One of the less known parts of DuPuis is the Powerline Grade along the eastern perimeter. A one way trip is 13 miles long and can be traveled on foot, bike, horse, or car. As the name implies, the shellrock road parallels high tension power lines running south from the FPL Indiantown plant. The southern half of the road runs between a canal (with many resident alligators) and the adjacent Corbett WMA. You may also see otters, deer, birds and various Florida fauna. Bringing your camera is recommended! Happy caching!
Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are a species of tortoise native to the southeastern US. They are so named because they dig burrows to live in. These burrows are widely used by other species, making gopher tortoises a keystone species. Unlike most turtles, tortoises are not semi-aquatic; on the contrary, they prefer dry scrub areas and generally avoid marshes and swamps. Their elephant-like legs are not good for swimming. They are herbivores.
Gopher tortoises are threatened by habit loss. In Florida, land developers are required to find gopher tortoise burrows and relocate the tortoises to other areas before building. Other preservation efforts include fencing around natural areas and along highways in an effort to prevent tortoises from wandering onto roads. Hunting of gopher tortoises is illegal.