PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT Lake Hamilton Parcels: Polk County, Florida

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PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT Lake Hamilton Parcels: 272817829501000010 272817829503000040 272817829503000030 Polk

1 PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT Lake Hamilton Parcels: Polk County, Florida PREPARED BY: INWOOD CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC Dovera Drive Suite 200 Oviedo, Florida November 2016

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Description 2.0 DATA ACQUISITION AND FIELD METHODOLOGY 3.0 RESULTS 3.1 Soils 3.2 Existing Vegetative Communities and Land Use 3.3 Wetlands and Surface Waters 3.4 Wildlife 4.0 CONSLUSIONS AND RECCOMENDATIONS LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1: Location Map FIGURE 2: Aerial Map FIGURE 3: NRCS Soils Map FIGURE 4: FLUCFCS Map FITURE 5: Wetlands and Surface Waters Map APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Figures APPENDIX 2: Photographs

3 Polk County, Florida Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report November INTRODUCTION Ecologists from Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc. (Inwood) conducted an environmental assessment of the project area in order to determine the presence and extent of natural communities and jurisdictional wetlands as well as their ability to support wildlife, evidence of habitat utilization by state and federally listed species, and any State and Federal permitting requirements. A field review was performed on November 16, The purpose of this report is to provide the findings of the environmental assessment. 1.1 Project Description The project area consists of three (3) parcels located along Lake Hamilton in Polk County, Florida. The parcels are identified as Polk County Tax Parcel No: , , and A Location Map is provided as Figure 1, and an Aerial Map as Figure DATA ACQUISITION AND FIELD METHODOLOGY Prior to conducting the field review, a desktop review of several site-specific mapping and data sources were reviewed to investigate the potential occurrence of jurisdictional wetlands/surface waters and/or state/federally listed species within and immediately adjacent to the property boundaries. Data obtained for review include aerial photography of the project corridor ( ); US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) maps; USFWS Consultation Areas, Critical Habitat GIS Layers and species accounts; South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Land Use and Regulatory Wetland Layers; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soils Conservation Service (SCS) digital soils data; and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Eagle Nest Locator and Listed Species GIS Layers. The vegetative communities and land uses occurring within and adjacent to the project area were classified and mapped according to the Florida Department of Transportation Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCFCS). Existing SWFWMD FLUCFCS GIS Layers were utilized and updated to reflect existing conditions. A general field review was performed on November 16, 2016, by Inwood ecologists in order to identify the presence of state and federally listed species and suitable habitat. The survey also included an assessment of the natural vegetative communities in order to identify wetland vegetation, wetland hydrology, and hydric indicators within the project limits. The site was surveyed through the use of pedestrian transects to determine the occurrence of listed species and jurisdictional (regulatory) extent of wetlands and other surface waters within and immediately adjacent to the project area. Photographs taken during the field review are included in Appendix 2. P a g e 1

4 Polk County, Florida Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report November RESULTS 3.1 Soils According to the USDA NRCS SCS digital soils data and SWFWMD Polk County Soils GIS Layer 2006, the project area is comprised of two soils types. The majority of the project area consists of Immokalee sand, with a small area consisting of Adamsville fine sand (0 to 5 percent slopes). Immokalee sand and Adamsville fine sand are both non-hydric soils. Immokalee sand is a Type B/D, poorly drained soil with a depth to water table of about 6 to 18 inches. Adamsville fine sand is a Type A/D, somewhat poorly drained soil with a depth to water table of about 18 to 42 inches. The location of the soil categories within the project and surrounding areas are represented in the Soils Map, Figure Existing Vegetative Communities and Land Use The FLUCFCS Map (Figure 4) provides the distribution of FLUCFCS types within the project and surrounding areas. The project area is comprised of three parcels classified as open land (FLUCFCS 190). The project is abutted to the east by US 27 and its maintained right-of-way. The western edge of the project area is directly adjacent to Lake Hamilton and includes a freshwater marsh (FLUCFCS 641). Parcel Little natural habitat remains within the project area, especially within Parcel The majority of this parcel had been previously developed. One abandoned building remains along with remnants of concrete pads, pavers, rubble, and debris throughout the parcel. There is scattered live oak (Quercus virginiana), slash pine (Pinus elliotti), and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetteo). Brazialian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) was observed around the building. Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrical) is the dominant ground vegetation with dense growth throughout the property. Other groundcover species include Caesar s weed (Urena lobata), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), and bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum). The parcel had recently been mowed prior to the field review. A portion of this parcel had been recently burned, with the majority of the fire contained along the eastern edge and US 27 right-of-way. Parcel This parcel contains a portion of the driveway and similar concrete remnants from the abandoned development. The majority of this parcel had been recently burned. Cogon grass dominates the vegetation throughout most of the parcel. The observed vegetation is similar to that of the previous parcel including rattlebox (Crotalaria retusa), and dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium). Parcel This parcel is comprised of the same vegetation as Parcel This parcel had also been recently burned. P a g e 2

