Hillsborough County Chapter- FMNP Blog

Project Wild workshop announcement

2009-06-18T15:41:00.001-04:00

Please send this workshop notice out to your list of teachers, youth leaders and other educators:

Project Wild/Aquatic Wild Workshop

FREE

Friday, July 24, 2009

9am- 3pm

Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center

4140 24th St SE

Ruskin, Hillsborough County

Tentative agenda:

9am: Introduction, pre-test, Wild background

9:30-10am: ice breaker- Who Am I?

10-11am: Water Canaries

11am-11:30am: Sockeye Scents

11:30am- noon: Wetland Metaphors

Noon-12:30pm: What Your Lunch Cost Wildlife (this is a working lunch break- please brown-bag it, limited lunch options nearby)

12:30-1pm: Wild Walk, The Power of Song

1-2pm: Dragonfly Pond

2- 2:30 pm: Wildlife Research

2:30-3pm: wrapup, post test, evals

The agenda is arranged to cover a variety of grade levels starting with K-2 right up through middle/high school.

Particpants will receive both the Project Wild and Aquatic Wild curriculum manuals, certificate of completion plus a wealth of information and resources. We will also have a 'Teacher Resource Exchange' so if you bring an item you no longer use but that still has educational value, you might find something that someone else is ready to let go of in exchange. Current items up for grabs are fish tanks, water quality test kits and posters.

For general information about Project Wild, visit the FWC website at http://myfwc.com/LEARNING/Learn_ProjectWILD.htm . For specific questions about this particular workshop and to reserve your place, email Dolly at campbayou@yahoo.com . Registration limited to 20 people.

Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin, exit 240 on I-75. Camp Bayou is a partnership between the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Visit on the web at www.campbayou.org.

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

Peregrine falcon delisted as an endangered species in Florida

2009-06-18T06:51:00.001-04:00

FWC News Release:

Peregrine falcon delisted as an endangered species

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved removal of the peregrine falcon from the state's list of endangered species on Wednesday.

"Today is a time to celebrate peregrine falcons," said Rodney Barreto, FWC chairman. "This is a tremendous success story."

Through the efforts of wildlife managers and individuals, the peregrine falcon has become one of the best examples of how wise conservation practices can assist a species to come back from the brink of extinction. DDT usage in the United States nearly wiped out entire populations of birds decades ago, including the peregrine falcon. Fortunately, before the peregrine falcon became extinct, the use of DDT was eliminated.

As a result of pesticide regulations and captive breeding-and-release efforts, the peregrine falcon made a dramatic comeback from precipitously low numbers in the 1970s. Peregrine populations dropped from about 20,000 birds prior to the 1940s to 650 birds in 1965. Of the two populations of peregrine falcon that pass through Florida, there are now at least 3,100 breeding pairs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted the species in 1999.

Whenever the FWC delists a species, a management plan must be in place, with guidelines to ensure the continued conservation of the species. The Commission also approved the final Peregrine Falcon Management Plan on Wednesday. The peregrine will still be protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

"The peregrine falcon is a success story showing what well-coordinated conservation can accomplish for a species," said Robin Boughton, the FWC's peregrine falcon management plan leader. "The management plan ensures the continued success of peregrine falcons."

The approved plan acknowledges that pesticide contamination is an ongoing threat throughout much of the wintering range of the species because many South and Central American countries lack the pesticide regulations that have been enacted in the United States. While peregrines do not breed in Florida, they are commonly seen in the state. Many peregrines migrate through in the fall and some may stay here during the winter. The plan's objectives stress the need to ensure coastal habitats, particularly those in the middle Keys, are preserved.

The Commission will consider allowing peregrines to be used for falconry when it meets again in September in Howey-in-the-Hills.

The peregrine falcon is known as the world's fastest bird, averaging 25-34 mph during normal flight and reaching speeds in excess of 150 mph during dives for prey, which include doves and ducks.

Name this jellyfish

2009-06-12T14:55:00.002-04:00

From Sherri Potter- YOS Outreach:

Subject: Participate in Year of Science 2009!

Celebrate the Year of Science 2009 with this TERRIFIC OPPORTUNITY for science enthusiasts of ALL ages!

Please help us get the word out about this opportunity -- post your idea for the jellyfish name (or a link to the contest page) to your Facebook profile or twitter channel!

A chance to name a species! The public will have the extraordinary opportunity to name a new species of jellyfish! This is a great way for people to learn more about how species are named, become familiar with a jellyfish, and participate in science! But act now -- the opportunity to submit names ends June 14th! Come back to the site June 19-21 to cast your votes for your favorites! To learn more visit: http://www.yearofscience2009.org/themes_ocean_water/general/jellyfish.html

FMNP Central West Regional Meeting

2009-05-29T15:53:00.001-04:00

FMNP Central West Regional Meeting
June 13, 2009 in Plant City, FL, 9:30am ~ 2pm
Open to anyone who’s taken an FMNP class and a guest

Tour the Mason Property and butterfly gardens
Picnic lunch provided by hosts
Hear Milton Varn speak, “Stewards of the Land”

Ffor more information and directions
and to RSVP contact Joanne Mason at 813-754-2980 or Woodchikjm@aol.com by June 10th

Ocean Day Event - Monday June 8 at 6:30 St. Pete

2009-05-28T06:45:00.001-04:00

From Mary F.

News from FMNP listserve

2009-05-07T07:48:00.002-04:00

News and Announcements:
Mote Marine Has Rare Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Nest
Sea turtle nesting season officially starts today, but Mote has already received a special surprise: On Saturday, April 25, an endangered Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), nested Saturday on Casey Key in Sarasota County. Kemp's ridleys are one of the smallest and rarest of the seven sea turtle species found worldwide. The nest is only the third Kemp's ridley nest ever laid and verified in Sarasota County.

Beachgoer Alyson McCoy, of Ovieda, and staff from the Island House watched as the turtle came ashore to nest - during the day.

"My husband likes to dive for sharks teeth and I was sitting on the beach watching his dive flag when I saw the turtle," McCoy said. "I've seen loggerhead turtles nest before on New Smyrna Beach. But I've never seen one by accident and never in broad daylight!"

Thinking quickly, McCoy ran to her room and grabbed her camera. Mote staff were later able to verify that the turtle was a Kemp's ridley based on her images. Kemp's ridleys are smaller, flatter and grayer than loggerheads, which usually emerge from the water to nest at night.

Saturday's nest was Sarasota County's third Kemp's ridley - the first two were verified in 1999. The species usually nests on beaches of Taumalipas, Mexico, and Padre Island National Seashore, Texas.

