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Agenda 04/10/2018 Item #16A1304/10/2018 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to authorize the Clerk of Courts to release a Performance Bond in the amount of $3,447.85 on behalf of Stock Development LLC., pursuant to applicable provisions of the Environmental Restoration and Maintenance (ERM) Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) bonus credit requirements associated with PL20170004070. OBJECTIVE: To authorize the release of a Performance Bond posted as a financial assurance relating to a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) bonus credit application. CONSIDERATIONS: Land Development code (LDC) 2.03.07.D.4.c.ii.a) states the following: a) Environmental Restoration and Maintenance Bonus credits are generated at a rate of 1 credit for each TDR credit severed from the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District (RFMUD) sending land for which a Restoration and Management Plan (RMP) has been accepted by the County... 3) The RMP shall provide financial assurance in the form of a letter of credit or similar financial security, establishing that the RMP shall remain in place and be performed, until the earlier of the following occurs: a. Viable and sustainable ecological and hydrological functionality has been achieved on the property as measured by the success criteria set forth in the RMP. b. The property is conveyed to a County, state, or federal agency. Environmental Services staff has confirmed and documented that the respective RMP has achieved viable and sustainable ecological and hydrological functionality in accordance with the guidelines of the stated success criteria outlined in the subject RMP, and therefore the bond can be released. FISCAL IMPACT: The release will have no fiscal impact on Collier County. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this action. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality, and requires a majority vote for approval - SAS RECOMMENDATION: To authorize the Clerk of Courts to release the Performance Bond in the amount of $3,447.85 to Stock Development, LLC. Prepared by: Marcia R. Kendall, Senior Planner, Zoning Division ATTACHMENT(S) 1. Request to Release Bond Ltr_w-proof of exotics eradication report (PDF) 2. [Linked] Restoration Maintenance Plan (RMP) (PDF) 3. Restoration Maintenance & Conveyance Application (PDF) 4. TDRM Performance bond (November 22 2017) (PDF) 16.A.13 Packet Pg. 421 04/10/2018 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.A.13 Doc ID: 4951 Item Summary: Recommendation to authorize the Clerk of Courts to release a Performance Bond in the amount of $3,447.85 on behalf of Stock Development LLC., pursuant to applicable provisions of the Environmental Restoration and Maintenance (ERM) Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) bonus credit requirements associated with PL20170004070. Meeting Date: 04/10/2018 Prepared by: Title: Planner, Senior – Zoning Name: Marcia R Kendall 03/06/2018 8:58 AM Submitted by: Title: Division Director - Planning and Zoning – Zoning Name: Michael Bosi 03/06/2018 8:58 AM Approved By: Review: Zoning Michael Bosi Additional Reviewer Completed 03/07/2018 3:04 PM Growth Management Department Judy Puig Level 1 Reviewer Completed 03/09/2018 11:47 AM Growth Management Department Thaddeus Cohen Department Head Review Completed 03/09/2018 12:38 PM County Attorney's Office Scott Stone Level 2 Attorney Review Completed 03/13/2018 12:02 PM Growth Management Department James French Deputy Department Head Review Completed 03/14/2018 7:57 PM County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 03/15/2018 3:54 PM Office of Management and Budget Valerie Fleming Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 03/23/2018 9:34 AM Growth Management Operations Support Allison Kearns Additional Reviewer Completed 03/27/2018 4:34 PM County Manager's Office Leo E. Ochs Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 03/30/2018 10:55 AM Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 04/10/2018 9:00 AM 16.A.13 Packet Pg. 422 16.A.13.a Packet Pg. 423 Attachment: Request to Release Bond Ltr_w-proof of exotics eradication report (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock 1 Photo 1: Northeast corner, facing west, February 1, 2018 Photo 3: East side of wetland shrub habitat, facing north, February 1, 2018 Photo 5: South-central property line, facing east, February 1, 2018 Photo 2: Northeast corner, facing south, February 1, 2018 Photo 4: East side of wetland shrub habitat, facing west, February 1, 2018 Photo 6: South-central property line, facing west, February 1, 2018 16.A.13.a Packet Pg. 424 Attachment: Request to Release Bond Ltr_w-proof of exotics eradication report (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock 2 Photo 7: West side of wetland shrub habitat, facing west, February 1, 2018 Photo 9: Northwest portion of property, facing northeast, February 1, 2018 Photo 11: Northwest property corner, facing northeast, February 1, 2018 Photo 8: West side of wetland shrub habitat, facing east, February 1, 2018 Photo 10: Northwest portion of property, facing southwest, February 1, 2018 Photo 12: Northwest property corner, facing south, February 1, 2018 16.A.13.a Packet Pg. 425 Attachment: Request to Release Bond Ltr_w-proof of exotics eradication report (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock 3 Photo 13: Southwest property corner, facing north, February 1, 2018 Photo 15: Southwest portion of property, facing northwest, February 1, 2018 Photo 17: South side of wetland shrub habitat, facing north, February 1, 2018 Photo 14: Southwest property corner, facing east, February 1, 2018 Photo 16: Southwest portion of property, facing northeast, February 1, 2018 Photo 18: North side of wetland shrub habitat, facing south, February 1, 2018 16.A.13.a Packet Pg. 426 Attachment: Request to Release Bond Ltr_w-proof of exotics eradication report (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock 4 Photo 19: North side of wetland shrub habitat, facing north, February 1, 2018 Photo 20: Southeast portion of property, facing north, February 1, 2018 16.A.13.a Packet Pg. 427 Attachment: Request to Release Bond Ltr_w-proof of exotics eradication report (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock 6259E1(0.92 Ac.±)4119E1(3.89 Ac.±)4281E2(2.74 Ac.±)3219E1(0.21 Ac.±)4119E1(5.34 Ac.±)6259E2(1.78 Ac.±)6319E4(2.35 Ac.±)4119E1(1.51 Ac.±)6259E1(1.59 Ac.±)131415166 5174318191220121191078J:\2015\15sdl2333\2018\Environmental Survey\Aerial with Photo Locations 2-1-18.dwg Tab: 17X11-C TB Feb 02, 2018 - 8:28am Plotted by: FelipeLT.S.K.M.REVISIONS4/14/15DATEDATE4/14/15DATEDRAWING No.SHEET No.15SDL2333DATESCALE: 1" = 100'13620 Metropolis AvenueSuite 200Fort Myers, Florida 33912Phone (239) 274-0067Fax (239) 274-0069DRAWN BYDESIGNED BYREVIEWED BYNOTES:AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS WERE ACQUIRED THROUGH THECOLLIER COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER'S OFFICE WITHA FLIGHT DATE OF NOVEMBER 2016.PROPERTY BOUNDARY PER STOCK DEVELOPMENT, LLCDRAWING No. STOCK 20 ACRES EMAIL031315.DWG DATEDMARCH 23, 2015.FLUCFCS LINES ESTIMATED FROM 1"=200' AERIALPHOTOGRAPHS AND LOCATIONS APPROXIMATED.FLUCFCS PER FLORIDA LAND USE, COVER AND FORMSCLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (FLUCFCS) (FDOT 1999).UPLAND/WETLAND LIMITS HAVE NOT BEEN REVIEWED BYANY REGULATORY AGENCY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.20 ACRE TDR PARCELAERIAL WITH PHOTO LOCATIONSLEGEND:SFWMD WETLANDS(9.38 Ac.±)PHOTOGRAPH STATION NUMBERAND DIRECTION (TYP.)P1516.A.13.aPacket Pg. 428Attachment: Request to Release Bond Ltr_w-proof of exotics eradication report (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock 16.A.13.c Packet Pg. 429 Attachment: Restoration Maintenance & Conveyance Application (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock Development) 16.A.13.c Packet Pg. 430 Attachment: Restoration Maintenance & Conveyance Application (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock Development) 16.A.13.c Packet Pg. 431 Attachment: Restoration Maintenance & Conveyance Application (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock Development) 16.A.13.c Packet Pg. 432 Attachment: Restoration Maintenance & Conveyance Application (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock Development) 16.A.13.c Packet Pg. 433 Attachment: Restoration Maintenance & Conveyance Application (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock Development) 16.A.13.d Packet Pg. 434 Attachment: TDRM Performance bond (November 22 2017) (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock Development) 16.A.13.d Packet Pg. 435 Attachment: TDRM Performance bond (November 22 2017) (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock Development) 16.A.13.d Packet Pg. 436 Attachment: TDRM Performance bond (November 22 2017) (4951 : Request to Release (TDR) Performance Bond - Stock Development) 20 ACRE TDR PARCEL (PL20150000823) RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN November 2017 INTRODUCTION The following outlines the restoration and management plan for the 20 Acre Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) parcel (Parcel) located in Section 23, Township 50 South, Range 27 East, Collier County (Exhibit A). The Parcel totals 20.33± acres and is located approximately 6.5 miles east of Collier Boulevard and 700± feet north of Saba] Palm Road. The Parcel is forested and contiguous with off-site forested habitats. Existing conservation areas in proximity to the Parcel are depicted in Exhibit B. Approximately 46 percent of the Parcel consists of wetland habitats dominated by hydric pine, hydric cabbage palm, and wetland shrub. The upland communities are dominated by pine flatwoods. Exotic vegetation coverage on the Parcel ranges from 0 to 100 percent. Approximately 66 percent of the Parcel consists of habitats with exotic vegetation coverage less than 25 percent. HABITAT TYPES An acreage breakdown of the habitat types is provided in Table 1. A Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCFCS) and Wetlands Map is provided as Exhibit C. Table 1. Habitat/FLUCFCS Types and Acreages FLUCFCS Code Habitat Acreage Percent of Total 3219 El Palmetto Prairie, Disturbed (0-24% Exotics) 0.21 1.0 4119 E1 Pine Flatwoods, Disturbed (0-24% Exotics) 10.74 52.8 4281 E2 6259 E1 Cabbage Palm Hydric, Disturbed (25-49% Exotics) 2.74 13.5 Pine Hydric, Disturbed (0-24% Exotics) 2.51 12.3 6259 E2 Pine Hydric, Disturbed (25-49% Exotics) 1.78 8.8 6319 E4 Wetland Shrub, Disturbed (76-100% Exotics) 2.35 11.6 Total 20.33 100.0 LISTED SPECIES MANAGEMENT The Parcel shall be managed in a manner that protects and enhances habitat for listed wildlife species that utilize or potentially could utilize the site. Table 2 indicates the listed species that are recognized as potentially occurring on the Parcel, based on a review of the Florida Natural Areas Inventory(http://wn,w,fi7ai.orgIFieldGuidelindex.gfin), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Passarella & Associates, Inc. 1 of 4 #15SDL2333 11/16/17 Commission (FWCC) database of the documented occurrences of listed species, and professional knowledge and experience with similar habitat types. Table 2. Wildlife Species Potentially Occurring on the Parcel Common Name I Scientific Name Reptiles American alligator Alligator 777ississippiensis Eastern indigo snake Drvmarchon corais cou eri Gopher fro Lithobates capito Gopher tortoise Go herus olyphemus Birds Crested caracara Caracara cheriwa Florida sandhill crane Grus canadensis pratensis Lim kin Aramus .uarauna Little blue heron E retta caerulea Red -cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis Snowy egret E retta thula Southeastern American kestrel Falco s arverius paulus Tri -colored heron olor Wood stork Mveteria americana Mammals Big Cypress fox squirrel Sciurus 77ijZer avicennia Florida black bear Ursus americanus floridanus Florida panther Punza concolor cor i Everglades mink Mustela vison ever ladensis Additional information about the species listed above is included in Exhibit D. EXOTIC VEGETATION ERADICATION The Parcel will be enhanced by the eradication of exotic plant species. Exotic plant species will include all species listed as Category I and II exotic species pursuant to the most current list established by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (EPPC) and as defined in Section 3.05.08 of the County Land Development Code (LDC). Treatment may include the felling of exotic trees and herbicide treatment of the stumps, girdling of exotic trees and herbicide treatment of the cambium, foliar application of herbicide to basal bark, or hand pulling. Exotic debris may be stacked in piles at approximately 100 -foot intervals. If left on the site, smaller cuttings will be stacked butt end to the ground into a nearly vertical position (i.e., teepee method). Larger cuttings will be stacked side by side into an area approximately 6 feet on each side. Cuttings will be stacked perpendicular to the previous layer up to a height of 4 feet (i.e., log cabin method). Herbicide treatment will be with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved herbicide that includes a visual tracer dye. Exotic vegetation removal shall be performed by an Passarella & Associates, Inc. 2 of 4 #15SDL2333 11/16/17 environmental contractor acceptable to the County. The application of herbicides shall be conducted according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Application guidelines for herbicide treatment are included in Exhibit E. Herbicides used during the initial exotic and nuisance vegetation removal and subsequent maintenance events will be transported onto the property during removal and maintenance events and removed following these activities. SELECTIVE CLEARING FOR THE CREATION OF FOREST OPENINGS The Parcel will be assessed for excessive ground cover and sub -canopy growth. Selective removal of ground cover and sub -canopy growth may be conducted as needed to maximize wildlife use. Selective removal in upland areas may include the use of mechanical mowing or disking equipment. Selective removal in wetland areas will be limited to hand removal methods. Heavy equipment should be used during dry periods to reduce disturbance to the soil. Heavy equipment should stay clear of the drip line of preserved pine trees and remain outside of three- quarters of the drip line of all other preserved canopy trees. Creation of forest openings will be performed in compliance with the practice standards in Exhibit F. PRESCRIBED BURNING Prescribed burning is an available management technique that may be permitted, as applicable, within the upland and wetland preservation areas. The feasibility of conducting prescribed burns will take into consideration the ability to obtain local and state authorizations, impacts to listed wildlife species, and liability of conducting prescribed burns in proximity to existing roadways and developed areas. Prescribed burning may only be conducted by