Winding Cypress Listed Species Management Plan

WINDING CYPRESS LISTED SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN

September 2013

Prepared For:

DiVosta Homes, L.P. 24311 Walden Center Drive, Suite 300 Bonita Springs, Florida 34134 (239) 495-4800

Prepared By:

Passarella & Associates, Inc. 13620 Metropolis Avenue, Suite 200 Fort Myers, Florida 33912 (239) 274-0067

Project No. 12PGI2160 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1.0 Introduction ...... 1

2.0 Preserve Areas ...... 1

3.0 Eastern Indigo Snake Habitat Management Plan ...... 1

3.1 Biology ...... 2 3.2 Habitat Management Plan ...... 2

4.0. Big Cypress Fox Squirrel Habitat Management Plan ...... 3

4.1 Biology ...... 4 4.2 Habitat Management Plan ...... 4

5.0 Florida Black Bear Habitat Management Plan ...... 5

5.1 Biology ...... 5 5.2 Habitat Management Plan ...... 5

6.0 References ...... 6

i LIST OF APPENDICES

Page

Appendix A. Project Location Map ...... A-1

Appendix B. Aerial with Preserve Areas Map ...... B-1

Appendix C. Eastern Indigo Snake Informational Pamphlet ...... C-1

Appendix D. Florida Black Bear Informational Pamphlet ...... D-1

ii 1.0 INTRODUCTION

This habitat management plan has been prepared for the purpose of addressing the conservation of potential Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi), Big Cypress fox squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia), and Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) habitat on the Winding Cypress project (Project).

The Winding Cypress project site is located in Sections 26 and 35, Township 50 South, Range 26 East, and Sections 2 and 3, Township 51 South, Range 26 East, Collier County (Appendix A). This habitat management plan has been prepared to comply with South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) permitting requirements.

2.0 PRESERVE AREAS

The Project’s preserve areas will be maintained in accordance with the Wetland Mitigation/Monitoring/Maintenance Plan (to be approved as part of SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) Application No. 130502-5). The preserve areas will be managed to provide habitat for listed species. An aerial depicting the locations of the preserve areas is provided as Appendix B.

The Project has been designed to minimize impacts to the listed species that have been identified on the property. The on-site preserves have been designed to connect to off-site preserves and the Picayune Strand State Forest in order to retain connectivity of wildlife habitat.

The Project’s preserve areas total 583.01± acres, which following mitigation activities will be comprised of 491.23± acres of wetlands and 91.78± acres of uplands. The wetland habitats consist mostly of cypress and pine/cypress communities with hydric pine, mixed wetland forest, and marsh communities to a lesser extent. The upland habitats consist of shrub, palmetto prairie, pine flatwoods, pine, live oak, cabbage palm, and mixed hardwood- conifer communities. The preserve areas will be managed for listed species based on habitat type, and current listed species utilization.

The wetland and upland preserves, excluding reserved right-of-ways and access easements, will be placed in a conservation easement granted to the SFWMD. The total preserve area to be placed under conservation easement is 583.01± acres.

3.0. EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Eastern indigo snake has not been observed on-site; however, the following plan outlines the protection guidelines that will be implemented for the Eastern indigo snake during clearing operations for the Project. The plan provides educational material and guidelines for construction personnel to follow in case they encounter an Eastern indigo snake. The plan has been prepared following the guidelines established by the U.S. Fish and

1 Wildlife Service (USFWS) for the protection of the Eastern indigo snake. The Eastern indigo snake is listed as threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) and the USFWS.

3.1 Biology

The Eastern indigo is a large, non-venomous, glossy black snake with smooth iridescent scales. The chin and throat may be rusty or white-blotched. The juvenile snakes are similar to the adults, but may be lighter and exhibit a blotched dorsal pattern. Adults can grow to lengths over eight feet. The Eastern indigo might be confused with the black racer (Coluber constrictor), but the black racer exhibits a white or brown throat and is smaller and lighter in build.

The Eastern indigo snake inhabits a range of habitat types including pine flatwoods and wet prairies. Individuals are wide ranging and may utilize an area of 250 acres or more. Eastern indigo snakes are known to shelter in gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows. The Eastern indigo snake is diurnal (active only during the daytime) and will actively search for prey. Prey may include frogs, snakes, birds, and small mammals. Very little is known of the reproduction of this species in the wild. Breeding is believed to occur during the winter and early spring months with up to 11 large white eggs being deposited in late spring and early summer.

