Crystal River Airport Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements Tree Clearing Citrus County, Florida

Environmental Report

Prepared for:

Citrus County Board of County Commissioners 3600 W Sovereign Path Lecanto, Florida 34461

Prepared by:

AECOM 7650 W Courtney Campbell Causeway Tampa, Florida 33572

June 2018 Crystal River Airport Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1 2.0 EXISTING CONDTIONS ...... 1 2.1. Methodology ...... 1 2.2. Soils ...... 4 2.3. Existing Land USe/Vegetative Cover ...... 4 2.4. Individual Wetlands ...... 7 3.0 Listed Species Potentially in the Project Area ...... 8 3.1. Methodology ...... 9 3.2. Results ...... 9 3.2.1. Federally Listed Species ...... 10 3.2.2. State Listed Species ...... 11 3.2.3. Other Species of Concern ...... 11 4.0 Wetland and Listed Species Impacts ...... 12 4.1. Wetland Impact Avoidance and Minimization ...... 12 4.2. Wetland Impacts ...... 12 4.2.1. Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method ...... 13 4.2.2. UMAM Analysis Results ...... 14 4.3. Listed Species Impacts ...... 15 4.3.1. Federally Listed Species ...... 15 4.3.2. State Listed Species ...... 16 4.3.3. Other Species of Concern ...... 16 4.4. Critical Habitat ...... 16 5.0 Wetland Mitigation ...... 16 6.0 Commitments ...... 17 7.0 References ...... 17

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Existing Soil Types within the Project Area ...... 4 Table 2: Existing Land Use and Vegetative Cover within the Project Area ...... 7 Table 3: Wetlands within the Project Area ...... 7

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing i Environmental Report Crystal River Airport Table of Contents

Table 3: Listed Species1 Potentially Occurring within the Project Area ...... 9 Table 4: Existing and Proposed Tree Heights within OCS ...... 13 Table 5: Representative UMAM Scores for Temporary Impacts ...... 14 Table 6: Representative UMAM Scores for Secondary Impacts ...... 14 Table 7: UMAM Summary for Wetland Impacts ...... 14

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 - Project Location Map ...... 2 Figure 2 - Project Area Boundaries ...... 3 Figure 3 - Soils Map ...... 5 Figure 4 - Land Use and Vegetative Cover ...... 6

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Photographs Appendix B Wetland Impact Drawings Appendix C UMAM Worksheets Appendix D Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake Appendix E Letter of Mitigation Credit Availability

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

AECOM, on behalf of the Citrus County Board of Commissioners, has prepared this Environmental Report as part of the Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) application for the clearing and trimming of trees within wetlands located at the Crystal River Airport (CGC) in Citrus County. The project consists of reducing tree heights as required for the establishment of runway clear zones at CGC in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Federal Regulation Title 14 Part 77 establishes standards and notification requirements for objects affecting navigable airspace. Pursuant to Part 77, trees have been identified in both uplands and wetlands that penetrate the proposed obstacle clearance surface (OCS) and must be trimmed and/or removed to meet FAA specifications. The trees to be cleared are above the required height clearance east of Runway 9-27 and north of the Florida Armory National Guard facility (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).

The project area is located in Township 18 South, Range 17 East, Sections 34 and 35. The purpose of this Environmental Report is to describe the existing environmental conditions of the project area and the potential impacts to wetlands and federally/state listed species that may occur as a result of the proposed project.

2.0 EXISTING CONDTIONS

This section describes the existing conditions within the project area with respect to soils and land use/vegetative cover types.

2.1. METHODOLOGY

Prior to a field visit, the following information was reviewed to characterize habitat features and land use patterns within the project area:

 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute Topographical Quadrangle Map, Homosassa, Florida, 1988;  Aerial photos, scale: 1 inch = 200 feet (ESRI 2017);  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Web Soil Survey, Accessed from https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov, April 2018;  Florida Association of Professional Soil Scientists, Hydric Soils of Florida Handbook, Fourth Edition (Hurt, 2007);  Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System Handbook (FLUCFCS), Third edition, 1999; and  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin, et al., 1979);  Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), FLUCFCS Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Database (SWFWMD 2011);

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing 1 Environmental Report Project Location

Project Location

Figure 1 Project Location Map Legend Crystal River Airport Project Location Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements . MAP SOURCE: ESRI, 2017 Tree Clearing 0 5 10 20 Citrus County, FL Miles 0 Legend Project Boundary Project 500 US 19 1,000 Feet Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements Safety 9-27 Runway Crystal River Aiport River Crystal Citrus County, Citrus FL Project BoundaryProject Tree Clearing

Figure 2 Figure W. Venable St Venable W. Runway 9-27 Runway W. Flight Path Ct W.Flight N. Golf Course Dr. Course Golf N. . MAP SOURCE: ESRI Aerial, 2017 MAP ESRI SOURCE: Aerial, DATA SOURCE: AECOM2018 Location Project Crystal River Airport

 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Map Direct Gateway (http://ca.dep.state.fl.us/mapdirect/gateway.jsp).

On April 27, 2018, a field review of the proposed project area was conducted. The proposed project area is defined as the areas of direct impact resulting from the proposed project (see Figure 2 – Project Area Boundaries). The purpose of the review was to verify and refine preliminary wetland boundaries and classification codes established through previous permits, literature reviews and photo-interpretation. During the field review, the vegetative community and land use types within the project area was visually inspected to verify approximate boundaries and dominant vegetation. Exotic plant infestations and any other disturbances, such as soil subsidence, canals, power lines, etc. were noted. Field activities also included identifying wildlife and signs of wildlife usage at each wetland and adjacent upland habitat.

Based on in-house and field reviews, a total of four soil types, one upland and three wetland community types are present within the project area. Descriptions of each soil and vegetative community/land use type present within the project area are provided below.

