Species Status Assessment Report for the Ocala Vetch (Vicia Ocalensis) Version 1.0

FINAL 5/6/19 Species Status Assessment Report for the Ocala Vetch (Vicia ocalensis) Version 1.0

Photo Credit: Tina Nguyen USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 Atlanta, GA

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document was prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North Florida Ecological Services Field Office (N FL-ESFO), and the Ocala vetch Species Status Assessment Team (Deborah Giglio, USFWS-Region 8 Regional Office; Erin Rivenbark, USFWS Region 4; Heath Rauschenberger, Lourdes Mena, Todd Mecklenborg, USFWS-Region 4 N FL-ESFO)). We solicited peer review, and received and addressed comments from Jay Garcia, Amy Jenkins, and Michael Jenkins. Partner reviews of this document were provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Natural Areas Inventory, and the U.S. Forest Service.

We are appreciative of our partners, stakeholders, and peer reviewers for providing comments that resulted in a more robust status assessment and final report.

SUGGESTED LITERATURE CITATION OF THIS DOCUMENT

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2019. Species Status Assessment Report for the Ocala Vetch (Vicia ocalensis), Version 1.0. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, Jacksonville, Florida. 54 pp.

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Species Status Assessment (SSA) framework (Service 2016, entire) is intended to be an in- depth review of the species’ biology and threats, an evaluation of its biological status, and an assessment of the resources and conditions needed to maintain long-term viability. The intent is for the SSA Report to be easily updated as new information becomes available and to support all functions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Endangered Species Program from Candidate Assessment to Listing to Consultations to Recovery. As such, the SSA Report is a living document that may be used to inform decision making under the Act, such as listing, recovery, Section 7, Section 10, and reclassification decisions (the former four decision types are only relevant should the species warrant listing under the Act).

Importantly, the SSA Report is not a decisional document; rather, it provides a review of available information strictly related to the biological status of the Ocala vetch (Vicia ocalensis). The listing decision will be made by the Service after reviewing this document and all relevant laws, regulations, and policies, and the results of a proposed decision will be announced in the Federal Register, with appropriate opportunities for public input.

Petition History and Previous Federal Actions On April 20, 2010, the Service received a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), Alabama Rivers Alliance, Clinch Coalition, Dogwood Alliance, Gulf Restoration Network, Tennessee Forests Council, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, Tierra Curry, and Noah Greenwald requesting that the Service consider for listing as either endangered or threatened 404 species in the southeastern United States, including the Ocala vetch (CBD 2010, pp. 1123–1124), that were ranked as G1 or G2 by the organization NatureServe; as near threatened or worse by the International Union for Conservation of Nature; or as a species of concern, threatened, or endangered by the American Fisheries Society. The Service issued 90- day findings on September 27, 2011 (76 FR 59836), in response to the petition and concluded that the petition presented substantial information indicating that the listing of 374 species (including the Ocala vetch) under the Act “may be warranted.” On June 17, 2014, CBD filed a complaint against the Service to compel the Service to issue a 12-month finding as to whether the listing of the Ocala vetch is warranted, not warranted, or warranted but precluded. The complaint was resolved on September 22, 2014, when the U.S. District Court approved a settlement agreement between the Service and CBD, including a commitment for the Service to submit a 12-month finding for the Ocala vetch to the Federal Register by September 30, 2019.

Background The Ocala vetch (Vicia ocalensis) is an herbaceous, relatively robust perennial vine found in marshy, shoreline habitats in southeastern Marion County and northern Lake County, Florida. The Ocala vetch has nearly hairless stems attaining lengths of 1.2 m (3.9 ft) or more. The deciduous leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with four to six lateral leaflets and single terminal tendril. The leaflets are linear to linear-oblong or linear-elliptic, 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) long and 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 in) broad, with apices rounded and mucronate. Flowers are borne in long- staked axillary racemes each bearing up to 18 flowers. The flowers are 10-12 mm (0.4-0.5 in) long, with lavender blue to white petals and a faintly striped banner petal. The fruit is a single pod per flower and is a flattened legume 4-4.5 cm (1.6-1.8 in) long and 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 in) wide.

Each legume contains 8-12 seeds (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258; Wunderlin and Hansen 2011, p. 460).

The Ocala vetch is considered to be a distinct species. It has 14 chromosomes and is considered a diploid because its genus, Vicia, base chromosome number is seven for (Les. 2017, pp. 195-196). Although the Four Leaf vetch (Vicia acutifolia Elliott) and the Florida vetch (Vicia floridana S. Watson) are genetically similar, the Ocala vetch differs in having two satellite pairs of chromosomes, whereas the Four Leaf vetch and Florida vetch only have one satellite pair (Les. 2017, pp. 195-196). In addition, the Ocala vetch is morphologically distinguished from Four Leaf vetch and Florida vetch by its much more robust stature and its significantly larger leaflets, flowers, fruits, and seeds (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258; Wunderlin and Hansen 2011, p. 460).

The Ocala vetch requires sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, soil and essential nutrients to survive and grow. It produces flowers from March to June and requires insect pollination for seed production (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 203; Les 2017, pp. 195). Confirmed pollinators include: honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and hoverflies (Toxomerus spp.) (Adams et al. 2010, p. 82). Other observed floral visitors documented on the Ocala vetch include: sweat bees (Augochloropsis metallica), carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica), and three unidentified butterflies species (Peterson 2018, p. 9).

Ocala vetch seeds are gravity dispersed into organic material found at the base of support plants. Ocala vetch presence is positively associated with sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and cabbage palm (sabal palmetto) and negatively correlated with invasive nonnative species such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 207, 209). Seed germination is apparently dependent upon the availability of organic matter that accumulates in areas such as cabbage palm boots, basal areas of sawgrass, and/or fallen debris (Fig. 7-1).

Ocala vetch can form a mat-like appearance on top of other vegetation in sunny, open areas and do not extend into areas of shade (Figure. 7-2). It can germinate in areas of dappled shade, as long as sufficient germination substrate is present. Relative abundance along shorelines varies from dense mats to loose aggregations and occurrence may extend from ~1 km to 8 km along the shorelines.

All of the known populations of Ocala vetch currently exist on federally-owned conservation lands (Ocala National Forest, ONF; Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, LWNWR) (Fig. 6-1 through 6-6). For the period of 1957-1992, a limited amount of historical information was found with regard to the Ocala vetch’s abundance, range, and distribution (Fig. 6-1 through 6-6; FNAI 2018).

From 1997-2014, locations where Ocala vetch were known to occur (Juniper Creek, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Springs) were surveyed annually during the flowering season. These annual surveys indicated the Juniper Creek and Silver Glen Springs populations “generally remained stable” (Peterson 2018, p. 3). Thus, survey efforts changed from annually to every 3-5 years.

In May 2018, the known locations of Ocala vetch were surveyed and efforts were expanded to include additional geographic areas. Thirty-six volunteers surveyed ~90 km of shoreline over four days. New populations were discovered at Salt Springs (ONF) and Lake Dexter (LWNWR). In addition, the Alexander Springs population (Ocala National Forest) was rediscovered after not being observed since 2003 (Peterson 2018, pp. 3-5). The Salt Springs discovery expanded the species known range by 9 km northward and the Lake Dexter discovery expanded the range by 11 km eastward.

The 2018 surveys confirmed the Juniper Creek (Ocala National Forest) and Silver Glen Springs (Ocala National Forest) populations were also extant (Figs. 6-1 through 6-6). Juniper Creek has the most robust population of the five known populations and has maintained a self-sustaining population at least since 1957. With the Alexander Springs population re-appearing in 2018, there is no evidence that any of the known populations of Ocala vetch have ever been extirpated. The re-discovery of the Alexander Springs population indicates the Ocala vetch can persist at undetectable levels during unfavorable conditions and return in greater abundance during more favorable conditions. The ability of seeds to successfully germinate after being deposited into the substrate is a factor that may contribute to its return after a long period of absence. For example, experimental seed storage trials have shown seeds greater than 7 years old have a germination rate of 80-95% (Peterson 2018, p. 3).

In regard to genetics, Analysis of Molecular Variance indicated 87% of the genetic variation for Ocala vetch was within populations and 13% was between populations, indicating a moderate amount of genetic differentiation between populations that could indicate some level of reproductive isolation (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 207).

Genetic variability (average proportion of organisms that are heterozygous for a specified set of gene loci) was examined for the Ocala vetch populations inhabiting the shorelines of Silver Glen, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 206). The weighted mean (weighted by the population sample size) of the genetic variability (Hs) for these populations were 0.18 (Alexander Springs), 0.19 (Silver Glen Springs), and 0.23 (Juniper Springs) (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 206). Oleas et al. (2018, p. 209) suggested that this range of genetic variability is a concern and may indicate low fitness or potential for inbreeding depression.

To evaluate the fitness of these Ocala vetch populations as it relates to genetic variability, we compared the average genetic variability of these Ocala vetch populations (Hs = 0.18-0.23) to other species of narrow range endemic plants with differing levels of fitness. Szczecińska et al. (2016, p. 1) examined the genetic variability of a narrow range endemic plant with small, isolated populations that were observed to be in decline. In these populations, Szczecińska et al. (2016, p. 1) reported the overall mean observed genetic variability (Ho) was 0.05. In a separate study, involving a different species, Abeli (2010, p. 6) examined genetic variability in a narrow range endemic plant with small isolated populations observed to be stable for at least 40 years and reported their mean genetic variability (Hs) was 0.2289.

The genetic variability of Ocala vetch (Hs = 0.18 to 0.23) (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 206) was 3-4 times higher than that reported in small isolated populations of a declining species (Ho = 0.05)

(Szczecińska et al. 2016, p. 1) and similar to that reported in small isolated populations of a stable species (Hs = 0.2289) (Abeli 2010, p. 6).

The CBD petition identified “logging and related site prep”, “invasive, exotic plants”, “hydrological changes”, and “no substantial regulatory protections” (CBD 2010, p. 1123) as factors that are threatening the Ocala vetch and/or its habitat. In addition, Peterson (2018, p. 3) and Oleas et al. (2018, pp. 208-209) suggested invasive plants, environmental contaminants, and recreational use of the waterways were potential threats. We also considered the potential effects of scientific or commercial overutilization; invasive exotic species such as armored catfish, water hyacinth, and feral hogs; disease and predation; small population size; and climate change on the Ocala vetch and/or its habitat. Each of these will be discussed with regard to their potential individual effects and cumulative effect on the Ocala vetch’s current condition and future condition.

We examined the best available information and found no evidence of logging or related site prep occurring near or adjacent to any of the Ocala vetch populations or the shoreline habitat where it may occur. All of the Ocala vetch populations inhabit federally owned conservation lands (Figs. 6-1 to 6-6). The Federal land management plans (USFS 1999, pp. 2-3, 2-4; Service 2008, pp. 113-117, 139) prohibit logging or related site prep activities in open marshy areas where Ocala vetch occur because these plans expressly protect sensitive habitats and because these areas are regulated wetlands under the Clean Water Act. In addition, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek are designated as Outstanding Florida Waters by the State of Florida and receive the highest level of protection against activities, such as logging and related site prep, that would degrade water quality (FAC 62-302.700). Therefore, there is no information to suggest logging or related site prep activities are currently affecting the Ocala vetch and it is unlikely that logging or related site prep will affect the Ocala vetch or its habitat in the next 20-50 years

The invasive aquatic plant (water hyacinth) and an invasive fish (suckermouth armored catfish) occur within the five waterbodies adjacent to the five Ocala vetch populations (Fig. 6-1). With all Ocala vetch populations being on Federal conservation lands and Federal land managers implementing efforts to identify and control invasives (USFS 1999 p. 2-2; Service 2008, p. 80), these invasive species do not appear to be limiting occurrence or distribution of Ocala vetch along the shorelines (Peterson 2018, p. 3; Fig. 6-1 to 6-6) or damaging its habitat. The Federal land management plans (USFS 1999 p. 2-2; Service 2008, p. 80) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps 2018) actively address invasive species such as the water hyacinth, which reduces its potential to affect the Ocala vetch and its habitat now and for the next 20-50 years.

We considered the effects of hydrological changes due to ground water withdrawal. The Upper Floridian Aquifer supplies the water that feeds the spring runs and streams where four of the five populations of Ocala vetch occur. The Floridan aquifer system has two major water-bearing zones: upper Floridan aquifer and lower Floridan aquifer. A ground-water flow model was developed to simulate the effects of both present day and future ground-water withdrawals for Lake County and ONF (SJRWMD 2003, p. 80). The model used hydrogeology data from 1995 through 2000 to project 2025 ground-water withdrawals and its effects on the water levels and

flows in the surficial and Floridan aquifer systems, including the four spring runs where Ocala vetch occur.

The largest simulated flow decrease for first- or second-magnitude springs in ONF was 4% at Juniper Creek, which is not anticipated to reduce the suitability of Ocala vetch habitat (Table 8- 1, SJRWMD 2003, p.80). Because the potential reduction of 4% was significantly less than areas outside of ONF (SJRWMD 2003, p. 80), it is likely the ONF lands that surround the spring runs allow for better recharge, buffer the effects of groundwater withdrawals, and protect the hydrological aspects of the Ocala vetch’s habitat. This information predicts only a slight decrease in flow that is not likely to impact the Ocala vetch or its habitat to the level that it would become unsuitable. Furthermore, survey information dating from 1957 to 2018 shows that the Ocala vetch has maintained its presence over an extended amount of time during which it experienced highly variable amounts of annual rainfall and spring flows (Fig. 10-1; Peterson 2018, p. 3). In summary, hydrological changes are not currently impacting the Ocala vetch and it is unlikely any impacts for the next 20-50 years.

We considered whether regulatory protections were inadequate. The Ocala vetch is currently listed as Endangered by the State of Florida (FAC 5B-40) and may not be collected without a valid permit from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The State’s policy under Florida Statute Title 35 Chapter 581.185 is, in part, to prevent wanton exploitation or destruction of native plant populations. Being found in wetlands connected to navigable waters, its wetland habitat is protected by State and Federal laws and regulations. Salt Springs, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek are also designated as Outstanding Florida Waters by the State of Florida and receive the highest level of protection against activities that would degrade water quality (Florida Statute Title 28 Chapter 373; FAC 62-302.700).