a certified prescribed burn manager and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Florida Forest Service. The use of natural firebreaks should be considered wherever relatively inflammable biological community types occur and when current fuel and weather conditions permit. Habitat types occurring within the Parcel include pine, palmetto, cabbage palm, and wetland shrub. These habitat types are adapted for a fire regime of three to seven years. Any prescribed burns conducted on the Parcel will be done on a frequency of every three to seven years. Prescribed burning will be conducted in accordance with the practice standards in Exhibit F. If prescribed burning is not feasible, maintenance of native upland vegetation maybe conducted by mowing with a bush -hog. Bush -hogging may be conducted in pine flatwood habitats every three to seven years. Passarella & Associates, Inc. 3 of 4 #15SDL2333 11/16/17 ACTIVITY SCHEDULE Upon completion of the initial exotic vegetation eradication, the Parcel will be conveyed to a county, state, or federal agency as deemed appropriate by Collier County. A proposed activity schedule is provided in Table 3. Table 3. Activity Schedule Activity Anticipated Completion Date Initial Exotic Vegetation Eradication January 15, 2018 Inspection and Sign -Off February 1, 2018 Parcel Conveyance March 1, 2018 RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PLAN SUCCESS CRITERIA Restoration of the Parcel shall be deemed successful upon completion of the following actions and acceptance of perpetual management obligations: 1. Eradication of 80 percent of exotic plants following initial exotic plant removal as documented by a time -zero monitoring report; 2. Assume responsibility for securing any permits needed to complete the habitat improvement process; 3. Conveyance of the Parcel to a county, state, or federal agency for perpetual management; and 4. Allow the county or its representatives reasonable access to the Parcel in order to make periodic inspections. RESTORATION AND MONITORING COST ESTIMATE Cost cstimatcs for the initial exotic eradication and time -zero monitoring are provided in Table 4. Table 4. Restoration and Monitoring Cost Estimate Item No. Activity Acres Cost 1 Initial Exotic Eradication 20.33 $ 2,947.85' 2 Time -Zero Monitoring Report 20.33 $ 500.00 Total 1 $ 3,447.85 'Estimate based on $145 per acre; includes labor and herbicide cost. Passarella & Associates, Inc. 4 of 4 #15SDL2333 11/16/17 EXHIBIT A PROJECT LOCATION MAP E1LER61�.:AVEVE.SE.: - 1{ 99 K:A µ Y SE [ Exry.:� ILI ae'7ki•AV-' --- .I `IQTji PVE S E �LAHL-.BLVp- — •.i.s,.L`.' `..;1.:&�I F.CiLkLklRY_f] j�_-. w M ¢+ w r - j i�� •.-dS�THiAVESE?�-._. F �I }��. ;� �•:•p m ..: �.�:: • 50 TH-AVc,SC iBERSONBLVD :. •rte-... .. ..�.i ;r.•::{.,}wZ. •,,fir._. ,m.• -� .. �szNo�Av •est'_----=--- --�_ . •_", .: •r'r C.V � � - - .". .5� li•A � ,53Rq�F,1'[•SE= -.5 iTH•AVE-SE .BOTH AVE• '- - -- - 5 Na AVGkSE .._. F -AVE SE A, T. PROJECT • • Ei _ f r4• :G9.T pliA�1+E5E f' . i —70TH'AVE�SE ff —••7'2 [7kAVE5E-� -74 AVES5r_.....: 7GTHeAVE,SE,---.x .. i3c • ?. •,, SABA, PALhs:Rb TE H'AVE•SE• N 18 WAVE-F�E-- II TkiAVE5E w.-tea Ik �. 1 -. _ _-f:•-�: ;:,;: .. I .; gOTH-AV£+SES--'r'. ,.r?" lSP0..:lti- !4`•731. e.'•:i."14 NYH-AV&SEI. �;: .. •';T ,.45TH-AVE-SE •- .. 6_•r:It �f .-�98TH•AVESE•-•• m.. y � o. J m i r � ,• l � 1 .4+'. - _. �-�.._..-.�-102N 6•AVc•SE .. ._ ..D. .. -�j 'AIR' • r • �"�`' ' .--�......o---•-lGdTH AVE-SE - I• � rPyN E.Ijp . �z-• - j er, u Rei• -'"w- .. 10GTH•AVESE��i ! ,= ;�': •? —� _ - •:'i .-� rr~i m .w„,.._...- -d -1 a0TH,AVE-SE -- c7, — TitaTH•AVE•SE- — ,:- �_ }'ry"%"�•�,_� � ��•l .�i4• ,Y�= �' .w.�_.�11'2TFI•f.VL-•5E-.........--.--- � "--•------ .��.w _ti '��n�a:'. �;r,�''- "F. •. :..j �-- 5}ice&AlT�IiTAf1.ESE=. APPENDIX B PUBLIC LANDS ACQUISITION MAP a LEGEND m dF 20 ACRE TDR PARCEL VANDERSILTBEACH RD r,=.=._�_,�,�,� ,� j10 MILE RADIUS ^' r• r� flu �•�, SFWMD CONSERVATION EASEMENTS �•r�r,r1 GCLDENGATESLVD •�.� FLORIDA FOREVER BOT O p Z 0 I. BELLE MEADE FLORIDA FOREVER BOT PROJECT O: �.��►.. o: z O•4 2. CORKSCREW REGIONAL ECOSYSTEM WATERSHED 7i J 03. SAVE OUR EVERGLADES FLORIDA FOREVER BOT PROJECT a GREEM,6LVD FLORIDA MANAGED AREAS z cc ❑ 4, COLLIER-SEMINOLE STATE PARK O Of Q. m � 5, FAKAHATCHEE STRAND PRESERVE STATE PARK h Q c� • GOLDEN GATE P V,'Y 6, FLORIDA PANTHER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 7, MCILVANE MARSH p < � RADIO R�9 z 4 > a $, NANCY PAYTON PRESERVE 9, PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST 3 n — DAVIS V . 10, ROOKERY BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE ~ II, ROOKERY BAY RESERVE LANDS ' 1 • e■ . 12, SHELL ISLAND PRESERVE 13, TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 9 20 ACRE TDR PARCEL i d 951 N E y� 1vu o S 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Miles ., NOTES: ,� ,- . - - �• COUNTY INFORMATION AND ROADWAY NETWORKS WERE ACQUIRED FROM THE FLORIDA GEOGRAPHIC DATA LIBRARY • "•'ll.._.'--: WEBSITE. _ _. - •� `r'• - FLORIDA FOREVER BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENVIRONMENTAL LAND ACQUISITION PROJECTS •' _- ./ WERE ACQUIRED FROM THE FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY WEBSITE _- �•5 '��•: "•-- .=' �•, ti 3J. - :-.. t•i- fj L `•. �. 'r43 HTTP://WWW.FNAI.ORG/GISDATA.CFM JULY 2016. FLORIDA MANAGED AREAS WERE ACQUIRED In .V. �= FROM THE FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY WEBSITE HTTP://WWW FNAI.ORG/GISDATA.CFM .-, . JULY 2016. :1=a� r' -�'F•`-..`� - _t 1r til .r J DRAW -1 nY DKn T.F. 11/13/17 EXHIBIT B. PUBLIC LANDS ACQUISITION MAP PASSARELLA RullrI'ED137 VATE 20 ACRE TDR PARCEL C.G. 11/13/17 & ASSOCIATES K�ism DAA EXHIBIT C AERIAL WITH FLUCFCS AND WETLANDS MAP EXHIBIT D FLORIDA NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY INFORMATION FOR SPECIES INCLUDED IN THE PLAN AMERICAN ALLIGATOR Alligator mississippiensis Order: Crocodylia Family: Alligatoridae FNAI Ranks: G5/S4 U.S. Status: Threatened by Similarity of Appearance ' (to more endangered crocodilians) FL Status: Species of Special Concern Harvest of alligators and eggs is regulated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. ® D. Bruce Means juvenile © Jim Solomon Description: A large, mostly black crocodilian with a broadly rounded snout. Young with yellow crossbands on back, tail, and sides; throat and belly white to creamy yellow at all ages. Head smooth in front of eyes; no prominently visible tooth in lower jaw when mouth is closed. Adults 6 -15 ft. (1.8 - 4.6 m); hatchlings about 9 in. (230 mm). Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 AMERICAN ALLIGATOR Alligator mississippiensis Similar Species: Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), introduced in southern Florida, shares broadly rounded snout but rarely exceeds 6 ft. (1.8 m) and has curved bony crosswise ridge in front of eyes; varies from yellow -green to gray -brown with dark crossbands. American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus; see species account) is gray to brown and has long, tapered snout with prominently projecting fourth lower tooth when mouth is closed (except in very young). Habitat: Most permanent bodies of fresh water, including marshes, swamps, lakes, and rivers. Occasionally wanders into brackish and salt water but rarely remains there. Seasonal Occurrence: Most active from spring through fall, with nesting in late spring and hatching in summer. Inactive during cold weather, though some may bask on sunny winter days. Florida Distribution: Statewide, though rare in Keys. Range -wide Distribution: Southeastern Coastal Plain from North Carolina to Texas. Conservation Status: Has recovered dramatically since 1960s. Populations are present on most federal, state, and private conservation lands where there is permanent fresh water. Several populations are now large enough to support controlled harvest. Threats include destruction and pollution of wetlands, including lakes and rivers. Protection and Management: Protect wetlands of all types from ditching, filling, and pollution. Selected References: Ashton and Ashton 1991, Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Conant and Collins 1991, Deitz and Hines 1980, Delany and Abercrombie 1986, Kushlan 1974, Lazell 1989, Mount 1975, Neill 1971. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 LIMPKIN Aramus guarauna Order: Gruiformes Family: Aramidae FNAI Ranks: G5/S3 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Species of Special Concern U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wild Code prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. Description: Large, long -billed, long- legged wader of swamps and marshes. Sports a deep brown color with white spotting and streaking. Bill is heavy and slightly decurved, allowing easy access to its preferred food, the apple snail (Pornacea paludosa). Call is an unmistakable loud, wild scream or wail. (D Karla Brandt Similar Species: Long neck and bill of the limpkin help distinguish it from the slightly smaller, but similarly colored, immature night -herons (Nycticorax spp.). The immature white ibis (Eudocinttrs albus; see species account) has a long, decurved bill and long legs but is not brown all over with white flecking. Habitat: Inhabits mangroves, freshwater marshes, swamps, springs and spring runs, and pond and river margins. Also lake margins in peninsular Florida and swales, strand swamps, sloughs, and impoundments in south Florida. May also forage in ruderal areas such as sugarcane fields and banks of irrigation canals. Wide range of nesting sites, including mounds of aquatic vegetation and marsh grasses, among cypress knees, and high in trees. Seasonal Occurrence: Males generally appear to be resident where they breed, although there is some evidence of movement, possibly related to Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 LIMPKIN Aram us guarauna food availability. A partial migration was documented with color -banded birds from Wakulla Springs (Wakulla County) and Alexander Springs (Lake County); most females left their breeding territories, for parts unknown, in mid -summer and returned in mid -winter. Observations of large concentrations of limpkins are usually attributed to regional drought conditions. Nesting generally occurs late February - May in north Florida and late January - March in central Florida, and possibly earlier in south Florida. Florida Distribution: Scattered sites in the panhandle and northern Florida, but generally widespread in central and southern Florida. Range -wide Distribution: Resident in southeastern Georgia, Florida, Greater Antilles (rare or extirpated in Puerto Rico), and from southern Mexico to central Argentina. Conservation Status: Occur on numerous lands owned by federal, state, and private entities, although this is no insurance against threats. A large and presumably stable population at Wakulla Springs State Park (Wakulla County) has experienced recent declines, possibly because of deteriorating water quality. Pollution, hydrological disruptions, and an increase in invasive plants threaten the health of the apple snail population and hence the limpkin. Protection and Management: Maintain natural hydrological regimes and protect suitable habitat from pollution, development activities, and proliferation of exotic plants. Institute regular surveys and monitoring programs for both limpkins and apple snails, particularly in light of continued degradation and loss of Florida's wetlands. Selected References: Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers et al. (eds.) 1996, Stevenson and Anderson 1994. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 CRESTED CARACARA Caracara cheriway Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae FNAI Ranks: G5/S2 U.S. Status: Threatened FL Status: Threatened U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wil( Code prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. Description; Large, distinctive raptor; large head with black cap and crest. Long neck, hooked bill, long legs, and long, rounded wings bent back at the wrist. Mainly black -brown with white throat and neck and bare, red facial skin. Upper back, breast, and tail buffy white with barring, and a broad, dark band at end of tail. White patches at ends of dark wings are conspicuous in © Tom Vezo flight; steady, shallow wing -beats with minimal soaring. Often seen with vultures because of its scavenging nature. Juveniles have pale edging on brown feathers of upperside and are streaked below. Facial color changes from grayish -pink (juveniles) to yellow (second year) to bright yellow-orange or reddish (adults); also changes depending on blood flow to area. Similar Species: In flight, may be confused with larger bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus; see species account) at a distance. Caracara's smaller size and the white panels in wings help distinguish the two; caracaras seldom soar and generally fly low above ground. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 CRESTED CARACARA Caracara cheriway Habitat: Open country, including dry prairie and pasture lands with cabbage palm, cabbage palm/live oak hammocks, and shallow ponds and sloughs. Preferred nest trees are cabbage palms, followed by live oaks. Seasonal Occurrence: Nonmigratory. Generally monogamous; adult pairs stay year-round on territory, which may be maintained for years. Florida Distribution: Based on 1987 - 1991 data, most abundant in south central Florida in Osceola, Highlands, Okeechobee, De Soto, Glades, and Hendry counties; fewer records (1 - 6) from surrounding counties. Occasional reports outside known breeding range, north to Nassau County, west to Bay County, and south to the Keys, are attributed to escapees or wandering individuals. Range -wide Distribution: South-central Florida, southeastern Texas and southern Arizona south throughout parts of Mexico, Central and South America to northern and central Peru and northern Brazil. Rare and local in Cuba, Isle of Pines, and southwestern Louisiana. Conservation Status: Florida population thought to be relatively stable over a 20 -year span (1972 - 1991). Estimate of 400 - 500 individuals, although not all suitable habitat was accessible to surveyors. Overall, range has contracted and become more fragmented. Currently, habitat threatened most by residential development and conversion to more intensive (e.g., citrus) agricultural uses. Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Avon Park Air Force Range, and South Florida Water Management District lands along the Kissimmee River offer limited protected area. Recent state acquisitions of Kissimmee Prairie State Preserve (1997), Fisheating Creek WMA (2000), and the Fisheating Creek Conservation Easement (2000) have helped protect additional significant habitat. Protection and Management: Because of the large habitat requirements of the caracara, land acquisition alone is unrealistic. Continue acquisition of prairie habitat, habitat restoration, and development of incentives (e.g., tax breaks, conservation easements, cooperative agreements) for private landowners to maintain their ranchlands to bolster the long-term security of the caracara. Selected References: Poole and Gill (eds.) 1996, Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers et al. (eds.) 1996, Stevenson and Anderson 1994. