Gopher Tortoise Relocations
ETE recently completed the gopher tortoise permitting and relocation in Lehigh Acres on November 16, 2018. A total of nine potentially occupied gopher tortoise burrows were identified within the development area of the property. Four gopher tortoises were successfully captured and relocated to a long term protected gopher tortoise recipient site.
On another project, ETE assisted a single-family homeowner in Collier County with gopher tortoise permitting. Two gopher tortoise burrows were identified on the property following the initial clearing work on the property. ETE helped the owner acquire a “Disturbed Site” relocation permit from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. On December 6, 2018 both burrows were successfully excavated and two adult gopher tortoises were captured and relocated to a long term protected gopher tortoise recipient site.
In order to excavate the tortoises safely, we use a combination of mechanical and manual work.
Gopher tortoises are an important keystone species in Florida – their burrows provide shelter to over 350 other species. They are classified as a threatened species and are protected under Florida law. If you have gopher tortoises on your property and are looking to develop, you will need to obtain a permit before you begin clearing. Give us a call and one of our gopher tortoise agents can help navigate you through this process.
