Past News & Events
Notice of a new non-native animal in Indian River Lagoon
No info on impacts, but FFWCC is looking for information
http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/nonnative/marine-life/tiger-prawn/
A shrimper collected a tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) in the Indian River Lagoon. This nonnative shrimp has been accidentally introduced to Florida waters by aquaculture facilities. Little is known about the potential impact of tiger prawns on the state's environment, so the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking that such finds be reported to the toll-free statewide Fish Kill Hotline: 800-636-0511.
[Fact Sheet]
Florida Outdoor Recreation Summit November 19-20, 2011
On November 19-20, 2011 the initial Florida Outdoor Recreation Summit will be held in Sanford, Florida to openly discuss the future of outdoor recreation in Florida. We are targeting specific outdoor recreation clubs, public agencies, not-for-profits organizations and businesses that can significantly impact the growth and future of the outdoor recreation in Florida. [Read More]
Help UF and FWC study fox squirrels
As part of a research project with the University of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, we’re collecting recent (beginning August 2011) fox squirrel sightings throughout the state to determine distribution and dive into the why’s of fox squirrel presence on a landscape level. [Read More]
2012 Southeast Deer Study Group Meeting
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host the 2012 Southeast Deer Study Group (SEDSG) meeting February 26-29, 2012 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Sandestin. This will be the 35th annual meeting of deer biologists, managers, researchers and enthusiasts. [Read More]
Southern Fire Exchange Newsletter is now available
6/1/2011
This joint newsletter for the Southern Fire Exchange and the Southeastern Section of the Association for Fire Ecology briefly summarizes recent fire-related publications, projects, activities, and news.
FLTWS Greater Everglades Student Memorial Scholarship
2/24/2011
Angela Mulligan is the recipient of the 13th annual scholarship for undergraduate studies, administered by the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society. A junior at the University of Florida, Angela is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. [Read More]
2/16/2011
TWS is currently accepting applications for its Leadership Institute. The goal of the Institute is to facilitate the development of new leaders within The Wildlife Society and the wildlife profession as a whole. The Institute will recruit 10-15 promising early-career professionals. The application deadline is March 18. [Read More]
The latest FLTWS Newsletter is now available!
Florida Chapter TWS Membership Drive
11/15/2010
Click here for details!
Funding Opportunity Announced for Wetlands Projects
11/5/2010
Partnership proposals being accepted through December 10, 2010. For more information, go to:
http://www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/news/WREPProposalReq_NR_2011.html
10/8/2010
Celebrate the life of Dr. Larry Harris, conservation biologist, author, colleague, mentor and friend. The memorial will be Sunday, October 24th from 2-4 pm, at the Alachua Conservation Trust's Prairie Creek Lodge. [Read More]
REEF, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to Host Inaugural Lionfish Derbies | Reef Environmental
8/25/2010
The Reef Environmental Education Foundation and NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary will host an inaugural series of lionfish derbies starting in September. Divers who remove lionfish from sanctuary waters will be eligible for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.
For more information and dates and locations ...for the derbies visit the following website: http://www.reef.org/node/4045
The Passing of Dr. Larry Harris
8/16/2010
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Dr. Larry Harris on Sunday, August 15 at the Mayo Clinic. In 1998, Dr. Harris became the first recipient of FLTWS’s “Herbert W. Kale, II Award.” He was a leader in the field of wildlife and natural resource conservation, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of meeting and learning from him. Dr. John Hayes, Department Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at UF, nicely described Dr. Harris and his contributions as follows: [Read More]
Plant Identification Workshops
8/11/2010
The Institute for Regional Conservation is hosting two Plant ID workshops at Castellow Hammock Park, 22301 SW 162nd Ave. Miami, FL 33170. Each workshop is limited to 20 participants. Workshop cost is $350 (you may also take day 1 for $175, but preference will be given to registrants for both days if the workshop fills up, which has been the case each time I’ve offered a workshop). [Read More]
7/30/2010
Eric Menges of Archbold Biological Station and Doria Gordon of The Nature Conservancy recently published an article on the effects of using mechanical treatments and herbicides as fire surrogates to manage Florida’s uplands. They reviewed the literature and found that mechanical treatments and herbicide often accelerated vegetation structure changes, but ecological benefits were generally greatest when these treatments were combined with fire. [Read More]
Web Technologies for bird conservation
7/16/2010
Southeast Partners in Flight is pleased to announce the launch of a new field guide to web technologies for bird conservation. The guide is targeted at manager and administrator alike and provides simple, one-page summaries of a variety of general web tools (e.g., blogs, news feeds) as well as specific web-based applications (e.g., Facebook, eBird). Each summary provides a short overview of each technology, highlights of its strengths and weaknesses, examples of how each technology is being used in bird conservation, and links to sites with more detailed information. Users can download the entire guide or individual summaries as PDFs.
Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network
7/15/2010
FWC and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida are looking for partners for the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. The FYCCN seeks to establish a statewide network of youth centers to increase youth participation in traditional outdoor activities. The purpose of the youth centers is to have kids engage in outdoor activities so that they develop a stewardship ethic for conserving America's wildlife. A series of statewide informational meetings will be conducted beginning the week of July 26, 2010. The meeting schedule is posted on the website: http://www.fyccn.org/rfp.aspx.
6/9/2010
If you are a naturalist or educator with interests in the Florida environment you may want to check out the new web page devoted to Florida’s Frogs. You can find it by visiting http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/ and then clicking on the Florida’s Frogs link under the Extension heading at the left side of the main page.
Cold Weather limits potential range of Burmese python invasion
5/19/2010
The well-publicized invasion of Burmese pythons in the United States is unlikely to spread farther north than south Florida according to a new study by scientists from the National Wildlife Research Center. The infamous invasion of the giant snake to the Everglades and neighboring areas likely occurred from illegally released pets and perhaps accidental escapes during Hurricane Andrew. [Read More]
FWC Launches Climate Change Website
5/17/2010
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is Florida's lead state agency in addressing the impacts of climate change on fish and wildlife. The FWC began its work on climate change when it hosted the summit “Florida’s Wildlife: On the front line of climate change," in October 2008.
National Geographic Wild Chronicles: Protecting Florida's Black Bears
5/13/2010
A threatened population relies on cattle ranches for survival. Produced by National Geographic videographer Keene
Haywood and LINC president Carlton Ward Jr. Featuring interviews with cattle rancher Cary Lightsey and
biologists Dave Maehr, Hilary Swain and Richard Hilsenbeck. [Click Here to view]
Allison Daniel is the recipient of the FLTWS Greater Everglades Student Memorial Scholarship
4/8/2010
Allison Daniel is the recipient of the 12th annual scholarship for undergraduate students. A senior at the University of Central Florida, Allison is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, and a Certificate in Environmental Studies. Upon graduation, Allison plans to attend law school at Florida State University, pursuing a degree in environmental law. [Read More]
Prescribed Grazing and Wildlife Workshop
Hosted by the Society for Range Management and the Florida Chapter of the Wildlife Society. May 20, 2010. Disney Wilderness Preserve, Kissimmee.
This workshop is designed to provide wildlife biologists, land managers and ranchers with basic information on how to develop a prescribed grazing plan and understand wildlife habitat management opportunities associated with prescribed grazing in Florida {Agenda}. Livestock can be managed to maintain or improve vegetation structure and composition primarily to benefit wildlife or to maintain healthy ecological communities. Prescribed grazing, if properly implemented, can be one of the easiest and least expensive tools for maintaining early successional habitats and improved species pastures in good condition. {Registration Information}
Wildlife 2060: In the next 50 years... What's at stake for Florida?
3/18/2010
TWS sends letters of support for natural resource professionals to governors
3/9/2010
The Wildlife Society recently sent letters to the governors of all 50 states, as well as the corresponding heads of the departments housing fish and wildlife conservation and forestry. The letters were sent on behalf of the Coalition of Natural Resource Societies of which TWS is a member. The letters stress the importance of natural resource professionals, the resources they protect, and how these resources provide substantial economic benefits for the state. Click here to see the letter that was sent to Governor Crist.
