West Bay Parkway (Segment 2) Land Suitability …westbayparkway.com/pdf/West Bay Parkway Segment 2 Land...Land Suitability Mapping Analysis June 2009 those comments can be found in

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT STUDY

West Bay Parkway (Segment 2) Land Suitability Mapping Analysis

Technical Memorandum

The proposed widening of CR 388 from SR 79 to SR 77

Bay County

FPID: 424464-3-22-01

Prepared for: Florida Department of Transportation District 3

Prepared by:

June 2009

i West Bay Parkway (Segment 2)

Land Suitability Mapping Analysis June 2009

Table of Contents Section Title Page 1.0 Introduction.....................................................................................................................3

1.1 Purpose..................................................................................................................3 2.0 Land Suitability Mapping ..............................................................................................5

2.1 Methodology.........................................................................................................5 2.1.1 Step 1: Location of Sensitive Resources................................................6 2.1.2 Step 2: Corridor Development ...............................................................6

2.2 Data .......................................................................................................................7 3.0 Analysis ..........................................................................................................................12

3.1 Base Maps...........................................................................................................12 3.1.1 Cultural Map ........................................................................................12 3.1.2 Natural Base Map: Wetlands and Floodplains.....................................14 3.1.3 Natural Base Map: Conservation and Mitigation ................................16

3.2 Grid Maps ...........................................................................................................18 4.0 Results ............................................................................................................................21

4.1 Corridor Development ........................................................................................21 4.1.1 Final Grid Map Overlay Analysis........................................................21 4.1.2 Detailed Natural and Physical Environment Analysis.........................21

4.2 Corridor Descriptions..........................................................................................24 4.3 Estimated Involvement .......................................................................................27

APPENDICES Appendix A GIS Metadata Appendix B Agency Comments on Methodology

ii West Bay Parkway (Segment 2)


List of Table Table Title Page 2-1 GIS Layers Researched .......................................................................................................8 3-1 Physical and Cultural Base Maps......................................................................................12 3-2 Natural Base Map Data: Wetlands and Floodplains .........................................................14 3-3 Natural Base Map Data: Conservation and Mitigation .....................................................16 4-1 Estimated Involvement......................................................................................................27

List of Figures Figure Title Page 1-1 Project Location Map..........................................................................................................4 2-1 Rural Limited Access Freeway ...........................................................................................9 2-2 Rural Controlled Access Arterial ......................................................................................10 2-3 Suburban Controlled Access Arterial................................................................................11 3-1 Cultural Base Map.............................................................................................................13 3-2 Natural Base Map: Wetlands and Floodplains..................................................................15 3-3 Natural Base Map: Conservation and Mitigation..............................................................17 3-4 Base Grid Map ..................................................................................................................19 3-5 Final Grid Map..................................................................................................................20 4-1 Segment 2 Corridor Alternatives.......................................................................................23 4-2 Segment 2 Corridor Alternatives on Aerials .....................................................................26

3 West Bay Parkway (Segment 2)


1.0 Introduction

A Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is being initiated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the proposed widening of County Road (CR) 388 from State Road (SR) 79 to SR 77 in Bay County, Florida (Figure 1-1). Since FDOT proposes to name CR 388 between SR 79 and SR 77 and its proposed extension to the west as the West Bay Parkway, this naming convention will be used throughout this technical memorandum. The proposed West Bay Parkway, Segment 2 project involves improvements to CR 388 (West Bay Parkway) which include widening the existing two-lane rural highway to a four-lane divided rural highway with bicycle/pedestrian access and stormwater treatment facilities. In addition, it is proposed to replace the existing bridges at Crooked Creek and Burnt Mill Creek; to relocate the existing intersections of CR 388 at SR 79 and SR 77; and to construct a new intersection with the access road to the new Panama City–Bay County International Airport. The proposed project is estimated to be approximately 12 miles long. Right-of-way acquisition for the proposed improvements will accommodate a four-lane, divided roadway, for either a rural controlled-access facility or a rural limited-access facility, as identified in the Bay County Transportation Planning Organization’s (TPO) 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), adopted December 6, 2006. The proposed project is included in the Potential Toll Projects category of the Bay County TPO’s LRTP Cost Feasible Report (January 2007).

1.1 Purpose

The purposes of the proposed improvements to existing CR 388 (West Bay Parkway) between SR 79 and SR 77 (Segment 2) are to correct geometric and operational deficiencies of the existing highway and to provide the additional capacity required to serve the increased traffic volumes expected with the large multi-use development proposed in the 75,000 acre sector planning area known as West Bay. It would also improve access, particularly truck access, between the various intermodal and freight activity centers in the Panama City area and the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport and Industrial District. Given that CR 388 from the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport access road to SR 79 is identified by FDOT as an emerging Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) highway and SR 77 is also designated an emerging SIS corridor, the proposed improvements to CR 388 may include providing the same geometric and capacity requirements for the segment from the new Airport access road to SR 77 in anticipation of this segment also being identified by FDOT as an emerging SIS connector.



Figure 1-1: Project Location



2.0 Land Suitability Mapping

The Land Suitability Mapping (LSM) Analysis is a process that precedes Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) to help analyze and design corridors that are an optimal fit for the study area. After completion of the LSM Analysis and the ETDM Programming Screen, the corridor evaluation process will be initiated. This includes obtaining public input, performing a Purpose and Need review, and a social, cultural, natural, and physical environmental impacts analysis. To develop project study corridors, the Florida Department of Transportation has employed the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) - LSM method in the project area to review sensitive resource locations. This process utilizes existing GIS databases to identify sensitive natural, physical, and sociocultural features located within the project area to determine where corridors should not be located. The LSM analysis is intended to be a supplement to the ETDM Environmental Screening Tool (EST) GIS analysis. The EST does not always capture all of the available data, such as local area-specific conservation plans, which in some instances may represent a significant resource for avoidance in the study area. However, datasets that are included in the EST were also utilized in the LSM analysis and, ultimately, this analysis is to be considered an additional aid for the Environmental Technical Advisory Team’s (ETAT) review of the project. The LSM technical memorandum summarizes the process utilized in the development of alternative corridors for submittal into ETDM. It includes a discussion of the data, methodology, and analysis that resulted in the identification of alternative corridors.

