Conservation Minutes

1. Alligators
2. Commission Meetings
3. Florida Bass Conservation Center
4. Guides
5. Hunter Safety Instructor
6. Hurricane Preparedness
7. Kids Fishing
8. Panther
9. Survey Room
10. Voluntary License
11. Wildlife Alert
12. Wildlife Management Areas
13. Waterway Management

Alligators

Alligators and humans have shared Florida’s marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes for many centuries. But the Sunshine State’s population growth has resulted in increased interactions between humans and alligators.

Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, but the potential for conflict always exists. Alligators can, and occasionally do, attack pets and livestock. Humans, too, occasionally are attack victims and in rare instances are killed by large alligators.

There are precautions people can take to reduce potential conflicts with alligators.

Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits people from killing, harassing, molesting or attempting to move alligators.

Closely supervise children when playing in or around water.

Don’t swim outside of posted swimming areas or in waters that might contain large alligators. Swim only during daylight hours. Most importantly, never ever feed alligators, it's illegal and almost certainly leads to alligators becoming a public safety threat.

Alligators are an important part of Florida’s heritage and play an important role in the ecology of Florida’s wetlands.

For more information, visit myfwc.com

Commission Meetings

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate to five-year terms. There are currently seven commissioners.

Have you ever wondered just what goes on at an FWC commission meeting? The business of YOUR Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission doesn’t just take place in Tallahassee, commission meetings are held regularly around the state from the panhandle to the keys. Better yet, meetings are open to the public and include an opportunity for YOU to speak to the commission. In accordance with state law, meeting agendas are published well in advance so you will have plenty of time to schedule your day to participate in your state government. For more information, visit myfwc.com/commission

Florida Bass Conservation Center

Florida is famous for bass fishing. In fact, we have a recognized subspecies of largemouth bass that grows to larger sizes than bass in colder climates. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently broke ground at the future site of the Florida Bass Conservation Center on the grounds of the nearly 40-year old Richloam Fish Hatchery in Sumter County west of Orlando.

The facility will be a state-of-the-art freshwater fish hatchery and research facility dedicated to the propagation and conservation of the unique Florida subspecies of largemouth bass and will help to increase fishing opportunities in the Sunshine State. The FBCC will also help consolidate research, conservation and propagation efforts to develop long-term management and protection of other vulnerable freshwater fishes.

The FWC is seeking private funding to construct and operate a visitor’s center at the site. The center will be a cost-effective and efficient way of bringing many more smiles to the faces of Florida anglers in the future.

For more information, visit myfwc.com/fishing

Guides

Since 1992, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute has produced a statewide series of educational boater's guides designed to inform anglers and boaters about Florida's coastal and marine ecosystems.

The free guides are divided into regions featuring 19 major bay or estuary systems around the state. Guides contain information about the various fish species found in each area, including an identification section that will help you ID that fish you’ve never seen before. There is also important navigational information in each guide. So if you’re planning a trip to a new area of our state, you’ll have all the information you need to avoid problems while on the water. Every guide contains maps to detailing important information about the areas environment, and boating and fishing facilities.

Free boater's guides are available at many marinas, tackle shops, boating supply stores, and other marine businesses, or by visiting myfwc.com

Local agencies influence the design and content of each guide so you can be sure you’re getting some great local knowledge of each area. Get your boating and angling guide at myfwc.com

Hunter Safety Instructor

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission needs you. You can help ensure the future of safe hunting in Florida through the Volunteer Hunter Safety Instructor program. As an instructor, you will perform an important public service by teaching firearm safety, outdoor ethics and wildlife management. Hunter safety instructors have played an important part in minimizing hunting accidents here in the Sunshine State, making it safer for everyone to enjoy wild Florida and reducing both hunting and non-hunting firearm accidents. Hunter safety instructors can feel a real sense of self-satisfaction by knowing they are helping to ensure the future of hunting in Florida, by providing a means of helping to make a safe sport even safer and by encouraging the recognition of hunting and sport shooting as viable recreational activities. If you have been looking for a way to give back to your community, visit myfwc.com/huntersafety.

Hurricane Preparedness

Florida is famous as the fishing capital of the world. But lately, the sunshine state has been famous for hurricanes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges you to have a solid hurricane plan for you and your family’s safety. And if you’re a boat owner, you should have a hurricane plan for your vessel too. Develop a plan well in advance! When the "hurricane watch" flags are flying, it's time to employ the plan for your boat that you worked out before the storm. You can store a small boat with a trailer in a warehouse or your garage. If you leave your boat outside, attach the trailer tongue to a firm spot in the ground, deflate the tires, and lash the boat to the trailer. Place boards between the axle and frame to prevent damage to the trailer springs. If your boat is in a marina, your contract and the dockmaster will spell out your responsibilities. Remember, a vessel tied to a pier under normal situations can quickly break from the pier in periods of higher winds causing substantial damage to itself or other vessels. Do NOT, under any circumstance, plan to "ride out" the storm on your boat. For more boating safety information, visit myfwc.com

Kids Fishing

Kids’ Fishing Clinics are one-day educational events established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. One of the main goals for the Kids’ Fishing Clinics is to create responsible marine resource stewards by teaching children the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems. In addition, we hope to teach fundamental saltwater fishing skills and to provide kids with a positive fishing experience. At the clinics, children go through five skill stations: Casting, Knot Tying, Fishing Tackle, Good Angler, and Touch Tank. After approximately one hour of instruction, the children will receive a free rod and reel (compliments of local sponsors), and at most clinics, will have the opportunity to fish.

