COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What does it cost to purchase a credit to have a gopher tortoise relocated?
a. $3,500 per tortoise.

2. Can I reserve future spots for new development?
a. No. Each area must be surveyed and approved in order to determine if gopher tortoises are active and how many.

3. What happens if I pay for more tortoises than are actually relocated?
a. If you pay to have tortoises relocated and the actual number of relocations is fewer, the Service will notify you via mail of the actual number of tortoises removed. They will also indicate that you may request a refund for the unused credits by contacting the Mobile Area Water & Sewer System. You must contact MAWSS (694-3117) in order for the overpayment to be refunded.

4. What happens if more gopher tortoises come onto my property prior to its development?
a. Once the Service clears you, it is important that you fence your property through its development.

5. Will my property be inspected annually for additional tortoises?
a. Once the property is developed and used by humans, the likelihood of a tortoise wanting to share the area is extremely small. But once the property is developed, no one will come and inspect the property again.

6. Each tortoise is tested for sickness. Who pays for the treatment of a diseased tortoise?
a. To date, there have been no sick or diseased tortoises found in Mobile County. In the event a tortoise is sick, it will not be moved into the bank. It has not been determined yet who will pay for the treatment or if the tortoise will be destroyed.