This weekend Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers will be patrolling the beaches of Palm Beach County in an effort to educate the public on how people can help protect Florida’s nesting sea turtles.

Officers will explain the unintended consequences that can occur when nesting turtles are disturbed by beachgoers. They also will explain the laws in place to protect these turtles.

This year there appears to be a higher than average number of reported false crawls on the area’s beaches. A false crawl is when a turtle comes onto the beach with the intention of laying eggs but returns to the water without nesting.

“False crawls can be caused by a variety of reasons. However, human interaction, including the use of bright lights, is often a cause,” said FWC Capt. John Suggs. “We want to get out on the beaches and let people know that their behavior can prevent sea turtles from nesting, further jeopardizing these threatened and endangered species.”

The Marine Turtle Protection Act stipulates that it is illegal to injure, harm, harass, capture or attempt to capture any marine turtles, eggs or nests. Any person committing such an offense can be facing a third-degree felony charge.

“We appreciate the public’s interest in these unique reptiles, but we want people to know that an action as simple as shining a light on a nesting female can have serious consequences,” said Suggs. “When you are on the beach, don’t interfere with turtles, and give them ample space and time to complete their nesting process, which can take up to two hours.”

The FWC recommends that people interested in watching a turtle nest on the beach attend a permitted public sea turtle watch. Watches are usually held during June and July, and reservations must be made in advance. For a list of organizations permitted to conduct watches, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle and click on “Where to view Sea Turtles.”

If you see someone disturbing a nest or turtle, call the FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-FWCC or *FWC from your cell phone.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) deferred action until September on a rule prohibiting the importation of live captive deer into Florida from out-of-state sources.

At its June 13 meeting in Lakeland, Commissioners said they wanted more time to hear from staff and stakeholders about options designed to reduce the chances of chronic wasting disease (CWD) being introduced into the state.

CWD is not known to affect people but is a contagious neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose. It is similar to mad cow disease, always fatal, and there is no known cure or vaccine. So far, the disease has been discovered in 22 states, two Canadian provinces and in South Korea.

Since the beginning of May, the FWC has received much public comment and answered many questions and concerns through its website from deer enthusiasts and those who have deer farms and hunting preserves. The Commission used this public input when considering this proposal, which was deferred until fall.

For more information on CWD, go to www.CWD-info.org. For more information on this draft rule that was deferred, go to MyFWC.com/Deer.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partners released two rehabilitated manatees rescued during the recent red tide bloom Thursday in Boca Grande in southwest Florida. These are the first rescued manatees affected by the recent red tide to be released.

“Our staff and partners worked tirelessly on response efforts throughout the red tide event,” said Leslie Ward-Geiger, the FWC’s Marine Mammal Research Program leader. “It is gratifying to see those efforts pay off with the release of these rehabilitated animals.”

Through extensive response efforts, the FWC and partners rescued 16 manatees suffering from the effects of a red tide bloom that was documented from late last September to April. Fifteen manatees survived after they were initially taken to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for treatment.

Once rescued manatees are rehabilitated, marine mammal researchers aim to release them near their rescue location, due to the manatees’ familiarity with the area. As harmful effects of the recent bloom have waned, FWC biologists have determined these rehabilitated manatees can now be released safely. More manatee releases are planned in the next two months.

The larger male released Thursday was the first rescued suffering from red tide effects during the recent bloom in October. That manatee was moved from the zoo to SeaWorld Orlando earlier this year for care until its release to ensure the zoo had space for critical care cases. The FWC and partners rescued the smaller female manatee in March, and it remained at the zoo until Thursday’s release.

Red tide is the preliminary cause of death for 270 manatees in 2013, a single-year record. Manatees are mainly exposed to the red tide toxin through ingestion of food such as seagrass with accumulated toxin levels.

Response efforts are aided by citizen observers. The public is asked to report distressed or dead manatees by calling the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), dialing #FWC or *FWC on a cell phone, or texting Tip@MyFWC.com.

Florida residents can support manatee research and conservation through the purchase of the Save the Manatee license plate. For more information, visit www.buyaplate.com. To learn more about manatee conservation, go to MyFWC.com/Manatee.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct regional workshops to present information on the revised management plan and permitting guidelines for gopher tortoises.

The goal of these workshops is to identify ways local governments can participate in protecting one of Florida’s threatened species. In addition, the FWC will discuss financial incentives available for local governments.

A July 16 workshop is scheduled in Charlotte County. Representatives from nearby counties in southwest Florida are encouraged to attend. The workshop is free, but registration is required, as space is limited.

To register, please send your name and the name of your organization to Alexandra.Perryman@MyFWC.com.

Charlotte County
Tuesday, July 16, 1-4 p.m.
Charlotte County Government Center
Building and Construction Services Building
18400 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Workshops will be held in additional counties in upcoming weeks. For more information, and to download the new Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, visit MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise and click on “Management Plan.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct regional workshops to present information on the revised management plan and permitting guidelines for gopher tortoises.

