Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats NFRC ERP Application Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), species may be listed as either endangered or threatened. “Endangered” means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. “Threatened” means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. All species of plants and animals, except pest insects, are eligible for listing as endangered or threatened. For the purposes of the ESA, Congress defined species to include subspecies, varieties, and, for vertebrates, distinct population segments. For ease of review, listed species are addressed in this attachment by county. No protocol surveys have taken place to date, and any noted observances took place during wetland delineations and field reviews occurring between October 2018 and May 2019. I.1 COLUMBIA COUNTY Ecologists evaluated the potential presence of listed species in Columbia and Suwannee counties. This assessment began by performing a records review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPAC) report powered by the Environmental Conservation Online System, Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Biodiversity Matrix, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) geographic information system (GIS) records, including the wading bird and bald eagle nest databases. This information was supplemented by informal wildlife observations during the field review and wetland delineation surveys (Table I-1). The environmental study area does not intersect known critical habitat for any federally listed species in Columbia County. The eastern portion of the proposed route falls within the consultation area for the red-cockaded woodpecker and within the core foraging area (CFA) of several recorded wood stork colonies, and multiple listed species are known or have the potential to occur in the study area. Based on the results of the desktop and field investigations, the following species have been identified as being known to occur or having the moderate potential to occur within the Columbia County study area. American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)—The alligator is listed as threatened by USFWS and FWC due to similarity of appearance to the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Alligators are not uncommon in this part of the state, and this reptile is assumed present in the site’s surface waters. Insofar as the project does not propose permanent impacts to surface waters, the American alligator is not expected to be affected. I-1 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-1. Listed Species Table—Columbia County Scientific Name Mammals Podomys floridanus Ursus americans floridanus Sciuris niger shermani Birds Haliaeetus leucocephalus Athene cunicularia floridana Grus canadensis pratensis Laterallus jamaicensis Egretta caerulea Picoides borealis Egretta thula Egretta tricolor Mycteria americana Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis Drymarchon couperi Pituophis melanoleucus Gopherus polyphemus Amphibians Lithobates capito Notophthalmus perstriatus Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Plants Leitneria incisa Pycnanthemum floridanum Matelea floridana Ctenium floridanum Salix floridana Brickellia cordiolia Hartwrightia floridana Agrimonia incisa Litsea aestivalis Pinguicula primuliflora Rhexia parviflora Federal Listing State Listing Likelihood of Occurrence Florida mouse Florida black bear Sherman’s fox squirrel N N N N N N Low† Low‡ Moderate† American eagle Florida burrowing owl Florida sandhill crane Eastern black rail Little blue heron Red-cockaded woodpecker Snowy egret Tricolored heron Wood stork N N N C N E N N T N T T N T E N T T * Low Moderate Low Moderate Low † Moderate Low American alligator Eastern indigo Florida pine snake Gopher tortoise FT T N C SAT T T T Moderate Low Low Moderate (observed) Gopher frog Striped newt N C N N Low† Low Gulf sturgeon T T Low Corkwood Florida mountain mint Florida spiny pod Florida toothache grass Florida willow Flyr’s brickell-bush Hartwrightia Incised groove-bur Pondspice Primrose-flowered butterwort Small-flowered meadowbeauty N N N N N N N N N T T E E E E T T E N E N E Common Name *Not Listed but protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. †No longer listed in Florida as of January 11, 2017, but is a part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. ‡Not listed but a species managed by FWC. Note: SAT = T= E= SSC = N= C= threatened due to similarity of appearance to American crocodile. threatened. endangered. species of special concern. not currently listed. candidate. I-2 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi)—Federally and state-listed as threatened. This distinctive large, black snake can occur in suitable habitats throughout Florida. It has a wide range of habitat preferences and prey species and requires large tracts of land for survival. Often considered a gopher tortoise commensal, it can be found in xeric habitats but also uses more mesic or wetland habitats for foraging. Suitable habitat is present for this species within the project footprint. However, because impacts are expected to be temporary and the habitat is to be restored postconstruction, the project will not preclude indigo snakes from using the site, as groundcover vegetation will be allowed to return, and human presence will be minimal during operation. Because of the frequent association between eastern indigo snakes and gopher tortoises, the proposed plan recommends gopher tortoise burrow surveys be conducted prior to construction. Snakes discovered inhabiting burrows will be allowed to leave the area on their own during relocation of tortoises. In addition, USFWS’s Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake would also be implemented during project construction. These preconstruction surveys and standard protection measures will aid in minimizing adverse impacts to the eastern indigo snake within the project area. