Agency Approvals of Listed Species Survey Protocol Document

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1 Sabal Trail Project Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC Federal and State Species Specific Survey Report Alabama, Georgia, Florida APPENDIX C Agency Approvals of Listed Species Survey Protocol Document

2 Sabal Trail Project Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC Federal and State Species Specific Survey Report Alabama, Georgia, Florida Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Approval of Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol

3 From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Annie Dziergowski Stephanie L. Fidler Steve Godley RE: Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol Tuesday, March 04, :59:53 PM Stephanie, I have reviewed the protocol and checked with both the field offices in AL and GA and we do not have any additional comments at this time. The protocol appears to cover the listed species for this proposed project. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Annie Annie Dziergowski Fish and Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite #200 Jacksonville, FL (direct) (main) (fax) From: Stephanie L. Fidler [mailto:stephanie.fidler@cardno.com] Sent: Thursday, February 27, :05 PM To: annie_dziergowski@fws.gov Cc: Steve Godley Subject: RE: Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol Annie, Thanks for talking with me today. Please let us know when you start your review next week if you need any additional information. As we discussed today, we have started some of the surveys and plan to continue into the remainder of We understand with the exception of some avian species that we may need to spot check nests before construction and the gopher tortoise 100% survey for the relocation efforts, the surveys we are conducting this year will be valid for our future permitting efforts. If you determine anything different after review of the protocol please let us know so we can plan accordingly. We want to make sure not to miss nesting windows, etc. and have the most accurate information for our permit applications. Thanks again for your time and we look forward to working with you. Stephanie L. Fidler SENIOR CONSULTANT/PRINCIPAL CARDNO ENTRIX

4 Phone (+1) Fax (+1) Direct (+1) Mobile (+1) Address 3905 Crescent Park Drive, Riverview, FL USA Web From: Stephanie L. Fidler Sent: Thursday, February 20, :20 PM To: 'annie_dziergowski@fws.gov'; 'sandy_abbott@fws.gov'; 'Shepherd, Ben'; 'Matt.Elliott@dnr.state.ga.us'; 'Matthias_Laschet@fws.gov'; 'Matthew.Marshall@dcnr.alabama.gov' Cc: BFloyd@trcsolutions.com; Jason Lancaster; John Zimmer; Gus McLachlan (gamclachlan@spectraenergy.com); Jamey Hollingsworth; Colleen M. Reilly; Steve Godley Subject: Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol Importance: High To all, On December 9, 2013 we submitted, on behalf of Sabal Trail Transmission, a comprehensive table summarizing state and federally listed plant and animal species that potentially may occur within or immediately adjacent to the proposed ±500-mile Sabal Trail natural gas pipeline project (Project) in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, and accordingly, may be affected by the Project (Table 1). As part of this submittal we requested your concurrence that the species list and information in this table was complete and accurate, and, if not, to please provide applicable updates based upon your most recent data. Based on the assumption that agency concurrence would be forthcoming with only minor changes, Sabal Trail used this summary list as the baseline document in developing speciesspecific survey protocols for the Project. The attached Sabal Trail Comprehensive Listed Species Survey Protocol Document incorporates all comments and suggestions received to date (including revisions to Table 1). We now request your review and written concurrence as to the completeness and effectiveness of these survey protocols for use in determining listed species presence and to assist in potential future permitting needs for the Project. To meet the Project schedule and critical survey windows for some species (e.g., active bald eagle nests, Florida sand skink spring activity period), it is our plan that surveys be initiated in February/March 2014 and be completed for all species within one year, if possible. Sabal Trail recognizes that changes to the Project corridor alignment may occur (e.g., to avoid impacts to a critical resource or species) and that additional surveys may be required. Thank you for your continued assistance with this project. We look forward to receiving your response on this critical document. Thank you for your time. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Stephanie L. Fidler SENIOR CONSULTANT/PRINCIPAL CARDNO ENTRIX Phone (+1) Fax (+1) Direct (+1) Mobile (+1) Address 3905 Crescent Park Drive, Riverview, FL USA

5 Sabal Trail Project Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC Federal and State Species Specific Survey Report Alabama, Georgia, Florida Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Approval of Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol

6 March 26, 2014 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Commissioners Richard A. Corbett Chairman Tampa Brian 5. Yablonski Vice Chairman Tallahassee Ronald M. Bergeron Fort Lauderdale Afiese P. "Liesa" Priddy Immokalee Bo Rivard Panama City Charles W. Roberts Iff Tallahassee Executive Staff Nick Wiley Executive Director Eric Sutton Assistant Executive Director Karen Ventimiglia Chief of Staff Stephanie Fidler Cardno Entrix 3905 Crescent Park Drive Riverview, FL RE: Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol Dear Ms. Fidler: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff has reviewed the proposed listed species survey protocol documents for the Sabal Trail project, provided February 20, 2014, and offer the following comments and recommendations for your consideration prior to initiating fish and wildlife surveys. The proposed 500-mile Saba! Trail interstate pipeline originates in Alabama, extends through southwest Georgia, and terminates in central Florida. In Florida, the project corridor is approximately 230 miles long and crosses portions of Hamilton, Madison, Suwannee, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Sumter, Lake, Osceola, and Polk counties. FWC staff met with Cardno Entrix on October 24, 2013 to discuss in general terms, the possible state-listed species that may occur within the project corridor. The January 2014 Survey Protocol document supplied by Cardno Entrix addresses nearly all of the potential state-listed surveys we discussed during the meeting. Below is supplemental information that could be used to ensure that state-listed species are sufficiently considered during fish and wildlife surveys. We did not include federally listed species because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has already reviewed and accepted the proposed survey protocol for these species. Office of tile Executive Director Nick Wiley Executive Director (850) (850) FAX Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, Florida Voice: (850) Hearing/speech-impaired: (800) (T) (800) (V) MyFWC.com Mammals Florida Mouse The Florida mouse (Podymus jloridanus, State Species of Special Concern [SSC]) is endemic to Florida and largely restricted to xeric communities with well-drained, sandy soils. The Florida mouse will use burrows of other animals as daytime refuge and as nesting sites, particularly the burrows of gopher tortoises (Jones and Layne 1993). Please refer to the Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines, Appendix 9, for information on the handling of commensal species like the Florida mouse during tortoise relocation. The applicant should be aware that Florida mice may be present in xeric uplands unsuitable or unoccupied by the gopher tortoise. Additional surveys, including trap surveys, may be necessary to ascertain presence of the Florida mouse. Homosassa Shrew The Homosassa shrew (Sorex longirostris, SSC) was thought to occur only in mesic habitats associated with Homosassa Springs in Citrus County (Hall 1981 ). However,

7 Stephanie Fidler Page 2 March 26, 2014 more recent analysis in Florida suggests that the Homosassa shrew occurs in the north and central portions of the peninsula (Jones et al. 1991) bound to the west by the Suwannee River. Table 1, which currently includes Homosassa shrews in Citrus County, should be amended to include all Florida counties where the pipeline is proposed except for Madison and Hamilton counties. If Homosassa shrews are identified during wildlife surveys, please contact FWC staff for further coordination. Sherman's Fox Squirrels A number of survey methods are used for Sherman's fox squirrels (Sciurus niger shermani, SSC), including line and belt transects. The proposed transect surveys for fox squirrels will be conducted along with the surveys for gopher tortoises. Please be aware that fox squirrels are somewhat elusive and likely to retreat from an area when humans are present (FWC 2013). If surveyors are preoccupied with looking at the ground for gopher tortoises, they may not identify fox squirrels in the tree canopy. As such, additional surveyors may be necessary to conduct successful, simultaneous surveys for gopher tortoises and Sherman's fox squirrels. Birds Burrowing Owl Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia, SSC) occur in open habitats with short groundcover such as prairies. This species also inhabits pastures, agricultural fields, golf courses, airports, and vacant lots in residential areas. The species occurs most frequently in peninsular Florida, including several counties that intersect with Sabal Trail. Based on the FWC species action plan for burrowing owls (FWC 2013a), please include Madison County as potentially supporting the burrowing owl. Florida Sandhill Crane The Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis, State Threatened) is a nonmigratory species that relies on shallow marshes for roosting and nesting; the species also depends on open uplands and wetlands for foraging. This species occurs throughout Florida, including several counties that intersect with Sabal Trail. Based on the FWC species action plan for the Florida sandhill crane (FWC 2013b), please include Hamilton County as potentially supporting Florida sandhill crane habitat. Other Florida State-listed Colonial Nesting Water Birds Please ensure that field surveys are used to complement aerial surveys for colonial nesting birds. Some colonial nesting birds such as the little blue heron (Egretta caerulea, SSC) may be difficult to identify from a helicopter because of their dark plumage and sub-canopy nesting habitats. We appreciate the opportunity to review the proposed fish and wildlife survey protocols for the Sabal Trail pipeline project. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Jane Chabre at (850) or at