2.2. SOILS

Based on the USDA, NRCS Web Soil Survey, four soil types are reported within the project area and are depicted on Figure 3. Of the four soil types present within the project area, two are classified as hydric by the Hydric Soils of Florida Handbook (Hurt 2007). Table 1 provides the approximate acreage of each soil type within the project area.

Table 1: Existing Soil Types within the Project Area1 Hydric Percent Hydric Area Percent of Map Unit/Name (Y/N) Soil Inclusions (acres) Project Area 2 - Adamsville fine sand, 0-2% N 5 0.25 1.11 5 - Basinger fine sand Y 95 0.50 2.22 6 - Basinger fine sand, depressional, 0- Y 92 16.92 75.07 1% slopes 11 - Tavares fine sand, 0-5% slopes N 0 4.87 21.60 Total 22.54 100.00 1 Reported on the NRCS Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov).

2.3. EXISTING LAND USE/VEGETATIVE COVER

Based on in-house and field reviews, four land use/vegetative cover types were identified within the project area and are depicted on Figure 4. All vegetative habitats and land uses within the project area were classified using the FLUCFCS. Wetland habitats were also classified using the FWS Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin, et. al., 1979). Table 2 summarizes the acreage of each land use/vegetative cover type within the project area.

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing 4 Environmental Report CODE DESCRIPTION ADAMSVILLE FINE SAND, 0 2 TO 2 PERCENT SLOPE 5 BASINGER FINE SAND BASINGER FINE SAND, Project 6 DEPRESSIONAL, 0 TO 1 Location PERCENT SLOPES TAVARES FINE SAND, 0 TO 5 11 PERCENT SLOPES

N. Golf Course Dr. 11 5

US 19 Runway 9-27 11 6

6 2 11 2 W. Venable St 2 W. Flight Path Ct 11

Legend Figure 3 Soils Map Project Area NRCS Soils Crystal River Aiport MAP SOURCE: ESRI, 2017 Hydric NRCS Soils DATA SOURCE: AECOM 2018 Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements and NRCS Soils Survey, 2018 0 500 1,000 Tree Cleaning . Feet Citrus County, FL CODE DESCRIPTION 434 HARDWOOD CONIFER MIXED 615 STREAM AND LAKE SWAMPS (BOTTOMLAND) 621 CYPRESS

641 FRESHWATER MARSHES Project Location

Wetland 4

N. Golf Course Dr. 434 434 US 19 Wetland 7 Runway 9-27 434 615 641 434 621 W. Venable St W. Flight Path Ct

Figure 4 Legend Land Use and Vegetation Cover Project Area Crystal River Aiport MAP SOURCE: ESRI Aerial, 2017 Land Use \ Vegetative Cover Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements DATA SOURCE: AECOM 2018 0 500 1,000 Tree Clearing and SWFWMD 2011 Feet . Citrus County, FL Crystal River Airport

Table 2: Existing Land Use and Vegetative Cover within the Project Area Acres within the FLUCFCS FLUCFCS FWS FWS Description2 Project Area Code1 Description1 Code2 Acres Percent Uplands Hardwood- 434 NA NA 3.36 14.91 conifer mixed Subtotal Uplands 3.36 14.91 Wetlands Stream and Palustrine, forested, broad-leaved 615 lake swamps PFO1/2C deciduous/needle-leaved 15.68 69.57 (bottomland) deciduous, seasonally flooded Palustrine, forested, needle-leaved 621 Cypress PFO2C 2.48 11.00 deciduous, seasonally flooded Freshwater Palustrine, emergent, persistent, 641 PEM1C 1.02 4.52 marsh seasonally flooded Subtotal wetlands 19.18 85.09 Total 22.54 100.00 1 FDOT, 1999. 2 Cowardin, et al., 1979

The CGC property is routinely mowed and maintained and consists of both turf and asphalt runways. The wetland community types within the project area are comprised of both forested and herbaceous wetlands. Descriptions of these wetlands areas are provided in Section 2.4. Upland habitat within the project area adjacent to the wetlands east of Runway 9-27 predominantly consists of slash pine (Pinus elliottii), live oak (Quercus virginiana), southern red cedar (Juniperus silicicola), winged sumac (Rhus copallina), and muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia).

2.4. INDIVIDUAL WETLANDS

Wetland boundaries in the project area were delineated using the procedures within Chapter 62- 340, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), “Delineation of the Landward Extent of Wetlands and Surface Waters”, and the criteria found within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Regional Supplement to the USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coast Plain Region (Version 2.0).

Descriptions of the two wetlands identified within the project area are presented below. Included in each description are the FLUCFCS and FWS wetland classification codes, listings of dominant vegetation, and size within the project area. Table 3 provides a summary of the wetlands within the project area. The location of these wetlands are depicted on Figure 4. Photographs of each wetland described are provided in Appendix A.

Table 3: Wetlands within the Project Area FWS Acres within the Wetland ID FLUCFCS1 Classification2 Project Area Wetland 4 615 PFO1/2C 15.68

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Wetland 7 621/641 PFO2C/PEM1C 3.50 Total 19.18 1 FDOT, 1999. 2 Cowardin, et al., 1979.

Wetland 4 FLUCFCS: 615 FWS: PFO1/2/C Wetland 4 consists of a forested wetland located east of CGC’s Runway 9-27 east of Golf Course Boulevard. This wetland predominantly consists of red maple (Acer rubrum) and pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens). Wetland 4 is bounded by residential development to the south and east, Swan Rivers Golf and Country Club to the north, forested upland to the northwest, and CGC and Golf Course Drive to the west. Wetland 4 comprises 15.68 acres of the project area.

