Calvin Giordano - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STANDARD FORM 330 (REV. 312013) PAGE 3 Coastal Environmental Assessment Surveys for Winter Shorebirds and Seabirds Associated with the Hillsboro Beach Renourishment Truck Haul Project Broward County, Florida PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Shorebird and Protected Species CONSTRUCTION (If Applicable) N/A (3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief Scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE Check if project performed with current firm Shorebird, Seabird, and Protected Species Monitoring. Mr. Fitzgerald conducted pre-construction and post- construction environmental assessment surveys for beach jacquemontia (Jacquemontia reclinata) and winter shorebirds and seabirds associated with the Hillsboro Beach Renourishment Truck Haul Project. The surveys were performed in partial support of environmental resource permit requirements (US Army Corps of Engineers Permit No.: SAJ-1997-02355(SP-LCK). Winter shorebird and seabird surveys were conducted according to the Florida Shorebird Alliance’s Winter Shorebird Survey and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) protocols, on a 2 km stretch of beach that was to be renourished as part of an emergency nourishment project after the passing of Hurricane Irma. Additionally, surveys were conducted to identify and GIS map the location of J. reclinata which is a flowering plant endemic to southeastern Florida and is listed as Endangered in the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The surveys were conducted along the beach and the sand dunes where present, the upland beach access corridor and the staging area. The J. reclinata observed during the surveys consisted of 5-7 stems with 1 or 2 white flowers each. A 25 ft. wide buffer area was marked around the plant to prevent it being trampled. Upon the second survey, the buffer area had been reduced to accommodate trucks needing to turn towards the beach to deliver sand, and the plants had lost all their flowers. Size: 2km of beach and dune habitat Cost: $17,000 e. (1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State) Marine Turtle Monitoring Permit Holder (Pending City Authorization) City of Delray Beach, Florida (2) YEAR COMPLETED 2018 - Present PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Marine Turtle Scientist CONSTRUCTION (If Applicable) N/A (3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief Scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE Check if project performed with current firm Marine Turtle Monitoring - Mr. Fitzgerald applied for and was approved for a marine turtle monitoring permit from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to conducted daily marine turtle nesting surveys and monthly lighting surveys during the marine turtle nesting season (March 1st through October 31st). The permit application included marine turtle monitoring along 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) of municipal beach extending from Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) DNR Monument R-175 near George Bush Boulevard south beyond Atlantic Dunes Park to FDEP DNR Monument R-190. Conducting marine turtle nesting surveys is important for monitoring the continued recovery and survival of these endangered and threatened species. Routine monitoring prior to beach cleaning (beach raking) activities will also assist in avoiding and minimizing potential impacts. Additionally, Mr. Fitzgerald is in the process of developing a Comprehensive Habitat Conservation Plan for the City’s coastal activities and marine turtle habitat. He has conducted a wide range of ecological field studies involving hatchlings, post-pelagic, juvenile, and adult marine turtles that include in-water observation, aerial and vessel-based monitoring, beach nest monitoring, live capture and assessment, and passive diver-tow marine turtle counts. Mr. Fitzgerald has conducted marine turtle research with numerous State and Federal agencies including the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Research has included marine turtle nest surveys, nest relocations, coastal beach lighting surveys, hatchling disorientation, and documenting hatchling success. Additional marine turtle research has included unique experience with in-water marine turtle capture using carefully monitored entanglement methods, capture using passive entrapment devices, and capture by hand during emergency relocation efforts. More advanced marine turtle studies have involved collection of blood samples, tissue samples, stomach contents, and fecal samples. Other research included observing the effects on marine turtles during dredging, oil and gas production, and platform removal using underwater explosives. Once the City approves the monitoring contract, FWC will provide Mr. Fitzgerald with the marine turtle monitoring permit. Size: 2.8 miles of beach and dune habitat Cost: $87,000 (anticipated) d. (1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State) Shoreline Stabilization/Wave Break Hugh Taylor Birch (2) YEAR COMPLETED 2014 - Present 100