140 gopher tortoises relocated from burrows to Apalachicola National Forest

MAITLAND, Fla. — The St. Johns River Water Management District is relocating about 140 gopher tortoises from their burrows in an Orange County levee to the Apalachicola National Forest.

“Florida’s native plants and animals play an important role in maintaining balance in the surrounding ecosystem,” said St. Johns River Water Management district executive director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “While the district’s main goal in purchasing and managing land is to protect water resources, we also manage properties to protect those native species.”