Transcript Endangered Species Conservation in South Florida

South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
Conservation Opportunities and
Partnerships in Collier County
Endangered Species Protection through
Habitat Conservation Plans
Paul Souza
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
South Florida Ecological Services Office
Vero Beach, Florida
November 21, 2005
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
Threatened and Endangered
Species in Collier County
Mammals
Florida panther (E)
West Indian manatee (E, CH)
Reptiles
American crocodile (T)
American alligator (SA)
Eastern indigo snake (T)
Green sea turtle (E)
Loggerhead sea turtle (T)
Birds
Audubon’s crested caracara (T)
Bald eagle (T)
Cape Sable seaside sparrow (E,CH)
Everglades snail kite (E)
Florida scrub-jay (T)
Red-cockaded Woodpecker (E)
Piping plover (T)
Wood Stork (E)
E= endangered; T= threatened; CH= critical habitat; SA= similarity of appearance
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
Threatened and Endangered
Species in Collier County
FWC Photo
SFWMD Photo
USGS Photo
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
State and Local Species of Concern
Florida black bear
Big Cypress fox squirrel
Gopher tortoise
Other local species
FLDF Photo
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
The Endangered Species Act
Section 7
– Consultation with other Federal agencies to
address potential take of federally listed species
Section 10
– Provides a mechanism for permitting non-Federal
projects that will result in “incidental take” of
federally listed species
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
Habitat Conservation Plan for the
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Coverage for incidental take of the
red-cockaded woodpecker
Protects and restores pine flatwoods
Problems with single species approach
Address all species in area where
impacts are expected (e.g., Florida
panther)
FWC Photo
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
Why Complete an HCP?
Decrease cost and time burden placed on Collier
County’s landowners
Decrease regulatory workload, increase time efficiency
Be proactive to eliminate regulatory surprises
Clear expectations and certainty – Streamlining road
and other infrastructure projects
“Win-Win” for Development and Conservation
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
Multi-Species HCP
Addresses Federal threatened
and endangered species and
State species
Protects several of Collier
County’s rare and unique
habitats
Increases ability to secure HCP
grants
USGS Photo
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
HCP Challenges
Up-front commitment of time and energy
Carefully define scope – What would the HCP cover?
County projects? County permits? Both?
Identify creative approaches to offset impacts
Build public support and build upon Collier County’s
conservation leadership and successes
FWS Photos
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
Take Home Messages
The Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to
providing Collier County with biological assistance
HCPs must address all listed species in action area –
No single-species management
HCPs require up-front commitment of time and energy
for long-term development and conservation benefits
SFWMD Photo
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
Contact information
Paul Souza
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
South Florida Ecological Services Office
1339 20th Street, Vero Beach Florida 32960
(772) 562-3909 http://www.fws.gov/verobeach/
SFWMD Photo
South Florida Ecological Services Office - Vero Beach
USGS Photo
USGS Photo
FWS Photo