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Biological Assessment for the
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Improvement Project
On the Ocala National Forest
Lake, Marion, Putnam Counties, Florida
April 27, 2015
Prepared by: Date:
Elizabeth Ramirez
Wildlife Biologist
Lake George Ranger District
Reviewed by: Date: Carrie Sekerak
Supervisory Wildlife Biologist
Ocala National Forest
USDA Forest Service
Ocala National Forest
Seminole Ranger District
40929 State Road 19
Umatilla, FL 32784
(352) 669-3153
USDA Forest Service
Ocala National Forest
Lake George Ranger District
17147 East Highway 40
Silver Springs, FL 34488
(352) 625-2520
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Ocala National Forest is proposing to implement the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW)
Habitat Improvement project to improve 62,000 acres but would focus restoration in
approximately 33,000 acres of habitat for wildlife and rare plants, which would include habitat
for red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis), gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), and
indigo snakes (Drymarchon corais couperi). This project would aid in meeting continued habitat
needs to achieve our recovery goal for the red-cockaded woodpeckers on the forest.
The proposed activities on the Ocala National Forest are consistent with and do not exceed the
scope of activities described within the Revised Land Resource Management Plan and
subsequent amendments.
The Biological Assessment of this project has yielded the following effects determinations for
federally listed animal and plant species known or potentially occurring in the project area:
Table 1. Federally Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species Scientific Name Common Name Effects Determination
Picoides borealis Red-cockaded
Woodpecker
may affect – not likely adversely affect
(NLAA)
Drymarchon corais
couperi
Eastern Indigo Snake may affect – not likely to adversely affect
(NLAA)
Neoseps reynoldsi Sand Skink may affect –likely adversely affect (LAA)
Eriogonum
longifolium var.
gnaphalifolium
Scrub Buckwheat
may affect – not likely adversely affect
(NLAA)
Nolina brittoniana Britton’s Bear Grass may affect – not likely adversely affect
(NLAA)
The effects determination above for the red-cockaded woodpecker, eastern indigo snake, scrub
buckwheat and Britton’s bear grass, differs from the “may adversely effect” determination make
in the Revised LRMP because the risk of mortality is extremely unlikely to occur as discussed in
the discussion of the Effects of the Proposed Action below.
Proposed actions may affect the sand sink. However, the activities connected with this project
are consistent with those covered by the previous formal consultation on the Revised LRMP
(USFWS 1999, FWS Log #98-891). As a result of those previous consultations, the Fish and
Wildlife Service issued a non-jeopardy Biological Opinion (FWS-Log #98-981) establishing
incidental take authorizations. As such, this project is consistent with previous formal
consultations.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Biological Assessment documents the analysis and rationale for the determination of effects
for a specific planned Forest Service (FS) activity on federally threatened or endangered species.
The Biological Assessment serves to: ensure that FS actions do not contribute to loss of viability
or trends towards Federal listing for all T&E species; comply with requirements of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) that actions of Federal agencies not jeopardize the
continued existence of listed species or adversely modify critical habitat of listed species; and
provide a process and standard by which to ensure that threatened and endangered species
receive full consideration in the decision making process. Consult the Forest Service Manual,
Section 2672.4 for a detailed discussion on objectives and standards for Biological Assessments.
This Biological Assessment (BA) considers the potential effects of the RCW Habitat
Improvement Project on Federally listed species. The best available science on federally listed
species was used to document this consideration of potential effects, including recent scientific
literature, correspondence with knowledgeable individuals in scientific/land management
professions, field surveys, and personal observation. Recent scientific literature used in the
document is included in the references section.
The wildlife species addressed in this document were selected from the Florida Federal Species
List from the USFWS (Table 1). Although not federally listed, the Bald Eagle was included in
the initial analysis to communicate compliance with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Appendix I contains four listed species that occur in or near the Ocala National Forest (ONF) but
have no detailed effects analysis within the document because the project area does not contain
suitable habitat or is outside the known range of the species.
Table 1. Federally Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species
Taxa Scientific Name Common Name
Bird Picoides borealis Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Reptile Drymarchon corais couperi Eastern Indigo Snake
Reptile Neoseps reynoldsi Sand Skink
Plant Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium Scrub Buckwheat
Plant Nolina brittoniana Britton’s Bear Grass
2.0 CONSULTATION HISTORY
In accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, and pursuant to Section 7
of said act, formal consultation on the Biological Assessment for the Revised Land and Resource
Management Plan for National Forests in Florida was requested by the Regional Forester in a
letter dated September 18, 1998 (USDA Forest Service 1999). On December 18, 1998, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Biological Opinion on the Revised Land and Resource
Management Plan.
