Environment

Category

Help with panther research by reporting sightings to the FWC

With cooler temperatures throughout the Sunshine State, more people are likely to head to the woods to enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking the public to assist with Florida panther research and management by reporting sightings of the large feline to the agency’s panther sightings webpage. The FWC is interested in photos of panthers or their tracks. Anyone lucky enough to capture this large cat on...

Point Washington State Forest prescribed burn gone awry, now contained

It was a nail biting few hours on Jan. 30 for South Walton residents as a prescribed burn in the Point Washington State Forest grew out of control. The prescribed burn by Florida Forest Service personnel was slated for an area on the south side of U.S. Hwy. 98 between CR 393 and U.S. Hwy 331. Shortly after 2 p.m., unexpected winds out of the Southwest drove the fire quickly towards U.S. Hwy. 98 and jumped over the highway to...

Prescribed fire benefits Walton forests

Ever wonder why Forestry Service and our State parks set fire to the forest? With more than 20,000 acres of managed forest in South Walton, it’s important to know the answer to the burning question. The answer is quite simple – to preserve a healthy environment. Not only does the wildlife thrive after a burn, the forest floor rejuvenates to a proper natural balance. Many of Florida’s ecosystems such as longleaf pine sandhills, flatwoods and sand pine scrub cannot survive...

Irula tribesmen and detector dogs help UF/IFAS and FWC remove pythons in Florida

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are working together on unique projects to target Burmese pythons in Florida. Two projects include using detection dogs and Irula tribesmen to help remove pythons from environmentally sensitive areas. In their first eight days on the job, the Irula tribesmen — world-renowned snake catchers from India — removed 13 pythons, including four on their first visit to Crocodile Lake National...

Road Closure Notification for County Highway 30A Jan. 24 and 31

Temporary road closures on County Highway 30A have been set in order to facilitate the delivery and placement of the Western Lake Pedestrian Bridges. During the closures, both east and west bound lanes will be closed to vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Once the crane and bridge is in place, contractors will install barriers that completely block the entire right-of-way on 30A. Road Closure Schedule: • Tuesday, January 24th at 5:00pm to Thursday, January 26th at 12:00am • Tuesday, January...

Portuguese man-of-war can pack a powerful punch

Don’t touch or come in contact with the blue “bubbles” that wash on shore Many interesting things wash ashore along the beaches of South Walton. Often we find interesting creatures within the beach wrack and the tide often washes in beautiful seashells. However, there is one creature, the Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis), also known as man-of-war, or bluebottle that is not a fun critter to come in contact with. Although spectacular to behold with its blue “bubble,” it...

Gulf Power provides lofty habitats for nesting ospreys

Ospreys are a common sight along our coastline, soaring high, patrolling waterways, and fabricating enormous stick nests. These large hawks do well around humans, and typically nest in high locations. Power transmission lines provide the perfect spot; however are a dangerous hazard for the birds and the lines. Since the early 1990s, Gulf Power has been providing a fitting solution, creating suitable habitats by constructing platforms to relocate breeding pair ospreys. In the Gulf Power service area – from the...