Protecting What Matters: CFB Celebrates Endangered Species Day with Ongoing Conservation Efforts

May 16, 2025

In honor of Endangered Species Day on May 16, we’re spotlighting the critical conservation work happening right here in Florida. At CFB, our Environmental Sciences Division is committed to protecting threatened species and preserving natural ecosystems while supporting smart, sustainable development. 

One recent example: our gopher tortoise relocation at Oxford Landings.

Gopher Tortoise Relocation at Oxford Landings

Earlier this year, our Environmental team led a large-scale gopher tortoise relocation at the 169-acre Oxford Landings Project Site in Oxford, Florida. This initiative was carried out in full compliance with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines to ensure minimal impact on the species and its habitat.

Highlights of the project include:

• Completed a 100% survey across all 169 acres
• Located and excavated a total of 45 burrows 
• Safely relocated 21 adult, subadult, and juvenile tortoises, along with 3 hatchlings

To safely relocate the tortoises, our certified agents used FWC-approved capture methods, including backhoe excavations and hand excavations. Under the guidance of Senior Ecologist Wes Dillon of Lodestar Environmental Consulting, every tortoise was health-checked, marked for monitoring, and transported to its new home at Twin Creek Ranch in Putnam County.This project not only protected a state-listed threatened species, it also showed how thoughtful pre-construction planning can support biodiversity alongside responsible growth.

CFB’s Environmental Team: At the Intersection of Progress and Preservation

The Oxford Landings project is just one way CFB’s Environmental Sciences Division brings science, strategy, and stewardship together. 

At another recent project, Insite Industrial in Ocala, Florida, our team conducted a 25% gopher tortoise survey across 102.2 acres of suitable habitat. The survey revealed:

• 76 potentially occupied burrows
• 8 abandoned burrows
• Estimated 296 burrows total (based on habitat-specific density)
• Approximate population: 148 tortoises (assuming 50% occupancy)

These findings provided the data needed to apply for a relocation permit and prepare for a full 100% survey — ensuring compliance and protection of the species before construction began.

Environmental Sciences Solutions at CFB

Our Environmental Sciences Division blends regulatory insight with ecological expertise to support developers, landowners, and municipalities. Our services include:

• Threatened & Endangered Species Surveys – Including gopher tortoise, sand skink, and Florida scrub-jay
• Wildlife Relocation & Permitting – Managing everything from site surveys to agency coordination
• Wetland Delineation & UMAM Analysis – Identifying and evaluating vital wetland systems
• Habitat Management & Ecological Restoration – Restoring ecosystems for long-term sustainability
• Regulatory Compliance – Navigating FDEP, FWC, and USFWS requirements with precision

From early site assessments to final permits, we bring practical, science-backed solutions that allow development and conservation to succeed side-by-side.

Ray Meier (Environmental Scientist II), Brennan Cromer (Environmental Scientist I), and David Loy, CE at the Oxford Landings Project.

Why Endangered Species Day Matters

Endangered Species Day is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a national reminder of the importance of biodiversity and our shared responsibility to protect it. With more than 1,300 species listed as endangered or threatened in the U.S., every effort matters — from small habitat restorations to large-scale relocations.

At CFB, we’re proud to be part of the solution — helping protect Florida’s natural heritage today to build a more sustainable tomorrow.

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Discover how CFB can support your project with expert environmental services that prioritize both conservation and compliance.

Let’s work together to preserve the ecosystems and the species that make Florida so unique. Get a Quote today.