The Biological Opinion concurred with the Forest Service’s “not likely to affect” determination
for 13 federally listed species, and provided terms and conditions for incidental take for five
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wildlife species that received a “may affect” determination. The Biological Opinion also stated
that the “level of anticipated take [was] not likely to result in jeopardy to the species” for the
Florida Scrub-Jay, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Eastern Indigo Snake, Sand Skink, Flatwoods
Salamander, and Flatwoods Salamander critical habitat (USDA Forest Service 1999). Issuance
of the Biological Opinion concluded all formal consultation on the Revised Land and Resource
Management Plan for National Forests in Florida.
Two other related documents are: (1) The Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan (Second
Revision), which was approved by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2003; and (2)
Amendment #3 for the 1999 Land and Resource Management Plan which went through the
USFWS consultation process and was approved by the Forest Service via Decision Notice in
2005. This Forest Plan Amendment changed direction for various RCW-related management
standards and guidelines on Forest Service-managed lands to refer to The Red-cockaded
Woodpecker Recovery Plan (Second Revision) instead of the previously issued Final
Environmental Impact Statement for the Management of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and its
Habitat on National Forests in the Southern Region.
3.0 PROPOSED ACTION
The Ocala National Forest is proposing to implement the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat
Improvement Project (see Map 1) to embark in restoring habitat in sandhills and flatwoods to
provide suitable habitat for a diversity of threatened and endangered species. The project
includes 62,000 acres but would focus restoration in approximately 33,000 acres of sandhills and
flatwoods areas. The treatment includes mechanical treatment, hand tool treatment, planting and
restoration of unauthorized travel ways. The proposed actions are described below and evaluated
with regard to its potential effects on federally listed species.
This project is located within Management Areas 7.1 (Longleaf/Slash Pine, Adaptive
Management, RCW Management) and Management Areas 7.3 (Longleaf/Slash Pine, Adaptive
Management, No RCW Management).
The goals of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Improvement Project are to open forested
areas congested with oaks and encroaching sand pine for Red-cockaded woodpeckers, Sand
Skinks, Eastern Indigo Snakes, Gopher Tortoises, and other species dependent on these habitats.
5
Map 1 RCW Habitat Improvement Vicinity Map
6
3.1 Proposed Action
The activities described for the proposed action are for an area located on National Forest lands
in Marion, Putman and Lake Counties, Florida and includes 62,000 acres but would focus
restoration in approximately 33,000 acres in 94 compartments on the Lake George Ranger
District and the Seminole Ranger District. (Note that some compartments may have more than
one proposed action occurring within their boundaries and that any of the treatments maybe
applied depending on feasibility of the site.)
The proposed actions are:
Mechanical treatments employed will be restricted to non-ground- penetrating techniques
including, but not limited to mowing of small hardwoods (8” diameter or smaller),
hardwood brush and small sand pines; or mechanical pushing with a tractor/ dozer to
snap scattered fire-scarred hardwoods at their root crowns. Methods are designed above-
ground to avoid disturbing groundcover and to help redistribute fuel load to aid in more
effective prescribed fires. These above-ground methods not only serve to protect
sensitive near-surface dwelling fauna such as sand skinks (Neoseps reynoldsi) they are
also designed to prevent damage to any potential significant heritage resources within the
project area. Project design would leave select oaks on site to provide acorns and nest
trees for wildlife. Sand post oaks within the midstory and overstory would also be
retained. Seed dispersal or planting may follow tree removal if needed.
Hand tools such as chainsaws and brush saws would supplement mechanical treatments.
This may be used in areas that are smaller than an acre and/or further from other
treatment areas. Additionally, hand tools may be used to cut overstocked and off-site
pines. Seed dispersal or planting may follow tree removal if needed.
Planting may occur in areas devoid of desired overstory tree species post-treatment and
would be planted with longleaf pine seedlings in open areas as needed. In addition, it
could potentially be seeded or planted with native ground cover species. Planting
involves using hand planting with planting bars in an arrangement specific to a species
and site.
Restoration of unauthorized travel ways created from unneeded firebreaks or de-
vegetation created by illegal vehicular traffic will be by reestablished with vegetation in
barren areas; place large woody debris to dissuade illegal entry of vehicles; and block
access with physical barriers to prevent future destruction.