The Ocala vetch is also considered a Sensitive species by the USFS (USFS 2004) with 4 of its 5 populations occurring on ONF lands. The additional fifth population occurs on the shoreline of Lake Dexter which is within Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (Fig. 6-6). The terrestrial habitat the Ocala vetch exists on within the ONF and is a protected area under the authority of the USFS (National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976; 36 CFR II Part 200-299). Therefore, ONF prohibits damaging any natural feature or property, removing any natural feature or property, damaging any plant classified as threatened, endangered, sensitive, rare, or unique species, and lastly removing any plant classified as threatened, endangered, sensitive, rare, or unique species (36 CFR Part 261 section 261.9 - Property). Lake Woodruff NWR provides similar protections to the Ocala vetch and its habitat in accordance with Executive Order 12996, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, the Refuge Recreation Act, and these protections are implemented through the Lake Woodruff NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2008, pp. 113-117, 139). Furthermore, the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 protect water quality such that it will be supportive of aquatic plants, fish, and wildlife. The existing regulatory mechanisms we examined are reducing, and likely to continue reducing, the stressors. Therefore, given the current documented distribution and relative stability of Ocala vetch populations and the existing laws and regulations that protect it and its habitat, the best available information does not indicate that current regulatory protections are inadequate or will become inadequate in the next 20-50 years.

We considered whether soil contaminants, herbicides, and aquatic contaminants were affecting the abundance and distribution of the Ocala vetch. Peterson (2014, pp. 3-4) collected soil samples from Silver Glenn Springs, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek along the shorelines where the Ocala vetch occurs. These three locations corresponded to where Ocala vetch presence started, its midpoint, and its endpoint. Across all sites, the greatest maximum dry weight soil concentrations for Arsenic (10 mg/kg) and lead (27 mg/kg) were found in Ocala vetch habitat along Silver Glen Springs. These maximum values were compared to the EPA’s Eco-SSL (ecological soil screening level) values that are protective of plants for arsenic (USEPA 2005a, p. 2) and lead (USEPA 2005b, p. 3).

Because the highest measured arsenic concentration in all of the soil samples (10 mg/kg) was 1.8 times less than the Eco-SSLs for arsenic (18 mg/kg), it is highly unlikely that arsenic levels in soils are adversely affecting the Ocala vetch or its habitat. Similarly, maximum lead concentrations in soils (27 mg/kg) was 4.4 times less than the Eco-SSLs for lead (120 mg/kg). Therefore, arsenic and lead in soils are not considered to be a threat to the species at these locations. With respect to Ocala vetch habitat at Salt Springs and Lake Dexter which were not sampled for contaminants, it is unlikely that their arsenic and lead concentrations would exceed the highest measured concentrations at the three studied locations or Eco-SSLs the because the level of recreational use (likely source of arsenic and lead) at Salt Springs and Lake Dexter is comparable to the sampled locations.

Groundwater quality and contaminants of the surficial aquifer system and the upper Florida aquifer were analyzed in ONF and the surrounding area of Lake County based on data collected from 1990 through 1998 (Adamski and Knowles 2001, entire). In general, the aquifer system that supplies the spring runs where Ocala vetch occur has low concentration of total dissolved solids and major ions (Adamski and Knowles 2001, pp. 16-20). Concentrations of total dissolved solids, many major ions, and nutrients were lower in areas within ONF compared to areas outside of ONF boundaries. These findings indicate that the surficial aquifer system in ONF is better protected from contaminants emanating from agricultural and/or urban land-use practices (Adamski and Knowles 2001, p. 21). After examining the best available information and the current range and distribution of the Ocala vetch, the data indicate that herbicides, terrestrial contaminants, and aquatic contaminants are not currently affecting the species and are unlikely to do so in the next 20-50 years.

Recreational use of the springs and shorelines where the Ocala vetch has been found is regulated by the USFS (1999, p. 2-2) to ensure recreation doesn’t significantly impact threatened, endangered, or sensitive species. The springhead or spring boil areas of some of the springs have camping, snorkeling, kayaking, and other recreational activities and associated facilities (USFS 1999, 2-2). Downstream of these recreational areas, however, the habitat is pristine and activities that would harm the Ocala vetch and its habitat (e.g., camping, firewood collecting, trail clearing) are prohibited (USFS 1999, 2-2). The USFS (1999, 2-2; 2001, entire) management plans for these springs address the likely increase in the population in areas surrounding ONF and the likely increasing interest in recreation at ONF. Based on the best available information and the current, distribution, and persistence of the Ocala vetch, the data indicate that current recreational activities are not limiting Ocala vetch populations now or in the next 20-50 years.

The CBD petition did not identify excessive collections for scientific or commercial use or overutilization as a threat to the Ocala vetch. We have no other evidence that overutilization is a threat. The best available scientific and commercial information does not indicate that overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes is negatively impacting the Ocala vetch, or that it is likely to do so in the next 20-50 years.

The CBD petition did not identify either disease or predation as a threat to the Ocala vetch. The Ocala vetch may occasionally be subject to predation or rooting by whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and wild hogs (Sus scrofa); however, we have no information that predation is a stressor to the species or any of its populations seem to be unaffected by any such predation. In addition, semiaquatic mammals, such as beaver or muskrats have the potential to negatively affect the Ocala vetch through predation or damage to habitat from burrow construction. However, we found no evidence to indicate this has occurred or is likely to occur in the future. Therefore, the best available scientific and commercial information does not indicate that disease or predation are diminishing the population and we have no indication that they will do so in the next 20-50 years. Isolated plant populations may be at risk of inbreeding (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 209) but some small populations of isolated endemic plant species are known to maintain stable populations over a period of at least 40 years (Abeli 2010, p. 6). The genetic, phenotypic, and demographic structure of each population must have adequate variation for populations adjust to environmental change over time. Because Ocala vetch populations have showed the ability to sustain themselves for up to 60 years (Juniper Creek population) and because their range of genetic variability (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 206) is similar to other narrow range endemics with stable populations (Abeli 2010, p. 6), the best available information does not indicate population isolation or inbreeding is currently causing an adverse effect on the Ocala vetch.

The best available information does not indicate that changes in precipitation amounts and patterns, or hurricane events are currently having adverse impacts on the Ocala vetch given its current range and distribution (Peterson 2018, p. 3-5). Annual precipitation from 1912 to 2017 shows considerable variation (17-75 inches/year; FSU 2018) (Fig. 10-1). This period covers 45 years before the Ocala vetch was described in 1957 and 59 years since. Because its population has persisted along Juniper Creek where it was originally described and has since been documented in 4 additional locations (Peterson 2018, p. 3-5), evidence indicates the species has the ability to maintain viable populations over time despite experiencing periods of drought and

high rainfall. In regard to hurricanes, Florida experienced 120 hurricanes, with 37 being considered major hurricanes (category 3 or greater) from 1858-2017 (NOAA 2018). Because the Ocala vetch is located in the central peninsular part of Florida and because hurricanes average 300 miles in diameter (NOAA 2018), its habitat was frequently impacted. Considering five populations of the Ocala vetch have persisted despite these catastrophic storm events, there is no evidence that hurricanes are currently reducing Ocala vetch populations or that they will cause extirpation in the next 20-50 years.

In considering sea level rise projections, the only population that will be impacted is the Lake Dexter population. The reason the Lake Dexter population will be affected is because Lake Dexter is a natural lake that is connected to the St. Johns River which is a tidally influenced river that will be directly affected by sea level rise. The other four populations are located beyond the influence of sea level rise, according to the projections (Fig. 11-1).

There are two possible scenarios regarding this Ocala vetch population that will result from the projected inundation: 1) the Lake Dexter population will persist by migrating with the shoreline as it retreats; or 2) the population will be extirpated.

In terms of conservation measures, the Ocala vetch inhabits federally protected conservation lands (USFS 1999, entire; Service 2008, entire) adjacent to federally protected waterways (Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act) and state-protected waterways (Florida Statute Title 28 Chapter 373). It is protected from destruction and excessive scientific collection by the State of Florida (Florida Statute Title 35 Chapter 581.185; FAC 5B-40). In terms of ongoing conservation and research, Peterson (2014, entire; 2018, entire) and Oleas et al. (2018, entire) are affiliated with Bok Tower Gardens which is a nongovernmental organization that has an ongoing research and conservation program aimed at conserving the Ocala vetch and other rare or imperiled plant species.

We evaluated resiliency, redundancy, and representation of the Ocala vetch by examining trends and extent of occurrences over time, current threats, and future threats. With regard to resiliency and current condition of the species, the Ocala vetch has five self-sustaining populations (Fig. 6- 1 through 6-6) that have been exposed to and withstood various stochastic events. Three of the five populations are known to have persisted in spite of varying levels of recreation, varying levels of precipitation, and other changes to their environment over a period of at least 27 to 62 years. This level of persistence indicates the Ocala vetch is resilient, despite being a narrow range endemic. With regard to redundancy and its current and future condition, an examination of the Ocala vetch life history, life cycle, and history of distribution and presence indicate that it currently has the ability to sustain populations in spite of catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and storms which have the potential to cause rapid changes in surface water levels and rates of flow. From 1858-2017, Florida experienced 120 hurricanes, with 37 being considered major hurricanes (category 3 or greater) (NOAA 2018). With its populations located in east-central peninsular Florida, the Ocala vetch is frequently impacted by hurricanes, which average 300 miles in diameter (NOAA 2018). The evidence of exposure to hurricanes and the fact that at least one of its populations is known to persist for the last 60 years indicates the redundancy of the species.

With regard to representation of its current and future condition, the Ocala vetch is a narrow range endemic that has overtime adapted to the shoreline habitats in Marion and Lake County, Florida. Genetically, it is a distinct species having a different number of chromosomes and satellite pairs of chromosomes compared to other Florida vetches. The Ocala vetch is a hermaphroditic species (Les 2018, p. 195) and shows a higher degree of relatedness within each population and a moderate degree of differentiation between populations. Because populations have showed the ability to sustain themselves since it was first described in 1957 (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258), there is no substantial information to indicate the observed level of inbreeding is causing an adverse effect on individuals, populations, or the species. The recent discovery of two new populations (expanding known range 9 km northward and 11 km eastward; Peterson 2018, pp. 3-5; Fig. 6-1) indicate the Ocala vetch may be able to sustain itself, despite its populations being reproductively isolated and having limited representation.

To characterize expected future conditions for Ocala vetch, we concluded that four of the five populations would remain viable into the future based on past population stability. We also examined predicted sea level rise for 2040, 2070, and 2100 and determined it would affect one of the five populations. The other 4 populations would not be inundated and are anticipated to persist as viable populations on federally-owned and protected conservation lands. The future scenarios we considered were 1) the extirpation of the population that is projected to be inundated and 2) the persistence of the population that is projected to be inundated due to the ability of the population to retreat as the shoreline retreats.

When potentially stressful factors occur together, one factor may exacerbate the effects of another, causing effects not accounted for when factors are analyzed individually. Synergistic effects can be observed in a short amount of time. As summarized above and in detail in each of their respective sections, logging and related site prep; invasive species; hydrological changes; inadequate regulatory protections; environmental contaminants; and recreational use of the waterways are either not occurring at all, or are actively managed and monitored by Federal and State agencies through adequate regulatory protections. Furthermore, the species has five populations, two of which have been extant for the past 27 years (since 1992) and one extant for the past 62 years (since 1957). Although changes in precipitation may occur as a result of climate change, the species has persisted for 60 years (Juniper Creek) through periods of low and high rainfall, and hurricanes. After evaluating the best available scientific and commercial information on all potential stressors acting individually or in combination, we found no information to indicate that the combined effects are causing a population-level decline or currently degrading habitat of the Ocala vetch or that they are likely to in the next 20-50 years. In conclusion, after considering the best available information in light of the principles of resiliency, redundancy, and representation, the Ocala vetch is currently viable and is forecast to remain for the next 20-50 years whether all five populations continue to persist, or the Lake Dexter population is extirpated because of sea level rise.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………….3

2.0 Acronyms.……….……………………………………………………………………….13

3.0 Introduction.……….……………………………………………………………………..14

4.0 Methodology.……….……………………………………………………………………15

5.0 Species Background…...………………………………………………………..………..17

6.0 Historical and Current Abundance, Range, and Distribution……………………………20

7.0 Life History and Life Cycle.……….…………………………………………………… 29

8.0 General Habitat Description.……….……………………………………………………31

9.0 Species Needs.……….…………………………………………………………………..34

10.0 Current Condition.……….………………………………………………………………35

11.0 Potential Future Scenarios………..……….……………………………………………..48

12.0 Overall Species Assessment of Potential Future Scenarios and Viability of the Species.51

13.0 References.……….………………………………………………………………………53

2.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS

3Rs Resiliency, Redundancy, Representation AS Alexander Springs BMP Best Management Practices BTG Bok Tower Gardens CBD Center for Biological Diversity ESA Endangered Species Act FAC Florida Administrative Code FDACS Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services FR Federal Register GIS Geographic Information System IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change JC Juniper Creek LD Lake Dexter LWNWR Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge NCA National Climate Assessment NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ONF Ocala National Forest Service United States Fish and Wildlife Service SGS Silver Glen Springs SS Salt Springs SSA Species Status Assessment USFS United States Forest Service USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey WMD Water Management District

3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 Purpose of SSA The Species Status Assessment (SSA) framework (Service 2016, entire), of which this SSA Report is based on, is intended to be an in-depth review of the species’ biology and threats, an evaluation of its biological status, and an assessment of the resources and conditions needed to maintain long-term viability. The intent is for the SSA Report to be easily updated as new information becomes available and to support all functions of the Endangered Species Program from Candidate Assessment to Listing to Consultations to Recovery. As such, the SSA Report is a living document that may be used to inform decision making under the Act, such as listing, recovery, Section 7, Section 10, and reclassification decisions (the former four decision types are only relevant should the species warrant listing under the Act).

