FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 11/1/12

US STUDENTS RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL APPRECIATION FOR NATURAL HISTORY OF INSECT PEST AWARDS

José G. Crespo, Department of Biology, University of Utah and Nathan S. Little, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University received this year's award. The award promotes the study of unexplored aspects of natural history of insect pests. These insect groups are often condemned as harmful, while their remarkable qualities and peculiarities remain unnoticed. For example, only a handful of species of bark and ambrosia beetles cause damage to human enteprise, while most of the remaining 7,500 species are fascinating organisms with extraordinary lifestyles, and barely known to humans. The same discrepancy holds for many other insect groups. The main purpose of the award is to foster communication between fundamental and applied young entomologists, and increase their appreciation for each other’s study organisms and research methods. More information at: http://www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org/2012/10/pest-award-results-2012/

2012 TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS NOW AVAILABLE

Tax Tips for forest landowners for preparation of 2012 tax returns available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop/programs/loa/tax.shtml  

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF PANTHER AND CHIPMUNK SIGHTINGS

Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx  

Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspx

"YOUR BACKYARD WOODS AND WILDLIFE" BOOK NOW AVAILABLE AT UF-IFAS BOOKSTORE

Available for sale online and qualifies for quantity discount pricing:

http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1177-your-backyard-woods-and-wildlife-a-handbook-for-florida-landowners.aspx

COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?

Over the next 3 years (2012-2014), the University of Florida will be conducting a study of coyote and bobcat diets in Florida. Of particular interest is the importance of popular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobwhite quail, livestock, and pets in the diet of these predators. Diets will be determined by examining the stomach contents of coyotes and bobcats legally harvested or obtained in Florida. We are asking for your help in obtaining legally acquired coyote and bobcat carcasses, with or without pelts. We will also accept coyote and bobcat stomachs and intestines if you cannot store the whole carcass. If you have at least 5 animals that you would like to provide us, you can contact Lauren Watine (352-846-0558; lnwatine@ufl.edu) or Bill Giuliano (352-846-0575; docg@ufl.edu) at the University of Florida to arrange for pickup. 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. Carcasses or stomachs and intestines should be frozen in a suitable bag or container, and include the name of contributor, animal sex, date harvested/obtained, and location harvested/obtained. 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!

FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WEBINARS

For a calendar of upcoming webinars in a variety of land management topics see:

http://www.forestrywebinars.net/webinar-calendar/month#.T-zLkBhgZys.blogger

ONLINE EVENTS / EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS

http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/events_calendar/online_events.html