Florida Land Steward News and Information

Thursday, September 29, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 9/30/16

AMERICAN FOREST FOUNDATION HOSTING LANDOWNER FOCUS GROUP OCTOBER 18 IN TALLAHASSEE
The American Forest Foundation is hosting a focus group for Florida landowners in Tallahassee on October 18th. They are looking for 8-10 landowners for each of two sessions (8:30-10:30 amd and 12:00-2:00 pm). They will provide breakfast or lunch as well as a $50 stipend for participants.
Interested landowners can contact Caroline Kuebler at ckuebler@forestfoundation.org or (850) 296-2218

CONGRATUATIONS TO THE REGISTER FAMILY PARTNERSHIP, FLORIDA'S OUTSTANDING TREE FARM OF 2016
The Alonzo and Eliza Register Family Partnership, Ltc. was formed in 1997 by Alonzo and Eliza Register so their land and timber will continue to be enjoyed by the family for generations to come. The Partnership owns a total 1,139 acres of planted and naturally regenerated timberland in southeastern Leon County near the town of Woodville. The centerpiece of the timber operation is the natural longleaf stands that are managed on a natural regeneration system that incorporates frequent, but light, selection harvests in conjunction with frequent prescribed fire.

Join us for a tour, lunch and awards ceremony on Friday, October 14, 2016 at their property. Learn about sustainable forest and wildlife habitat management and connect with the local and statewide professionals and resources that are available to assist in your land management. Most of the tour will involve riding in vans or open trailers with several discussion stops and a short walk or two. Please wear appropriate clothing, footwear and bring rain gear in case of wet weather.
This event is free but pre-registration is required. Reserve a space by calling Whitney at the Florida Forestry Association, (850) 222-5646. Space will be limited and the registration deadline is October 10. View pdf flier here.

AMERICAN FOREST FOUNDATION RELEASES SOUTHERN REPORT ON WILDLIFE HABITAT AND FAMILY FOREST OWNERS
AFF conducted a new survey of more than 1,400 Southern family forest owners to better understand their current forest management habitats, including harvesting and thinning, and their values, motivations and barriers to helping wildlife species. AFF found that:

87% of landowners surveyed in the South say protecting and improving wildlife habitat is a key reason they own land
72% are already supporting wildlife, having done one or more forest management practices for wildlife
73% state they want to do more for wildlife in the future
Landowners cite a lack of certainty that they are doing right by their land, difficulty finding support and the cost of management as barriers

You can read more and download the full report here:
https://www.forestfoundation.org/family-forest-owners-solution-at-risk-wildlife

FLORIDA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED
North Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: October 12, 2016, Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Regsitration info to be posted.
More about Florida Prescribed Fire Councils here

USDA NRCS EQIP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR FLORIDA FARMERS, RANCHERS CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES
Application deadline for financial assistance October 21, 2016
Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until Oct. 21 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2017 funding. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year. Begin by visiting your local NRCS field office and requesting help developing a conservation plan. Our experts provide this free service to help you use your natural resources more efficiently. To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.

SIGN UP FOR WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS
Application deadline is November 15
Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement until Nov. 15 for fiscal year 2017 funding. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance for landowners to purchase and restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year. Applications are available online. Contact Roney Gutierrez, 352-338-9502 for questions and submissions.

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES?
Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don’t know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don’t know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities.

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC?
Check the vast array of extension publications available through UF/IFAS on the EDIS publication site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Wow, there’s a publication about that?

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE 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
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION EXTENSION PROGRAMS
See http://sfrc.ufl.edu/extension

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

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CONTINUING FORESTRY EDUCATION CLASSES
See http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/ for the latest offerings.

ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION FORESTRY WEBINARS
See http://www.aces.edu/natural-resources/forestry/

Thursday, September 22, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 9/23/16

CONGRATUATIONS TO THE REGISTER FAMILY PARTNERSHIP, FLORIDA'S OUTSTANDING TREE FARM OF 2016
The Alonzo and Eliza Register Family Partnership, Ltc. was formed in 1997 by Alonzo and Eliza Register so their land and timber will continue to be enjoyed by the family for generations to come. The Partnership owns a total 1,139 acres of planted and naturally regenerated timberland in southeastern Leon County near the town of Woodville. The centerpiece of the timber operation is the natural longleaf stands that are managed on a natural regeneration system that incorporates frequent, but light, selection harvests in conjunction with frequent prescribed fire. Join us for a tour, lunch and awards ceremony on Friday, October 14, 2016 at their property. Learn about sustainable forest and wildlife habitat management and connect with the local and statewide professionals and resources that are available to assist in your land management. Most of the tour will involve riding in vans or open trailers with several discussion stops and a short walk or two. Please wear appropriate clothing, footwear and bring rain gear in case of wet weather.

