May 6, 2021

Aaron Stuckmeyer Pulte Homes – North Florida Division 4901 Vineland Road, Suite 500 Orlando, Florida 32811

Proj: Kerina Parkside PD – County, Florida Sections 10 & 15, Township 24 South, Range 28 East Re: 2021 Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC Project #214-102)

Dear Mr. Stuckmeyer:

During March and April of 2021, Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc. (BTC) conducted a formal sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) survey on the Kerina Parkside PD site. This project site is approximately 68.66 acres and is located east of Apopka Vineland Road (CR 435) and south of Buena Vista Boulevard, with Fenton Street bisecting the property east to west; within Sections 10 & 15, Township 24 South, Range 28 East, Orange County, Florida (Figures 1 & 2). The following presents an environmental description of the property, survey methodology, and the results of the sand skink survey.

TOPOGRAPHY

Based upon review of the USGS Topographic Map Lake Jessamine Quad, (Figure 3), the property elevations range from 110 feet to 125 feet NGVD. The land generally slopes down from the western boundary towards the eastern boundary of the subject site.

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 2 of 11

SOILS

According to the Soil Survey of Orange County, Florida, prepared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), eight (8) soil types occur within the subject property boundaries (Figure 4). These soils include the following:

 Immokalee fine sand (#20)  Pomello fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (#34)  St. Johns fine sand (#37)  St. Lucie fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (#38)  Sanibel Muck (#42)  Smyrna-Smyrna, wet, fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (#44)  Tavares fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (#46)  Zolfo fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes (#54)

The following presents a brief description of each of the soil types mapped for the site:

Immokalee fine sand (#20) is a nearly level, poorly drained soil found on broad flatwoods. The surface layer of this soil type generally consists of black fine sand about 5 inches thick. In most years the seasonal high water table for this soil type is within 10 inches of the surface for 1 to 3 months. It recedes to a depth of 10 to 40 inches for more than 6 months. Permeability of this soil type is rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and in the substratum. It is moderate in the subsoil.

Pomello fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (#34) is a nearly level to gently sloping, moderately well drained soil found on low ridges and knolls on the flatwoods. The surface layer of this soil type generally consists of gray fine sand about 3 inches thick. In most years, the seasonal high water table for this soil type is at a depth of 24 to 40 inches for 1 to 4 months and recedes to a depth of 40 to 60 inches during dry periods. Permeability of this soil type is very rapid in the surface and subsurface layers, moderately rapid in the subsoil, and rapid in the substratum.

St. Johns fine sand (#37) is a nearly level, poorly drained soil found in broad areas on the flatwoods. The upper portion of the surface layer of this soil type generally consists of black fine sand about 7 inches thick. In most years the seasonal high water table for this soil type is within 10 inches of the surface for 6 to 12 months and between depths of 10 to 40 inches for more than 6 months. Permeability of this soil type is rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and substratum, and medium to very high in the subsoil.

St. Lucie fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (#38) is a deep, nearly level to gently sloping, and excessively drained soil in uplands. The slopes generally are uniform and range from 0 to 5 percent. Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 3 of 11

Typically, this soil has a surface layer of gray fine sand about 2 inches thick. The upper part of underlying material, to a depth of about 6 inches, is light gray fine sand. The lower part to a depth of about 80 inches of more is white fine sand. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 72 inches or more. Permeability is very rapid. The available water capacity is very low. Natural fertility and the organic matter content are very low.

Sanibel muck (#42) is a nearly level, very poorly drained soil found in depressions, freshwater swamps and marshes and in poorly defined drainageways. Typically the surface layer of this soil type consists of black muck about 11 inches thick. In most years undrained areas mapped with this soil type are ponded for 6 to 9 months or more except during extended dry periods. Permeability of this soil type is rapid throughout.

Smyrna-Smyrna, wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes (#44) is a nearly level, poorly drained soil found on broad flatwoods. The surface layer of this soil type generally consists of black fine sand about 4 inches thick. The seasonal high water table for this soil type is within 10 inches of the surface for 1 to 4 months. It recedes to a depth of 10 to 40 inches for more than 6 months. Permeability of this soil type is rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and in the substratum. It is moderate to moderately rapid in the subsoil.

Tavares fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (#46) is a nearly level to gently sloping, moderately well drained soil found on low ridges and knolls on the uplands. The surface layer of this soil type generally consists of very dark gray fine sand about 6 inches thick. The seasonal high water table for this soil type is at a depth of 40 to 80 inches for more than 6 months, and recedes to a depth of more than 80 inches during extended dry periods. Permeability of this soil type is very rapid throughout.

