Environment

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FWC approves new guidelines for imperiled beach-nesting birds

At its July meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines for four state-listed beach-nesting bird species, including the American oystercatcher, snowy plover, least tern and black skimmer. All four species of state-listed beach-nesting birds are included in one set of  guidelines, which is now available at MyFWC.com/speciesguidelines. The guidelines are designed to be a tool for landowners, consultants, agency partners and other interested parties on how to conserve these species....

Health advisory rescinded for Morrison Springs

Walton County — July 13, 2022 – Effective immediately, the Florida Department of Health in Walton County is rescinding the July 07, 2022 health advisory for the Morrison Springs bathing place. DOH Walton feels that water quality in this area has improved considerably due to the reduction in bacteria levels. We will continue to monitor the water quality in this area monthly and routinely advise the public of our results. For more information, contact the DOH Walton at 850-892- 8021....

Health advisory issued for Morrison Springs July 7, 2022

Walton County – The Health Advisory is issued on July 7, 2022, for Morrison Springs. The Advisory was 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 CFU/100mL, or 235 E....

Lionfish Festival May 14-15 in Destin

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is excited to announce the eighth annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival May 14 and 15. 2022 at HarborWalk Village in Destin. Come out and celebrate the fight against invasive lionfish with the FWC and Destin–Fort Walton Beach. Activities will include fillet demonstrations; family-friendly games and activities; art, diving and conservation booths; and the world’s largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. Satisfy your taste buds by visiting any of the...

Celebrate Estuaries Day at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve May 6

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) celebrates Estuaries Day on Friday, May 6, in Eastpoint, FL. The first 600 visitors will receive a free t-shirt. Activities include free, fun, and educational stations for kids and adults including marine animal touch tanks, and estuary-themed games such as Living Shoreline Exploration, Salt Marsh Bingo, Prescribed Fire Activities, and a Turtle Hurdle Boardgame. Attendees also can tour ANERR’s 5,400 square-foot Nature Center with its three large aquariums filled with local estuarine and...

Springtime tips to reduce conflict with bears

With spring bringing warmer weather, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents and visitors that bears are becoming more active. You can help prevent potential negative interactions with bears and other wildlife by removing food attractants and following other BearWise® practices. During spring, bears become more active in search of things to eat. Female bears are also beginning to travel with their cubs and teaching them where to forage for food. “Bears will take advantage of easy...

Help FWC monitor freshwater turtle die-offs due to virus 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to study a fatal virus infecting freshwater turtles statewide and is asking the public’s assistance in reporting sightings of sick, strangely acting or dead turtles. Please report sightings to the FWC through the Turtle Hotline 352-339-8597 or through the FWC reporter app on your mobile device. The FWC has been studying the turtle fraservirus 1 (TFV1), formerly known as turtle bunyavirus, since early 2018. Since then, the virus has been detected...

New FWC diamondback terrapin conservation measures in effect 

At its December 2021 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved regulation changes that will help further diamondback terrapin conservation by preventing them from being collected from the wild. As of March 1, 2022, all collection and possession of diamondback terrapins is prohibited with the exception of scientific research with a valid permit. People who currently possess diamondback terrapins as personal pets may legally keep these animals but must obtain a no-cost Personal Possession permit by May...