Biological Assessment for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Improvement Project

Transcription

1 Biological Assessment for the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Improvement Project On the Ocala National Forest Lake, Marion, Putnam Counties, Florida April 27, 2015 Prepared by: Elizabeth Ramirez Wildlife Biologist Lake George Ranger District Date: Reviewed by: Carrie Sekerak Supervisory Wildlife Biologist Ocala National Forest Date: USDA Forest Service Ocala National Forest Seminole Ranger District State Road 19 Umatilla, FL (352) USDA Forest Service Ocala National Forest Lake George Ranger District East Highway 40 Silver Springs, FL (352)

2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Ocala National Forest is proposing to implement the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) Habitat Improvement project to improve 62,000 acres but would focus restoration in approximately 33,000 acres of habitat for wildlife and rare plants, which would include habitat for red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis), gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), and indigo snakes (Drymarchon corais couperi). This project would aid in meeting continued habitat needs to achieve our recovery goal for the red-cockaded woodpeckers on the forest. The proposed activities on the Ocala National Forest are consistent with and do not exceed the scope of activities described within the Revised Land Resource Management Plan and subsequent amendments. The Biological Assessment of this project has yielded the following effects determinations for federally listed animal and plant species known or potentially occurring in the project area: Table 1. Federally Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species Scientific Name Common Name Effects Determination Picoides borealis Red-cockaded Woodpecker may affect not likely adversely affect (NLAA) Drymarchon corais couperi Eastern Indigo Snake may affect not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) Neoseps reynoldsi Sand Skink may affect likely adversely affect (LAA) Eriogonum longifolium var. Scrub Buckwheat may affect not likely adversely affect (NLAA) gnaphalifolium Nolina brittoniana Britton s Bear Grass may affect not likely adversely affect (NLAA) The effects determination above for the red-cockaded woodpecker, eastern indigo snake, scrub buckwheat and Britton s bear grass, differs from the may adversely effect determination make in the Revised LRMP because the risk of mortality is extremely unlikely to occur as discussed in the discussion of the Effects of the Proposed Action below. Proposed actions may affect the sand sink. However, the activities connected with this project are consistent with those covered by the previous formal consultation on the Revised LRMP (USFWS 1999, FWS Log #98-891). As a result of those previous consultations, the Fish and Wildlife Service issued a non-jeopardy Biological Opinion (FWS-Log #98-981) establishing incidental take authorizations. As such, this project is consistent with previous formal consultations. 2

3 1.0 INTRODUCTION This Biological Assessment documents the analysis and rationale for the determination of effects for a specific planned Forest Service (FS) activity on federally threatened or endangered species. The Biological Assessment serves to: ensure that FS actions do not contribute to loss of viability or trends towards Federal listing for all T&E species; comply with requirements of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) that actions of Federal agencies not jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or adversely modify critical habitat of listed species; and provide a process and standard by which to ensure that threatened and endangered species receive full consideration in the decision making process. Consult the Forest Service Manual, Section for a detailed discussion on objectives and standards for Biological Assessments. This Biological Assessment (BA) considers the potential effects of the RCW Habitat Improvement Project on Federally listed species. The best available science on federally listed species was used to document this consideration of potential effects, including recent scientific literature, correspondence with knowledgeable individuals in scientific/land management professions, field surveys, and personal observation. Recent scientific literature used in the document is included in the references section. The wildlife species addressed in this document were selected from the Florida Federal Species List from the USFWS (Table 1). Although not federally listed, the Bald Eagle was included in the initial analysis to communicate compliance with the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Appendix I contains four listed species that occur in or near the Ocala National Forest (ONF) but have no detailed effects analysis within the document because the project area does not contain suitable habitat or is outside the known range of the species. Table 1. Federally Threatened and Endangered Wildlife Species Taxa Scientific Name Common Name Bird Picoides borealis Red-cockaded Woodpecker Reptile Drymarchon corais couperi Eastern Indigo Snake Reptile Neoseps reynoldsi Sand Skink Plant Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium Scrub Buckwheat Plant Nolina brittoniana Britton s Bear Grass 2.0 CONSULTATION HISTORY In accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, and pursuant to Section 7 of said act, formal consultation on the Biological Assessment for the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for National Forests in Florida was requested by the Regional Forester in a letter dated September 18, 1998 (USDA Forest Service 1999). On December 18, 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Biological Opinion on the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan. The Biological Opinion concurred with the Forest Service s not likely to affect determination for 13 federally listed species, and provided terms and conditions for incidental take for five 3

