From: Hiatt, Betsie N. [mailto:BHIATT@leegov.com]
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 10:34 AM
To: fwfnaples@earthlink.net; hartt@nwf.org
Cc: Dist1, Janes; Dist2, Bigelow; Dist3, Judah; Dist4, Hall; Dist5, Mann; ken.haddad@myfwc.com; Schwartz, Holly A.; Winton, Peter ; Lavender, James H.; Gilbertson, Scott M.; Wingard, Paul W.; Deberry, Donald A.; Daltry, Wayne E.; Ottolini, Roland E.; Clarke, Sarah; Clark, Roger S.; Olson, Cathy; Bickford, Karen; John_Wrublik@fws.gov; Land, Darrell; paul_souza@fws.gov
Subject: Re: Panther Road Kills

Dear Nancy and Laura,

I would like to share the following information with you in response to your letter dated June 20, 2007, concerning panther road kills this past year.  A field review of the CR 951 project area was conducted with John Wrublik of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on June 6, 2007.  The FWS has accepted the Federal Highway Administration’s invitation to become a cooperating agency on the CR 951 project with respect to The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  John confirmed during the site visit that the FWS will continue to recommend the western most alignment during their review and comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 

During our field review, I had the opportunity to show John our Corkscrew Rd. panther crossing / fencing and discuss the two panther deaths recorded in the area, the most recent on May 14, 2007.  We observed several areas where the ground was “washed out” or eroded at the base of the fence.  Our DOT Operations Department was contacted immediately and they have repaired the eroded areas with riprap and fill. 

We also discussed the originally permitted location of the fencing.  The fencing begins at the Alico Rd. intersection on the west side of the crossing and appears adequate.  The fencing on the eastern side of the crossing does not extend the total length of the Lee County owned property and appears inadequate.  John asked me to contact Darrell Land, Panther Team Leader with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to discuss appropriate additions to the fencing.  I spoke with Darrell Land on June 8, 2007 and he advised the fencing should extend east, the entire length of Lee County’s property to the orange groves on the south side of Corkscrew Rd.  It is most likely the panthers were using the forested corridor but went east around the fencing.  Darrell advised the panthers are not likely to enter the orange groves, so fencing to that line should help prevent them from entering the road.  Darrell also recommended extending the fencing east on the north side of Corkscrew Rd. to an entrance road located on Lee County’s property.

We are in the process of finalizing an exhibit for obtaining bids from contractors to extend the fencing.  Our Right Of Way and property limits should be staked next week.  We are moving forward with this very important project as quickly as possible and I will follow up with you when it is completed.  Thank you for your interest and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,  Betsie Hiatt

Betsie N. Hiatt

Lee County DOT Environmental Manager

1500 Monroe Street

Fort Myers, FL 33902-0398

(239)479-8177 ph

(239)479-8520 fx

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