Importantly, the SSA Report is not a decisional document; rather, it provides a review of available information strictly related to the biological status of the Florida Ocala vetch. The listing decision will be made by the Service after reviewing this document and all relevant laws, regulations, and policies, and the results of a proposed decision will be announced in the Federal Register, with appropriate opportunities for public input.

3.2 Petition History and Previous Federal Actions The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD 2010, pp. 1123–1124) petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to determine if the Ocala vetch (Vicia ocalensis), a perennial vine, should be listed as Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). The factors that CBD claimed were threats to the Ocala vetch and its habitat included “hydrological changes”, “logging and related site prep”, “invasive, exotic plants”, and “no substantial regulatory protections” (CBD 2010, p. 1123: citing NatureServe 2008; Cook 20). On September 27, 2011, the Service published a ‘substantial’ 90-day finding on the petitioned action (76 FR 59836) which prompted the Service to initiate a 12-month finding to determine if the Ocala vetch warrants listing under the ESA. To better inform the 12-month finding decision, a SSA was conducted and this report presents the results of the SSA for the Ocala vetch. 4.0 SSA FRAMEWORK AND METHODOLOGY This document draws scientific information from resources such as primary peer-reviewed literature, reports submitted to the Service and other public agencies, species occurrence information in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) databases, and expert experience and observations. Finally, we coordinated closely with our partners engaged in ongoing research and conservation efforts. This assures consideration of the most current scientific and conservation status information. The SSA analytical framework is designed for assessing a species’ biological condition and level of viability. Building on the best of our current analytical processes and the latest in conservation biology, this framework integrates analyses that are common to all of the Act’s functions, eliminates duplicative and costly processes, and allows us to strategically focus on our core mission of preventing extinction and achieving recovery. The document is temporally structured, generally walking the reader through what is known from past data, how data informs the current

species’ status, and what potential changes to this status may occur in the future based on data and models. The future condition analysis includes the potential conditions that the species or its habitat may face and discusses the most probable scenario if those conditions come to fruition. This most probable scenario includes consideration of the sources most likely to impact the species at the population or rangewide scales in the future, including potential cumulative impacts. 4.1 Methodology and Data

This SSA analysis report entails three iterative assessment stages (Figure 4-1):

Species Ecology (Needs). The SSA begins with a compilation of the best available biological information on the species (life history and habitat) and its ecological needs at the individual, population, and rangewide (species) levels based on how environmental factors are understood to act on the species and its habitat.

• Individual level: These resource needs are those life history characteristics that influence the successful completion of each life stage. In other words, these characteristics are survival and Figure 4-1. The three analysis reproduction needs that make the species steps in a Species Status sensitive or resilient to particular natural or Assessment. anthropogenic influences.

• Population level: These are components of the Ocala vetch’s life history profile that describe the resources, circumstances, and demographics that most influence resiliency of the population.

• Rangewide level: This is an exploration of what influences redundancy and representation for the Ocala vetch. This requires an examination of the Ocala vetch’s evolutionary history and historical distribution to understand how the species functions across its range.

We researched and evaluated the best available scientific and commercial information on Ocala vetch life history. This included biological considerations, reproductive strategy, interactions, habitat requirements, and any other information that demonstrated how Ocala vetch, at each life stage, respond to natural and anthropogenic influences. To identify population- or rangewide- level needs, we received information from research organizations (Bok Tower Gardens: BTG) and resource managers (Ocala National Forest: ONF, Florida Dept. of Consumer and Agricultural Services: FDACS), reviewed published literature, unpublished reports, and other relevant data.

To determine distribution and abundance, we conducted a literature review, obtained information from BTG and ONF, and conducted surveys in June-July 2018.

Current Species Condition. The SSA describes the current condition of the Ocala vetch’s habitat and occurrence, and the probable explanations for past and ongoing changes in abundance and distribution within the species’ ecological settings (i.e., areas representative of the geographic, genetic, or life history variation across the species’ range).

We considered the Ocala vetch distribution, abundance, and those factors currently influencing the viability of this species. We identified the historical and current distribution and abundance information, and examined existing factors that are negatively and positively influencing the species. Each threat was considered in terms of the scale, intensity, and duration and the impacts on the population and habitat across its life history stages.

Future Species Condition. Lastly, the SSA forecasts a species’ response to probable future scenarios of environmental conditions and conservation efforts. As a result, the SSA characterizes the species’ ability to sustain populations in the wild over time (viability) based on the best scientific understanding of current and future abundance and distribution within the species ecological settings.

To examine the potential future condition of the Ocala vetch, we developed two plausible future scenarios that focus on a range of conditions based on projections for sea level rise for year 2040, 2070, and 2100. The range of what may happen with regard to species viability in each scenario is described based on the current condition and how resiliency, redundancy, and representation and are expected to change. The scenarios are the most probable consideration of the threats and their potential to impact the species at the population or rangewide scales in the future, including potential cumulative impacts.

For the purpose of this assessment, we evaluated the ability of the Ocala vetch to sustain resilient populations within the ONF over the next 20 years (to year 2040). This time frame was selected because the best available information allows us to predict future conditions of the Ocala vetch with greater certainty and less speculation. To forecast its viability beyond 2040-2070 would require speculation because of the lack of data and associated uncertainty.

Using the SSA framework (Figure 4-1), we consider what the species needs to maintain viability by characterizing the status of the species in terms of its resiliency, redundancy, and representation (the 3R’s) (Service 2016, entire; Wolf et al. 2015, entire).

Resiliency describes the ability of a species to withstand stochastic disturbance. Resiliency is positively related to population size and growth rate and may be influenced by connectivity among populations. Generally speaking, populations need abundant individuals within habitat patches of adequate area and quality to maintain survival and reproduction in spite of disturbance.

Redundancy describes the ability of a species to withstand catastrophic events; it’s about spreading risk among multiple populations to minimize the potential loss of the species from

16 catastrophic events. Redundancy is characterized by having multiple, resilient populations distributed within the species’ ecological settings and across the species’ range. It can be measured by population number, resiliency, spatial extent, and degree of connectivity. Our analysis explores the influence of the number, distribution, and connectivity of populations on the species’ ability to withstand catastrophic events (e.g., rescue effect).

Representation describes the ability of a species to adapt to changing environmental conditions over time. It is characterized by the breadth of genetic and environmental diversity within and among populations. Measures may include the number of varied niches occupied, the gene diversity, heterozygosity or alleles per locus. Our analysis explores the relationship between the species life history and the influence of genetic and ecological diversity and the species ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions over time. The analysis identifies areas representing important geographic, genetic, or life history variation (i.e., the species’ ecological settings).

To evaluate the current and future viability of the Ocala vetch, we assessed a range of conditions to characterize the species’ resiliency, redundancy, and representation. This SSA Report provides a thorough account of known biology and natural history, and assesses the risk of threats and limiting factors affecting the future viability of the species.

This document is a compilation of the best available scientific and commercial information (and associated uncertainties regarding that information) used to assess the viability of the Ocala vetch currently and into the future.

5.0 SPECIES BACKGROUND 5.1 Description The Ocala vetch (Vicia ocalensis) is an herbaceous, relatively robust perennial vine found in open marshy, shoreline habitats in southeastern Marion County and northern Lake County, Florida. The Ocala vetch has nearly hairless stems attaining lengths of 1.2 m (3.9 ft) or more. The deciduous leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with four to six lateral leaflets and single terminal tendril. The leaflets are linear to linear-oblong or linear-elliptic, 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) long and 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 in) broad, with apices rounded and mucronate. From March through June, flowers are borne in long-staked axillary racemes each bearing up to 18 flowers. The flowers are 10-12 mm (0.4-0.5 in) long, with lavender blue to white petals and a faintly striped banner petal. The fruit is a single pod per flower and is a flattened legume 4-4.5 cm (1.6-1.8 in) long and 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 in) wide. Each legume contains 8-12 seeds (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp.257-258).

Figure 5-1. Ocala vetch illustration (FNAI, 2000)

5.2 Taxonomy The Ocala vetch was collected in 1957 by Robert Kral and then 26 days later by Robert Godfrey at the same bridge crossing of Juniper Creek in Ocala National Forest (unbeknownst to each other at the time) (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258).

Ocala vetch, is the only species of the genus, Vicia, that is endemic to Florida (Southeast Marion County and Northern Lake County) (Wunderlin and Hansen 2011, p. 460). The Ocala vetch is closely related to two other native Vicia species in the southeastern United States, Vicia acutifolia Elliott (Four Leaf vetch) and Vicia floridana S. Watson (Florida vetch). It is morphologically distinguished from the other species of Vicia by its much more robust stature

18 and its significantly larger leaflets, flowers, fruits, and seeds (Wunderlin and Hansen 2011 p. 460). In general, the genus Vicia is composed of 180-210 species that occur in the temperate zones of the western hemisphere, the Mediterranean region, and the Caucasus. The greatest amount of species diversity is in the Mediterranean and Caucasus regions (Hanelt and Mettin 1989, p. 200).

Kingdom Plantae – plantes, Planta, Vegetal, plants Subkingdom Viridiplantae – green plants Infrakingdom Streptophyta – land plants Superdivision Embryophyta Division Tracheophyta – vascular plants, tracheophytes Subdivision Spermatophytina – spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames Class Magnoliopsida Superorder Rosanae Order Fabales Family Fabaceae – peas, legumes Genus Vicia L. – vetch

Species Vicia ocalensis R.K. Godfrey & Kral – Ocala vetch (ITIS 2018)

5.3 Genetics Genetically, the Ocala vetch is also considered to be a distinct species and not a subspecies. It has 14 chromosomes and is considered a diploid because its genus, Vicia, has a base chromosome number of seven for (Les 2017, pp. 195-196). Although the Four Leaf vetch and the Florida vetch are genetically similar, the Ocala vetch differs in having two satellite pairs of chromosomes, whereas the Four Leaf vetch and Florida vetch only have one satellite pair (Les. 2017, pp. 180-196). A preliminary assessment of the genetic diversity within and among three of the five extant populations (Alexander Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and Juniper Creek) was performed using 743 AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) markers. An assessment of the genetic diversity (hs) for the Silver Glen, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek populations yielded values of 0.18, 0.19, and to 0.23, respectively (Oleas et al. 2018, pp. 206). These values are similar to the diversity (0.2289) measured in similar narrow endemic plants with populations known to be stable for 40 years (Abeli 2010, p. 6). Analysis of Molecular Variance indicated 87% of the variation was within populations and 13% was between populations, indicating a

moderate amount of genetic differentiation and probable reproductive isolation between populations (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 209). 5.4 Background Summary The Ocala vetch (Vicia ocalensis) is an herbaceous, relatively robust perennial vine found in wetland, shoreline habitats in southeastern Marion County and northern Lake County, Florida. The Ocala vetch has nearly hairless stems attaining lengths of 1.2 m (3.9 ft) or more. The deciduous leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with four to six lateral leaflets and single terminal tendril. The leaflets are linear to linear-oblong or linear-elliptic, 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) long and 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 in) broad, with apices rounded and mucronate. Flowers are borne in long- staked axillary racemes each bearing up to 18 flowers. The flowers are 10-12 mm (0.4-0.5 in) long, with lavender blue to white petals and a faintly striped banner petal. The fruit is a single pod per flower and is a flattened legume 4-4.5 cm (1.6-1.8 in) long and 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 in) wide. Each legume contains 8-12 seeds (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258).

The Ocala vetch is considered to be a distinct species and not a subspecies. The Ocala vetch was first collected in 1949 by D. W. Mather of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and formally described in 1958 (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258). It is one of five native members of the Vicia genus that occurs in Florida: V. acutifolia, V. caroliniana, V. floridana, V. minutiflora (Wunderlin and Hansen 2011 p. 460). It has 14 chromosomes and is considered a diploid because its genus, Vicia, has a base chromosomal number is seven for (Les. 2017, pp. 195-196). Although the Four Leaf vetch (Vicia acutifolia Elliott) and the Florida vetch (Vicia floridana S. Watson) are genetically similar, the Ocala vetch differs in having two satellite pairs of chromosomes, whereas the Four Leaf vetch and Florida vetch only have one satellite pair (Les. 2017, pp. 195-196). In addition, the Ocala vetch is morphologically distinguished from Four Leaf vetch and Florida vetch by its much more robust stature and its significantly larger leaflets, flowers, fruits, and seeds (Wunderlin and Hansen 2011 p. 460).