2.1 Methodology

Prior to performing the analysis this methodology and the data layers to be included in the analysis were submitted for review and comment to the following agencies for a period of 10 business days from May 18 to June 1, 2009.

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) • United States Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE) • National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) • United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) • Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD)

In general, the comments from the agencies that responded recommended including data sets that were not originally identified. In almost every case, these data sets were incorportated into the analysis. A summary of the comments received from these agencies along with responses to



those comments can be found in Appendix B. The following discussion outlines the methodology that was utilized for the completion of this LSM Analysis.

2.1.1 Step 1: Location of Sensitive Resources

The location of sensitive resources within the project area consisted of developing a series of maps that were used to identify sensitive natural, physical, and sociocultural features within the project study area. The maps were then refined to identify sensitive areas to avoid and areas where impacts should be reduced to the greatest extent possible. Each of these maps is discussed in more detail below. Base Map GIS databases of related resources were overlaid on a map of the study area to create base maps for social, cultural, physical, and natural features. Grid Map Information from the base maps was combined and were overlaid with a grid of 1,000 by 1,000 foot squares. The density of resources established for each square was then conveyed using shades of gray, the darkest squares having the greatest density of resources. Large groups of highly dense (dark) squares were designated as sensitive resources to be avoided. Windows of Opportunity Segments within the study area that contained a greater density of resources were determined to be less appropriate for use in the development of project corridors. This determination was made by “clumping” those areas on the Grid Map that contained multiple sensitive resources. Segments of the study area that contained multiple sensitive resources close together were then connected and the areas between these aggregated areas were shaded to match. While the areas between sensitive resource areas do not necessarily represent an unacceptable impact area, these areas may not be wide enough to use in the development of project corridors. Therefore the remaining light grey and white areas were considered “Windows of Opportunity” for the development of project corridors.

2.1.2 Step 2: Corridor Development

Using the “Windows of Opportunity”, project corridors were then developed. The corridors were designed at predominantly 1,000 feet in width to allow sufficient space for further avoidance of sensitive areas as the project progresses into the roadway alignment design. However, some corridors vary in width in an attempt to avoid or minimize impacts to natural, physical, and sociocultural features found within the study area. Corridor width also varies (increase) to incorporate the design of interchanges/intersections as needed. The alternative corridors were developed by



following areas (“Windows of Opportunity”) that generally connected the lighter shaded squares and were of sufficient width to accommodate a corridor.

Possible Typical Sections As discussed previously, the anticipated right-of-way acquisition for the proposed improvements will be sufficient to accommodate a four-lane, divided roadway, for either a rural controlled-access facility or a rural limited-access facility. Figures 2-1 through 2-3 provide examples of what these roadways might look like. Corridor Analysis After the Project Corridors were developed, the alternative corridors were analyzed through the GIS LSM software and a table of estimated comparative impacts created. From this data, the Project Corridors were reviewed and refined where possible to further avoid or minimize impacts. After the project corridors were refined they were again analyzed through the GIS LSM software and a final estimate of comparative impacts was generated (see Section 4).

2.2 Data

Datasets were selected to include information on Social, Cultural, Natural, and Physical environmental impacts. Table 2-1 shows all of the datasets that were utilized for the analysis, their source, and the date they were created. Metadata for the shape files is provided in Appendix A for reference.



Table 2-1: GIS Layers Researched GIS Layer Source Date

Social Layers FL Public and Private Schools Florida Geographical Data Library (FGDL) 2008 Religious Centers FGDL 2005 FL Health Care Facilities FGDL 2005 FL Fire Stations FGDL 2007 FL Law Enforcement Facilities FGDL 2008 GC Cemeteries FGDL 2008

Cultural Layers FL Parks FGDL 2008 State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Bridges FGDL 2008 SHPO Cemeteries FGDL 2008 SHPO Resource Groups FGDL 2008 SHPO Structures FGDL 2008 Tribal Lands FGDL 2008 Bay County Parks Bay County 2007 Walton County Parks Walton County 2008

Natural Environment Layers Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Elemental Occurrence Data

FFWCC 2007

St. Joe Ecosystem Management Agreement Conservation Units St. Joe Company & Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

2004

West Bay Area Sector Plan (WBASP) Conservation Areas WBASP 2002 FDEP Mitigation Banks FGDL 2006 Airport Mitigation Areas FGDL 2006 Airport Wetland Delineation PBS&J 2006 Bald Eagle Nesting Territories Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission (FFWCC) 2006

Bear Kill Locations FFWCC 2006 FDEP Ecosystem Management Areas FDEP 1999 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplains FEMA 2000 Bay County Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) FEMA 2009 Flatwoods Salamander Critical Habitat United States Fish and Wildlife

ServiceUSFWS 2008

FNAI Managed Areas FNAI 2009 Red Cockaded Woodpecker FFWCC 2007 Scrub Jay Consultation Area FFWCC 2007 Interpretation National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)/ Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCCS) Wetlands

PBS&J & FGDL 2009

Physical Environment Layers Superfund Sites FGDL 2007 Nuclear Sites FGDL 1999 Brownfield Areas FGDL 2008 Water Treatment Plants FGDL 2006 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Regulated Facilities

FGDL 2008

State Cleanup Sites FGDL 2008 Petroleum Contaminated Facilities FGDL 2007 Tanks FGDL 2007



Figure 2-1: Rural Limited Access Freeway



Figure 2-2: Rural Controlled Access Arterial



Figure 2-3: Suburban Controlled Access Arterial



3.0 Analysis

The analysis began with the creation of base maps for the project study area and the development of a Grid Layer that would be the final overlay used to analyze locations that were least suitable for a roadway corridor.