"It's exciting to have a Kemp's Ridley turn up in our county," said Tony Tucker, manager of Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. "In 2008, Florida only had 13 Kemp's ridley nests in the state. Kemp's ridley populations in Mexico and Texas are beginning to rebound strongly with help from a special program in Galveston, Texas, and protection at the nesting beach at Rancho Nuevo, Mexico. Also important is the fishing industry's adoption of turtle excluder devices, which protect turtles from being caught in shrimp trawls. Now, increases in Kemp's ridley populations might be bringing more stray, solitary nesters to Florida."

This rare nest on Casey Key will be checked daily by Mote's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, which has monitored 35 miles of Sarasota County shoreline for more than 28 years thanks to about 200 staff, interns, and volunteers.

Tim Oldread
Director, Center for School and Public Programs Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-388-4441
Fax: 941-388-2174
http://us.mc01g.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Tim.Oldread@mote.org
http://www.mote.org/

2. Scrub Jay Watch Looking for Volunteers

We have 3 sites in Manatee County (and maybe another one if all goes well) and another in southern Hillsborough County, as well as many others throughout the species' range, and we could use more volunteers, and Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists would be great volunteers. I've attached a flyer for the Manatee County Jay Watch training. It's not only a fun project working with fantastic people and captivating birds in interesting environments, but the data are used to plan management to protect the species, so it's valuable too. We ask people to help us survey for three days between mid-June and mid-July at any given site because that's when we get the best chance to not only see which scrub-jays are where, but also to distinguish the young of the year from adults to find out how productive they are.

For more information, please see the attached flier or contact:

Cheryl Millett, Biologist
The Nature Conservancy, Lake Wales Ridge
P.O. Box 630Babson Park, FL 33827-0630
http://us.mc01g.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cmillett@tnc.org(863) 635-7506 Ext. 205 (Phone) (863) 443-0263 (Mobile) (863) 635-6456 (Fax) nature.org

3. Immediate opening for an Everglades Eco-tour Guide
with the Everglades Day Safari - The Everglades #1 Ecotour. This is a fun, educational, environmental tour that requires a high energy, personable guide.
Qualified candidate MUST: • have clean, valid, Florida driver's license • be 25 years of age or older • have a strong background in the BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES and an excellent understanding of the south Florida ecosystems • have a strong environmental ethic and a basic understanding and appreciation of eco-tourism • have an engaging personality and the ability to effectively communicate a narrated tour to guests • must be able to work independently as well as work with other guides providing tours Position Responsibilities include: • Safely driving tour vehicle while narrating and identifying plant and animal life throughout the Everglades. • Guide is responsible for maintaining vehicle (cleaning, routine maintenance, quarterly servicing) and may have the opportunity to keep the vehicle at their personal residence. • Guide would offer 3 weekly informational presentations at local resorts on Sundays and Mondays Tour: • Includes an airboat ride, wildlife drive, nature walk, boat cruise and lunch • Tours begin at 7:15 am and conclude at 5:30 pm http://www.ecosafari.com/
Pete Corradino
Director of Operations
Everglades Day Safarihttp://www.ecosafari.com/239-671-8373

4. The Florida Trail Association is seeking to fill the position of Trail Crews Coordinator on its professional staff. This is the position that was formerly held by Bob Woods which was not filled. Please see the attached announcement for more information. Thank you for your assistance. Kent L. Wimmer, AICPFlorida National Scenic Trail LiaisonFlorida Trail Association, Inc.http://us.mc510.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kwimmer@fs.fed.us(850) 523-8576 (w)(850) 523-8578 (fax)(850) 528-5261 (cell)(850) 386-8442 (h)Mailing address:325 John Knox Rd, F-100Tallahassee, FL 32303-4160

5. FMNP Central West Regional Meeting
June 13, 2009 in Plant City, FL
Contact Woodchikjm@aol.com to RSVP

6. FMNP Northeast Regional Meeting
July 17, 2009 in Jacksonville, FL
Please contact Carol for more information, including how to RSVP

If you would be interested in having a table to display books that you have authored, artwork, crafts, or any other projects that you have participated in contact Carol Wyninger at http://us.mc510.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=wyninger@comcast.net .

7. Tick Research
from Carol Wyninger wyninger@comcast.net

I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Kerry Clark who is a professor at UNF and is involved in tick disease research. As part of his ongoing effort to gather data about the types of tick-borne diseases in Florida, he is studying ticks that are found in your area. If you find a tick that has actually attached to your skin you can send the tick to Dr. Clark. Attach the tick to a piece of paper with clear tape and mail to: Kerry L. Clark, M.P.H., Ph.D., Department of Public Health, UNF, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, 32224. Include information about where and when you think you picked up the tick. He will identify the tick and keep it on file. If you think you have contracted an illness related to the tick bite, further testing may be done with the tick specimen. If you have any questions you may contact Dr. Clark at kclark@unf.edu or (904) 620-1427. Dr. Clark is also interested in speaking to groups about ticks!

Keys' reef project nears completion

2009-05-01T07:20:00.001-04:00

FWC press release:

Keys' Vandenberg reef project nears completion

The highly anticipated sinking of the world's second-largest ex-military ship to be deployed as an artificial diving and fishing reef is almost here. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to work with its project partners on final preparations for the ex-U.S.S. Hoyt Vandenberg to be safely sunk in late May at a site about 6 miles south-southeast of Key West in 140 feet of water.

The Vandenberg is 523 feet long and will provide recreational diving, ecotourism and fishing enhancements to the Florida Keys. The colorful vessel was commissioned in 1943 as a World War II troop transport ship, and later it became a missile range instrument ship in the 1960s, defending against missile attacks and tracking rocket and early space shuttle launches.

The ship is being placed in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary near Key West to help divert fishing pressure and diving pressure away from natural reefs near the ship. The FWC estimates that the vessel's life span of at least 100 years will contribute stable, long-term habitat for scores of marine fish species and provide exceptional diving and fishing opportunities for Florida residents and visitors from around the world.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projections, the Vandenberg artificial reef will result in an annual increase of about $7.5 million in expenditures in the Monroe County economy, and will create about 195 full- and part-time jobs.

"The FWC has played a major role in providing funding and technical assistance for the Vandenberg project since early 2001, including helping the City of Key West secure permits for the ship and performing numerous inspections of the vessel while it is being readied for its safe deployment," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto.

The FWC has been the project liaison among the City of Key West (which owns the ship), Reefmakers, Inc. (the prime contractor for the project), the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The FWC has managed nearly $2.5 million in funding for the Vandenberg's preparation, cleanup and monitoring out of total project costs of about $8.5 million. FWC funding partners include the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development; MARAD; City of Key West; Monroe County; and Keys Tourist Development Council.

