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

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40

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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, notter@sjcfl.us

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

DEP ViolationsChristina.Sellers@dep.state.fl.us

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

tdodson@sjcfl.us

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: notter@sjcfl.us and/or 904-209-0323 Report to FWC: Seaturtlelighting@myfwc.com 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: Seaturtlelighting@myfwc.com 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