st. johns county beaches...st. johns county beaches habitat conservation plan workshop 2019 nesting...
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St. Johns County BeachesHabitat Conservation Plan Workshop
2019 Nesting SeasonMarine Turtle Patrol Volunteers
Provide volunteers the right tools for successful data and reporting of sea turtle nestingactivities.
To become familiar with the St. Johns County Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) andConditions of the Incidental Take Permit (ITP).
To gain an understanding of the HCP/ITP policies and how they will enhance the naturalbeach environment while improving protected species management.
I. ITP and HCP
II. Partnering Agencies
III. 2018 Summary
a) Nesting
b) Disorientations
c) Beach Lighting
d) Law Enforcement
IV. Daytime EventsV. Other reportingVI. Public OutreachVII. Standard Monitoring Plan
ITP AND HCPSt. Johns County Environmental Division/Habitat Conservation Section
Photo credit: DEPPhoto credit: Jennifer Perez
Incidental Take Permit (ITP): The take of federally listed species of plants or animals is prohibited under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.
An amendment to the ESA authorizes the “incidental take” of endangered species related to current law abiding activities.
August 2006 a 20 year ITP was adopted by St. Johns County
Habitat Conservation Section is responsible for implementation of HCP/ITP with support from the Department of Beach Services.
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP): Required implementation plan to accompany ITP.
Minimizes impacts to protected species.
Allows continued practices of diverse beach user groups.
Plan protects 5 species of sea turtles and the native Anastasia Island Beach Mice.
St. Johns County additionally implements protection for nesting shorebirds.
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Protocol
BackgroundSJC Beaches are nesting habitat for the following “federally listed” species:
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Protocol
Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
Green (Chelonia mydas)
Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)
Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii)
Anastasia Island Beach Mouse (Peromyscus polionotus phasma)
Hawksbill(Eretmochelys imbricata)
Image Credit: David MacriImage Credit: Jade O’Neill Image Credit: Tara Dodson
Image Credit: Tara Dodson Image Credit: DEP Image Credit: Wikipedia
BackgroundUser groups and activities that utilize the beach:
Special events
Commercial fishing
Horseback riding
Natural resource monitoring (i.e. sea turtle patrol)
Beach driving
Recreational activities
Coastal Construction
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Protocol
PARTNERING AGENCIESSt. Johns County, FWC, USFWS, DEP, and ACOE
Introduction: The coastal HCP developed by SJC includes requirements to develop a Sea Turtle
Nesting Monitoring Plan (Plan)
SJC developed the plan in coordination and consultation with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and its authorized Marine Turtle Permit Holders (MTPHs).
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Protocol
• ESA: Section 6 Agreement
• Marine Turtle Permitting
• Wildlife Rescue, Response, and Enforcement
• Anastasia State Park• GTMNERR• Natural Resource
Management
• Endangered Species Protection
• HCP Consultation and Coordination
• HCP Enforcement
• Natural Resource Deputies (SJC Sheriff)
• Maintenance/Public Access
• Public Safety• HCP Support Staff
Beach Management USFWS
FWCDEP
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
2018 SUMMARYSea turtle nesting, disorientations, beach lighting, law enforcement
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Protocol
Sea Turtle Nesting 2006 - 2018:
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Protocol
Sea Turtle Nesting - Season Comparison
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Nests 302 298 249 868 627 704 746 476 679 856 691 542
Cc 302 14 226 829 591 651 671 442 623 819 630 514
Cm 33 14 7 35 13 39 59 28 36 26 52 16
Dc 2 0 16 4 23 14 16 6 19 11 7 12
Lk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