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3.3 Design Criteria
Design criteria are included to minimize or eliminate potential negative effects of proposed
actions. General measures are listed below as well as specific applicable criteria cited from the
Forest wide Standards & Guidelines section of the LRMP. Project-specific criteria are generated
for this project or suggest a stricter application of an existing Standard or Guideline.
General Measures
Incorporate Best Management Practices (State of Florida guidelines) to prevent any adverse
effects to water or wetlands.
Maximizing the potential for beneficial effects and minimizing the potential for adverse effects
on Threatened and Endangered animal species.
Minimizing the potential for introduction and spread of non-native invasive species (NNIS) such
as cogon grass, Japanese climbing fern, and Japanese mimosa as a result of timber sales or other
mechanical activities.
Coordinating review of the project areas with the Ocala NF zone archeologist, along with the use
of only non-ground-disturbing methods will prevent negative impacts to heritage resources on
the Ocala National Forest of significance to merit inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places.
Emphasizing prescribed burning to enhance habitat for Threatened and Endangered species.
Promoting the scenic and environmental goals of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) by
using trail protection measures as outlined in the FNST Certification Agreement.
Promoting public safety and protecting resources adjacent to motorized trails.
Ensuring that short-term uses would sustain or increase long-term ecosystem productivity.
Ensuring there is no irreversible commitment of resources.
Watershed and Air
Mechanical treatment will not occur within 35 feet of lakes and ponds 2 acres or larger, seasonal
lakes and ponds, and all sinkholes that open to the Florida aquifer, as set forth in the Revised
2000 Silviculture Best Management Practices Manual. (LRMP 3-24 WA-2 and WA-3)
Wildlife Protection Measures
The standards and guidelines the Forest Service follows to protect the red-cockaded woodpecker
and its habitat are found in the Record of Decision, Final Environmental Impact Statement for
the Management for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and its Habitat on National Forests in the
Southern Region (RCW EIS). RCW Management Strategy Implementation Guide describes the
process for implementing these standards, and any less-restrictive deviations from these
standards require concurrence with USFWS. The basic strategy is to provide old pine trees that
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are suitable for nesting cavities, mature pine forest suitable for foraging with little midstory, and
enough of each to maintain a healthy population. (LRMP 3-26-27)
Protect bald eagle breeding areas by meeting the guidelines established in the most recent
version of the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (see project specific design criteria
below). (Forest Plan Amendment #8)
Indigo snakes and gopher tortoises will be avoided or otherwise protected from harm when
encountered by personnel, cooperators, or contractors engaged in activities that endanger
individual specimens. (LRMP 3-29 WL-10)
Timber contractors undergo an educational program that includes information on the physical
characteristics of indigo snakes, life history, and types of habitats where the snake is found.
Contractors are also instructed to comply with Standards and Guidelines WL-10-12. This
measure is as put forth in the Biological Opinion for the Revised LRMP.
Field personnel and contractors will be educated in gopher tortoise burrow identification. In
potential gopher tortoise habitat, parking equipment within 25 feet of known gopher tortoise
burrows is prohibited. Equipment operators will be instructed to maintain a 25-foot distance
during operations when previously unknown burrows are encountered. (LRMP 3-29 WL-11;
amended in Forest Plan Amendment #8)
Project-Specific Criteria
Known areas of Britton’s Bear Grass and Scrub Buckwheat are isolated in a small region within
sandhill and flatwood ecosystem, respectively, in the Ocala National Forest. Extra care will be
taken around these species.
Project design map with specific methods to be employed will be reviewed by the archeologist to
ensure that no ground disturbing methods are utilized and that no known significant heritage
resources exist within “Area of Potential Effect.” Any such potential resources will be flagged
and avoided in the field wherever necessary.
Small amounts of sand pine or off-site slash pine timber may be treated by proposed mechanical
or hand tool treatments. However, if the area of operable timber is over five acres, it generally
would be considered for commercial sale (under a separate NEPA document) and would NOT be
included in this project. Operable timber is defined as an area that has at least 3-5 CCF (100
cubic feet) of timber volume per acre on the site.
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4.0 FEDERALLY ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE SPECIES
4.1 Species Not Considered
Potential effects on four endangered species and the Bald Eagle are not considered because
treatment area is outside the established range of the species or does not contain habitat
associated with the species. The proposed actions will have no effect on these species. A list
of species not considered and short explanations are in Section 7 below.