4 wildlife species that received a may affect determination. The Biological Opinion also stated that the level of anticipated take [was] not likely to result in jeopardy to the species for the Florida Scrub-Jay, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Eastern Indigo Snake, Sand Skink, Flatwoods Salamander, and Flatwoods Salamander critical habitat (USDA Forest Service 1999). Issuance of the Biological Opinion concluded all formal consultation on the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for National Forests in Florida. Two other related documents are: (1) The Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan (Second Revision), which was approved by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2003; and (2) Amendment #3 for the 1999 Land and Resource Management Plan which went through the USFWS consultation process and was approved by the Forest Service via Decision Notice in This Forest Plan Amendment changed direction for various RCW-related management standards and guidelines on Forest Service-managed lands to refer to The Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan (Second Revision) instead of the previously issued Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Management of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and its Habitat on National Forests in the Southern Region. 3.0 PROPOSED ACTION The Ocala National Forest is proposing to implement the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Improvement Project (see Map 1) to embark in restoring habitat in sandhills and flatwoods to provide suitable habitat for a diversity of threatened and endangered species. The project includes 62,000 acres but would focus restoration in approximately 33,000 acres of sandhills and flatwoods areas. The treatment includes mechanical treatment, hand tool treatment, planting and restoration of unauthorized travel ways. The proposed actions are described below and evaluated with regard to its potential effects on federally listed species. This project is located within Management Areas 7.1 (Longleaf/Slash Pine, Adaptive Management, RCW Management) and Management Areas 7.3 (Longleaf/Slash Pine, Adaptive Management, No RCW Management). The goals of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Improvement Project are to open forested areas congested with oaks and encroaching sand pine for Red-cockaded woodpeckers, Sand Skinks, Eastern Indigo Snakes, Gopher Tortoises, and other species dependent on these habitats. 4

5 Map 1 RCW Habitat Improvement Vicinity Map 5

6 3.1 Proposed Action The activities described for the proposed action are for an area located on National Forest lands in Marion, Putman and Lake Counties, Florida and includes 62,000 acres but would focus restoration in approximately 33,000 acres in 94 compartments on the Lake George Ranger District and the Seminole Ranger District. (Note that some compartments may have more than one proposed action occurring within their boundaries and that any of the treatments maybe applied depending on feasibility of the site.) The proposed actions are: Mechanical treatments employed will be restricted to non-ground- penetrating techniques including, but not limited to mowing of small hardwoods (8 diameter or smaller), hardwood brush and small sand pines; or mechanical pushing with a tractor/ dozer to snap scattered fire-scarred hardwoods at their root crowns. Methods are designed aboveground to avoid disturbing groundcover and to help redistribute fuel load to aid in more effective prescribed fires. These above-ground methods not only serve to protect sensitive near-surface dwelling fauna such as sand skinks (Neoseps reynoldsi) they are also designed to prevent damage to any potential significant heritage resources within the project area. Project design would leave select oaks on site to provide acorns and nest trees for wildlife. Sand post oaks within the midstory and overstory would also be retained. Seed dispersal or planting may follow tree removal if needed. Hand tools such as chainsaws and brush saws would supplement mechanical treatments. This may be used in areas that are smaller than an acre and/or further from other treatment areas. Additionally, hand tools may be used to cut overstocked and off-site pines. Seed dispersal or planting may follow tree removal if needed. Planting may occur in areas devoid of desired overstory tree species post-treatment and would be planted with longleaf pine seedlings in open areas as needed. In addition, it could potentially be seeded or planted with native ground cover species. Planting involves using hand planting with planting bars in an arrangement specific to a species and site. Restoration of unauthorized travel ways created from unneeded firebreaks or devegetation created by illegal vehicular traffic will be by reestablished with vegetation in barren areas; place large woody debris to dissuade illegal entry of vehicles; and block access with physical barriers to prevent future destruction. 6