3.1 Base Maps

The base maps were developed so Social, Cultural, Physical, and Natural resources could be identified together for the Segment 2 study area. Each base map starts with:

• Study Area Boundary • County Boundaries • Existing Roadway Network • Water Features (lakes, rivers, streams, bays, etc.)

Three base maps were created based on the ability to distinguish the various datasets from each other in a simple visual manner. Due to the rural character of the area, there were no social or physical sites located within the study area; and therefore, no Base Maps were created for these Categories. A Cultural Base Map and two Natural Base Maps were developed. The two Natural Base Maps were created so that the data could be more clearly illustrated and show the data, as follows:

• Wetlands and Floodplains • Conservation and Mitigation Areas

3.1.1 Cultural Map

The Cultural Base Map is shown in Figure 3-1. Table 3-1 lists all of the data layers that were considered for this base map and whether or not the layers had features within the study area. Table 3-1: Physical and Cultural Base Map Data

GIS Layer Features w/in Study area

Cultural Layers FL Parks No Florida Master Site File(FMSF) Sites Yes SHPO Bridges No SHPO Cemeteries No SHPO Resource Groups No SHPO Structures Yes Tribal Lands No Bay County Parks No



Figure 3-1: Cultural Base Map



The majority of the Cultural elements that can be found within the Segment 2 study area are located along Burnt Mill and Crooked Creek.

3.1.2 Natural Base Map: Wetlands and Floodplains

The Natural Base Map showing the wetlands and floodplain data is provided as Figure 3-2. Table 3-2 lists all of the data layers that were considered for this base map and whether or not the layers had features within the study area. Table 3-2: Natural Base Map: Wetlands and Floodplains Data

GIS Layer Features w/in Study area

Natural Environment Layers Bay County “interpreted” NWI Yes Bay County Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Floodplains

Yes

The Bay County “interpreted” NWI data is wetland information that was taken from the FGDL and interpreted to determine variations in wetland quality based on each of the attribute codes within the data layer. Through experience with the study area and knowledge of other similar studies, wetlands permitting, and mitigation projects, an assessment of “High”, “Medium”, or “Low” quality features was made. Any areas with “High” or “Medium” quality wetlands identified were counted in the LSM analysis as a sensitive resource area. The Bay County DFIRM Floodplains information was retrieved from the FGDL and is their most recent 2009 data update. Any areas with a 100 or 500-year floodplain boundary identified was in the LSM analysis as a sensitive resource area.



Figure 3-2: Natural Base Map: Wetlands and Floodplains



3.1.3 Natural Base Map: Conservation and Mitigation

The Natural Base Map showing the conservation and mitigation boundaries as well as Element Occurrence Data is shown in Figure 3-3. Table 3-3 lists all of the data layers that were considered for this base map and whether or not the layers had features within the study area. Table 3-3: Natural Base Map Data: Conservation and Mitigation

GIS Layer Features w/in Study Area

Natural Environment Layers FNAI Elemental Occurrence Data Yes St. Joe Ecosystem Management Agreement Conservation Units

No (Segment 1 only)

West Bay Area Sector Plan (WBASP) Conservation Areas

Yes

FDEP Mitigation Banks No (Segment 1 only)

Airport Mitigation Areas Yes Airport Wetland Delineation Yes Bald Eagle Nesting Territories No Bear Kill Locations No Wading Bird Brooks No FDEP Ecosystem Management Areas No

(Segment 1 only) Flatwoods Salamander Critical Habitat No FNAI Managed Areas No Surface Water Classes Yes Red Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) Conservation Area

Omitted*

Rare Species Habitat Conservation Priorities

Yes

*The RCW Conservation Area covered the entire study area and beyond. As such this data layer provided no comparative data to be analyzed and/or avoided.



Figure 3-3: Natural Base Map: Conservation and Mitigation



3.2 Grid Maps

After the Base Maps were established the next step was to create the Grid Map overlay. Since the corridor widths were established at 1,000 feet wide, the study area boundary was subdivided into 1,000 x 1,000 foot cells, as shown in Figure 3-4. The grid was then analyzed cell-by-cell to determine the number of instances within each cell where an overlap occurred with any data layer (be it Social, Cultural, Physical, or Natural). When a cell did overlap a particular data layer, this cell was assigned a “Y” (Y for YES) for that particular data layer. For example, wherever a “high” or “medium” quality wetland occurred beneath a cell, the cell was given a “Y” for having involvement with the wetlands layer. This process is illustrated below and shows how a cell would qualify for a “Y” for involvement with wetlands.

After each cell in the Grid Map overlay was analyzed for involvement with each data layer the total amount of “Y’s” that occurred within each cell were added up. The cells were then color-coded based on their total number of Y’s. The greater the number of Y’s, the darker the cell was colored and, therefore, the darker the cell the greater the requirement that a corridor alignment avoid that area. Figure 3-5 shows the Final Grid Map Overlay after the analysis was completed.



Figure 3-4: Base Grid Map



Figure 3-5: Final Grid Map



4.0 Results

Upon completing the Final Grid Map overlay, the last step was to use this tool as a guide for developing the corridors such that avoided cells with the greatest involvement with the various data layers. In this manner, the corridor development was a two-step process. First, those areas that contained contiguous cells of the lightest shades (least involvement) were identified as general areas to be considered for the placement of alternative corridors. Second, the natural and physical characteristics of these lighter shaded areas were analyzed in detail so that alternative corridors could be optimally designed to minimize impacts. This process is discussed in greater detail below.

4.1 Corridor Development

As stated at the beginning of the document, the purpose of West Bay Parkway Segment 2 is to widen existing CR 388 from SR 79 to SR 77, consider relocations of the roadway at the intersections of SR 79 and SR 77, and provide a new intersection with the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport. Keeping a general idea of these termini in mind, the corridor development process was completed in two parts.

