The Gopher Tortoise is state listed as threatened in Florida with primary threats being fragmentation, destruction, and modification of its habitat including urbanization. On behalf of Timberland Solutions LLC, S&S Environmental Consultants, LLC (S&S) permitted the Harthill Tract Long-Term Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site (Harthill Tract) which is 68.96 acres of gopher tortoise habitat in Calhoun County, Florida. The Harthill Tract will provide a long-term protected conservation site for gopher tortoises relocated because of construction/development. S&S is responsible for receiving gopher tortoises and relocating them to the Harthill Tract as well as the long-term management of the site. S&S also led all permit activities through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the Harthill Tract including: 1) surveying existing burrow capacity and habitat conditions (i.e., vegetation and canopy coverage); 2) preparing and submitting the permit application package; and 3) developing a long-term management plan.