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE Drymarchon corais couperi Order: Squamata Family: Colubridae FNAI Ranks: G4T3/S3 U.S. Status: Threatened FL Status: Threatened Description: A very large, stout -bodied, shiny black snake reaching lengths as great as 8 ft. (244 cm). Black ventrally, but chin, throat, and sides of head may be reddish or (rarely) white. Scales typically smooth (no ridges), though adult males have keel on front half of some scales along back; anal scale undivided. Young similar to adults though often more reddish anteriorly, 17 - 24 in. (430 - 610 mm) at hatching. When encountered, often hisses, flattens neck vertically (from side to side), and vibrates tail, but rarely bites. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE Drymarchon corais couperi Similar Species: Black racer (Coluber constrictor), which rarely exceeds 5 ft. (152 cm), is more slender, a duller sooty black usually with a white chin and throat, and has a divided anal scale. The mostly aquatic mud snake (Farancia abacura) is glossy black above and can grow to 6 ft. (183 cm), but has a reddish, rarely white, belly, with the coloration encroaching the sides, and a sharp -pointed tail tip. Habitat: Broad range of habitats, from scrub and sandhill to wet prairies and mangrove swamps. In northern part of range, often winters in gopher tortoise burrows in sandy uplands but forages in more hydric habitats. Requires very large tracts to survive. Seasonal Occurrence: Active nearly year-round in southern Florida but winters underground farther north. Lays eggs in May and June. Florida Distribution: Statewide, including Upper and Lower Keys, but rare in panhandle. Range -wide Distribution: Florida and southern Georgia; formerly extended from southern South Carolina to southeastern Mississippi. Conservation Status: Rare in most areas, though species has been recorded from many public lands statewide; however, whether most of these support viable populations is uncertain. Major threats are habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, with associated highway mortality. Other threats include gassing of tortoise burrows for rattlesnakes, collection for pets, and deliberate persecution, all of which are illegal. Protection and Management: Protect very large tracts (> 5000 acres = 2025 ha) of appropriate natural habitat unfragmented by roads; use prescribed fire as needed. Maintain gopher tortoise populations and dead stumps to provide natural subterranean refugia. Enforce bans on tortoise burrow gassing and on collection or molestation of snake. Avoid construction of roads through unfragmented habitat. Educate public to avoid wanton destruction of large snakes. Selected References: Ashton and Ashton 1988b, Conant and Collins 1991, Ernst and Barbour 1989, Georgia DNR 1999, Lazell 1989, Moler (ed.) 1992, Mount 1975, Tenant 1997. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 LITTLE BLUE HERON Egretta caerulea Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae FNAI Ranks: G5/S4 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Species of Special Concern U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wild prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. 0 Tom Vezo Description: Medium-sized heron, with purplish to maroon -brown head and neck; small white patch on throat and upper neck; and slate -blue body. Bill is black towards tip, especially during breeding season, with the other exposed areas on the head appearing dark gray to cobalt blue. Legs are grayish to green, becoming black in breeding season. Immature birds are mostly white with pale slate - gray tips on primary wing feathers. Legs of young birds are yellowish - immature D Jerry Lee Gingerich, DVM green. Immature birds move into adult plumage during first spring and may be boldly white/blue, looking like tie-dyed shirts. Immature birds retain yellowish legs during second year. Similar Species: Plumage and eye of reddish egret (Egretta rufescens; see species account) are lighter in color, and base of bill is pinkish. Reddish egret has distinctive foraging behavior. Snowy egret (E. thula; see species account) and cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) may look like juvenile little blues, Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 LITTLE BLUE HERON Egretta caerulea but little blue has dark primary tips. Bill of snowy egret (E. thula) is solid black; snowy may have yellowish stripe up back of leg. Habitat: Feeds in shallow freshwater, brackish, and saltwater habitats. Largest nesting colonies occur in coastal areas, but prefers foraging in fivshwater lakes, marshes, swamps, and streams. Nests in a variety of woody vegetation types, including cypress, willow, maple, black mangrove, and cabbage palm. Usually breeds in mixed -species colonies in flooded vegetation or on islands. Seasonal Occurrence: Mostly resident throughout year, but numbers in north Florida in winter are lower than numbers during spring, summer, and fall; becoming less abundant in Florida Keys. Florida Distribution: Most recent population estimate is approximately 17,000 birds distributed among 240+ breeding colonies. Colonies are found nearly statewide, except rare in western panhandle and southern Florida Keys. Range -wide Distribution: Breeds from Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee to coastal Maine and south to Peru and central Brazil; range extends west to southern California and Sonora; winter range includes these areas and north to coastal Virginia; may wander to Canada after breeding season. Conservation Status: Because the little blue heron lacks the showy plumes found on many other herons and egrets, this species did not suffer as much during the plume -hunting trade a century ago. Primary threats are alteration of natural hydroperiods in wetlands used for foraging and exposure to pesticides and heavy metal contamination. Population trends are downward, and breeding colonies have become smaller and more numerous. Illegal killings may occur since this species regularly forages at commercial fish farms and hatcheries. Long -terns studies are needed on the possible adverse effects of cattle egrets, environmental contamination, and other threats. Protection and Management: Protect breeding and foraging habitats through establishment of preserves and regulation of wetlands. Restore and maintain natural hydroperiods in degraded wetland areas. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection have developed setback distances around wading bird colonies of 330 ft. (100 m) to prevent human disturbance. Selected References: Poole and Gill (eds.) 1995, Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers and Smith 1995, Rodgers et al. (eds.) 1996, Runde et al. 1991, Stevenson and Anderson 1994. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 SNOWY EGRET Egretta thula Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae FNAIRanks: G5/S3 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Species of Special Concern U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wild. Code prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. Description: Medium- sized, all -white wading bird that has a "slight" appearance in comparison to other wading birds. Bill is black with a bright yellow, fleshy base, and the yellow extends back to the lores and eyes. Legs are black in adults; feet are bright yellow as though wearing gloves. Immatures have greenish legs that sometimes have a yellow streak on the back. Breeding -season adults have prominent plumes on shoulders, neck, and head. Similar Species: Most often confused with juvenile little blue heron (Egretta caerulea; see species account), which is white with greenish -gray legs; however, tips of wing feathers are © Tom vezo dusky, not pure white as in snowy egret. Little blue heron also has a bi-colored bill, not the solid black bill found on the snowy egret. Great egret (Ardea alba) has solid black legs and orangish bill; white morph of the reddish egret (E. rufescens; see species account) has two -toned bill and grayish legs; cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) has orangish legs and bill. Habitat: Nests both inland and in coastal wetlands with nests placed in many types of woody shrubs, especially mangroves and willows. Almost all nesting is over shallow waters or on islands that are separated from Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 SNOWY EGRET Egretta thula shoreline by extensive open water. Feeds in many types of permanently and seasonally flooded wetlands, streams, lakes, and swamps, and in man- made impoundments and ditches. Usually prefers calm waters. A wide variety of wetland types must be available within 5 - 7 mi. (8 - 11 km) to support breeding colonies. Breeding success is tied to water -level fluctuations. Seasonal Occurrence: Occurs in Florida in all seasons, but generally less common in winter, especially in western panhandle and northern counties. Florida Distribution: Generally found throughout peninsular Florida; becoming less common inland in northern tier of counties (north of Alachua County) and in the western panhandle. Typically more common along coast throughout its range. Breeding documented for 43 Florida counties but more variable in western Florida panhandle and in some northern counties in the interior (north of Alachua County). Also rare or absent in southern Keys. Range -wide Distribution: Northern limits of summer range extend from northern California to southern Montana, central Kansas, and Tennessee, east to Atlantic coast, and then north to coastal Maine; occurs south to southern Chile and central Argentina; winters in North America from northern California to Arizona, along the northern Gulf coast, and along Atlantic coast to South Carolina. Conservation Status: Since the 1950s, numbers in Florida have been declining, possibly faster than declines of other herons and egrets. In 1989, this species was found in only 22 percent of the colonies where it formerly occurred. Persistent patterns of wetland destruction and alteration are probably eliminating large areas of essential habitat. Most impacts appear to affect quality of foraging habitat rather than areas immediately surrounding nesting colonies. Protection and Management: Prevent rapid changes in water depth in managed wetlands that will likely adversely affect quality of foraging. Restore and maintain natural hydroperiods in degraded wetland areas. Protect breeding and foraging habitats through establishment of preserves and regulation of wetlands. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection have developed setback distances around wading bird colonies of 330 ft. (100 m) to prevent human disturbance. Selected References: Poole and Gill (eds.) 2000, Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers and Smith 1995, Rodgers et al. (eds.) 1996, Runde et al. 1991, Stevenson and Anderson 1994. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 TRICOLORED HERON Egretta tricolor Order: Ciconiifonmes Family: Ardeidae FNAI Ranks: G5/S4 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Species of Special Concern U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wild prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. _ s Description: Medium-sized heron with a slender neck. Body color appears two -toned with dark slate coloration on head, neck, and body that contrasts with white rump, belly, and undertail. A reddish -brown and white streak extends along the front of the neck. During breeding season, adults have white head plumes and rufous to whitish shoulders. Young birds (<1 year) have more reddish - brown on head, neck, and mantle; otherwise similar to adults. Similar Species: Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea; see © Karla Brandt species account) and reddish egret (E. rufeseens; see species account) have solid dark colors; great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is larger and has white streak down neck but dark belly and underparts. Great blue heron also has a dark swath that extends back from eye and contrasts with lighter colored top of head. Habitat: Most nesting colonies occur on mangrove islands or in willow thickets in fresh water, but nesting sites include other woody thickets on islands or over standing water. Prefers coastal environments. Feeds in a variety of pennanently and seasonally flooded wetlands, mangrove swamps, tidal creeks, ditches, and edges of ponds and lakes. Seasonal variation in water levels are particularly critical to nesting success, so alteration of wetlands used during breeding season can have negative conseauences. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 TRICOLORED HERON Egretta tricolor Seasonal Occurrence: Permanent resident and found throughout Florida in all seasons, except rare in winter in western Panhandle. Also somewhat less common inland in recent years, particularly during winter. Florida Distribution: Most numerous along coast. Generally becoming less numerous in northern tier of counties (Alachua County northward). Nesting in panhandle and northern interior more variable and restricted leading to few inland reports in panhandle. Range -wide Distribution: Occurs during breeding season from California to Texas and along northern Gulf coast; along Atlantic coast to Maine; south to central Brazil; leaves northern portion of range in winter. Conservation Status: Once described as the most abundant heron in the state, but now much less common in interior. Long-term population trends are uncertain, but apparently declining. Need information on marked individuals to document in more detail the species' movement and wetland utilization patterns. Protection and Management: Approximately 25 percent of nesting colonies occur in disturbed water impoundments or dredge -material islands, so management opportunities exist. Create new nesting sites or stabilize established sites through management. Survey and monitor to document population trends. Selected References: Poole and Gill (eds.)1997, Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers et al. (eds.) 1996, Runde et al. 1991, Stevenson and Anderson 1994. © Karla Brandt Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 SOUTHEASTERN AMERICAN KESTREL Falco sparverius paulus Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae FNAI Ranks: G5T4/S3 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Threatened U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wildlite Code prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. Description: Smallest falcon in U.S. and similar in size to the familiar mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Sexes distinctive: male has blue -gray wings, while female is larger and has more uniformly rufous back and wings. Both sexes have a mustached black -and - white facial pattern with strong perpendicular lines extending below eye and near ear, and a black band at base of rufous tail. Falcons in general have long, pointed wings and long tails, similar to doves. The alarm call, given frequently in flight, is killy, killy, killy. © Tom Vezo Similar Species: The merlin (Falco columbaris), another falcon found in Florida, is larger and lacks the rufous back and tail found on kestrels. The sharp -shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) has rounded wings and also lacks the rufous tail and back. Both the merlin and sharp -shinned hawk also are generally not found in Florida in summer (May - early September). Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 SOUTHEASTERN AMERICAN Falco sparverius paulus KESTREL Habitat: Found in open pine habitats, woodland edges, prairies, and pastures throughout much of Florida. Availability of suitable nesting sites is key during breeding season. Nest sites are tall dead trees or utility poles generally with an unobstructed view of surroundings. Sandhill habitats seem to be preferred, but may also occur in flatwoods settings. Open patches of grass or bare ground are needed in flatwoods settings, since thick palmettos prevent detection of prey. Seasonal Occurrence: Found throughout Florida year-round, but seasonal occurrence is complicated by arrival of northern migrants in winter. The subspecies that breeds in Florida is listed, but northern migrants are not listed. Northern migrants generally arrive in September and depart by March, but there are records outside these dates. All birds found in the breeding season (April through early September) should be treated as the listed subspecies. Florida Distribution: Wintering birds found throughout Florida (including the Keys), but the breeding subspecies is non -migratory and most common in peninsular Florida, rare in the panhandle. Breeding subspecies appears to be extirpated from former nesting areas in south Florida (Miami -Dade County). Range -wide Distribution: Found throughout most of North and South America, but the listed subspecies is restricted to the southeastern U.S., occurring from Louisiana east to South Carolina and south through the Florida peninsula. Conservation Status: Population trends cannot be determined from available survey programs. Natural nesting and foraging habitats have certainly declined, as sandhill and open flatwoods habitats are converted to intensive agricultural lands and residential development. Pasture lands may be used by the breeding species but often lack snags used for nesting sites. Protection and Management: A key habitat feature necessary for breeding is a suitable cavity tree. Cavity trees are usually excavated in large pines and, less frequently, oaks by various woodpeckers. Manage for dead tree snags on public lands. Nest -box programs have been used to augment populations in many areas. Protect large blocks of natural habitats; open fields and pastures also are needed to provide adequate foraging habitat. Selected References: Loftin 1992, Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers et al. (eds.) 1996, Stevenson and Anderson 1994, Stys 1993, Wood et al. 1988. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 GOPHER TORTOISE Gopherus polyphemus Order: Testudines�1 Family: Testudinidae FNAI Ranks: G3/S3 "1 - U.S. Status: None in Florida; Threatened in Louisiana, Mississippi, and western Alabama — FL Status: Species of Special Concern Florida prohibits take, possession, sale, or purchase of tortoises or their parts except by permit. ��~yet•+. �. • is '_'r'1111111111= © Dan Hipes ti _ w G N > Q Description: A medium-sized turtle (to 10 in. = 254 mm) fully adapted for life on land. Upper shell brown and relatively flat above; lower shell yellowish, without hinge, and projecting forward, especially in male; skin brown to dark gray. Forelimbs greatly expanded for digging; hind limbs reduced, stumpy, lacking any form of webbing between toes. Lower shell of male somewhat concave. Young: scales of carapace often with yellow centers, skin yellowish to tan; approximately 2 in. (51 mm) shell length at hatching. Similar Species: The only other native land turtle in Florida, the box turtle (Terrapene carolina), is distinguished by its smaller size (to 8 in. _ Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 GOPHER TORTOISE Gopherus polyphemus 203 mm), less stout feet, moveable hinge on lower shell, and often but not always by black and yellow upper shell. Tortoise burrows, which are useful in determining species' presence, typically have lower, flatter profile than more rounded burrows of armadillos; this reflects differences in cross-sectional shapes of the two animals. Habitat: Typically found in dry upland habitats, including sandhills, scrub, xeric oak hammock, and dry pine flatwoods; also commonly uses disturbed habitats such as pastures, oldfields, and road shoulders. Tortoises excavate deep burrows for refuge from predators, weather, and fire; more than 300 other species of animals have been recorded sharing these burrows. Seasonal Occurrence: Above -ground activity is greatly reduced during cold weather, with tortoises in northern Florida remaining below ground for months. Nonetheless, burrows are relatively conspicuous year-round. Florida Distribution: State-wide except absent from the Everglades and Keys. Range -wide Distribution: Lower Southeastern Coastal Plain, extending from southern South Carolina southward through lower Georgia and Florida and westward through southern Alabama, Mississippi, and extreme southeastern Louisiana. Conservation Status: Despite its widespread occurrence throughout Florida, there is considerable concern about the declining abundance of this species. Much of its native habitat has been lost to agriculture, citriculture, forestry, mining, and urban and residential development. Although protected populations occur on many state, federal, and private conservation lands, recent development of a severe respiratory disease threatens even those. Protection and Management: Manage large, undivided tracts of upland habitat to maintain native vegetative conditions; this generally requires periodic prescribed fire beneath trees to reduce brush and favor growth of grasses and forbs. Avoid building roads and houses in xeric uplands. Because of risk of introducing tortoises infected with respiratory disease to uncontaminated populations, tortoises should not be relocated except under strictly controlled programs. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 FLORIDA SANDHILL CRANE Grus canadensis pratensis Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae FNAI Ranks: G5T2T3/S2S3 U.S. Status: Endangered (nonmigratory in Cuba and Mississippi on FL Status: Threatened U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wildlife Code prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. U' Karla Brandt Description: Atall, long -necked, long- legged bird with a clump of feathers that droops over the rump. Adult is gray overall, with a whitish chin, cheek, and upper throat, and dull red skin on the crown and lores (lacking in immatures); feathers may have brownish - red staining resulting from preening with muddy bill. Immature has pale to tawny feathers on head and neck and a gray body with brownish - red mottling. Flies with neck extended. Their distinctive rolling call can be heard from far away. Similar Species: Indistinguishable from greater sandhill crane (Gnus canadensis tabida), which winters in Florida. Greater sandhill crane generally arrives in Florida in October and leaves in March, so the date observed or definite evidence of reproduction may be used to differentiate the two. Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is sometimes mistakenly Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 FLORIDA SANDHILL CRANE Grus canadensis pratensis identified as a crane. This heron lacks the bald, red crown of the sandhill and flies with its neck tucked in, typical of herons and egrets. Whooping crane (G. americana) is white. Habitat: Prairies, freshwater marshes, and pasture lands. Avoids forests and deep marshes but uses transition zones and edges between these and prairies or pasture lands. Will frequent agricultural areas like feed lots and crop fields, and also golf courses and other open lawns, especially in winter and early spring. Nest is a mound of herbaceous plant material in shallow water or on the ground in marshy areas. Favors wetlands dominated by pickerelweed and maidencane. Seasonal Occurrence: Nonmigratory. Very sedentary, although may forage widely. Large influx of northern migratory subspecies in winter (October - March). Florida Distribution: Most of peninsular Florida within appropriate habitat, though not as common south of Lake Okeechobee. Rarely reported west of Taylor County. Range -wide Distribution: Florida range plus extreme southeastern Georgia (Okefenokee Swamp). Conservation Status: Population estimate in 1975 of approximately 4,000 birds (25 percent are nonbreeding subadults) is still considered accurate. Habitat availability will become more and more of concern as Florida continues to lose open rangeland and native prairie to development and more intensive agricultural uses (e.g., citrus, row crops). Nesting success in human -altered areas is well below that of native areas. Shallow wetlands used by cranes are easily affected by drainage of adjacent uplands even if they are not directly disturbed. Florida sandhill cranes are found on federal and state lands and on local government lands (e.g., wellfields). Protection and Management: Because of large home -range requirements, public lands do not protect large populations of cranes. Aquire land, through fee -simple acquisition and conservation easements on suitable ranchlands, in areas that bolster existing protected populations. Periodic fire important to retard invasion of woody vegetation in crane habitat. Filling drainage ditches to restore natural hydrological conditions important in some areas. Selected References: Poole and Gill (eds.)1992, Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers et al. (eds.)1996, Stevenson and Anderson 1994, Toland 1999a. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 GOPHER FROG Rana capito (formerly R. areolata) Order: Anura Family: Ranidae FNAIRanks: G3G4/S3 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Species of Special Concern V1. 7A i µ r• „„ i I © Dan Hipes Description: A medium-sized, boldly spotted frog with a chunky appearance: body short and plump, head large with somewhat rounded snout, legs relatively short. Back with somewhat warty skin and prominent, often bronze -colored longitudinal ridge on each side behind eye. Dorsal pattern of irregularly shaped dark spots on background that may be cream, gray, or brown. Chin and throat spotted, belly usually unmarked posteriorly. Adults 2.5 - 4 in. (63 - 102 mm) (excluding legs). Call resembles a deep snore. Tadpole large, to 3.5 in. (89 mm), globose, olive green, with large black spots on sides of tail. Similar Species: Leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala), which may share breeding ponds with gopher frog, has large, dark brown spots on a green to Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 GOPHER FROG Rana capito brown background; however, body is more slender, snout very pointed, and throat and chin plain white. Tadpoles of the two species are very similar. Southern toad (Bufo terrestris) has dry, very warty skin, no raised ridges along edges of back, a pair of large raised glands behind eyes, and blunt snout. Spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii) has vertical black pupils in golden eyes, dry skin, and a pair of hourglass -like lines rather than spots on back. All treefrogs have enlarged pads on toes. Habitat: Dry, sandy uplands, chiefly sandhill and scrub, that include isolated wetlands or large ponds within about 1 mi. (1.7 km). Occasional in dry pine flatwoods, xeric hammock, and disturbed examples of above. Breeds chiefly in seasonally flooded, temporary ponds, but also in some permanent waters. Nocturnal, normally spending daytime in stumpholes, tunnels, or burrows, especially those of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). Seasonal Occurrence: Migrates to ponds for breeding from October through April, though may also breed during summer in central and southern Florida. Florida Distribution: Most of state excluding Everglades and Keys; potential but not documented for some counties indicated on map. Two subspecies: dusky gopher frog (R. c. sevosa) in western panhandle, Florida gopher frog (R. c. aesopus) in peninsula and eastern panhandle. Range -wide Distribution: Southeastern Gulf and Atlantic Coastal Plains, from North Carolina to eastern Louisiana. Conservation Status: Many protected conservation lands in Florida support gopher frogs, although attention to managing and protecting breeding habitat and migratory pathways is often insufficient. Protection and Management: Maintain large tracts of native vegetation in sandy, upland habitats that include wetlands. Allow fires to burn through dry wetland basins in addition to uplands. Manage uplands for gopher tortoises. See recommendations for striped newt (Notophthahnus perstriatus). Selected References: Ashton and Ashton 1988a, Bartlett and Bartlett 1999, Conant and Collins 1991, Franz 1986, Franz and Smith 1999, Moler (ed.) 1992, Mount 1975. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 SOUTHERN MINK (South Florida population) Mustela vison mink also known as Mustela vison everglac Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae FNAI Ranks: G5T2Q/S2 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Threatened © Jerry Lee Gingerich, DVM Description: Medium sized (17 - 25 in. = 491 - 720 mm) member of the weasel family, with the characteristic long, slender body, short legs, long tail, small head, and rounded ears. South Florida individuals are smaller than other subspecies. Fur is dark brown over most of the body and blackish brown on the distal half of the tail. Occasional specimens have a white patch on the chin or the chest. Similar Species: Long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) is smaller (in Florida, generally not exceeding 19 in. = 483 mm) and has a white underside. Otter (Lutra canadensis) is larger (generally exceeding 35 in. _ 889 mm) and has a longer tail (generally exceeding 12 in. = 305 mm). Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 SOUTHERN MINK Mustela vison mink (South Florida population) (evergladensis) Habitat: A variety of wetland communities, including salt marsh, freshwater marsh, cypress swamp, and hardwood swamp. Seasonal Occurrence: Active year-round. Florida Distribution: Southern Collier County and mainland Monroe and Miami -Dade counties. Range -wide Distribution: Other populations of the subspecies occur throughout the eastern U.S. from Texas to Maine. Conservation Status: No longer trapped for fur. Protected on extensive public conservation lands in the greater Everglades ecosystem. Protection and Management: Maintain a diversity of wetland and adjacent upland communities. Restore hydrology within the Everglades ecosystem. Selected References: Brown 1997, Humphrey (ed.)1992, Humphrey and Setzer 1989. