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Habitat Restoration and Conservation for Gopher Tortoises at Whitehouse Outlying Field

The Gopher Tortoise, a keystone species, faces habitat loss due to development. At Whitehouse Outlying Field, conservation efforts aim to restore and expand habitats essential for their survival. Initiatives include converting slash pine forests to natural longleaf pine communities, managing competition from invasive species, and employing controlled burns for forest health. Predator control, especially against non-native coyotes, is critical to protect tortoises. Collaborative programs with the USDA and Forest Service help enhance habitat suitability, ensuring a sustainable future for these unique reptiles.

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Habitat Restoration and Conservation for Gopher Tortoises at Whitehouse Outlying Field

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  1. GOPHER TORTOISE HABITAT RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION AT WHITEHOUSE OUTLYING FIELD

  2. GOPHER TORTOISES GET INTO THE STRANGEST PLACES NAS JAX WEAPONS SAUFLEY FIELD

  3. HABITAT RESTORATION • AS GOPHER TORTOISES ARE PUSHED OUT BY DEVELOPMENT, LOCATING ADDITIONAL HABITAT IS ESSENTIAL TO THEIR SURVIVAL • CONVERSION OF SLASH PINE STANDS TO THE MORE NATURAL LONGLEAF PINE COMMUNITIES • CONTROL OF WOODY UNDERSTORY BY MACHINE AND HAND METHODS TO MAINTAIN A VARIETY OF HERBACEOUS FORAGE PLANTS

  4. THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE • In 2004 57 acres of slash pine forest was converted to longleaf pines at OLF Whitehouse as a re-forestation project. • After several years of growth, it was observed that competition from natural slash pines and hardwood sprouts adversely affected longleaf pine growth on approximately 10 acres. In some areas competing vegetation completely overtopped the longleaf pines.

  5. MULCHING WITH GYROTRACK

  6. VISITORS VIEW NEW LONGLEAF AREA WITH NAS JAX FORESTER • October/November 2009 Another 50 acres of slash pine was clear cut in conjunction with timber-thinning sale. • Some proceeds from sale were utilized for contract site preparation and re-planting of area with longleaf pine seedlings.

  7. SPECIES CONSERVATION • CONTROLLED BURNING ON A REGULAR ROTATION FOR FOREST HEALTH AND PROTECTION • PREDATOR CONTROL – ESPECIALLY NON-NATIVE COYOTES THAT HAVE LEARNED HOW TO LIE IN WAIT FOR TORTOISES TO EXIT THEIR BURROWS • MONITORING SURVEYS TO ASSESS HABITAT SUITABILITY AND CAPACITY

  8. PRESCRIBED BURNS • February 2009 - 900 acres of forest stands burned at OLF Whitehouse • Cooperative agreement between NAVFAC Southeast and the US Forest Service provides needed manpower and equipment

  9. A PRETTY PROBLEM • COYOTES ARE INCREASING IN NUMBER IN THE SOUTH • THIS INVASIVE SPECIES HAS BECOME A SERIOUS THREAT TO GOPHER TORTOISE POPULATIONS

  10. TWO PROGRAMSCOMMON GOAL • COYOTES ALSO CREATE A SERIOUS STRIKE HAZARD ON AIRFIELDS • PARTNERING WITH THE USDA APHIS WILDLIFE SERVICES TO REMOVE THESE AND OTHER PROBLEM SPECIES

  11. CONSERVE AND PROTECT

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