This event is free but pre-registration is required. Reserve a space by calling Whitney at the Florida Forestry Association, (850) 222-5646. Space will be limited and the registration deadline is October 10. View pdf flier here.

AMERICAN FOREST FOUNDATION RELEASES SOUTHERN REPORT ON WILDLIFE HABITAT AND FAMILY FOREST OWNERS
AFF conducted a new survey of more than 1,400 Southern family forest owners to better understand their current forest management habitats, including harvesting and thinning, and their values, motivations and barriers to helping wildlife species. AFF found that:

87% of landowners surveyed in the South say protecting and improving wildlife habitat is a key reason they own land
72% are already supporting wildlife, having done one or more forest management practices for wildlife
73% state they want to do more for wildlife in the future
Landowners cite a lack of certainty that they are doing right by their land, difficulty finding support and the cost of management as barriers

You can read more and download the full report here:
https://www.forestfoundation.org/family-forest-owners-solution-at-risk-wildlife

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE OF SOUTHERN FIRE EXCHANGE FIRE LINES NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE
This issue shares information on SimpleFFMC - a new fine dead fuel moisture calculator developed for the South, which you can learn more about during our webinar this week on Thursday, September 22 at 1pm eastern (click here to register).

In addition you will find these articles: NCSU Researchers Working to Improve Fire Shelters, Fire Ecology and Eastern Oaks, Guide to Southeastern Fire Adapted Communities, Student Travel Grants Now Available, SFE Fall Webinars: Fuel Moisture, Fire Regimes, Fire Adapted Cities, and WindNinja, BehavePlus Workshops, Request for Comments: NWCG Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide, Update to Spot Weather Forecasts, NEW! Smoke Management Photographic Guide, 2016 Fire Season Hot Topics Webinar, 2017 Training Opportunities at the Prescribed Fire Training Center.

Current and back issues of Fire Lines here

FLORIDA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED

Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: September 23, 2016, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Ln., Kissimmee, FL 34744. Registration link

North Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: October 12, 2016, Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Regsitration info to be posted.
More about Florida Prescribed Fire Councils here

USDA NRCS EQIP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR FLORIDA FARMERS, RANCHERS CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES
Application deadline for financial assistance October 21, 2016
Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until Oct. 21 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2017 funding. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year.

Begin by visiting your local NRCS field office and requesting help developing a conservation plan. Our experts provide this free service to help you use your natural resources more efficiently. To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.

SIGN UP FOR WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS
Application deadline is November 15
Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement until Nov. 15 for fiscal year 2017 funding. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance for landowners to purchase and restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year. Applications are available online. Contact Roney Gutierrez, 352-338-9502 for questions and submissions.

WHAT'S UP WITH MICROPLASTICS?!
The month of September is Microplastic Awareness Month.. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size that are being found in large quantities in our local water bodies, impacting marine organisms and most likely us too. Everything we do is connected to the water. A statewide team of University of Florida IFAS Extension agents is tackling this huge issue and they need our help. Learn more about microplastics and how you can help minimize their release into water: http://stjohns.ifas.ufl.edu/sea/microplastics/index.html. Facebookers, see, like and share the project at https://www.facebook.com/MicroplasticAwarenessProject

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES?
Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don’t know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don’t know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities.

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC?
Check the vast array of extension publications available through UF/IFAS on the EDIS publication site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Wow, there’s a publication about that?

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE 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
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 9/23/16

AMERICAN FOREST FOUNDATION RELEASES SOUTHERN REPORT ON WILDLIFE HABITAT AND FAMILY FOREST OWNERS
AFF conducted a new survey of more than 1,400 Southern family forest owners to better understand their current forest management habitats, including harvesting and thinning, and their values, motivations and barriers to helping wildlife species. AFF found that:

87% of landowners surveyed in the South say protecting and improving wildlife habitat is a key reason they own land
72% are already supporting wildlife, having done one or more forest management practices for wildlife
73% state they want to do more for wildlife in the future
Landowners cite a lack of certainty that they are doing right by their land, difficulty finding support and the cost of management as barriers

You can read more and download the full report here:
https://www.forestfoundation.org/family-forest-owners-solution-at-risk-wildlife

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE OF SOUTHERN FIRE EXCHANGE FIRE LINES NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE
This issue shares information on SimpleFFMC - a new fine dead fuel moisture calculator developed for the South, which you can learn more about during our webinar this week on Thursday, September 22 at 1pm eastern (click here to register).