Wetland 7 FLUCFCS: 621/641 FWS: PFO2C/PEM1C Wetland 7 is located on the CGC property and bounded by Runway 9-27 to the north, the Florida National Guard Armory to the south, and mowed and maintained airport field area to the east and west. Wetland 7 consists of an isolated forested wetland dominated by pond cypress with a small freshwater marsh fringe on the north side. Other dominant species within the forested portion of the wetland consist of red maple, button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), and wax myrtle (Morella cerifera). The freshwater marsh area consists predominantly of Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica), green brier (Smilax spp.), St. Johns wort (Hypericum spp.), bushy broomsedge (Andropogon glomeratus), and red root (Lachnanthes caroliniana). At the time of the field review, the wetland consisted of approximately one inch of standing water. Wetland 7 comprises 3.50 acres of the project area.

3.0 LISTED SPECIES POTENTIALLY IN THE PROJECT AREA

The project area was evaluated for potential occurrences of federally and state listed plant and animal species. Federally listed species are those plant and animal species protected by the Federal government pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Federally listed species are classified as endangered or threatened. State listed species are those plant and animal species managed by the state of Florida pursuant to Chapter 5B-40 F.A.C. and Chapter 68A-27 F.A.C., respectively. State listed species are classified as endangered, threatened, species of special concern (animals), or commercially exploited (plants). In April 2018, the project area was reviewed for the presence of, or potential use by, federally and state listed plant and animal species.

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3.1. METHODOLOGY

Prior to field reviews, the following literature and on-line data sources were used to collect information concerning the possible presence of federally and/or state listed species within the project area.

 FWS, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 17.11 and 17.12;  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida’s Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Species of Special Concern; Chapter 68A-27, F.A.C., updated May 2017;  FWS, Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) (http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/). accessed April 2018;  FWC, Eagle Nest Locator website (https://public.myfwc.com/FWRI/EagleNests/nestlocator.aspx), accessed April 2018;  Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) maps and database (http://www.fnai.org/bioticssearch.cfm), updated March 2018, accessed April 2018; and  Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Plant Industry, 2010, Notes on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Plants: Botany Contribution No. 38, 5th edition.

The potential for federally and state listed species occurring within the project area was assessed by agency listings of species reportedly occurring within the project area, species’ ranges, suitable nesting and foraging habitat located within the project area, and direct sightings of the species within the project area.

3.2. RESULTS

Based on literature review, online data sources, and field reviews, six animal species have the potential to occur within the project area. For a listed species to be considered potentially occurring within the project area, appropriate habitat for reproduction, nesting, foraging, feeding, or resting must be present in the project area and the project area must be located within the species’ geographical range. The listed species with potential to occur within the project area are described below. Table 3 provides a summary of the listed and protected species with the potential to occur within the project area.

Table 3: Listed Species1 Potentially Occurring within the Project Area Federal State Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Preference Status2 Status3 Reptiles Various habitats with the Drymarchon corais couperi Eastern indigo snake T FT exception of open water. Birds Permanently and Egretta caerulea Little blue heron NL T seasonally flooded

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wetlands, streams, lakes, and swamps, and manmade impoundments and ditches. Permanently and seasonally flooded wetlands, streams, lakes, Egretta tricolor Tricolored heron NL T and swamps, and manmade impoundments and ditches. Nests in inundated forested wetlands. Forages in Mycteria americana Wood stork T FT freshwater marshes, swamps, flooded pastures. Other Species of Concern Nests in tall trees. Forages Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle NL4 NL4 near bodies of water. Ursus americanus Forested communities, Florida black bear NL5 NL5 floridanus including wetlands. Note: F = Federal; T = Threatened; E = Endangered; NL = Not Listed 1 As reported by the “FNAI Tracking List, Citrus County” http://www.fnai.org. (FNAI 2018) and the FWS IPaC Species List (FWS 2018). 2 As listed by the FWS in 50 CFR 17 (http://www.fws.gov/endangered/), updated February 2015 (FWS 2015). 3 Animal species listed by the FWC pursuant to Rules 68A-27.003 through 68A-27.005, F.A.C. (http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/), updated May 2017 (FWC, 2017). 4 The bald eagle is neither state nor federally listed; however, this species is federally protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The bald eagle is also managed in Florida by the FWC's bald eagle rule (Chapter 68A-16.002, F.A.C.). 5 The Florida black bear is no longer state listed; however, this species is managed in Florida by the FWC’s Florida Black Bear Conservation rule (68A-4.009, F.A.C.).

3.2.1. FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES

Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) The eastern indigo snake is listed as threatened by the FWS. The indigo snake can be found in a variety of habitats including mesic flatwoods, swamps, wet prairies, xeric pinelands, and scrub areas. It may use gopher tortoise burrows for shelter to escape hot or cold ambient temperatures within its range. While suitable habitat is available for this species in the project area, no eastern indigo snakes were observed during the field review.

Wood stork (Mycteria americana) The wood stork is listed as threatened by the FWS. This wading bird species is opportunistic and uses various habitat types, including forested wetlands, freshwater marshes, swamps, lagoons, ponds, tidal creeks, flooded pastures, and ditches for feeding. However, a specialized feeding technique commonly referred to as “groping” limits the wood stork to feeding in shallow water. The FWS has defined the core foraging area (CFA) for the wood stork in Citrus County as a 15- mile radius from breeding colonies. Suitable nesting habitat is available within the forested wetlands within the project area. However, no active wood stork nesting colonies are reported

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within 15 miles of the project area and none were observed within the project area during the field review.

3.2.2. STATE LISTED SPECIES

Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) and tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor) The little blue heron and tricolored heron are listed as threatened by the FWC. Both species occur statewide where they forage in a variety of coastal and inland wetlands including swamps, marshes and the edges of water bodies. Nesting occurs in a variety of forested or shrub wetlands. Suitable foraging and nesting habitat for these species is present within the forested wetlands; however, no wading birds were observed within the project area during the field review.

