Camp Boggy Creek Visitor Center Gopher Tortoise Relocation

Camp Boggy Creek was in the process of planning and constructing a new Visitor’s Welcome Center when gopher tortoises were discovered and needed to be relocated.  DRMP was hired to provide the environmental services required.

DRMP permitted the relocation of gopher tortoises out of the construction footprint.  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permitted Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents conducted a 100 percent gopher tortoise burrow survey that resulted in the identification of 38 burrows within the property. However, coordination with the contractor led to the installation of silt fence in locations that would exclude 31 burrows from the impact area.  A 10 or Fewer Burrows Permit was obtained from FWC for onsite relocation. The seven affected burrows were excavated and the two captured tortoises were relocated to the existing suitable habitat within the property and outside the limits of construction.

Camp Boggy Creek was able to continue with construction on the new Visitor’s Welcome Center, and DRMP’s ecological services ensured that gopher tortoises were minimally impacted by the relocation.