4.1.1 Final Grid Map Overlay Analysis

In Segment 2 the Final Grid Map overlay was most useful in identifying the areas where a corridor should not be located when partially on new alignment. The largest group of contiguous dark cells occurs south of the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport. This may be because of the additional data available in this area. The preliminary development of the corridor alternatives, where they were on new alignment was completed by avoiding the areas with darker colored cells. Once this was completed the second step of the corridor development process was performed to ensure that alternatives were created which optimally avoided and minimized impacts.

4.1.2 Detailed Natural and Physical Environment Analysis

After the Final Grid Map Overlay analysis was utilized to identify avoidance areas, detailed information provided by the various data layers along with aerial photography was analyzed to develop corridor alternatives that optimally minimized and avoided impacts. This process took the general swaths of light(er) shaded areas and refined them into the ultimate corridor alternatives shown in Figure 4-1. Additionally, this process took into account detailed considerations that could not be properly accounted for in the LSM Analysis alone. These considerations included:



• Prioritized Areas: High vs. Medium vs. Low Quality Wetlands, Rare Species

Conservation Priorities, 100 vs. 500-year Floodplains, etc.

• Existing Roadways and Structures: Maximizing the use of existing roadways (including logging roads) and minimizing the impacts to existing homes and other structures.

• Engineering: Ensuring that waterway crossings, roadway intersections, and curve

lengths met the appropriate standards for safety and design.



Figure 4-1: Segment 2 Corridor Alternatives



4.2 Corridor Descriptions

There are three alternative corridors, each of which has multiple variations depending on their termini at SR 77. A description of the alternative corridors follows. Figure 4-2 shows the alternative corridors on aerial photography. Alternative 1: This Alternative considers the impacts of improvements along the existing roadway and utilizes a 500-foot corridor. There is one variation of Alternative 1.

• Alt 1A follows the existing CR 388 roadway from its intersection with SR 79 east until approximately 2.5 miles west of its intersection with SR 77, where it turns to the northeast on new alignment utilizing a 1,000-foot wide corridor and creates a new intersection at SR 77 with existing CR 388 (Bennett Road) located on the east side of SR 77.

Alternative 2: Begins at the intersection of SR 79 approximately 0.5 mile south of Marilyn Road and utilizes a 1,000-foot wide corridor as it travels east on new alignment, including a new bridge over Crooked Creek, and then merges back into existing CR 388 approximately 0.25 mile east of Crooked Creek. From this point there are three variations of Alternative Corridor 2.

• The first (Alt 2) continues east along existing CR 388 within a 500-foot wide corridor until it reaches its intersection at SR 77.

• The second (Alt 2A) continues east along existing CR 388 within a 500-foot wide

corridor until approximately 2.5 miles west of its intersection with SR 77, where it turns to the northeast on new alignment utilizing a 1,000-foot wide corridor and creates a new intersection at SR 77 with existing CR 388 (Bennett Road) located on the east of SR 77 (the same at Alt 1A).

• The third (Alt 2B) continues east on entirely new alignment, creating a new bridge across

Crooked and Burnt Mill Creeks until it reaches the intersection of SR 77 with existing CR 388 (Bennett Road) located on the east side of SR 77. This corridor is consistent with the design proposed as a part of the Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority Masterplan.

Alternative 3: Begins at the intersection of SR 79 and Steel Field Road and utilizes a 1,000-foot wide corridor as it travels southeast while on new alignment, including a new bridge over Crooked Creek, and merges back with existing CR 388 approximately 0.25 mile east of Crooked Creek. From this point there are three variations of Alternative Corridor 3.

• The first (Alt 3) continues east along existing CR 388 within a 500-foot wide corridor until it reaches its intersection at SR 77.



• The second (Alt 3A) continues east along existing CR 388 using a 500-foot wide corridor until approximately 2.5 miles west of its intersection with SR 77, where it turns to the northeast on new alignment utilizing a 1,000-foot wide corridor and creates a new intersection at SR 77 with existing CR 388 (Bennett Road) east of SR 77 (the same at Alt 1A).

• The third (Alt 3B) continues east on entirely new alignment, creating new bridges across

Crooked and Burnt Mill Creeks until it reaches the intersection of SR 77 at existing CR 388 (Bennett Road) located on the east side of SR 77. This corridor is consistent with the design proposed as a part of the Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority Masterplan.



Figure 4-2: Segment 2 Corridor Alternatives on Aerials



4.3 Estimated Involvement

The last part of the analysis is to provide the amount of estimated involvement of each proposed corridor with each of the data layers utilized in the LSM analysis. Table 4-1 shows these estimated quantities. Table 4-1: Estimated Involvement

Corridor 1

Corridor 1A

Corridor 2

Corridor 2A

Corridor 2B

Corridor 3

Corridor 3A

Corridor 3B

Natural Airport Mitigation (Acres) 65 63 20 52 0 21 21 65 Airport Wetland Delineation (Acres) 0 0 0 1 5 8 8 15 WBASP Conservation Areas (Acres) 111 147 173 299 509 207 207 496

Floodplains (Acres) 100-year 163 298 222 316 478 233 323 483 500-year 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

FNAI Element Occurrence (FLEO) (Acres) 0 0 2 2 0 2 2 0

Wetlands (Acres) Low 605 609 549 544 545 576 568 535 Medium 27 42 32 47 132 49 64 149 High 118 42 184 261 364 243 319 405

FNAI Rare Species Habitat Conservation Priorities (Acres)

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 3 3 3 0 3 3 0 5 158 325 158 321 272 158 307 272

CLIP Priority* (Acres) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 20 285 379 506 463 341 461 414 3 45 90 58 103 149 125 165 216 4 468 581 535 529 740 530 519 734 5 62 62 46 46 107 73 73 119

Hydrographic Waterbodies (Acres) 12 12 33 33 172 26 26 154 Hydrographic Areas (Acres) 6 6 9 9 6 9 9 5

Social FMSF Site (Acres) 0 0 0 0 0.30 0 0 15 Historical Structure Locations 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

*Critical Lands Identification Project (CLIP) Data was not utilized in the LSM analysis because many of the individual data sets utilized to create the Priority Codes within the CLIP layer were already accounted for in the LSM analysis. Including the CLIP data would have created a double counting situation.