An assessment of the genetic diversity (Hs) for the Silver Glen, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek populations yielded values of 0.18, 0.19, and to 0.23, respectively (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 206). These values indicate a higher level of diversity compared to that of a plant species (Ho = 0.05) shown to be experiencing low fitness in small populations (Szczecińska et al. 2016, p. 1). Abeli (2010, p. 6) assessed genetic diversity in narrow endemic plants with populations known to be stable for at least 40 years and found diversity (Hs = 0.2289), which is more similar to the diversity of the Ocala vetch populations. Analysis of Molecular Variance indicated 87% of the variation was within populations and 13% was between populations, indicating a moderate amount of genetic differentiation and probable reproductive isolation between populations (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 209). 6.0 HISTORICAL AND CURRENT ABUNDANCE, RANGE, AND DISTRIBUTION We searched the records of Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and examined reports and publications from Bok Tower Gardens (Peterson 2014, entire; 2018, entire; Oleas et al. 2018, entire) to assess the abundance, range, and distribution of the Ocala vetch. FNAI is an organization affiliated with Florida State University that manages a database of current information on Florida’s rarest plant and animal species, maintains an inventory of the state’s conservation land holdings, and conducts surveys and analyses to support conservation planning

and land management. In addition, Bok Tower Gardens (BTG) has a Rare Plant Conservation Program that works to conserve rare plant species and conducts research and surveys on the Ocala vetch. Our review yielded a limited amount of available information on the Ocala vetch’s abundance, range, and distribution for the period of 1957-1992 (Fig. 6-1 through 6-6; FNAI 2018). From 1997-2014, locations where Ocala vetch were known to occur were surveyed annually during the flowering season by BTG to assess the distribution of the species (Peterson 2018, p. 3). These annual surveys indicated the populations “generally remained stable” with regard to location and relative density; therefore, survey intervals were reduced from annually to every 3-5 years. Subsequent surveys of these three known populations were conducted in 2018 by BTG. In 2018, BTG, with assistance from volunteers and Service staff, expanded surveys to new include new areas and this additional effort resulted in the discovery of new occurrences. The new occurrences expanded the range of the species to the north by 9 km (Salt Springs) and east by 11 km (Lake Dexter) (Peterson 2018, pp. 3-5; Oleas et al. 2018, p. 206; Fig. 6-1). Because there is limited available quantitative data regarding abundance, range, and distribution of the Ocala vetch prior to 2002, there is not enough detailed information to definitively determine if abundance has changed significantly over time. But, the most robust population exists along Juniper Creek where it was originally collected in 1957, evidence to its ability to persist over time. From 2003-2018, the amount of available information relative to abundance, distribution, and range increased dramatically (Peterson 2018, entire). Therefore, we consider information available from 2003 to 2018 to be the best available information for assessing the current range, distribution, and abundance of the species. Four of the five known areas where Ocala vetch occur are within Ocala National Forest (ONF) and the fifth one occurs within Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (LWNWR) (Fig. 6-1). Ocala vetch inhabit open, marshy shoreline areas along Alexander Springs (Fig. 6-2); Juniper Creek (Fig. 6-3); Salt Springs (Fig. 6-4); Silver Glen Springs (Fig. 6-5); and Lake Dexter (Fig. 6- 6). Importantly, in June 2018, approximately 56 miles of shoreline were surveyed by approximately 36 volunteers over four days (May 14, 15, 21 and 22) during flowering season. The result was the discovery of two new populations at Salt Springs and Lake Dexter (Peterson 2018, pp. 3-5). The Salt Springs discovery expanded the known range by 9 km northward and the Lake Dexter discovery expanded the range by 11 km eastward. The 2018 survey by Service and BTG staff found that all five known populations were extant (Figs. 6-1 through 6-6) along the shorelines of: Alexander Springs (Fig. 6-2); Juniper Creek (Fig. 6-3); Salt Springs (Fig. 6-4); Silver Glen (Fig. 6-5); and Lake Dexter (Fig. 6-6). Juniper Creek has the most robust population and has maintained a self-sustaining population at least since 1957. Importantly, the Alexander Springs population re-appeared in 2018 after not being observed since 2003, indicating Ocala vetch can persist at undetectable levels during unfavorable conditions and return in greater abundance during favorable conditions. Relative abundance along shorelines varies from dense mats to loose aggregations of vines that

spread along moist ground and often climb on supporting shoreline vegetation or emergent marsh. Occurrences extend from ~1 km to 8 km along the shorelines. Juniper Creek, where it was first discovered in 1957, currently has the most robust Ocala vetch population (Peterson 2018, p. 3-5).

Figure 6-1. Ocala vetch occurrences across its known range.

Figure 6-2. Occurrences of Ocala vetch along Alexander Springs.

Figure 6-3. Occurrences of Ocala vetch along Juniper Creek.

Figure 6-4. Occurrences of Ocala vetch along Salt Springs.

Figure 6-5. Occurrences of Ocala vetch along Silver Glen Springs.

Figure 6-6. Occurrences of Ocala vetch along Lake Dexter.

7.0 LIFE HISTORY AND LIFE CYCLE 7.1 Life History As with most plants, the Ocala vetch requires sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, soil and essential nutrients to survive and grow. The Ocala vetch is a perennial, climbing vine that occurs in open, wet thickets on emergent vegetation along the banks of streams and spring runs. It is a dicot flowering plant that requires insect pollination for seed production. Confirmed pollinators include: honey bees (Apis mellifera), bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and hoverflies (Toxomerus spp.) (Adams et al. 2010). Other observed floral visitors documented on the Ocala vetch include: sweat bees (Augochloropsis metallica), carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica), and three unidentified butterflies species (Peterson 2018, pp. 3-5). The foraging range of known pollinators extends up to approximately 10 km (Table 7-1). Ocala vetch seeds are gravity dispersed into organic material found at the base of support plants. Ocala vetch presence is positively associated with sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and cabbage palm (sabal palmetto) and negatively correlated with invasive nonnative species such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (Oleas et al. 2018, pp.207, 209). Seed germination is apparently dependent upon the availability of organic matter that accumulates areas such as cabbage palm boots, basal areas of sawgrass, and/or fallen debris (7- 1). Ocala vetch can form a mat-like appearance on top of other vegetation. The denser mats of Ocala vetch occur in sunny, open areas and do not extend into areas of shade (Figure. 7-2). It can germinate in areas of dappled shade, as long as sufficient germination substrate is present, and its tendrils can climb up support plants to gain access to sunlight and pollinators. 7.2 Life Cycle Adult plants produce flowers from March to June (Les 2017, pp. 195-196). After pollination, adult plants produce the seeds, which ripen in the legume (pod) that is initially flat and bright green; eventually becoming brown as the seeds become ripe. The seeds are dispersed by dehiscence (splitting), with each half of a pod spiraling away from its counterpart (Figure 7-1). The seeds are gravity-dispersed and likely do not fall far from the parent plant. Although undocumented, it is possible that water currents disperse fallen seeds (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 206). Table 7-1. Foraging distances of insect pollinators. Foraging Range Pollinator Reference (km) Apis 10 Zurbchen et al 2010 Bombus 1.75 Zurbchen et al 2010 Augochloropsis 1.1 Zurbchen et al 2010 Xylocopa 0.6 Zurbchen et al 2010 Toxomerus 2 Schweiger et al. 2007

Plants forming

Dehiscence of legume to mat-like clumps release seeds

Insect Pollination

Flattened legume (pod)

Figure 7-1. Life cycle of Ocala vetch. Photo credits: Lourdes Mena, Ariel Poirier and Tina Nguyen, USFWS

Figure 7-2. Mat-like appearance of the Ocala vetch. Photo credit: Tina Nguyen, USFWS

8.0 GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION The Ocala vetch occurs in open, marshy shores along Alexander Springs (Fig. 6-2); Juniper Creek (Fig. 6-3); Salt Springs (Fig. 6-4); Silver Glen (Fig. 6-5); and Lake Dexter (Fig. 6-6). It is listed as a wetland obligate (a plant that almost always occurs in wetlands) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (NWPL 2018) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FAC 1994). Four of these areas are owned and managed by the US Forest Service, Ocala National Forest (USFS 1999). Lake Dexter is owned and managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (Service 2008, entire). The length of the springs runs range from 1.1 km to 19 km (Table 8-1). Distances between the 5 locations of occurrence range from 4-14 km (Fig. 6-1, Table 8-2). Its proximity to water is presumably needed because of its requirement for a continually moist substrate and may be especially important during the dry season when the plant is in active growth. The Ocala vetch prefers sunny, open areas (Fig. 8-1) and does not extend into areas of dense shade. It can germinate in areas of dappled shade, as long as sufficient germination substrate is present, and will elongate or climb into sunny areas. The Ocala vetch can form dense mat-like clumps that spread over other vegetation (Fig. 7-2). Ocala vetch presence has been positively correlated with sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), and negatively correlated with invasive species such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 207, 209). Seed germination is apparently dependent upon the availability of wet, mucky substrate, such as the accumulation of organic matter in the lower leaf spaces of cabbage palm boots, sawgrass or fallen debris. The Ocala vetch specifically occurs along the banks of Alexander Springs (ONF), Silver Glen (ONF), Juniper Creek (ONF), Salt Springs (ONF), and Lake Dexter (LWNWR) (Figure 6-1). Juniper Creek,

31 where it was first discovered in 1957, currently has the most robust Ocala vetch population (Peterson, pers com, 2018).

Figure 8-1. Ideal habitat for Ocala vetch. Photo credit: Ariel Poirier USFWS

Table 8-1. Physical characteristics, ownership, and regulatory protections of Ocala vetch habitat. Population aStream Ocala b Predicted c Average d Legal e Aquatic Habitat f Aquatic Length Vetch Change in Discharge Landowner: Protection: Federal Habitat (km) Occurrence Average (Cubic Federal Laws Clean Water Act of Protection: (km along Flow Feet Per that Protect 1972 Florida shoreline) (MGD: %) Second) Terrestrial Water Habitat Resources Act of 1972 Alexander 19.1 1 1% decline 104 Ocala National Water Quality Adopted Springs Forest: Criteria Standards Minimum National (WQCS); Flow Rule; Forest Wetland Protection Outstanding Management Florida Act of 1976 Waters Designation; Florida WQCS Juniper 16.3 6.4 4% decline 10.6 Ocala National WQCS; Outstanding Creek Forest: Wetland Protection Florida National Waters Forest Designation; Management WQCS Act of 1976 Lake g 3 1.6 N/A N/A - Lake WQCS; WQCS Dexter Natural Woodruff Wetland Protection Lake NWR: within St. National Johns Wildlife River Refuge System Administration Act Salt 4 1.6 No Change 80.9 Ocala National WQCS; Outstanding Springs Forest: Wetland Protection Florida National Waters Forest Designation; Management WQCS Act of 1976 Silver 1.1 1 1% decline 104 Ocala National WQCS; Adopted Glen Forest: Wetland Protection Minimum Springs National Flow Rule; Forest Outstanding Management Florida Act of 1976 Waters Designation; WQCS a (Scott et al. 2004) b (SJRWMD 2003, p. 80) c (SJRWMD 2012, p. 2-17) d (USFS 1999; Service 2008) e (Federal Clean Water Act) f (Florida Water Resources Act of 1972) g (Approximate length of shoreline that was surveyed in May 2018)

Table 8-2. Distance between Ocala vetch populations (see also Fig. 6-1).

Distance Between Populations km Salt Springs to Silver Glen Springs 9 Silver Glen Springs to Juniper Creek 4.8 Juniper Creek to Alexander Springs 14.4 Alexander to Lake Dexter (new eastern range expansion) 11

9.0 SPECIES NEEDS 9.1 Individual Needs The Ocala vetch is a vine that requires sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, soil, essential nutrients, and insect pollinators to survive, grow, and reproduce. The denser mats occur in sunny, open areas and do not extend into areas of shade. It can germinate in areas of dappled shade, as long as sufficient germination substrate is present, and will elongate or climb into sunny areas. When dense, clumps of plants form a mat-like appearance on top of other vegetation (Fig. 7-2). Ocala vetch presence has been positively correlated with native support plants such as sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera), and cabbage palm (sabal palmetto), which provide suitable substrates for seed germination and support for tendrils to grow on to access sunlight and insect pollinators. Ocala vetch presence is suggested to be negatively correlated with invasive nonnative species such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (Oleas et al. 2018, pp. 207, 209). Seed germination is apparently dependent upon the availability of organic matter that accumulates in the lower leaf spaces of its support plants in areas such as cabbage palm boots, basal areas of sawgrass, or fallen, matted vegetative debris. 9.2 Population Needs The Ocala vetch populations require sunny patches of emergent aquatic vegetation or shoreline vegetation on wet soil along stream banks. In regards to maintain open sunny areas, anecdotal observations by ONF staff report that the high concentrations of Ocala vetch at Salt Springs was found in an area that experienced prescribed fire the previous winter (J. Garcia, pers.com. 2019). Because fire is an important component of Florida’s ecosystems and the Ocala vetch is associated with open, sunny areas, it is likely that the Ocala vetch is a species adapted to intermittent low-intensity fires. These open, marshy areas provide substrate for seed germination and moisture for growing plants. Soils associated with the waterways of the Ocala vetch range from the white sands characteristic of spring runs to dark, mucky, organic river bottoms. Within each population, the plants are primarily found along areas of low elevation along the bank. Although the Ocala vetch has regularly been observed trailing along the ground when no support vegetation is present, the most robust clumps of plants have been observed on support plants. Sawgrass and similar plants provide an opportunity for climbing, which helps in plant growth by providing access to sunnier areas and allows the species to be more visible to pollinators. The foraging range of pollinators extends to approximately 10 km (Table 7-1). For genetic exchange to occur within populations, patches of Ocala vetch need to be within the foraging range of its insect pollinators. 9.3 Species Needs

The Ocala vetch is a narrow-range, endemic, perennial, herbaceous vine that occurs in open, marshy areas along the shorelines of waterbodies. It typically flowers and produces seeds from March to June (Les 2017, pp. 195-196). The Ocala vetch requires insect pollinators for reproduction and fruit production. Confirmed pollinators include honey bees, bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and hoverflies (Toxomerus spp.) (Adams et al. 2010). Other observed floral visitors documented on the Ocala vetch include sweat bees (Augochloropsis metallica), carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica), and three unidentified butterflies species (Peterson 2018, pp.3-5). Post pollination, seeds ripen in legumes (pods) that turn from green to brown as the seeds become ripe. The seeds are dispersed by dehiscence (splitting), with each half of a pod spiraling away from its counterpart (Figure 7-1). The seeds are gravity-dispersed and likely do not fall far from the parent plant. Although undocumented, it is possible that water currents disperse fallen seeds (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 206). Resiliency: Individual survival and population resiliency requires appropriate temperature, soil moisture, soil nutrients, and light regimes for seed germination; growth of seedling, juveniles, and adults; and reproduction. The Ocala vetch as a species is dependent on each population having enough individuals with mate-compatible genotypes, adequate access to insect pollinators and sunlight, and adequate substrate for seed germination to maintain resiliency despite random disturbances (e.g., drought or wet years). Redundancy: In addition, the presence of multiple populations in different locations across its range is needed to ensure species viability should one or more of the populations become extirpated due to a localized catastrophic event, such as disease. Currently, there are five extant, populations that inhabit the shorelines of five different waterbodies that are geographically separated (Fig. 6-1; Table 8.2) and likely reproductively isolated. While the separation of populations may raise the risk of inbreeding depression, geographic and genetic separation decreases the risk of disease (or similar catastrophic event) from eliminating one population and spreading to another. Representation: Having evolved as a narrow-range endemic, the species may not necessarily require connectivity between its five populations or a high level of genetic diversity as compared to wide ranging species. Within each population, genetic, phenotypic, and demographic structure must have adequate representation for populations adjust to environmental change over time within its restricted range. Isolated populations may be at risk of inbreeding but small populations of isolated endemics are known to maintain stable populations over a period of 40 years (Abeli 2010). For each one of the Ocala vetch populations to maintain representation, the habitat should have patches of open, marshy shoreline habitats that are within the foraging range of insect pollinators, whose foraging ranges extend up to 10 km (Table 8-3). The habitat patches, and/or occurrence of Ocala vetch therein, does not have to be contiguous, so long as the foraging patterns of insect pollinators overlap the patches of occurrence within each population in order to provide some genetic exchange to assist the species in adjusting to changes over time and avoid inbreeding depression.