7 3.3 Design Criteria Design criteria are included to minimize or eliminate potential negative effects of proposed actions. General measures are listed below as well as specific applicable criteria cited from the Forest wide Standards & Guidelines section of the LRMP. Project-specific criteria are generated for this project or suggest a stricter application of an existing Standard or Guideline. General Measures Incorporate Best Management Practices (State of Florida guidelines) to prevent any adverse effects to water or wetlands. Maximizing the potential for beneficial effects and minimizing the potential for adverse effects on Threatened and Endangered animal species. Minimizing the potential for introduction and spread of non-native invasive species (NNIS) such as cogon grass, Japanese climbing fern, and Japanese mimosa as a result of timber sales or other mechanical activities. Coordinating review of the project areas with the Ocala NF zone archeologist, along with the use of only non-ground-disturbing methods will prevent negative impacts to heritage resources on the Ocala National Forest of significance to merit inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Emphasizing prescribed burning to enhance habitat for Threatened and Endangered species. Promoting the scenic and environmental goals of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) by using trail protection measures as outlined in the FNST Certification Agreement. Promoting public safety and protecting resources adjacent to motorized trails. Ensuring that short-term uses would sustain or increase long-term ecosystem productivity. Ensuring there is no irreversible commitment of resources. Watershed and Air Mechanical treatment will not occur within 35 feet of lakes and ponds 2 acres or larger, seasonal lakes and ponds, and all sinkholes that open to the Florida aquifer, as set forth in the Revised 2000 Silviculture Best Management Practices Manual. (LRMP 3-24 WA-2 and WA-3) Wildlife Protection Measures The standards and guidelines the Forest Service follows to protect the red-cockaded woodpecker and its habitat are found in the Record of Decision, Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Management for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and its Habitat on National Forests in the Southern Region (RCW EIS). RCW Management Strategy Implementation Guide describes the process for implementing these standards, and any less-restrictive deviations from these standards require concurrence with USFWS. The basic strategy is to provide old pine trees that 7

8 are suitable for nesting cavities, mature pine forest suitable for foraging with little midstory, and enough of each to maintain a healthy population. (LRMP ) Protect bald eagle breeding areas by meeting the guidelines established in the most recent version of the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (see project specific design criteria below). (Forest Plan Amendment #8) Indigo snakes and gopher tortoises will be avoided or otherwise protected from harm when encountered by personnel, cooperators, or contractors engaged in activities that endanger individual specimens. (LRMP 3-29 WL-10) Timber contractors undergo an educational program that includes information on the physical characteristics of indigo snakes, life history, and types of habitats where the snake is found. Contractors are also instructed to comply with Standards and Guidelines WL This measure is as put forth in the Biological Opinion for the Revised LRMP. Field personnel and contractors will be educated in gopher tortoise burrow identification. In potential gopher tortoise habitat, parking equipment within 25 feet of known gopher tortoise burrows is prohibited. Equipment operators will be instructed to maintain a 25-foot distance during operations when previously unknown burrows are encountered. (LRMP 3-29 WL-11; amended in Forest Plan Amendment #8) Project-Specific Criteria Known areas of Britton s Bear Grass and Scrub Buckwheat are isolated in a small region within sandhill and flatwood ecosystem, respectively, in the Ocala National Forest. Extra care will be taken around these species. Project design map with specific methods to be employed will be reviewed by the archeologist to ensure that no ground disturbing methods are utilized and that no known significant heritage resources exist within Area of Potential Effect. Any such potential resources will be flagged and avoided in the field wherever necessary. Small amounts of sand pine or off-site slash pine timber may be treated by proposed mechanical or hand tool treatments. However, if the area of operable timber is over five acres, it generally would be considered for commercial sale (under a separate NEPA document) and would NOT be included in this project. Operable timber is defined as an area that has at least 3-5 CCF (100 cubic feet) of timber volume per acre on the site. 8

