The project study area was evaluated for Critical Habitat (CH) as defined by Congress 50 CFR Chapter IV, Subchapter A, Part 424, and it was determined that the project area falls within USFWS-designated CH for the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and NMFS proposed CH for the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas).

Based on literature and field reviews, fifty-two (52) protected plant 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 [Haliaeetus leucocephalus] and whooping crane [Grus americana]) are not federal or state listed but are fully protected. The bald eagle was delisted from protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2007; however, the species is still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and State law (Florida Administrative Code [F.A.C.] 68A-16.002). Within Central Florida, an experimental (Non-essential), non-migratory population of whooping cranes was reintroduced from 1993 to 2005. Non-essential experimental populations are treated as threatened species on National Wildlife Refuge and National Park land (require consultation under 7(a)(2) of the ESA) and as a proposed species on private land (no section 7(a)(2) requirements, but Federal agencies must not jeopardize their existence (section 7(a)(4)). 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 [Danaus plexippus] and tricolored bat [Perimyotis subflavus]), have the potential to occur in Manatee County.

Four (4) wetland, surface water, and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) community types were identified within the project study area: reservoirs less than 10 acres (FLUCFCS 5300/USFWS:

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