. 2008, Hurricane Andrew, the relative may also be at the edge of their pp. 1–21). For those models that predict abundance and life stage changed for

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many nonnative plant species within Craighead (1963, p. 39) noted that moist organic soil with minimal Miami-Dade County. These shifts extensive fires in hammocks eliminated herbaceous fuel. continued to occur as a result of ferns in much of their former range. Although wildfires are known to subsequent stochastic events, suggesting Drainage efforts in the early 1900s also occur in Miami-Dade and Sumter hurricanes can alter long-term hammock increased the occurrence of fire, as Counties, they are not currently structure and the ongoing changes in lands became drier. Phillips (1940, p. considered a threat at this time due to species composition (Horvitz et al. 166) noted that the frequent occurrence regional prescribed burn efforts that 1998, pp. 961, 966). of fires in the late 1930s in southern help minimize the occurrence of Stochastic events resulting in changes Florida resulted in widespread wildfires, the natural fire-resistant in normal precipitation (amount, destruction of flora. Fires may have features of these two habitats, and, in seasonal timing, and distribution) and been a factor in the disappearance of Sumter County, hydric hammock (less extreme temperature fluctuations may this taxon in Royal Palm Hammock, likely to burn) surrounding also impact Trichomanes punctatum which suffered multiple fires in the first Trichomanes punctatum ssp. ssp. floridanum. During the winter dry half of the 1900s according to floridanum populations. season, T.p. ssp. floridanum can become photographs from J.K. Small (1917; desiccated without periodic rainfall and Florida Memory, State Library and Public Use/Encroachment then recover during the wet season. Archives of Florida; Tallahassee, In Miami-Dade County, two of the Multiyear droughts may negatively Florida). In recent decades, wildfires four hammocks containing Trichomanes impact populations. While droughts are have been controlled in most rockland punctatum ssp. floridanum (Castellow natural events, they are a threat because hammocks due to the extensive and Hattie Bauer) are accessible to the there are so few populations of this urbanization in Miami-Dade County. public. However, in both cases, T.p. ssp. subspecies. Specific parameters However, fires do have the potential to floridanum is not accessible from the regarding humidity, temperature, and impact T.p. ssp. floridanum during nature trail (Possley 2013g, pers. precipitation requirements are not periods of prolonged drought. While comm.). If public use were to increase known at this time for T.p. ssp. fires are a natural component of some significantly at any of the Miami-Dade floridanum, making it difficult to ecosystems in south Florida, fires in hammocks, populations of T.p. ssp. accurately determine what impacts will hammocks can set back succession to floridanum could become at risk. For occur from modifications in current pine rockland or other communities and example, because the taxon grows along environmental conditions where extant will directly kill many plant species that the rim and walls of solution holes, metapopulations occur. Extreme are not adapted to fires, such as T.p. ssp. people climbing into these holes could temperature changes such as cold events floridanum. damage existing populations; increased in south Florida or freezing Generally, hammock environments temperatures in central Florida could are considered less susceptible to use could also introduce additional have devastating impacts on this wildfires because their shaded, humid nonnative seed sources