Friday, August 30, 2013

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 8/30/13

WILDLIFE BMPs FOR FORESTRY 
A subcommittee of the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services' Silviculture Best Management Practices Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is working on the development of wildlife BMPs for forestry activities intended to avoid a "take" of certain state listed species, both aquatic and terrestrial. The subcommittee includes representatives of the Florida Fish and Widlife Conservation Commission, other key state and federal agencies, Florida Forestry Association, and an environmental organization. Draft BMPs will be presented to the full TAC this fall for discussion and possible approval.

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) CONSERVATION PLAN ASSISTANCE
Creating a conservation plan is a free service in conserving water, improving air quality, and reducing soil erosion. It’s your plan to use as you wish – a guide to using your natural resources more efficiently. Agricultural producers can request technical assistance and develop a conservation plan at any time. The NRCS's mission is providing science-based conservation assistance for the management of natural resources; for present and future generations. Additional information on NRCS, conservation assistance, and programs is available on the web at http://www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA - NRCS office. To find the nearest office go to your telephone directory under “U. S. Government, Department of Agriculture”, or http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app

FLORIDA RESIDENTST ASKED TO REPORT SIGHTINGS OF RARE SNAKES
Information on current distribution and abundance of the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) is needed, and your observations can help FWC biologists evaluate their status. These snakes spend much of their time underground in dry, upland habitats and are difficult to survey. Participate here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

DEER REGULATION CHANGES LIKELY FOR NORTHWEST FLORIDA 
Following months of meetings and evaluations of public preferences, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has formulated possible changes to deer hunting regulations in northwest Florida for the 2014-15 hunting season. The changes are intended to improve hunter satisfaction. Details here:
http://www.pnj.com/article/20130823/SPORTS05/308230028/Deer-regulation-changes-likely-Northwest-Florida?nclick_check=1

PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW FWC IMPERILED SPECIES ACTION PLANS
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites your feedback on the Imperiled Species Management Plan, which will be the blueprint for conserving 60 species on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list. Be a part the process. See http://www.myfwc.com/Imperiled to learn more and participate.

HELP STILL NEEDED - COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
Your help is still needed in this study. The University of Florida is 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!

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF PANTHER, CHIPMUNK, and MINK 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
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx

BARK & AMBROSIA BEETLE ACADEMY COMING IN MAY 2014
The Forest Entomology Lab at the University of Florida is pleased to invite you to a comprehensive workshop on bark and ambrosia beetles in May 2014.

Are you a landowner or a naturalist interested in bark and ambrosia beetles?

A forester in charge of pests?

An extension agent with clients in forestry and natural resources?

A researcher with beetle-related projects?

You probably need to understand bark and ambrosia beetles, their damage, and biology! Learn from a team of experts through hands-on labs, field demonstration, and lectures. Choose one, two, or all three modules: Regional Applied Focus, Hardcore Identification, and Understanding the Bug. See details and sign up for updates at http://www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org/academy/

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

Friday, August 23, 2013

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 8/23/13

FARMERS REDISCOVER COVER CROPS AND CONSERVATION PLANNING: OLD PRACTICES TAKING ROOT
Gainesville, FL., August 23, 2013 – It’s something old and something new. It’s something borrowed and something…well, green.  Cover cropping, a traditional conservation practice considered old-fashioned by many in modern agriculture, is being “borrowed” and used in new ways by innovative farmers to improve their soil’s health, and with it, the health of their businesses’ bottom lines. “Today’s agricultural producers are rediscovering how to make cover crops work on their farms, with some impressive results,” says Mimi Williams, state conservation agronomist and plant materials specialist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida.  “Producer bottom lines are improved when cover crops are used by suppressing weeds and reducing pesticide use.”