2010 Florida Wildlife Habitat Management Calendar
2/12/2010
Do you know any landowners who might like a free 2010 calendar? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) partnered with other agencies and organizations to produce the 2010 Wildlife Habitat Management Calendar. This effort was coordinated by the FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program.
2009 Jay Watch Report is now available!
2/12/2010
The number of Florida scrub-jays—the only bird species that lives only in Florida—continued an apparent decline in 2009, according to The Nature Conservancy’s 2009 Jay Watch report. [Read More]
The Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy's 2009 Annual Report is now available.
The National Wildlife Federation's2009 Longleaf Pine Report is now available. [Click here to view]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - November 16 - A federal judge in Tallahassee today approved a historic consent decree which requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set legal limits for the widespread nutrient poisoning that triggers harmful algae blooms in Florida waters. [Read More]
Dr. Ron Labisky, Florida Chapter Member, receives Aldo Leopold Award
Dr. Ron Labisky, long-time active member of the Florida Chapter TWS (FLTWS), recipient of FLTWS’s Herbert W. Kale, II Award, and Professor Emeritus in the University of Florida Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation was awarded the Aldo Leopold Award at The Wildlife Society 16th Annual Conference, in Monterey CA. The award is named in honor of Aldo Leopold, the visionary biologist whose work early in the 20th century formed the foundation for modern conservation science. The award is made "for distinguished service to wildlife conservation," and it is the highest honor bestowed by The Wildlife Society. We are proud to have one of our own receive such well-deserved recognition, and are grateful for his many contributions to wildlife conservation and the profession at the state, national, and international levels.
To view the video of the awards ceremony, click here Note: You will need Windows Media Player installed to view video. If it is not installed, you will prompted to download the player.
Grand Opening of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
10/6/2009
The Grand Opening of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge will be Saturday, October 17, 2009 in Boynton Beach, Florida. The opening ceremony will begin at 9:00 am and events will run until 3:00 PM. Events will include children's games, canoe trips, guided walks, and weather permitting a small prescribed burn. For additional event information and directions, please visit www.fws.gov/loxahatchee
Audubon Assembly - The Dialogue on Climate Chance and Coastal Conservation
10/6/2009
Be part of a lively discussion on climate change adaptation strategies and ways to maintain our coasts as places where people and wildlife can thrive. The Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation will explore what we must do to prepare for the challenges of a changing coastline. The Dialogue will build on and increase cooperation for protecting natural resources and the economy in response to the effects of global warming. The Dialogue is free but seating is limited. Please share the additional details on the attached flyer with your friends and colleagues, and register today at http://audubonoffloridanews.org/?page_id=2904!
Come Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at Ten Thousand Islands Refuge!
9/17/2009
The Marsh Trail Grand Opening will be held on October 10 from 7 am to 1pm! The Refuge will host a ceremony and free activities for the community. Activities will include a guided bird walk starting at 7:15am, guided kayak tours leaving at 8 and 11am, and a guided hiking tour along Marsh Trail at 11am. A fly fishing demo will be provided by the Backcountry Fly Fishers, and a food vendor will be available for food and non-alcoholic drinks. [Read More]
9/4/2009
The Bob Graham Center at UF is currently putting on a few lectures and events that might be of interest to FLTWS members. They are hosting events which feature Drs. Noll and Tegeder's new book on the Florida Barge Canal, Joe Browder's comments on the history of saving the Everglades, and Michael Grunwald's discussion of his book, The Swamp. For more information, visit Bob Graham Center.