10.0 CURRENT AND FUTURE CONDITIONS

10.1 Abundance and Distribution Range of the Ocala vetch is restricted to the shorelines of Alexander Springs, Silver Glen, Juniper Creek, and Salt Springs, and Lake Dexter (Figures 6-1 through 6-6) in southeastern Marion County and the northern Lake County, Florida. These occurrences all occur on publicly owned conservation lands, the four spring runs are within Ocala National Forest (ONF) and Lake Dexter is within Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Juniper Creek currently has the most robust Ocala vetch population (Peterson 2018, pp. 3-5). The occurrences of Ocala vetch along the shorelines of each waterbody are considered to be individual populations. For example, all Ocala vetch occurrences along the length of Alexander Springs are considered to represent a single population and not connected to the others. Populations were delineated according to stream run because the genetic relatedness among plants for three of the spring runs (Juniper Creek, Alexander Springs. Silver Glen Springs) shows they are most likely reproductively isolated. Specifically, Analysis of Molecular Variation results indicated that 87% of the genetic variation was within each population while 13% of the variation was between populations, which indicates a moderate amount of differentiation and probable reproductive isolation (Abeli 2010, p. 6; Oleas et al. 2018, p. 209). Because the discovery of the Lake Dexter and Salt Springs populations in 2018 occurred just prior to the publication of the Oleas et al. (2018) genetic study, samples from either of these new populations at Salt Springs and Lake Dexter could not be included in the genetic analysis. Lastly, the geographic distances between each of the five populations exceeds the foraging ranges for all but one of its insect pollinators (Table 7-1; 8-2). Bok Tower Gardens (BTG) began intermittent population surveys at Silver Glen, Juniper Creek, and Alexander Springs beginning in 1997 through 2014 (Peterson 2018, p. 3). Annual surveys of these three populations occurred during the flowering season from 2003 through 2008. Because annual surveys indicated the populations “generally remained stable” (Peterson 2018, p. 3), survey intervals were reduced from annually to every 3-5 years. As far as its overall status as a species, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) described the population trends of the Ocala vetch as stable (Contu 2012). NatureServe (2018) lists its global status as Critically Imperiled because there were only 4 known populations when its status was reviewed in 2009, but NatureServe (2018) also stated “it is fairly stable within its very small range”. They noted potential threats to the Ocala vetch may be hydrological alterations and invasive exotic plants. The State of Florida has classified the status of the Ocala vetch as endangered because of its small range and protects it from overutilization (Florida Statute Title 35 Chapter 581.185; F.A.C. 5B-40). In 2018, approximately 56 miles of shoreline were surveyed by approximately 36 volunteers over four days. The result was the discovery of two new populations at Salt Springs and Lake Dexter (Peterson 2018, p. 3-5). The 2018 survey by Service and BTG staff found that all five known populations were extant (Figs. 6-1 through 6-6) along the shorelines of: Alexander Springs (Fig. 6-2); Juniper Creek (Fig. 6-3); Salt Springs (Fig. 6-4); Silver Glen (Fig. 6-5); and Lake Dexter (Fig. 6-6). Juniper Creek has the most robust population and has maintained a self- sustaining population at least since 1957. Importantly, the Alexander Springs population re- appeared in 2018 after not being detected since 2003, indicating Ocala vetch can persist at

undetectable levels during unfavorable conditions and return in greater abundance during favorable conditions. 10.2 External Factors Potentially Affecting the Ocala Vetch The CBD petition identified logging and related site prep, invasive, exotic plants, hydrological changes, and no substantial regulatory protections (CBD 2010, p. 1123) as factors that are potentially threatening the Ocala vetch and/or its habitat. In addition, Peterson (2018, p. 3) and Oleas et al. (2018, pp. 208-209) suggested invasive plants, environmental contaminants, and recreational use of the waterways as potential threats. We also considered the potential effects of scientific or commercial overutilization, disease and predation, small population size, and climate change were threats to the Ocala vetch and/or its habitat. Each of these will be discussed with regard to their potential individual effects and cumulative effect on the Ocala vetch’s current condition and future condition. 10.2.1 Logging and related site prep We examined the best available information to determine if logging and related site prep is a factor affecting the species. We examined commercial information, forest management plans, peer-reviewed articles, and conducted site visits in 2018. Although the petitioners (CBD 2010, p. 1123) and the IUCN (Conti 2012) listed logging as a threat, we found no evidence of logging or related site prep occurring near or adjacent to any of the Ocala vetch populations or the shoreline habitat where it may occur. Timber harvests do occur in specified locations within the 400,000 acre ONF but we found no information to indicate that logging activities occur or are allowed close to any of the areas inhabited by the Ocala vetch (USFS 1999, p. 2-2; Service 2008 pp. 113- 117, 139). All of the Ocala vetch populations inhabit publically owned and protected conservation lands (Figs. 6-1 to 6-6). Logging and related site prep is prohibited by the land owners/managers in these areas because they are federally protected wetlands adjacent to the spring runs and streams where the Ocala vetch occurs and other sensitive species may occur (USFS 1999, p. 4-3). In addition, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek are designated as Outstanding Florida Waters by the State of Florida and receive the highest level of protection against activities that would degrade water quality (FAC 62-302.700). Therefore, there is no information to suggest logging or related site prep activities is currently affecting the Ocala vetch and it is highly unlikely that logging or related site prep will affect the Ocala vetch or its habitat at any point in the next 20-50 years. 10.2.2 Invasive, Exotic Species Invasive species are defined as non-native species that have a tendency to cause damage to the immediate environment or human economy. Within the range of the Ocala vetch, we identified an invasive aquatic plant (water hyacinth), an invasive mammal (feral swine), and an invasive fish (suckermouth armored catfish) that occur within or along the five waterbodies adjacent to the five locations (Fig. 6-1) where Ocala vetch occur. The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a recognized invasive that can overtake aquatic vegetation, and is monitored and controlled in order to protect aquatic habitat by the Federal land managers (USFS 1999, p. 2-2; Service 2008, p. 80; Corps 2018). Ocala vetch surveys (Peterson 2018, p. 3) did not report water hyacinth was currently displacing Ocala vetch along the

shorelines. With it being controlled, it is unlikely to adversely affect Ocala vetch populations in the next 20-50 years. If control efforts were discontinued then there may be potential for water hyacinth to displace aquatic vegetation which could include plants that support Ocala vetch. We have no information to indicate control efforts will be discontinued at any point in the future (USFS 1999, p. 2-2; Service 2008, p. 80; Corps 2018). Feral swine (Sus scrofa) were introduced by DeSoto in Florida in 1539 and have been known to cause damage to wetland habitats in Florida (Engeman et al. 2016, entire; Jones et al. 2019, entire. Interestingly, Hanson and Karstad (1959, p. 70) discuss the presence of feral swine and its relation to screw worm outbreaks in whitetail deer in Ocala National Forest very close to the time when the Ocala vetch was formally described as a new species (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258). Because of their propensity to damage vegetation and degrade habitat by rooting and wallowing, Ocala National Forest (ONF) cooperates with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to manage and encourage feral swine hunting within ONF. Incentives that the FWC provides to encourage the public to harvest feral swine include 1) no requirement to buy a hunting license to hunt hogs, 2) no bag limit on feral swine, and 3) no size limit on feral swine (FWC 2018). As part of the ONF management plant (USFS 1999 p. 2-2), ONF monitors feral swine activity and may increase efforts to control feral hogs as monitoring indicates. In addition, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has a national program dedicated to controlling feral swine, and actively implement operations to control feral swine in Florida (USDA 2015, p. 2). Important to note that although feral swine occur within ONF, no Ocala vetch populations have been observed to be impacted or destroyed by feral swine and hog-related impacts and this is likely in part due to monitoring and control efforts. Suckermouth armored catfish (Pterygoplichthys) is an invasive species known to contribute to shoreline erosion (Service 2014; Orfinger and Goodding 2018). No evidence of catfish related erosion or catfish activity causing damage to Ocala vetch was observed during the 2018 Ocala vetch surveys. Nico et al. (2009) reported that armored catfish in natural and manmade canals created burrows in areas already prone to erosion and their contribution to bank erosion varied among the study sites. They also reported that specific sites selected by armored catfish were relatively steep, exposed banks. This type of shoreline habitat may be used by the Ocala vetch, but it is not the type of habitat where Ocala vetch are typically found. Ocala vetch prefer open, marshy areas along the shoreline with emergent vegetation (Fig. 8-1). We found that all of populations of Ocala vetch are on publicly owned and protected public lands. The Federal land managers conduct integrated pest management to identify and control invasive species (USFS 1999 p. 2-2; Service 2008, p. 80). These invasive species did not appear to be limiting occurrence or distribution of Ocala vetch along the shorelines. In conclusion, information indicates that invasive, exotic plants and fish occur in aquatic areas adjacent to the shoreline habitat used by the Ocala vetch, but they are not limiting or causing declines in Ocala vetch populations (Peterson 2018, p. 3-5; Fig. 6-1 to 6-6). The Federal land management plans address the need to identify and control water hyacinth, feral hogs, and armored catfish, which reduces their potential to affect the Ocala vetch and its habitat now and for the next 20-50 years (USFS 1999, p. 2-2; Service 2008, p. 80; Corps 2018; USDA 2015). 10.2.3 Hydrological Changes Related to Ground Water Withdrawals

The Upper Floridian Aquifer supplies the water that feeds the spring runs and streams where four of the five populations of Ocala vetch occur. The Floridan aquifer system has two major water- bearing zones: upper Floridan aquifer and lower Floridan aquifer. A ground-water flow model was developed to simulate the effects of both present day and future ground-water withdrawals for Lake County and ONF (SJRWMD 2003). The model used hydrogeology data from 1995 through 2000 to project 2025 ground-water withdrawals and its effects on the water levels and flows in the surficial and Floridan aquifer systems, including the four spring runs where Ocala vetch occur. The fluctuations of lake stages, surficial and Floridan aquifer system water levels, and upper Floridan aquifer spring flows in the study area are highly related to cycles and distribution of rainfall. Long-term Floridan aquifer springs show the most significant increases in water levels and spring flows following consecutive years with above average rainfall, and significant decreases following consecutive years with below average rainfall.

The largest simulated flow decrease for first- or second-magnitude springs in ONF was 4% at Juniper Creek (Table 8-1) which was significantly less than areas outside of ONF (SJRWMD 2003). A 4% decrease is not likely to adversely impact the plant and animal life of the creek (SJRWMD 2012). This data shows that the ONF lands that surround the spring runs are protecting the hydrological aspects of the Ocala vetch’s habitat. This information predicts only a slight decrease in flow that is not likely to impact the Ocala vetch or its habitat to the level that it would become unsuitable. Furthermore, survey information dating from 1957 to 2018 shows that the Ocala vetch has maintained its presence over an extended amount of time (Peterson 2018, , p. 3-5) during which it experienced highly variable amounts of annual rainfall (Fig. 10-1).

Lastly, we examined the projected groundwater withdrawals for the year 2070 that were published in the Florida Water 2070 Report (Carr and Zwick 2016) with the assumption that the increasing trends of ground water use and human population growth would continue into the future (Figure 10-1). Carr and Zwick (2016, pp. 10, 16) showed that the areas around the Ocala vetch populations are not going to experience detrimental increases in water demands and future water demands are not likely to appreciably increase, likely because of the 10-mile (16 km) buffer provided by the Ocala National Forest (Fig. 10-1. In summary, hydrological changes are not currently impacting the Ocala vetch and it is unlikely any impacts between 2040 and 2070.

Location of Ocala Vetch Populations

Figure 10-1. Projected water demand for Florida for year 2070 (Carr and Zwick 2016, p. 13). Black rectangle shows buffer around and general location of Ocala vetch populations. 10.2.4 Regulatory Protections The Ocala vetch is currently listed as Endangered by the State of Florida (FAC 5B-40) and may not be collected without a valid permit from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The State’s policy is to: provide recognition of those plant species native to the state that are endangered, threatened, or commercially exploited; protect the native flora from unlawful harvesting on both public and privately owned lands; provide an orderly and controlled procedure for restricted harvesting of native flora from the wild, thus preventing wanton exploitation or destruction of native plant populations; encourage the propagation of native species of flora; and provide the people of this state with the information necessary to legally harvest native plants so as to ultimately transplant those plants with the greatest possible chance

of survival. Furthermore, it is unlawful for any person to willfully destroy or harvest any such plant on the Regulated Plant Index that is growing on the private land of another or on any public land without first obtaining the written permission of the landowner or legal representative of the landowner and a permit from FDACS (Florida Statute Title 35 Chapter 581.185). In addition, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek are designated as Outstanding Florida Waters by the State of Florida and receive the highest level of protection against activities that would degrade water quality (FAC 62-302.700). The Ocala vetch is also considered a Sensitive species by the USFS and 4 of its 5 populations occur on ONF lands, with the remaining population occurring on the shoreline of Lake Dexter which is within the boundaries of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (Fig. 6-6). The USFS protects the Ocala vetch by requiring a permit for collections, similar to the State’s permit requirements. The habitat the Ocala vetch exists on is within the ONF and is a protected area under the authority of the USFS (National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976; 36 CFR II Part 200-299). Therefore, ONF prohibits damaging any natural feature or property, removing any natural feature or property, damaging any plant classified as threatened, endangered, sensitive, rare, or unique species, and lastly removing any plant classified as threatened, endangered, sensitive, rare, or unique species (36 CFR Part 261 section 261.9 - Property). Lake Woodruff NWR provides similar protections to the Ocala vetch and its habitat in accordance with Executive Order 12996, the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, the Refuge Recreation Act, the Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956; and these protections are implemented through the Lake Woodruff NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2008, entire). Furthermore, the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 protect water quality such that it will be supportive of aquatic plants, fish, and wildlife. In summary, the Ocala vetch has no history of commercial exploitation and it is protected from destruction and excessive scientific collection by the State of Florida (Florida Statute Title 35 Chapter 581.185; F.A.C. 5B-40). The Ocala vetch is also protected by the USFS and the Service from excessive collection and habitat destruction (36 CFR II Part 200-299; Service 2008, entire). Therefore, the current documented distribution, occurrence, and persistence of Ocala vetch populations and the current laws and regulations the protect it and its habitat indicate that current regulatory protections are not inadequate and will likely continue to be substantively adequate for the next 20-50 years. 10.2.5 Environmental Contaminants

Peterson (2014) collected soil and water samples from Silver Glenn Springs, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Creek. Soil samples were collected in three locations along the shorelines from each of the springs where the Ocala vetch occurs. These three locations corresponded to where Ocala vetch presence 1) began, 2) its midpoint, and 3) its endpoint. Across all sites, the greatest maximum dry weight soil concentrations for Arsenic (10 mg/kg) and lead (27 mg/kg) were found in Ocala vetch habitat along Silver Glen Springs.

