Need for deer-warning signs along additional section of US-1 in the Florida Keys Rationale, supporting data, and placement location suggestions.

Prepared by Save Our Key Deer, Inc. Contact: Valerie Preziosi – [email protected] 760-807-9064

Deer mortality data were obtained from USFWS Why are new signs needed?

• Presently, signs on US-1 warning motorists of a possible collision with a Key Deer exist only on Big Pine Key. • Some of the signs incorrectly imply that there is no such collision danger west of Big Pine Key. • Key Deer inhabit several islands west of Big Pine Key where vehicle- deer collisions regularly occur but no warning signs exist. • The collisions cause damage to the endangered deer population, sometimes to the vehicle, and can lead to secondary collisions when unaware motorists swerve, trying to avoid the deer. Situation Background

• While the largest population of Key Deer inhabits Big Pine Key, smaller sub-herds exist on several islands to the West. • The separate sub-herds are very important for lessening the Key Deer’s susceptibility to extinction. • In 2006 the sub-herds on Upper Sugarloaf and Cudjoe Keys were enhanced through deer translocation at considerable federal expense. • Expanding US-1 signage was included in the Key Deer Refuge’s Comprehensive Plan – but never followed through:

Key Deer Vehicle collision deaths West of Big Pine Key May 2012 – July 2019 (no data available Oct. 2018 – May 2019) Collision hotspot areas have been identified Recommendations: 1) Add signs at the west boundary of Key Deer habitat (@ MM 16.5, Lower Sugarloaf Key, eastbound direction): “Drive with caution You are entering Key Deer habitat” Recommendations:

2) Install traditional diamond-shaped deer- warning signs at both ends of Lower Sugarloaf Key Upper Sugarloaf Key Cudjoe Key Summerland Key Ramrod Key Little Torch Key

3) Install additional flashing signs (as are now on BPK) at collision hotspot areas. Recommendations:

4) Correct existing US-1 signage on Big Pine Key: Driving westward, motorists encounter 6 deer- warning signs that progressively count down mileage of affected area, leading to the wrong conclusion that no deer collision danger exists once motorists exit Big Pine Key.

Action: Remove the “next x miles” subsigns or update them to correct mileage (+ 13 miles) Recommended Sign Locations

12 miles

Entering Key Deer Habitat Sign Standard deer sign Deer sign with flashing light