The Voice - March 2020

MARCH 2020

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The Voice

THE OFFICIAL EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT

What's New REPTILE LOVE LEADS TO RESCUE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH THE RM CORNER AND MORE!

Love of reptiles and amphibians leads to animal rescue

by Nikki Nobles, Corporate Communications Office Entering college to become a science teacher but graduating as a herpetologist, Regulatory Division’s Danielle D’Amato has always had a love for reptiles and amphibians.

The passion for the non-domesticated animals eventually led to the creation of Sustainable Care and Urgent Treatment for Every Shell (SCUTES), a nonprofit D’Amato founded this year with her husband.

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“There are a lot of people who rescue cute and cuddly, but people often forget about our scaled wildlife,” D’Amato said. “I will take in and rehabilitate all local native reptiles.”

D’Amato has been rescuing scaled wildlife for more than four years, has experience rescuing cats, dogs, and has assisted at a local lemur sanctuary. While rescuing animals like raccoons and squirrels, she found there was no local turtle and tortoise rescue facility. After discussing with her husband, she knew she had to help.

“Rescuing is challenging; it doesn’t have a Monday thru Friday schedule. It’s a lot of nights, weekends, and time you can be doing something fun,” D’Amato says. When treating animals that are in pain or with extreme injuries, you have to have a tough exterior and be able to hold it together. Animals can pick up on our energy, D’Amato says.

Calls for rescue assistance happen at all hours D’Amato says and advises anyone interested in rescuing to have perseverance and a commitment to help. One must be willing to learn as much as possible about physiology and best treatment practice for the species you want to help.

“Otherwise, you may not be helping. Attempting a rescue without the correct knowledge,” D’Amato says, “can exacerbate the existing injuries, and attempting rescue without the correct permit can be illegal.”

Rehabilitating turtles and tortoises is more challenging than mammals. “Mammals make noise and cry out when they are in pain, turtles don’t. You really have to pick up on their unique movements and smells.”

D’Amato says each animal has its own unique injury and personality for treatment. “I have one right now that refuses to eat in the outdoor enclosure and will only eat when I place it in the yard and watch it from a distance. And I have the same exact plants in the pen and the yard.”

To date, D’Amato has rescued 89 animals. Her goal is to rehabilitate and release the animals back into the wild. Gophers [tortoises] are legally returned back to where they came from.

“If I do not have an exact location, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has to get involved. There are a few that cannot go into the wild and must go through FWC or are adopted, depending on the species," D’Amato said.

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Sometimes D’Amato gets animals that cannot be legally released. Gopher tortoises have to go to FWC if they are non-releasable. Some get permanent homes as education animals. The time an animal spends at SCUTES varies.

Animals that need extra care, D’Amato has rehabilitated them anywhere from eight to nine months. There is a current resident, D’Amato says, that needs extended care due to a pretty rough break in the carapace, bridge, plastron, and a broken pelvic bone.

“There have been a few that have received a special place in our hearts so that are permanent members [at SCUTES].”

During Hurricane Matthew, D’Amato said she had 24 turtles inside her home, including an Aldabra, the world’s second-largest tortoise, weighing nearly 200 pounds. "It was a really fun experience to say the least,” she said.

Most animals D’Amato receives come from everyday citizens. “I have also received them from veterinarians, nature centers, and environmental consultants. Word of mouth is how people find me, or they call FWC and are then directed to SCUTES.” D’Amato has no limitations on what she will do to rescue a turtle. She says it may be creating a turtle relay, picking up a sea turtle and taking it to Jekyll Island, or making a trip to Orlando to pick up one.

“Thankfully, there is a network of concerned citizens willing to help throughout the state.”

SCUTES partners with the Ark Wildlife Care and Sanctuary, Swamp Girl Adventure, Central Florida Wildlife Center, Inc. “We also have a great partnership with the Jacksonville Herpetological Society.”

The animals SCUTES primarily receives are Gopher tortoises (Gopherus Polyphemus), a Keystone species that is listed as Threatened in Florida. “We have seen an increase in box turtles due to all the development and habitat loss.”

D’Amato cites habitat loss and development as the number one factor affecting turtles and tortoises. She said they are now the most endangered group of vertebrate animals, with more than half of their species threatened with extinction.

“Gopher tortoises live in high, dry, sandy areas. Unfortunately, that makes for a great location to build a housing development. Once the development is built, the surrounding tortoises are injured trying to cross the road or chewed on by domestic dogs.”

