In the State of Florida, the gopher tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus) is listed as a threatened species. As part of the SR 200 Design-Build project from Baldwin to Callahan in Nassau and Duval Counties, H.W. Lochner, Inc. (Lochner) was tasked with conducting surveys to determine if any gopher tortoises were present within the project area and if so, to obtain the required permits and relocate the protected animals out of the project area and harm’s way.

 

Surveys revealed 25 burrows were present within the project area. Gopher tortoises typically dig and use between two to four burrows within their home range. Therefore, the Lochner team anticipated having to relocate between five to ten tortoises. The appropriate permits were obtained from the Florida Freshwater Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to excavate the burrows and relocate the tortoises to an off-site preserve.

 

Lochner and its design-build contractor, Anderson-Columbia, excavated the 25 burrows. The burrows averaged 15 to 20 feet in length and six to eight feet in depth. The effort resulted in five adult tortoises and one juvenile tortoise being captured. The tortoises were measured and marked prior to release at their new home.