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)—Federally and state-listed as endangered. The red-cockaded woodpecker makes its home in mature longleaf pine forests or trees inflicted with red-heart disease. The eastern edge of the study area (around the existing Raven substation site) falls within the consultation area for this species, although none were observed during the field review in Columbia County. While the species is not likely to be affected by transmission construction, a preconstruction survey for cavity trees would be recommended for forested areas near the transmission corridor where suitable habitat is present. Wood Stork (Mycteria americana)—Federally listed as endangered. This large bird uses freshwater and estuarine habitats for nesting, roosting, and foraging. Wood storks typically construct their nests in medium to tall trees located in swamps or on islands surrounded by relatively broad expanses of open water. They are found across much of peninsular Florida. Wood storks tend to use the same colony sites over many years, as long as the sites remain undisturbed and sufficient feeding habitat remains in the surrounding wetlands. There are no known nesting colonies within 1.5 miles of the project area; however, individuals may forage in the water bodies or ditches in the project area. In north Florida, the wood stork CFA is a 13-mile radius around active nesting colonies where appropriate habitat exists. According to USFWS data, the proposed corridor intersects three wood stork CFAs. The project is not expected to affect any colony site; however, there could be impacts to wetlands within a CFA. The proposed action will cross wetlands and ditches that could be used as foraging habitat. Impacts to herbaceous wetlands and hydrology are expected to be temporary during project construction. Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)—Candidate species for federal listing by USFWS and state-listed as threatened. The gopher tortoise inhabits upland well-drained habitats throughout the state, including disturbed and urban properties. An informal gopher tortoise burrow survey was conducted concurrent with the wetland delineations, and multiple burrows were identified along the route. According to FWC regulations, relocation is not necessary if construction activities can avoid impacts within a 25-foot radius of the burrow entrance. However, if impacts I-3 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats to any burrow cannot be avoided, a gopher tortoise relocation permit will be required from FWC. A 100-percent survey will be required prior to construction to locate all potentially occupied burrows and determine relocation and conservation measures. Southern Fox Squirrel (formerly known as Sherman’s Fox Squirrel) (Sciurus niger niger)— Recently approved for delisting. This squirrel prefers dry pine flatwoods, xeric oak, or sandhill communities but will inhabit pastures and other open disturbed habitats with scattered pines and oaks. Suitable habitat for this species exists within the environmental study area; however, no fox squirrels were observed during the field assessments. Due to the temporary nature of the construction disturbance, there is a low likelihood the species will be impacted by the project, and no further surveys are proposed. Recently delisted, this species is pending an update to the Imperiled Species Management Plan. Florida Black Bear (Ursus americans floridanus)—Not federally or state-listed but managed by FWC. The environmental survey area is located within the East Panhandle and North bear management units. Documented species occurrence is abundant in the western portion of the environmental survey area, and occurrence in the eastern portion is occasional to common (FWC, 2012). Based on FWC’s data, E&E anticipates a high potential for the presence of this species within the environmental survey area. No individuals were observed during the field assessment. Having construction crews maintain clean construction sites and store food and other wildlife-attractant refuse in bear-resistant garbage containers and mandating slower vehicular speeds in wooded areas at dawn and dusk during the June/July breeding season (if construction occurs during this timeframe) will minimize encounters between this species and construction crews and will minimize impacts to this species. Little Blue Heron (Egretta Caerulea), Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)—State-listed as threatened but not uncommon foraging in wetlands in north Florida. These wading bird species can be found in suitable wetland habitats throughout Florida. Foraging occurs in shallow freshwater, brackish, and saltwater habitats. Both species breed in colonial nesting sites with other wading and shorebird species. There are several freshwater marshes and man-made ditches within the project area that are potentially used for foraging by these species. The FWC Breeding Atlas does not contain any records of these birds breeding in the vicinity of the project study area, although there are records of little blue heron nesting colonies in Columbia County. The birds could potentially forage in habitats within the project environmental study area but are unlikely to nest