Zolfo fine sand (#54) is a nearly level, somewhat poorly drained soil found on broad, slightly higher positions adjacent to the flatwoods. The surface layer of this soil type generally consists of dark grayish brown fine sand about 5 inches thick. The seasonal high water table for this soil type is at a depth of 24 to 40 inches for 2 to 6 months. It is at a depth of 10 to 24 inches during periods of heavy rain. It recedes to a depth of about 60 inches during extended dry periods. Permeability of this soil type is rapid in the surface and subsurface layers and is moderate in the subsoil.

The Florida Association of Environmental Soil Scientists (FAESS) considers Sanibel Muck (#42) and Smyrna – Smyrna Wet fine sand as hydric soil types (#44). Furthermore, this association considers inclusions present in Immokalee fine sand (#20), Pomello fine sand (#34), and St. Johns fine sand (#37), as hydric. This information may be found in the Hydric Soils of Florida Handbook, Fourth Edition, March 2007.

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 4 of 11

LAND USE TYPES/VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES

The Kerina Parkside PD site currently supports five (5) distinct land use types/vegetative communities within its boundaries (Figure 5). These land use types were identified utilizing the Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System, Level III (FLUCFCS, FDOT, January 2004) (Figure 5). The on-site upland land use types/vegetative communities are classified as Flatwoods (411), Upland Scrub, Pine and Hardwoods (436), Coniferous Plantations (441), and Roads & Highways (814). The on-site wetland and/or other surface waters land use type/vegetative community is classified as Bay Swamp (611). The following provides a brief description of the land use types/vegetative communities identified on the site:

Uplands:

411 Pine Flatwoods

Within the southwestern, southeastern, and northeastern portions of the property exists a coniferous forest that can best be classified as Pine Flatwoods (411), per the FLUCFCS. Vegetation within this community consists of a canopy of predominantly (Pinus Palustris), with scattered sand pine (Pinus clausa), water (), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), and loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus); a sub-canopy of like-species and saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia); and, an understory of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), inkberry (Ilex glabra), Atlantic St.Johns-wort (Hypericum tenuifolium), blue huckleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa), shiny bluebery (Vaccinium myrsinites), netted pawpaw (Asimina reticulata), chalky bluestem (Andropogan virginicus var. glaucus), wild pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida).

436 Upland Scrub, Pine and Hardwoods

The largest of the property’s upland communities is centrally located and consists of a disheveled coniferous forest with a mix of hardwoods. As such, this community is best classified as Upland Scrub, Pine and Hardwoods (436), per the FLUCFCS. Vegetation within this portion of the property consists of a canopy of predominantly sand pine (Pinus clausa), with scattered sand live oak (Quercus geminata), and myrtle oak (Querucs myrtifolia); a sub-canopy of like-species; and, an understory of rosemary ( ericoides), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), (Garberia heterophylla), Florida bonamia (), silk bay (Persea borbonia var. humilis), tough bully (Sideroxylon tenax), and sky blue lupine (Lupinus diffusus).

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 5 of 11

441 Coniferous Plantations

Within the northwest corner of the subject property exists a stand of planted coniferous . As such, this community may best be classified as Coniferous Plantations (441), per the FLUCFCS. Vegetation within this portion of the property consists predominantly of planted slash pine (). The understory has been heavily affected by successional and invasive species such as camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), grape vine Vitis rotundifolia), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia), cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), ear tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) and dog fennel (Eupitorium capillifolium).

814 Roads and Highways

Through the central portion of the property runs Fenton Street, running east to west. This land use type is best classified as Roads and Highways (814) per the FLUCFCS. The eastern half of this road is paved. The western half of the road is gravel.

Wetlands/Surface Waters

611 Bay Swamp

The northeast corner of the site contains a large forested wetland system that may be best classified as Bay Swamp (611), per the FLUCFCS. Vegetation within this community consists of a canopy of predominantly loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), with scattered slash pine (Pinus elliottii), red maple (Acer rubrum), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), water oak (Quercus nigra); a sub-canopy of like-species; and, an understory of swamp fern (Blechnum serrulatum), blackberry (Rubus sp.), fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), and Peruvian primrose-willow (Ludwigia peruviana). It should be noted that this system is currently under a Conservation Easement dedicated to Orange County.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

Sand Skink - (Neoseps reynoldsi)

Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc. staff conducted a formal survey for the sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi). The sand skink and bluetail mole skink are listed as “Threatened” by both the USFWS and FFWCC. These skinks exist in areas vegetated with sand pine (Pinus clausa) - rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) scrub or longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) - turkey oak (Quercus laevis) associations. Habitat destruction is the primary threat to this species' survival. Citrus groves, residential, commercial, and recreational facilities have depleted the xeric upland habitat of the sand skink.

