This species is listed as a Species of Special Concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC).  This species occurs in wetlands that have an open over-story and appropriate groundcover of grasses.  Much of its historic range has been lost to development in the Panama City area.  Its existence is dependent on occupancy of road-side ditches in those areas.  Much of its remaining undeveloped habitat occurs on JOE property in the eastern portion of the county.  In order to better understand the occurrence and importance of habitat for PCC on JOE property, comprehensive surveys were conducted.

As a result of survey findings, JOE voluntarily initiated and developed a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the FWCC in order to protect the crayfish.  The conservation agreement goes beyond existing regulatory requirements and addresses comprehensive management and protection of the species. 

Rather than undergo mitigation on a fragmented project by project basis as practiced under current law, JOE will provide wholesale conservation in a regionally significant Crayfish Conservation Area comprised of approximately 2,000 acres.   As a result, there will be more habitats conserved and managed for crayfish and other wetland species.   Management and recovery of the crayfish will be more effective under this agreement by adoption of Best Management Practices and reduction in habitat fragmentation.