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Animal rescue doesn’t come without a price tag. Along with the typical food and medical bills that D’Amato incurs, she says creating turtle pens and the building is also costly as well.

Because there are items that D’Amato’s sanctuary hasn’t acquired yet, medical bills for the animals become costly. Without an x-ray machine, she has to pay for vet visits, which sometimes may be the only option to get a proper diagnosis of an animal’s ailment.

D’Amato says on the rare occasion when she knows a turtle won’t survive, humane euthanasia is the only choice, and a vet trip is necessary.

D’Amato would love to welcome volunteers, but due to rehabilitation laws, the only “hands-on” help SCUTES can use is transportation. “I’ve had coworkers assist me with this and grateful each time someone drives a turtle to my facility.”

SCUTES welcomes assistance with social media, community education, and outreach.

Those who are interested in assisting with rescuing animals, D’Amato suggests they contact a local organization and inquire about ways to help. Some organizations want people who would like to help clean, donate materials, or public education. She says going to the Internet and searching keywords like an injured turtle, Jacksonville, is typically what people search to find her.

Social media, she says, is also a game-changer. When someone posts a picture of an injured animal, rescues are instantly tagged.

“Most rescues have something for everyone, depending on time and ability. There is always a way to help rescue even if you don’t have time. Something as simple as ordering from an Amazon wish list is helpful.”

To prevent turtles from having to go to rescue and be rehabilitated, D’Amato stresses dogs are not wild animals, and can be trained not to eat or bother a turtle. Her dogs have been trained and would never eat or chew on a turtle. She says if you see a turtle in the road, please stop and move it across the street in the direction it was moving. Do not relocate the turtle. Humans do not always know best as some turtles have a very specific home range and will travel great distances through dangerous areas to go home.

D’Amato boasts she has not had any animals come to her twice for treatment. However, there have been repeat canine offenders that have chewed up more than one [turtle].

"I try to do my best to educate pet owners on how to prevent future interactions, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.”

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Jacksonville Journal digital edition now available!

The 2019 digital edition of the Jacksonville Journal is now available for viewing. This year's publication focuses on innovation and the myriad of ways JaxStrong is using technology, public input, and more to move vital projects forward.

View the publication here: https://issuu.com/usace_saj/docs/jaxjournal_201 9issufeb Hard copies will be distributed to each office.

We welcome your ideas for future publications.

On the Cover...

Regulatory Division's Danielle D'Amato is seen with a rescued sea turtle.

D'Amato created the Sustainable Care and Urgent Treatment for Every Shell (SCUTES) with her husband to rescue and rehabilitate all local native reptiles.

To date, she has rescuced 89 animals.

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Women's History Month: Event Info Women's History Month Celebration & Brunch: WHEN: March 13 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Boneyard - Conference Room 430A Keynote Speaker: State Rep. Kimberly Daniels

Daniels currently serves as the only female veteran in the Florida House of Representatives.

In 2011, Daniels became the only AfricanAmerican female elected to a city-wide council position in Jacksonville.

EEO requests volunteers to donate a dish for the brunch. Contact EEO for more details.

News You Can Use ATL1 Training: All personnel must complete Level 1 Anti-terrorism Awareness Training NLT May 10.

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 8. Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday!

March Events: March 5 - Sandcastle Spring Book Sale March 6 - Icemen Hockey Game March 13 - March Madness Day March 17 - PRB Pizza Sale March 17 - St. Patrick's Day March 28 - Icemen Hockey Game March - Spring Merchandise Sale

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Cornonavirus: Smart prevention to protect yourself COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to represent a potential public health threat both globally and in the U.S. The virus produces fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. It can be spread from those who are infected through close contact (within 2 meters) from respiratory droplets and is persistent (remains on surfaces for several days).

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the corononavirus. However, the best way to prevent illness to to avoid exposure to the virus. The Center for Disease Control recommends these everyday preventative actions to prevent the spread of the virus: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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Specific guidelines for travelers can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

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RM Corner: Time and Attendance is not official leave record The Resource Management section offers valuable tips and information for JaxStrong employees about programs and policies that directly impact you.

Did you know that the leave balances showing in CEFMS II Time and Attendance is not the official leave record?

