Friday, April 13, 2012

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 4/13/12

WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE COST-SHARE FUNDS AVAILABLE
Private landowners are eligible to receive funds specifically for managing gopher tortoise habitat. Of the $33 million mentioned in the press release below, approx. $6 million is reserved for improving gopher tortoise habitat throughout its range. The goal of this new funding initiative is to help reverse the decline of 7 critical species. This is an amazing opportunity for private landowners in Florida to help conserve the gopher tortoise.  The deadline for landowners to submit applications is April 30, 2012. Please share this information with those you work with and help encourage the private landowners around FL to apply for this unique funding opportunity! Information on how to apply is included on the NRCS website via the link provided below, or landowners can contact their local NRCS office for more information. For more info see this link:
USDA and Interior Announce Wildlife Conservation Efforts to Support Local Economies and Preserve Farm and Ranch Traditions

UF BIOLOGISTS SEEK HELP FINDING OUT WHAT COYOTES ARE EATING
Coyote carcasses wanted! If you have at least 5 coyote carcasses that you would like to provide for this study, you can contact Bill Giuliano at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu).  If you have fewer than 5 animals or are going to be coming through Gainesville, arrangements can be made to get carcasses from you at the University or combine your animals with others in your area for a pickup.  We have obtained a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for this project, and will keep information provided by you for this project anonymous to the extent possible by law.  We greatly appreciate your help with this valuable study!

LEON COUNTY EXTENSION ANNOUNCES PERMACULTURE COURSES - SUMMER QUARTER
See the course flyer at:http://leon.ifas.ufl.edu/Flyer_Permaculture%20Course%202012_ver3.pdf. To register, contact Genice Harris at (850) 606-5202, or Will Sheftall at Sheftallw@leoncountyfl.gov

CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ONLINE DEER STEWARD COURSE
The program is self-paced and conducted online. It is a convenient way to learn everything about white-tailed deer from the leading experts! You will register for the program through the QDMA but will view all the program materials through Clemson University.  Foresters earn 4 hous of Category 1 CFEs and 10 hours of Category 2 CFEs without ever leaving your office. You will watch videos from the comfort of your home or office and take exams, all online! This is a great opportunity to earn CFE credits on your own time! Register or learn more about QDMA and the Deer Steward Online program here:  http://www.qdma.com/programs/certify/deer-steward-courses/online-deer-steward/.

REPORT FOX SQUIRREL SIGHTINGS
The fox squirrel, named for its fox-like tail, is a charismatic mammal approximately twice the size of the common gray squirrel. The coloration of the fox squirrel is highly variable, ranging from a creamy tan to all black. In Florida, the fox squirrel can be found in almost every county, but the distribution is patchy and not well understood. To better understand fox squirrel distribution, A new research project, conducted by the University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is asking members of the public across the state to report their fox squirrel sightings at the following website:
https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/foxsquirrel/GetLatLong.aspx
Thanks for your help! Questions? Please Contact Courtney Hooker foxsquirrel@ifas.ufl.edu

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