9 4.0 FEDERALLY ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE SPECIES 4.1 Species Not Considered Potential effects on four endangered species and the Bald Eagle are not considered because treatment area is outside the established range of the species or does not contain habitat associated with the species. The proposed actions will have no effect on these species. A list of species not considered and short explanations are in Section 7 below. 4.2 Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Effects of the Proposed Action Direct effects Proposed activities will have no chance of direct mortality on RCWs. Minor noise disturbance will occur but will be localized and temporary in nature, and would only have potential to disturb foraging activity in the localized area (see indirect effects below). Treatment will occur outside of nesting season (late September) and thus will not affect breeding. Current site conditions of proposed areas are unsuitable foraging for RCWs and activities will have no impact on RCWs other than localized and temporary noise disturbance, which could prevent foraging behavior from occurring. Hardwoods in general are seen as a trivial component of foraging substrate for RCWs (USFWS 2003). Therefore the potential value of the site as future nesting habitat outweighs the current low value of the site as foraging habitat. Indirect effects Proposed treatments would improve future foraging habitat quality by opening the mid-story, giving RCWs access to the trunks and branches of pines in the area. Additionally, oak removal would remove the low-quality foraging substrate (sub-canopy oaks, as discussed above) and replace them with planted longleaf pine seedlings, which have no value as foraging substrate, but have future value as nesting habitat. Cumulative effects The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, would cumulatively benefit the Red-cockaded Woodpecker by improving sandhills habitat and initializing future nesting habitat. Removal of the oak and sand pine will allow land managers to reintroduce fire back into the management scheme of the area, which will in turn benefit ground cover restoration and arthropod abundance. No concurrent or future projects are anticipated to create additional effects or amplify effects already identified. The proposed action may affect not likely adversely affect (NLAA) the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. This determination differs from the may [adversely] effect determination reached in the LRMP Biological Assessment because prescribed burning is outside of the scope of this CE and was addressed in the Environmental Assessment of Ocala National Forest Prescribed Burning, The actions proposed in this project do not put nests or juveniles at risk of injury or mortality. The project may introduce minor noise disturbance to individuals in the area and could prevent foraging in the local area, but this is insignificant as the disturbance would be temporary and the project area is very small relative to a family group. 9

10 4.3 Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais) Effects of the Proposed Action Direct effects Non-ground penetrating machinery may present loud noises and ground vibrations which has the potential to disturb individuals. However, they are capable of temporarily leaving stands or seeking refuge in a gopher tortoise burrow during such activities. Plantings would not create any direct effects since the activity creates little disturbance and Eastern Indigo Snakes can easily escape a farm tractor. If design criteria (marking and avoiding gopher tortoise burrows and any snakes encountered, are followed, these activities would be unlikely to cause direct mortality. Snakes may temporarily leave a stand during treatment, but the large activity range of the species ( ac; Moler 1992) and its ability to use different habitats (USFWS 1999a), mitigate the negative effects of temporary disturbance. Indirect effects Opening the understory in the denser treatment areas would increase habitat quality for prey species and for the gopher tortoise, whose burrows provide important refugia and egg-laying sites for the Eastern Indigo Snake. Additionally, reducing fuel load combined with prescribed burning stimulates ground cover abundance and diversity and increases habitat quality for gopher tortoises. Reforestation does not introduce any indirect effects to the eastern indigo snake since the species uses a variety of habitats. Restoring unauthorized travel ways will indirectly benefit the species by increasing available cover and reducing human traffic that can fragment habitat or harm individuals. Cumulative effects The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, would cumulatively benefit the eastern indigo snake by creating habitat suitable in sandhill and flatwoods for gopher tortoises which create burrows important for indigo snakes. Continued sandhill and flatwood management would perpetuate the landscape-scale diversity that is important to species with large activity ranges such as the indigo snake. No concurrent or future projects are anticipated to create additional effects or amplify effects already identified. Purposed action may affect not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) the eastern indigo snake. There exists some potential for individuals to be directly impacted by non-ground penetrating machinery during oak and sand pine removal activities. This potential impact maybe discountable due to the unlikelihood presence of individuals in areas considered unsuitable. The design criteria may minimize harm to individuals through avoidance but also, the individuals have the ability to escape harm by leaving the stand or seeking refuge in protected gopher tortoise burrows. The management actions would improve habitat diversity and promote gopher tortoise use, increasing available refugia for indigo snakes. 4.4 Sand Skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) Effects of the Proposed Action Direct effects Sand skinks occur in the xeric sand habitat within the proposed treatment areas. Non-ground penetrating machinery may introduce a very small risk over time and space of direct impact via injury or mortality to sand skinks from tracks since sand skinks are fossorial and spend most of 10

