Environment

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FWC announces new way to report gopher tortoise sightings

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is launching a new interactive web application designed to provide biologists with thorough and reliable data, and promote science-based gopher tortoise conservation efforts. The new system will replace the Florida Gopher Tortoise smartphone app, which will be decommissioned Sept. 8. The new web application is user-friendly and is designed to function on any device. To report a tortoise sighting or notify the FWC of a sick, injured or dead tortoise, simply visit...

Help sea turtles survive: FWC offers tips on helping hatchlings

Sea turtle hatchlings are beginning to appear on beaches throughout the Sunshine State, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking the public to help ensure these tiny turtles reach the ocean by following a few simple guidelines. During sea turtle nesting season (March 1 – Oct. 31), it is important to keep your distance from these protected marine reptiles and their nests. You should allow hatchlings to crawl toward the ocean on their own. Any interference...

Financial assistance now available to Florida timber producers impacted by Hurricane Michael

SOUTHPORT, Fla. – Registration for the Florida Timber Recovery Block Grant Program is now available to timber producers and forest landowners who suffered damage from Hurricane Michael in October 2018. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program is managed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management in conjunction with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Forest Service, who will provide technical assistance to forest landowners required to produce documentation to receive compensation...

Health advisory issued for Morrison Springs

Sept. 3, 2020 – Walton County – The Health Advisory is issued on September 3, 2020, for Morrison Springs. The Advisory is issued based on the criteria for fecal indicator bacteria. This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended. Samples taken are above the public health threshold for fecal indicator bacteria. Water quality exceedances are based upon the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended standard of no more than 61 Enterococci...

Health advisory issued for Grady Brown Park

Walton County – The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) conducts regularly scheduled saltwater beach water quality monitoring at seven sites through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. Samples are collected from March through the end of October. The water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come...

Point Washington State Forest closes roads due to vehicular road damage

SOUTHPORT, Fla. – Florida Forest Service employees are temporarily closing certain roads on Point Washington State Forest due to vehicular damage and illegal dumping.  These roads have degraded to a condition where management and conservation practices are negatively impacted. Local employees have noticed enhanced vehicular traffic since early Spring. This increased visitation has led to higher rates of vandalism and illegal activity.  Point Washington State Forest has experienced numerous incidents involving vehicle collisions, high-speed travel, property destruction, and ATV operation....

FWC approves draft rules for high-risk invasive reptiles including pythons, tegus and iguanas

At its July 2020 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) unanimously approved staff recommendations to create new rules to address the importation, breeding and possession of high-risk reptiles. The FWC will host online stakeholder workshops to present proposed rule changes and collect public and industry comment on this topic. Staff will use these comments to help improve the final rule language, which will be brought before the Commission at a future meeting. Close coordination with stakeholders and the...