A Natural Resource Evaluation (NRE) was completed in June 2026 to document and present the findings of potential protected species and habitat involvement associated with the Preferred Alternative and is located in the project file.
Fifty-two (52) protected plants and wildlife species are known to occur in Manatee County. Seventeen (17) of the species are federally listed endangered or threatened. Thirty-one (31) species are state-listed endangered or threatened. Two species (bald eagle and whooping crane) are not federal or state listed but are protected. Multiple species of bats are state-protected by F.A.C. 68A-4.001 General Prohibitions and 68A-9.010 Taking Nuisance Wildlife. Additionally, two species proposed for listing under the ESA (monarch butterfly and tricolored bat) have the potential to occur in Manatee County.
Compensatory mitigation and conservation measures implemented during construction will offset negative impacts to federally protected species. The tricolored bat is not likely to roost within the bridge structure. FDOT will continue coordination with USFWS to determine the potential effect on the tricolored bat once a final listing decision has been made. No impacts are anticipated to state or federally protected bats due to the proposed project.
Compensatory mitigation, conservation measures implemented during construction, and the ability of avian species to move away from construction will offset negative impacts to state-protected species.
No bald eagle nests are located within the secondary protection zone (660-foot) of the study area. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated on the species.
No roosting bats were observed within the DeSoto Bridge during field reviews.
Multiple avenues of protection will be employed to negate and minimize any potential effects on federal and state listed species. Some of the measures employed may include detailed surveys and agency coordination during the project design phase, including providing appropriate mitigation to offset impacts. During construction, BMPs, adherence to FDOT's "Standard Specification for Road and Bridge Construction", and use of preconstruction surveys are strategies that will be considered, as needed, for protection of listed species.
The study area occurs within areas of CH for the West Indian manatee. The proposed project will include the replacement of an existing overwater structure and minor impacts to mangroves and surface waters (Manatee River), which provides a suitable habitat utilized by manatees. Impacts to mangroves are minor, given the small size of the impact to mangroves relative to the available habitat in the region. Additionally, compensatory mitigation to offset the loss of similar habitat will be provided. No impact on seagrass is proposed, which is a main food source for manatees.
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