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 WOOD STORK Mycteria americana Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae FNAI Ranks: G4/S2 U.S. Status: Endangered FL Status: Endangered U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wili prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. t r 1 f, © Barry Mansell Description: Very large, white wader with black in wings and a short black tail. Soars with neck and legs extended, displaying its long, broad wings; black flight feathers contrast with white along length of wings. Legs are dark and feet are beige. Adults have bare, scaly, dark -gray heads and necks and long, heavy, decurved bills. Head and neck of immature storks have grayish brown feathering, and their bills are yellowish. Similar Species: American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorynchos) have a similar wing pattern and also soar but have short legs, white tail, and do not fly with necks extended. White ibis (Eudocimus albus; see species account) is much smaller and only has black on wing tips. Great egret (Ardea alba) lacks black on wings. Habitat: Nests colonially in a variety of inundated forested wetlands, including cypress strands and domes, mixed hardwood swamps, sloughs, Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 WOOD STORK Mycteria americana and mangroves. Increasingly nesting in artificial habitats (e.g., impoundments and dredged areas with native or exotic vegetation) in north and central Florida. Forages mainly in shallow water in freshwater marshes, swamps, lagoons, ponds, tidal creeks, flooded pastures and ditches, where they are attracted to falling water levels that concentrate food sources (mainly fish). Seasonal Occurrence: Post -breeding dispersal carries large numbers from more southern locales to more northern parts of range; in winter, northern birds move south. Annual and long-term use of nesting sites is very dependent on feeding conditions, which may be affected dramatically by altered hydrologic patterns. Colonies may form late November - early March in south Florida and February - March in central and northern Florida. Florida Distribution: Locally rare to abundant in the peninsula and Big Bend, but generally rare or lacking in panhandle and the Florida Keys. Uncommon to rare in winter in north. Range -wide Distribution: In U.S., breeds locally in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida (formerly west to Texas). South, locally in lowlands from Mexico and northern Central America to South America (to western Ecuador, eastern Peru, Bolivia, northern Argentina), and rarely in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Winters throughout breeding range except in South Carolina and Georgia. Conservation Status: Many known breeding sites occur within public and private conservation lands. Dramatic decline in the large colonies (>500 individuals) formerly found in south Florida, and trend toward fewer birds distributed among smaller, more numerous colonies in central and northern Florida. Very sensitive to manipulation of water regimes and loss of wetland habitat, which affect both nesting sites and feeding areas. Protection and Management: Survey colony sites and important feeding areas regularly. Essential to protect wetland areas, closely monitor water quality, and manage hydrologic patterns that consider the needs of the wood stork. Selected References: Poole and Gill (eds.) 1999, Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers et al. (eds.) 1996, Runde et al. 1991, Stevenson and Anderson 1994. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 RED -COCKADED WOODPECKER Picoides borealis Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae FNAI Ranks: G3/S2 U.S. Status: Endangered FL Status: Threatened U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state Wildlife Code prohibit take of birds, nests, or eggs. Description: This small woodpecker can be distinguished by its barred, black and white back and wings, black cap and nape, and white cheek patches on each side of the head. Sexes of adults are difficult to distinguish. Red streaks or "cockades" on either side of head of adult males are rarely visible. Juvenile males can be identified by a small, circular patch of red on top of the head that is visible until early fall. This is absent in juvenile females. Similar Species: No other Florida woodpecker has a barred "ladder" or "zebra" back and the large, unbroken white cheek patches. Downy (Picoides pubescens) and hairy (P. villosus) woodpeckers are most likely to he confused, but these species have solid white down the middle of © Barry Mansell the back and a black triangular patch that covers much of the cheek. Habitat: Inhabits open, mature pine woodlands that have a diversity of grass, forb, and shrub species. Generally occupies longleaf pine flatwoods in north and central Florida, mixed longleaf pine and slash pine in south-central Florida, and slash pine in south Florida outside the range of Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 { rx +� V' ti NAT o c_ r A solid white down the middle of © Barry Mansell the back and a black triangular patch that covers much of the cheek. Habitat: Inhabits open, mature pine woodlands that have a diversity of grass, forb, and shrub species. Generally occupies longleaf pine flatwoods in north and central Florida, mixed longleaf pine and slash pine in south-central Florida, and slash pine in south Florida outside the range of Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 RED -COCKADED WOODPECKER Picoides borealis longleaf pine. Forage in several forested habitat types that include pines of various ages, but prefer more mature pines. Seasonal Occurrence: Nonmigratory. Maintains territories throughout year. They are cooperative breeders with young males characteristically remaining in many natal territories. Young females and non -helper males typically disperse a limited distance during their first winter in search of breeding opportunities elsewhere. Social groups or clans generally constrict the use of their home range when nestlings are present and expand their use during fall and winter after young have fledged. Florida Distribution: Occurs locally from the western panhandle through the peninsula to south Florida. Distribution tied to remaining areas of old-growth pine forests. Southernmost occurrence is the Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier and Monroe counties. Range -wide Distribution: Primarily Southeastern Coastal Plain from North Carolina to Texas and southern Arkansas. Currently, populations are highly fragmented, and most are small. As of 1990, nearly 90 percent of active sites were in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Louisiana, and Texas. More than half of the remaining population (9,300 birds) were found on just six sites, while the remaining birds were scattered across more than 100 sites. Conservation Status: Florida has the largest number of active sites in the world, but increasing fragmentation and poor management of appropriate habitat is cause for concern. Largest concentrations occur on federally managed lands (ca. 80 percent of active sites), with state-owned and private lands supporting a significant number of smaller populations. Two largest populations, comprising 70 percent of active sites, occur on Eglin Air Force Base and Apalachicola National Forest, and there is evidence of declines in the latter. Protection and Management: Federal and state agencies must aggressively manage their extensive tracts of pine forests. Habitat quality in such areas depends on fire for maintaining open, park -like conditions. Considerable variation exists in habitat parameters range -wide, resulting in variable home -range sizes depending on amount and quality of available habitat. Focus management actions on both nesting and foraging requirements. Protect additional populations on private lands to help guard against catastrophic events (e.g., hurricanes). Selected References: James 1991, Kulhavy et al. (eds.) 1995, Poole and Gill (eds.) 1994, Robertson and Woolfenden 1992, Rodgers et al. (eds.) 1996, Stevenson and Anderson 1994. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 FLORIDA PANTHER Puma concolor coryi Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae FNAIRanks: G5T1/S1 U.S. Status: Endangered FL Status: Endangered © Jerry Lee Gingerich, DVM Description: A large (70 - 150 lbs. = 32 - 68 kg) cat with a long tail. Fur is dark buff to tawny above and light buff to white below; muzzle and tip of tail are black. The head is broad, and ears are round. Typical track shows four clawless toe pads around a three -lobed heel pad. Defining characteristics of the subspecies are a dorsal hair whorl, a crook in the tail, and white flecking on the neck and shoulders. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 FLORIDA PANTHER Puma concolor corgi Similar Species: Bobcat (Lynx rufus) has a short tail and is approximately half the size of a Florida panther. Western cougars (panthers, pumas; different subspecies) occasionally escape captivity or have been released and can be mistaken for Florida panthers; defining characteristics listed above may be unreliable in distinguishing these close relatives. Habitat: Requires extensive blocks of mostly forested communities. Large wetlands that are generally inaccessible to humans are important for diurnal refuge. Will tolerate improved areas in a mosaic of natural communities. Seasonal Occurrence: Year-round resident. Florida Distribution: Collier, Glades, and I.ee counties are the stronghold for the Florida panther; Miami -Dade and Monroe counties are also important, Dispersing individuals may range well north in the peninsula searching for new territories. Range -wide Distribution: Subspecies formerly found throughout the southeastern U.S. from Arkansas and Louisiana east to Georgia and south to Florida. Conservation Status: Found on several public conservation lands, including Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Fakahatchee State Park, Picayune Strand State Forest, and Everglades National Park. Apparently, numbers are increasing as a result of genetic improvement project. Protection and Management: Preserve large natural or slightly modified landscapes. Maintain viable populations of deer. Develop safe places for crossing highways. Maintain public support for recovery projects. Selected References: Brown 1997, Humphrey (ed.) 1992, Maehr 1997. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 MANGROVE FOX SQUIRREL or BIG CYPRESS FOX SQUIRREL Sciurus niger avicennia Order: Rodentia Family: Sciuridae FNAI Ranks: G5T2/S2 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Threatened 4. © Brad Stith Description: A large (22 - 26 in. = 550 - 660 mm) tree squirrel with variable dorsal fur color. The most common color phase has a black head and dorsal fur with buff sides and belly, white nose and ears, and buff and black tail (see photograph). Other forms may be nearly all black with white muzzle and ears. Few individuals are black and silver. Tail is long, nearly the length of the head and torso. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 r F a © Brad Stith Description: A large (22 - 26 in. = 550 - 660 mm) tree squirrel with variable dorsal fur color. The most common color phase has a black head and dorsal fur with buff sides and belly, white nose and ears, and buff and black tail (see photograph). Other forms may be nearly all black with white muzzle and ears. Few individuals are black and silver. Tail is long, nearly the length of the head and torso. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 MANGROVE FOX SQUIRREL Sciurus niger avicennia or BIG CYPRESS FOX SQUIRREL Similar Species: Gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is smaller (less than 19 in. = 500 mm). Habitat: A variety of forested habitats with open to moderately dense understory and shrub cover. A mosaic of pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks is ideal to provide year-round food and cover. Seasonal Occurrence: Active year-round. Florida Distribution: Occurs southwest of Lake Okeechobee and south of the Caloosahatchee River. Range -wide Distribution: Same as Florida distribution. Conservation Status: Largest protected population may be within Big Cypress National Preserve. Populations are partially protected by Corkscrew Swamp (Audubon Society) and Picayune Strand State Forest. Extensive rangeland and swamps in private ownership provide important habitat for the mangrove fox squirrel. Protection and Management: Protect large areas of pine flatwoods in a mosaic of other forested communities. Burn pine communities every two to five years (April - July, if possible) to maintain open conditions. Allow fires to burn into cypress and other wetland communities to produce broad, diverse transitions between communities. Leave scattered pines and oak trees in rangeland to provide food and cover. Selected References: Brown 1997, Hall 1981, Humphrey (ed.) 1992, Whitaker 1996. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 FLORIDA BLACK BEAR Ursus americanus floridanus Order: Carnivora Family: Ursidae FNAI Ranks: G5T2/S2 U.S. Status: None FL Status: Threatened (does not apply to Baker or Columbia counties or Apalachicola National Forest) © Barry Mansell Description: A large mammal (3 to 3.5 ft. = 2.8 - 3.2 m at the shoulder) with glossy black hair and a brown muzzle. Females average approximately 180 lbs. (82 kg); males average approximately 250 lbs. (113 kg). Individuals in southern Florida may lose their dorsal guard hairs, exposing the woolly brown undercoat. A white chest patch may be present on some individuals. Tail is short and inconspicuous. Ears are round and widely separated. In males, front feet range from 3.5 - 5.5 in. (89 -140 mm) Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 FLORIDA BLACK BEAR Ursus americanus floridanus by 3.3 - 5.9 in. (84 - 150 mm); rear feet measure 3 in. (76 mm) by 5.5 - 8.7 in. (140 - 221 mm). Sign may include shredded cabbage palm, torn -up logs, and large scratches on trees. Scat (droppings) generally similar to that of dogs, but may vary in consistency and may contain a mix of seeds, hairs, and grasses. Similar Species: A large, black dog could be mistaken for a black bear, but does not compare in size or foot measurements. Habitat: A wide variety of forested communities is needed to support the varied seasonal diet of black bears. Forested wetlands are particularly important for diurnal cover. Baygalls (bayheads) are important for cover and dens. Seasonal Occurrence: Active year-round. Florida Distribution: Historically ranged across nearly all of Florida. Currently, occurs discontinuously across the state with substantial populations in the Apalachicola to Big Bend area, Baker and Columbia counties, Ocala National Forest region, and Collier to Highlands counties. Range -wide Distribution: Florida, extreme southern Alabama, and southeastern Georgia. Conservation Status: Protected on several large areas of public land, including Apalachicola National Forest, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Eglin Air Force Base, Ocala National Forest, Osceola National Forest, Pinhook Swamp Wildlife Management Area, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Protection and Management: Through purchase or easement, protect additional habitat to support viable populations of bears. Other threats in addition to habitat loss include poaching and collisions with vehicles. Maintain a diversity of habitats over extensive acreage, including dense baygalls that are inaccessible to humans. Selected References: Brown 1997, Hall 1981, Humphrey (ed.) 1992, Whitaker 1996. Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001 EXHIBIT E APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR HERBICIDE TREATMENT UIFAS Extension UNIVERSITY of SI.[1RMA Brazilian Pepper -tree Control Ken Gioeli and Ken Langeland' Common Name: Brazilian Pepper -tree Scientific Name: Schinus terebinthifolius Family Name: Anacardiaceae, Sumac Family Figure 1. The Brazillian pepper -tree is an aggressive non-native invader that needs to be controlled throughout Florida. Florida's natural ecosystems are being degraded by an invasion of non-native plants. This invasion is partially responsible for the declining numbers and quality of native biotic communities throughout Florida. Brazilian pepper -tree is one of the most aggressive of these non-native invaders. Where once there were ecologically productive mangrove communities, now there are pure stands of Brazilian pepper -trees. Scrub and pine flatwood SS -AGR -17 communities are also being affected by this invasion. Nearly all terrestrial ecosystems in central and southern Florida are being encroached upon by the Brazilian pepper -tree. Land managers and home owners now are realizing the need to remove and stop the spread of Brazilian pepper -trees. History Brazilian pepper -tree is a native of Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. It is thought to have been introduced into Florida around 1842-1849 as a cultivated ornamental plant. Schinus is the Greek word for mastic -tree, a plant with resinous sap, which this genus resembles. The species name terebinthi- folius is a combination of the genus name Terebinthus and the Latin word folia, leaf. It refers to the leaves of Brazilian pepper -tree that resemble the leaves of species in the genus Terebinthus. Habitat Brazilian pepper -tree is sensitive to cold temperatures, so it is more abundant in southern Florida and protected areas of central and north Florida. Brazilian pepper -tree success- fully colonizes native tree hammocks, pine flatlands, and mangrove forest communities. 1. This document is SS -AGR -17, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, OF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date April 1997. Revised February 2009. Reviewed January 2015. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2. Ken Gioeli, courtesy Extension agent I, St. Lucie County; and Ken Langeland, professor, Agronomy Department, OF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611. The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. OF/IFAS does not guarantee orwarrantythe products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. Use herbicides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer's label. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other OF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county's OF/IFAS Extension office. U.S. Department of Agriculture, OF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for OF/IFAS Extension. Identification Seedlings The cotyledons are simple with both the apex and the base having an obtuse outline. The margin is generally curved inward on one side. The first true leaves are simple with a toothed margin (Figure 2). The later leaves are compound (Figure 3). Cotyledon stage Figure 2. Brazilian pepper seedlings. First leaf stage Figure 3. Leaves and fruits of mature Brazilian pepper -tree. Mature Plant Brazilian pepper -tree is a shrub or small tree to 10 m (33 ft) tall with a short trunk usually hidden in a dense head of contorted, intertwining branches. The leaves have a reddish, sometimes winged midrib, and have 3 to 13 sessile, oblong or elliptic, finely toothed leaflets, 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) long (Figure 3). Leaves smell of turpentine when crushed. The plants have separate male or female flowers and each sex occurs in clusters on separate plants. The male and female flowers are both white and are made up of five parts with male flowers having 10 stamens in 2 rows of 5 (Figure 4). Petals are 1.5 mm (0.6 in) long. The male flowers also have a lobed disc within the stamens. The fruits are in clusters, glossy, green and juicy at first, becoming bright red on ripening, and 6 mm (2.4 in) wide. The red skin dries to become a papery shell surrounding the seed. The seed is dark brown and 0.3 mm (0.1 in) in diameter. Figure 4. Male and female flowers of mature Brazilian pepper -tree. Biology Seedlings are flood -tolerant, but rapid change of water level up or down causes some mortality. About 20 percent of seedlings exposed to fire re -sprout. Flowering occurs predominantly from September through November. Male flowers last only 1 day. Female flowers last up to 6 days and are pollinated by insects. Fruits usually are mature by December. Birds and mammals are the chief means of seed dispersal. Seed viability is 30 to 60 percent and can last up to 2 months, but declines to 0.05 percent at 5 months. Many native species have a lower percentage of germination than Schinus. The high seed viability combined with animal dispersing agents may explain colonization by Brazilian pepper -tree in our native plant communities. Seedlings have a high rate of survival and some can be found all year. Any break in the tree canopy can be exploited by seedlings. Reproduction can occur 3 years after germination. Some trees can live for about 35 years. Brazilian Pepper -tree Control 2 Control Using Herbicides Herbicides are available that aid in the control of Brazilian pepper -trees (Table 1). Only those herbicides that are recommended for Brazilian pepper -tree control should be used. They are safe and effective when used correctly. It is illegal to use an herbicide in a manner inconsistent with the label's instructions; therefore, read the label carefully and follow the instructions. Herbicide Application to Cut -Stump Brazilian pepper -trees can be controlled by cutting them down and treating the stumps with herbicide. A saw should be used to cut the trunk as close to the ground as possible. Within 5 minutes, an herbicide that contains the active ingredient glyphosate or triclopyr should be applied as carefully as possible to the thin layer of living tissue, called the cambium, which is just inside the bark of the stump (Figure 5). -U (non -living) blurn (living) Figure 5. Brazilian pepper -tree stump showing location of the cambium layer. The best time to cut Brazilian pepper -trees is when they are not fruiting because seeds contained in the fruits have the capability of producing new Brazilian pepper -trees. If Brazilian pepper -trees that have fruits attached are cut, care should be taken not to spread the fruits to locations where they can cause future problems. Fruiting Brazilian pepper - trees can be controlled using a basal bark herbicide applica- tion. Information about basal bark herbicide applications is described in the next section. Caution: Avoid touching the tree's cambium. A rash can result. Some individuals are very sensitive to touching only the leaves. Use proper protective gear when sawing the tree and applying the herbicides. Basal Bark Herbicide Application Brazilian pepper -trees can be controlled using basal bark herbicide application. An application of an herbicide product that contains triclopyr ester is applied to the Brazilian pepper -tree's bark between one half and one foot from the ground. Garlon 4® is diluted with a penetrating oil. Pathfinder II* is pre -mixed with a penetrating oil. The herbicide will pass through the bark. Therefore, girdling the tree's trunk is not necessary and, in fact, may reduce the effectiveness. Once the basal bark treatment has been completed, it may take several weeks before there is evidence that the tree has been controlled. Defoliation and the presence of termites are indicators that the treatment has been successful. Basal bark treatments are most effective in the fall when the Brazilian pepper -trees are flowering. This is due to the high level of translocation occurring within the tree. Fruiting occurs during winter, and Brazilian pepper -trees that have been controlled using a basal bark treatment may retain their fruit. This situation will require that the area be checked for seedlings on a regular basis. Foliar Herbicide Application Foliar herbicide application can be used on Brazilian pepper -tree seedlings. An herbicide containing triclopyr or glyphosate is applied directly to the tree's foliage. Results of a foliar application will be wilting of leaves. The herbicide will be translocated to other parts of the tree, thus effec- tively controlling the Brazilian pepper -tree. Caution: Foliar applications require considerably more herbicide to control Brazilian pepper -tree. Also, damage to nearby plants resulting from wind drift of the herbicide should be avoided. Biological Control Currently, there are no biological controls that have been released in the United States for Brazilian pepper -tree. Over 200 insects have been identified that feed on Brazilian pepper -trees in the tree's native land. However, in order for them to be considered as possible biological control agents, scientists must prove that they are specific to Brazilian pepper -trees. Effective biological control agents must be able to reproduce after introduction into the United States. University of Florida scientists have identified two insect species that may prove to be effective biological control agents, a sawfly and a thrips. The sawfly causes defoliation and the thrips feeds on new shoots. OF scientists expect au- thorization to release these insects in the future. However, Brazilian Pepper -tree Control 3 their effectiveness for controlling Brazilian pepper -trees in Florida is as yet unknown. For more information, see OF/IFAS EDIS publication ENY- 820 Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolius) in Florida at http://edis.ifas.ufl. edu/IN114 and EENY-270 Brazilian Peppertree Seed Wasp, Megastigmus transmalensis (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN453. Table 1. Herbicides and application methods for Brazilian pepper -tree control. Active ingredient' Application Methods Glyphosate Cut stump Foliar Imazapyr (2 Ib/gallon) Cut stump Foliar (low volume) Basal bark Triclopyr amine Cut stump Foliar Triclopyr ester Cut stump Foliar Basalbark ' Based on the acid. ,:;L"p•::.-..r-.•=,','.sAMRiC 5,1, Brazilian Pepper -tree Control Comments Some products available in small containers from retail garden suppliers. Some products may be applied directly to water Should only be applied by licensed herbicide applicators. Some products available in small containers from retail garden suppliers. Some products may be applied directly to water Available from agricultural suppliers. May not be applied directly to water. 4 Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edisJfas.ufl,edu or your local extension office UFFLORIDA IFAS Extension Professional Applicator's Guide to Herbicides for Mealeuca Controls K. A. Langeland and Michael J. Meisenburg2 Introduction Herbicides are used for integrated management of melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) trees to kill existing trees. Products with the herbicide active ingredients glyphosate, imazapyr, triclopyr, and hexazinone are used depending on the application method and other factors, including presence of non -target vegetation in the application area. Four application methods, foliar, frill -and -girdle, cut stump, and basal (applied to the soil) are used depending on extent of the population and other factors. Helicopter, truck, or all terrain vehicle (atv)-mounted sprayers, backpack sprayers, and hand-held spray bottles, and dropper bottles are used for application of herbicide. Various adjuvants may be added to the spray mixture to aid or modify the action of the herbicide or the physical characteristics of the mixture. A marker dye is often added to the spray solution to help visualize where herbicide is applied. SSAGR258 All herbicides used for melaleuca control have very low toxicity to wildlife and low risk to humans. Because of the potential for repeated exposure, applicators are required to wear personal protective equipment, which is described on the herbicide manufacturer's label when mixing, loading, or applying herbicides. Glyphosate, imazapyr, triclopyr, and hexazinone differ in their chemical characteristics and impact on non -target vegetation, which will influence the choice of herbicide for each application site. Another consideration when choosing the appropriate herbicide is the presence or absence of standing water on a site when the herbicide is applied because some herbicide products are registered for application over water while some are not. Additional information on herbicide characteristics and application techniques can be found in IFAS publication SP 295, "Natural Area Weed Management", which can be ordered by calling the IFAS Extension Bookstore at 800/226-1764 or at http://ifasbooks.ufl.edu, 1. This document is SS -AGR -258, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date October 2005. Reviewed October 2008 and April 2011. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2. K. A. Langeland, professor, Agronomy Department, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants; M. J. Meisenburg, graduate assistant, Agronomy Department; Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UFAFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer's label. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discriminatlon with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer -Chancy, Interim Dean Archival copy: for current recommendations see littp://edis ifas,ufl.edu or your local extension office. Professional Applicator's Guide to Herbicides for Melaleuca Control 2 Herbicides Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum, water-soluble herbicide whose mode of action is inhibition of amino acid synthesis. Because of its solubility characteristics, glyphosate requires addition of a surfactant in the spray mixture to aid in foliar uptake. Some glyphosate -containing products (Roundup Pro, Accord XRT, Glyphosate Herbicide VMF, Touchdown Pro, Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate) contain a surfactant that is added by the manufacturer, while a surfactant must be added to other products (Rodeo, Aquamaster, Aquaneat, Aquapro, Accord Concentrate) according to label instructions by the user. Roundup Pro, Accord XRT, Glyphosate Herbicide VMF, Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Super Concentrate are labeled only for application to dry sites, whereas Rodeo, Aquamaster, Aquaneat, Aquapro, Accord Concentrate, and Touchdown Pro are labeled for sites where there is standing water. When applied as a foliar treatment or directly into the plants (as in cut surface applications), glyphosate translocates throughout the plant. Glyphosate is not absorbed by plant roots because it is adsorbed strongly upon contact with the soil. Therefore, damage to non -target vegetation as a result of root uptake is minimal. Caution must be taken to avoid contact of the herbicide spray with the leaves and green stems of non -target plants. Imazapyr (Arsenal - labeled for dry sites, Habitat - labeled for aquatic sites) is a broad-spectrum, water-soluble herbicide whose mode of action is inhibition of amino acid synthesis. It differs with glyphosate in that it is taken up more rapidly and readily by plant leaves and is also readily absorbed from the soil by plant roots. It also remains active in the soil for up to three years when applied to dry ground. Application of imazapyr can cause damage to non -target plants if it contacts foliage or enters the soil and comes into contact with their roots in sufficient quantity. Triclopyr affects many woody plant species and broadleaf herbaceous species but grass species are relatively tolerant to it. It controls plants by disrupting tissue development and other physiological processes. It is absorbed primarily through foliage and to some extent by plant roots. Damage to non -target vegetation as a result of root uptake is more likely in porous, low organic matter -containing soils. Triclopyr is manufactured as amine salt (Garlon 3A, Renovate 3 - labeled for aquatic sites) or ester (Garlon 4, Pathfinder II). The amine salt is water soluble and the ester is oil soluble. The ester -containing product, Garlon 4 contains emulsifiers so that it can be mixed with water in low concentrations. Both formulations are absorbed through leaf tissues but a surfactant is necessary to aid uptake of the amine. Hexazinone is a broad spectrum, water soluble herbicide whose mode of action is photosynthesis inhibition. It is predominantly absorbed by plant roots with negligible uptake by leaves. It is manufactured as a liquid (Velpar L), dry flowable (Velpar DF) and ultra -low -weight granule (Velpar ULW). Like imazapyr, it can kill or cause injury to sensitive non -target woody vegetation if it comes in contact with their roots. Cypress (Taxodium spp.) and pine (Pinus spp.) are tolerant. Hexazinone has a typical half life in soils of 90 days but disappears from porous soils more rapidly through leaching. Shallow rooted herbaceous species, particularly grasses, will recover in treated sites. Hexazinone is labeled only for application on dry sites. Application Methods Foliar applications for mclalcuca control are mainly used for treating sapling trees (less than four feet tall) that cannot be hand -pulled and for large -area applications to mature trees where little non -target vegetation exists. Saplings are treated with herbicide diluted in water as a low volume application, using a backpack or hand-held equipment, with one of the following: 1) Glyphosate solution equivalent to 5% product that contains 3-4 lb per gallon glyphosate acid and 1% imazapyr product that contains 2 lb imazapyr acid per gallon, or 2) 3% glyphosate product solution plus 3% imazapyr product solution. Surfactant must be added to the spray mixture if it is not already contained in the products used. Solution containing 5% glyphosate product and surfactant Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis ifas ufl.edu or your local extension office Professional Applicator's Guide to Herbicides for Melaleuca Control 3 alone can be used, but some re -sprouting may occur that will require follow-up treatment. Surfactant products that contain methylated seed oil are most effective. For broadcast applications to control large areas of mature trees, 3 lb glyphosate acid per acre plus 1.5 lb imazapyr acid per acre (e.g. 6 pints Rodeo + 6 pints Habitat), plus methylated seed oil surfactant are applied by helicopter. For complete coverage, the application is made in at least two overlapped passes in opposite directions with 20 gallons per acre (GPA) total volume (10 GPA each pass). Nozzles with small orifices (0.020-0.030) are recommended for best coverage. Frill and girdle applications are used for outlier trees or for large stands where aerial application is not desirable. It is much more labor intensive than aerial application but non -target damage is minimal compared to aerial application. A machete is used to cut through the bark deep enough to expose the living tissue just inside the bark (cambium layer) (Figure 1). Cuts are made in a downward direction so that the severed bark is left to contain the herbicide mixture. Herbicide solution (diluted in water) of 25% product that contains 3-4 lb per gallon glyphosate acid and 25% imazapyr product that contains 2 lb imazapyr acid per gallon (Habitat or Arsenal) is applied to the girdle in sufficient quantity to thoroughly wet the tissue. A hand-held spray bottle is usually used to apply the herbicide (Figure 2). Damage to non -target vegetation can occur if the imazapyr is washed from the girdle to the soil. A solution of 50-100% glyphosate product alone can be used but tree mortality may be consistent. A solution of 10% imazapyr-containing product and 50% glyphosate -containing product can also be used to reduce non -target damage. Cut stump application is the most labor intensive application mcthod and is only used when it is not desirable, for reasons of safety or aesthetics, to leave dead trees standing. Trees, depending on size, are felled with a brush lopper, hand -saw, or chain saw as close to the ground as possible and as level as possible. Herbicide will tend to run off of slanting cuts made with a machete, and mortality will be less consistent. Sawdust, which can adsorb herbicide and Figure 1. Frill and girdle application: A machete is used to cut through the bark deep enough to expose the living tissue just inside the bark Figure 2. Frill and girdle application: A hand-held spray bottle is usually used to apply the herbicide. prevent it from entering the stump, should be brushed from the cut surface before applying herbicide. Herbicide solution should be concentrated just inside the bark, where the living tissue of the tree is located. A 10-25% solution of product that contains 2 lb imazapyr acid per gallon (Habitat or Arsenal) is most often used. A 50% solution or 100% of product that contains 3-4 lb per gallon glyphosate acid is also effective and can be used to minimize potential of non -target damage. Herbicide solution should be applied as soon as possible after cutting. Hand-held spray bottles or dropper bottles (Figure 3) can be used to apply the herbicide solution. Dropper bottles are very effective for concentrating the herbicide solution to the cambium area. If stumps are not cut close to the ground, re -sprouting is more likely to occur, especially following glyphosate applications. Archival copy: for current recommendations see http://edis.ifas ufl.edu or your local extension office. Professional Applicator's Guide to Herbicides for Melaleuca Control 4 Triclopyr products are less consistent than those that contain glyphosate or imazapyr and are only recommended as an alternative to howeowners with a small number of trees, because these products are available in retail garden supplies in small quantities. Figure 3. Dropper bottle. Basal (soil) applications of 4 lb hexazinone active ingredient per acre are applied for melaleuca control. Liquid (Velpar L) and dry flowable (Velpar DF) products are applied by helicopter for large area treatments. These applications could be considered as foliar applications because the herbicide is applied over the tree canopy and foliage but is described here because herbicidal activity probably occurs after the herbicide reaches the soil and is taken up by roots. Granular hexazinone (Velpar ULW) is applied with ground equipment using a specialized blower. EXHIBIT F IFAS EXTENTION PRESCRIBED BURNING REGULATIONS AND FLORIDA LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM PRACTICE STANDARD FOR CREATING FOREST OPENINGS UFIFLORIDA WAS Extension Prescribed Burning Regulations in Floridal Alan J. Longe Prescribed burning is a precise too] for vegetation management that requires permits, proper training, care, caution and control. As defined in Florida Statutes (FS) Section 590.125, it is the controlled application of fire to vegetative fuels according to a written prescription and under specified environmental conditions. Appropriate precautionary measures must be followed to ensure that the fire accomplishes the specified land management objectives and is confined to the predetermined fire area. When improperly managed, fire can kill or damage trees and small numbers of animals; it may also create smoke problems for people. Despite these potential problems, prescribed burning contributes significantly to wildland resource health and public safety. Properly managed, it: • reduces the risk of wildfire by decreasing shrub and herbaceous vegetation and accumulated dead fuels, • improves wildlife or grazing habitat, • promotes successful forest regeneration, FOR 67 • cycles nutrients for healthy ecosystems, and • maintains fire -dependent species. Figure 1. The controlled application of fire is an important tool for maintaining a healthy and safe forest. Photo by Bill Simpson, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 1. This document is FOR 67, one of a series of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First published November 1999. Revisions: April 2002, and February 2011. Please visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2. Alan J. Long, Professor Emeritus, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0410. This publication was produced by the University of Florida with assistance from a grant from the Advisory Council on Environmental Education of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational Information and other services only to individuals and Institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer -Chancy, Interim Dean Prescribed Burning Regulations in Florida 2 Prescribed burning is not "setting fire to the woods" to let them burn as our ancestors may have done decades or centuries ago, although they often did so for some of the same reasons we do today. Rather it is the planned and deliberate use of controlled fire to achieve land management objectives (Figure 1). An important difference between today and the past is the enormous increase in human population in Florida. Protecting people from physical harm, smoke-filled air, and poor water quality is the basis for the regulations and standards that now govern prescribed burning. This fact sheet briefly describes the origins of burning regulations and summarizes the current regulatory environment. History of State Fire Regulations Regulations are basically in two formats: statutes derived from bills that pass the Florida Legislature and additional administrative rules written to clarify and implement the statutes. In both formats, the general objectives are to resolve state-wide concerns or opportunities or to provide state compliance with federal regulations such as the 1970 Clean Air Act and its revisions. Although fire -related regulations are mainly at the state level in Florida, additional rules have been imposed as local ordinances in both counties and cities. Burning regulations in Florida are at least 70 years old. For example, the Forestry and Timber Laws of the State of Florida (Florida Forest Service Bulletin No. 10, March 1934) included the statement, "Whoever sets fire to or burns any wild forests, woods, lands or marshes, except between February 15 and March 31, of each year, or between the said dates without giving two days' previous notice to all persons living within one mile of the place intended to be fired, shall be punished by imprisonment not exceeding sixty days, or by fine not exceeding one hundred dollars." Other early laws banned burning at any time in Brevard, Indian River, and St. Lucie Counties (Laws of 1927), or allowed burning in Columbia County as long as it was on one's own property and was not allowed to spread elsewhere (Special Act of 1929). For many years these rules focused on burning restrictions to prevent disastrous human -caused wildfires. The rules have been refined over the years and are currently summarized for landowners in the Florida Division of Forestry (DOF) pamphlet Know the Law Before You Strike That Match in Florida. These guidelines are available at all Division of Forestry and many county and municipal fire service offices. The 1970 Federal Clean Air Act resulted in the establishment of specific air quality standards and the provision that each state would meet those standards through individual State Implementation Plans. A number of new burning regulations and rules in Florida in the last 40 years represent the state's response to the Clean Air Act, ensuring that smoke from prescribed burns will not affect compliance with air quality standards. Similarly, in response to the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act, individual states are responsible for preventing the degradation of streams, rivers, and lakes. Protection of Florida waterways that are in or flow through forests is achieved by following guidelines described in the Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs). The BMPs were developed by representatives from many agencies and organizations and are monitored by the Florida DOF. Those that are relevant to prescribed burning are described later in this paper. Recent Legislation As the use of prescribed burning expanded throughout the Southeast in the last 40 to 50 years, so did the incidence of smoke -related accidents on highways and smoke intrusions in urban and metropolitan areas. Along with these unfortunate, unplanned events came real or potential liability issues. By the late 1980s, prescribed burning was often curtailed because of the substantial risks of some type of litigation. In 1990, the Florida Legislature passed the Florida Prescribed Burning Act that provided the definition cited at the beginning of this fact sheet. This act defined important standards for prescribed burning and reduced the liability for burners who were properly certified and abided by the new and existing regulations. Prescribed Burning Regulations in Florida 3 Despite the increased use of prescribed burning, a long history of wildfire control and the lack of prescribed burning in many forested ecosystems have substantially increased the