The goal of these workshops is to identify ways local governments can participate in protecting one of Florida’s threatened species. In addition, the FWC will discuss financial incentives available for local governments.

A workshop in Brevard County is scheduled for July 19. Representatives from nearby counties in east central Florida are encouraged to attend. The workshop is free, but registration is required, as space is limited.

To register, please send your name and the name of your organization to Alexandra.Perryman@MyFWC.com.

Brevard County
Friday, July 19, 9 a.m. – noon
Brevard County Board of County Commissioners
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building C
Viera, FL 32940

Workshops will be held in additional counties in upcoming weeks. For more information, and to download the new Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, visit MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise and click on “Management Plan.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct regional workshops to present information on the revised management plan and permitting guidelines for gopher tortoises.

The goal of these workshops is to identify ways local governments can participate in protecting one of Florida’s threatened species. In addition, the FWC will discuss financial incentives available for local governments.

A workshop in Nassau County is scheduled for July 9. Representatives from nearby counties in northeast Florida are encouraged to attend. The workshop is free, but registration is required, as space is limited.

To register, please send your name and the name of your organization to Alexandra.Perryman@MyFWC.com.

Nassau County
Tuesday, July 9, 1-4 p.m.
Fort Clinch Visitor Center Community Room
2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Workshops will be held in other counties in upcoming weeks. For more information, and to download the new Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, visit MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise and click on “Management Plan.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct regional workshops to present information on the revised management plan and permitting guidelines for gopher tortoises.

The goal of these workshops is to identify ways local governments can participate in protecting one of Florida’s threatened species. In addition, the FWC will discuss financial incentives available for local governments.

A workshop in Miami-Dade County is scheduled for July 15. Representatives from nearby counties in south Florida are encouraged to attend. The workshop is free, but registration is required, as space is limited.

To register, please send your name and the name of your organization to Alexandra.Perryman@MyFWC.com.

Miami-Dade County
Monday, July 15, 1-4 p.m.
ZooMiami
12400 SW 152 St.
Miami, FL 33177

Workshops will be held in additional counties in upcoming weeks. For more information, and to download the new Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, visit MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise and click on “Management Plan.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet June 11-13 in Lakeland at the Hilton Garden Inn, 3839 Don Emerson Drive. The meeting is open to the public, and all interested individuals may speak within the guidelines established by the Commission.

The June 11 workshop starts at 1 p.m. with the consideration of 11 consent agenda items, among which include eliminating the requirement for a recreational fishing license when targeting the nonnative, invasive lionfish with certain gear, and not imposing recreational or commercial limits on harvesting.

After that, Director Nick Wiley will present his Executive Director’s Report. Next, Commissioners and staff will review and discuss the agency’s budget-development process.

On both Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13, the meeting reconvenes at 8:30 a.m.

The Commissioners will discuss several marine fisheries management issues during the June 12 session, including a draft rule addressing Boca Grande Pass fishing gear. This proposal would enhance the definition of “snagging” or “snatch hooking” in the tarpon rule and would prohibit the use and possession of gear rigged with a weight attached to the bottom of the hook while fishing in Boca Grande Pass.

In a final public hearing, the Commission will decide whether to make tarpon and bonefish catch-and-release-only fisheries, and create a new general chapter that will include definitions and general regulations that would be applied to all saltwater fishing.

The Commission will also review and discuss Florida snook populations. This will include considering whether to let an executive order, which made snook in the Gulf catch-and-release only, expire on Aug. 31.  

Staff will also update the Commission on current Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council actions.

On June 13, following recognitions that include the high school state champion fishing team and youth angler, awards will be presented to the Youth Hunting Program Landowner of the Year and the Florida program’s volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor of the Year.

The Commission will also examine a draft rule that would prohibit the importation of live deer into the state, to prevent chronic wasting disease from being introduced into Florida’s deer herd.

Following action on the previous agenda item, the Commission will consider draft rule proposals that would make changes to the Alligator Farming Program and the Private Lands Alligator Management Program. Next on the agenda is a discussion of a draft rule that would reduce user conflicts and eliminate confusing language about the FWC’s haul seine program on Lake Okeechobee.

The final draft rule discussion for the day deals with endangered and threatened species. Staff will present a recommendation to approve a one-year extension to November 2014, which would allow more time for the FWC and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to further develop and adopt Best Management Practices to conserve wildlife on agricultural lands.

Staff will update Commissioners on the progress that has been made on drafting an Imperiled Species Management Plan to conserve 60 species. This will include draft species action plans released this year for public input, which can be viewed at MyFWC.com/Imperiled.

Following public comment on items not on the agenda and before the meeting adjourns, Commissioners will elect a new Commission chairman and vice chairman.

For the complete agenda, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings.”

Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting should notify the agency at least five calendar days before the meeting by calling 850-488-6411. Contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice) if you are hearing- or speech-impaired.