In addition you will find these articles: NCSU Researchers Working to Improve Fire Shelters, Fire Ecology and Eastern Oaks, Guide to Southeastern Fire Adapted Communities, Student Travel Grants Now Available, SFE Fall Webinars: Fuel Moisture, Fire Regimes, Fire Adapted Cities, and WindNinja, BehavePlus Workshops, Request for Comments: NWCG Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide, Update to Spot Weather Forecasts, NEW! Smoke Management Photographic Guide, 2016 Fire Season Hot Topics Webinar, 2017 Training Opportunities at the Prescribed Fire Training Center.

Current and back issues of Fire Lines here

FLORIDA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED

Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: September 23, 2016, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Ln., Kissimmee, FL 34744. Registration link

North Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: October 12, 2016, Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Regsitration info to be posted.
More about Florida Prescribed Fire Councils here

USDA NRCS EQIP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR FLORIDA FARMERS, RANCHERS CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES
Application deadline for financial assistance October 21, 2016Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until Oct. 21 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2017 funding. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year.

Begin by visiting your local NRCS field office and requesting help developing a conservation plan. Our experts provide this free service to help you use your natural resources more efficiently. To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.

SIGN UP FOR WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENTS
Application deadline is November 15Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement until Nov. 15 for fiscal year 2017 funding.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance for landowners to purchase and restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year. Applications are available online. Contact Roney Gutierrez, 352-338-9502 for questions and submissions.

WHAT'S UP WITH MICROPLASTICS?!
The month of September is Microplastic Awareness Month.. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size that are being found in large quantities in our local water bodies, impacting marine organisms and most likely us too. Everything we do is connected to the water. A statewide team of University of Florida IFAS Extension agents is tackling this huge issue and they need our help. Learn more about microplastics and how you can help minimize their release into water: http://stjohns.ifas.ufl.edu/sea/microplastics/index.html. Facebookers, see, like and share the project at https://www.facebook.com/MicroplasticAwarenessProject

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES?
Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don’t know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don’t know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities.

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC?
Check the vast array of extension publications available through UF/IFAS on the EDIS publication site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Wow, there’s a publication about that?

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE 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
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

Thursday, September 1, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 9/1/16

FLORIDA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED

Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: September 23, 2016, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Ln., Kissimmee, FL 34744. Registration link

North Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: October 12, 2016, Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Regsitration info to be posted.

More about Florida Prescribed Fire Councils here

USDA NRCS EQIP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR FLORIDA FARMERS, RANCHERS CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES
Application deadline for financial assistance October 21, 2016
Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until Oct. 21 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2017 funding. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year.
Begin by visiting your local NRCS field office and requesting help developing a conservation plan. Our experts provide this free service to help you use your natural resources more efficiently. To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA LANDOWNERS - JOIN THE NEW FACEBOOK GROUP FOR FLORIDA LAND STEWARDS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA
"Like" the Facebook Page for Florida Land Stewards of Northwest Florida at
https://www.facebook.com/FloridaLandStewardsofNWFlorida/
Join the Facebook Group for Florida Land Stewards of Northwest Florida at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FloridaLandStewardsofNWFlorida/

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Marcia at NaturalEnquirer@gmail.com.

____________
The Statewide Florida Land Steward Partnership FB page is connected to this effort and is at http://www.facebook.com/FloridaLandStewardPartnership

WHAT'S UP WITH MICROPLASTICS?!

September is Microplastic Awareness Month.. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size that are being found in large quantities in our local water bodies, impacting marine organisms and most likely us too. Everything we do is connected to the water. A statewide team of University of Florida IFAS Extension agents is tackling this huge issue and they need our help. Learn more about microplastics and how you can help minimize their release into water: http://stjohns.ifas.ufl.edu/sea/microplastics/index.html.