False Crawls NA 316 168 458 247 450 373 213 310 723 459 443
Relocated NA 10 23 62 66 34 50 41 24 21 48 27
Washed Out NA 68 15 19 65 0 21 7 17 30 58 23
Average Incubation 55 60 57 52 61 63 56 57 55 52 57 60
Poached 4 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total # of hatchlings emerged NA 16,892 18,771 57,160 36,029 51,981 57,549 34,578 54,080 46,184 43,924 38,491
* Loggerhead (Caretta caretta, Cc), Green (Chelonia mydas, Cm), Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea, Dc), Kemps Ridley (Lepidochelys kempii, Lk)
Photo credit: Tara Dodson
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Sea Turtle Nesting – Loggerhead (Caretta caretta)
445 nests hatched 36,395 hatchlings emerged 34 clutches not found 434 false crawls Overall mean clutch of 90 eggs Range of 3 to 165 eggs 80% nesting success rate 87% hatchling success rate 56 days average incubation
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Sea Turtle Nesting – Green (Chelonia mydas)
13 nests hatched 1,753 hatchlings produced 1 clutch not found 2 false crawls Overall mean clutch of 83 eggs Range of 120 to 162 eggs 81% nesting success rate 95% hatchling success rate 57 days average incubation
Photo credit: David Macri
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Sea Turtle Nesting – Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea)
5 nests hatched 367 hatchlings produced 1 clutch not found 1 false crawl Overall mean clutch of 34 eggs Range of 69 to 109 eggs 71% nesting success rate 64% hatchling success rate 79 days average incubation
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Sea Turtle Nesting – Spatial Patterns
Beach Type Mileage Nests % Distribution of County Beach
% Distributionof Nests
Driving10.6 55 26% 10%
Non-driving24.8 405 60% 75%
Restricted5.7 80 14% 15%
Total41.1 540 100% 100%
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Sea Turtle Nesting – Temporal Patterns
Earliest/Latest Nests LaidCc (Earliest L) 5/2/2018 GTMNERR South
Cc (Latest L) 9/5/2018 Anastasia State Park
Cm (Earliest L) 6/15/2018 Ponte Vedra South
Cm (Latest L) 8/18/2018 Ponte Vedra South
Dc (Earliest L) 5/30/2018 Ponte Vedra North
Dc (Latest L) 7/23/2018 Beach Club Drive North
Lk (Earliest L) N/A N/A
Lk (Latest L) N/A N/A
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Sea Turtle Nesting – Obstacles Encountered
27
10
18
1 1 12 1
2018 Human Obstacles
Seawall/Revetment
Walkover
Sand Fencing
Man-Made Material
Silt Fencing
Construction Debris /Concrete
Homeowner's Wooden Fence
Man-Made Hole 10
2018 "Other" Natural Obstacles
Escarpment
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
False Crawls – Obstacles Encountered
11
2017 "Other" Natural False Crawl Obstacles
Escarpment
15
4
21
13
1 1 1 2 1
2017 Human False Crawl Obstacles
Sand Fencing
Walkover
Seawall/Revetment
Beach Furniture
Manmade Dune
Silt Fence
Vertical Pole
Homeowner's Fence
Not Clarified
Another Crawl Marker Stake
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Sea Turtle Nesting - All Species - Density
103
141
112
38 43
29 3143
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
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Permit Holder Zone
2018 St. Johns County Nesting Density
# Sea Turtle Nests
Poly. (# Sea Turtle Nests)
Beach Lighting - Land Development Code Article IV Section 4.01.09: Promotes new lighting technology
Reduces incandescent (yellow bug lights) wattage to 25
Requires the use of amber and red LED bulbs
Requires consultation from Beach Lighting Officer prior to purchase and installation of fixtures
Nighttime survey is required before applicant can receive Certificate of Occupancy
425 AOVs, 28 Inspections
Nathan Otter, Beach Lighting Officer, 904-209-0323, [email protected]
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Disorientations: 12 disorientations
5 confirmed light source violation (flashlights suspected as leading cause) 20,000 different types of education materials distributed to public
Timely Reporting is Critical
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Hatchling Tracks Traveling West
Disorientations:
Where is the beach?