amount of living and dead fuels on many of the state's forest lands. Long before the 1998 fires, which were often intensified by these accumulated fuels, people around the state recognized the potential disasters that were developing on rural lands and in wildland/urban interface areas where residential development was mixed with dense forest and brush lands. The Hawkins Bill (1977) gave the DOF the authority to conduct prescribed burns on private property in interface or other wildland areas to reduce dangerous fuel levels. Against this background of rules, regulations and experience, the 1998 fires clearly demonstrated the need to promote and protect prescribed burning across the state as well as to increase cooperation among diverse agencies involved in fire suppression and prevention. With those objectives, the 1999 Florida Legislature passed a bill that combined and revised all previous statutes related to prescribed burning and fire control. Accompanying rules in the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) were similarly updated and revised. Some of the most important changes focused on the following: • increased attention to fuel reduction in interface and other wildland areas, • increased public education about fire and prescribed burning, • much greater liability protection for certified burners, and • expanded burn permit conditions. The statutes and code have been through additional minor revisions since 1999.The following summary includes all the important rules and regulations with which individual prescribed burners and landowners should be familiar. However, successful prescribed burning requires much more information and experience than just this understanding of regulations. You are strongly encouraged to fully understand fire behavior and prescribed burning methods before striking a match! Florida Statutes for Prescribed Burning This summary does not intend to cover trash or other open burning in back yards. Refer to the DOF pamphlets Know the Law Before You Strike That Match Florida. Whether or not prescribed burners have been certified (as defined below) by the Florida DOF, all prescribed fires must (according to FS 590.125) fulfill the following: Be authorized by the local DOF office, or its designated agent before the fire is ignited. The permit must be in writing if the burn area is within an area of severe drought emergency (FS 590.081). 2. Have adequate fire breaks around the planned burn area, and sufficient personnel and firefighting equipment for controlling the fire must be on site. 3. Remain within the boundary of the authorized area. 4. Have someone present at the burn site until the fire is extinguished (which is defined as no spreading flame). 5. Have the specific consent of the landowner or his or her designee. The DOF issues a burning authorization or permit once they determine that air quality and fire danger are favorable for safe burning. The DOF can cancel authorizations if those conditions change. Burning in a manner that violates any of these requirements is a second-degree misdemeanor. Certified prescribed fires have additional requirements (FS 590.125,): 1. A written prescription must be prepared before a burning authorization is received from the DOF. 2. A certified prescribed burn manager must be on site with a copy of the written prescription from ignition of the burn to its completion. Prescribed Burning Regulations in Florida 4 A "certified prescribed burn manager" is an individual who satisfactorily completes the DOF certification program and possesses a valid certification number. The certification program includes either a correspondence course, classroom version of the correspondence course or one-week training course, direct experience managing or helping conduct at least three prescribed burns, and recertification every five years. Certification renewal requires a minimum eight hours of approved training or participation in approved Fire Council meetings and use of the certified burner's number on at least two bumsor documented participation in five burns. See FAC 51-2.006 for additional rules about certification and prescribed burning (https: //www. firules. org/gateway/Chapter- home.asp?Chapter=51-2). A certified prescribed fire that meets all the requirements described in FS 590.125 is considered to be in the public interest and a right of the property owner. Under the 1999 legislation, "a property owner or his or her agent is neither liable for damage or injury caused by the fire or resulting smoke ... for (certified) burns conducted in accordance with this subsection unless gross negligence is proven." The "gross negligence" condition provides substantially more protection to landowners and certified burners than under previous law. A certified burner who violates any of the requirements commits a second-degree misdemeanor. Administrative Rules for Prescribed Burning To comply with the 1999 statute changes, the Florida Administrative Code was also revised. Important rules (see Chapter 5I-2, F.A.C.) for prescribed burning include the following: 1. Daytime burning authorizations are issued for 9:00 a.m. to one hour before sunset for noncertified burners and to one hour after sunset for certified burners. 2. Nighttime authorizations are issued for one hour before sunset to 9:00 a.m., under dispersion indices of 8 or higher and 6 or higher for noncertified and certified burners, respectively. Certified burners must present their number at the time of their permit request, and they must have a copy of the prescription on site for inspection. 4. Minimum requirements for the prescription include stand, site, and fuel description; map of the area to be burned; personnel and equipment to be used; desired weather factors; desired fire behavior; ignition technique; time and date the prescription was prepared; authorization date and time period; an evaluation and approval of the anticipated impact of the proposed burn on smoke -sensitive areas; and signature and number of the certified burn manager. (Prescriptions are not required for fires managed by non -certified burners but are highly recommended for planning and control purposes). 5. Piles or windrows must be at least 100 feet from paved, public highways; they must be attended at all times: and wind direction must carry smoke from them away from public roads. 6. Open burning is not allowed: • when the fire or smoke may pose a threat to public health, safety, and property protection; • in smoke -sensitive areas between one hour before sunset and 9:00 a.m.; • when visibility on public roads would be reduced to less than 1,000 feet; • if it reduces visibility at a public airport; • during air quality or stagnation advisories. Local Ordinances Local legislation (city or county) can be more restrictive than state and federal rules, but not in conflict with them. For example, you are required to obtain a permit from the Florida DOF to be legal for any prescribed fire or other open burning. However, you may also be required to obtain a permit from your local governing authority to be compliant with local ordinances. It is the responsibility of prescribed Prescribed Burning Regulations in Florida 5 burners to make themselves aware of any applicable local regulations regarding burning permits. Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs) The 2000 BMPs are intended for implementation on all silviculture operations (which may include prescribed burning) whether or not the operations are subject to other regulatory standards or permits. The primary goal of the BMPs is to prevent erosion and sedimentation in Florida's waterways. Several BMPs relate specifically to prescribed burning and are described in more detail in the BMP manual (which is available at Division of Forestry offices or on the DOF websites; see Sources Below): 1. Site preparation burning in either primary or secondary Special Management Zones (SMZs) will only be conducted on slopes less than 18%. 2. Existing barriers and alternative fire line methods (such as harrowed, wet, or foam lines) will be used as much as possible to minimize plowed firelines. 3. Fireline construction will minimize impacts in sensitive areas, avoid SMZs and stream crossings, follow contours, and not connect isolated wetlands or serve as drainage systems. Summary Prescribed burning is one important tool available to land owners and natural resource managers for maintaining healthy forests and range lands. Significant regulatory changes in the last decade have greatly enhanced the opportunities for responsible use of prescribed fire. Proper training, thorough prior planning, careful fire and smoke management, and practicing within the regulatory environment will assure wider use of prescribed fire and continued protection for land owners and managers. Sources • Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Know the Law Before You Strike That Match in Florida. 2 p. • Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 2009. Silviculture Best Management Practices. 116 p. (http://www.fl-dof.com/publications/ silvicultural_bmp_manual2009.pdf FLORIDA LANDOWNER INCENTIVE PROGRAM PRACTICE STANDARD CREATING FOREST OPENINGS DEFINITION Creation of early -successional openings and ecutunes to provide habitat structure and composition for listed species. PURPOSES This practice may be applied as par(of a conservation managemew system to support one or more orthe following purposes: • To improve wildlife habitat for species at risk. To prepare listed species habitat sites for seeding or planting. • To improve plant survival benefiting species at risk. ■ To restore and maintain ecological sites beneficial to species at risk. CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES This practice may be applied on any private land where deemed needed to improve habitat conditions for listed species in compliance with practice standards and specifications. CRITERIA I. General Critcria Applicable to All Purposes The method(s) of treatment, to improve habitat structure and composition for species at risk, shall be determined by the assigned biologist conducting the Needs Assessment. Application of the prescribed treatment will be based on the GIS analysis, site examination, and featured species or species groups. The PWC biologist, based oil the site examination shall determine the size, shape, and location of permanent openings and or habitat linkages. The landowner shall obtain all necessary permits before implementation of the practice. Planning, application, clearing, and disposal methods shall comply .with all applicable Pedcral, State, and local laws, rules and regulations. ll. Specific Criteria to Improve Wildlife Habitat Clearing shall be done when the soil moisture content is such that soil structural damage or compaction is minimized. A 50 -foot wide undisturbed area will be left between the area being cleared and all wetlands, water bodies and perennial streams. Temporary cover will be established as necessary to control sheet and rill and/or wind erosion on the cleared area until the planned land use is in place. The cleared area steal I be left in a condition that will facilitate the planned use and treatment of the land. Limit pushing the clearing debris into standing or green timber due to increased maintenance issues for rc- cicaring and the potential of creating a fire hazard. A pile should not be closer than 100 feet (ft) from adjacent woodland, buildings, or roads. Ill. Specilic Criteria to Improve Plant Survival Permanent openings may not exceed 20% of the property. Openings must be maintained in native early successional (grass/legune/forb) vegetation, which must be maintained for the duration of the practice. "file area must be protected from destructive wildfire and Shall not be grazed by domestic livestock for the duration of the practice. CONSIDERATIONS Consideration must be given to maintaining existing habitat for species at risk. The site preparation method should be cost effective and protect threatened and endangered species, cultural resources, wildlife habitat, water resources, and identified unique areas. Attention should also be given to soil productivity, preventing erosion, and conserving unique vegetative communities. Visual quality objectives should be considered when selecting site preparation methods. Anticipate possible off-site effects and modify the site preparation design accordingly. Consider personnel safety during site preparation activities. Consider using methods that cause the least disturbance to the ground surface. Land clearing when the soil is frozen or during a dry summer period can help to minimize disturbance and movement of topsoil. Land clearing is usually more efficient if tltc tree is less than Ll inches in diameter. For larger trees, the root wad or crown should be removed during drier soil conditions. Rough pushing under wet conditions can create deep rutting and can bury debris complicating final cleanup. if a salvage harvest is made before clearing, leaving taller stumps will facilitate final clearing and grubbing activities. Strip clearing, windrowing debris, and maintaining den and food trees can minimize impacts on wildlife. The orientation and layout of berm piles should be considered. Consider chaining or pushing trees down parallel to each other, and to follow topographical contours. The pile should be high, narrow, compact and fi•ee of topsoil. Piles with excess debris do not cure properly. Berms are normally 15 to 25 ft wide by 10 to 15 ft high, and are spaced 150 to 200 ft apart. A break of 30 ft between berms is recommended for every 200 ft of berm length to act as a firebreak, allow natural drainage or runoff, and facilitate equipment. Land clearing can increase the volume and rate of runoff. This is more pronounced on steeper land. Consider the steepness of slope when selecting the size and type of equipment needed to clear land. Consider activities to minimize the spread or introduction of weeds into a newly cleared field. Consider the disposal of vegetation with regards to carbon sequestration. Burying, composting, or mulching the debris Would limit the release of carbon. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE The following actions shall be carried out to ensure that this practice functions as intended throughout its expected life. These actions include normal repetitive activities in application and use of the practice (operation). and repair and upkeep of the practice (maintenance): Access by vehicles during site preparation/operation or after (i,c., before adequate vegetation establishment occurs) should be controlled to minimize erosion. compaction and other site impacts. Use of the area shall be managed as long as necessary to stabilize the site and achieve the intended purpose. A maintenance program shall be established to maintain and restore natural vegetative cover awhile Controlling undesired and exotic vegetation. Watercourses and water quality shall be protected during and after removal of trees and vegetation. Avoid crossing with heavy equipment when wet.