into the habitat. subspecies. The small size of each microclimate is not conducive to fire Similarly, climbing on boulders where population makes this plant especially spread (Snyder et al. 1990, p. 258). the fern occurs in Sumter County could vulnerable, in which the loss of even a Additionally, rockland hammocks also cause damage. However, due to the few individuals could reduce the occupy elevated, rarely inundated, and low amount of visitation at the viability of a single population. fire-free sites in all three of the major Withlacoochee State Forest (Werner Due to the small size of existing rockland areas in south Florida (Snyder 2013b–c, pers. comm.), public use and populations of Trichomanes punctatum et al. 1990, p. 239). Mesic hammocks are encroachment do not appear to be ssp. floridanum and its limited genetic also considered fire resistant in that occurring at this time, and we have variability, the subspecies’ overall many occur as ‘‘islands’’ on high ground determined they do not pose a threat to ability to respond and adapt to threats within basin or floodplain wetlands, as T.p. ssp. floridanum. is likely low. These factors, combined patches of oak/palm forest in dry prairie Small Population Size Effects and with additional stress from habitat or flatwoods communities, on river Isolation modifications (e.g., hydrological levees, or in ecotones between wetlands changes) may increase the inherent risk and upland communities, and possess Small, isolated populations are more posed by stochastic events that impact high-moisture soils due to heavy susceptible to impacts overall, and this subspecies (Matthies et al. 2004, pp. shading of the ground layer and relatively more vulnerable to extinction 481–488). Additionally, stochastic accumulation of litter (FNAI 2010, p. due to genetic problems, demographic events are expected to exacerbate the 20). Additionally, wildfires are now and environmental fluctuations, and impacts of regional drainage and considered a minor stressor in mesic natural catastrophes (Primack 1993, p. subsequent drops in humidity. For these hammocks because of the use of 255). That is, the smaller a population reasons, T.p. ssp. floridanum is at risk prescribed burns within the last 15 becomes, the more likely it is that one of extirpation during extreme stochastic years (Werner 2013d, pers. comm.). or more stressors could impact a events. We have determined that these Snyder (et al. 1990, p. 238) points out population, potentially reducing its size natural stochastic events coupled with that the high organic content of such that it is at increased risk of existing small population sizes, as hammock soils in south Florida can extinction. Although robust population addressed above, are a threat to the enable the soil to burn; however, soil viability analyses (including minimum subspecies (Adimey 2013b, field notes; fires typically only burn in hammocks viable population calculations) have not Possley 2013l, pers. comm.). in times of drought or when fires are been conducted for this subspecies, intentionally set (Snyder et al. 1990, pp. indications are that most existing Fires 258–260). This stressor is considered populations are minimal in terms of Although fires are not a current minimal in that fires typically will go abundance and size. Lack of dispersal concern for existing populations of out when they reach hammock margins, between occurrences also contributes to Trichomanes punctatum ssp. whether entering from pineland or some the low resilience for this subspecies floridanum, they have been known to other community due to the presence of (see ‘‘Habitat Fragmentation’’ under impact populations in the past. hardwood leaf litter lying directly on Factor A).