In addition, the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement is taking the lead in working with the Navy, Coast Guard, Key West police and Monroe County Sheriff's office as well as local fire and rescue officers on offshore security operations regarding the sinking event, which is expected to occur sometime between May 21 and June 1, depending on weather conditions.

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FWC- lights out for sea turtle season

2009-04-27T15:05:00.001-04:00

For immediate release: April 27, 2009

Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

Photos: Go to MyFWC.com and click on "Newsroom."

It's lights out for sea turtle nesting season

Sea turtle nesting season has begun on Florida's beaches, which means beach residents and visitors need to follow a few precautions to ensure a successful season.

Lights along the beach should be managed to prevent disorienting a female that comes ashore at night, according to biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). To do this, lights that are needed for human safety should be shielded so they are not visible from the beach or turned off when not needed. The instincts of the ancient sea creature tell her to proceed toward the brighter horizon over the ocean. Bright lights on the landward side of the beach can confuse the nesting sea turtle and the hatchlings that emerge from the nest. Lights on the beach can lead them away from the ocean.

"Just one light can kill thousands of turtles over several years," said Dr. Robbin Trindell, a biologist with the FWC. "Many lights burn all night without contributing to human safety."

Five species of sea turtles nest on Florida beaches, with the loggerhead showing up in the largest numbers. Green and leatherback sea turtles also nest in the Sunshine State. Two other species, Kemp's Ridley and hawksbill sea turtles, nest infrequently in Florida but inhabit Florida waters. The FWC lists the loggerhead as a threatened species; the other four are listed as endangered.

Nearly 90 percent of the loggerhead population that nests in the southeastern United States does so on Florida's beaches. This population is one of only two large loggerhead nesting populations worldwide. Sea turtles are air-breathing reptiles well-suited for sea life with a hydrodynamic-shaped shell and large, powerful front flippers. These physical characteristics enable them to dive deep into the ocean and to swim long distances.

Female loggerhead turtles begin coming ashore in the spring, with peak months for laying eggs in June and July. The nesting female digs a hole with her hind flippers and then lays approximately 115 eggs. After covering the nest with sand, the massive creature, weighing from 150 to 300 pounds, makes her way back to the ocean. A female might come ashore two to five times during the nesting season. Amazingly, females come back to the same beach where they hatched decades earlier. The males, once they make the long crawl after hatching out of the egg, never return to land.

Late in the summer, after an incubation of 55 to 70 days, the hatchlings begin breaking out of their shells. Up to 100 hatchlings wait below the sand surface until darkness, when they emerge together and crawl out of the nest. Instinct tells the 1- to 2-inch hatchling to head toward the brightest horizon and away from dark silhouettes. In days long gone in Florida, the brightest horizon shone over the ocean, and the hatchlings would move away from the shadows on the dunes and begin the crawl to the sea.

In modern-day Florida, hatchlings must crawl through a battlefield of debris left by humans. Furniture discarded by lazy beachgoers can obstruct a nesting female turtle or become a trap for the hatchlings. Avoiding firework leftovers strewn along the hatchling's path can cause exhaustion and delay in getting to the water. If a hatchling is stranded on the beach when the sun rises, its chance for survival diminishes, and dehydration and sun exposure become hazards.

"We can all help sea turtles survive," Trindell said. "If we just take personal responsibility, we can go a long way to ensure the sea turtle co-exists with us for many more years to come."

For wildlife-friendly lighting options, go to MyFWC.com/CONSERVATION/Conservation_LivingWith_WildlifeLighting_index.htm.

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PCB/HSC

WBD

SEAGRASS DAMAGE SETTLEMENT

2009-04-24T14:48:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2009

CONTACT: Pamala Vazquez, (813) 632-7600 Ext. 495

DEP FINALIZES SETTLEMENT WITH GULFSTREAM FOR SEAGRASS DAMAGE

--Gulfstream required to restore area and pay $205,000 in penalties, costs, and environmental resource damages---

PINELLAS COUNTY- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reached an agreement with Gulfstream Natural Gas Systems (Gulfstream) to resolve violations related to two unintentional releases of drilling mud that occurred during the installation of a natural gas pipeline within the Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve, a Class II Outstanding Florida Waterbody. Nearly one acre of seagrass beds was impacted by the releases and more than one half acre of seagrass sustained further damage from the grounding and removal of two tank barges used to clean up the released drilling mud.

The legal order imposes $175,000 in penalties and costs to Gulfstream, plus DEP is requiring the company to pay an additional $30,000 for the environmental damages to Tampa Bay.

"Seagrass beds are essential not only to our precious marine life, but to the overall health of our economy," said DEP Southwest District Director Deborah Getzoff. "These penalties represent DEP's firm commitment to protecting Florida's natural resources. Fortunately, the seagrasses in this area have already begun to reestablish themselves."

Gulfstream has removed the drilling mud which is comprised of a naturally occurring clay known as Bentonite. The mud is pumped through the drill pipe to lubricate and cool the drilling bit as it moves forward. A release occurs when too much pressure causes a fracture in the overlying material.

The company now has 30 days to pay its penalties and costs, and to submit a restoration plan to DEP that includes a detailed description of how Gulfstream intends to restore both the holes left behind by the drilling mud release, and the area dredged by the grounding and removal of the barges.

Gulfstream has completed the 17.74 mile pipeline project which extends from the main pipeline in Manatee County to the Progress Energy power plant on Weedon Island. The pipeline will make it possible for the power plant to switch from burning fuel oil to using natural gas.

To learn more about the importance of Florida Seagrasses, visit the DEP website at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/habitats/seagrass/

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The No Child Left Inside Act of 2009

2009-04-23T19:09:00.001-04:00

From NWF's Green Hour enewsletter:

SPEAK OUT FOR NATURE IN THE CLASSROOM

The No Child Left Inside Act of 2009 was introduced on Earth Day. Ask your members of Congress to pass this historic legislation so that your children can experience hands-on environmental education in the classroom.

Vote no on SB 360

2009-04-23T18:49:00.001-04:00

Please e-mail Hillsborough county's legislators and ask them to vote NO tomorrow on SB 360.

This bill started out as one of the original BAD growth management bills (I wrote about it here: http://tr.im/statedereg), and it has now become THE vehicle for ALL the developers' worst demands to deregulate their industry and eliminate controls on development. See Denise Layne's message below, explaining SB 360.