3.2.3. OTHER SPECIES OF CONCERN

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Though the bald eagle has been removed from Federal and state listings, it is still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in accordance with 16 United States Code (U.S.C) Section (§) 668 and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in accordance with 16 U.S.C. §§ 703-712. The bald eagle typically uses riparian habitat associated with coastal areas, lake shorelines, and river banks. The nests are generally located near water bodies that provide a dependable food source. The FWC online bald eagle nest locator website indicates that there are no nest sites documented within one mile of the project area. No bald eagle nests were observed within the project area during the field review.

Florida Black Bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) Although the Florida black bear has been removed from the state listing, it is still protected and managed by the FWC pursuant to the Florida Black Bear Conservation Rule 68A-4.009, F.A.C. The Florida black bear can be found statewide in a number of habitats including mixed hardwood pine communities, cabbage palm hammock and forested wetland systems. This species tends to den alone within tree cavities, river banks, logs or caves. They will also seek shelter on the ground in palmetto thickets, gallberry, fetterbush, and sweet pepperbush. Marginally suitable habitat for the black bear is available within the project area in the forested wetland areas. Established by the FWC, a Bear Management Unit (BMU) is a geographic location bounded by county and/or state borders with one of the seven Florida black bear subpopulations within it. The goal of a BMU is to provide a defined area within which FWC can have a community-focused effort to effectively manage and conserve Florida black bears (FWC 2017). According to FWC, the project area is located within the Big Bend BMU where their occurrence is classified as “occasional”. No black bears were observed within the project area during the field review.

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4.0 WETLAND AND LISTED SPECIES IMPACTS

4.1. WETLAND IMPACT AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION

Unavoidable, temporary impacts to wetlands resulting from the removal of trees species will occur within the project area. The wetland impacts are unavoidable due to the FAA’s requirement that the trees located within the Runway Object Free Area that are above the required height clearance be removed to achieve compliance with design and safety standards. All impacts to wetlands will be reduced to the maximum extent practicable. No dredge or fill impacts within wetlands are proposed and all remaining wetland functions will be preserved.

The following measures will be implemented during removal of trees within the wetlands to avoid permanent wetland impacts:

 All trimming will be accomplished by hand with chain saws, hand tools (saws and axes) and tree climbing equipment;  No mechanized trimming will be used within the wetland;  All cuttings will be removed from the wetland for off-site upland disposal;  No vehicles will enter the wetland areas at any time; and  No dredging or filling of any wetland areas will occur as part of this project. Root mass, stumps, and any below ground substrate will not be removed or disturbed during the cutting activities.

4.2. WETLAND IMPACTS

A total of 19.18 acres of wetlands are located within the project area. Of those, 2.48 acres of forested wetlands within Wetland 7 will be temporarily impacted as a result of the removal of trees and will be converted to a freshwater marsh. Wetland 4 will consist of trimming the isolated trees that penetrate the proposed OCS pursuant to Part 77. Penetration to the OCS were computed based on the start of the proposed OCS distance of 200 feet from the existing edge of runway pavement. Details on the tree removal/trimming within each wetland are shown on the wetland impact drawings in Appendix B. Sheets C202, C211-C214 of the wetland impact drawings depict the existing tree heights within Wetland 4 that occur within the OCS. The existing height of the trees before trimming are based on the difference between the drone LIDAR canopy surface and the airport layout plan ground surface. Sheets C219-C22 of the wetland impact drawings depict the tree heights within Wetland 4 that occur within the OCS after the trees are trimmed (10 feet below the proposed OCS). Sheets C223-C234 provide the profile views of the existing tree canopy and the proposed tree heights after trimming for each OCS elevation within Wetland 4.

Table 4 below provides a summary of the existing tree canopy and the proposed tree heights within Wetland 4 that penetrate the proposed OCS as shown on the wetland impact sheets in Appendix B.

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Table 4: Existing and Proposed Canopy Elevations within the Proposed OCS OCS Contour Existing Canopy Proposed Canopy (feet) Elevation (feet) Elevation (feet) 20 8-13 10 25 9-35 15 30 10-45 20 35 12-34 25 40 20-35 30 45 11-44 35 50 9-44 40 55 11-71 45 60 10-63 50 65 14-80 55 70 14-87 60 75 43-85 65 80 36-73 70 Source: AECOM, 2018; AID, Inc., 2018.

Details on the removal of trees within Wetland 7 are provided on Sheets C401-C402 in Appendix B.

4.2.1. UNIFORM MITIGATION ASSESSMENT METHOD

All wetlands to be impacted by the proposed project were assessed utilizing the Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) per Chapter 62-345, F.A.C. UMAM is a method developed by the FDEP and the Water Management Districts to determine the amount of mitigation needed to offset adverse impacts to wetlands. The methodology was designed to assess functions provided by wetlands, the amount that those functions are reduced by a proposed impact, and the amount of mitigation necessary to offset the proposed functional losses. This method is also used to determine the degree of improvement in ecological value that will be created by mitigation activities.

The UMAM assessment includes a Qualitative Characterization (Part 1) as well as a Quantitative Assessment and Scoring (Part 2). The Qualitative Assessment is a basin descriptor of the site being evaluated. The variables described include the following:

 Significant nearby features;  Water classifications;  Assessment area size;  Hydrology and relationship to contiguous offsite wetlands;  Uniqueness of the assessment area;  Functions of the assessment area; and  Wildlife utilization.

The Quantitative Assessment provides a score of the assessment area in both the current condition and “with impact” condition. The assessment scoring evaluates the following parameters:

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 Location and landscape support;  Water environment; and  Vegetative community.

The UMAM procedure was conducted for the forested portion of Wetland 7 which is proposed to be converted to freshwater marsh as a result of the proposed project. Impacts within Wetland 4 are not anticipated from the trimming of the trees, which will all be accomplished by hand, as this wetland will remain a forested wetland as defined in the ERP Applicant’s Handbook Volume I and the functionality and values of Wetland 4 are anticipated to have no changes.

