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kravi Y C OKP5 OF ENGINEERS <br />r„.ect #: SAJ-2014-01934 <br />"gate: April 14, 2014 <br />'.tfachment: 2 of 2 <br />4110 <br />OUP <br />IMO <br />OOP <br />SINN <br />MOP <br />STANDARD PROTECTION MEASURES FOR THE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE <br />U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service <br />August 12, 2013 <br />The eastern indigo snake protection/education plan (Plan) below has been developed by the U.S. <br />Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Florida for use by applicants and their construction <br />personnel. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall <br />notify the appropriate USFWS Field Office via e-mail that the Plan will be implemented as <br />described below (North Florida Field Office: jaxregs@fws.gov; South Florida Field Office: <br />verobeach@fws.gov; Panama City Field Office: panamacity@fws.gov). As long as the signatory <br />of the e-mail certifies compliance with the below Plan (including use of the attached poster and <br />brochure), no further written confirmation or "approval" from the USFWS is needed and the <br />applicant may move forward with the project. <br />If the applicant decides to use an eastern indigo snake protection/education plan other than the <br />approved Plan below, written confirmation or "approval" from the USFWS that the plan is <br />adequate must be obtained. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the <br />applicant shall submit their unique plan for review and approval. The USFWS will respond via e- <br />mail, typically within 30 days of receiving the plan, either concurring that the plan is adequate or <br />requesting additional information. A concurrence e-mail from the appropriate USFWS Field <br />Office will fulfill approval requirements. <br />The Plan materials should consist of: 1) a combination of posters and pamphlets (see Poster <br />Information section below); and 2) verbal educational instructions to construction personnel by <br />supervisory or management personnel before any clearing/land alteration activities are initiated <br />(see Pre -Construction Activities and During Construction Activities sections below). <br />POSTER INFORMATION <br />Posters with the following information shall be placed at strategic locations on the construction <br />site and along any proposed access roads (a final poster for Plan compliance, to be printed on 11" <br />x 17" or larger paper and laminated, is attached): <br />DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non -venomous snakes in North <br />America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the <br />glossy, blue -black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they <br />have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported <br />to only have cream coloration on the throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive and will <br />attempt to crawl away when disturbed. Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be <br />handled. <br />SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern <br />indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE <br />if handled. <br />LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types <br />throughout Florida. Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands <br />1 <br />