5 Polk County, Florida Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report November Wetlands and Surface Waters Prior to the field review, several site-specific resources were reviewed in order to determine the potential for wetlands within the project limits. Based on the data review and information collected during the field review, it was determined that one jurisdictional wetland is located within the project limits. The location and extent of the wetland was determined in the field according to the US Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (1987): Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Regional Supplement (2008), as well as Chapter , FAC. The location of the wetland is documented in Figure 5, Wetlands and Surface Waters Map. Wetland 1 Wetland 1 is located along the western boundary of the project area and is located within all three parcels. This wetland is classified as freshwater marsh (FLUCFCS 641). Dense cogon grass was observed along the wetland line. Melaleuca tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) was observed in the southern and northern limits of the project area. Observed vegetation includes Peruvian water primrose (Ludwigia peruviana), which dominates the vegetation along the top of bank, cattail (Typha latifolia), saltbush (Baccharis halimifolia), Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana), lanceleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolia), torpedo grass (Panicum repens), and three-way sedge (Dulichium arundinaceum). 3.4 Wildlife The vegetative communities and existing land use within and adjacent to the project area were evaluated in order to determine the potential use by listed species. As a result of the data review and field reconnaissance, it appears that potential listed species utilization is low due to domination of invasive exotic vegetative species, limiting habitat connectivity of the existing land use, surrounding development, and proximity to US 27. Several osprey (Pandion haliaetus) were observed flying over the lake and perching on utility poles near the US 27 right-of-way adjacent to the property. No osprey nests were observed within or adjacent to the project area. No other state or federally listed species were observed during the field review. Other observed wildlife species include great blue heron (Ardea Herodias), anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), and blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata). The project was evaluated for nesting sites, US Fish and Wildlife Service Consultation Areas, and critical habitat for state and federally listed species. According to the FWC s eagle nest locator, the closest bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest (Nest PO123) is located approximately two miles away from the project area. This is well outside the 330 feet and 600 feet protection zones for the bald eagle. The FWC s Breeding Bird Atlas data reveals no active rookeries within the FWC s permitting guidelines 400 feet buffer of the project. The project area is within the USFWS CA for the Audubon s crested caracara (Caracara plancus audubonii), Everglade snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus), Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), and sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi). The project area is also within the USFWS CA for the Florida grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus); however, the NRCS recently revised the Consultation Area to account for soils that may support or historically supported habitats utilized by the grasshopper sparrow. The project area also falls within three P a g e 3