4.2.2. UMAM ANALYSIS RESULTS

A summary of the UMAM analysis of Wetland 7 is provided in Tables 5 through 7. The corresponding UMAM worksheets are provided in Appendix C.

A summary of the total wetland impacts and UMAM functional loss is provided in Table 7. Utilizing the calculated wetland impact acreages and the UMAM scores, the proposed project will have a total of 0.42 units of functional loss.

Table 5: Representative UMAM Scores1 for Temporary Impacts Location & Water Community Landscape Score (sum/30) Delta Wetland Environment Structure Support Current With Current With Current With Current With Wetland 7 3 3 7 7 8 3 0.60 0.43 -0.17 1 UMAM scores have not been approved by the permitting agencies and are subject to change during the permitting process.

Table 6: Representative UMAM Scores1 for Secondary Impacts Location & Water Community Landscape Score (sum/30) Delta Wetland Environment Structure Support Current With Current With Current With Current With Wetland 7 3 3 7 7 8 7 0.60 0.57 -0.03 1 UMAM scores have not been approved by the permitting agencies and are subject to change during the permitting process.

Table 7: UMAM Summary for Wetland Impacts Wetland Impacts Wetland Delta Impact Functional Acres Loss Wetland 7 -0.17 2.48 0.42

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4.3. LISTED SPECIES IMPACTS

Impacts to wetland habitats used by federally and state listed species will occur as a result of this project. The sections below describe the potential impacts to each listed species with potential to occur within the project area.

4.3.1. FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES

While no eastern indigo snakes (T) were observed during field review, suitable habitat for this species does exist within the project area. In an effort to reduce correspondence in effect determinations and responses, the FWS has provided an Eastern Indigo Snake Effect Determination Key (updated in 2013). Using this key, the following steps were followed to determine the effect of the proposed project on the indigo snake:

 The project is not solely located in open water or salt marsh.  The permit will be conditioned for use of the FWS’ Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake (Appendix D) during site preparation and project activity.  There are no gopher tortoise burrows, holes, cavities, or other refugia where a snake could be buried or trapped and injured during project activities.

Based on this assessment, it has been determined that the project “may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect” the eastern indigo snake.

Suitable nesting and foraging habitat for the wood stork (T) is available within the project area. In order to make a determination of this project's potential effect on the wood stork, the construction impacts were assessed using The Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jacksonville Ecological Services Field Office, and State of Florida Effect Determination Key for the Wood Stork in Central and North Peninsular Florida (September 2008). Using this key, the following steps were followed to determine the effect of the proposed project on the wood stork:

 A review of FNAI and FWS information indicates that the project is located more than 2,500 feet of an active wood stork colony site.  The project will impact suitable foraging habitat (SFH).  Project impacts to SFH are greater than 0.5 acre.  The project is not located within the CFA of a colony site, and no wood storks have been documented foraging on site.

Based on this assessment, it was determined the project "may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect" the wood stork.

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4.3.2. STATE LISTED SPECIES

No wading bird rookeries are located within the project area; however, the little blue heron (T) and the tri-colored heron (T) have the potential to use the wetland areas located within the project area. None of these wading birds were observed within the project area during the field review. The primary concern for impacts to these wading birds is the loss of habitat (wetlands) for foraging. As part of this project, all wetland impacts will be mitigated to prevent a net loss of wetland functions and values. Based on this information, it has been determined that the proposed project “may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect” these species.

4.3.3. OTHER SPECIES OF CONCERN

Based on the FWC online database, there are no bald eagle nests documented within one mile of the project area. No bald eagle nests were observed within the project area during the field review. For these reasons, it has been determined that this project will not affect the bald eagle. Pursuant to the FWS bald eagle guidelines, any disturbance within 1,000 feet of a bald eagle nest requires additional coordination and potential permitting with the FWS. If a bald eagle nest is found within 1,000 feet of the project area, coordination with the FWS will occur to secure any and all approvals regarding this species.

The project area is located within the Big Bend BMU where the occurrence of the Florida black bear is “occasional”. No Florida black bears were observed within the project area during the field review. CGC is bounded by a perimeter fence which typically keeps large mammals, such as the black bear, away from airport activities. Additional measures to be taken to minimize conflict with bears during construction activities include:

 Following best management practices during construction;  Requiring clean construction sites with wildlife-resistant containers for workers to use for food-related and other wildlife-attractant refuse; and  Requiring frequent trash removal and the use of proper food storage and removal on work sites.

4.4. CRITICAL HABITAT

The project area was evaluated for the occurrence of listed species critical habitat designated Congress in 50 CFR 424. No designated critical habitat for any federally listed species occurs within the project area. Based on this information, it has been determined that the proposed project will have “no effect” on any critical habitat.

5.0 WETLAND MITIGATION

The proposed project will result in unavoidable wetland impacts to freshwater forested wetlands. These impacts will require compensatory mitigation to offset the loss of ecological value and functions associated with these wetlands.

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing 16 Environmental Report Crystal River Airport

Wetland impacts resulting from proposed project will be mitigated to satisfy all mitigation requirements of U.S.C. 1344 and Part IV, Chapter 373 Florida Statutes and will be sufficient to offset the UMAM functional loss resulting from the wetland impacts. The project is located within the Upper Coastal Basin, which is comprised of the Crystal-Pithlachascotee watershed. For the 2.48 acres of unavoidable temporary forested wetland impacts, wetland mitigation will be provided through the purchase of 0.42 credit at the Upper Coastal Mitigation Bank (UCMB).

UCMB is located in Citrus County and provides habitat connectivity for Florida black bears, protects a number of natural springs, and improves the water quality of the Homosassa River nearby. Together with the Old Florida Mitigation Bank, UCMB consists of 1,242 acres of forested and herbaceous wetland habitat. Wetland mitigation credits at the UCMB are permitted by both the USACE and the SWFWMD. A credit availability letter for UCMB is provided in Appendix E.