In addition, legume cover crops provide essentially free nitrogen which reduces fertilizer costs. Increased soil organic matter from these cover crops slows rainfall filtering through the ground and improves water holding capacity, which reduces irrigation costs. Over the last five years interest in cover crops has surged, driven by many interacting factors such as those mentioned above plus cover crop cost-share programs and new GPS-guidance technologies that enable new ways of using cover crops. This is where the USDA NRCS can help.  Through technical assistance, conservation planning, and conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program NRCS is working to help farmers adapt those practices to their farms.

NRCS is making an extra effort to show Florida agricultural producers how conservation planning can help your land's natural resources. We are encouraging farmers and ranchers to come in to our office and request help developing your conservation plan. Creating a conservation plan is a free service from our experts in conserving water, improving air quality, and reducing soil erosion. It’s your plan to use as you wish – a guide to using your natural resources more efficiently.  Cover crops are just one option in a conservation plan.  Good soil health management plans offer a variety of on-farm benefits and options for building organic matter, increasing the soil’s water-holding capacity, and suppressing pests, diseases and weeds. And the benefits of improved soil health extend beyond the farm. The public also benefits when producers manage their soil health because soils that allow increased infiltration and have good water-holding capacity reduce runoff that causes flooding. Improved infiltration also keeps nutrients and sediment from being carried off-site into nearby lakes, rivers, and streams.

Agricultural producers can request technical assistance and develop a conservation plan at any time. Our mission is providing science-based conservation assistance for the management of natural resources; for present and future generations. Additional information on NRCS, conservation assistance, and programs is available on the web at http://www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA - NRCS office. To find the nearest office go to your telephone directory under “U. S. Government, Department of Agriculture”, or http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app


FLORIDA RESIDENTST ASKED TO REPORT SIGHTINGS OF RARE SNAKES

Information on current distribution and abundance of the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) is needed, and your observations can help FWC biologists evaluate their status. These snakes spend much of their time underground in dry, upland habitats and are difficult to survey. Participate here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=


DEER REGULATION CHANGES LIKELY FOR NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Following months of meetings and evaluations of public preferences, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has formulated possible changes to deer hunting regulations in northwest Florida for the 2014-15 hunting season. The changes are intended to improve hunter satisfaction. Details here:
http://www.pnj.com/article/20130823/SPORTS05/308230028/Deer-regulation-changes-likely-Northwest-Florida


PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW FWC IMPERILED SPECIES ACTION PLANS
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites your feedback on the Imperiled Species Management Plan, which will be the blueprint for conserving 60 species on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list. Be a part the process. See http://www.myfwc.com/Imperiled to learn more and participate.


FLORIDA INVASIVE SPECIES PARTNERSHIP: INVASIVE SPECIES KNOW NO BOUNDARIES
Public and private land managers in Florida agree that invasive non-native species are a statewide problem with high ecological and economic costs. The Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) is a collaboration of federal, state and local agencies along with non-government organizations, all with a stake in managing invasive non-native species in Florida. Because species can spread beyond fence lines, our goal is to connect private landowners and public land managers with invasive species expertise and assistance programs across boundaries. All stakeholders, both public and private, can benefit from collaborative efforts to reduce the threat. FISP increases communication, coordination and the sharing of resources to protect Florida's natural landscape. FISP:
  • Encourages voluntary partnerships, such as Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas
  • Provides information and contacts on assistance and incentive programs for private landowners 
  • Connects to tools and resources
  • Enables the reporting and mapping of invasive species
See http://www.floridainvasives.org/ for details.


HELP STILL NEEDED - COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
Your help is still needed in this study. The University of Florida is 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!


FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF PANTHER, CHIPMUNK, and MINK 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
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx


BARK & AMBROSIA BEETLE ACADEMY COMING IN MAY 2014
The Forest Entomology Lab at the University of Florida is pleased to invite you to a comprehensive workshop on bark and ambrosia beetles in May 2014.

Are you a landowner or a naturalist interested in bark and ambrosia beetles?

A forester in charge of pests?

An extension agent with clients in forestry and natural resources?

A researcher with beetle-related projects?