E-mail our Delegation by copying and pasting this list into your e-mail program:

For browsers which uses COMMAS to separate addresses:

joyner.arthenia.s18@flsenate.gov, storms.ronda.s10@flsenate.gov, justice.charlie.s16@flsenate.gov, crist.victor.s12@flsenate.gov, Kevin.ambler@myfloridahouse.gov, rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov, faye.culp@myfloridahouse.gov, bill.galvano@myfloridahouse.gov, rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov, ed.homan@myfloridahouse.gov, seth.mcKeel@myfloridahouse.gov, darryl.rouson@myfloridahouse.gov, ron.reagan@myfloridahouse.gov, betty.reed@myfloridahouse.gov, Michael.scionti@myfloridahouse.gov, will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov

For browsers which use SEMICOLONS to separate addresses:

joyner.arthenia.s18@flsenate.gov; storms.ronda.s10@flsenate.gov; justice.charlie.s16@flsenate.gov; crist.victor.s12@flsenate.gov; Kevin.ambler@myfloridahouse.gov; rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov; faye.culp@myfloridahouse.gov; bill.galvano@myfloridahouse.gov; rich.glorioso@myfloridahouse.gov; ed.homan@myfloridahouse.gov; seth.mcKeel@myfloridahouse.gov; darryl.rouson@myfloridahouse.gov; ron.reagan@myfloridahouse.gov; betty.reed@myfloridahouse.gov; Michael.scionti@myfloridahouse.gov; will.weatherford@myfloridahouse.gov

Here's a sample letter you can use:

http://tr.im/noderegstate

Or just say "Please vote NO on SB 360."

Thanks!

Mariella Smith

ALERT - PLEASE EMAIL DELEGATION – VOTE NO ON SB 360

HB 7127 was replaced with SB 360, so HB 7127 is now dead. However, on SB 360, a strike-all amendment (deletes the original bill and replaces with new language) #210765 was adopted with numerous amendments on it. This language has never been before a committee or council; and, the DCA, 1,000 Friends of Florida, Audubon and Association of Counties have opposed this (as has C4RG). This is even worse than the original bill. Here is the language:

http://www.flsenate.gov/data/session/2009/Senate/bills/amendments/pdf/sb0360e1210765.pdf

During the discussion of this bill, not one of our legislative delegates even asked questions let alone opposed this strike-all and amendments. What is going on?

PLEASE CONTACT OUR LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION AND ASK THEM TO VOTE NO TOMORROW ON SB 360. If this passes, most of south county, ½ of Lutz and other sections of this county will be blasted with development – roads be damned! I guess we have to protect ourselves since our government let us down.

Email our Legislative Delegation PLEASE today…they will vote it out of the House tomorrow – VOTE NO ON SB 360 - PROTECT HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY!

Denise Layne

C4RG

813-246-0485

FWC press release- gopher tortoise killing

2009-04-20T14:30:00.001-04:00

North Port man arrested for killing imperiled gopher tortoises

A call to the Wildlife Alert Hotline about a gopher tortoise taken from a North Port neighborhood has landed a convicted felon, who has a lengthy record, back in jail.

On Saturday, April 4, Theodore Cuyler Jr., (DOB 02/13/67) of 6707 Carovel Ave., North Port, loaded "Speedy," as the tortoise was locally known, into his van - over the loud objections of residents on Calera Street. Speedy was whisked away, never to be seen again.

Infuriated residents immediately called the Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-3922) to report the incident. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Bob O'Horo responded.

After receiving a description of the suspect, his vehicle and tag number, O'Horo and Dan Rush, North Port police officer, confronted Cuyler at his residence. The officers were unable to find evidence of illegal activity in Cuyler's yard, where the officer had permission to search. However, O'Horo wasn't satisfied, and he wasn't through.

About an hour after midnight on April 13, O'Horo and North Port police officers Shawn Rice and Mike Laden conducted a curbside inspection of a garbage can at Cuyler's residence.

Wading through the maggot-filled trash, officers found gopher tortoise parts, consisting of skin, feet and claws, which indicated that at least one gopher tortoise had been dismembered.

On April 19, FWC investigators arrested Cuyler and conducted a search of his home. No additional evidence was found during that search. Cuyler was released on a $1,000 bond.

Gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species, because their deep burrows are important to the survival of more than 130 other species that call Southwest Florida home. Gopher tortoises are listed by the state as a threatened species. Intentionally killing a threatened species is punishable as a third-degree felony, with a fine of up to $5,000 and/or five years in prison.

"Concern for Florida's threatened species by hunters, fishermen and other residents of Calera Street, underlines the wide spectrum of Floridians who take the protection of the state's imperiled species seriously," O'Horo said.

If you would like more information on the Wildlife Alert Program or information on protecting Florida's imperiled species, visit MyFWC.com. To report any dead or injured wildlife or to report any wildlife law violations, call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

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Marine Quest

2009-04-20T12:22:00.001-04:00

Visit the annual Marine Quest event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 Eighth Avenue S.E., St. Petersburg.

Marine Quest is the annual Open House of the Research Institute, featuring interactive exhibits, lectures and information booths.

Visitors of all ages can get hands-on practice with the science that supports our understanding of the natural world. Check out live animals in the touch tank, interact with some of Florida's top scientists, create fish prints at the "Gyotaku" station, and more! TBEP staff and volunteers will be giving away Boater's Guides and other educational materials and offering kids a chance to create their own colorful "sea creatures" ruler.

Sponsors include the St. Petersburg Times, the City of St. Petersburg, Panera Bread, and USF St. Petersburg. Parking and admission are free. For more information call 727-896-8626 or visit http://research.MyFWC.com/marinequest.

Florida Forever in Jeopardy

2009-04-10T18:05:00.001-04:00

From: "William Lorenzen" <William.Lorenzen@tpl.org>

Date: April 10, 2009 11:42:06 AM EDT

Subject: Zero Funding to Match ELAPP /FL Legislature Killing Florida Forever by Eliminating All Funds - Call to Action

Hello Friends of ELAPP and Florida Forever,

Most the conservation land that Hillsborough County*s Environmental

Lands Acquisition and Protection Program [ELAPP] has purchased has been

matched at about a 50% contribution rate by the State*s Florida

Forever program. This has allowed our local ELAPP dollars to go twice

as far toward preserving so many special places right here in our own

backyard.

Currently the Florida Senate and House of Representatives are

essentially eliminating Florida Forever. The current state budget

drafts includes absolutely ZERO funding for Florida Forever. If history

is any guide programs that are zeroed out in a given year do not

reemerge in future budgets.

Please contact your Florida Senate and House Representatives and

respectfully request that the Florida Forever Program be fully funded.