6.0 COMMITMENTS

Based on the field and literature reviews outlined in this report, federally and state listed species have the potential to occur within the project area. In order to avoid potential adverse impacts to these species, Citrus County will commit to the following:

 To minimize wetland impacts, all trimming will be accomplished by hand with chain saws, hand tools (saws and axes) and tree climbing equipment; no mechanized trimming will be used within the wetland; all cuttings will be removed from the wetland for off-site upland disposal; no vehicles will enter the wetland areas at any time; and no dredging or filling of any wetland areas will occur as part of this project.

 Provide mitigation for wetland impacts through the purchase of credits at the UCMB.

 Implement the FWS Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake (Appendix D) during all construction phases of the project.

 During construction, implement best management practices, keep construction sites clean with wildlife-resistant containers, remove trash removal frequently, and implement proper food storage and removal on work sites to minimize conflicts with the Florida black bear.

7.0 REFERENCES

Cowardin, et al., 1979. Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, E.T. LaRoe. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. 131pp.

ESRI, 2017. State of Florida (Citrus County 2017), USDA FSA, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, CNES/Airbus DS. Aerial imagery taken February 9, 2017.

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing 17 Environmental Report Crystal River Airport

Florida Administrative Code, 2007. Chapter 62-345, F.A.C. Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method, https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=62-345.

FDACS, 2010. Notes on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Plants. Botany Section Contribution No. 38, 5th edition. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry.

FDOT, 1999. Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System Handbook, 3rd Edition, Florida Department of Transportation.

FNAI, 2018. Database, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, updated March 2018. Accessed April 2018 from http://www.fnai.org.

FWC, 2008. Bald Eagle Management Plan, Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Adopted April 9, 2008.

FWC, 2012. Florida Black Bear Management Plan, Ursus americanus floridanus, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Approved June 27, 2012.

FWC, 2018. Eagle Nest Locator website, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Accessed April 2018 from https://public.myfwc.com/FWRI/EagleNests/nestlocator.aspx.

FWC, 2017, Rules 68A-27.003 through 68A-27.005, F.A.C., Rules Relating to Endangered or Threatened Species, updated May 2017. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Accessed from http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/.

FWS, 2008. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jacksonville Ecological Services Field Office, and State of Florida Effect Determination Key for the Wood Stork in Central and North Peninsular Florida. September 2008.

FWS, 2015. 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 17, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Accessed from http://www.fws.gov/endangered/, updated February 2015.

FWS, 2016. GIS wood stork data for active colonies. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

FWS, 2013. Letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to U.S. Army dated August 13, 2013. Subject: Update Addendum to USFWS Concurrence Letter to USACE Regarding Use of the Attached Eastern Indigo Snake Programmatic Effect Determination Key.

FWS 2018, Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Accessed on April 2018 from http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/.

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing 18 Environmental Report Crystal River Airport

Hurt, 2007. Hydric Soils of Florida Handbook, 4th Edition, Florida Association of Soil Scientists. March 2007.

NRCS, 2018. Web Soil Survey. United States Department of Agriculture and Soil Conservation Service, Washington, D.C., http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/.

SWFWMD, 2011. Land Use/Land Cover GIS Database. Southwest Florida Water Management District.

USACE, 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region (Version 2.0), ed. J.S. Wakeley, R.W. Lichvar, and C.V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-20. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.

USGS, 1988. U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 minute Topographical Quadrangle Map, Homosassa, Florida.

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing 19 Environmental Report Crystal River Airport

APPENDIX A PHOTOGRAPHS

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing Environmental Report

Wetland 4 facing east.

Wetland 7 facing southwest.

Crystal River Airport Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing Crystal River Airport

APPENDIX B WETLAND IMPACT DRAWINGS (under separate cover)

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing Environmental Report Crystal River Airport

APPENDIX C UMAM WORKSHEETS

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing Environmental Report PART I – Qualitative Description (See Section 62-345.400, F.A.C.)

Site/Project Name Application Number Assessment Area Name or Number CGC Rwy 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing Wetland 7

FLUCCs code Further classification (optional) Impact or Mitigation Site? Assessment Area Size PFO2C - Palustrine, forested, needle-leaved 621 - Cypress Impact 2.48 acres deciduous, seasonally flooded

Basin/Watershed Name/Number Affected Waterbody (Class) Special Classification (i.e.OFW, AP, other local/state/federal designation of importance) Crystal - Pithlachascotee (HUC Class III None 03100207)

Geographic relationship to and hydrologic connection with wetlands, other surface water, uplands

Wetland 7 is an isolated system located on the Crystal River Airport property and bounded by Runway 9-27 to the north, the Florida National Guard Armory to the south and mowed and maintained airport field area to the east and west..

Assessment area description

Within the proposed project area, Wetland 7 is an isolated forested wetland predominantly consisting of Taxodium ascendens with Acer rubrum and Quercus laurifolia. The understory predominantly consists of Cephalanthus occidentalis, Morella cerifera, Woodwardia virginica, Smilax spp., Hypericum spp., Lachnanthes caroliniana, and Andropogon glomeratus. At the time of the field review, the wetland consisted of approximately one inch of standing water.

Uniqueness (considering the relative rarity in relation to the regional Significant nearby features landscape.) Wetland 7 is located within the Crystal River Airport property boundary and north of the Florida National Guard Armory. US 19 is located west of the None airport. Kings Bay, connected to Crystal River, is located approximately 1.4 miles northwest from the Airport.