Facebookers, see, like and share the project at https://www.facebook.com/MicroplasticAwarenessProject

ONGOING SERVICES, INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS:
______________________________________________________________________

SOMETHING BUGGING YOUR TREES?
Do you have pests or a disease in your trees? Leaves or needles wilting, and you don’t know why? Sawdust falling out of your trees, and you don’t know how to save them? There is help: ask your question at the free Forest Health Diagnostic Forum: http://sfrc.ufl.edu/treehealth/forum/.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS - VIEW AND SHARE!
All the latest videos are on the Florida Forest Stewardship Program home page:
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/forest_stewardship

GOT AN INVASIVE SPECIES PROBLEM?
Go to floridainvasives.org for information, assistance and partnership opportunities.

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON A PARTICULAR TOPIC?
Check the vast array of extension publications available through UF/IFAS on the EDIS publication site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Wow, there’s a publication about that?

FWC REQUESTS REPORTS OF WILDLIFE 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
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 9/1/16

____________
The Statewide Florida Land Steward Partnership FB page is connected to this effort and is at http://www.facebook.com/FloridaLandStewardPartnership

WHAT'S UP WITH MICROPLASTICS?!

Facebookers, see, like and share the project at https://www.facebook.com/MicroplasticAwarenessProject

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
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

Friday, August 19, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 8/19/16

SUMMER ISSUE OF FWC'S FLORIDA WILDLIFE LEGACY NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
In this issue: Science Translation and the Conservation Narrative, New State Wildlife Grants Projects Announced, Out into the Night in Search of Florida's Bats, Please Welcome FWLI's Newest Team Members!, Blue Ribbon Panel's Recommendations & the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, Where is it now? Revisiting the Breaker's Reef Mooring Buoy Project, Crossing the Finish Line! A List of Recently Completed State Wildlife Grants Projects. Current Issue linked here.

WHAT'S UP WITH MICROPLASTICS?
The month of September has been declared Microplastic Awareness Month. What does this have do with anything? Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size that are being found in large quantities in our local water bodies, impacting marine organisms and most likely us too. Everything we do is connected to the water. A statewide team of University of Florida IFAS Extension agents is tackling this huge issue and they need our help. Learn more about microplastics and how you can help minimize their release into water: http://stjohns.ifas.ufl.edu/sea/microplastics/index.html. Facebookers, see, like and share the project at https://www.facebook.com/MicroplasticAwarenessProject

FLORIDA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED
Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: September 23, 2016, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Ln., Kissimmee, FL 34744. Registration link
North Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: October 12, 2016, Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Regsitration info to be posted.
More about Florida Prescribed Fire Councils here

USDA NRCS EQIP ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR FLORIDA FARMERS, RANCHERS CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES
Application deadline for financial assistance October 21, 2016
Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until Oct. 21 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2017 funding. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year.
Begin by visiting your local NRCS field office and requesting help developing a conservation plan. Our experts provide this free service to help you use your natural resources more efficiently. To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA LANDOWNERS - JOIN THE NEW FACEBOOK GROUP FOR FLORIDA LAND STEWARDS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA
"Like" the Facebook Page for Florida Land Stewards of Northwest Florida at
https://www.facebook.com/FloridaLandStewardsofNWFlorida/

Join the Facebook Group for Florida Land Stewards of Northwest Florida at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FloridaLandStewardsofNWFlorida/

Interact directly with other landowners in Northwest Florida to discuss and share your successes and failures with your land restoration, longleaf planting, pollinator habitat, and other conservation practices. Share what has worked for you or what you would have done differently. Ask for advice about federal and state programs, how to get forestry assistance with a burn, safe herbicide use, tree selection, habitat questions, best chainsaw for cutting trees, recommended sources for trees and seeds, or planting crew recommendations. And best of all, you can post before and after photos of your property in a photo album to showcase your success! I know it inspires me to see what other landowners have accomplished. This group does require a Facebook account.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Marcia at NaturalEnquirer@gmail.com.

____________
The Statewide Florida Land Steward Partnership FB page is connected to this effort and is at http://www.facebook.com/FloridaLandStewardPartnership

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
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=

Thursday, August 11, 2016

FLORIDA LAND STEWARD UPDATE 8/12/16

SUMMER / FALL ISSUE OF THE FLORIDA LAND STEWARD NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
In this issue: Restoring Longleaf at Little Creek Woods, A New Approach to an Old Problem, Connect and Receive Conservation Help from the USDA Online, Southern Pine Beetle Activity Increases in Florida, Timber Price Update, Certified Forest Stewards and Tree Farmers. Current and back issues of FLS here.