there. No specific surveys for these birds are proposed; however, a preconstruction nest survey is recommended. Florida Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis pratensis)—Listed as threatened by FWC. The sandhill crane prefers freshwater marshes for nesting and pastures, wet prairies, or farm fields for foraging. Suitable nesting and foraging habitats are present in the study area, but no nests or individuals were observed foraging during the field assessment. Protections afforded to sandhill cranes under Chapter 8A-27, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), are such that no person may take, possess, or sell any threatened species or their nests or eggs except as authorized by FWC rule or by permit from FWC. FWC’s current permitting guidelines indicate activity should be avoided within 400 feet of nest sites during the breeding season. Insofar as sandhill cranes may nest within the project limits, the applicant will monitor the site for the presence of new nests should construction activities occur within the sandhill crane breeding season (January through March). Should any active nests be initiated within 400 feet of planned construction activities, I-4 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats the applicant must either postpone construction in that area to coincide with the nonbreeding season or coordinate with FWC for issuance of an incidental take permit. Preconstruction surveys for bird nests and tree cavities are recommended. If nests or cavities with eggs or flightless young are observed, work will be stopped immediately, and Gulf Power Company’s (GPC’s) Power Delivery Environmental Department will be contacted. Additionally, if an osprey nest or eagle nest is observed, GPC’s Power Delivery Environmental Department will be contacted immediately. Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi)—Federally and state-listed as threatened. This species is restricted to the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay to Lake Ponchartrain. Its range includes the drainages of the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River to the Suwannee River in Florida. The Gulf sturgeon lives in marine waters during most of its life, migrating to the tannic freshwater rivers to spawn. In-water work is not anticipated in this project, and it is unlikely any direct impacts will result from construction of this proposed transmission line. I.2 SUWANNEE COUNTY Due to the similarity of Suwannee County species to those found in Columbia County, refer to Table I-2 (the county-specific table for Suwannee County), and the species descriptions within Section I.1, Columbia County. I-5 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-2. Listed Species Table—Suwannee County Scientific Name Mammals Podomys floridanus Ursus americans floridanus Sciuris niger shermani Trichechus manatus Birds Haliaeetus leucocephalus Athene cunicularia floridana Grus canadensis pratensis Laterallus jamaicensis Egretta caerulea Picoides borealis Egretta thula Egretta tricolor Mycteria americana Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis Drymarchon couperi Pituophis melanoleucus Gopherus polyphemus Macrochelys suwanniensis Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis Amphibians Lithobates capito Notophthalmus perstriatus Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Mollusks Medionidus walkeri Plants Carex chapmanii Pycnanthemum floridanum Matelea floridana Forestiera godfreyi Pteroglossaspis ecristata Agrimonia incisa Litsea aestivalis Rhexia parviflora Common Name Federal State Listing Listing Likelihood of Occurrence Florida mouse Florida black bear Shermans fox squirrel West Indian manatee N N N T N N N T Low† Low‡ Moderate† Low American eagle Florida burrowing owl Florida sandhill crane Eastern black rail Little blue heron Red-cockaded woodpecker Snowy egret Tricolored heron Wood stork N N N C N E N N T N T T N T E N T T * Low Moderate Low Moderate Low † Moderate Low American alligator Eastern indigo Florida pine snake Gopher tortoise Suwannee alligator snapping turtle Suwannee cooter FT T N C N N SAT T T T T N Moderate Low Low Moderate (observed) Low Low† Gopher frog Striped newt N C N N Low† Low Gulf sturgeon T T Low Suwannee moccasinshell N T Chapmans sedge Florida mountain mint Florida spiny pod Godfrey’s swampprivet Giant orchid Incised groove-bur Pondspice Small-flowered meadowbeauty N N N N N N N N T T E E T T E E *Not Listed but protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. †No longer listed in Florida as of January 11, 2017, but is a part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. ‡Not listed but a species managed by FWC. Note: SAT = T= E= SSC = N= C= threatened due to similarity of appearance to American crocodile. threatened. endangered. species of special concern. not currently listed. candidate. I-6 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project I.3 ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats MADISON COUNTY See Table I-3 for listed species in Madison County, and refer to the species descriptions within the previous other counties’ sections. The environmental survey area does not intersect known critical habitat for any federally listed species, nor does it traverse any USFWS consultation areas. Most of the survey area in Madison County is located within the CFA of several recorded wood stork colonies. Multiple listed species have the potential to occur or were observed in the environmental survey area (Table I-3). GPC will coordinate with USFWS and FWC for consultation on the potential for impacts to listed species and migratory birds before beginning construction activities. Based on the results of the desktop and field investigations, the following species have been identified as being observed or having a high potential to occur within the environmental survey area. Where these species have been addressed in the sections for Columbia and Suwannee counites, they will not be reiterated. Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis)—State-listed as threatened. Recent studies have determined the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle is distinct from two relatives, of which all three were previously considered to be one species. This species range is limited to the Suwannee River watershed (FNAI, 2019), and its habitat is restricted to rivers, streams, floodplains, permanent freshwater habitats, and impoundments (FWC, 2018). No individuals were observed during the field assessment. However, suitable habitat is present in abundance within the environmental survey area; therefore, the potential for this species’ occurrence within the environmental survey area is high. Avoidance and minimization measures include spanning all open water and maintaining construction setbacks from open water to avoid potential impacts to much of this species’ suitable habitat. Additionally, the use of appropriate erosion control and sedimentation control best management practices (BMPs) and implementation of GPC’s project-specific stormwater pollution prevention (SWPP) and spill prevention, control, and countermeasure (SPCC) plans are recommended when working in the vicinity of the Suwannee River and its tributaries to minimize sedimentation, turbidity, and water quality-related impacts to this species’ habitat. If any direct impact to floodplains or permanently inundated wetlands is included within the project design, consultation is recommended with FWC to discuss measures to minimize impacts to this species. Suwannee Moccasinshell (Medionidus walker)—State-listed as threatened. This small mussel generally inhabits larger streams with muddy sand or gravelly sand substrates and has documented populations within the main channel of the Suwannee River (USFWS, 2018). The project will cross the Suwanee River. Based on recent surveys of the species’ distribution, the Suwannee moccasinshell has a high potential to occur within the survey area. However, construction will span the Suwannee River and maintain setbacks from the banks, which will avoid impacts to this species’ habitat. The use of appropriate erosion control and sedimentation control BMPs and implementation of project-specific SWPP and SPCC plans are recommended when working in the vicinity of the Suwannee River and its tributaries to minimize sedimentation, turbidity, and water quality-related impacts to this species’ habitat. I-7 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-3. Listed Species Table—Madison County Scientific Name Mammals Podomys floridanus Ursus americans floridanus Sciuris niger shermani Trichechus manatus Birds Haliaeetus leucocephalus Grus canadensis pratensis Laterallus jamaicensis Egretta caerulea Picoides borealis Egretta thula Egretta tricolor Mycteria americana Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis Drymarchon couperi Pituophis melanoleucus Gopherus polyphemus Macrochelys suwanniensis Macrochelys apalachicolae Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis Amphibians Ambystoma cingulatum Lithobates capito Notophthalmus perstriatus Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Mollusks Medionidus walkeri Plants Magnolia ashei Rhododendron austrinum Pycnanthemum floridanum Matelea floridana Brickellia cordifolia Macranthera flammea Agrimonia incisa Xyris longisepala Ruellia noctiflora Rhexia salicifolia Andropogon arctatus Litsea aestivalis Rhexia parviflora Platanthera integra Sarracenia leucophylla Xyris scabrifolia Federal Listing State Listing Likelihood of Occurrence Florida mouse Florida black bear Shermans fox squirrel West Indian manatee N N N T N N N T Low† Low‡ Moderate† Low American eagle Florida sandhill crane Eastern black rail Little blue heron Red-cockaded woodpecker Snowy egret Tricolored heron Wood stork N N C N E N N T N T N T E N T T * Moderate Low Moderate Low † Moderate Low American alligator Eastern indigo Florida pine snake Gopher tortoise Suwannee alligator snapping turtle Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle Suwannee cooter FT T N C N N N SAT T T T T N N Moderate Low Low Moderate (observed) Low Low Low† Frosted flatwoods salamander Gopher frog Striped newt T N C T N N Low Low† Low Gulf sturgeon T T Low Suwannee moccasinshell N T Ashe’s magnolia Florida flame azalea Florida mountain mint Florida spiny pod Flyr’s brickell-bush Hummingbird flower Incised groove-bur Karst pond xyris Nightflowering wild petunia Panhandle meadowbeauty Pine-woods bluestem Pondspice Small-flowered meadowbeauty Yellow fringeless orchid White-top pitcherplant Harper’s yellow-eyed grass N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N E E T E E E T E E T T E E E E T Common Name *Not Listed but protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. †No longer listed in Florida as of January 11, 2017, but is a part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. ‡Not listed but a species managed by FWC. Note: SAT = T= E= SSC = N= C= threatened due to similarity of appearance to American crocodile. threatened. endangered. species of special concern. not currently listed. candidate. I-8 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Frosted Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum)—Federally listed as threatened. This