4.2 Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
Effects of the Proposed Action
Direct effects
Proposed activities will have no chance of direct mortality on RCWs. Minor noise disturbance
will occur but will be localized and temporary in nature, and would only have potential to disturb
foraging activity in the localized area (see indirect effects below). Treatment will occur outside
of nesting season (late September) and thus will not affect breeding.
Current site conditions of proposed areas are unsuitable foraging for RCWs and activities will
have no impact on RCWs other than localized and temporary noise disturbance, which could
prevent foraging behavior from occurring. Hardwoods in general are seen as a “trivial”
component of foraging substrate for RCWs (USFWS 2003). Therefore the potential value of the
site as future nesting habitat outweighs the current low value of the site as foraging habitat.
Indirect effects
Proposed treatments would improve future foraging habitat quality by opening the mid-story,
giving RCWs access to the trunks and branches of pines in the area. Additionally, oak removal
would remove the low-quality foraging substrate (sub-canopy oaks, as discussed above) and
replace them with planted longleaf pine seedlings, which have no value as foraging substrate, but
have future value as nesting habitat.
Cumulative effects
The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable
actions, would cumulatively benefit the Red-cockaded Woodpecker by improving sandhills
habitat and initializing future nesting habitat. Removal of the oak and sand pine will allow land
managers to reintroduce fire back into the management scheme of the area, which will in turn
benefit ground cover restoration and arthropod abundance. No concurrent or future projects are
anticipated to create additional effects or amplify effects already identified.
The proposed action may affect – not likely adversely affect (NLAA) the Red-cockaded
Woodpecker. This determination differs from the “may [adversely] effect” determination
reached in the LRMP Biological Assessment because prescribed burning is outside of the scope
of this CE and was addressed in the Environmental Assessment of Ocala National Forest
Prescribed Burning, 2006. The actions proposed in this project do not put nests or juveniles at
risk of injury or mortality. The project may introduce minor noise disturbance to individuals in
the area and could prevent foraging in the local area, but this is insignificant as the disturbance
would be temporary and the project area is very small relative to a family group.
10
4.3 Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais)
Effects of the Proposed Action
Direct effects
Non-ground penetrating machinery may present loud noises and ground vibrations which has the
potential to disturb individuals. However, they are capable of temporarily leaving stands or
seeking refuge in a gopher tortoise burrow during such activities. Plantings would not create any
direct effects since the activity creates little disturbance and Eastern Indigo Snakes can easily
escape a farm tractor. If design criteria (marking and avoiding gopher tortoise burrows and any
snakes encountered, are followed, these activities would be unlikely to cause direct mortality.
Snakes may temporarily leave a stand during treatment, but the large activity range of the species
(125-250 ac; Moler 1992) and its ability to use different habitats (USFWS 1999a), mitigate the
negative effects of temporary disturbance.
Indirect effects
Opening the understory in the denser treatment areas would increase habitat quality for prey
species and for the gopher tortoise, whose burrows provide important refugia and egg-laying
sites for the Eastern Indigo Snake. Additionally, reducing fuel load combined with prescribed
burning stimulates ground cover abundance and diversity and increases habitat quality for gopher
tortoises. Reforestation does not introduce any indirect effects to the eastern indigo snake since
the species uses a variety of habitats. Restoring unauthorized travel ways will indirectly benefit
the species by increasing available cover and reducing human traffic that can fragment habitat or
harm individuals.
Cumulative effects
The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable
actions, would cumulatively benefit the eastern indigo snake by creating habitat suitable in
sandhill and flatwoods for gopher tortoises which create burrows important for indigo snakes.
Continued sandhill and flatwood management would perpetuate the landscape-scale diversity
that is important to species with large activity ranges such as the indigo snake. No concurrent or
future projects are anticipated to create additional effects or amplify effects already identified.
Purposed action may affect – not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) the eastern indigo snake.
There exists some potential for individuals to be directly impacted by non-ground penetrating
machinery during oak and sand pine removal activities. This potential impact maybe
discountable due to the unlikelihood presence of individuals in areas considered unsuitable. The
design criteria may minimize harm to individuals through avoidance but also, the individuals
have the ability to escape harm by leaving the stand or seeking refuge in protected gopher
tortoise burrows. The management actions would improve habitat diversity and promote gopher
tortoise use, increasing available refugia for indigo snakes.