The employee Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) is the record that should be used to determine if you have enough leave to use, not CEFMS II. If a specific leave category is charged on the timesheet and no leave is available, then that leave will convert to another form of leave and/or leave without pay (KA).

For example: Employee enters 2 credit hours taken (CN), but the last LES doesn’t show any credit hours available. The credit hours recorded on your timesheet will convert to comp time taken (CT), then annual leave (LA) if no CT is available, then to restored leave (LR) and finally leave without pay (KA). Travel Comp time (CF) is ALWAYS convert to KA if no travel comp remains on LES. Travel Comp time falls off the books after 365 days.

Not sure how to interpret the LES? DFAS has an interactive LES online at: https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/understandingyourcivilianpay/LES.html Please see the Leave conversion Matrix below for more guidance on conversion of hours.

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PRB Team of the Quarter: Loxahatchee River PDT Congratulations to the Loxahatchee River PDT who received Team of the Quarter at JaxStrong's PRB!

Toastmasters Club seeks new members!

Do you want to develop, expand and refine your leadership skills? Do you want to wow your audience from the microphone?

If yes, Toastmasters wants you!

Castle.com meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Contact Zulamet Vega-Liriano for more info.

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Welcome new employees to JaxStrong!

Jacksonville District welcomed these new field office employees to the JaxStrong team this past month. Learn more about them below!

Crystal Velasquez

Juan Hurtado

Michael Taylor

Position: Geotechnical Engineer

Position: Field Office Assistant

Position: Biologist/Project Manager

Hometown: Isabela, Puerto Rico

Hometown: West Palm Beach Hometown: Cincinnati

Sports Team: New York Yankees Crystal comes to JaxStrong from the Louisville District where she worked in the Levee Safety Section. Crystal attended the University of Puerto Rico. Her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, and traveling.

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Juan comes to us from the Army where he served 9 years as an Equal Opportunity Advisor, and military supervisor. He holds a degree in Political Science. Juan enjoys reading and doing activities with his wife and two children.

Sports Team: Bearcats Michael joins JaxStrong after a diverse career of hydrogeological consulting, and working as a middle school science teacher. He has a wife and a girl and a boy. In his spare time you can find him in the great outdoors boating and fishing.

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Welcome new employees to JaxStrong!

Dianne Rosenweig

Luis Betancount

Bud Tilton

Position: Project Manager, Regulatory Mine Team

Position: Project Manager, Regulatory

Position: Small Craft Operator

Hometown: Long Island, N.Y.

Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico

Sports Team: Florida Gators

Sports Team: Manchester United

Dianne returns to SAJ after working with an environmental consulting firm; and is excited to be back with USACE. Dianne is married with three children. She enjoys reading, boating, and yoga.

Luis comes to JaxStrong from the Los Angeles District. Luis enjoys playing sports when he's not working. He plays basketball, pick-up-games, and soccer. He also enjoys movies.

Hometown: Palatka, FL Sports Team: Georgia Bulldogs

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Bud worked in Aquatic Management before joining the Corps. He is the proud dad of a three-year-old son. You can find Bud on the water or hunting in his free time.

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Welcome new employees to JaxStrong!

David Ojeda

Tyler Keithley

Rodney Rodriguez

Position: Biologist, Miami Regulatory Office

Position: Construction Control Representative

Position: Construction Representative

Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.

Hometown: Louisville, K.Y.

Hometown: West Palm Beach

Sports Team: UNC Tar Heels (even this season)

Sports Team: Cardinals

Sports Team: Florida Gators

Tyler spent time with Cemex USA before joining JaxStrong. His family includes his wife and two dogs. Tyler enjoys rounds of Pub Quiz/Trivia.

Rodney is retired from the U.S. Navy, where he served 20 years as a seabee. He has a degree in Construction Technology.

David joins us as a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. He majored in Environmental and Marine Sciences. David competes in competitive rowing.

His other interests include fishing, hiking, and other "crunchy" activities.

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JaxStrong and SAME host annual Engineering Career Day JaxStrong and SAME hosted the annual Engineering Career Day at district HQ last month. This year's theme for the event was Clean Water Clean Environment. The event was attended by 12 schools with a total of 24 teams, and 96 students. The overall winning team was an all-female team from PK Yonge out of Gainesville, Fla. Christ's Church Academy were the take-home problem winners, and the surprise problem winner went to Fletcher High School.

Congratulations on another successful event!

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