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 6 of 11

The sand skink is endemic to the sandy ridges of Central Florida, occurring in Polk, Highlands, Marion, Lake, Orange, Osceola and Putnam counties (Christman 1988, Telford 1998). Principal populations occur on the Lake Wales, Mount Dora and Winter Haven Ridges (Christman 1970; Christman 1992; Mushinsky and McCoy 1995).

Coverboard Survey

The coverboard survey, which provides a measure of the relative risk of taking sand skinks, with similar risks to bluetail mole skinks assumed from sand skink results, was designed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sand and Bluetail Mole Skink Conservation Guidelines (April 4, 2012). Approximately 1,280 (2’x2’) coverboards were distributed in suitable sand skink habitat (i.e., open sandy areas) found within the property (Figure 6).

Timing: Surveys should be conducted between March 1 and May 15. Coverboards were placed in the field on February 11, 2021.

Duration: Surveys were conducted for a minimum of four (4) consecutive weeks within the time period described above. Coverboard monitoring began March 1, 2021 and finished March 29, 2021.

Materials: Two-foot by two-foot (2' X 2') coverboards were utilized and were constructed of ½ inch thick oriented strand board (OSB).

Coverboard Placement: Approximately 700 coverboards were placed within suitable habitat at a minimum density of 40 coverboards per acre. Coverboards were placed in areas of bare sand or sparse vegetation adjacent to litter or other detritus, ensuring full contact of the coverboard with the soil surface only above the 80-foot contour. Coverboards were not placed below 80 feet NGVD. Raking or grading of the soil was needed to ensure full contact of the coverboard with the soil surface. Placement of soil from surrounding areas was also necessary under some coverboards where stems or roots prohibited full contact of the coverboard with the soil surface. While preparing coverboard sites, impacts to federally listed , if applicable, were minimized at all times.

Sampling: Coverboards were lifted and checked for sand skink tracks a minimum of once per week. Upon lifting each coverboard, BTC staff checked for tracks and then lightly raked the top several inches

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 7 of 11

of soil with fingers to expose skinks, if present. After checking for tracks and skinks, each coverboard was swiped to smooth the soil surface with the edge of the coverboard and replaced coverboard on the other side in order to prevent warping. During each monitoring event, BTC staff also looked for tracks in any sandy areas between coverboard locations.

Coverboard Monitoring Dates & Conditions:

Sampling Weather Conditions: Temp: 87°F – High; Cloud Cover: Day 1 Precip: None 71°F – Low 60-80% Date: 3-1- 2021 Wind: 12-16 mph S, SSW Time Start 10:30 am Time End 1:30 pm

Observations: No Sand skinks observed.

Sampling Weather Conditions: Temp: 82°F – High; Cloud Cover: Day 2 Precip: None 55°F – Low 50-90% Date: 3-11- 2021 Wind: 0-9 mph E Time Start 10:00 am Time End 1:00 pm

Observations: No Sand skinks observed.

Sampling Weather Conditions: Temp: 74°F – High; Cloud Cover: Day 3 Precip: None 58°F – Low 50-90% Date: 3-19- 2021 Wind: 0-9 mph E Time Start 11:00 am Time End 2:00 pm

Observations: No Sand skinks observed.

Sampling Weather Conditions: Temp: 84°F – High; Cloud Cover: Day 4 Precip: None 70°F – Low 40-100% Date: 3-29- 2021 Wind: 0-14 mph NW Time Start 12:00 pm Time End 3:00 pm

Observations: No Sand skinks observed.

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 8 of 11

SURVEY RESULTS / SUMMARY

BTC conducted a coverboard sand skink survey on the property pursuant to the USFWS’s Sand and Bluetail Mole Skink Conservation Guidelines (February 6, 2012). The 2021 sand skink survey was conducted for four (4) consecutive weeks, starting on March 1, 2021 and ending on March 29, 2021. Survey dates were chosen, whenever possible, for their optimal weather conditions (i.e., warm, sunny, dry conditions). Several photographs of the site are attached for reference. Based on the results of the 2021 sand skink survey, it is BTC’s conclusion that the sand skink does not occupy any portion of the Kerina Parkside PD site. It should be noted that BTC has conducted several sand skink surveys within the Kerina PD area for various landowners. Despite the fact that the survey areas have included native vegetation and have never been impacted by agriculture, no sand skinks have ever been identified on any of the projects. It appears that sand skinks may never have existed in this portion of the Mount Dora Ridge. Should you have any questions or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us at (407) 894-5969. Thank you.