The Service evaluated the risk of these contaminant levels to the Ocala vetch by comparing these concentrations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Ecological Soil Screening Levels (Eco-SSLs). Eco-SSLs are thresholds that represent concentrations of contaminants in soil that are protective of ecological receptors that commonly come into contact with and/or consume biota that live in or on soil. Eco-SSLs are derived separately for four groups of ecological receptors: plants, soil invertebrates, birds, and mammals. As such, these values are presumed to provide adequate protection of terrestrial ecosystems (USEPA 2005a).

The Eco-SSLs for arsenic (USEPA 2005a, p. 2) and lead (USEPA 2005b, p. 3) are 18 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg, respectively. Given the highest measured arsenic concentration in all of the soil samples (10 mg/kg) was 1.8 times less than the Eco-SSLs for arsenic (10 mg/kg), it is highly unlikely that arsenic levels in soils are adversely affecting the Ocala vetch or its habitat. Similarly, maximum lead concentrations in soils (27 mg/kg) was 4.4 times less than the Eco- SSLs for lead. Because the highest measured levels of arsenic and lead at three of the locations where Ocala vetch occurs are significantly less than the EPA Eco-SSL protective levels, these contaminants are not considered to be a threat to the species at these locations. With respect to Ocala vetch habitat at Salt Springs and Lake Dexter which were not sampled for contaminants, it is unlikely that their arsenic and lead concentrations would exceed the highest measured concentrations at the three studied locations or Eco-SSLs the because the level of recreational use (likely source of arsenic and lead) at Salt Springs and Lake Dexter is similar to the three locations that were sampled.

Herbicides are used within the range of the Ocala vetch to manage invasive species such as cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum), and natal grass (Melinis repens) (USFS 1999, p. 2-2; Service 2008, p. 80). Occasionally there are interior areas treated by herbicides; however, these are most commonly applied to roadsides, ditches, and clay pits. Ocala National Forest also occasionally sprays for aquatic invasive species such as water hyacinth as well. They administer their herbicides from kayaks using a compressed air system. Juniper Creek was treated in 2018, but the other spring runs and streams have not been treated in the recent years. The plants are primarily treated with glyphosate and imazapyr. The spraying of the aquatic invasive species is on an as needed basis (J. Garcia, pers com. 2019; Service 1999). These applications do not compromise the distribution and abundance of the native vegetation as documented during site visits by Service staff during 2018 (Mena pers. comm. 2018). Because herbicides are discretely and directly applied to invasive species according to the label’s instructions and the Forest Management Plan (and not broadly applied), the likelihood of herbicides contacting the Ocala vetch directly or killing its native support plants (e.g., sawgrass) is low. Therefore, herbicide applications do not pose a threat to Ocala vetch, but likely provide a conservation benefit by controlling invasive, nonnative species. Groundwater quality and contaminants of the surficial aquifer system and the upper Florida aquifer were analyzed in ONF and the surrounding area of Lake County based on data collected from 1990 through 1998 (Adamski and Knowles 2001). In general, the surficial aquifer system has low concentration of total dissolved solids and major ions. Concentrations of total dissolved solids, many major ions, and nutrients were greater in samples from Lake County outside of ONF boundaries. These findings indicate that the surficial aquifer system in Lake County outside

ONF is probably affected by agricultural and (or) urban land-use practices. High concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the surficial aquifer system underlying the ONF indicate that the aquifer is readily recharged by precipitation and is susceptible to surface contamination. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen were significantly greater in the upper Floridan aquifer than in the surficial aquifer system. Water quality of the upper Floridan aquifer was generally homogenous. Median concentrations of nutrients in the upper Floridan aquifer were not significantly different between the ONF and areas outside the Forest; however, detectable nitrate concentrations indicate the upper Floridan aquifer appears to be affected by land use in Lake County (Adamski and Knowles 2001). In summary, we considered herbicides, terrestrial contaminants, and aquatic contaminants and after examining the best available information and the current range and distribution of the Ocala vetch, the data indicate that herbicides, terrestrial contaminants, and aquatic contaminants are not currently affecting the species and are unlikely to do so in the next 20-50 years. 10.2.6 Recreational Use of Springs Recreational use of the springs and shorelines where the Ocala vetch has been found is regulated by the USFS (1999) to ensure recreation doesn’t significantly impact threatened, endangered, or sensitive species. The springhead or spring boil areas of some of the springs have camping, snorkeling, kayaking, and other recreational activities and associated facilities (USFS 1999). Anecdotal observations from ONF staff indicate Ocala vetch tolerate some amount of recreational use. “With regard to recreational use of springs, some types of disturbance may be tolerable and others not. For instance, there is a significant mass of Ocala vetch near the boat ramp that is to the east of the [recreational] area in Salt Springs. This area must see some mild to moderate physical disturbance, yet there are good concentrations of plants nearby. The general topography of this area discourages wading or swimming and thus there is no trampling/turbidity that could potentially affect the substrate,” (J. Garcia, pers.com. 2019). If no recreational activity were allowed at the spring boils, it is uncertain to what extent Ocala vetch would occur. Its occurrence would likely depend on whether the areas in question were open, marshy areas with emergent shoreline vegetation or shaded areas with less suitable topography. Downstream of these recreational areas, however, the habitat is pristine and activities that would harm the Ocala vetch and its habitat (e.g., camping, firewood collecting, trail clearing) are prohibited (USFS 1999). The USFS (1999; 2001) management plans for these springs address the likely increase in the population in areas surrounding ONF and the likely increasing interest in recreation at ONF. Based on the best available information and the current, distribution, and persistence of the Ocala vetch, the data indicate that current recreational activities are not limiting Ocala vetch populations at the present time, nor are they expected to in the next 20-50 years. 10.2.7 Overutilization, Disease, and Predation The CBD petition did not identify excessive collections for scientific or commercial use or overutilization as a threat to the Ocala vetch. We have no other evidence that overutilization is a threat. The best available scientific and commercial information does not indicate that

overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes is negatively impacting the Ocala vetch, or that it is likely to do so in the next 20-50 years. The CBD petition did not identify either disease or predation as a threat to the Ocala vetch. The Ocala vetch may occasionally be subject to predation by various herbivores, including whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and wild hogs (Sus scrofa); however, we have no information that predation is a stressor to the species or any of its populations seem to be unaffected by any such predation. In addition, semiaquatic mammals, such as beaver or muskrats have the potential to negatively affect the Ocala vetch through predation or damage to habitat from burrow construction. However, we found no evidence to indicate this has occurred or is likely to occur in the future. Therefore, the best available scientific and commercial information does not indicate that disease or predation are diminishing the population and we have no indication that they will do so in the next 20-50 years. 10.2.8 Effects of Climate Change Related to Precipitation, and Hurricanes There is no evidence that climate change has altered precipitation amounts and patterns, or caused sea levels to rise to the point that either are currently having adverse impacts on the Ocala vetch given its current range and distribution (Peterson 2018, , p. 3). Annual precipitation from 1912 to 2017 shows considerable variation (17-75 inches/year; FSU 2018) (Fig. 10-2). This period covers 45 years before the Ocala vetch was discovered in 1957 and 59 years since. Because its population has persisted along Juniper Creek where it was originally described and has since been documented in 4 additional locations (Peterson 2018, p. 3), evidence indicates the species has the ability to maintain viable populations overtime despite experiencing periods of drought and high rainfall. Many models project increases in precipitation during the fall and winter across central Florida (Service 2017b, pp. 2–5; Carter et al. 2018, p. 744). Projections of future changes in precipitation show substantial shifts in where and how precipitation will fall (Service 2017, pp. 4–5). Models are in agreement regarding changes (increase in intensity) in tropical storm and hurricane rainfall events (June-November) (Runkle et al. 2017, p. 4; Service 2017, p. 4). Greater rainfall rates are expected with about a 20 percent increase near the center of storms (Service 2017, p. 4). Scientists continue to research the expectation of precipitation changes in other severe storms (Service 2017, pp. 4–5). Dry consecutive days are expected to increase up to 20 percent in Florida by 2100 (Service 2017, pp. 4–5). While dry conditions are expected to increase in the summer across the subspecies’ range, fall conditions are expected to be wetter (Runkle et al. 2017, p. 3; Service 2017, pp. 4–5). Because of its life history, life cycle, and ability to persist during times of drought and high rainfall years, and hurricane and storm events, it is unlikely that the projected changes in precipitation patterns will threaten Ocala vetch populations over the next 20-50 years. From 1858-2017, Florida experienced 120 hurricanes, with 37 being considered major hurricanes (category 3 or greater) (NOAA 2018). Because the Ocala vetch is located in the central peninsular part of Florida and because hurricanes average 300 miles in diameter (NOAA 2018), its habitat was frequently impacted. Considering five populations of the Ocala vetch have persisted despite these catastrophic storm events, there is no evidence that hurricanes are currently reducing Ocala vetch populations or that they will cause extirpation in the next 20-50 years.

Figure 10-2. Annual precipitation (inches) from 1912-2017 at Crescent City Weather Station (location 29.41670, -81.50000). Crescent City, Florida is within a 40 km radius of each of the five Ocala vetch populations. The black bar above year 1958 denotes the year the Ocala vetch was formally considered a new species (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258).

10.2.9 Small Population Size The Ocala vetch is a narrow range endemic that has overtime adapted to the shoreline habitats along springs and a lake in Marion and Lake County, Florida. Genetically, it is a distinct species having a different number of chromosomes and satellite pairs of chromosomes compared to other Florida vetches. The Ocala vetch shows a higher degree of relatedness within each population and a moderate degree of differentiation between populations. Having evolved as a narrow-range endemic, the Ocala vetch may not necessarily require connectivity between its five populations or a high level of genetic diversity as compared to wide ranging species (Abeli 2010, p. 6). Within each population, genetic, phenotypic, and demographic structure must have adequate

representation for populations adjust to environmental change over time within its restricted range. Isolated plant populations may be at risk of inbreeding (Oleas et al. 2018, p. 209) but small populations of isolated endemic plant species are known to maintain stable populations over a period of at least 40 years (Abeli 2010, p. 6). Because Ocala vetch populations have showed the ability to sustain themselves for up to 60 years (Juniper Creek population), there is no information to indicate small population size is currently impacting individuals, populations, or the species. This well-established population and the recent discovery of two previously undocumented populations at Salt Springs (9 km to north of previous known range) and Lake Dexter (11 km east of previous known range (Peterson 2018, p. 3-5) may indicate one or more of the following: 1) small population size is not impacting the species; 2) the current locations of Ocala vetch may be remnants of a more contiguous population that existed at some point in the distant past; and/or 3) undetected populations of Ocala vetch may be existing in low abundance between the known populations. Although there is some uncertainty given information on presence prior to 1957 is not available, the best available information doesn’t indicate that small population size is currently impacting the Ocala vetch and doesn’t indicate it is likely to do so in the next 20-50 years. 10.3 Cumulative/Synergistic Effects of External Factors Potentially Affecting the Ocala Vetch When potentially stressful factors occur together, one factor may exacerbate the effects of another, causing effects not accounted for when factors are analyzed individually. Synergistic effects can be observed in a short amount of time. Logging and related site prep; invasive species; hydrological changes; inadequate regulatory protections (CBD 2010, p. 1123); environmental contaminants; recreational use of the waterways Peterson (2018, p. 3) and Oleas et al. (2018, p. 206); and climate change are factors that may affect the habitat of the Ocala vetch. Scientific or commercial overutilization, disease, predation, and small population size are factors that may directly affect individuals and populations of the Ocala vetch. As described in each of their respective sections, logging and related site prep; invasive species; hydrological changes; inadequate regulatory protections; environmental contaminants; and recreational use of the waterways are either not occurring at all, or are actively managed and monitored by Federal and State agencies through adequate regulatory protections. Furthermore, the species has maintained populations in three of the five locations since 2003. Although changes in precipitation make occur as a result of climate change, the species is resilient to fluctuating water levels and has persisted for 60 years (Juniper Creek) through periods of low and high rainfall, and hurricanes. After evaluating the best available scientific and commercial information on all potential stressors acting individually or in combination; we found no information to indicate that the combined effects are causing a population-level decline or currently degrading habitat of the Ocala vetch or that they are likely to in the next 20-50 years.