More than 31,000 children and 18,000 parents have participated in Kids’ Fishing Clinics. And it’s all possible thanks to over 5,000 volunteers who come out to assist in educating young anglers about fishing techniques, marine habitats, ethical angling, and conservation.

For a Kids Fishing Clinic in your area, or if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, visit myfwc.com or call your local Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission office.

Panther

Did you know that panther mothers whistle to call their kittens or that when frightened their kittens peep like a baby bird? Panther Net is an interactive website designed for everyone interested in learning more about the state’s official animal. Online at myfwc.com slash panther, you will find detailed information about natural history, habitat, threats, and conservation efforts on behalf of this beautiful cat. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists post their field notes and pictures on a regular basis. These posts detail the work of your FWC in order to help protect and preserve the spectacular Florida Panther. And there are resources for teachers too, with detailed lesson plans for all ages including elementary, middle, and high school.
Visit Panther Net at myfwc.com/panther.

Survey Room

MyFWC-dot-com, it’s the web portal for YOUR Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You’ll find all the information you need to experience the wonders of wildlife here in the Sunshine State. You can also help the FWC improve their service to you and the state’s precious natural resources. Log on to MyFWC-dot-com and complete one or more of the questionnaires involving, aquatic health, bass conservation, the birding trail, horseshoe crabs, saltwater angling, or sportfish restoration. It’s just one of the many ways you can help the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission better serve you and your wildlife interests. In some cases, such as the horseshoe crab survey, you can be part of an ongoing effort by FWC biologists to document wildlife activity. You’re not required to give your name but if you would like, the FWC will be happy to add you to their mailing list so you can receive information in the future. Help your Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, log on to MyFWC.com and Take The Survey.

Voluntary License

Florida has some of the best hunting and fishing in the World. Rich in history - hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits are passed down from one generation to the next. Sharing this heritage is one way to conserve Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. Another is to buy a hunting or fishing license even if you’re exempt. Because there are hundreds of thousands of outdoor users who aren’t required to purchase a license, every purchase counts. So on your next trip to the outfitter, buy a license for conservation. It’s about our heritage and their future. Licenses also can be purchased online at MyFWC.com.

Wildlife Alert

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants your help. Now you can help protect Florida’s vital wildlife. Have you ever been boating, fishing, hiking or just enjoying the beauty and wonder of wild Florida and you see somebody who might be violating fish and game laws?

If you suspect a wildlife law violation, you can report it to the FWC Wildlife Alert Reward Program. For violations that are in progress or need immediate attention, call 1-888-404-FWCC. Telephones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also report violations online by going to myfwc.com and clicking the wildlife alert link. You may remain anonymous and you will not be required to testify in court. It’s important to report violations as soon as possible and provide as much detail as you can about the violators including vehicles and license numbers if possible. Examples of Violations include illegal hunting, killing or capturing of protected species, fishing by illegal methods, and boating under the influence. Help protect wild Florida, 888-404-FWCC (3922)

Wildlife Management Areas

Reel in a record bass on Lake Kissimmee, catch a glimpse of a rare bird, or teach your child about Florida’s wonderful outdoors. In Florida's Wildlife Management Areas you can enjoy these and many more outdoor experiences. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages more than 5 million acres of mostly undeveloped land, the largest wildlife management area system in the country. These areas offer remote getaways for outdoor lovers in every corner of the state. Wildlife viewers, cyclists, horseback riders, paddlers, anglers and nature lovers can find wild places to pursue their interests. Go to myfwc.com, click the outdoor recreation link and you can explore the many outdoor opportunities. Their might just be a wildlife management area near you. It’s time to enjoy Florida’s great, wild out-of-doors!

Waterway Management

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has the responsibility for ensuring that the placement of waterway markers with state waters adhere to all state and federal requirements. The boating and Waterways Section handles all waterway management issues that include boating safety and education, boating access, and derelict vessels.

Consistency and uniformity of waterway markers provides boaters with a safe and enjoyable boating experience. Regulatory markers are only posted for specified purposes such as protecting human life and limb, to ensure vessel traffic safety, and to protect manatees. Some examples of waterway markers include idle speed-no wake, slow speed minimum wake, vessel exclusion zones and no motor zones. Obeying waterway markers is crucial to safe enjoyment of Florida’s wonderful water resources.

Remember the posting of an illegal marker is a criminal offence. If you have a concern abut waterway markers in your area, contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section at (850) 488-5600 or visit My FWC.com/boating.