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
No comments:
Post a Comment