Piping Plover FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the designation impact all vehicles on the beach such as public safety vehicles?
Non-federal activities (i.e. activities that do not involve a Federal permit, license, or funding) are not affected by critical habitat designation.
Category: Piping Plover
Has there been inventory of the species on any of the adjacent islands that are already protected?
Currently, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is monitoring the piping plover on Sand Dollar Island (a state-designated “Critical Wildlife Area”) and the large sandbar below Cape Romano. Both areas are posted with signs and tape. Mr. Ted Below of the National Audubon at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve monitors piping plovers throughout Collier County. He has only encountered the piping plover wintering habitat in mud-, algae-, sand-flats and lagoons such as the Tigertail Beach/Sand Dollar Island area of Marco Island. Rookery Bay has posted Coconut Island due to the nesting least terns (threatened species) but they have also observed a few piping plovers wintering at this location. The principal area where the greatest amounts of plovers have been observed wintering is on Sand Dollar Island. I am not aware of any other studies by Everglades National Park, etc.
Category: Piping Plover
How are designated areas marked, and who monitors prohibited activities within such areas?
The US Fish & Wildlife Service’s critical habitat designation will not “rope off” any areas proposed. Although, Sand Dollar Island is currently roped off by the State for its Critical Wildlife Area, so designated to protect concentrations of species that are endangered of extinction. This area does contain the highest concentration of piping plovers wintering on Marco Island, hence they would be protected in an already “roped off” area. The State Wildlife Officers currently monitor and have the authority to protect this area. US Fish & Wildlife Officers would have the authority in Federal areas, as they do for manatees, eagles, alligators, etc. Both the State and Federal officers work cooperatively whenever possible.
Category: Piping Plover
Will FEMA have to conduct any special activities after an emergency prior to necessary reconstruction/redevelopment actions can begin?
Critical habitat designation is a tool used to notify Federal agencies of areas that must be given special consideration when they are planning, implementing or funding activities. Federal agencies are required to consult with the US Fish & Wildlife Service on actions they carry out, authorize, funded, or permit that may affect critical habitat.
Category: Piping Plover
Will the new regulations affect proposed projects such as dredging Collier Inlet?
No. This proposed rule, if made final, would not result in any additional review requirements under Section 7 (Endangered Species Act). All proposed projects that would directly or indirectly affect the piping plover are already reviewed because this species is listed as endangered (breeding habitat) and threatened (wintering habitat) by the Federal government.
Category: Piping Plover
Will the proposed designation affect emergency renourishment or erosion stabilization projects funded by private individuals or county (TDC) funds? Will designation hamper the ability to react quickly to emergency situations?
Under Section 7 (Endangered Species Act) the US Fish & Wildlife Service already reviews the direct and indirect effects of proposed projects for listed species, such as the piping plover. This applies to emergency situations also.
Category: Piping Plover
Will the proposed regulation adversely affect the timeliness of project review and permitting?
No. Under Section 7 (Endangered Species Act) the US Fish & Wildlife Service already reviews the direct and indirect effects of proposed projects for listed species, such as the piping plover.
Category: Piping Plover
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