You probably need to understand bark and ambrosia beetles, their damage, and biology! Learn from a team of experts through hands-on labs, field demonstration, and lectures. Choose one, two, or all three modules: Regional Applied Focus, Hardcore Identification, and Understanding the Bug. See details and sign up for updates at http://www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org/academy/.


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

Friday, August 9, 2013

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 8/9/13

PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW FWC IMPERILED SPECIES ACTION PLANS
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites your feedback on the Imperiled Species Management Plan, which will be the blueprint for conserving 60 species on Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species list. Be a part the process. See http://www.myfwc.com/Imperiled  to learn more and participate.

FLORIDA INVASIVE SPECIES PARTNERSHIP: INVASIVE SPECIES KNOW NO BOUNDARIES
Public and private land managers in Florida agree that invasive non-native species are a statewide problem with high ecological and economic costs. The Florida Invasive Species Partnership (FISP) is a collaboration of federal, state and local agencies along with non-government organizations, all with a stake in managing invasive non-native species in Florida. Because species can spread beyond fence lines, our goal is to connect private landowners and public land managers with invasive species expertise and assistance programs across boundaries. All stakeholders, both public and private, can benefit from collaborative efforts to reduce the threat. FISP increases communication, coordination and the sharing of resources to protect Florida's natural landscape. FISP:
  • Encourages voluntary partnerships, such as Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas
  • Provides information and contacts on assistance and incentive programs for private landowners
  • Connects to tools and resources
  • Enables the reporting and mapping of invasive species

    See http://www.floridainvasives.org/ for details.
HELP STILL NEEDED - COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
Your help is still needed in this study. The University of Florida is 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!

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF PANTHER, CHIPMUNK, and MINK 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
Report mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx

BARK & AMBROSIA BEETLE ACADEMY COMING IN MAY 2014
The Forest Entomology Lab at the University of Florida is pleased to invite you to a comprehensive workshop on bark and ambrosia beetles in May 2014.
  • Are you a landowner or a naturalist interested in bark and ambrosia beetles?
  • A forester in charge of pests?
  • An extension agent with clients in forestry and natural resources?
  • A researcher with beetle-related projects?
You probably need to understand bark and ambrosia beetles, their damage, and biology! Learn from a team of experts through hands-on labs, field demonstration, and lectures. Choose one, two, or all three modules:  Regional Applied Focus, Hardcore Identification, and Understanding the Bug. See details and sign up for updates at http://www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org/academy/.

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

Thursday, August 1, 2013

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 8/1/13

HELP STILL NEEDED - COYOTES VS BOBCATS: WHAT ARE THEY EATING?
Your help is still needed in this study. The University of Florida is 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!
2011 FLORIDA AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES ECONOMIC REPORT
A study by the University of Florida’s Food and Resource Economics Department found Florida’s agriculture, natural resources and related food industries provided a $104 billion impact on the state in 2011.  These industries accounted for employment of just under 2 million full- and part-time workers in 2011, including indirect jobs in related sectors. This represents 20 percent of all jobs in the state. Full report available at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FE/FE93500.pdf
FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF PANTHER, CHIPMUNK, and MINK SIGHTINGS
Report chipmunk sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/chipmunk/getlatlong.aspx  
Report panther sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/PantherSightings/getlatlong.aspxReport mink sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/mink/getlatlong.aspx
BARK & AMBROSIA BEETLE ACADEMY COMING IN MAY 2014
The Forest Entomology Lab at the University of Florida is pleased to invite you to a comprehensive workshop on bark and ambrosia beetles in May 2014.
  • Are you a landowner or a naturalist interested in bark and ambrosia beetles?
  • A forester in charge of pests?
  • An extension agent with clients in forestry and natural resources?
  • A researcher with beetle-related projects?
You probably need to understand bark and ambrosia beetles, their damage, and biology! Learn from a team of experts through hands-on labs, field demonstration, and lectures. Choose one, two, or all three modules:  Regional Applied Focus, Hardcore Identification, and Understanding the Bug. See details and sign up for updates at http://www.ambrosiasymbiosis.org/academy/.
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