8 Stephanie Fidler Page 3 March 26, 2014 FWCConservationPlanningServices@MyFWC.com. If you have specific technical questions, please contact Ben Shepherd at ( 407) or Ben.Shepherd@MyFWC.com. Sincerely, Jennifer D. Goff Land Use Planning Program Administrator Office of Conservation Planning Services jdg/bs ENV I FPL Saba! Trail Transmission Interstate Pipeline_ l8117 _ cc: Jason Lancaster, TRC Companies, Inc., JLancaster@trcsolutions.com Brad Floyd, TRC Companies, Inc., BFloyd@trcsolutions.com Annie Dziergowski, USFWS, annie dziergowski@fws.gov Citations: Hall, E. R The mammals ofnorth America. Vol. 1. John Wiley and Sons, New York, New York. Jones, C. A., S. R. Humphrey, T. M. Padgett, R. K. Rose, and J. F. Pagels Geographic variation and taxonomy of the southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris). Journal ofmammalogy 72(2): [FWC] Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2013a. A species action plan for the Florida burrowing owl. Tallahassee, FL. [FWC] Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 2013b. A species action plan for the Florida sandhill crane. Tallahassee, FL. [FWC] Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission c. A species action plan for the Sherman's fox squirrel Sciurus niger shermani. Tallahassee, FL. Jones, C. A., and J. N. Layne Podomysjloridanus. Mammalian Species 427:1-5. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Technical/agency draft revised recovery plan for the red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

9 Sabal Trail Project Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC Federal and State Species Specific Survey Report Alabama, Georgia, Florida Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Approval of Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol

10 Sabal Trail Project Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC Federal and State Species Specific Survey Report Alabama, Georgia, Florida Georgia Department of Natural Resource Wildlife Resources Division Approval of Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol

11 Stephanie L. Fidler SENIOR. COt\lSUL Tf\NT/PR!htC!P.AL CARDNO E TR.lX Phone(+1)8i Fax(+1) Direct ) Mobile ) Address 3905 Crescent Park Drive, Riverview, Fl steohanie.fidler@cardno.com Web wwvv.cardnoentrix.com From: Annie Dziergowski [mailto:annie dziergowski@fws.gov] Sent: Tuesday, March 04, :00 PM To: Stephanie L. Fidler Cc: Steve God ley Subject: RE: Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol Stephanie, I have reviewed the protocol and checked with both the field offices in Aland GA and we do not have any additional comments at this time. The appears to cover the listed species for this proposed project. Please let me know if you any questions. Thanks, Annie Annie Dzierg:o111rski Fish and Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite #200 Jacksonville, FL (direct) (main) (fax) From: Stephanie L. Fidler [mailto:stephanie.fidler@cardno.com] Sent: Thursday, February 27, :05PM To: annie dzierqowski@fws.gov Cc: Steve Godley Subject: RE: Sabal Trail Listed Species Survey Protocol Thanks for talking with me today. Please let us know when you start your review next week if you need any additional information. As we discussed today, we have started some of the surveys and plan to continue into the remainder of We understand with the exception of some avian species that we may need to spot check nests before construction and the gopher tortoise 100% survey for the relocation efforts, the surveys we are conducting this year will be valid for our future permitting efforts. If you determine anything different after review of the protocol please let us know so we can plan accordingly. We want to make sure not to miss nesting windows, etc. and have the most accurate information for our permit applications. Thanks again for your time and we look forward to working with you. Stephanie L. Fidler SENIOR CONSUL TANT/PRINOIPAL 3

December 16, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Re:

December 16, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Re: December 16, 20 15 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Tracy Hurst Tampa Permits Section U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 10117 Princess Palm Avenue, Suite 120 Tampa, FL 33610 Tracy.E.Hurst@usace.anny.mil