The Eastern indigo snake is a federally threatened species and is listed by the Endangered Species Act (Act). It is unlawful for anyone to injure, harm, harass, or kill this species. Persons who knowingly violate provisions of the Act, that afford this species protection, may be subject to fine and/or imprisonment. Only the Project’s qualified biologists may come in contact with or relocate an Eastern indigo snake.

3.2 Habitat Management Plan

The preserve areas will be maintained per the Wetland Mitigation/Monitoring/ Maintenance Plan (to be approved as part of SFWMD ERP Application No. 130502-5), and will provide habitat for the Eastern indigo snake.

Informational Posters

Informational posters will be placed in a conspicuous location at the construction office and construction entrances to the Project. The poster will provide background information on identification, habits, and protection of the Eastern indigo snake. The poster will state actions to take if an Eastern indigo snake is sighted and provide the names and telephone numbers of contact persons. A copy of the informational poster will be forwarded to the USFWS for review prior to commencement of clearing activities.

2 Informational Pamphlets

Informational pamphlets will be made available to individuals in charge of the clearing operation for distribution to all construction crew. The pamphlet will provide background information on identification, habits, and protection of the Eastern indigo snake. The pamphlet will state actions to take if an Eastern indigo snake is sighted and provide the names and telephone numbers of contact persons. A copy of the informational pamphlet will be forwarded to the USFWS for review prior to commencement of clearing activities (Appendix C).

Actions to take if a live or injured Eastern indigo snake is sighted during construction activity:

1. Cease construction activity 2. Promptly notify the Project’s biologist: Passarella & Associates, Inc. Phone: (239) 274-0067 3. Allow the snake sufficient time to move away from construction activity before resuming construction.

Actions to take if a dead Eastern indigo snake is sighted during construction activity:

1. Promptly notify the Project’s biologist: Passarella & Associates, Inc. Phone: (239) 274-0067 2. Seal the remains in an airtight plastic bag and place on ice. 3. The Project’s biologist will contact the following agency personnel for proper disposal: Permitting Agent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1339 20th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Phone: (772) 562-3909

4.0 BIG CYPRESS FOX SQUIRREL HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The following habitat management plan has been prepared for the purpose of addressing the conservation of Big Cypress fox squirrel habitat on the Project and outlines the protection guidelines that will be implemented for the Big Cypress fox squirrel prior to, during, and after construction of the Project. The Big Cypress fox squirrel is listed as threatened by the FWCC. There is no federal listing for the Big Cypress fox squirrel in Florida.

3 4.1 Biology

The Big Cypress fox squirrel lives and breeds in varied habitats in Southwest Florida including cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, tropical hardwood forests, live oak woods, mangrove forests, and suburban habitats, including golf courses, city parks, and residential areas in native vegetation (Humphrey 1992). Dense cypress/hardwood swamps are avoided. This may be due to the competition for food and habitat with the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Little data is available on the preferred forage habitat of the Big Cypress fox squirrel. Big Cypress fox squirrels prefer to feed on the male and female cones of slash pine (Pinus elliottii). Cabbage palm fruits, bromeliad buds, and acorns are also important food items. A smaller percentage of the diet may consist of seasonal fruits, berries, and seeds (Humphrey 1992).

Big Cypress fox squirrels often form platform nests in pines, hardwoods, and moss and stick nests in cypress (Taxodium distichum), tops of cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto), and large clumps of bromeliads (Tillandsia sp.). Cabbage palms and bromeliads are especially important because they can provide immediate shelter, which allows the squirrel to travel over large areas without requiring a daily return to a permanent nesting facility (Humphrey 1992).

Big Cypress fox squirrels are solitary animals. Interaction between animals occurs primarily during mating season. Mating chases occur frequently throughout the months of May through August. During the non-mating season, interactions are infrequent and often occur around food sources. Young remain in the nest for approximately 90 days. Home ranges are 40 hectares or approximately 100 acres for males and 20 hectares or approximately 50 acres for females (Humphrey 1992).

4.2 Habitat Management Plan

4.2.1 Pre-Construction Surveys

A qualified ecologist will be on-site to supervise Big Cypress fox squirrel management and monitoring activities as detailed in this plan. Prior to commencement of construction activities, the preserve areas will be staked in the field and clearly identified with orange silt fencing or an equivalent barrier. The fencing will be inspected by the preserve manager prior to clearing activities. The operation and storage of construction equipment and the stockpiling of fill and construction material will be prohibited within the fenced preserve areas. The fencing identifying the limits of the preserves will be maintained for the duration of construction activities.