4.4 Sand Skink (Neoseps reynoldsi)
Effects of the Proposed Action
Direct effects
Sand skinks occur in the xeric sand habitat within the proposed treatment areas. Non-ground
penetrating machinery may introduce a very small risk over time and space of direct impact via
injury or mortality to sand skinks from tracks since sand skinks are fossorial and spend most of
11
their time 1-8” under the soil (Christman 1992). The machinery for this project are slow moving
and present loud noises and ground vibrations which has the potential to disturb individuals. The
machinery is designed to only effect the vegetation above ground, and will focus activities in
small patches of dense oaks that have encroached on sandhill and flatwood areas. Where
restoration equipment is operating, the pressure to the ground, and possibly any sand skinks
within that patch of soil under the tread, would be dissipated by the low pressure types of
machinery used in this restoration work. There would be a relatively low probability of risk to
sand skinks due to small patches of habitat that would be treated at a time over a ten year period.
Planting would create minimal direct effects since the activity creates little disturbance and the
techniques will range from hand planting to mechanical planting which only disturbs the top inch
of soil – not deep enough to directly affect the sand skink. While reforestation may indirectly
impact the sand skink the overall impact is beneficial because the practice allows land managers
to treat needed acreages of habitat that cannot be maintained with fire or other means.
Indirect effects
Removal of oaks and sand pine in the treatment area would eventually provide increased habitat
suitability over time after root decomposition occurs which would improve locomotion for sand
skinks. Prescribed burning and the overall management regime would indirectly benefit sand
skinks by promoting increased bare ground coverage and providing scattered shrub cover,
conditions that are potential key habitat factors for the sand skink (McCoy et al. 1999).
Cumulative effects
The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable
actions, would have minor cumulative benefit to the sand skink by creating more (albeit
marginally) suitable habitat over time. Continued sandhill and flatwood management would
perpetuate open areas that would improve locomotion for sand skinks. No concurrent or future
projects are anticipated to create additional effects or amplify effects already identified.
The proposed action may affect –likely to adversely affect (LAA) the Sand Skink. Habitat
management actions addressed in the LRMP resulted in determinations of May Affect – Likely
to Adversely Affect, and are addressed in the Biological Opinion by USFWS. The sand skink
would be rare in sandhill habitats to begin with, but heavy machinery use introduces a small
amount of risk to any individuals present. The management actions would improve habitat
diversity and create open bareground for the Sand Skinks.
4.5 Scrub Buckwheat (Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium)
Effects of the Proposed Action
Direct effects
Scrub Buckwheat is located throughout a small portion of scrub in the lower west side of the
Ocala National Forest and overlaps into small sections of flatwood ecosystems. This flatwood
area is being considered for mowing and therefore, there is no risk of direct impact to the Scrub
Buckwheat due to the lack of ground penetrating techniques.
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Indirect effects
The proposed treatment would indirectly benefit these two species by removing understory and
mid-story cover, thereby increasing open space and decreasing competition.
Cumulative effects
The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable
actions, would provide cumulative benefit to Scrub Buckwheat. Future implementation of
prescribed burning in this area would further enhance habitat quality and promote seed
germination. No concurrent or future projects are anticipated to create additional effects or
amplify effects already identified.
The proposed action may affect – not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) Scrub Buckwheat.
Heavy equipment use introduces some risk of mortality in individuals present. The effects
determination above differs from the “may adversely affect” determination made in the Revised
LRMP because the risk of mortality is extremely unlikely to occur as discussed in the discussion
of the Effects of the Proposed Action.
4.6 Britton’s Bear Grass (Nolina brittoniana)
Effects of the Proposed Action
Direct effects
Britton’s beargrass is found in the scrub and the high pine ecosystems. In Ocala National Forest,
it is isolated to a small region of the forest in a high pine plantation, 1.5 miles from the nearest
treatment area. In the sandhill communities, there is no risk of direct effects to Britton’s
beargrass due to the lack of ground penetrating techniques.
Indirect effects
The proposed treatment would indirectly benefit this species by removing understory and mid-
story cover, thereby increasing open space and decreasing competition.
Cumulative effects
The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable
actions, would provide cumulative benefit to the Britton’s beargrass. The combination of
reduced fuel to allow the future implementation of prescribed burning in this area would further
enhance habitat quality and promote seed germination which is at its highest post a prescribed
fire. No concurrent or future projects are anticipated to create additional effects or amplify
effects already identified.
The proposed action may affect – not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) Britton’s Bear Grass.
This effect determination parallels the “may [adversely] effect” determination in the LRMP.