Note: You may have heard that Governor Crist supports Florida Forever

and vetoed the defunding of Florida Forever. This is true of the

current budget that ends June 30. However the legislature is currently

working on the next budget. If a program is never allotted any funding

the Governor is powerless to use the veto pen related to an item that

has not been appropriated any funding.

Local representatives can be found at: www.flsenate.gov and

www.myfloridahouse.gov

Key legislators that need to hear from us are:

Senate President Jeff Atwater, 850-487-5100,

atwater.jeff.web@flsenate.gov

Senator JD Alexander, 850-487-5044, alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Jim King, Jr., 850-487-5030, king.james.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Ken Pruitt, 850-487-5088, pruitt.ken.web@flsenate.gov

Senator Lee Constantine 850-487-5050, constantine.lee.web@flsenate.gov

House Speaker Larry Cretul, 850-488-1450,

larry.cretul@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Dean Cannon, 850-488-2742,

dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Ralph Poppell, 850-488-3006,

RALPH.POPPELL@myfloridahouse.gov

Representative Marcelo Llorente, 850-488-5047,

marcelo.llorente@myfloridahouse.gov

Remember, this is a non-partisan issue. We need to be respectful but

assertive with our communications. Our legislators are facing tough

choices, but total elimination is not equitable. Other programs are

facing cuts, but are not being eliminated.

Please see the attached press release showing statewide voter support

for Florida Forever

Thanks.

William Lorenzen

Fw: Press Release: Ruskin Tomato Festival

2009-04-08T19:01:00.001-04:00

Press Release

Contact Fred Jacobsen

813 298-6028

fred@GoThere.com

Tomato & Heritage Festival Returns to Ruskin May 2 & 3

Once again Ruskin Florida celebrates its agricultural heritage roots at the annual Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival. Always the first weekend in May, this year's event is on Saturday May 2 and Sunday May 3. Featured performers include a tribute to Patsy Cline by Caroline Cline as well as local talent such as Paul Carr. This year in addition to our main stage we are adding a second stage for local country and western performers to come together to "jam."

Free tomato plants will be given out each day while supplies last. Even if you miss out on a plant you can still enjoy free tomato slices. Tomato sandwiches will be prepared sold by Ye Royal Krewe of Charlotte DeBerry as a fundraiser. There will also be produce stands open including one by SweetBay Supermarket where you can purchase fresh tomatoes and other vegetables. You won't go hungry with the many food returning food vendors. Enjoy down home foods including fried green tomatoes and juices.

Vendors will be bringing crafts, jewelry, sauces, spices and clothing items. Many of our local non-profit organizations will be on hand with helpful information. Plant vendors will be bringing decorative potted flowers, landscaping plants and fruit trees.

Our Heritage Village will include a vintage tractor show and demonstrations by a blacksmith, wood lathe worker and old-time trapper. Learn how a spinning wheel works, how to hook a rug or make corn husk dolls, cane a chair & get honey from a comb.

There will be a Children's Court to keep the little ones amused with Cowboy Attractions: obstacle course, bounce house, mechanical bull, euro bungee, air brush tattoo, pony rides and face painting. Also this year Home Depot will bring out their kids Workshop to help make useful projects.

Our Watershed Tent will include valuable information about our natural environment, coordinated by the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, to include organizations such as Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension, Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful, Florida Department of Forestry, Florida Master Naturalists and more! There will be speakers and demonstrations as well as interactive booths. For a schedule of Watershed tent speakers and workshops, click on the 'Watershed Tent' link located at www.campbayou.org. The Watershed Tent is free with your paid admission to the festival.

The Festival is the major fund raiser for the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, established to improve life in the Ruskin area. Your sponsorship, whether in actual dollars or in-kind donation, will go a long way in supporting the many ongoing projects of the RCDF.

Event Location:

E. G. Simmons County Park

2401 - 19th Avenue N.W

Ruskin, Florida

Hours:

Saturday, May 2, 2009, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, May 3, 2009, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Admission:

Adults - $5

Children 12 and under FREE

Website:

www.RuskinTomatoFestival.org

Press Photos available at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/37162608@N05/

Sponsor Opportunities and vendor information:

Contact Festival Manager Don Glover, 813.935.4996

# # #

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

CNAH Common Names Sixth Edition Published (free- see text)

2009-04-06T11:14:00.001-04:00

NEWS RELEASE
The Center for North American Herpetology
Lawrence, Kansas
http://www.cnah.org
6 April 2009

The Center for North American Herpetology announces the April 2009 publication
of the

SIXTH EDITION of

STANDARD COMMON AND CURRENT SCIENTIFIC NAMES FOR NORTH AMERICAN
AMPHIBIANS, TURTLES, REPTILES, AND CROCODILIANS

by Joseph T. Collins & Travis W. Taggart

Color covers
Softbound
iv + 44 pages
ISBN 0-9721937-1-5
Cost: Free (see below)

The first edition of this widely-used compilation, published in 1978, listed
454 species (or
kinds) of native amphibians, turtles, reptiles, and crocodilians, and was
quickly adopted
nationwide as a source for common names for these North American (north of
Mexico)
animals, names that could be consistently used worldwide to avoid confusion,
both in
writing and speaking.

This new sixth edition lists 621 kinds of native amphibians, turtles, reptiles,
and
crocodilians in the United States and Canada, an increase of 167 species (27%)
since the
first edition in 1978 and an increase of 232 species (37%) since 1956, which
demonstrates
clearly how much the diversity of these animals in North America was previously
underestimated.

Also of interest in this sixth edition is the updated section on alien species,
those
creatures that are not native, have escaped, or have been released in North
America, and
have established breeding populations in the United State or Canada. Most
significant of
these are the large Indian Python and Boa Constrictor, which are now breeding
residents of
southern Florida. These constricting serpents reach large sizes, and can have a
serious
impact on native wildlife, as well as small livestock and neighborhood pets.

The standard common names in the fourth edition (1997) of this list were used
exclusively
in the well-known PETERSON FIELD GUIDE TO REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OF EASTERN
AND
CENTRAL NORTH AMERICA (third edition expanded, 1998, Houghton Mifflin Co.,
Boston),
and the standard common names in this sixth edition will be adopted for the
forthcoming
next edition of the Peterson Guide, which has the widest distribution of any
book ever
written about these creatures worldwide. Use of standardized common names
achieves
stability, comprehension, and ease of use throughout the United States and
Canada, and
thus has the potential to create closer cooperation among biologists across the
nation, so
that they may work together in the common cause of conserving and protecting
these
often-neglected creatures.