10.4 Summary of Overall Current Condition With regard to resiliency and current condition of the species, the Ocala vetch has five self- sustaining populations (Fig. 6-1 through 6-6) that have been exposed to and withstood various stochastic events. Three of the five populations are known to have persisted in spite of varying levels of recreation, varying levels of precipitation, and other changes to their environment over

a period of at least 27 to 60 years. This level of persistence indicates the Ocala vetch is resilient, despite being a narrow range endemic. With regard to redundancy and current condition of the species, an examination of the Ocala vetch life history, life cycle, and history of distribution and presence indicate that it currently has the ability to sustain populations in spite of catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and storms which have the potential to cause rapid changes in surface water levels and rates of flow. From 1858-2017, Florida experienced 120 hurricanes, with 37 being considered major hurricanes (category 3 or greater) (NOAA 2018). Because the Ocala vetch is located in the central peninsular part of Florida and because hurricanes average 300 miles in diameter (NOAA 2018), its habitat was frequently impacted; all of which point to the ability of the Ocala vetch to maintain an adequate level of redundancy, considering it is a narrow range endemic with five known populations. With regard to representation and current condition of the species, the Ocala vetch is a narrow range endemic that has overtime adapted to the shoreline habitats along springs and a lake in Marion and Lake County, Florida. Genetically, it is a distinct species having a different number of chromosomes and satellite pairs of chromosomes compared to other Florida vetches. The Ocala vetch shows a higher degree of relatedness within each population and a moderate degree of differentiation between populations. Because populations have shown the ability to sustain themselves since it was first described in 1957 (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258), there is no substantial information to indicate the level of inbreeding is causing an adverse effect on individuals, populations, or the species. The recent discovery of new populations (Peterson 2018, pp. 3-5; Fig. 6-1) has expanded its known range northward and eastward, and indicates the Ocala vetch may be able to sustain populations despite being geographically separated and potentially reproductively isolated. Its ability to persist in five locations over the course of 20-60 years indicate that it is capable of surviving despite changes in its environment. For example, the Ocala vetch is a vine that can climb up support plants to gain better access to sunlight and potential pollinators or spread across the ground. In addition, the Ocala vetch is flexible in regard to pollination requirements in that it can be pollinated by several different insect species. Similarly, its mode of seed dispersion results in seeds germinating in close proximity to the parent plant and increases the chance of germination and plant survival, given the habitat must be suitable otherwise the parent plant would not have been able to reproduce. Compared to species with wide ranges and broad distributions, any narrow-range endemic species will have relatively less representation. Nonetheless, the best available data indicates the Ocala vetch has adequate representation to change overtime based on its ability to successfully maintain populations at five separate locations, with one population known to be extant for 60 years. When potentially stressful factors occur together, one factor may exacerbate the effects of another, causing effects not accounted for when factors are analyzed individually. Synergistic effects can be observed in a short amount of time. Logging and related site prep; invasive species; hydrological changes; inadequate regulatory protections (CBD 2010, p. 1123); environmental contaminants; recreational use of the waterways Peterson (2018, p. 3) and Oleas et al. (2018, p. 206); and climate change are factors that may affect the habitat of the Ocala vetch. Scientific or commercial overutilization, disease, predation, and small population size are factors that may directly affect individuals and populations of the Ocala vetch.

As described in each of their respective sections, logging and related site prep; invasive species; hydrological changes; inadequate regulatory protections; environmental contaminants; and recreational use of the waterways are either not occurring at all, or are actively managed and monitored by Federal and State agencies through adequate regulatory protections. Furthermore, the species has maintained populations in three of the five locations since 2003. Although changes in precipitation make occur as a result of climate change, the species is resilient to fluctuating water levels and has persisted for 60 years (Juniper Creek) through periods of low and high rainfall, and hurricanes. After evaluating the best available scientific and commercial information on all potential stressors acting individually or in combination; we found no information to indicate that the combined effects are causing a population-level decline or currently degrading habitat of the Ocala vetch or that they are likely to in the next 20-50 years. In light of the principles of resiliency, redundancy, and representation and after considering the best available information regarding the Ocala vetch’s abundance, distribution, and range along with current and ongoing factors affecting the species condition, we conclude the Ocala vetch is currently viable. 10.4.2 Uncertainties related to Current Condition Although the species was discovered in 1957, there is limited historical information on its occurrence, distribution, and population trends. The best available information on abundance and distribution is the more recent survey information obtained since 2003, which has shown relatively stable presence and distribution. Given its genetic distinctness from other vetch species, interrelatedness within each of its own populations, and moderate differentiation between its own populations, it is possible although unlikely that it was historically a broadly distributed species that suffered isolation and range restriction because of some unknown natural or anthropological event. Our analyses include consideration of ongoing and projected changes in climate. The terms “climate” and “climate change” are defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2018). “Climate” refers to the mean and variability of different types of weather conditions over time, with 30 years being a typical period for such measurements, although shorter or longer periods also may be used. The term “climate change” thus refers to a change in the mean or variability of one or more measures of climate (e.g., temperature or precipitation) that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer, whether the change is due to natural variability, human activity, or both. Various types of changes in climate can have direct or indirect effects on species. These effects may be positive, neutral, or negative and they may change over time, depending on the species and other relevant considerations, such as the effects of interactions of climate with other variables (e.g., habitat fragmentation). 11.0 POTENTIAL FUTURE SCENARIOS 11.1 Introduction Potential future scenarios forecast a species’ response to probable future scenarios of environmental conditions and conservation efforts. This section characterizes the species’ ability to sustain populations in the wild over time (viability) based on the best scientific understanding of current and future abundance and distribution within the species ecological settings.

To examine the potential future condition of the Ocala vetch, we developed two plausible future scenarios that focus on a range of conditions based on projections for sea level rise. The range of what may happen in each scenario is described based on the current condition and how resiliency, redundancy, and representation are expected to change. The best available information allows us assess the current condition of the species and to forecast its hypothetical future condition resulting from potential future changes to the species and its environment to year 2040-2070 (~20-50 years). The scenarios are the most probable consideration of the threats and their potential to impact the species at the population or rangewide scales in the future, including potential cumulative impacts. For the purpose of this assessment, we generally define viability as the ability of the Ocala vetch to sustain resilient populations within the ONF over the next 20-50 years. This time frame was selected because it is the furthest extent in which the best available information allows us to confidently predict future conditions and potential conditions of the Ocala vetch. To forecast its viability beyond the 20-year timeframe would be inappropriate because of the lack of information and the associated high level of uncertainty would result in speculation based on opinion rather than a forecast based on data. 11.2 Potential Changes in Sea Level We used data created by the University of Florida GeoPlan Center (2017) to identify approximate areas of flooding under future sea level rise (SLR) scenarios. The following five SLR projection curves were considered: USACE Low/ NOAA Low (C1 or Curve 1); USACE Intermediate/ NOAA Intermediate Low (C2 or Curve 2); NOAA Intermediate High (C3 or Curve 3); USACE High (C4 or Curve 4); NOAA High (C5 or Curve 5). NOAA High C5 (Curve 5) was selected as the scenario because it represented a plausible, high degree of SLR. The 2040, 2070, and 2100 NOAA C5 SLR scenario was overlaid on all the known Ocala vetch populations (Fig. 11-1). The area of shoreline along Lake Dexter that is currently occupied by the Ocala vetch’s Lake Dexter population is projected to be inundated. The other four populations are not forecasted to be inundated. Furthermore, we do not anticipate any of the other factors discussed above (section 10) will affect the extent or abundance of the other four Ocala vetch populations. Therefore, the future condition scenarios for the Ocala vetch as a species will discuss sea level rise projections for the year 2040, 2070, and 2100 and discuss species viability given the following two scenarios: 1) the Ocala vetch population at Lake Dexter retreats with the shoreline and 2) the Ocala vetch population at Lake Dexter does not retreat and is extirpated. 11.2.1 Sea Level Rise Projections for 2040, 2070, and 2100 In considering 2040, 2070, and 2100 sea level rise projections, the only population that will be impacted is the Lake Dexter population. The reason the Lake Dexter population will be affected is because Lake Dexter is a natural lake that is connected to the St. Johns River which is a tidally influenced river that will be directly affected by sea level rise. The other four populations are located beyond the influence of sea level rise, according to the projections (Fig. 11-1). There are two possible scenarios regarding this Ocala vetch population that will result from the projected inundation: 1) the Lake Dexter population will persist by migrating with the shoreline as it retreats; or 2) the population will be extirpated.

Figure 11-1. Sea Level Rise projections for 2040, 2070, 2100 and locations of Ocala vetch populations. Potential Scenario 1: Ocala vetch population at Lake Dexter persists If the Lake Dexter population persists, the remaining four Ocala vetch populations are expected to maintain their resiliency, redundancy, and representation as described in the Current Condition section (section 10.0) and are not expected to be affected by anticipated sea level rise. With all of the five extant populations forecasted to persist for the next 20-50 years, the species is likely to continue to exist as a narrow endemic. Potential Scenario 1: Ocala vetch population at Lake Dexter is extirpated If the Lake Dexter population is extirpated, the remaining four Ocala vetch populations are expected to maintain their redundancy, resiliency, and representation as described in the Current Condition section (section 10.0) and are not expected to be affected by sea level rise. With four of the five extant populations forecasted to persist for the next 20-50 years, the species is likely to continue to exist as a narrow endemic. 11.4 Conservation Measures Planned or Implemented

As discussed in section 10.0 (Current Condition), the Ocala vetch is a narrow, endemic perennial vine that is protected by State law and inhabits federally protected conservation lands adjacent to federally and state-protected waterways. It is protected from destruction and excessive scientific collection by the State of Florida (Florida Statute Title 35 Chapter 581.185; FAC 5B-40). The Ocala vetch is also protected by the USFS and the Service from excessive collection and habitat destruction (36 CFR II Part 200-299; Service 2008, entire). Therefore, the current documented distribution, occurrence, and persistence of Ocala vetch populations and the current laws and regulations that protect it and its habitat indicate that the current regulatory protections are substantively adequate and will continue to be adequate into the future. 12.0 OVERALL SPECIES ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL FUTURE SCENARIOS AND VIABILITY OF THE SPECIES We previously (sections 9, 10, 11) evaluated resiliency, redundancy, and representation of the Ocala vetch by examining trends and extent of occurrences over time in the current threats and future threats discussions. With regard to resiliency and current condition of the species, the Ocala vetch has five self- sustaining populations (Fig. 6-1 through 6-6) that have been exposed to and withstood various stochastic events. Three of the five populations are known to have persisted in spite of varying levels of recreation, varying levels of precipitation, and other changes to their environment over a period of at least 27 to 60 years. This level of persistence indicates the Ocala vetch is resilient, despite being a narrow range endemic. With regard to redundancy of its current and future condition, an examination of the Ocala vetch life history, life cycle, and history of distribution and presence indicate that it currently has the ability to sustain populations in spite of catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and storms which have the potential to cause rapid changes in surface water levels and rates of flow. From 1858- 2017, Florida experienced 120 hurricanes, with 37 being considered major hurricanes (category 3 or greater) (NOAA 2018). Because the Ocala vetch is located in the east-central peninsular Florida and because hurricanes average 300 miles in diameter (NOAA 2018), its habitat has been frequently impacted; all of which point to the ability of the Ocala vetch to maintain an adequate level of redundancy, considering it is a narrow range endemic with five known populations. With regard to representation of its current and future condition, the Ocala vetch is a narrow range endemic that has overtime adapted to the shoreline habitats along springs and a lake in Marion and Lake County, Florida. Genetically, it is a distinct species having a different number of chromosomes and satellite pairs of chromosomes compared to other Florida vetches. The Ocala vetch shows a higher degree of relatedness within each population and a moderate degree of differentiation between populations. Because populations have showed the ability to sustain themselves since it was first described in 1957 (Godfrey and Kral 1958, pp. 257-258), there is no substantial information to indicate the level of inbreeding is causing an adverse effect on individuals, populations, or the species. The recent discovery of two new populations (expanding known range northward and eastward; Peterson 2018, pp. 3-5; Fig. 6-1) indicate the Ocala vetch may be able to sustain itself, despite its populations being reproductively isolated. Its ability to persist in five locations over the course of 20-60 years indicate that it is capable of surviving despite changes in its environment. For example, the Ocala vetch is a vine that can climb up support plants to gain better access to sunlight and potential pollinators or spread across

the ground. In addition, the Ocala vetch is flexible in regard to pollination requirements in that it can be pollinated by several different insect species. Compared to species with wide ranges and broad distributions, any narrow-range endemic species will have relatively less representation. The best available data indicates the Ocala vetch has enough representation to change overtime with regard to maintaining populations at five separate locations, with one population known to be extant for 60 years. We can speculate that these populations might have been more contiguous in the past and/or seeds were distributed by some unknown process. To characterize expected future conditions for Ocala vetch, we concluded that four of the five populations would remain viable into the future based on past population stability. We also examined predicted sea level rise for 2040, 2070, and 2100, and determined it would affect one of the five populations. The other 4 populations would not be inundated and are anticipated to persist as viable populations on federally-owned and protected conservation lands. The alternative scenarios we considered were 1) the extirpation of the population that is projected to be inundated and 2) the persistence of the population that is projected to be inundated due to the ability of the population to retreat as the shoreline retreats. When potentially stressful factors occur together, one factor may exacerbate the effects of another, causing effects not accounted for when factors are analyzed individually. Synergistic effects can be observed in a short amount of time. Logging and related site prep; invasive species; hydrological changes; inadequate regulatory protections (CBD 2010, p. 1123); environmental contaminants; recreational use of the waterways Peterson (2018, p. 3) and Oleas et al. (2018, p. 208-209); and climate change are factors that may affect the habitat of the Ocala vetch. Scientific or commercial overutilization, disease, predation, and small population size are factors that may directly affect individuals and populations of the Ocala vetch. As described in each of their respective sections, logging and related site prep; invasive species; hydrological changes; inadequate regulatory protections; environmental contaminants; and recreational use of the waterways are either not occurring at all, or are actively managed and monitored by Federal and State agencies through adequate regulatory protections. Furthermore, the species has maintained populations in three of the five locations since 2003. Although changes in precipitation make occur as a result of climate change, the species is resilient to fluctuating water levels and has persisted for 60 years (Juniper Creek) through periods of low and high rainfall, and hurricanes. After evaluating the best available scientific and commercial information on all potential stressors acting individually or in combination; we found no information to indicate that the combined effects are causing a population-level decline or currently degrading habitat of the Ocala vetch or that they are likely to in the next 20-50 years. In conclusion, after considering the best available information in light of its populations stability over the course of decades, the lack of evidence that any factors have reduced its population, and the principles of resiliency, redundancy, and representation, we conclude the Ocala vetch is currently viable and is forecast to maintain its viability for the next 20-50 years whether all five populations continue to persist or the Lake Dexter population is hypothetically extirpated because of sea level rise. 12.1 Coordination with the States

The Ocala vetch only occurs in Florida. We coordinated with the State of Florida Department of Consumer and Agricultural Services, who is the state agency charged with the conservation of rare or imperiled plant species.