Saving gopher tortoises, small step at a time
May 21, 2009
A new state policy that provides incentives for creating gopher tortoise habitats hit the ground crawling Tuesday. [Read More]
Songbird migration tracked for the first time
February 25, 2009
For the first time scientists have tracked songbirds like wood thrushes and purple martins during their epic migrations from North to South America and back again. [Read More]
FWC records high counts during statewide manatee survey
January 28, 2009
A team of scientists counted an all-time-high number of manatees during the annual manatee synoptic survey conducted the week of Jan. 19. [Read More]
UFTWS Beast Feast! Saturday February 28, 2009 at 5pm
Beast Feast, The UF Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society's annual wild game dinner is just around the corner. It is the largest fundraiser they have, which supports educational outreach programs, community service, and expenses for conclave (our national competition). [Read More]
Cat control lead to eco disaster on World Heritage island
January 23 ,2009
Efforts to remove cats from Macquarie Island, a sub-Antarctic island and World Heritage Site, have indirectly led to environmental devastation, according to a report published in the Journal of Applied Ecology. [Read More]
TWS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
January 12, 2009
The goal of the Institute is to facilitate the development of new leaders within The Wildlife Society and the wildlife profession as a whole. The Institute will recruit 10-15 promising early-career professionals for a series of intensive activities and mentoring relationships. [Read More]
Endangered woodpecker thrives in Blackwater River State Forest
January 7, 2009
Volunteers needed to monitor birds. Officials with the Florida Division of Forestry report a very productive 2008 nesting season for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker population at Blackwater River State Forest, Florida's largest state forest. [Read More]
Wood storks return to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
December 26, 2008
Rains mean more fish to whet birds’ appetite. As cold air blasted through the open window of the Cessna 172 Tuesday, Jason Lauritsen photographed seemingly insignificant white spots in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s bald cypress forest 1,000 feet below. [Read More]
Wildlife Policy Priorities for 2009
Each year, TWS Council approves a list of wildlife policy priorities for the coming year. In Miami, Council approved these priorities for 2009. If there are issues you believe TWS should be addressing in the coming year that aren't included, please contact Laura Bies. In addition, feedback about the proposed actions on the listed issues would also be helpful. Please share your comments with Laura Bies (laura@wildlife.org) by COB Monday, Dec. 22.
A draft position statement on Lead in Ammunition and Fishing Tackle is now available for member review and comment. The comment period ends Feb. 15.
Specialty license tags a holiday gift idea
December 1, 2008
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in conjunction with The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is offering gift certificates for any specialty tag in Florida. [Read More]
Huge Land Tract, Hatchineha Ranch, Now Protected
November 24, 2008
LAKE WALES | Hatchineha Ranch, a 5,134-acre tract proposed for a city-sized development at Polk's eastern border, will instead be preserved under a deal brokered by The Nature Conservancy. [Read More]
Wildlife 2060: What's at stake for Florida?
November 3, 2008
Florida's natural lands and waters are at the core of our state's prosperity, bringing billions of dollars in economic benefits to our state every year. Our forests, rivers and creeks, and coastal waters are invaluable to fish and wildlife and to our own quality of life. [Read More]
FWC will not release non-migratory Whooping Cranes in the future
November 7, 2008
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will discontinue the release of whooping cranes into Florida's non-migratory flock. The FWC accepted the recent recommendation from the multi-agency International Whooping Crane Recovery Team. [Read More]
Experts: Climate change threatens Florida species
October 2, 2008
ORLANDO -- Climate change threatens to kill off up to a third of the planet's species by the end of the century if urgent action isn't taken to restore fragile ecosystems, protect endangered animals and manage growth, scientists warned Wednesday as a wildlife summit opened. [ Read More ]
Heritage Shotgun Donated For TWS Membership Recruitment
9/2/2008
Aldo Leopold Award Winner and Past TWS President, James E. Miller, will be donating one rifle and two shotguns of historic significance to The Wildlife Society to raise funds to grow TWS' membership. These guns were previously owned by valued colleagues [ Read More ]
Dave Maehr
6/24/2008
Dr. David S. Maehr, 52, Professor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry, died tragically in a single-engine plane accident in Lake Placid, Florida on Friday, June 20 while monitoring radio-collared [ Read More ]