Users of the CNAH common names list are reminded that in this edition, as in
the previous
fifth edition, no space is wasted with citations for verifying or justifying
scientific name
changes or any speculative discussion based on unpublished data. The web site
of The
Center for North American Herpetology, which is the most frequently-accessed
academic
herpetological web site in the world, already contains all such citations for
changes in this
sixth edition and demonstrates once again that CNAH leads the herpetological
community
worldwide with its ability to organize and deliver in a timely and modern
(electronic and
print) fashion the scientific information so necessary to our profession. The
CNAH web
site can be accessed at

http://www.cnah.org

Single copies of this sixth edition of STANDARD COMMON AND CURRENT SCIENTIFIC
NAMES FOR NORTH AMERICAN AMPHIBIANS, TURTLES, REPTILES, AND CROCODILIANS, are
available free by simply sending a self-addressed 7 x 10 inch manila envelope
with first
class postage affixed for 4 ounces (currently $1.34; after 11 May 2009, $1.39)
to

CNAH
1502 Medinah Circle
Lawrence, Kansas 66047

For further information about this release, contact

Joseph T. Collins
(785) 393-4757
jcollins@ku.edu

or

Travis W. Taggart
(785) 650-2445
ttaggart@fhsu.edu

THE CENTER FOR NORTH AMERICAN HERPETOLOGY is a non-profit 501c3 foundation
established in 1994 and headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas.

Polk County Environmental Lands job opening

2009-03-31T11:10:00.001-04:00

Polk County Environmental Lands Program is hiring an Environmental Tech I position. For details and to apply online click the following link.

http://www.polk-county.net/subpage.aspx?menu_id=24&nav=gov&id=11950

Job Number: 10328

Job Title: Environmental Technician I

Closing Date: 4/10/2009

View Job Description:

Environmental Technician I (Environmental Lands)

JOB LOCATION: Natural Resources - Environmental Lands

WORK SCHEDULE: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday

HIRING RATE: $12.22 per hour (Pay Grade P10)

CLOSING DATE: April 10, 2009 dpmbf: 04/13/2009 (sm)

Interested applicants and employees should complete a Polk County Application for Employment no later than the closing date indicated above. Applications may only be made electronically on the Polk County BoCC website @

www.polk-county.net

POLK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS , PERSONNEL
(863) 534-6030
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/VP

Tabitha Biehl-Gabbard

Polk County Natural Resource Division

Environmental Lands Program

4177 Ben Durrance Road

Bartow, Florida 33830

(863) 534-7377

fax: (863) 534-7374

tabithabiehl@polk-county.net

media release- Camp Bayou Spring Open House

2009-03-30T19:17:00.001-04:00

Media contact: Dolly Cummings

phone: 813-363-5438

Spring Open House at Camp Bayou

Spring is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the wonders of nature!

The Camp Bayou Spring Open House is an opportunity to see and do many of the activities that are offered throughout the year for families, school and youth groups, adults and just about anyone who enjoys being outdoors. This year's event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 8am-2pm with lots of family-friendly activities available- most of them absolutely FREE! This is an NCLI (No Child Left Inside- http://www.nclicoalition.org/) event and is part of National Environmental Education Week (http://www.eeweek.org/) and is, of course, an early Earth Day celebration (http://www.earthday.net/).

Schedule of Activities:

8am: Great American Cleanup begins– register at Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful- http://khcbonline.org/

9 am: Trail games begin– Butterfly Blingo, Scavenger Hunt, Riddle-me-this and more...

10 am: Wetland Walk-n-Wade – Take a walk through the wetlands to the river to see what critters we can net. Your feet WILL get wet!

11 am: Nature crafts– get into the outdoors with a variety of nature-related craft projects.

Noon: Spring Brunch– Buffet fundraiser, Vegetarian items available. $10/person.

1 pm: Slideshow– - "Environmental Education for all- age 3 through 103".

On-going throughout the day:

- Fossil Museum open
- Fossil pit dig (for small fee)

- Nature Center open
- 3 trails through varied habitats
- Canoe launch open
- Native People's Camp
- Native plants for sale
- Cart tours every half hour beginning at 9:30 am.

Other activities may be added so be sure to check for updates on the Camp Bayou Blog at http://campbayou.blogspot.com/2009/03/spring-open-house.html .

Camp Bayou is a partnership between the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR674 at the end of 24th St SE in Ruskin.
For information and directions call 813-641-8545 or visit the website at www.campbayou.org.

###

Picture: Free "Highlight Cart Tours" depart on the half hour, on a first come, first serve basis

Thanks,
Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

Help Save Egmont Key

2009-03-30T14:46:00.001-04:00

--- On Mon, 3/30/09, Mariella Smith <insightgraphics@earthlink.net> wrote:

From: Mariella Smith <insightgraphics@earthlink.net>
Subject: Help Save Egmont Key

Please e-mail state legislators to save Egmont Key.

You can use the sample letter at the very end of this e-mail. Just copy and paste the addresses into your "To" field, all as one paragraph, then copy the message or write your own.

Please forward this message to anyone who might help.

See my article below for more info. It is posted online at SticksOfFire.com, where you can add your comments and find photos and links to more info:

http://tr.im/egmontsticks

__________________________________

Battle to Save Egmont Key

By Mariella Smith

Saturday's Tribune carries a passionate call to arms asking citizens to help save Egmont Key. Bay Soundings editor Mary Kelly Hoppe writes,

"It's time to call in the cavalry. Deliberations in Tallahassee may seal the fate of this beloved historical island. Letters and calls to legislators are needed now if we are to muster the support to save Egmont Key."

Florida's legislators are on the verge of removing this park from the state park system, ceasing state oversight & management, and eliminating the position of the one ranger who patrols and protects the park, its considerable wildlife, and its historic lighthouse & fort.

Egmont Key attracts 100,000 visitors a year. At a cost of only $140,000 per year, this park's management is a sensible investment in a prime tourist attraction. The value of the site's historic artifacts and wildlife habitat are, of course, priceless.

"The national wildlife refuge is recognized as one of the most significant bird nesting colonies in the southeastern United States. Last year, nearly 1,000 brown pelicans nested on the island, along with 25,000 laughing gulls, 5,000 royal terns, 1,000 sandwich terns and 165 black skimmers.

"The island also is recognized as a major nesting habitat for loggerhead sea turtles. In 2008, there were 50 sea turtle nests, with about half returning some 2,500 hatchlings to the sea. Poaching is negligible, as nests are monitored around the clock by volunteer interns. Year-round residents include about 1,800 lumbering gopher tortoises."