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Limited genetic variability will also is very active, with a goal to treat all public lands due to active programs by impact Trichomanes punctatum ssp. publically owned properties at least Miami-Dade County and the State. The floridanum populations. The ability of a once a year and more often in many majority of the remaining populations of species to adapt to environmental cases. Annual monitoring of this plant are small and geographically change is dependent upon genetic Trichomanes punctatum ssp. isolated, and genetic variability is likely variation, a property of populations that floridanum is conducted by Fairchild, low, increasing the inherent risk due to derives from its members possessing which records health and size of overall low resilience of this subspecies. different forms (i.e., alleles) of the same individual clusters of the subspecies Furthermore, the isolated existence of gene (Primack 1998, p. 283). High along with potential new stressors, Trichomanes punctatum ssp. genetic diversity can enhance a species’ including nonnative, invasive species or floridanum makes natural persistence in a changing environment habitat destruction; reports are recolonization of extirpated populations (Lynch and Lande 1993, pp. 246–247). forwarded to the County preserve virtually impossible without human Although Trichomanes punctatum ssp. managers for further attention (Possley intervention. Although considered floridanum can grow in clusters, 2013l, pers. comm.). IRC also conducts stressors, wildfires and public use at separate clusters are not necessarily research and monitoring in multiple extant sites are minimal and do not rise different individuals, as they may have hammocks within Miami-Dade County to the level of a threat. been connected by one or more stems in for various rare and endangered plant Cumulative Effects of Threats the past (Possley 2014b, pers. comm.). species. Nonnative, invasive species are Thus, a population of T.p. ssp. documented, along with any occurrence When two or more threats affect floridanum containing many clusters of human disturbance (van der Heiden Trichomanes punctatum ssp. may not have greater genetic diversity 2013i, pers. comm.). In Sumter County, floridanum occurrences, the effects of than a population with few clusters. the Florida Park Service surveys each those threats could interact or become Because there are only six extant State-owned property at least once a compounded, producing a cumulative populations of T.p. ssp. floridanum, year to manage for nonnative plants adverse effect that is greater than the each with few plants, the genetic (Werner 2013a–b, pers. comm.). impact of either threat alone. The most variability is considered low, and the Furthermore, Withlacoochee State obvious cases in which cumulative subspecies is inherently at greater risk Forest conducts prescribed burning on adverse effects would be significant are from stochastic events and changes in an annual basis, controlling regional those in which small populations environmental conditions (Matthies et wildfires in dry swamps and mesic (Factor E) are affected by threats that al. 2004, pp. 481–488). hammocks. result in destruction or modification of In summary, Trichomanes punctatum Continuing efforts to propagate habitat (Factor A). The limited ssp. floridanum is impacted by factors Trichomanes punctatum ssp. distributions and small population sizes such as small population size, floridanum in-vitro may eventually lead of T.p. ssp. floridanum make it vulnerability to random demographic to the establishment of healthy extremely susceptible to the detrimental fluctuations or natural catastrophes, and populations that can be reintroduced in effects of further habitat modification, low genetic diversity, which is further locations where the taxon once occurred degradation, and loss, as well as other magnified by synergistic (interaction of or introduced to new areas deemed anthropogenic threats. Mechanisms two or more components) effects with appropriate. These efforts can assist leading to the decline of this taxon, as other threats, such as those discussed with combating potential or realized discussed above, range from local (e.g., above. In evaluating the stressor of small impacts from natural stochastic events hydrology changes, agriculture) to population size effects on Trichomanes that may harm or destroy existing regional (e.g., development, punctatum ssp. floridanum, we populations. fragmentation, nonnative species) to reviewed the limited data available global influences (e.g., climate change, Summary of Factor E concerning abundance at each of the SLR). The synergistic effects of threats, occurrences across the subspecies’ Stochastic events resulting in changes such as impacts from hurricanes on a range. This represents a conservative in canopy structure and environmental species with a limited distribution and classification of small population size, conditions within the taxon’s current small populations, make it difficult to as available data do not discriminate habitat are considered threats to existing predict population viability. While among individual plants and life-history and future populations of T.p. ssp. these stressors may act in isolation, it is stages. These small populations are at floridanum. Droughts, tropical storms, more probable that many stressors are risk of adverse effects from reduced and hurricanes are common occurrences acting simultaneously (or in genetic variation, an increased risk of in Florida, and changes associated with combination) on populations of T.p. ssp. inbreeding depression, and reduced these events have the potential to limit floridanum, making this subspecies reproductive output. Many of these reproduction and compromise overall more vulnerable. populations are small and isolated from health in the long term, making plants Determination each other, decreasing the likelihood more vulnerable to other stressors (e.g., that they could be naturally periodic, long-term droughts, We have carefully assessed the best reestablished in the event that hurricanes) or causing extirpations. As scientific and commercial data available extirpation from one location occurs. few populations remain, the entire regarding the past, present, and future taxon is at risk of extinction during threats to Trichomanes punctatum ssp. Conservation Efforts To Reduce Other these events. Climatic changes, floridanum. T.p. ssp. floridanum has Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting including SLR, are longer term concerns been extirpated from the majority of its Its Continued Existence expected to exacerbate existing impacts historical range, and the primary threats Miami-Dade County and the State of and ultimately reduce the extent of of habitat destruction and modification Florida have ongoing nonnative plant available habitat for T.p. ssp. resulting from human population management programs to reduce threats floridanum. growth and development, agricultural on public lands, as funding and The presence of nonnative species, conversion, regional drainage, and resources allow. In Miami-Dade County, including other plants and feral hogs, is resulting changes in canopy and nonnative, invasive plant management also a threat, but may be reduced on hydrology (Factor A); competition from

