Developers Seek License to Harm Bluetail Mole Skinks in Suburbia
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Notice
Summary
Clayton Properties wants to build homes in Lake County, Florida, where two special skinks live. They’ve asked for a permit that lets them accidentally harm these skinks during construction, but only if they follow a plan to protect their habitat. The public can share their thoughts by April 6, 2026, before the Fish and Wildlife Service decides.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Developer Must Buy 4.16 Acres of Mitigation
Clayton Properties requested a 10-year permit to incidentally take sand skinks while building a 47.92-acre residential project that would convert about 2.08 acres of occupied skink habitat. The company proposes, and the Service would require, that it purchase mitigation credits equal to 4.16 acres of skink-occupied habitat from the Lake Wales Ridge Conservation Bank or another Service‑approved conservation bank, and the credits must be bought before any phase of the project begins.
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