Photo credit: Renee Bodine
This week for our 25 Weeks of Memories for 25 Years of Conservation series we are reviewing an initiative near and dear to all our hearts at NFLT—our work to become a gopher tortoise recipient site. As you may recall, last week we talked about Smith Lake Preserve and the restoration work being done there. This week we are taking a closer look at the work being done at both Smith Lake Preserve and its sister property, Little Rain Lake Preserve, now in the final stages to receive gopher tortoises.
Gopher tortoises are a vital component of Florida’s ecosystem, representing one of the oldest living species on Earth. These remarkable reptiles inhabit dry, upland habitats and are characterized by their unique physical adaptations—stumpy hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forelimbs which enable them to dig extensive burrows. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species, meaning their presence is crucial for the survival of more than 350 other species that share their burrows, including the Eastern Indigo Snake, Gopher Frog, and Florida Mouse. Despite their ecological importance, gopher tortoises face increasing threats due to habitat loss from development, particularly in the longleaf pine forests where they thrive.
As Florida continues to grow, the need for responsible land management becomes paramount. The gopher tortoise and its burrows are protected under state law, requiring developers to obtain a gopher tortoise relocation permit before disturbing any burrows. This legal framework prompts a critical question: where do these tortoises go when their homes are threatened? The answer lies in designated gopher tortoise relocation sites approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). As you have read in past two editions of Landscapes, the bi-annual NFLT newsletter, NFLT has been working to transform both our Smith Lake Preserve and our Little Rain Lake Preserve into one of these recipient sites, not only to help restore gopher tortoise populations but also to create a sustainable revenue stream for conservation efforts.
The initiative to establish Smith Lake and Little Rain Lake into gopher tortoise recipient sites was both an ecological necessity and a strategic move for conservation funding. By designating areas within these two preserves, NFLT can provide safe habitats for tortoises displaced by development while generating income through relocation fees. This dual approach underscores the importance of collaboration between conservation organizations and developers, ensuring that the ecological balance is maintained even in the face of urban expansion.
NFLT has identified approximately 100 acres of suitable gopher tortoise habitat within Little Rain Lake Preserve. To optimize this land for the tortoises, the organization has implemented prescribed burns across 320 acres in both preserves. These controlled burns serve to remove non-native pasture grasses and mitigate the spread of invasive plants, thereby enhancing the habitat quality for gopher tortoises.
Leading this initiative is NFLT’s Land Stewardship Biologist, Aaryn Tarver. Her proactive approach includes developing an intake process for the gopher tortoises, ensuring that the organization is prepared to accept them once they receive the necessary approvals from the FWC. Additionally, internal guidelines have been established for managing the recipient sites, which will be essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of the areas designated for tortoise relocation.
Before accepting gopher tortoises, NFLT must conduct comprehensive population and vegetation surveys. These assessments are crucial for determining the final stocking rate of tortoises and evaluating the number and types of burrows present on the property. The FWC employs two primary criteria for evaluating gopher tortoise recipient sites: acceptable and desirable. Both categories measure size, soil, and habitat, with the desirable category adding enhanced conservation value, meaning it is adjacent to or within protected land. The desirable category allows for a maximum of four tortoises per acre, compared to just two tortoises for acceptable sites. NFLT aims to be classified as a desirable site, ideally accommodating at least three tortoises per acre.
In addition to the initial surveys, ongoing monitoring will be required throughout the lifespan of the gopher tortoise recipient site permit. Post-baseline vegetation surveys will provide essential data for habitat management, ensuring that the environment remains conducive to the tortoise population.
Since embarking on this journey, NFLT has maintained continuous communication with the FWC. Following a pre-application meeting, the FWC has visited the proposed sites multiple times, assessing their suitability as recipient locations. NFLT is close to the end of the certification process, pending the FWC’s next report and the completion of final essential surveys. Once NFLT receives the FWC’s report and completes the required surveys, they will be positioned to apply for the necessary permits to begin receiving gopher tortoises. This process is projected to culminate in the organization’s designation as a long-term protected site at the tier 2 conservation easement level, potentially generating up to $6,000 for each tortoise relocated. With significant development planned within a 100-mile radius of their preserves, NFLT could become a crucial refuge for displaced tortoises, furthering our mission to protect North Florida’s irreplaceable natural environment.
As we move closer to our goal of receiving gopher tortoises, we invite the community to stay engaged. We will continue to provide updates on our journey through newsletters and social media. The successful establishment of NFLT as a gopher tortoise recipient site not only represents a significant step in conserving this vital species but also serves as a model for sustainable conservation practices that harmonize environmental stewardship with developmental needs. By prioritizing the health of ecosystems and fostering biodiversity, we can ensure a thriving future for Florida’s gopher tortoises and the myriad species that rely on them.
You can read our two-part series about our work with the FWC and gopher tortoises in our Winter 2023 and Summer 2024 editions of Landscapes HERE.
Interested in supporting our work to become a gopher tortoise recipient site? You can donate to this effort by clicking HERE.