The quantities shown in the Table 4-1 are intended to provide an early and rough estimate of the potential involvement an alternative corridor may have with the resources in the various data layers. These estimates were completed through a desktop GIS analysis and as such, can only provide information to the best extent of the data layers from which they were derived. Possible known limitations of these data include:

• Better and more detailed information tends to be available around existing infrastructure. Therefore the frequency of potential involvement with the various data layers is greater along existing roadways. This information may be confusing, particularly in regard to the natural environment data layers, and may lead to a conclusion that less sensitive areas exist in the undisturbed portions of the study area than in the developed areas.

• The Corridor widths (1,000 feet) were intentionally developed to be much wider than the

roadway alignments (approximately 136 feet to 324 feet); as such, the quantities estimated in the table do not represent the actual impacts that this project will cause.

• These estimates are intended to only provide information regarding potential direct

impacts and it is acknowledged that indirect and cumulative effects must also be a consideration in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. These considerations will be accounted for during the NEPA study process, but it is not feasible to include this information during this corridor development phase.

Data such as the FNAI Rare Species Conservation Priorities was included in the LSM analysis, but not shown in Table 4-1. While these data coincided with the study area, none of the alternative corridors had involvement with the dataset.

APPENDIX A METADATA

A-1 West Bay Parkway (Segment 2)


Social Layers Florida Public and Private Schools Content Publisher: University of Florida

GeoPlan Center Publication Place: Gainesville, Florida Publication Date: 07/10/2008 Content Summary: This dataset contains 2008 Private and Public School Information for the State of Florida. It is a combination of schools and educational facility addresses from 68 different sources. The data contains selected fields denoting the physical address, school number, district, and contact information for schools located in Florida. This dataset is an update to the gc_schools_sep05.shp layer. Florida Religious Centers Content Publisher: University of Florida

GeoPlan Center Publication Place: Gainesville, Florida Publication Date: 09/01/2005 Content Summary: This dataset contains 2005 Religious Center Facility Information for the State of Florida. It is a combination of churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, chapels, centers and other types of religious facilities, from data sources including; county specific religious locations, and SuperPage religious address locations, etc. This dataset contains fields denoting the physical address, and contact information for religious facilities based on data taken from the Yellow and Super Pages Online. Florida Health Care Facilities Content Publisher: University of Florida

GeoPlan Center Publication Place: Gainesville, Florida Publication Date: 09/01/2005 Content Summary: This dataset contains 2005 Health Care Facility Information for the State of Florida including Red Cross and Ophthalmology facilities. Health Care Facility addresses were gathered from the Florida Department of Health Care, Super Pages Online, and Yellow Pages Online. This dataset contains fields denoting the physical address, type, and contact information for health care facilities located in Florida.



Florida Fire Stations Content Publisher: University of Florida

GeoPlan Center Publication Place: Gainesville, FL Publication Date: 02/27/2008 Content Summary: This dataset contains 2008 Fire Station and Rescue Station information for the State of Florida. It is a combination of fire station and rescue station addresses from 46 different sources. This dataset contains fields denoting the physical address, and contact information for fire stations and rescue stations located in Florida. This dataset is an update to the gc_firestat_sep05.shp layer. FL Law Enforcement Facilities Content Publisher: University of Florida

GeoPlan Center Publication Place: Gainesville, Florida Publication Date: 02/27/2008 Content Summary: This dataset contains locational information on local, state, and federal law enforcement facilities in Florida. Facilities such as police departments, sheriff's offices, highway patrol stations, Florida Department of Law Enforcement substations and offices, and various Federal offices and stations are included in this dataset. This dataset is a combination of 32 sources including county specific point datasets, and Law Enforcement addresses from (1) the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, (2) the Florida Highway Patrol, (3) the Yellow Pages online, and (4) Super Pages online. The data contains selected fields denoting the physical address, number, regions, and contact information for Law Enforcement Facilities and Agencies located in Florida. This dataset is an update of the gc_lawenforece_sep05.shp layer, which previously included correctional facilities. Correctional facilities are now included in the gc_correctional_mar08.shp layer. Geocoded Cemeteries Content Publisher: University of Florida

GeoPlan Center Publication Place: Gainesville, Florida Publication Date: 09/16/2008 Content Summary: This dataset contains 2008 Cemetery location information for the State of Florida. It is a combination of cemeteries and other types of burial ground locations from 17 different data sources including; county specific cemetery locations, parcel centroids, GNIS, SHPO cemetery centroids, SuperPage cemetery address locations, etc. This dataset contains fields denoting the location, and other information for cemeteries located in Florida. This layer is an update of the previously released FGDL layer "GC_CEMETERY_SEP05".



Cultural Layers Florida Parks Content Publisher: University of Florida

GeoPlan Center Publication Place: Gainesville, Florida Publication Date: 09/01/2008 Content Summary: This dataset contains 2008 park information for the State of Florida. This dataset includes parks such as: campgrounds, RV Parks, playgrounds, sports and recreation facilities. etc. The data contains fields denoting the physical address, and facility type information for parks located in Florida. SHPO Bridges

Content Publisher: Bureau of Archaeological Research

Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida

Publication Date: 01/2009 Content Summary: This dataset contains 2008 Cemetery location information for the State of Florida. It is a combination of cemeteries and other types of burial ground locations from 17 different data sources including; county specific cemetery locations, parcel centroids, GNIS, SHPO cemetery centroids, SuperPage cemetery address locations, etc. This dataset contains fields denoting the location, and other information for cemeteries located in Florida. This layer is an update of the previously released FGDL layer "GC_CEMETERY_SEP05". SHPO Cemeteries Content Publisher: Bureau of

Archaeological Research

Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 07/09/2008 Content Summary: This dataset contains historic cemetery boundaries and basic cemetery attributes as recorded at the Florida Master Site File. SHPO Resource Groups Content Publisher: Bureau of

