Environment

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World Turtle Day event at South Walton County Coastal Branch Library May 19

Date/time: May 19, 4 p.m. Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles an all-volunteer nonprofit group is kicking off efforts to meet their mission of sea turtle conservation through awareness and education with a special event to celebrate World Turtle Day at the South Walton County Coastal Branch Library on May 19th. World Turtle Day is celebrated around the globe on May 23 each year. Sponsored since 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue to bring attention to and increase knowledge about and...

Health advisory rescinded for Morrison Springs

Swimming now open May 6, 2015 Walton County — Effective immediately, the Walton County Health Department is rescinding the April 21, 2015  health advisory for the Morrison Springs bathing place. The Health Department feels that water quality in this area has improved considerably due to the reduction in bacteria levels. They will continue to monitor the water quality in this area monthly and routinely advise the public on results. For more information contact the Walton County Health Department at 892-8021....

Forest Service to restore 85 acres in Point Washington State Forest

The Florida Forest Service is in the process of restoring a historical, native Longleaf Pine (Pinus Palustris) ecosystem within Point Washington State Forest.  Initially, this will involve the complete removal of off-site Sand Pine (Pinus Clausa) on 85 acres.  A timber harvest operation will serve to accomplish this objective. Due to fire suppression and harvesting of the longleaf legacy canopy prior to the creation of Point Washington State Forest, the area has been invaded by Sand Pine. With minimal sunlight...

Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance Grasses in Classes program educates while protecting our environment

It is easy to understand why most of us enjoy living in Northwest Florida. The beautiful beaches, creeks, rivers and the Choctawhatchee Bay offer extraordinary opportunities to fish, explore, swim and thrive in the diverse ecosystems that surround us. Have you ever wondered who watches over the health of our beautiful waterways? It’s the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance of Northwest Florida State College. CBA has several facets that restore, educate, monitor and research a large geographic area called Choctawhatchee basin watershed....

Health advisory issued for Morrison Springs

High Bacteria Count at Morrison Springs Walton County – A health advisory is issued April 22, 2015, 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...

FWC moves forward with comprehensive draft bear management rules

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to build on its long-standing, proactive approach to bear management. At its April 15 meeting in Tallahassee, FWC Commissioners approved several proposed bear-related rules that will be presented for final action in June. The draft rules address a wide variety of tools to manage bear populations and help reduce human-bear conflicts. Staff were directed to refine changes to the feeding rule by making a new sub-section specifically for bear feeding and...