11 their time 1-8 under the soil (Christman 1992). The machinery for this project are slow moving and present loud noises and ground vibrations which has the potential to disturb individuals. The machinery is designed to only effect the vegetation above ground, and will focus activities in small patches of dense oaks that have encroached on sandhill and flatwood areas. Where restoration equipment is operating, the pressure to the ground, and possibly any sand skinks within that patch of soil under the tread, would be dissipated by the low pressure types of machinery used in this restoration work. There would be a relatively low probability of risk to sand skinks due to small patches of habitat that would be treated at a time over a ten year period. Planting would create minimal direct effects since the activity creates little disturbance and the techniques will range from hand planting to mechanical planting which only disturbs the top inch of soil not deep enough to directly affect the sand skink. While reforestation may indirectly impact the sand skink the overall impact is beneficial because the practice allows land managers to treat needed acreages of habitat that cannot be maintained with fire or other means. Indirect effects Removal of oaks and sand pine in the treatment area would eventually provide increased habitat suitability over time after root decomposition occurs which would improve locomotion for sand skinks. Prescribed burning and the overall management regime would indirectly benefit sand skinks by promoting increased bare ground coverage and providing scattered shrub cover, conditions that are potential key habitat factors for the sand skink (McCoy et al. 1999). Cumulative effects The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, would have minor cumulative benefit to the sand skink by creating more (albeit marginally) suitable habitat over time. Continued sandhill and flatwood management would perpetuate open areas that would improve locomotion for sand skinks. No concurrent or future projects are anticipated to create additional effects or amplify effects already identified. The proposed action may affect likely to adversely affect (LAA) the Sand Skink. Habitat management actions addressed in the LRMP resulted in determinations of May Affect Likely to Adversely Affect, and are addressed in the Biological Opinion by USFWS. The sand skink would be rare in sandhill habitats to begin with, but heavy machinery use introduces a small amount of risk to any individuals present. The management actions would improve habitat diversity and create open bareground for the Sand Skinks. 4.5 Scrub Buckwheat (Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium) Effects of the Proposed Action Direct effects Scrub Buckwheat is located throughout a small portion of scrub in the lower west side of the Ocala National Forest and overlaps into small sections of flatwood ecosystems. This flatwood area is being considered for mowing and therefore, there is no risk of direct impact to the Scrub Buckwheat due to the lack of ground penetrating techniques. 11

12 Indirect effects The proposed treatment would indirectly benefit these two species by removing understory and mid-story cover, thereby increasing open space and decreasing competition. Cumulative effects The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, would provide cumulative benefit to Scrub Buckwheat. Future implementation of prescribed burning in this area would further enhance habitat quality and promote seed germination. No concurrent or future projects are anticipated to create additional effects or amplify effects already identified. The proposed action may affect not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) Scrub Buckwheat. Heavy equipment use introduces some risk of mortality in individuals present. The effects determination above differs from the may adversely affect determination made in the Revised LRMP because the risk of mortality is extremely unlikely to occur as discussed in the discussion of the Effects of the Proposed Action. 4.6 Britton s Bear Grass (Nolina brittoniana) Effects of the Proposed Action Direct effects Britton s beargrass is found in the scrub and the high pine ecosystems. In Ocala National Forest, it is isolated to a small region of the forest in a high pine plantation, 1.5 miles from the nearest treatment area. In the sandhill communities, there is no risk of direct effects to Britton s beargrass due to the lack of ground penetrating techniques. Indirect effects The proposed treatment would indirectly benefit this species by removing understory and midstory cover, thereby increasing open space and decreasing competition. Cumulative effects The proposed actions, when considered along with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, would provide cumulative benefit to the Britton s beargrass. The combination of reduced fuel to allow the future implementation of prescribed burning in this area would further enhance habitat quality and promote seed germination which is at its highest post a prescribed fire. No concurrent or future projects are anticipated to create additional effects or amplify effects already identified. The proposed action may affect not likely to adversely affect (NLAA) Britton s Bear Grass. This effect determination parallels the may [adversely] effect determination in the LRMP. Heavy equipment use introduces some risk of mortality in individuals present. 5.0 DETERMINATION OF EFFECTS Based on the preceding analysis of the effects on federally listed threatened and endangered species, I make the following determinations that the proposed actions: 12