6 Polk County, Florida Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report November 2016 wood stork (Mycteria americana) colony Core Foraging Areas (CFAs). These species and potential habitat utilization within the project area are described below. Audubon s Crested Caracara The Audubon s crested caracara is listed as threatened by the USFWS and the FWC. Historically, the preferred habitat of the caracara is wet prairies with scattered cabbage palms. Due to land use changes and conversion of prairies to pastures, caracara primarily utilize pasture areas for foraging. They nest almost exclusively in cabbage palms. No caracara were observed during the field review. No suitable habitat was observed within the project area. Due to the lack of suitable habitat within the project area and adjacent development, the potential of occurrence of the Audubon s crested caracara is low. Everglade Snail Kite The Everglade snail kite is listed as endangered by the USFWS and the FWC. Snail kites prefer a habitat consisting of large open freshwater marshes and lakes with shallow water. Nesting typically occurs over water in a low tree or shrub. Snail kites are adapted for a diet consisting almost exclusively of freshwater apple snails. No snail kites were observed during the field review, and there is no documentation of snail kites utilizing habitat within the project area. No critical habitat is located near the project area. The freshwater marsh along the project area contains a high occurrence of invasive and exotic species, diminishing the availability of suitable snail kite habitat. Additionally, there is a lack of shrubs and small trees in the marsh needed for nesting. Much of the vegetation consists of cattails and other aquatic emergent vegetation located in the littoral zone of Lake Hamilton. As a result, the potential occurrence of the Everglade snail kite within the project area is low. Florida Scrub-Jay The Florida scrub-jay is listed as threatened by the USFWS and the FWC. The Florida scrub-jay is endemic to peninsular Florida s ancient dune ecosystems or scrub, which occur on well-drained to excessively well-drained sandy soils. The scrub-jay is extremely habitat specific and is restricted to scattered and often isolated patches of xeric oak scrub, sand pine scrub, scrubby flatwoods, and other scrub habitats that are maintained by regular burning. No scrub-jays or suitable habitat were observed within the project area. Due to the lack of suitable habitat, previous development, disturbance and clearing of the property, the potential occurrence of the Florida scrub-jay within the project area is low. Sand Skink The sand skink is listed as Threatened by the USFWS and the FWC. The sand skink is a small, slender, nearly legless lizard. They are light brown/gray in color with small eyes, a wedge-shaped snout, and no external ear openings. Sand skinks habitat consists of xeric habitats included rosemary scrub, sand pine and oak scrub areas. Citrus groves and other converted lands can also be considered potential habitat for sand skinks. They require loose sand for burrowing, with large patches of sparse to no ground cover or canopy. The USFWS consultation guidelines consider location, elevation, and soil type when determining skink habitat. This project is within the Consultation Area for the sand skink, contains areas with P a g e 4

7 Polk County, Florida Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report November 2016 elevations about 82 feet above sea level, but do not consists of suitable soil types. This property is not contiguous with suitable sand skink habitat. The potential occurrence of the sand skink within the project area is low. Florida Grasshopper Sparrow The Florida grasshopper sparrow is listed as endangered by the USFWS and the FWC. The Florida grasshopper sparrow is a subspecies of grasshopper sparrow that is endemic to the dry prairie region of central and south Florida. This subspecies is extremely habitat specific and requires large, treeless grasslands that are frequently burned and dominated by saw palmetto and dwarf oaks. The proposed project is within the USFWS s Consultation Area for the Florida grasshopper sparrow, but not within the recently revised NRCs s Consultation Area. Suitable habitat was not observed within or adjacent to the project area. The potential occurrence of the Florida grasshopper sparrow within the project area is low. Wood Stork The wood stork is listed as threatened by the USFWS and the FWC. The wood stork is primarily associated with freshwater and estuarine habitats for nesting, roosting, and foraging. Due to their specialized feeding behavior, they forage most effectively in shallow-water areas with highly concentrated prey. Suitable foraging habitat is described as any area containing patches of relatively open (< 25% aquatic vegetation), calm water, and having a permanent or seasonal water depth between 2 and 15 inches. The project area falls within the CFA for three wood stork colonies (Lake Russel, Lake Rosalie, and Saddlebag Lake), located in Polk County. The project is not within 2,500 feet of an active colony. The wetland located within the project area provides suitable foraging habitat (SFH) for the wood stork. According to the USFWS s South Florida Programmatic Concurrence Effect Determination Key for the Wood Stork (2010), impacts to SFH less than one-half acre are not likely to adversely affect wood storks. Guidelines set by the USFWS in the Habitat Management Guidelines for the Wood Stork in the Southeast Region require that wetland impacts within a wood stork CFA be mitigated within the same CFA. No wood storks were observed during the field review. Due to the occurrence of SFH, impacts to wetlands within the project area greater than one-half acre may affect the wood stork. Southern Bald Eagle The southern bald eagle was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007; however, it remains protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Florida eagle rule (F.A.C 68A ). The bald eagle, primarily piscivorous, is also an opportunistic forager that will feed upon carrion and other types of prey. Bald eagles utilize forested habitats for nesting and roosting, and expanses of shallow fresh or salt water for foraging. The FWC eagle nest database shows the nearest bald eagle nest (Nest PO123), is approximately 2 miles away. No bald eagles or bald eagle nests were observed during the field review. The potential occurrence of the southern bald eagle within the project area is low. P a g e 5