Emerging HatchlingsPhoto Credit: David Macri
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Law Enforcement Activity:
DAYTIME EVENTSNesting and hatching
Nesting Attempt/Event County notifies MTPH ↔ MTPH notifies County. Volunteers, County staff and Law Enforcement requested to stand by. Assist with crowd control – maintaining a 30 foot distance. Driving lanes coned off and traffic control in place. Sea turtle patrol responsible for marking crawl.
Hatching Event County notifies MTPH ↔ MTPH notifies County. If sand is “hot to touch” hatchlings are recovered and placed in safe bins. No standing water.
Volunteers, County staff and Law Enforcement requested to stand by. Assist with crowd control – maintaining a 30 foot distance. Driving lanes coned off and traffic control in place.
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
OTHER REPORTINGBeach Services, SJSO Beach Patrol, CSAB Police, FWC
Sheriff’s Department
(Illegal activity)904-824-8304
Fish Kill Hotline1-800-636-0511
http://research.myfwc.com/fishkill/submit.asp
HCP Reporting(i.e. tent frames, large
debris, etc.) 904-209-3740
Wildlife Violations1-888-404-3922
Marine Mammals1-888-404-3922
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Distributed Materials: 13,579 brochures, 52
magnets, 120 table tents, 666 flyers, 225 stickers, and 219
pieces from Sea Turtle Conservancy
Public Events:Approximatley 5,000
people(Ancient City kids day, local
festivals, etc.)
Enforcement Stickers:772 stickers applied to
beach gear
Beach Lighting:Postcards sent to coastal
residents
Seasonal Education Signage:
Public access points and beach front parks
HCP/Beach Services website, Reach the
Beach app, and social media
STANDARD MONITORING PLANPurpose, general procedures, vehicle operation, data management, nest monitoring
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Introduction:All supporting materials can be found by visiting the sea turtle patrol tool kits page:
http://www.sjcfl.us/HCP/TurtlePatrolToolkit.aspx
All procedures conform to current or future Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Marine Turtle Conservation Guidelines and can be found at:
http://www.myfwc.com/seaturtle/Guidelines/Guidelines.PDF.
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Purpose: To provide standarized guidance to sea turtle monitoring personnel involved in the surveying
and reporting of nesting and hatching activities within the coastal beaches of St. Johns County.
Marine Turtle Permit Holders (MTPHs) are authorized by FWC to coordinate sea turtle monitoring according to FWC guidelines.
Sea turtle monitoring personnel are defined as those authorized by FWC under its marine turtle permit program.
Required Authorizations and Display Format: FWC authorizes volunteers to conduct marine turtle monitoring. Operation of motorized vehicle as part of authorized work must obtain
appropriate beach driving and parking permits from SJC staff after training. Permits to be displayed on vehicle. Official logo or organization name displayed in obvious location while
conducting official duties.
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Vehicle Operation: Prior to beach gate openings (8:00 am) vehicles driven below the high tide line. During regular beach driving hours comply with directions of travel. Obey speed limit of 10 miles per hour. Maintain a 15’ buffer between dune vegetation and sea turtle nests. Operate vehicle on the seaward side of sea turtle nests. Avoid disturbing shorebirds and seabirds to the maximum extent possible. Avoid making sharp turns and leaving ruts. ATV tire pressure at less than 5 psi.
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Data Management: SJC HCP crawl data sheets record the following: Survey date, nest id#, species, observer, FWC survey beach name, type of
crawl (nest or false crawl), GPS coordinates (dd.dddd format), descriptive location, nest or apex of crawl, obstacles encountered, relocation data, horse interactions, predator and human interactions, and reproductive success for a represantitive sample of marked nests as coordinated with FWC.
Daily crawl data is reported by MTPH weekly to St. Johns County through online system or digital summary. Daily/weekly data includes survey date, nest id#, species, observer, survey
beach name, type of crawl, GPS coordinates (dd.dddd format), and descriptive location.