small salamander has an indistinct, white to silvery-gray pattern on a black background with a very dark belly with discrete white spots. This salamander inhabits mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, and wet prairie communities with wiregrass groundcover and scattered wetlands often dominated by cypress or gum, breeding in ephemeral ponds that lack predatory fish and which usually have some emergent herbaceous vegetation. Not highly tolerant of disturbance. West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)—Federally listed as threatened. This large marine mammal is found in fresh, brackish, and marine waters throughout Florida and is dependent on areas with access to aquatic vegetation and fresh water sources. In the winter months, manatees seek refuge in areas with warmer water, including man-made warmwater sources or spring-fed rivers such as the Suwannee River. The project is not anticipated to include any in-water work and is therefore not expected to impact the manatee. I.4 JEFFERSON COUNTY See Table I-4 for listed species in Jefferson County, and refer to the species descriptions within the previous other counties’ sections. The same species have the likelihood to occur in Jefferson as the counties previously described. During field efforts, gopher tortoise burrows were observed within the environmental survey area. I-9 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-4. Listed Species Table—Jefferson County Scientific Name Mammals Ursus americans floridanus Sciuris niger shermani Birds Haliaeetus leucocephalus Grus canadensis pratensis Laterallus jamaicensis Egretta caerulea Picoides borealis Egretta thula Egretta tricolor Mycteria americana Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis Drymarchon couperi Pituophis melanoleucus Gopherus polyphemus Macrochelys apalachicolae Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis Amphibians Ambystoma cingulatum Lithobates capito Notophthalmus perstriatus Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Plants Rhododendron alabamense Matelea alabamensis Magnolia ashei Carex baltzellii Rhododendron austrinum Uvularia floridana Pycnanthemum floridanum Matelea floridana Salix floridana Brickellia cordifolia Forestiera godfreyi Xyris scabrifolia Agrimonia incisa Xyris longisepala Ruellia noctiflora Rhexia salicifolia Andropogon arctatus Phyllanthus liebmannianus ssp. platylepis Litsea aestivalis Rhexia parviflora Calamintha dentata Sarracenia leucophylla Platanthera integra Pityopsis flexuosa Federal Listing State Listing Likelihood of Occurrence Florida black bear Sherman’s fox squirrel N N N N Low‡ Moderate† American eagle Florida sandhill crane Eastern black rail Little blue heron Red-cockaded woodpecker Snowy egret Tricolored heron Wood stork N N C N E N N T N T N T E N T T * Moderate Low Moderate Low † Moderate Low American alligator Eastern indigo Florida pine snake Gopher tortoise Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle Suwannee cooter FT T N C N N SAT T T T N N Moderate Low Low Moderate (observed) Low Low† Frosted flatwoods salamander Gopher frog Striped newt T N C T N N Low Low† Low Gulf sturgeon T T Low Alabama rhododendron Alabama spiny-pod Ashe’s magnolia Baltzell’s sedge Florida flame azalea Florida merrybells Florida mountain mint Florida spiny pod Florida willow Flyr’s brickell-bush Godfrey’s swampprivet Harper’s yellow-eyed grass Incised groove-bur Karst pond xyris Nightflowering wild petunia Panhandle meadowbeauty Pine-woods bluestem Pinewoods dainties Pondspice Small-flowered meadowbeauty Toothed savory White-top pitcherplant Yellow fringeless orchid Zigzag silkgrass N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N E E E T E E T E E E E T T E E T T E E E T E E E Common Name *Not Listed but protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. †No longer listed in Florida as of January 11, 2017, but is a part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. ‡Not listed but a species managed by FWC. Note: SAT = T= E= SSC = N= C= threatened due to similarity of appearance to American crocodile. threatened. endangered. species of special concern. not currently listed. candidate. I-10 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project I.5 ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats LEON COUNTY See Table I-5 for listed species in Leon County, and refer to the species descriptions within the previous other counties’ sections. Based on the results of the desktop and field investigations, the following species have been identified as being observed or having a potential to occur within the environmental survey area. Species included in the previous counties will not be reiterated here. Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)—No critical habitat designated for the gray bat, but federally listed as endangered wherever found. The gray bat inhabits caves and feeds over waterways surrounded by forests. North Florida is the southern extent of the gray bat range, including Leon, Gadsden, and Jackson counties. There are only a few caves in the panhandle of Florida that serve as roost sites for this endangered bat. Red-cockaded Woodpecker—Recorded colonies of red-cockaded woodpecker exist within the Apalachicola National Forest, and cavity trees were observed by staff ecologists during field surveys. Consultation with USFWS for this species is recommended to determine what surveys would be recommended for forested areas near the transmission corridor and what measures can be taken to reduce the potential for impacts to this species during project construction and operation. Mollusks—The