Regards,

Brian Devlin Field Biologist

Stephen Butler Project Manager Attachments,

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 9 of 11

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 10 of 11

Aaron Stuckmeyer; Pulte Homes Kerina Parkside PD– Orange County, Florida Sand Skink Survey Report (BTC File #214-102) Page 11 of 11

Legend Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (HKoneg rKionnag) , PEsari rKkosreiad, Ees rPi (TDha i(la±n6d)8, N.6GC6C ,a (c).) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

1 Kerina Parkside PD Miles Orange County, Florida Project #: 214-102 Figure 1 ² Produced By: BGD Location Map Date: 5/6/2021 Legend

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEKye, rEinarath sPtaar Grkesogidraeph PicsD, C (N±E6S8/A.i6rb6us a DcS.,) USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

350 Kerina Parkside PD Feet Orange County, Florida Project #: 214-102 Figure 2 ² Produced By: BGD 2019 Aerial Photograph Date: 5/7/2021 Legend Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong KKonegr)i,n Easr iP Kaorreka,s Eidsrei ( TPhaDila (n±d)6, 8NG.6C6C , a(cc).) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

1 Kerina Parkside PD Miles Orange County, Florida Project #: 214-102 Figure 2 ² Produced By: BGD Location Map Date: 5/6/2021 Legend

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEKye, rEinarath sPtaar Grkesogidraeph PicsD, C (N±E6S8/A.i6rb6us a DcS.,) USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

800 Kerina Parkside PD Feet Orange County, Florida Project #: 214-102 Figure 3 ² Produced By: BGD USGS Topographic Map Date: 5/6/2021 37 20 46 54

42

38 34

44

Legend Kerina Parkside PD (±68.66 ac.) Orange County Soils 20: Immokalee fine sand (±7.25 ac.) 34: Pomello fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (±27.52 ac.) 37: St. Johns fine sand (±0.08 ac.) 38: St. Lucie fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (±3.42 ac.) 42: Sanibel muck (±6.30 ac.) 44: Smyrna-Smyrna, wet, fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes (±15.23 ac.) 46: Tavares fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes (±0.99 ac.) Source: Es5ri4, :D Ziogliftoa lGfinloeb sea,n Gd,e 0o Etoy e2, pEearrctehnstt asrlo Gpeos g(±ra7p.8h7ic as,c .C) NES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

350 Kerina Parkside PD Feet Orange County, Florida Project #: 214-102 Figure 4 ² Produced By: BGD SSURGO Soils Map Date: 5/6/2021 441 611

436 411

814

436 411

411

Legend Kerina Parkside PD (±68.66 ac.) FLUCFCS 411 - Pine Flatwoods (±14.32 ac.) 436 - Upland Scrub, Pine and Hardwoods (±31.45 ac.) 441 - Coniferous Plantation (±10.20 ac.) 611 - Bay Swamp (±11.53 ac.) Source: Esri, Di8g1ita4l G- lRoboea, dGse o&E yHei,g Ehawrtahystsa r( ±G1e.o1g6ra apch.ic)s, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

350 Kerina Parkside PD Feet Orange County, Florida Project #: 214-102 Figure 5 ² Produced By: BGD FLUCFCS Map Date: 5/6/2021 ")") ")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")") ")") ")") ") ") ")") ")")")") ")")")")")")")") ")") ") ")") ")")") ") ")") ")")")") ") ")") ") ") ")")") ") ")")")") ") ") ") ")") ")") ")")") ")")")") ")") ")") ") ") ") ")") ") ")")")")")")")") ") ")")") ")") ")") ") ") ")") ")") ") ")")")")")") ") ")") ")") ")") ")") ")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")")")") ") ") ")") ")") ") ")")")")")")") ") ") ") ") ") ")")")")") ") ") ")")")")")")") ")") ")")")")") ")")")")")") ") ") ") ")") ")")")") ")") ")") ")") ")") ")")") ")")")") ") ")")")") ") ") ") ") ")")")") ") ") ") ") ")")")")")")")") ")")")") ")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")")") ") ")") ")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")") ") ")") ")") ")")") ") ")") ")")") ") ") ") ")")")")") ")")") ")")")") ")") ") ")")")") ") ")") ")")") ")") ")")")")")")") ")") ") ") ")") ") ") ") ")") ")") ")")") ")")")") ") ")") ") ") ") ") ")") ") ") ")")")") ") ")") ") ")") ")")")")") ") ") ")") ") ") ") ")")")")")")")")")")")")")") ")")")") ")") ") ")") ") ")") ")")") ") ") ") ") ") ")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")") ") ") ")")") ")")")")")")") ") ")")")") ")") ") ") ")") ")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")")")") ") ") ")")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")") ")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")")")")") ")") ") ") ") ")")")")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")") ") ") ") ") ") ")")")") ")") ") ")")") ") ")")") ") ") ")")") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ") ")")") ")") ")

Legend Kerina Parkside PD (±68.66 ac.) ") Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, CGeoovEyeer, bEaortahsrtadr Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

350 Kerina Parkside PD Feet Orange County, Florida Project #: 214-102 Figure 6 ² Produced By: BGD SS Coverboard Map Date: 5/6/2021