Heavy equipment use introduces some risk of mortality in individuals present.
5.0 DETERMINATION OF EFFECTS
Based on the preceding analysis of the effects on federally listed threatened and endangered
species, I make the following determinations that the proposed actions:
13
5.1 Purposed Action: Management Action
May affect - not likely to adversely affect Red-cockaded woodpeckers, Eastern Indigo
Snakes, Scrub Buckwheat, and Britton’s Bear Grass.
May affect - likely to adversely affect - Sand Skinks
6.0 REFERENCES
Christman, S. P. 1992. Sand Skink (Neoseps reynoldsi). Pages 135 – 140 in P. E. Moler, ed.
Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida, Vol. III, Amphibians and Reptiles. University Press of
Florida, Gainesville, FL.
Dodd, Jr., C. K. and Barichivich, W. J. 2007. Movements of large snakes (Drymarchon,
Masticophis) in north-central Florida. Florida Scientist 70(1): 83–94.
Harnett, D.C. and D. R. Richardson. 1989. Population biology of Bonamia grandiflora
(Convolvulaceae): Effects of fire on plant and seed bank dynamics. American Journal of Botany
76: 361-369.
Lindon, H. L., and E. Menges. 2008. Effects of smoke on seed germination of twenty species of
fire-prone habitats in Florida. Castanea 73: 106 – 110.
McCoy, E. D., P. E. Sutton, and H. R. Mushinsky. 1999. The role of guesswork in conserving
the threatened sand skink. Conservation Biology 13: 190 – 194.
Moler, P. E. 1992. Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). Pages 181 – 186 in P.
E. Moler, ed. Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida, Vol. III, Amphibians and Reptiles.
University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL.
US Army of Engineers. 2008. Also available at
http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/WoodStorks/Documents/20080900_JAXESO_WOST_Key.pdf
USDA Forest Service. 1999. Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for National
Forests in Florida. National Forests in Florida, Tallahassee, FL. Management Bulletin R8-MB-
83A.
USDA Forest Service. 2006. Biological Evaluation of the Effects of Prescribed Burning on
Proposed, Endangered, Threatened and Sensitive Wildlife Species. 10 pp.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999a. Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). Pages
4-567 – 4-581 in South Florida Multi-species Recovery Plan. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Southeast Region, South Florida Ecological Services Field Office, Vero Beach, Florida. Also
available at http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/MSRPPDFs/EasternIndigoSnake.pdf.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999b. Scrub Buckwheat (Eriogonum longifolium var.
gnaphalifolium). Pages 4-1001 – 4-1011 in South Florida Multi-species Recovery Plan. U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, South Florida Ecological Services Field Office,
14
Vero Beach, Florida. Also available at
http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/MSRPPDFs/ScrubBuck.PDF.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007. National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. 23 pp.
US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009. Lewton’s Polygala (Polygala lewtonii) - 5-Year Review:
Summary and Evaluation. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, South Florida
Ecological Services Field Office, Vero Beach, Florida. Also available at
http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/MSRPPDFs/Lewton.PDF.
7.0 FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES NOT PRESENT
7.1 Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
The Florida Manatee is an aquatic mammal that occurs in rivers, canals, estuaries, lagoons, and
bays throughout central and southern Florida. No proposed activities occur in or near any of the
listed bodies of water.
7.2 Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)
No proposed treatment areas occur within any sandpine scrub habitat, thus the project will have
no impact on the Florida scrub-jay
7.3 Wood Stork (Mycteria americana)
The wood stork is a large wading bird that occurs in wetland areas throughout Florida. Wood
storks breed colonially in flooded freshwater and estuarine forested habitats. No proposed
activities occur in or near any of the listed bodies of water.
7.4 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
No treatment areas occur within 660 feet of any active or alternate nest (the closest nest is ~1,400
feet from a proposed treatment stand). The 660 foot buffer is recommended under the National
Bald Eagle Management Guidelines under the Timber and Forestry Practices section (Category
C; USFWS 2007). Proposed treatment areas would not directly impact habitat used for feeding
or roosting purposes.
7.5 Florida Bonamia (Bonamia grandiflora)
No proposed treatment areas occur within any sandpine scrub habitat, thus the project will have
no impact on the Florida Bonamia.
7.6 Lewton’s Polygala (Polygala lewtonii)
No proposed treatment areas occur within any sandpine scrub habitat, thus the project will have
no impact on the Lewton’s Polygala and Scrub Buckwheat.
Recommended