environmental study area intersects critical habitat for five federally listed mollusk species: fat threeridge (Amblema neislerii), purple bankclimber (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), and shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata). Critical habitat for these species is limited to the open channelized portion of the Ochlockonee and Apalachicola rivers. Consultation with the appropriate agencies will help determine whether impacts to these listed mussels can be mitigated by employment of BMPs. I-11 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-5. Listed Species Table—Leon County Scientific Name Mammals Ursus americans floridanus Myotis grisescens Sciuris niger shermani Birds Haliaeetus leucocephalus Grus canadensis pratensis Laterallus jamaicensis Egretta caerulea Picoides borealis Egretta thula Egretta tricolor Mycteria americana Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis Graptemys barbouri Drymarchon couperi Pituophis melanoleucus Gopherus polyphemus Common Name Federal State Listing Listing Likelihood of Occurrence Florida black bear Gray bat Sherman’s fox squirrel N E N N E N Low‡ Low Moderate† American eagle Florida sandhill crane Eastern black rail Little blue heron Red-cockaded woodpecker Snowy egret Tricolored heron Wood stork N N C N E N N T N T N T E N T T * Moderate Low Moderate Moderate (observed) † Moderate Low FT N T N C SAT SSC T T T Moderate Low Low Low Moderate (observed) N N Low N N Low† T N T N Low Low† T SC T N Low Low E T E T Low Low N N N N E N N N N N N N N N E N N N N E E E E E E E E T E E E E E E E E E E American alligator Barbour’s map turtle Eastern indigo Florida pine snake Gopher tortoise Apalachicola alligator snapping Macrochelys apalachicolae turtle Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis Suwannee cooter Amphibians Ambystoma cingulatum Frosted flatwoods salamander Lithobates capito Gopher frog Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Gulf sturgeon Alosa alabamae Alabama shad Mollusks Amblema neislerii Fat threeridge Elliptoideus sloatianus Purple bankclimber Plants Matelea alabamensis Alabama spiny-pod Pachysandra procumbens Allegheny spurge Cornus alternifolia Alternate-leaf dogwood Staphylea trifolia American bladdernut Conradina glabra Apalachicola rosemary Baptisia megacarpa Apalachicola wild indigo Magnolia ashei Ashe’s magnolia Matelea baldwyniana Baldwyn’s spiny-pod Carex baltzellii Baltzell’s sedge Schisandra glabra Bay star-vine Lobelia boykinii Boykin’s lobelia Sideroxylon lycioides Buckthorn Euonymus atropurpureus Burningbush Matelea flavidula Carolina milkvine Rhododendron chapmanii Chapman’s rhododendron Croomia pauciflora Croomia Lythrum curtissii Curtiss’ loosestrife Dirca palustris Eastern leatherwood Veratrum woodii False hellebore I-12 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-5. Listed Species Table—Leon County (Continued, Page 2 of 2) Scientific Name Rhododendron austrinum Uvularia floridana Matelea floridana Torreya taxifolia Taxus floridana Brickellia cordifolia Silene polypetala Spigelia gentianoides Forestiera godfreyi Rhynchospora crinipes Xyris scabrifolia Agrimonia incisa Xyris longisepala Hepatica nobilis Aquilegia canadensis var. australis Trillium lancifolium Ruellia noctiflora Bigelowia nuttallii Andropogon arctatus Pinguicula primuliflora Magnolia pyramidata Thalictrum thalictroides Rhexia parviflora Calamintha dentata Arnoglossum diversifolium Linum westii Sarracenia leucophylla Euphorbia commutata Platanthera integra Xanthorhiza simplicissima Common Name Florida flame azalea Florida merrybells Florida spiny pod Florida torreya Florida yew Flyr’s brickell-bush Fringed campion Gentian pinkroot Godfrey’s swampprivet Hairy-peduncled beaksedge Harper’s yellow-eyed grass Incised groove-bur Karst pond xyris Liverleaf Federal State Listing Listing N E N E N E E E N E N E E E E E N E N E N T N T N E N E Marianna columbine N E Narrow-leaved trillium Nightflowering wild petunia Nuttall’s rayless goldenrod Pine-woods bluestem Primrose-flowered butterwort Pyramid magnolia Rue-anemone Small-flowered meadowbeauty Toothed savory Variable-leaved Indian-plantain West’s flax White-top pitcherplant Wood spurge Yellow fringeless orchid Yellow-root N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N E E E T E E E E T T E E E E E Likelihood of Occurrence *Not Listed but protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. †No longer listed in Florida as of January 11, 2017, but is a part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. ‡Not listed but a species managed by FWC. Note: SAT = T= E= SSC = N= C= threatened due to similarity of appearance to American crocodile. threatened. endangered. species of special concern. not currently listed. candidate. I-13 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project I.6 ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats GADSDEN COUNTY See Table I-6 for listed species in Gadsden County, and refer to the species descriptions within the previous other counties’ sections. No additional listed species were identified for Gadsden County; however, this section of the environmental survey area crosses the Apalachicola River. At this time, in-water work is not anticipated to be required, and BMPs and erosion control methods will be used to minimize secondary impacts to listed mussels in the Apalachicola River channels. I.7 JACKSON COUNTY See Table I-7 for listed species in Jackson County, and refer to the species descriptions within the previous other counties’ sections. Reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi)—Federally listed as endangered