Also, prior to commencement of clearing activities, a survey will be conducted in areas to be cleared to identify potential Big Cypress fox squirrel nests. If potential nests are identified within the clearing limits, observations will be conducted to determine if the nests are being utilized by Big Cypress fox squirrels. The FWCC will be notified of nests determined to be utilized by Big Cypress fox squirrels.

4 No clearing will be conducted within 125 feet of an active Big Cypress fox squirrel nest tree. After completion of nesting and observations document that juvenile squirrels have left the nest, a written request to remove the nest shall be made to the FWCC. After receipt of the written authorization from the FWCC, the nest tree and buffer can then be cleared.

4.2.2 Habitat Enhancement

The preserve areas will be enhanced and managed per the Wetland Mitigation/Monitoring/ Maintenance Plan (to be approved as part of SFWMD ERP Application No. 130502-5), and will provide foraging and nesting habitats for Big Cypress fox squirrels.

4.2.3 Post-Construction Monitoring

Post-construction monitoring for Big Cypress fox squirrels will be conducted as part of the wetland mitigation monitoring program for the Project. Observations of Big Cypress fox squirrel activities will be included in the wetland monitoring reports.

5.0 FLORIDA BLACK BEAR HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The following habitat management plan has been prepared for the purpose of addressing the conservation of Florida black bear habitat on the Project site. The Florida black bear is listed as threatened by the FWCC. There is no federal listing for the Florida black bear in Florida.

5.1 Biology

The Florida black bear is a solitary animal that inhabits heavily wooded terrain. They are most often found in large tracts of swamp forest and undisturbed upland forest. Some of the most important habitat types for the black bear include pine flatwoods, hardwood swamps, cypress swamps, cabbage palm forests, sand pine scrub, and mixed hardwood hammocks. Denning often occurs in remote swamps or thickets with dense vegetation. Adult females breed in alternating years during the months of June and July. In Florida, hibernation may be restricted to females producing cubs. Hibernation most often occurs during the winter months. The diet of black bears is highly variable and includes both plants and animals including saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), berries, honeybees (Apis mellifera), ants (Formicidae), armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), feral hog (Sus scrofa), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (Humphrey 1992).

5.2 Habitat Management Plan

The preserve areas will be enhanced and managed per the Wetland Mitigation/Monitoring/ Maintenance Plan (to be approved as part of SFWMD ERP Application No. 130502-5), and will serve as potential Florida black bear habitat. These preserve areas will provide connectivity to the Picayune Strand State Forest and function as a wildlife corridor.

5 In order to deter the potential for interactions between humans and large mammals, such as the Florida black bear, lake buffers will be constructed between the development limit and the preserve areas to discourage large mammals from accessing the Project. The locations of the lakes are depicted on Appendix B. Where lake buffers are not feasible, fencing will be constructed along the development limit, primarily where roadways are located adjacent to preserve areas.

5.2.1 Informational Pamphlets

Informational pamphlets providing background information on identification, habits, and protection of the Florida black bear will be made available to homeowners and construction/maintenance personnel (Appendix D). The pamphlet states that if there is a problem with a persistent, nuisance Florida black bear, they will need to contact the FWCC.

6.0 REFERENCES

Humphrey, Stephen R. 1992. Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida; Volume I. Mammals. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 392 pages.

APPENDIX A

PROJECT LOCATION MAP

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REVIEWED BY DATE APPENDIX A. PROJECT LOCATION MAP S.J. 4/15/13

WINDING CYPRESS REVISED DATE

APPENDIX B

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APPENDIX C

EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE INFORMATIONAL PAMPHLET

Actions to take if a dead Actions to take if a live Eastern indigo snake is or injured Eastern indigo sighted during construc- snake is sighted during EASTERN INDIGO tion activity: construction activity : SNAKE • Promptly notify the project • Cease construction activity. INFORMATIONAL biologist: • Promptly notify the project PAMPHLET Passarella & Associates, Inc. biologist: (239) 274-0067 Passarella & Associates, Inc. • Thoroughly soak the remains (239) 274-0067 in water in an airtight plastic bag, place on ice, then freeze. • Allow the Eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move away • The project biologist will from construction activity on contact the following agency its own before resuming personnel for proper disposal: clearing.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • Only the project biologist is

