Protected Species
Southern bald eagles, loggerhead sea turtles
and other protected animal and plant species are afforded habitat
protection through several Lee County land development regulations.
In 1986, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners adopted
Southern bald eagle nest guidelines and created an Eagle
Technical Advisory Committee (ETAC). The Division of
Environmental Sciences
and ETAC members monitor bald eagle nests throughout Lee County and
provide technical advice to landowners on bald eagle biological
requirements.
From May 1st through October 31st, loggerhead
sea turtles nest on the Gulf of Mexico beaches in Lee County. To
minimize disruption of both adult sea turtle nesting activities and
the return of sea turtle hatchlings to the Gulf, regulations exist to
reduce lighting along the beach (Land
Development Code Chapter 14). Various light shielding techniques
are used for both new and existing development. Beach activities
like open fires and deep beach raking are restricted during the
nesting season.
Other protected animals include species such
as the gopher tortoise, wood stork, fox squirrel and eastern indigo
snake. Protected plants include species such as the joewood
tree, beautiful paw-paw, Curtis milkweed and Florida coontie. A
complete list of protected animal species is located under Appendix
H of the Lee County Land Development County and a complete list
of protected plant species is available on the Environmental
Sciences webpage
here.
A survey for protected animal and plant
specie is required for most new development project; A habitat
management plan is required protected species occur on a development
site. For more information regarding bald
eagles, sea
turtles and other protected species, contact the an
Environmental Science Staff
person.
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