wherever found. Habitat for mature salamanders consists of upland areas with few trees, typically longleaf pines, and grasses. They prefer poorly drained sand, which leads to seasonal ponds and damp surroundings. This salamander’s habitat will often have an open overstory of widely scattered longleaf pine, little to no midstory, and a diverse community of low-growing shrubs, which include highly diverse forb and grass communities. In their larval stages, the reticulated flatwoods salamander occupies acidic ephemeral wetlands. These wetlands have varying amounts of vegetation and lack dense midstory growth. Canopy is comprised of a typical Florida wetland assemblage. I-14 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-6. Listed Species Table—Gadsden County Scientific Name Mammals Ursus americans floridanus Myotis grisescens Sciuris niger shermani Birds Haliaeetus leucocephalus Grus canadensis pratensis Laterallus jamaicensis Egretta caerulea Picoides borealis Egretta thula Egretta tricolor Mycteria americana Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis Graptemys barbouri Drymarchon couperi Pituophis melanoleucus Gopherus polyphemus Macrochelys apalachicolae Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis Amphibians Ambystoma cingulatum Lithobates capito Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Alosa alabamae Mollusks Amblema neislerii Elliptoideus sloatianus Plants Matelea alabamensis Pachysandra procumbens Cornus alternifolia Staphylea trifolia Conradina glabra Baptisia megacarpa Magnolia ashei Matelea baldwyniana Carex baltzellii Schisandra glabra Lobelia boykinii Sideroxylon lycioides Euonymus atropurpureus Matelea flavidula Rhododendron chapmanii Croomia pauciflora Lythrum curtissii Dirca palustris Federal Listing State Listing Likelihood of Occurrence Florida black bear Gray bat Sherman’s fox squirrel N E N N E N Low‡ Low Moderate† American eagle Florida sandhill crane Eastern black rail Little blue heron Red-cockaded woodpecker Snowy egret Tricolored heron Wood stork N N C N E N N T N T N T E N T T * Moderate Low Moderate Low † Moderate Low American alligator Barbour’s map turtle Eastern indigo Florida pine snake Gopher tortoise Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle FT N T N C SAT SSC T T T Moderate Low Low Low Moderate (observed) N N Low Suwannee cooter N N Low† Frosted flatwoods salamander Gopher frog T N T N Low Low† Gulf sturgeon Alabama shad T SC T N Low Low Fat threeridge Purple bankclimber E T E T Low Low Alabama spiny-pod Allegheny spurge Alternate-leaf dogwood American bladdernut Apalachicola rosemary Apalachicola wild indigo Ashe’s magnolia Baldwyn’s spiny-pod Baltzell’s sedge Bay star-vine Boykin’s lobelia Buckthorn Burningbush Carolina milkvine Chapman’s rhododendron Croomia Curtiss’ loosestrife Eastern leatherwood N N N N E N N N N N N N N N E N N N E E E E E E E E T E E E E E E E E E Common Name I-15 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-6. Listed Species Table—Gadsden County (Continued, Page 2 of 2) Scientific Name Veratrum woodii Rhododendron austrinum Uvularia floridana Matelea floridana Torreya taxifolia Taxus floridana Brickellia cordifolia Silene polypetala Spigelia gentianoides Forestiera godfreyi Rhynchospora crinipes Xyris scabrifolia Agrimonia incisa Xyris longisepala Hepatica nobilis Aquilegia canadensis var. australis Trillium lancifolium Ruellia noctiflora Bigelowia nuttallii Andropogon arctatus Pinguicula primuliflora Magnolia pyramidata Thalictrum thalictroides Rhexia parviflora Calamintha dentata Arnoglossum diversifolium Linum westii Sarracenia leucophylla Euphorbia commutata Platanthera integra Xanthorhiza simplicissima Federal Listing N N N N E N N E E N N N N N N State Listing E E E E E E E E E E E T T E E Marianna columbine N E Narrow-leaved trillium Nightflowering wild petunia Nuttall’s rayless goldenrod Pine-woods bluestem Primrose-flowered butterwort Pyramid magnolia Rue-anemone Small-flowered meadowbeauty Toothed savory Variable-leaved Indian-plantain West’s flax White-top pitcherplant Wood spurge Yellow fringeless orchid Yellow-root N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N E E E T E E E E T T E E E E E Common Name False hellebore Florida flame azalea Florida merrybells Florida spiny pod Florida torreya Florida yew Flyr’s brickell-bush Fringed campion Gentian pinkroot Godfrey’s swampprivet Hairy-peduncled beaksedge Harper’s yellow-eyed grass Incised groove-bur Karst pond xyris Liverleaf Likelihood of Occurrence *Not Listed but protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. †No longer listed in Florida as of January 11, 2017, but is a part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. ‡Not listed but a species managed by FWC. Note: SAT = T= E= SSC = N= C= threatened due to similarity of appearance to American crocodile. threatened. endangered. species of special concern. not currently listed. candidate. I-16 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-7. Listed Species Table—Jackson County Scientific Name Mammals Ursus americans floridanus Myotis grisescens Sciuris niger shermani Birds Haliaeetus leucocephalus Grus canadensis pratensis Laterallus jamaicensis Egretta caerulea Picoides borealis Egretta thula Egretta tricolor Mycteria americana Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis Graptemys barbouri Drymarchon couperi Pituophis melanoleucus Gopherus polyphemus Common Name Federal State Listing Listing Likelihood of Occurrence Florida black bear Gray bat Sherman’s fox squirrel N E N N E N Low‡ Low Moderate† American eagle Florida sandhill crane Eastern black rail Little blue heron Red-cockaded