Environment

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FWC conserves painted, indigo buntings, focuses on illegal trapping

Painted and indigo buntings breed in northern Florida, spend the winter primarily in southern Florida and can be found throughout much of the state during spring and fall migration. Poachers illegally trap these beautiful birds to sell them, often to unsuspecting members of the public. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) asks members of the public to report any instances of illegal trapping to its Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 (FWCC) or by email or text to Tip@MyFWC.com....

Oyster reef construction volunteers needed January 15, 19, 21, and 22

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is seeking volunteers to help bag and build an oyster reefs on January 15, 19, 21, and 22 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. You will be meeting at the South Walton Center of Northwest Florida State College, 109 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 AND One of CBA’s current restoration sites. You will load bagged recycled or fossilized oyster shell for transport. The you will travel as a group to place bagged oyster shell in...

Discard used monofilament fishing line properly and don’t feed the birds

Check your tackle frequently and replace old line In Florida, fishing is an important part of our lifestyle as well as the economy. However, this enjoyable activity sometimes can lead to problems for birds and other wildlife, such as sea turtles and birds. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists, monofilament fishing line and fishing hooks that are improperly handled or discarded can entangle these animals, leading to injury and even death. The brown pelican is one species...

Oyster shell bagging volunteers needed

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is seeking volunteers to help bag and build oyster reefs. The project will be from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The bagging will be held at the South Walton NWFSC Center, 109 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 Dates: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Wednesday, January 13, 2016 Friday, January 15, 2016 Tuesday, January 19, 2016 Thursday, January 21, 2016 Thursday, January 28, 2016 What to bring/wear: Wear clothes and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind...

Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance announces spring eco adventures

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA) of Northwest Florida State College announces the spring 2016 session of its award winning eco-tourism initiative, Discover Roads Less Traveled: Eco-Adventures of Walton County. Led by local experts and professional naturalists, Discover Roads Less Traveled offers visitors and local residents opportunities to explore, discover and experience the diverse natural resources that make Walton County so unique. The eco-adventure schedule offers a range of activities for both tourists and locals alike. For more information about the...

Major river flooding on the Choctawhatchee River impacts Walton County

As of 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2015, the Choctawhatchee River at Ebro is predicted to crest at 20.7 ft. on Jan. 1, 2016. This is the highest level the river has been in several years. According to the National Weather Service, the following is recorded levels in recent history: Historic Crests (1) 29.19 ft on 03/15/1929 (2) 26.76 ft on 07/11/1994 (3) 22.88 ft on 03/23/1990 (4) 22.61 ft on 03/13/1998 (5) 21.48 ft on 04/15/1975 Show More Historic...

Major flooding in the forecast for Choctawhatchee River

853 AM EST THU DEC 24 2015 The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has issued a MAJOR FLOOD WARNING for the Choctawhatchee River. Choctawhatchee River near Caryville (US 90) affecting Holmes and Washington Counties and near Bruce (SR 20) affecting Walton County. At 16.5: Major flooding occurs along the east and west banks of the Choctahatchee river from near the confluence with Holmes creek to the Gulf of Mexico affecting many homes and fishing camps. At 14: Flood waters impact...

Keep your eyes to the sky for white pelicans migrating through Northwest Florida

By Stan Kirkland, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission One of the many benefits of living in the Florida panhandle and particularly near the coast is the vast variety of wildlife we often see. Daily, you’re apt to see bald eagles, ospreys, fox squirrels, black bears, wild turkeys, deer and numerous other species. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. One species you may miss that’s migrating through our area now are white pelicans. Just...