A couple of months ago, when the state first considered cutting ranger service at the park, protests came from many groups and individuals including the Florida Lighthouse Association, Rough Riders, Kathy Castor, Sam Gibbons, various environmental groups and others, rallied by the volunteers of the Egmont Key Alliance. In early January legislators removed Egmont Key from the list of items to be cut during the legislature's special session, and supporters breathed a sigh of relief. More recently, during this current session of the legislature, citizens were reassured that Egmont Key remained safe. As U.S. Congressman Bill Young wrote in a letter to Jim Spangler, Past President of the Egmont Key Alliance:

"on March 6th, Governor Charlie Crist announced that all nineteen state parks threatened with closure as a result of the budget cuts being put into place within the state will remain open. Money from the state environmental trust fund will be utilized to ensure the continued operations of these parks, including Egmont Key."

Three weeks later, legislators have turned against the park once more.

This is yet another sign of our legislators' misplaced priorities as they narrowly focus on their own petty short-term agendas rather than offer long-term vision and real solutions to our problems. Faced with today's economic challenges, they mindlessly suggest ways to transfer more of the costs of development from developers to taxpayers — claiming we need to support development as an economic stimulus.

They fail to see that tourism is a more sustainable revenue source than their Ponzi scheme of cancerous overdevelopment, and so they miss the value of this park as a tourist attraction. Furthermore, they are too shortsighted to preserve our legacy of historic and natural resources.

They will only act in our interest if we demand this of them.

Jim Spangler has once again issued a plea for help, asking people to urge our leaders not to abandon this valuable Tampa Bay asset. I've written a sample letter, with e-mail links for some of the relevant lawmakers, to make it easy for you to ask them to continue to keep this park safe for wildlife as well as Florida residents and visitors.

__________________________________

Sample letter to legislators:

[Just select the whole list of e-mail addresses below, all at once, and copy and paste it into the "to" field of your e-mail program. Include your senator & representative if they are not listed below. Hillsborough County residents can send a copy to the Hillsborough county legislative delegation.]

To:

j.d.alexander.web@myflorida.gov, Rachel.burgin@myfloridahouse.gov, Rick.Kriseman@myfloridahouse.gov, bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov, constantine.lee.web@flsenate.gov, jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov, dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov, baker.carey.web@flsenate.gov, lawson.alfred.web@flsenate.gov, aronberg.dave.web@flsenate.gov, dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov, oelrich.steve.web@flsenate.gov, king.james.web@flsenate.gov, rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov, sobel.eleanor.web@flsenate.gov, Charlie.Crist@myflorida.com

Subject: Please continue funding for Egmont Key within the State Park system

Dear Legislators & Governor,

Please maintain funding for management and ranger service for Egmont Key, and retain it as a State Park within the state Parks Department.

Egmont Key attracts 100,000 visitors a year. At a cost of only $140,000 per year, this park's management is a sensible investment in a prime tourist attraction. The value of the site's historic artifacts and wildlife habitat are priceless. Without the constant supervision of a state ranger, looters, vandals & partiers would soon destroy the park's historic & natural resources which belong, not only to us, but to future generations.

Please protect our environment, our wildlife, and our heritage; and continue to keep this park safe for wildlife as well as Florida residents and visitors.

Sincerely,

[Your Name & Address here]

PS: See this March 28 Tampa Tribune article for more information about the park.

__________________________________

Sent to you by Mariella Smith. If you no longer want to receive this type of e-mail from me, just reply saying so.

Trip to Egmont Key, Sunday, April 5, 2009

2009-03-30T10:36:00.001-04:00

I'm doing the FMNP Coastal module this April and will be taking a boat trip from Ruskin to Egmont Key on Sunday, April 5 from about 8am-4pm. As in the past, I have a special rate with the charter boat captain (mostly just the cost of fuel) but since the boat holds 40 passengers, will open the trip up to past graduates to help cover the costs. The cost is just $30 per person and part of the trip will be doing sampling in the bay, seining on the island plus a talk by the ranger about the natural and historical resources on the island. Bring your own lunch and join us for a fun day!

Contact Dolly for more information- campbayou@yahoo.com

FLORIDA CELEBRATES OCEANS DAY

2009-03-25T12:10:00.001-04:00

FLORIDA CELEBRATES OCEANS DAY

~Florida Oceans and Coastal Council reports featured as focal point of celebration~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) joined a host of public and private partners today to celebrate Florida Oceans Day at the Capitol. Sponsored by the Florida Ocean Alliance (FOA), the theme of this year's celebration was "Florida's Ocean Assets in a Changing Climate and Economy" and aims to make our oceans and coasts cleaner, healthier and more productive.

"Attracting millions of visitors each year, Florida's clear waters, world-class beaches and coral reefs are national treasures providing food, recreational and economic opportunities," said DEP Deputy Secretary Bob Ballard. "It is our responsibility as environmental stewards to protect our oceans by managing and enhancing their fragile resources effectively."

As part of this year's Florida Oceans Day celebration, the Florida Oceans and Coastal Council (FOCC) hosted an exhibit in the Capitol Rotunda featuring displays from their report, The Effects of Climate Change on Florida's Ocean and Coastal Resources, which was presented to the Governor's Energy and Climate Commission on January 26, 2009. Additional exhibits featured Florida's Ocean and Coastal Economies Report, Phase II, which was generated for the council by the National Ocean Economics Program and presented to the Governor and Cabinet in September 2008.

The events also included a roundtable discussion entitled, Guidelines for Enhancing Florida's Ocean and Marine Resources, which included a presentation by Robbin Peach of the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership Fund on Massachusetts' management strategies.

The Florida Oceans and Coastal Council was created in 2005 by the Oceans and Coastal Resources Act and is comprised of 18 individuals who coordinate coastal and marine research in Florida, identify research gaps, create an annual research plan and recommend new strategies and tools to enhance management and conservation efforts for the state's coastal and marine resources. For more information on the FOCC visit www.FloridaOceansCouncil.org.

To view Florida's Ocean and Coastal Economies Report, Phase II and The Effects of Climate Change on Florida's Ocean and Coastal Resources report, visit http://www.floridaoceanscouncil.org/reports/default.htm

-30-

RED TIDE RESEARCH

2009-03-24T20:27:00.001-04:00

March 24, 2009

FWC SCIENTISTS HELP CREATE BENCHMARK FOR FUTURE RED TIDE RESEARCH

Red tide experts with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) have contributed to the most comprehensive assessment of Florida red tide published to date. This month's special issue of the scientific journal "Harmful Algae" summarizes current red tide research.

In 2006, FWRI, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Mote Marine Laboratory sponsored the "State of the Research on Red Tide in the Gulf of Mexico" scientific workshop. Nine articles resulting from this workshop appear in this special issue of "Harmful Algae," including three landmark articles by FWRI scientists.