Office of Ecological Services permitted to come in contact Photo By Bill Love/www.bluechameleon.org 3860 Tollgate Boulevard, Suite 300 with an Eastern indigo snake. Naples, Florida 34114 Provided By:

Phone: (941) 353-2814

Florida Fish and Wildlife Prepared By: WINDING Conservation Commission CYPRESS Office of Environmental Services

29200 Tuckers Grade Punta Gorda, Florida 33955 13620 Metropolis Avenue, Suite 200 Please help us protect Phone: (941) 575-5765 Fort Myers, Florida 33912 this resource. (239) 274-0067

Background Information: Habits (Continued): Actions to take if a live or injured Eastern The Eastern indigo is a large non- Very little is known of the indigo snake is sighted poisonous glossy black snake with reproduction of this species in the smooth iridescent scales. The chin wild. Breeding is believed to occur during construction and throat may be rusty or white- during the winter and early spring activity : blotched. The juvenile snakes are months with up to 11 large white • Cease construction activity similar to the adults but may be eggs being deposited in late spring and early summer. lighter and exhibit a blotched dorsal pattern. Adults can grow to • Promptly notify the project lengths over eight feet. The biologist: Protection: Eastern indigo might be confused with the black racer ( Coluber Passarella & Associates, Inc. The Eastern indigo snake is a Phone (239) 274-0067 constrictor ), but the black racer federally threatened species and is exhibits a white or brown throat protected by the Endangered and is smaller and lighter in build. Species Act. It is unlawful for • Allow the snake sufficient anyone to injure, harm, harass, or time to move away from Habits: kill this species. Persons who construction activity or allow knowingly violate provisions of the the qualified biologist to The Eastern indigo snake inhabits a Act that afford this species promptly relocate the Eastern range of habitat types including protection may be subject to fine indigo snake before resuming pine flatwoods and wet prairies. and/or imprisonment. construction. Only the Individuals are wide ranging and project biologist is permitted may utilize an area of 250 acres or Only the project biologist may to come in contact with, or more. Eastern indigo snakes are come in contact with, or relocate, relocate, an Eastern indigo known to shelter in gopher tortoise an Eastern indigo snake. snake. burrows.

The Eastern indigo snake is diurnal (active only during the daytime) and will actively search for prey. Prey may include frogs, snakes, birds, and small mammals.

APPENDIX D

FLORIDA BLACK BEAR INFORMATIONAL PAMPHLET

Secure common bear attractants Bear range in Florida n Use electric fencing to protect gardens, compost piles, apiaries, fruit trees and livestock. n Store garbage and recyclables in bear-resistant containers or in a secure area until the morning A guide to living in of pick up. n Feed pets indoors or bring food dishes (even if empty) inside before dark. n Store pet and livestock feed in bear-resistant bear country containers or inside a secure area. n Remove bird and wildlife feeders. Ensure the area is free of all seed, corn, or other wild animal feed. n Keep gardens and fruiting trees and shrubs tidy. Remove rotten fruit and harvest ripe nuts, fruits and vegetables. n Clean meat smokers and barbeque grills with a degreasing detergent. Properly dispose of food Milt Fox remnants after each use.

Learn more about black bears with the Florida Black Bear Curriculum Guide. The guide is designed to Discouraging bears from visiting educate teachers and students in 3rd to 8th grade and If you are experiencing bear problems, please contact your home offers a comprehensive series of lessons on Florida’s the nearest FWC regional office. Properly storing or securing residential garbage and black bear. other attractants is a proven method of discouraging North Central, Lake City 386-758-0525 bears and preventing bear conflicts around homes, To get tips on how to secure bear attractants, watch Northeast, Ocala 352-732-1225 farms and neighborhoods. The following items attract videos about bears or how to install electric fencing, Northwest, Panama City 850-265-3676 bears and should be protected by an electric fence, and learn more about bear-resistant containers, visit South, West Palm Beach 561-625-5122 wildlife resistant container, or stored in a secure MyFWC.com/Bear. Southwest, Lakeland 863-648-3200 place, such as a garage or sturdy shed: n Trash and recycling containers If you suspect illegal activity, call FWC’s Wildlife Alert n Bird and squirrel feeders Hotline at 1-888-404-3922. n Game feeders n Pet foods and bowls Follow us on: n Barbeque grills and smokers n Pets and small livestock n Livestock feed n Compost piles n Beehives Cover photo by Ashley Hockenberry n Fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs

Funds from the “Conserve Wildlife” license plate help support efforts to reduce human-bear conflicts. Buy one Rick Sinnott today at your local tax collector’s office or online at BuyAPlate.com. printed on recycled paper too comfortable around people are more likely to be The bear facts killed, either by vehicle collisions, illegal shooting, or as Black bears are the only species of bear in Florida a result of bear management actions. and once roamed the entire state. n FWC biologists estimate there are 2,500- People ask why problem bears can’t simply be relocated 3,000 black bears in Florida. to a “wild area where they won’t bother anyone.” n Florida bears are generally black with a Unfortunately, areas large and remote enough for brown muzzle and may have a white chest bears to avoid people are rare in Florida. Also, most marking called a blaze. relocated bears typically leave the new area, either to n Adult black bears typically weigh between return to their original home or to leave an area already 150 to 400 pounds; males are usually larger occupied by other bears. Some bears will wander than females. Ashley Hockenberry through unfamiliar areas and cross busy roads, creating n Female bears have their first litter at about a danger to the bear and to motorists. In addition, bears n Never approach or surprise a bear. Keep as 31/2 years of age and generally have one to remaining in the relocation area often exhibit the same, much distance between you and the bear as three cubs every other year. unwanted behavior, thus shifting the problem to a new possible. n In Florida, the breeding season runs from Ashley Hockenberry location. As a result, relocation is not a desirable or n Make sure you are in a secure area and the bear June to August and cubs are born in late effective solution to bear conflicts. Wildlife biologists has a clear escape route to leave the area - then January or early February. can provide technical advice to residents who live in yell, bang pots and pans, or use an air horn to n Bears of all ages are excellent climbers bear country to help them take actions to discourage scare the bear away. and will climb trees when they are bears from becoming a problem. The FWC is committed n Do not turn your back, play dead or run from frightened or looking for food (e.g., acorns). to addressing the safety concerns of residents and a black bear. Back away slowly into a house, car n About 80 percent of a black bear’s visitors while ensuring the long-term well-being of or building. diet comes from plants (e.g., fruits, nuts, If you live in Florida, you black bears. n Report any bear threatening the safety of berries), 15 percent from insects (e.g., should know humans, pets or livestock, or causing property termites, ants, yellow jackets) and 5 percent Florida black bear populations have been recovering If a bear comes into your yard damage to the FWC (see back panel). from meat (e.g., opossums, armadillos, from historically low numbers in most areas of the If you encounter a black bear at close range, remain n Warning! It is illegal to injure or kill black carrion). state. At the same time, the human population is standing upright, back up slowly and speak to the bear bears under Florida state law. If you are found rapidly expanding in and around bear range. As a in a calm, assertive voice. guilty, you could face fines and/or jail time. It is illegal to intentionally place food or result, bears and humans are encountering each n Do not intentionally feed or attract bears. If a garbage out that attracts bears and causes other more than ever. Climbing trees is a bear’s natural escape route. If the bear is eating something on your property, take conflicts. Anything that attracts dogs, cats note of what it is and secure it after the bear bear climbs a tree, keep people and pets away. The bear Calls to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation has left the area. will come down the tree and leave when it feels safe, or raccoons also will attract bears! Commission (FWC) about human-bear encounters usually after dark. have increased from 1,000 in 2001 to over 4,000 in 2010. The most common calls refer to bears in yards Did you know? and getting into garbage. Black bears are shy animals and generally not aggressive towards people. When a bear stands on its The mere presence of a black bear does not represent hind legs, it is merely trying to get a better view, rather a problem. In fact, living in bear country can provide than acting in a threatening way. Black bears may huff, unique and rewarding experiences for residents. snap their jaws, swat the ground or “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or caught stealing food. Stand While feeding bears is illegal in Florida, bears are your ground and then slowly back away. Always respect still often fed by humans, either intentionally or bears – they are large and powerful wild animals and Charles TowneCharles unintentionally. When black bears have access can act unpredictably. Bears used to getting food from to pet food, garbage, birdseed, livestock feed or humans may lose their natural fear of people and are other human-provided items, they quickly learn to more likely to damage property or become a safety associate people with food. Bears that have become threat.