Monroe County is preparing for a key discussion this week regarding the future of endangered species protections on Big Pine Key and No Name Key as a long-standing federal permit is set to expire at the end of June.
Emily Shemper, director of Growth Management for Monroe County, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the issue.
Schemper explained that the county’s current Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and associated Incidental Take Permit, which regulate development impacts on endangered species habitats, will automatically expire on June 30.
The permit currently governs development activities affecting three federally endangered species: the Key deer, the Eastern indigo snake, and the Lower Keys marsh rabbit.
According to Shemper, the expiration will not eliminate existing protections. Instead, development reviews on Big Pine Key and No Name Key will automatically transition into an existing federal permit referral process that already applies throughout the rest of Monroe County.
“The great thing about it is it references and carries over all of the special protections,” Shemper said, noting that approximately two dozen conservation measures currently included in the Habitat Conservation Plan will remain in effect after the transition.
The change stems from a court-ordered settlement agreement involving the federal government, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, following litigation concerning endangered species protections and flood insurance regulations in the Florida Keys.
Shemper emphasized that the transition will occur automatically on July 1 regardless of any action taken by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.
“There is no gap in protection,” she explained. “The existing restrictions are essentially being carried over indefinitely.”
Community concerns have surfaced in recent weeks as residents sought clarification on whether the expiration of the permit would weaken protections for endangered species. A public meeting held in late May drew significant attendance from residents, local officials and property owners interested in the future of development regulations.
Some residents remain concerned that additional protections may be necessary, particularly for the Key deer and marsh rabbit populations. Shemper said those discussions can continue through future public meetings planned by local officials.
While protections are expected to remain largely unchanged, Shemper noted that the county may eventually authorize up to 36 additional residential building permits on Big Pine Key. Those units were allocated by the state through legislation passed last year and would be distributed gradually over the next decade. Any future development would still be required to comply with habitat protection limits.
Shemper acknowledged the challenge of balancing environmental protection with property rights and housing needs.
“Development versus quality of life issues is something we’re always talking about,” she said.
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to discuss the matter during its meeting Wednesday in Key Largo. The agenda item is expected to begin at approximately 2 p.m. Residents may participate either in person or through the county’s online meeting platform.
County officials say the meeting will provide another opportunity for public input as the community navigates the future of endangered species protections in the Lower Keys.