woodpecker Snowy egret Tricolored heron Wood stork N N C N E N N T N T N T E N T T * Moderate Low Moderate Low † Moderate Low FT N T N C SAT SSC T T T Moderate Low Low Low Moderate (observed) N N Low N N Low† T N E T N E Low Low† Low T SC T N Low Low E T E E T E Low Low N E N N N N N N N E N N N N N N E E E E E E T E E E E E E E E E E E American alligator Barbour’s map turtle Eastern indigo Florida pine snake Gopher tortoise Apalachicola alligator snapping Macrochelys apalachicolae turtle Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis Suwannee cooter Amphibians Ambystoma cingulatum Frosted flatwoods salamander Lithobates capito Gopher frog Ambystoma bishopi Reticulated flatwoods salamander Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Gulf sturgeon Alosa alabamae Alabama shad Mollusks Amblema neislerii Fat threeridge Elliptoideus sloatianus Purple bankclimber Hamiota subangulata Shiney-rayed pocketbook Plants Matelea alabamensis Alabama spiny-pod Conradina glabra Apalachicola rosemary Baptisia megacarpa Apalachicola wild indigo Magnolia ashei Ashe’s magnolia Matelea baldwyniana Baldwyn’s spiny-pod Carex baltzellii Baltzell’s sedge Schisandra glabra Bay star-vine Lobelia boykinii Boykin’s lobelia Cryptotaenia canadensis Canada honewort Rhododendron chapmanii Chapman’s rhododendron Desmodium ochroleucum Creamflower tick-trefoil Croomia pauciflora Croomia Lythrum curtissii Curtiss’ loosestrife Rhododendron austrinum Florida flame azalea Uvularia floridana Florida merrybells Matelea floridana Florida spiny pod Torreya taxifolia Florida torreya I-17 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats Table I-7. Listed Species Table—Jackson County (Continued, Page 2 of 2) Scientific Name Taxus floridana Brickellia cordifolia Silene polypetala Spigelia gentianoides Forestiera godfreyi Rhynchospora crinipes Xyris scabrifolia Macranthera flammea Agrimonia incisa Xyris longisepala Aquilegia canadensis var. australis Trillium lancifolium Ruellia noctiflora Rhexia salicifolia Andropogon arctatus Pinguicula primuliflora Stachys hyssopifolia var. lythroides Thalictrum thalictroides Rhexia parviflora Calamintha dentata Arnoglossum diversifolium Linum westii Sarracenia leucophylla Platanthera integra Common Name Florida yew Flyr’s brickell-bush Fringed campion Gentian pinkroot Godfrey’s swampprivet Hairy-peduncled beaksedge Harper’s yellow-eyed grass Hummingbird flower Incised groove-bur Karst pond xyris Federal State Listing Listing N E N E E E E E N E N E N T N E N T N E Marianna columbine N E Narrow-leaved trillium Nightflowering wild petunia Panhandle meadowbeauty Pine-woods bluestem Primrose-flowered butterwort N N N N N E E T T E Tallahassee hedge-nettle N E Rue-anemone Small-flowered meadowbeauty Toothed savory Variable-leaved Indian-plantain West’s flax White-top pitcherplant Yellow fringeless orchid N N N N N N N E E T T E E E Likelihood of Occurrence *Not Listed but protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. †No longer listed in Florida as of January 11, 2017, but is a part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan. ‡Not listed but a species managed by FWC. Note: SAT = T= E= SSC = N= C= threatened due to similarity of appearance to American crocodile. threatened. endangered. species of special concern. not currently listed. candidate. I-18 Gulf Power Company North Florida Resiliency Connection Project I.8 ERP Application Submittal Attachment I—Fish, Wildlife, Listed Species and their Habitats ALL COUNTIES—MIGRATORY BIRDS USFWS’s IPAC report identified additional migratory bird species that are not included within the listed species’ tables of previous sections. Migratory birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA), which makes it unlawful to kill or “take” a migratory bird, nest, or egg. An amendment to the MBTA in 1972 resulted in inclusion of bald eagles and other birds of prey in the definition of migratory birds. These species include the American kestrel (Sparverius paulus), Bachman’s sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis), cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulean), common ground-dove (Columbina passerina exigua), lesser yellowlegs (Tringa favipes), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), redheaded woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus), and wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina). The environmental survey area is located within the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, broadly defined as the aggregate of species-specific avian migration routes that follow the Atlantic Coast in the United States and Canada (National Audubon Society, 2018). In late 2017, the Solicitor’s office of the Department of the Interior issued Memorandum Opinion M-37050, which replaced M-37041. The general industry interpretation of M-037050 is that unintended impacts to bird species during normal construction activities does not constitute the definition of “take.” Therefore, the need for preconstruction surveys for MBTA species nests may not be required. Coordination with USFWS will occur regarding the potential need for preconstruction surveys. If nests or cavities with eggs or flightless young are observed during construction, construction crews will immediately stop work and contact the operations/construction lead, who will immediately notify GPC’s Power Delivery Environmental Department. Additionally, if an osprey nest or eagle nest is observed during construction, construction crews will contact the operations/construction lead who will immediately contact GPC’s Power Delivery Environmental Department. I-19