DRMP was contracted by Volusia County to evaluate potential impacts to threatened and endangered species as a result of the proposed highway extension of S.R. 472. The proposed road extended S.R. 472 approximately 0.57 miles from the I-4 interchange southeast to Howland Boulevard in Volusia County, Florida.

A one-mile wide corridor along the proposed road alignment was evaluated for habitat suitable for Florida scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens coerulescens) and red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW) (Picoides borealis). However, after conducting a preliminary site assessment, it was determined that only scrub jay surveys were warranted. Suitable RCW habitat was not present within the project corridor.

An intensive scrub jay survey was conducted that encompassed approximately 680 acres. Parallel transects lines and playback stations were established to effectively cover all potential scrub jay habitats. Fifty-two playback stations were established in which scrub jay alarm and social calls were broadcast on a portable cassette player to identify scrub jay populations and densities.

DRMP coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other regulatory agencies to obtain permit approval for the proposed improvements.