Archaeological Research



Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 07/09/2008 Content Summary: This data set contains resource group locations and attributes as recorded at the Florida Master Site File (FMSF). Resource groups are historical districts, archaeological districts or building complexes. Individual resources contributing to the resource group are usually (but are not always) separately listed in the Florida Master Site File. SHPO Structures

Content Publisher: Bureau of Archaeological Research

Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 07/09/2008 Content Summary: This dataset contains historic structure locations and attributes as recorded at the Florida Master Site File. American Indian Lands Content Publisher: University of Florida

GeoPlan Center Publication Place: Gainesville, Florida Publication Date: 06/13/2008 Content Summary: This dataset depicts feature location, selected demographics, and other associated data for American Indian Reservations, off-reservation trust lands, public domain allotments (PDAs), State Designated American Indian Statistical Areas, Recognized State Reservations, and other American Indian owned and/or leased lands. Bay County Parks Content Publisher: Bay County GIS staff Publication Place: Panama City, Florida Publication Date: 06/12/2007 Content Summary: Parks in Bay County, administered by county, cities, and state. Walton County Parks Content Publisher: Walton County GIS/IR

Dept. Publication Place: Walton County Publication Date: 09/21/2007 Content Summary: Parks in Walton County, administered by county, cities, and state.



Natural Layers FNAI Elemental Occurrence Data Content Publisher: Florida Natural Areas

Inventory Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 12/2008 Content Summary: This is a point data layer locating the occurrences of endangered or rare plants and animals, high quality natural communities and other occurrences of natural resource interest in the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) database. An "Element" is any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species, plant community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave or other ecological feature. An "Element Occurrence" (EO) represents the locational record of an element and is a single extant habitat which sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct, self-sustaining example of a particular natural community. Conservation Units (v7) Content Publisher: West Bay Sector Plan

report Publication Place: N/A Publication Date: 03/2009 Content Description: Content Summary: Representation of West Bay Mitigation Banks extracted from the West Bay Sector Plan report,Ex_1_dep_exhibit_00_ecosystem_management_area.pdf Conservation Areas(WBASP) Content Publisher: West Bay Area Sector

Plan Publication Place: N/A Publication Date: N/A Content Description: Content Summary: Conservation Areas identified in the West Bay Area Sector Plan. FDEP Mitigation Banks Content Publisher: Florida Department of

Environmental Protection



Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 05/01/2006 Content Summary: This dataset contains mitigation boundaries for select Department of Environmental Protection areas based on legal descriptions. This data layer is an update from the MGBANK layer in FGDL Version 2005. Airport Mitigation Areas Content Publisher: PBS&J Publication Place: Unknown Publication Date: 5/10/2006 Content Summary: Mitigation areas identified in the Panama City, Florida International Airport Relocation Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) airport_mitigation_land_fromAirportEIS.pdf Airport Wetland Delineation Content Publisher: PBS&J Publication Place: Unknown Publication Date: 08/18/2003 Content Summary: Construction phases proposed across 50 years. Rough design by Knute Ruggert/Randy Curtis, digitized by Ryan Clerico. Snapped to airport/access road boundary on exterior, relevant development features on interior. Subject to period change as result of layout and design changes. Bald Eagle Nesting Territories

Content Publisher: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Habitat and Species Management

Publication Place: St. Petersburg, Florida Publication Date: 04/01/2007 Content Summary: Known bald eagle nesting territories within the state of Florida were surveyed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) during the 2006 nesting season with fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft beginning in late November 2005 and extending through mid-April 2006. Nest locations were determined with the use of aircraft-based Global Positioning System (GPS) units. Accuracy of locations is estimated to be within 0.1 miles of the true location.



Bear Kill Locations Content Publisher: Florida Fish and

Wildlife Conservation Commission

Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 2006 Content Summary: This shapefile contains the locations of all black bear road kills in the state of Florida. Only those records that a geographic coordinate can be obtained are included in this shapefile. FDEP Ecosystem Management Areas

Content Publisher: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 01/17 /1996 Content Summary: Boundaries of 24 Ecosystem Management Areas as defined by Florida Department of Environmental Protection. FEMA Floodplains Content Publisher: Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA)

Publication Place: Washington, DC Publication Date: 1996 Content Summary: This dataset is a digital representation of certain features of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) published by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Flood Hazard Zones of the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) Content Publisher: Federal Emergency

Management Agency (FEMA)

Publication Place: Washington, DC Publication Date: 02/04/2009 Content Summary: This dataset contains information about the flood hazards within the study area. These zones are used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to designate



the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) and for insurance rating purposes. These data are the flood hazard areas that are or will be depicted on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). There is one polygon for each contiguous flood zone designated. This information is required for all draft Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Flatwoods Salamander Critical Habitat Content Publisher: Department of Interior,

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Publication Place: Panama City, Florida Publication Date: 08/13/2008 Content Summary: The US Fish & Wildlife Service proposed critical habitat designation for the Frosted flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum) and the Reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi). FNAI Managed Areas Content Publisher: Florida Natural Areas

Inventory Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 12/17/2008 Content Summary: This is a polygon data layer for public (and some private) lands that the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) has identified as having natural resource value and that are being managed at least partially for conservation purposes. The term "Managed Area" refers to a managed conservation land. Red Cockaded Woodpecker Content Publisher: U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service Publication Place: Vero Beach, Florida Publication Date: 09/30/2003 Content Summary: This data set contains the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Red Cockaded Woodpecker Consultation Area. USACE General Permit Boundary