13 5.1 Purposed Action: Management Action May affect - not likely to adversely affect Red-cockaded woodpeckers, Eastern Indigo Snakes, Scrub Buckwheat, and Britton s Bear Grass. May affect - likely to adversely affect - Sand Skinks 6.0 REFERENCES Christman, S. P Sand Skink (Neoseps reynoldsi). Pages in P. E. Moler, ed. Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida, Vol. III, Amphibians and Reptiles. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Dodd, Jr., C. K. and Barichivich, W. J Movements of large snakes (Drymarchon, Masticophis) in north-central Florida. Florida Scientist 70(1): Harnett, D.C. and D. R. Richardson Population biology of Bonamia grandiflora (Convolvulaceae): Effects of fire on plant and seed bank dynamics. American Journal of Botany 76: Lindon, H. L., and E. Menges Effects of smoke on seed germination of twenty species of fire-prone habitats in Florida. Castanea 73: McCoy, E. D., P. E. Sutton, and H. R. Mushinsky The role of guesswork in conserving the threatened sand skink. Conservation Biology 13: Moler, P. E Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). Pages in P. E. Moler, ed. Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida, Vol. III, Amphibians and Reptiles. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL. US Army of Engineers Also available at USDA Forest Service Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for National Forests in Florida. National Forests in Florida, Tallahassee, FL. Management Bulletin R8-MB- 83A. USDA Forest Service Biological Evaluation of the Effects of Prescribed Burning on Proposed, Endangered, Threatened and Sensitive Wildlife Species. 10 pp. US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999a. Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). Pages in South Florida Multi-species Recovery Plan. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, South Florida Ecological Services Field Office, Vero Beach, Florida. Also available at US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1999b. Scrub Buckwheat (Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium). Pages in South Florida Multi-species Recovery Plan. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, South Florida Ecological Services Field Office, 13

14 Vero Beach, Florida. Also available at US Fish and Wildlife Service National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. 23 pp. US Fish and Wildlife Service Lewton s Polygala (Polygala lewtonii) - 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, South Florida Ecological Services Field Office, Vero Beach, Florida. Also available at FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES NOT PRESENT 7.1 Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus) The Florida Manatee is an aquatic mammal that occurs in rivers, canals, estuaries, lagoons, and bays throughout central and southern Florida. No proposed activities occur in or near any of the listed bodies of water. 7.2 Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) No proposed treatment areas occur within any sandpine scrub habitat, thus the project will have no impact on the Florida scrub-jay 7.3 Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) The wood stork is a large wading bird that occurs in wetland areas throughout Florida. Wood storks breed colonially in flooded freshwater and estuarine forested habitats. No proposed activities occur in or near any of the listed bodies of water. 7.4 Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) No treatment areas occur within 660 feet of any active or alternate nest (the closest nest is ~1,400 feet from a proposed treatment stand). The 660 foot buffer is recommended under the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines under the Timber and Forestry Practices section (Category C; USFWS 2007). Proposed treatment areas would not directly impact habitat used for feeding or roosting purposes. 7.5 Florida Bonamia (Bonamia grandiflora) No proposed treatment areas occur within any sandpine scrub habitat, thus the project will have no impact on the Florida Bonamia. 7.6 Lewton s Polygala (Polygala lewtonii) No proposed treatment areas occur within any sandpine scrub habitat, thus the project will have no impact on the Lewton s Polygala and Scrub Buckwheat. 14