13.0 REFERENCES CITED 36 CFR II Part 200-299. Code of Federal Regulations. Title 36 – Parks, Forests, and Public Property. Chapter 2. https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2012-title36-vol2/pdf/CFR-2012- title36-vol2-chapII.pdf (accessed April 23, 2019). 76 FR 59836. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/09/27/2011-24633/endangered- and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-partial-90-day-finding-on-a-petition-to-list-404 (accessed April 23, 2019). Abeli, Thomas. 2010. Survival of small isolated plant populations: an integrated approach to evaluate population viability for future conservation actions. Scientifica Acta 4, No. 1, EEG 3-9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267773350 (accessed March 1, 2019). Adamski, J.C. and L. Knowles, Jr. 2001. Ground-water quality of the surficial aquifer system and the upper Floridan Aquifer, Ocala National Forest and Lake County, Florida, 1990-99. Water-Resources Investigations Report 2001-4008. https://doi.org/10.3133/wri014008 (accessed March 1, 2019). Adams, L. D., S. Buchmann, A. D. Howell, AND J. Tsang. 2010. A study of insect pollinators associated with DoD TER-S flowering plants, including identification of habitat types where they co-occur by military installation in the southeastern United States. Department of Defense Legacy Program, Arlington, TX. 83 p. Carr, M. H. and Zwick, P. D. 2016. Water 2070. Mapping Florida’s Future – Alternative Patterns of Water Use in 2070. Technical Report. Geoplan Center at the University of Florida. 53 pp. Gainesville, Florida. http://1000friendsofflorida.org/water2070/wp- content/uploads/2016/11/water2070technicalreportfinal-text-TOC.pdf (accessed May 7, 2019). Carter, L., A. Terando, K. Dow, K. Hiers, K.E. Kunkel, A. Lascurain, D. Marcy, M. Osland, and P. Schramm. 2018: Southeast. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, pp. 743–808. doi: 10.7930/NCA4.2018.CH19

[CBD] Center for Biological Diversity. 2010. Petition to List 404 Aquatic, Riparian and Wetland Species from the Southeastern United States as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act. Petition dated April 20, 2010. Clean Water Act. Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.). https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-08/documents/federal-water-pollution- control-act-508full.pdf (accessed March 1, 2019).

Cole, C. T. 2003. Genetic variation in rare and common plants. Annu Rev Ecol Syst 34:213–237 Contu, S. 2012. Vicia ocalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T19892285A20162000. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T19892285A20162000.en . Cook, Haven. 2011. Non-Native Invasive Species Control in Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers. U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Tallahassee. 161 pp. https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/57740_FSPLT2_034498.pdf (accessed April 23, 2019). [Corps] US Army Corps of Engineers. 2018. Invasive Species Management Branch. https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Invasive-Species/ Engeman, R.M., S.L. Orzell, R.K. Felix, E.A. Tillman, G. Killian, and M.L. Avery. 2016. Feral swine damage to globally imperiled wetland plant communities in a significant biodiversity hotspot in Florida. Biodiversity Conservation 25(10):1879-1898. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/publications/16pubs/16- 060%20engeman.pdf (accessed April 5, 2019). Executive Order 12996. Management and general public use of the National Wildlife Refuge System. https://www.fws.gov/refuges/policiesandbudget/EO12996.html (accessed March 1, 2019.) [FAC] Florida Administrative Code. Special Protection, Outstanding Florida Waters, Outstanding National Resource Waters. https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?title=SURFACE%20WATER%20QUALITY% 20STANDARDS&ID=62-302.700 [FAC] Florida Administrative Code 5B-40. Preservation of Native Flora of Florida. https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ChapterHome.asp?Chapter=5B-40 [FAC] Florida Administrative Code. 1994. Delineation of the Landward Extent of Wetlands and Surface Waters, Chapter 62-340.450 https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=62- 340.450 (accessed February 19, 2019). Federal Clean Water Act. https://www.epa.gov/cwa-404/clean-water-act-section-404 (accessed March 1, 2019). Florida Statutes. Title 35 – Chapter 581.185. Preservation of native flora of Florida. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=& URL=0500-0599/0581/Sections/0581.185.html Florida Water Resources Act of 1972. Florida Statute 373 Water Resources. Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection (ss. 373.801-373.813). http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300- 0399/0373/0373ContentsIndex.html (accessed March 1, 2019). [FSU] Florida State University. 2018. Florida State Climate Center. http://climatecenter.fsu.edu/climate-data-access-tools/climate-data-visualization (accessed February 24, 2019).

[FWC] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2018. Ocala Wildlife Management Area Regulations Summary and Area Map. Tallahassee, Florida. https://myfwc.com/media/5532/ocala.pdf (accessed April 5, 2019). Garcia, J. O. 2019. Personal communication, April 2019. Biologist. U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S Forest Service, Ocala National Forest. Silver Springs, Florida. Gitzendanner M. A., Soltis, P. S. 2000. Patterns of genetic variation in rare and widespread plant congeners. Am J Bot 87:783–792. Godfrey, R. K. and R. Kral. 1958. A new species of Vicia (Leguminosae) in Florida. Rhodora 60:256-258. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/626448#page/279/mode/1up (accessed April 10, 2019). Hanelt, P. and D. Mettin, 1989. Biosystematics of the Genus Vicia L. (Leguminosae). Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 20, 199-223. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2097090 (accessed April 23, 2019). Hanson, R. P. and L. Karstad. 1959. Feral swine in the southeastern United States. Journal of Wildlife Management 23(1): 64-74. http://www.alhanson.com/alhanson/tabfour/reprints/file0072.pdf (accessed April 5, 2019). [ITIS] Integrated Taxonomic Information System. 2018. Vicia ocalensis R.K. Godfrey & Kral. https://www.itis.gov/ (accessed February 24, 2019. [IPCC] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2013. Summary for policymakers. in Stoker, T.F., D. Qin, G.K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S.K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex and P.M. Midgley (eds.). Climate Change 2013: The physical science basis. Contribution of working group I to the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (pp. 3-29). Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. Jones, K. C., T. A. Gorman, B. K. Rincon, J. Allen, C. A. Haas, and R. M. Engeman. 2018. Feral swine Sus scrofa: a new threat to the remaining breeding wetlands of the Vulnerable reticulated flatwoods salamander Ambystoma bishop. USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff Publications. 183. Oryx 52(4): 669-676. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3184&context=icwdm_usdanwrc (accessed April 5, 2019). Les, D. H. 2017. Aquatic Dicotyledons of North America: Ecology, Life History and Systematics. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, London and New York. Mattson, R. A. and M. Lehmensiek. 2010. Mapping and monitoring of submerged aquatic vegetation and macroalgae in spring run streams of the middle St. Johns River and Lake George basins. St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Florida. [NCA] National Climate Assessment. 2014. Climate Change Impacts in the United State: The Third National Climate Assessment. U.S. Global Change Research Program. Washington, D.C. Nico, L.G., H.L. Jelks, and T. Tuten. 2009. Non-Native Suckermouth Armored Catfishes in Florida: Description of Nest Burrows and Burrow Colonies with Assessment of Shoreline

Conditions. Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Programme (ANSRP) Bulletin Vol-09-1 April 2009. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a501422.pdf (accessed March 4, 2019). NatureServe. 2008. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: February 2, 2010). NatureServe. 2018. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Vicia+ocalensis (Accessed: February 23, 2019). [NOAA] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2018. Subject: E19) How many direct hits by hurricanes of various categories have affected each state? http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/E19.html (accessed April 23, 2019). [NWPL] National Wetland Plant List. 2018. http://wetland- plants.usace.army.mil/nwpl_static/v33/species/species.html?DET=001100, accessed 19 February 2019. Oleas, N. H., C. L. Peterson, J. Thompson, M. L. Richardson, Y. Reynoldo, and E. J. Von Wetters. 2018. Genetic and habitat variation among populations of the critically imperiled Vicia ocalensis (Fabaceae) in the Ocala National Forest, USA. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 145(3): 202-211. Orfinger A. B., Goodding D. D. 2018. The global invasion of the suckermouth armored catfish genus Pterygoplichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): annotated list of species, distributional summary, and assessment of impacts. Zool Stud 57:7. doi:10.6620/ZS.2018.57-07. Peterson, C. L. 2014. Summary of currently known status and current efforts by Bok Tower Gardens Rare Plant Conservation Program, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida. Peterson, C. L. 2016. Work summary for the project: Genetic and environmental variation among populations of the Ocala vetch (Vicia ocalensis) (Fabaceae) in Ocala National Forest. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida. Peterson, C. L. 2018. Surveys and ecological research to assess status and preserve the rare Ocala Vetch. Final Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for contract No. F17AC01067. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Jacksonville, Florida. Runkle, J., K. Kunkel, S. Champion, R. Frankson, B. Stewart, and W. Sweet, 2017: Florida State Climate Summary. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 149-FL, 4 pp. Schweiger, O., Musche, M., Bailey, D., Billeter, R., Diekotter, T., € Hendrickx, F., Herzog, F., Liira, J., Maelfait, J.-P., Speelmans, M. & Dziock, F. 2007. Functional richness of local hoverfly communities (Diptera, Syrphidae) in response to land use across temperate Europe. Oikos, 116, 461–472. Scott, T.M., G.H. Means, R.P. Meegan, R.C. Means, S.B. Upchurch, R.E. Copeland, J. Jones, T. Roberts, and A. Willet. 2004. Springs of Florida. Florida Geologic Survey. Tallahassee. http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/00/09/40/32/00001/bulletin_66.pdf (accessed April 23, 2019).

[Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2008. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge: Comprehensive Conservation Plan. https://catalog.data.gov/dataset/lake-woodruff-national- wildlife-refuge-comprehensive-conservation-plan (accessed April 23, 2019). [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Vermiculated Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) Ecological Risk Screening Summary. https://www.fws.gov/fisheries/ANS/erss/highrisk/Pterygoplichthys-disjunctivus-WEB-8-2- 2014.pdf (accessed April 23, 2019). [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2016. Species status assessment framework: an integrated analytical framework for conservation. Version 3.4.8, dated August 2016. [Service] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Climate change summary for south Florida. South Florida Ecological Services Office, Vero Beach, Florida. January 27, 2017. 8 pp. [SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management District. 2003. Water Supply Assessment. ftp://secure.sjrwmd.com/technicalreports/TP/SJ2006-1.pdf (accessed February 24, 2019). [SJRWMD] St. Johns River Water Management District. 2012. St. Johns River Water Supply Impact Study. Chapter 2: Comprehensive Integrated Assessment. Appendix 2-B: Description of River Segments Used in the WSIS Study. ftp://secure.sjrwmd.com/technicalreports/TP/SJ2012-1_Appendix02-B.pdf (accessed February 24, 2019). Szczecińska M, Sramko G, Wołosz K, Sawicki J. 2016. Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Rare and Endangered Plant Species Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill in East Central Europe. PLoS ONE 11(3): 1-24 https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0151730&type=printab le (accessed April 23, 2019). University of Florida GeoPlan Center. 2017. Sea Level Scenario Sketch Planning Tool GIS Data: Sea Level Rise (SLR) Inundation Surfaces. ftp://ftp.sls.geoplan.ufl.edu/pub/sls/docs/Guide_to_GIS_Data_SLR_Models_v2.pdf (accessed April 23, 2019). [USDA] United States Department of Agriculture. 2015. Wildlife Services State Report FY 2015 Florida. Gainesville, Florida. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/informational_notebooks/2015/WS%20State% 20Operations/Florida.pdf (accessed April 23, 2019). [USEPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2005a. Ecological soil screening levels for arsenic. 128 pp. Washington, D.C. https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/interim- ecological-soil-screening-level-documents (accessed April 23, 2019). [USEPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2005b. Ecological soil screening levels for lead. 242 pp. Washington, D.C. https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/interim-ecological- soil-screening-level-documents (accessed April 23, 2019). [USFS] U.S. Forest Service. 1999. Land and Resource Management Plan for Ocala National Forest. U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S Forest Service, Ocala National Forest. Silver Springs, Florida.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/florida/landmanagement/planning/?cid=stelprdb5269793 (accessed April 23, 2019). [USFS] U.S. Forest Service. 2001. Ocala and Osceola National Forests Recreation Realignment Report. U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S Forest Service. Web Series: SRS-4901-2001-7. Atlanta, GA. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/recreation/osocala.PDF (accessed April 23, 2019). [USFS] U.S. Forest Service. 2004. Forest Service Sensitive Species that are not listed or proposed under the ESA. Washington, D.C. https://www.fs.fed.us/biology/resources/pubs/tes/fs_ss_1dec04.pdf (accessed April 23, 2019). [USFS] U.S. Forest Service. 2005. Forest Service Manual 2600 – Wildlife, Fish, and Sensitive Plant Habitat Management. Chapter 2670 – Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants and Animals. Washington, D.C. Wolf S., B. Hartl, C. Carroll, M. C. Neel, and D. N. Greenwald. 2015. Beyond PVA: Why recovery under the Endangered Species Act is more than population viability. BioScience 65:200–207 Wunderlin, R. P. and B. F. Hansen. 2011. Guide to the Vascular Plants of Florida, Third Edition. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 783 pp. Zurbuchen, A., L. Landert, J. Klaiber, A. Müller, S. Hein, and S. Dorn. 2010. Maximum Foraging Ranges in Solitary Bees: Only Few Individuals have the Capability to Cover Long Foraging Distances. Biological Conservation 143. 669-676. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/238364851 (accessed March 1, 2019).

14.0 APPENDICES 14.1 Existing Regulatory Mechanisms