While some southern states list the gopher tortoise as a threatened or endangered species, Florida currently classifies the gopher tortoise as a “species of special concern.”

Unlike some development companies in Florida, JOE has always taken a proactive approach in minimizing impacts to gopher tortoises.  JOE has never used a take permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) to entomb or kill a tortoise. The company has gone to great effort and expense to maintain this conservation ethic.

The Company’s environmental stewardship ethic was responsible for the development of a voluntary partnership with the FWCC and the United States Forest Service that allowed the restocking of gopher tortoises from company development sites to unoccupied range in the Apalachicola National Forest (ANF).  This effort was endorsed by the Gopher Tortoise Council, Florida Wildlife Federation and Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative.

As part of this partnership, JOE also proposed, funded and is conducting a comprehensive study of tortoise translocation methodologies.  Radio telemetry and GPS technology will be used to assess the effectiveness of restocking procedures.  This data will enable wildlife experts to gain better understanding of how to maximize translocation success and effectiveness of restocking efforts.  The research, habitat and population management benefits of this agreement will promote the growth of gopher tortoise populations on the ANF and other areas in the state.

JOE also manages other gopher tortoise preserves as part of the state’s recovery programs.  The company has also been heavily involved and is a voting member of the Gopher Tortoise Stakeholder Team that acts as an advisory group to the FWCC on tortoise biological goals, management and policies.