Content Publisher: U.S. Army Core of Engineers



Publication Place: N/A Publication Date: 03/2009 Content Summary: To view Permit Boundary data in GIS in the absence of georectified shapefile data. Dataset only positioned visually from West Bay Sector Plan report. Wetlands Content Publisher: PBS&J Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 05/27/2009 Content Summary: The Bay County “interpreted” NWI data is wetland information that was taken from the FGDL and interpreted to determine variations in wetland quality based on each of the attribute codes within the data layer. Through experience with the study area along with knowledge of other similar studies, wetlands permitting, and mitigation projects made an assessment of “High”, “Medium”, or “Low” quality features. Any areas where “High” or “Medium” quality wetlands were identified were counted in the LSM analysis as a sensitive resource area. Future wetland analysis to be completed within the corridors will include: Generation 1: Overlay of corridors and various electronic data sets such as FLUCCS (1995), FWC Priority Wetlands, NWI (1999), soils, and recent aerial photographs; minimal interpretation of polygons and boundary corrections. Generation 2: Gen 1 + interpretation of wetland and upland signatures using aerial photographs (current and in some cases historic). Polygon boundaries and wetland classifications modified as necessary. Generation 3: Gen 2 + verification of photographic and associated habitat signatures via ground truthing and boundary modifications using GPS. Resulted in a refined, high resolution depiction of wetland/upland boundaries; precursor to delineating wetlands in the field for the purpose of obtaining a Jurisdictional Delineation. Rare Species Habitat Conservation Priorities Content Publisher: Florida Natural Areas

Inventory Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 06/2008 Content Summary: Florida Forever Measure B2: The number of acres acquired of highest priority conservation areas for Florida's rarest species. The FNAI Habitat Conservation Priorities data layer prioritizes places on the landscape that would protect both the greatest number of rare



species and those species with the greatest conservation need. We developed the data layer by first selecting species with the greatest conservation need in Florida and developing habitat maps around known occurrences of those species. The Inventory currently has more than 23,000 occurrence records for Florida's rare and endangered species in the form of point locations. For this data layer we wanted to identify habitat areas, based on these point locations, that represent the geographic extent of the species occurrence on the landscape. We created habitat polygons only around known occurrences, rather than creating polygons of potential habitat where no occurrence records exist. In using this method, we are able to definitively say that acquisition of a habitat area serves to protect a particular species because we have documentation of the species at that site. The habitats were then ranked based on quality/suitability for the species and the species were weighted based on conservation need. The weighted habitat maps for 247 species were then overlaid to determine overall conservation priorities for Florida's rarest species. CLIP Priorities Content Publisher: Florida Natural Areas

Inventory Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 04/21/2008 Content Summary: The aggregated CLIP Priorities includes five priorities levels depicting conservation significance for protecting biodiversity, landscape attributes, and high quality surface water resources at the statewide scale. The 5 priority levels are based on rules-based selection from each of the 9 core data layers within the Biodiversity, Surface Water, and Landscape Resource Categories and overlap between the Biodiversity, Surface Water, and Landscape Resource Categories. Surface Water Class Boundaries Content Publisher: Florida Department of


Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 04/16/1993 Content Summary: Class I and II surface water classification boundaries. The Clean Water Act requires that the surface waters of each state be classified according to designated uses. Florida has five classes with associated designated uses, which are arranged in order of degree of protection required: Class I - Potable Water Supplies Fourteen general areas throughout the state including: impoundments and associated tributaries,



certain lakes, rivers, or portions of rivers, used as a drinking water supply. Class II - Shellfish Propagation or Harvesting Generally coastal waters where shellfish harvesting occurs. Lakes (Areas) Content Publisher: Florida Department of


Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 04/09/2002 Content Summary: Primary lakes in north and central Florida developed from GNIS, USGS 1:24k Hydrography data, 1994 DOQQs, and USGS DRGs and reviewed by DEP and WMD personnel. Drainage Basins 1997 (Areas) Content Publisher: FDEP/WRM/BWM Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 01/01/1999 Content Summary: Basins determined by DEP. Wetland Mitigation Sites Content Publisher: FDOT Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 01/01/1999 Content Summary: Boundaries for Devils Swamp and Ward Creek West, mitigation properties managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District.



Physical Environmental Layers

Superfund Sites Content Publisher: U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency Publication Place: Atlanta, GA Publication Date: 08/01/2005 Content Summary: This dataset contains point locations for U.S. hazardous waste sites on the National Priority List (NPL) of EPA's Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS). These sites are also known as Superfund Sites. Nuclear Sites Content Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey Publication Place: Reston, VA Publication Date: 1999 Content Summary: This dataset contains latitude and longitude location, as determined by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) Shared Information Network (SINET), of selected NRC regulated facilities. Brownfield Areas Content Publisher: Florida Department of


Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 08/20/2008 Content Summary: This data set contains Brownfield Boundaries. Brownfields are defined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. The primary goals of Florida's Brownfields Redevelopment Act (Ch. 97-277, Laws of Florida, codified at ss. 376.77-.85, F.S.) are to reduce health and environmental hazards on existing commercial and industrial sites that are abandoned or underused due to these hazards and create financial and regulatory incentives to encourage redevelopment and voluntary cleanup of contaminated properties. A "brownfield area" means a contiguous area of one or more brownfield sites, some of which may not be contaminated, that has been designated as such by a local government resolution.



Such areas may include all or portions of community redevelopment areas, enterprise zones, empowerment zones, other such designated economically deprived communities and areas, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated brownfield pilot projects. Water Treatment Plants

Content Publisher: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Publication Place: Tallahassee, Florida Publication Date: 1995 Content Summary: This dataset contains the locations Water Treatment Facilities in Florida. EPA RCRA Regulated Facilities

Content Publisher: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Publication Place: Washington, DC Publication Date: 02/2008 Content Summary: This data set contains locations of and information on sites that are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Hazardous waste information is contained in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information (RCRAInfo), a national program management and inventory system about hazardous waste handlers. In general, all generators, transporters, treaters, storers, and disposers of hazardous waste are required to provide information about their activities to state environmental agencies. These agencies, in turn pass on the information to regional and national EPA offices. This regulation is governed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), as amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984. State Cleanup Sites Content Publisher: Florida Department of



Publication Date: 08/01/2007 Content Summary: This dataset contains Florida Department of Environmental Protection State Funded Hazardous Waste Cleanup Site polygons. (Does not include Dry Cleaning Solvent Cleanup Program, DoD, NPL sites or PSRP cleanups under District Office supervision)



