SR 589 (Suncoast Parkway 2), Gopher Tortoise Permitting

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) needed environmental services for this new alignment project due to the presence of gopher tortoise burrows in the project area.

 A 100 percent gopher tortoise survey was conducted for the 13-miles of new roadway between SR 700/US 98 and SR 44, which included 900-plus acres of suitable gopher tortoise habitat.  The survey resulted in the identification of 665 potentially occupied burrows.  A Conservation Permit was obtained from the FWC to relocate 348 gopher tortoises.

DRMP located all gopher tortoise burrows that might be impacted by the project. The permit and documentation allowed the Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise to continue with the project and better assist the contractor during construction.