Functions Mitigation for previous permit/other historic use

Wildlife foraging and breeding habitat, food chain support, flood No attenuation, and water quality improvement

Anticipated Wildlife Utilization Based on Literature Review (List of species Anticipated Utilization by Listed Species (List species, their legal that are representative of the assessment area and reasonably expected to classification (E, T, SSC), type of use, and intensity of use of the be found ) assessment area)

little blue heron (T, roosting/foraging), tricolored heron (T, Various amphibians, small mammals, wading birds, song birds, snakes, foraging/roosting), wood stork (T, foraging/roosting), eastern indigo bobcat, fish, birds of prey snake (T, foraging/cover)

Observed Evidence of Wildlife Utilization (List species directly observed, or other signs such as tracks, droppings, casings, nests, etc.):

Wildlife observed within or adjacent to Wetland 7 during the April 2018 field review includes great egret (Ardea alba), cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), eastern blue bird (Sialia sialis), American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), and red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus).

Additional relevant factors:

Assessment conducted by: Assessment date(s): T. Norman 27-Apr-18

Form 62-345.900(1), F.A.C. PART II – Quantification of Assessment Area (impact or mitigation) (See Sections 62-345.500 and .600, F.A.C.)

Site/Project Name Application Number Assessment Area Name or Number CGC Rwy 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing Wetland 7 Impact or Mitigation Assessment conducted by: Assessment date: Impact T. Norman 27-Apr-18

Scoring Guidance Optimal (10) Moderate(7) Minimal (4) Not Present (0) The scoring of each Condition is less than Condition is optimal and indicator is based on optimal, but sufficient to Minimal level of support of Condition is insufficient to fully supports what would be suitable maintain most wetland/surface water provide wetland/surface wetland/surface water for the type of wetland or wetland/surface water functions water functions functions surface water assessed functions

.500(6)(a) Location and Wetland 7 is an isolated system located on the Crystal River Airport property and bounded by Landscape Support Runway 9-27 and the airfield to the north, the Florida National Guard Armory to the south and mowed and maintained airport field area to the east and west. Wildlife access to and from habitats outside of the assessment area is limited by the airport operations, perimeter fence, Armory, and roadways. w/o pres or current with 3 3

.500(6)(b)Water Environment Water levels are appropriate for this type of system; water level indicators were distinct and as (n/a for uplands) clear as expected for this type of system; water quality may be slightly degraded by runoff from adjacent developments. Proposed impacts do not involve dredge or fill within the wetland and no effects on water environment are proposed. w/o pres or current with 7 7

.500(6)(c)Community structure

Desirable tree species present within the wetland include pond cypress with red maple and laurel oak and little to no nuisance/exotic species are present. Community structure will be 1. Vegetation and/or 2. Benthic Community significantly altered by the removal of trees. w/o pres or current with 8 3

Score = sum of above scores/30 (if If preservation as mitigation, For impact assessment areas uplands, divide by 20) Preservation adjustment factor = current FL = delta x acres = 2.48 ac x 0.17 = or w/o pres with Adjusted mitigation delta = 0.42 0.60 0.43

If mitigation For mitigation assessment areas Delta = [with-current] Time lag (t-factor) = RFG = delta/(t-factor x risk) = -0.17 Risk factor =

Form 62-345.900(2), F.A.C. Crystal River Airport

APPENDIX D STANDARD PROTECTION MEASURES FOR THE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing Environmental Report STANDARD PROTECTION MEASURES FOR THE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service August 12, 2013

The eastern indigo snake protection/education plan (Plan) below has been developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Florida for use by applicants and their construction personnel. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall notify the appropriate USFWS Field Office via e-mail that the Plan will be implemented as described below (North Florida Field Office: [email protected]; South Florida Field Office: [email protected]; Panama City Field Office: [email protected]). As long as the signatory of the e-mail certifies compliance with the below Plan (including use of the attached poster and brochure), no further written confirmation or “approval” from the USFWS is needed and the applicant may move forward with the project.

If the applicant decides to use an eastern indigo snake protection/education plan other than the approved Plan below, written confirmation or “approval” from the USFWS that the plan is adequate must be obtained. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall submit their unique plan for review and approval. The USFWS will respond via e- mail, typically within 30 days of receiving the plan, either concurring that the plan is adequate or requesting additional information. A concurrence e-mail from the appropriate USFWS Field Office will fulfill approval requirements.

The Plan materials should consist of: 1) a combination of posters and pamphlets (see Poster Information section below); and 2) verbal educational instructions to construction personnel by supervisory or management personnel before any clearing/land alteration activities are initiated (see Pre-Construction Activities and During Construction Activities sections below).

POSTER INFORMATION

Posters with the following information shall be placed at strategic locations on the construction site and along any proposed access roads (a final poster for Plan compliance, to be printed on 11” x 17” or larger paper and laminated, is attached):

DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the glossy, blue-black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported to only have cream coloration on the throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive and will attempt to crawl away when disturbed. Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be handled.

SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE if handled.

LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types throughout Florida. Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands 1 and agricultural areas. Eastern indigo snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher tortoise burrows and other below- and above-ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, stumps, roots, and debris piles. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through June, with young hatching in late July through October.

PROTECTION UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW: The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without a permit. “Take” is defined by the USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct. Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for criminal offenses, if convicted.

Only individuals currently authorized through an issued Incidental Take Statement in association with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so.

IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:

• Cease clearing activities and allow the live eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move away from the site without interference; • Personnel must NOT attempt to touch or handle snake due to protected status. • Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. • Immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake. • If the snake is located in a vicinity where continuation of the clearing or construction activities will cause harm to the snake, the activities must halt until such time that a representative of the USFWS returns the call (within one day) with further guidance as to when activities may resume.

IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:

• Cease clearing activities and immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake. • Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. • Thoroughly soak the dead snake in water and then freeze the specimen. The appropriate wildlife agency will retrieve the dead snake.

Telephone numbers of USFWS Florida Field Offices to be contacted if a live or dead eastern indigo snake is encountered:

North Florida Field Office – (904) 731-3336 Panama City Field Office – (850) 769-0552 South Florida Field Office – (772) 562-3909

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PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

1. The applicant or designated agent will post educational posters in the construction office and throughout the construction site, including any access roads. The posters must be clearly visible to all construction staff. A sample poster is attached.

