Environment

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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...

Dry, windy weather in forecast, fire danger increases

 SOUTHPORT, Fla. March 4, 2022 – The Florida Forest Service’s Chipola Forestry Center is issuing words of warning for anyone considering any outdoor burning activities in the coming days: Use extreme caution. It has been almost a month since much of the area has seen rainfall and wildfire activity is on the rise. Add to that a forecast calling for winds ranging from 15 to 25 mph and fire officials are braced for a potentially busy weekend. “We’re seeing conditions...

FWC public meeting in Destin Dec. 15-16

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet in person December 15-16 at The Henderson Beach Resort, 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, Florida 32541. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. CT each day and is open to the public. The FWC is committed to providing opportunity for public input. There are several opportunities prior to the Commission meeting to provide comments. Also, time is allotted for public speakers at the Commission meeting. Additionally, at the end of the...

Presentation on bats in DeFuniak Springs October 21

Biologists with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will be hosting a presentation focusing on local bat species conservation with guidance on how to exclude bats properly and legally from structures.  The presentation is scheduled for Thursday, October 21, 5:30 pm at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, 95 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs, Florida and is free and open to the public. “Bats have made their roosts in attics and tiny holes in many homes throughout our historic district and...

State acquires 2,115 acres within the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever Project

Parcel is within the wildlife corridor and will be restored as longleaf pine forest TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Sept. 30, 2021 – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announces the acquisition of a vital 2,115-acre parcel within the Coastal Headwaters Longleaf Forest Florida Forever project in Santa Rosa County. This parcel, which lies within the newly designated wildlife corridor, will enhance the connection between the Whiting Field Naval Air Station northward to the Blackwater River State Forest, creating an over 200,000-acre contiguous tract...