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nonnative, invasive species (Factor E); information, we are listing Trichomanes sustaining, and functioning components changes in climatic conditions, punctatum ssp. floridanum as an of their ecosystems. including sea level rise (Factor E); and endangered species in accordance with Recovery planning includes the natural stochastic events (Factor E) sections 3(6) and 4(a)(1) of the Act. We development of a recovery outline remain threats for existing populations. find that a threatened species status is shortly after a species is listed and Existing regulatory mechanisms have not appropriate for T.p. ssp. floridanum preparation of a draft and final recovery not led to a reduction or removal of because of the contracted range of the plan. The recovery outline guides the threats posed to the subspecies from subspecies and because the threats are immediate implementation of urgent these factors (see Factor D discussion). occurring rangewide, are currently recovery actions and describes the These threats are ongoing, rangewide, acting on the subspecies at a high process to develop a recovery plan. The and expected to continue in the future. intensity, and are expected to continue plan may be revised to address Populations of T.p. ssp. floridanum are into the future. continuing or new threats to the species, as new substantive information becomes relatively small and isolated from one Significant Portion of the Range another, and their ability to recolonize available. The recovery plan identifies suitable habitat is unlikely without Under the Act and our implementing recovery criteria for review of when a human intervention. Because of the regulations, a species may warrant species may be ready for downlisting current condition of the extant listing if it is endangered or threatened (from endangered species to threatened populations and life-history traits of the throughout all or a significant portion of species) or delisting and methods for subspecies, it is vulnerable to natural or its range. Because we have determined monitoring recovery progress. Recovery human-caused changes in its currently that Trichomanes punctatum ssp. plans also establish a framework for occupied habitats. The threats have had floridanum is an endangered species agencies to coordinate their recovery and will continue to have substantial throughout all of its range, no portion of efforts and provide estimates of the cost adverse effects on T.p. ssp. floridanum its range can be ‘‘significant’’ for of implementing recovery tasks. and its habitat. Although attempts are purposes of the definitions of Recovery teams (composed of species ongoing to alleviate or minimize some ‘‘endangered species’’ and ‘‘threatened experts, Federal and State agencies, of these threats at certain locations, all species.’’ See the Final Policy on nongovernmental organizations, and populations appear to be impacted by Interpretation of the Phrase ‘‘Significant stakeholders) are often established to one or more threats. Portion of Its Range’’ in the Endangered develop recovery plans. When Species Act’s Definitions of completed, the draft and final recovery The Act defines an endangered ‘‘Endangered Species’’ and ‘‘Threatened plans will be available on our Web site species as ‘‘any species which is in Species’’ (79 FR 37578, July 1, 2014). (http://www.fws.gov/endangered) or danger of extinction throughout all or a Available Conservation Measures from our South Florida Ecological significant portion of its range’’ and a Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER threatened species as ‘‘any species Conservation measures provided to INFORMATION CONTACT). which is likely to become an species listed as endangered or Implementation of recovery actions endangered species within the threatened species under the Act generally requires the participation of a foreseeable future throughout all or a include recognition, recovery actions, broad range of partners, including other significant portion of its range.’’ As requirements for Federal protection, and Federal agencies, States, Tribes, described in detail above, this plant is prohibitions against certain practices. nongovernmental organizations, currently at risk throughout all of its Recognition through listing results in businesses, and private landowners. range due to the immediacy, severity, public awareness and conservation by Examples of recovery actions include significance, timing, and scope of those Federal, State, Tribal, and local habitat restoration (e.g., restoration of threats. Impacts from these threats are agencies, private organizations, and native vegetation), research, captive ongoing and increasing; singly or in individuals. The Act encourages propagation and reintroduction, and combination, these threats place the cooperation with the States and requires outreach and education. The recovery of subspecies in danger of extinction. The that recovery actions be carried out for many listed species cannot be risk of extinction is high because the all listed species. The protection accomplished solely on Federal lands populations are small, isolated, and required by Federal agencies and the because their range may occur primarily have limited to no capacity for prohibitions against certain activities or solely on non-Federal lands. To recolonization. Numerous threats are are discussed, in part, below. achieve recovery of these species currently ongoing and are likely to The primary purpose of the Act is the requires cooperative conservation efforts continue in the foreseeable future, at a conservation of endangered and on private, State, and Tribal lands. high intensity and across the entire threatened species and the ecosystems Following publication of this final range of this subspecies. Furthermore, upon which they depend. The ultimate listing rule, funding for recovery actions natural stochastic events and changes in goal of such conservation efforts is the will be available from a variety of climatic conditions pose a threat to the recovery of these listed species, so that sources, including Federal budgets, persistence of the subspecies, especially they no longer need the protective State programs, and cost share grants for because mitigation measures have yet to measures of the Act. Subsection 4(f) of non-Federal landowners, the academic be developed. Individually and the Act requires the Service to develop community, and nongovernmental collectively, all of these threats can and implement recovery plans for the organizations. In addition, pursuant to contribute to the local extirpation and conservation of endangered and section 6 of the Act, the State of Florida potential extinction of this subspecies. threatened species. The recovery will be eligible for Federal funds to Because these threats are placing this planning process involves the implement management actions that subspecies in danger of extinction identification of actions that are promote the protection or recovery of throughout its range, we have necessary to halt or reverse the species’ Trichomanes punctatum ssp. determined this plant meets the decline by addressing the threats to its floridanum. Information on our grant definition of an endangered species. survival and recovery. The goal of this programs that are available to aid Therefore, on the basis of the best process is to restore listed species to a species recovery can be found at: available scientific and commercial point where they are secure, self- http://www.fws.gov/grants.