8 Polk County, Florida Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report November 2016 Gopher Tortoise The gopher tortoise is listed as threatened by the FWC and is a USFWS candidate species. Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law: Rule 68A (F.A.C.). Gopher tortoise burrows can be found in most types of upland communities. They prefer high, dry, sandy habitats of xeric uplands, but will also utilize disturbed areas and pastures. Gopher tortoises eat a variety of plants including broadleaf grasses, wiregrass, legumes, berries, and prickly pear cactus. The gopher tortoise is considered a keystone species because a large number of other animals, including listed species, rely on gopher tortoise burrows for one or more of their life requirements. The general field survey was conducted by an FWC Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent. No gopher tortoises or gopher tortoise burrows were observed during the field review. The existing conditions of the project area including lack of natural habitat, unsuitable soil types, and domination by cogon grass diminish suitable habitat for the gopher tortoise. The potential occurrence of the gopher tortoise and commensal species is low. 4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Inwood staff evaluated the project area to identity and delineate the limits of jurisdictional wetlands and determine the presence of listed species and habitat utilization. One jurisdictional wetland occurs within the project area. Impacts to wetlands will require an approved ERP from both the SWFWMD and/or USACE with approved mitigation provided for any permanent impacts to wetlands. The jurisdictional limits of on-site wetlands have not been reviewed or approved by the SWFWMD or USACE. This process typically does not occur until a permit application that includes impacts to the wetland system is received by the agency. This project area has limited natural habitat to support listed species due to historical and existing land use as well as limited habitat connectivity due to the constraints of surrounding development and the adjacent roadway. The project area falls within the Consultation Areas for Audubon s crested caracara, Everglade snail kite, Florida scrub-jay, sand skink, and Florida grasshopper sparrow. No suitable habitat for these species was observed during the field review. No impacts to these species are anticipated with this project. This project is located within the CFA for three wood stork colonies. Suitable foraging habitat occurs within and immediately adjacent to the property limits. According to the USFWS Guidelines, impacts to suitable foraging habitat less than 0.5 acres will receive a not likely to adversely affect determination. If impacts are greater than 0.5 acres, a Wood Stork Foraging Habitat Assessment will be required to determine the appropriate mitigation for impacts to the CFA. No gopher tortoises or gopher tortoise burrows were observed. Existing conditions throughout most of the project area do not provide suitable habitat for the gopher tortoise. Adjacent parcels appear to provide suitable habitat. It is recommended that a 100% gopher tortoise survey be conducted according to FWC guidelines, and not more than 90 days before construction in order to obtain the proper FWC Relocation Permit if needed. P a g e 6

9 APPENDIX 1: FIGURES

Project Limits Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, USGS, Intermap, increment

Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the

10 Project Limits Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, USGS, Intermap, increment P Corp., NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community POLK COUNTY TAX PARCELS PROJECT LOCATION MAP Figure ,000 Feet

272817829503000030 272817829503000040 Project Limits 272817829501000010

DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the

contributors, and the GIS user community POLK COUNTY TAX PARCELS

11 Project Limits Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community POLK COUNTY TAX PARCELS AERIAL MAP Figure Feet

3 15 Project Limits 31 99 SOILS 15, TAVARES 21, IMMOKALEE 3, CANDLER 31, ADAMSVILLE 99, WATER 21 LEGEND Project Parcels SOILS

Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the

12 3 15 Project Limits SOILS 15, TAVARES 21, IMMOKALEE 3, CANDLER 31, ADAMSVILLE 99, WATER 21 LEGEND Project Parcels SOILS HYDRIC GROUP WATER A B/D C Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community POLK COUNTY TAX PARCELS NRCS SOILS MAP Figure Feet

1400 6410 2200 1900 Project Limits 8100 5200 6440 LEGEND Project Parcels URBAN AND BUILT-UP 1100, RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY < 2 DWELLING UNITS 1200,

TREE CROPS 2600, OTHER OPEN LANDS <RURAL> RANGELAND 3200, SHRUB AND BRUSHLAND WATER 5200, LAKES WETLANDS 6150, STREAM AND LAKE SWAMPS (BOTTOMLAND) 6410,

Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, DeLorme,

13 Project Limits LEGEND Project Parcels URBAN AND BUILT-UP 1100, RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY < 2 DWELLING UNITS 1200, RESIDENTIAL MED DENSITY 2->5 DWELLING UNIT 1400, COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES 1500, INDUSTRIAL 1900, OPEN LAND AGRICULTURE 2100, CROPLAND AND PASTURELAND 2200, TREE CROPS 2600, OTHER OPEN LANDS <RURAL> RANGELAND 3200, SHRUB AND BRUSHLAND WATER 5200, LAKES WETLANDS 6150, STREAM AND LAKE SWAMPS (BOTTOMLAND) 6410, FRESHWATER MARSHES 6430, WET PRAIRIES 6440, EMERGENT AQUATIC VEGETATION TRANSPORTATION 8100, TRANSPORTATION 2600 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community POLK COUNTY TAX PARCELS FLUCFCS MAP Figure Feet

WL 1-9 WL 1-8 WL 1-7 WL 1-6 Project Limits WL 1 WL 1-5 WL 1-4 WL 1-3 WL 1-2 WL 1-1 WL 1

COUNTY TAX PARCELS 272817829501000010 272817829503000040 272817829503000030 Source: Esri,

Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia,

14 WL 1-9 WL 1-8 WL 1-7 WL 1-6 Project Limits WL 1 WL 1-5 WL 1-4 WL 1-3 WL 1-2 WL 1-1 WL 1 Wetland Line LEGEND Project Parcels Wetland Line Wetland Flags Wetlands Surface Water POLK COUNTY TAX PARCELS Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community WETLANDS AND SURFACE WATERS MAP Figure Feet

15 APPENDIX 2: PHOTOGRAPHS

16 Photo 1: Facing Lake Hamilton, near wetland flag WL 1-1, dense cogon grass and Melaleuca Photo 2: Wetland edge, facing south

17 Photo 3: Facing north, wetland edge and adjacent recently-burned open land Photo 4: Vegetation in marsh and submerged aquatic vegetation along Lake Hamilton

18 Photo 5: Representative vegetation near wetland flag WL 1-8 Photo 6: Facing south, near northern boundary of the project area, open land dominated by cogon grass that had been recently burned and mowed

19 Photo 7: Northern edge of property, facing west Photo 8: Facing SW, recently burned parcel with clumps of remaining cogon grass

20 Photo 9: Facing North, along eastern boundary of property Photo 10: Facing SW toward Lake Hamilton, abandoned building

21 Photo 11: Facing west, on the south side of abandoned building Photo 12: Facing south, southern parcel, showing recently burned area along right-of-way

22 Photo 13: Remnant concrete slab Photo 14: Gravel and concrete driveways throughout southern parcel

23 Photo 15: Paver driveway under dense vegetation Photo 16: Remaining debris from abandoned building near the southern boundary of the property

Facing NW, wetland line with dense cogon grass

24 Photo 17: Facing west along the southern property boundary, recently mowed dense cogon grass Photo 18: Facing NW, wetland line with dense cogon grass abutting wetland, recently mowed open land near abandoned building

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