Petroleum Contaminated Facilities Content Publisher: Florida Department of



Publication Date: 01/03/2008 Content Summary: This data set contains petroleum facilities that currently have contamination. This report does not include discharges that are not required for 62-770 or discharges that have already been cleaned up. Tanks Content Publisher: Florida Department of



Publication Date: 11/07/2007 Content Summary: This dataset contains Storage Tank Information for the State of Florida. This dataset contains fields denoting the physical location, type, status, and contact information for regulated and unregulated storage tanks taken from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

APPENDIX B AGENCY COMMENTS ON METHODOLOGY

B--1 West Bay Parkway (Segment 2)


Memo To: FDOT District 3 Lead and Cooperating Agency Members

From: Florida Department of Transportation

Date: July 1, 2009

Re: CR 388 PD&E Study (West Bay Parkway) Land Suitability Mapping Methodology Review

CR 388 Land Suitability Mapping Analysis Methodology Review The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has recently completed a Land

Suitability Mapping Analysis (LSM) methodology for the CR 388 (West Bay Parkway) Project Development an Environment (PD&E) study.

The Land Suitability Mapping Analysis is a process that precedes Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) to help analyze and design corridors that are an optimal fit for the study area. After the Land Suitability Mapping Analysis the corridors will be placed into the Environmental Screening Tool (EST) along with a technical memorandum summarizing the LSM analysis, and the ETDM Programming Screen will commence. Upon completion of the Programming Screen review the proposed corridors will follow the PD&E process, incorporating public input, a Purpose and Need review, and a social and natural environmental impacts analysis into a Corridor Evaluation Summary Report.

To develop project study corridors, the FDOT will employ Geographic information

System (GIS) - LSM method in the project area to review impacts. This process utilizes existing GIS databases to access potential impacts to natural, physical, and socio-cultural features located within the project area and to access the potential level of sensitivity in obtaining approvals and/or mitigating for these impacts.

Attached is a methodology document identifying how this process will be implemented along with data indices that will be utilized for the analysis. The West Bay Parkway LSM Methodology is being submitted to your resource agency for review and comment. Comments and suggestions submitted from these agencies will be collected and considered for inclusion in the LSM analysis. These comments will also be included as an appendix to the LSM technical memorandum which will be published in the EST, on the project website (www.westbayparkway.com), and summarized in the PD&E study documents.



All comments must be received by 06/01/2009 (10 business days) in order to be considered. Your comments may be submitted by email, letter, or fax to Brandon Bruner. If you have any questions you may contact the following people: Greg Garrett Senior Planner PBS&J Phone: 850 580-7825 Email: [email protected]

Brandon Bruner Project Manager FDOT District Three Environmental Management Office Phone: (850) 415-9625 Email: [email protected]



Agency Representative

Comment Response

David Rydene, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

NMFS staff has reviewed the information provided regarding the Land Suitability Mapping methodology for the proposed CR 388 West Bay Parkway. The inclusion of the "Photo Interpretation National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)/ Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms Classification System (FLUCCS) Wetlands" Geographic Information System (GIS) layer in the corridor development process should address concerns for NMFS trust resources. The most likely NMFS trust resource to be directly affected would be salt marsh in this instance. The methodology appears to be adequate to identify sensitive resources for avoidance or impact minimization.

Thank you

1. Determine if impacts would occur on the two sensitive areas managed by NWFWMD.

Data provided by the NWFWMD was utilized in the LSM Analysis and included in the results.

2. Collect the updated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplains data for use in the LSM Analysis.

Data has been collected and was utilized in the LSM Analysis.

3. Add the dataset for water bodies under the Natural Environmental Layers.

Included.

4. Add the dataset for surface water classes under the Natural Environmental Layers.

Included.

5. Add the dataset for water basins under the Natural Environmental Layers.

Included.

6. Add the dataset for water courses under the Natural Environmental Layers.

Included.

7. Preliminarily, the benefits of using graphics with limited information and no aerial background are not fully understood. Also, it may be helpful to perform the evaluation at the data level rather than the map level.

Hopefully this document provides further clarification as to how the entire process was implemented. The analysis was performed at all of the levels mentioned by the NWFWMD (Map, Data, and Aerial background).

Karen Kebart, North Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD)

8. Of significant concern is that the LSM appears to evaluate direct impacts only and does not consider offsite, secondary,

This point was noted in the LSM document as such: These considerations will be accounted for during the National



or cumulative impacts. Environmental Policty Act (NEPA) study process, but during this corridor development phase it is not feasible to include this information. It is important to recognize that this is the corridor development phase. The information required to provide a credible estimate of offsite, secondary, and cumulative impacts at this point is not feasible.

1. Include the dataset for South Walton Area Mitigation (SWAMP) project.

This data was collected and was not within the study area, so it was not included in the analysis. The process for how the wetlands were classified is discussed in Appendix A.

2. The wetland analysis should identify high quality versus low quality wetland systems to the greatest extend possible.

Wetland systems now classified by quality.

3. Remove the dataset for Scrubjay Consultation Area.

Scrubjay Consultation Area has been removed from the LSM Analysis.

4. Include a data layer that identifies high quality undeveloped lands such as Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI)’s Priority Conservation Areas for Rare Species, FNAI’s Priority Habitat, FNAI, or FNAI’s Crtical Lands and Water Identification Project (CLIP).

All data layers were included in the LSM Analysis. The CLIP data however, was not utilized in the Grid Map overlay creation process because some of the individual data layers that were used in the CLIP analysis were already present in the LSM analysis. Therefore including the CLIP data would have constituted a double counting of these data.

Mary Mittiga, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

5. The FNAI Elemental Occurrence data should be buffered based on location precision as in the FNAI Biodiversity Matrix.

FNAI Elemental Occurrence data has been buffered.

Documents

West Bay Parkway (Segment 2) Land Suitability …westbayparkway.com/pdf/West Bay Parkway Segment 2 Land...Land Suitability Mapping Analysis June 2009 those comments can be found in