Having studied Florida's red tide for more than 40 years, Dr. Karen Steidinger provides historical perspective on red tide research in the Gulf of Mexico. Drs. Jan Landsberg and Leanne Flewelling review recent research on how red tide toxins affect marine life, including manatees and birds, both during and after a red tide event. Drs. Cindy Heil and Steidinger address how the state monitors and manages red tide to protect human and environmental health.

The articles in "Harmful Algae," which also summarize Florida red tide biology, research and technology, will help FWRI scientists and their partners continue their efforts to predict, monitor and manage red tide's environmental impacts and will provide a benchmark for future research.

A Florida red tide is a dense concentration of a microscopic, single-celled, plant-like organism called Karenia brevis. This organism produces toxins that can kill fish, birds, manatees and other marine animals, affecting endangered species and important fisheries. Red tide toxins in the air can irritate the human respiratory system, and eating shellfish exposed to red tide toxins can cause food poisoning. To ensure public safety, FWRI works with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to monitor Florida's shellfish beds for red tide toxins.

To learn more about FWRI's red tide research programs, visit http://research.MyFWC.com/redtide.

Florida Turtle Conservation Trust (FTCT) alert

2009-03-22T09:46:00.001-04:00

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 19 March 2009

Subject: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission proposes strong conservation measures for freshwater turtles

The commercial harvest of freshwater turtles is a significant and growing conservation threat in Florida and has received considerable attention by turtle scientists, conservationists, and the general public over the past year. In addition, the discovery of several large piles of freshwater turtle shells documents that localized harvest of significant numbers for personal use continues in the Florida panhandle and peninsula. Turtles are slow-growing, long-lived animals that take years to reach sexual maturity. The Florida Turtle Conservation Trust (FTCT) believes that harvest of freshwater turtles is unsustainable, particularly when you take into consideration the many other threats, both natural and anthropogenic.

In response to the concern outlined above, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff studied the problem and met with stakeholder groups. Meanwhile, efforts by turtle biologists and conservationists to ban the harvest of freshwater turtles in Florida strengthened. A group of biologists met with the Office of the Governor and a letter from 32 leading turtle scientists was presented to Governor Crist urging him to act on behalf of Florida's wild turtles.

On 20 November 2009, Governor Crist sent a letter to FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto urging …"the commission move toward a complete ban on the harvesting of our wild turtles."

On 13 March 2009, FWC announced that staff will present a draft rule at the Commission meeting in Tallahassee on 15 April 2009. The press release stated, "Staff is proposing a draft rule that represents the most comprehensive set of protections and conservation measures for freshwater turtles in the United States…. Few places in North America have the rich diversity of turtles that we have here in Florida, and this proposed rule ensures their long-term survival. The draft rule would ban the commercial take or sale of wild freshwater turtles. The draft rule also would prohibit taking turtles from the wild that are listed on Florida's imperiled species list, as well as species that look similar to the imperiled species, which include common snapping turtles and cooters. Individuals would be allowed to take one freshwater turtle per day per person from the wild for noncommercial use."

The FTCT fully supports the draft rule and commends the FWC for their thorough review of this conservation threat and positive response toward conserving Florida's freshwater turtles. We urge Florida conservation NGOs and interested parties to support the following actions.

1) Letters need to be sent to FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto expressing support of the draft rule and urging the Commission to ban the harvest of Florida's freshwater turtles. Please copy FWC Executive Director Ken Haddad.

Contact info for FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto:

Mr. Rodney Barreto, Chairman Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

620 S. Meridian Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600

commissioners@MyFWC.com

Contact info for FWC Executive Director Ken Haddad:

Ken Haddad, Executive Director Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

620 S. Meridian Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600

ken.haddad@MyFWC.com

2) Please forward this information to other conservation-minded individuals and encourage them to write letters to the above parties.

Resource information:

Link to related FTCT info:

http://www.ftct.org/news_and_announcements.html

Link to related FWC info:

http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/09/statewide/News_09_X_TurtleHvstRuleProp1.htm

For additional information, please contact:

George L. Heinrich, Founding President, FTCT

Director, Florida Riverine Turtles Conservation Program

george@heinrichecologicalservices.com

Tim Walsh, President, FTCT

Spring 2009 Camp Bayou Buzzzz ready already!

2009-03-16T21:54:00.001-04:00

Hurray for Spring! We 'sprang' ahead and got this season's edition out a few days early. Check it out at www.campbayou.org/new.html > http://campbayou.org/newsletters/spring2009.pdf.

If you do not wish to receive these quarterly notices, just let me know and I will remove your name from our list.

Thanks,

Dolly

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)

media release- Ruskin, FL

2009-03-13T08:42:00.001-04:00

Media contact: Dolly Cummings

phone: 813-363-5438

Citizen Science at Camp Bayou

The Citizen Science Symposium will be held on March 20-21, 2009 from 9am-2pm at Camp Bayou in Ruskin. This event is open to the general public- homeschoolers, public and private schools, families and anyone who'd like to get a bit more familiar with the world around them.

Want more Science? An optional "Science of Lunch" meal will be offered for just $5 per person and includes interesting science tidbits about the lunch you will be eating. For instance, Does turkey really make you sleepy? What actually happens to make bread rise? Are all tomatoes equally equipped with cancer- fighting lycopene? In an nod to Dr. Suess, how can we get green eggs without using food dye? All this and more but pre-registration is required. Visit www.campbayou.org and follow the link in the upper right hand side of the homepage.

During lunch, participants will also be able to hear about some of the science research going on in the area. The following experts will be on hand for an informal Science Cafe on one or both days:

Dr. Akers Pence - Research Associate; University of Florida, Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network

Dr. Pam Vergara - Associate Professor; Environmental Science Program at HCC representing Stream Waterwatch;
Other representatives are Peggy Morgan and Erik Garwell

Dr. Steve Johnson - Assistant Professor of Urban Wildlife Ecology,
GCREC-Plant City, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.

George Kish - USGS Hydrologist representing National Phenology Network

Sherri Potter - Outreach Coordinator; Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science

Suzanne Prach - Artist, Crawford Art Studio at the SouthShore Regional Library

Dr. George Shambaugh - Florida Master Naturalist Graduate volunteer

Diane Alvarez, PhD – Editor; www.beautyberrybooks.com

To find out about all the free activities and to pre-register, visit www.campbayou.org and follow the Citizen Science Symposium link.

This event is sponsored by a grant from the Alafia River Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Camp Bayou is located 3 miles south of SR 674 at the end of 24^th St. S.E. in Ruskin. Camp Bayou is a partnership between the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc. and Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation.

###

Dolly Cummings
www.campbayou.org

"I do not understand how any one can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to." Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (Cross Creek)