All supporting materials can be found at: http://www.sjcfl.us/HCP/TurtlePatrolToolkit.aspx
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Data Management (SJC HCP Nesting Data Sheets):
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Data Management (SJC HCP False Crawl Log):
Allows for multiple reporting of false crawls, eliminating multiple data sheets.
False crawl log outlines the same data as the online system.
Can easily be referred back to if changes need to be made.
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Public Outreach
Standard Monitoring Plan
Data Management (online nesting data program):
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard Monitoring Plan
Data Management (rut removal): To ensure successful rut removal, MTPHs
report evaluation events to St. Johns County no later than day of the event.
If removal of stakes and/or evaluation occurs unexpectedly, MTPHs report the event to St. Johns County no later than day of event.
Rut removal reporting, questions, and/or concerns can be coordinated through your MTPH and/or by calling 904-209-3740.
All supporting materials can be found at: http://www.sjcfl.us/HCP/TurtlePatrolToolkit.aspx
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2018 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard Monitoring Plan
Data Management (Disorientations): Disorientation reports submitted on day of observed event to St. Johns
County and FWC: Report to SJC: [email protected] and/or 904-209-0323 Report to FWC: [email protected] Unless using the FWC specialized Survey123 app
All supporting materials can be found at: http://www.sjcfl.us/HCP/TurtlePatrolToolkit.aspx
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2017 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard Monitoring Plan
Data Management (Obstructed Nesting Attempt):When a turtle’s nesting activity is obstructed.ONA reports submitted to FWC on day of observed event to: Email to: [email protected] Fax reports to FWC: (561) 743-6228
All supporting materials can be found at: http://www.sjcfl.us/HCP/TurtlePatrolToolkit.aspx
Photo credit: GTMNERR
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2017 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard Monitoring Plan
Nest Monitoring: All nests in St. Johns County marked with bright flagging tape and FWC
issued yellow placard High Use (beach driving and horseback riding): 4 wooden stakes Medium to Low Use (horseback riding and pedestrian only beaches): 3 wooden
stakes Nest ID markings can include (discuss with MTPH prior to implementing): Date (when nest was first observed), nest number, and species code (i.e.
Loggerhead = Cc, Green = Cm, Leatherback = Dc, and Kemp’s = Lk)
All supporting materials can be found at: http://www.sjcfl.us/HCP/Volunteer.aspx
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2017 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard Monitoring Plan 3 stake method
4 stake method
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2017 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard Monitoring Plan
Nest Monitoring (driving beaches): Daily nesting surveys completed by 8:00 am between May 1 and September
30 (or after last nest has emerged). If survey cannot be completed by 8:00 am contact your MTPH. St. Johns
County needs to be notified no later than 7:45 am if beach gates need to be delayed.
St. Johns County will apply reflective numbers to nest stakes where routine rut removal procedures occur.
Nests located in driving lane require additional protection. MTP and St. Johns County will coordinate as needed.
All supporting materials can be found at: http://www.sjcfl.us/HCP/Volunteer.aspx
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2017 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard Monitoring Plan
Nest Monitoring (driving beaches):
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2017 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard MonitoringPlan
Nest Monitoring (non-driving beaches): Daily nesting surveys are completed by 9:00 am each morning between May
1 and September 30 (or after last nest has emerged).
All supporting materials can be found at: http://www.sjcfl.us/HCP/Volunteer.aspx
ITP and HCP
Partnering Agencies
2017 Summary
Daytime Events
Other Reporting
Standard MonitoringPlan
Nest Monitoring (Special Events): Special event applications are coordinated through St. Johns County Beaches. Special event requests are additionally coordinated with MTP by St. Johns County. During large events St. Johns County staff will be on site to ensure special event permit compliance. If additional protection is required for nests notify County of request.
WE SINCERELY APPRECIATE YOU!!!“The sea turtle mirrors the health of our planet and the struggle for survival for these ancient
creatures is in our own hands.” ~Veronica S. Schweitzer