Developer helps transplant tortoises

When Minto Communities employees began to prepare lots for new homes, they found there were already residents living underground in the area.

A large gopher tortoise habitat was found on a 5-acre site in southern Kings Point, where seven model homes are being built.

But rather than proceed with the development using an "incidental take" permit, which allows for lawful development of projects even though they might result in the deaths of an endangered or threatened species, Minto chose another option.

Teaming with the Humane Society and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Minto trapped and transported 10 tortoises - including juveniles - and relocated them. They were put in cages and moved by truck to the 212-acre Carter Branch Tract Relocation Site and Nokuse Plantation in Walton County, where they've now burrowed.

Carissa Kent, a gopher tortoise rescue consultant who led the transplant effort, said the operation went smoothly and the tortoises seemed to adapt to their big move. She and three helpers - one using a backhoe to dig up burrows - spent a day capturing the tortoises and getting them ready to be moved first to Tallahassee.

"Everyone wanted to save these tortoises, and it was a great success story," Kent said. "We know they (Minto) definitely didn't want to bury these tortoises, and they're doing everything possible to save them."

Prior to June 2007, developers were not required to move tortoises on property to be developed under "incidental taking." The FWC voted to end that and required builders to move the reptiles on the property. However, some already-permitted sites were grandfathered in and builders could choose what to do with tortoises found there.

"As a real estate developer, being a good steward to the environment means more than just building sustainable housing, it means safeguarding all of the natural resources within our control," said Michael Belmont, president of Minto Communities. "In Sun City Center, we wanted to do the right thing by saving the tortoises and relocating them to a preserve where they can live the rest of their lives safely."

Jennifer Hobgood, Florida director for the Humane Society, said although the fail-safe way to avoid destroying tortoise habitat is not to build at all, it helps when companies actively take a role in helping save animals found on their properties.

Hobgood said Orlando's Folke H. Peterson Charitable Foundation provided some funding for the removal project and will monitor the displaced tortoises and their recovery. She said ultimately it's up to developers to take charge in saving tortoises.

"Thousands remain living on properties with grandfathered in 'incidental take' permits and can be buried," she said. "We hope these developers, like Minto, will save tortoises from that fate."

pcatala@mediageneral.com

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