JULY / AUGUST ISSUE OF FIRE LINES NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE
In the this issue: Climate Change and Southeastern Fire Potential Revisited, DEET Reduces Flame Resistance of Nomex, Save the Date for Your State’s PFC Meeting. Current and back issues of Fire Lines here.

SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE ACTIVITY UPDATE
As of the last update from the the Forest Health Section of the Florida Forest Service, Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Activity in Florida has slowed down and no new active spots have been reported in the past couple weeks, but landowners and foresters should still be on the lookout for new activity. As of August 10, there are 171 reported SPB infestations covering at total of 919 acres. Of that, 526 acres are active and 393 acres are controlled. See the August 10 SPB map here.

FLORIDA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULED

Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: September 23, 2016, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Ln., Kissimmee, FL 34744. Registration link

North Florida Prescribed Fire Council Meeting: October 12, 2016, Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303. Regsitration info to be posted.

More about Florida Prescribed Fire Councils here

USDA NRCS ASSISTANCE HELPS FLORIDA FARMERS, RANCHERS CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES
Application deadline for financial assistance October 21, 2016Florida farmers, ranchers and forest owners can apply until Oct. 21 for financial and technical assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for fiscal year 2017 funding. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis for all programs, funding selections are typically made once a year.
Through EQIP, agricultural landowners may receive financial and technical assistance to improve soil, water, air, plants, animals and related resources. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland and other farm or ranch lands. The application deadline also applies to the following EQIP-funded initiatives:

·         Organic Producer Initiative
·         Seasonal High Tunnels
·         Energy Initiative
·         Pollinator Initiative
·         Everglades Initiative
·         Longleaf Pine Initiative
·         National Water Quality Initiative
·         Working Lands for Wildlife
·         Gulf of Mexico Initiative
·         Strikeforce

Begin by visiting your local NRCS field office and requesting help developing a conservation plan. Our experts provide this free service to help you use your natural resources more efficiently. To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA LANDOWNERS INITIATE NEW FACEBOOK GROUP FOR FLORIDA LAND STEWARDS OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA
By Marcia Booth, Gadsden County Land Steward
As landowners in Gadsden County who have been restoring twenty acres of land to their original natural longleaf pine and wiregrass habitat for the past few years, my husband and I appreciate how difficult and overwhelming land management can be. Maintaining the lifelong health of the land that can be enjoyed by future generations, whether it is restoring a healthy ecosystem for the benefit of wildlife and plants, growing longleaf pines commercially, or creating habitat that attracts wildlife for hunting, is a common goal for landowners.

I am inviting you to join a newly formed Facebook Page and Group for landowners in Northwest Florida who are interested in managing their property responsibly. This independent forum is directed by landowners. I hope you will:

"Like" the Facebook Page for Florida Land Stewards of Northwest Florida at
https://www.facebook.com/FloridaLandStewardsofNWFlorida/

Check here to see what's up with land stewardship. We’ll be posting information and comments about land stewardship, press releases, and resource information to people interested in available programs and resources. No Facebook account is required.

Join the Facebook Group for Florida Land Stewards of Northwest Florida at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FloridaLandStewardsofNWFlorida/
Interact directly with other landowners in Northwest Florida to discuss and share your successes and failures with your land restoration, longleaf planting, pollinator habitat, and other conservation practices. Share what has worked for you or what you would have done differently. Ask for advice about federal and state programs, how to get forestry assistance with a burn, safe herbicide use, tree selection, habitat questions, best chainsaw for cutting trees, recommended sources for trees and seeds, or planting crew recommendations. And best of all, you can post before and after photos of your property in a photo album to showcase your success! I know it inspires me to see what other landowners have accomplished. This group does require a Facebook account.
Share this information with anyone who may be interested.

We need your support and participation in the Northwest FL Stewards group to succeed.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at NaturalEnquirer@gmail.com.

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The Statewide Florida Land Steward Partnership FB page is connected to this effort and is at http://www.facebook.com/FloridaLandStewardPartnership

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
Report black bear sightings here: https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/blackbear/getlatlong.aspx
Report southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), short-tailed snake (Lampropeltis extenuata), and Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) here:
https://public.myfwc.com/fwri/raresnakes/UserHome.aspx?id=