The next regular Commission meeting will be in Pensacola on Sept. 4-6, the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after Labor Day weekend. Sessions will commence at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. each day thereafter.

“Florida black bears are normally shy creatures that avoid people. Fortunately, the avoidance behavior that bears typically exhibit helps both bears and people coexist without much fanfare,” said Chad Allison, district biologist and bear specialist with the FWC.

Black bears are protected by law in Florida. According to the FWC, the bear population along the west coast, from Hernando County north, is the smallest subpopulation area in the state and most vulnerable to habitat loss – less space in which to forage and roam.

“If you come face to face with a bear, don’t panic, don’t look it in the eye, don’t turn your back and run. Just move away slowly on an angle, making sure that the animal has an escape route. Bears are pretty calm animals and not looking to cause trouble,” Allison added.

Florida black bears are active year-round, opportunistically foraging wherever they can find food.

“However,” Allison warned, “the normal behavior of bears can be short-circuited if people provide these animals with the opportunity to forage in and around their neighborhood.”

When a bear learns there is easy access to food in a human neighborhood, often in unsecured trash, bird feeders or pet food left outside, it is apt to return repeatedly. In fact, once a successful pattern of securing regular meals in a neighborhood has been established, the bear may learn that humans are not to be feared and that being near them has its rewards.

A bear that chronically returns to homes is not typically relocated because chances are high that the animal will continue to repeat the behavior no matter where it is. Worse, when cubs learn these feeding habits from their mother, they too, sadly, become victims of feeding opportunities they should not have – opportunities that put their lives in danger when human-bear conflicts arise.

The FWC cautions residents to eliminate feeding opportunities by storing garbage in a manner that denies bears access to it, or bears will repeatedly visit that neighborhood to obtain food.

The FWC recommends the following steps to prevent human-bear conflicts:

• Feed your pets indoors, or bring in dishes after feeding.
• Secure household garbage in a shed, garage or a wildlife-resistant container.
• Put household garbage out on the morning of pickup, not the night before.
• Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters consisting of metal lids or metal-reinforced plastic lids and lock bars.
• Clean barbecue grills and store them in a locked, secure place.
• Remove wildlife feeders or make them bear-resistant.
• Protect gardens, apiaries, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
• Pick ripe fruit from trees, and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
• Encourage your homeowners association or local government to institute ordinances on keeping foods secure that would attract wildlife.

Ignoring these recommendations also greatly increases the chances that a bear and/or a motorist will be injured as the animal crosses neighborhood streets, looking for food.

Bears seen foraging in trash, pet food or other attractants, or bears that exhibit other destructive behavior, should be reported immediately to the FWC by calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or, during regular working hours, the FWC’s Lakeland Regional office at 863-648-3200.

If you would like more information on avoiding conflicts with bears, visit MyFWC.com/Bear and click on the video titled “Living with Florida Black Bears.”

June 1 is the day to get outside and celebrate National Trails Day^® with outdoor enthusiasts across the nation.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has lots of places where people can do this, from forest trails to rivers for paddling to sites for birding and wildlife watching.

Folks can visit hundreds of forested trails on the FWC’s wildlife management areas (WMA), including the Florida National Scenic Trail, which passes through several WMAs.

The FWC manages the WMA system to sustain the widest possible range of native wildlife in their natural habitats. These lands are more rugged than parks, with fewer developed amenities, but rich in wildlife viewing and picturesque scenes.

To find out more about these natural areas, go to MyFWC.com/Viewing and select “Wildlife Management Areas” then “Explore by Location.”

If paddling is your pleasure, the FWC can guide you in that direction too. Florida is blessed with an abundance of waterways and paddling opportunities for everyone, regardless of experience. A quiet, observant paddler can enjoy excellent wildlife viewing from an on-the-water perspective. For links to some of these opportunities, go to MyFWC.com/Viewing and select “Paddling Trails.” Don’t forget to refresh your memory about safe boating tips at MyFWC.com/Boating.

For those who prefer studying wildlife – with binoculars and/or a camera – the FWC has a program for that, known as the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. At its core is a network of 514 sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent birdwatching, wildlife viewing or educational opportunities. This 2,000-mile, self-guided highway trail is designed to conserve and enhance Florida's wildlife habitats by promoting birding and wildlife viewing activities, conservation education and economic opportunity.

Go to FloridaBirdingTrail.com for details about where you can find these locations marked with special signs.

Lastly, check local media for National Trails Day^® events in your community.

Then get out there and enjoy. This is the American Hiking Society’s 21^st National Trails Day^®. Attendees will be hiking, pedaling, horseback riding and paddling through some of America’s most beautiful areas as part of the celebration. National Trails Day^® is devoted to appreciating America’s trails and the hard-working individuals who build and maintain them. To find an event near you, you can also go to the American Hiking Society’s website: AmericanHiking.org.