Gopher Tortoise Surveying, Permitting, and Relocation

The first step to establishing if potentially occupied (legally protected) gopher tortoises are located on your property and within 25' of proposed development activities is a gopher tortoise burrow survey. The survey identifies all gopher tortoise burrows and unique features using handheld GPS units and is delivered in a report and map format. Out staff will walk you through the required setbacks from gopher tortoise burrows and create a relocation plan that works for you.  It is critical burrow surveys be conducted prior to clearing / ground disturbance occurring on-site, as clearing prior to surveys can lead to a "disturbed site" permitting process and potential civil or criminal penalties.

Once the FWC gopher tortoise permit is issued and FWC has all required documentation, we can commence relocation on-site (also referred to as gopher tortoise removal). Backhoe excavation of burrows is our most frequently used capture method (and quickest!), but other options such as bucket trapping can be utilized when excavation is not an option due to existing infrastructure (such as structures, pavement, etc.).  We complete the required capture and transfer of tortoises to FWC approved recipient areas, and also provide silt fencing services to prevent gopher tortoise from re-entering your construction site (required for on-site relocation of tortoises). Once gopher tortoises are relocated to the recipient area, our staff will notify you that site preparation and construction can begin.