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Please let us know if you are certain circumstances. Regulations Critical Habitat interested in participating in recovery governing permits are codified at 50 Section 3(5)(A) of the Act defines efforts for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. CFR 17.62. With regard to endangered critical habitat as ‘‘(i) the specific areas floridanum. Additionally, we invite you plants, the Service may issue a permit within the geographical area occupied to submit any new information on this authorizing any activity otherwise by the species, at the time it is listed subspecies whenever it becomes prohibited by 50 CFR 17.61 for scientific . . . on which are found those physical available and any information you may purposes or for enhancing the or biological features (I) Essential to the have for recovery planning purposes propagation or survival of endangered conservation of the species and (II) (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). plants. Section 7(a) of the Act requires which may require special management It is our policy, as published in the considerations or protection; and (ii) Federal agencies to evaluate their Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR actions with respect to any species that specific areas outside the geographical 34272), to identify to the maximum area occupied by the species at the time is listed as an endangered or threatened extent practicable at the time a species species and with respect to its critical it is listed . . . upon a determination by is listed, those activities that would or the Secretary that such areas are habitat, if any is designated. Regulations would not constitute a violation of implementing this interagency essential for the conservation of the section 9 of the Act. The intent of this species.’’ Section 3(3) of the Act (16 cooperation provision of the Act are policy is to increase public awareness of codified at 50 CFR part 402. Section U.S.C. 1532(3)) also defines the terms the effect of a listing on proposed and ‘‘conserve,’’ ‘‘conserving,’’ and 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal ongoing activities within the range of a agencies to ensure that activities they ‘‘conservation’’ to mean ‘‘to use and the listed species. The following activities use of all methods and procedures authorize, fund, or carry out are not could potentially result in a violation of likely to jeopardize the continued which are necessary to bring any section 9 of the Act. This list is not endangered species or threatened existence of any endangered or comprehensive: threatened species or destroy or species to the point at which the adversely modify its critical habitat. If a (1) Import the subspecies into, or measures provided pursuant to this Federal action may affect a listed export the subspecies from, the United chapter are no longer necessary.’’ States without authorization; species or its critical habitat, the Prudency Determination responsible Federal agency must enter (2) Remove and reduce to possession into consultation with the Service. the subspecies from areas under Federal Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as Federal agency actions within the jurisdiction; maliciously damage or amended, and implementing regulations species’ habitat that may require destroy the subspecies on any such area; (50 CFR 424.12), require that, to the conference or consultation, or both, as or remove, cut, dig up, or damage or maximum extent prudent and described in the preceding paragraph, destroy the subspecies on any other area determinable, the Secretary shall include, but are not limited to, federally in knowing violation of any law or designate critical habitat at the time the funded or authorized actions such as regulation of any State or in the course species is determined to be an habitat restoration and control of of any violation of a State criminal endangered or threatened species. Our nonnatives management and any other trespass law; regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state landscape-altering activities on Federal (3) Sell or offer for sale in interstate that the designation of critical habitat is lands administered by the U.S. Fish and or foreign commerce the subspecies; not prudent when one or both of the Wildlife Service; issuance of section 404 except for properly documented antique following situations exist: Clean Water Act permits by the Army specimens of the taxon at least 100 years (1) The species is threatened by taking Corps of Engineers; and construction old, as defined by section 10(h)(1) of the or other human activity, and and maintenance of roads or highways Act; identification of critical habitat can be by the Federal Highway Administration. (4) Unauthorized delivering, carrying, expected to increase the degree of threat With respect to endangered plants, 50 or transporting of the subspecies, to the species, or CFR 17.61 makes it illegal for any including import or export across State (2) such designation of critical habitat person subject to the jurisdiction of the lines and international boundaries; would not be beneficial to the species. United States to import or export, In our proposed listing rule, because (5) Introduction of nonnative species transport in interstate or foreign we determined that the designation of that compete with or prey upon commerce in the course of a commercial critical habitat will not likely increase Trichomanes punctatum ssp. activity, sell or offer for sale in interstate the degree of threat to the species and floridanum; or foreign commerce, or to remove and may provide some measure of benefit, reduce to possession any such plant (6) Unauthorized release of biological we determined that designation of species from areas under Federal control agents that attack any life stage critical habitat is prudent for jurisdiction. In addition, for endangered of this subspecies; and Trichomanes punctatum ssp. plants, the Act prohibits malicious (7) Unauthorized manipulation or floridanum. damage or destruction of any such modification of the habitat where Critical Habitat Determinability species on any area under Federal Trichomanes punctatum ssp. jurisdiction, and the removal, cutting, floridanum is present on Federal lands Having determined that designation is digging up, or damaging or destroying of including, but not limited to, prudent under section 4(a)(3) of the Act, any such species on any other area in unauthorized water withdrawal from we must find whether critical habitat for knowing violation of any State law or solution holes and unauthorized Trichomanes punctatum ssp. regulation, or in the course of any removal of canopy. floridanum is determinable. Our violation of a State criminal trespass Questions regarding whether specific regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(2)) further law. Exceptions to these prohibitions activities would constitute a violation of state that critical habitat is not are contained in 50 CFR 17.62. section 9 of the Act should be directed determinable when one or both of the We may issue permits to carry out to the South Florida Ecological Services following situations exists: (1) otherwise prohibited activities Field Office (see FOR FURTHER Information sufficient to perform involving endangered plants under INFORMATION CONTACT). required analysis of the impacts of the