2. Prior to the onset of construction activities, the applicant/designated agent will conduct a meeting with all construction staff (annually for multi-year projects) to discuss identification of the snake, its protected status, what to do if a snake is observed within the project area, and applicable penalties that may be imposed if state and/or federal regulations are violated. An educational brochure including color photographs of the snake will be given to each staff member in attendance and additional copies will be provided to the construction superintendent to make available in the onsite construction office (a final brochure for Plan compliance, to be printed double-sided on 8.5” x 11” paper and then properly folded, is attached). Photos of eastern indigo snakes may be accessed on USFWS and/or FWC websites.

3. Construction staff will be informed that in the event that an eastern indigo snake (live or dead) is observed on the project site during construction activities, all such activities are to cease until the established procedures are implemented according to the Plan, which includes notification of the appropriate USFWS Field Office. The contact information for the USFWS is provided on the referenced posters and brochures.

DURING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

1. During initial site clearing activities, an onsite observer may be utilized to determine whether habitat conditions suggest a reasonable probability of an eastern indigo snake sighting (example: discovery of snake sheds, tracks, lots of refugia and cavities present in the area of clearing activities, and presence of gopher tortoises and burrows).

2. If an eastern indigo snake is discovered during gopher tortoise relocation activities (i.e. burrow excavation), the USFWS shall be contacted within one business day to obtain further guidance which may result in further project consultation.

3. Periodically during construction activities, the applicant’s designated agent should visit the project area to observe the condition of the posters and Plan materials, and replace them as needed. Construction personnel should be reminded of the instructions (above) as to what is expected if any eastern indigo snakes are seen.

POST CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

Whether or not eastern indigo snakes are observed during construction activities, a monitoring report should be submitted to the appropriate USFWS Field Office within 60 days of project completion. The report can be sent electronically to the appropriate USFWS e-mail address listed on page one of this Plan.

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IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE: INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE: one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 • Cease clearing activities and allow • Cease clearing activities and feet in length. They derive their name from the glossy, blue-black color of their scales above the eastern indigo snake sufficient immediately notify supervisor or the and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they time to move away from the site applicant’s designated agent, and the have orange to coral reddish coloration in the without interference. appropriate USFWS office, with the throat area, yet some specimens have been • Personnel must NOT attempt to location information and condition of reported to only have cream coloration on the touch or handle snake due to the snake. throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive protected status. • Take photographs of the snake, if and will attempt to crawl away when disturbed. • Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should possible, for identification and documentation purposes. NOT be handled. documentation purposes. • Thoroughly soak the dead snake in • Immediately notify supervisor or the water and then freeze the specimen. SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the applicant’s designated agent, and the The appropriate wildlife agency will only other solid black snake resembling the eastern indigo snake. However, black racers appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife retrieve the dead snake. have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and Service (USFWS) office, with the WILL BITE if handled. location information and condition of USFWS Florida Field Offices to be

the snake. contacted if a live or dead eastern indigo LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake • If the snake is located in a vicinity snake is encountered: occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat where continuation of the clearing or types throughout Florida. Although they have a construction activities will cause North Florida ES Office – (904) 731-3336 preference for uplands, they also utilize some harm to the snake, the activities must Panama City ES Office – (850) 769-0552 wetlands and agricultural areas. Eastern indigo halt until such time that a South Florida ES Office – (772) 562-3909 snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher representative of the USFWS returns tortoise burrows and other below- and above- the call (within one day) with further ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, guidance as to when activities may stumps, roots, and debris piles. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through resume. June, with young hatching in late July through

October. Killing, harming, or harassing indigo snakes is strictly prohibited and ATTENTION: punishable under State and Federal Law. THREATENED EASTERN INDIGO

Only individuals currently authorized SNAKES MAY BE PRESENT ON through an issued Incidental Take Statement THIS SITE!!! in association with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so.

LEGAL STATUS: The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without a permit. “Take” is defined by the Photo: Dirk Stevenson USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct. Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to Please read the following $50,000 and/or imprisonment for criminal information provided by the offenses, if convicted. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to become familiar with standard protection measures August 12, 2013 for the eastern indigo snake.

Crystal River Airport

APPENDIX E LETTER OF MITIGATION CREDIT AVAILABILITY

Runway 9-27 Safety Improvements - Tree Clearing Environmental Report DocuSign Envelope ID: 63EEB101-9DB9-461F-86A0-87F6B42A2508

5550 Newbury Street, Suite B Baltimore, MD 21209 P: 443.921.9441 F: 410.235.1503

May 3, 2018

Via E-mail Tia Norman AECOM 7650 West Courtney Campbell Causeway Tampa, FL 33607 [email protected] Re: Credit availability at the Upper Coastal Mitigation Bank

Dear Tia,

This letter shall serve to provide documentation that 0.50 state freshwater forested wetland mitigation credits are currently available in inventory at the Upper Coastal Mitigation Bank (the sponsor for which is EIP Credit Co., LLC) for the below-referenced project. Please note that this letter of credit availability does not in any way constitute a credit reservation. Please note that while these credits are available in inventory as of the date of this letter, this letter does not constitute a guarantee that they will be available at the time of permit issuance. In order to secure this guarantee for reserved credits, the permittee must make contractual arrangements with EIP Credit Co., LLC.

Permittee:

Citrus County 110 N Apopka Avenue Inverness, FL 34450

Project site:

Crystal River Airport obstruction clearing Crystal-Pithlachascotee (03100207) 8-digit HUC

If there are any questions regarding this letter of credit availability, please do not hesitate to contact Joe Williams at 443.921.9441. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Katherine Birnie Managing Director [email protected]

oldfloridamitigation.com