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designation is lacking; or (2) the defined under the authority of the References Cited biological needs of the species are not National Environmental Policy Act (42 A complete list of references cited in sufficiently well known to permit U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be this rulemaking is available on the identification of an area as critical prepared in connection with listing a Internet at http://www.regulations.gov habitat. species as an endangered or threatened and upon request from the South In our proposed listing rule, we found species under the Endangered Species Florida Ecological Services Field Office that critical habitat was not Act. We published a notice outlining (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). determinable because a careful our reasons for this determination in the assessment of the economic impacts that Federal Register on October 25, 1983 Authors may occur due to a critical habitat (48 FR 49244). designation was still ongoing, and we The primary authors of this final rule were still in the process of acquiring the Government-to-Government are the staff members of the South information needed to perform that Relationship With Tribes Florida Ecological Services Field Office. assessment. We have recently received In accordance with the President’s List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17 new data on suitable habitat for T. p. memorandum of April 29, 1994 ssp. floridanum in Sumter County, (Government-to-Government Relations Endangered and threatened species, which has caused us to begin with Native American Tribal Exports, Imports, Reporting and reassessing which specific features and Governments; 59 FR 22951), Executive recordkeeping requirements, areas are essential for the conservation Order 13175 (Consultation and Transportation. of the species and, therefore, meet the Coordination with Indian Tribal Regulation Promulgation definition of critical habitat. Governments), and the Department of Consequently, a careful assessment of the Interior’s manual at 512 DM 2, we Accordingly, we amend part 17, the new biological information is still readily acknowledge our responsibility subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the ongoing, and we are still in the process to communicate meaningfully with Code of Federal Regulations, as follows: of acquiring the information needed to recognized Federal Tribes on a PART 17—[AMENDED] perform that assessment. The government-to-government basis. In information sufficient to perform a accordance with Secretarial Order 3206 ■ required analysis of the impacts of the 1. The authority citation for part 17 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal continues to read as follows: designation is lacking, and therefore, we Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust find designation of critical habitat to be Responsibilities, and the Endangered Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361–1407; 1531– not determinable at this time. Species Act), we readily acknowledge 1544; 4201–4245; unless otherwise noted. Accordingly, we will publish a our responsibilities to work directly ■ 2. Amend § 17.12(h) by adding an proposed critical habitat rule when we with tribes in developing programs for entry for ‘‘Trichomanes punctatum ssp. finish our assessment of the new healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge that floridanum’’ to the List of Endangered biological information. tribal lands are not subject to the same and Threatened Plants in alphabetical Required Determinations controls as Federal public lands, to order under Ferns and Allies to read as remain sensitive to Indian culture, and follows: National Environmental Policy Act to make information available to tribes. We have determined that We are not aware of any Trichomanes § 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants. environmental assessments and punctatum ssp. floridanum populations * * * * * environmental impact statements, as on tribal lands. (h) * * *

Species Historic range Family Status When Critical Special Scientific name Common name listed habitat rules

******* FERNS AND ALLIES

******* Trichomanes Florida bristle fern ...... U.S.A. (FL) ...... Hymenophyllaceae ..... E 859 NA NA punctatum ssp. floridanum.

*******

* * * * * Dated: September 28, 2015. Stephen Guertin, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2015–25299 Filed 10–5–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P

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