F l o r i d a Fish and Wildlife News We’re on Facebook and Twitter @FlWildFed To follow us, just go to www.fwfonline.org and look for: / FFWN is printed on recycled paper Volume 26, Issue 2 Affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation May, 2012

tion landscape linkages on both public and Leesburg Elementary School wins PRESIDENT’S private lands across Florida. Florida Wild- MESSAGE life Federation is an advocate of Everglades 3rd Kid’s Habitat Contest by Manley Fuller Restoration, Gulf of Mexico Restoration, and re-establishment of a free flowing Ock- Florida Wildlife Federation is lawaha River. We support maintaining eco- pleased to announce that Leesburg logically healthy flows in the Apalachicola Elementary School in Leesburg, River and the health and re-establishment Florida, has been named as the of critical native habitats across Florida. winner in the third FWF statewide Member of Florida Conservation Kid’s Habitat Contest. A certificate Coalition award presentation ceremony was In 2011, largely in response to a series held in their gardens at an April 20, of deep cuts to Florida’s environmental 2012 Earth Day celebration where programs, the Florida Wildlife Federation FWF’s Vice-Chair, Dr. George (FWF) banded with other organizations and concerned individuals to form the Florida Tanner, presented students with Conservation Coalition (FCC). The goals of a framed award certificate, along Left to right: Lesa Roe, Science/Math the FCC include prioritization of our state’s Enrichment Teacher, Julie Sligh, School with a stuffed toy barn owl and two water policy, focusing on our waters as a Librarian, Dr. George Tanner, Director, nature-themed books for the school’s public resource and support of the critical role played by our regional Water Manage- Florida Wildlife Federation library. The gardens were established under the leadership of the school’s ment Districts in protecting and managing Science/Math Enrichment teacher, our surface and ground water. Collectively in early 2012, we were able to reverse a num- Lesa Roe. The books were accepted by Dear Florida Wildlife Federation ber of the negative changes made to the laws School Librarian Julie Sligh. Students Members and Supporters, related to Water Management Districts the

PAID from grades 3, 4 and 5 contributed to previous year. Water supplies for our natural

U.S. Postage U.S. the celebration by reading their own systems and human use requires watershed Permit No. 530 No. Permit

Non-Profit Org. Non-Profit Recently E.C. Vandagrift, a FWF direc- Tallahassee, FL Tallahassee, poems and essays about their experi- tor, who had assisted us in financial man- based management approaches. Lately, con- ences in the Gardens and love of nature. agement matters and north central Florida cerns have arisen regarding threats to both conservation issues, including protection of water quality and quantity at Silver Springs. KID’S CONTEST con’t page 14 Silver Springs, passed away unexpectedly. He was a true friend of the Florida Wildlife Conservation Lands Federation and we greatly regret his loss. The Federation works on behalf of our Announcing the 75th state, federal and private conservation lands Annual Conservation We continue to be actively engaged in by supporting the continuation of the Florida major conservation activities that directly Forever program which, in these difficult fi- Awards Banquet, affect our lands and waters, which are vi- nancial and political times, has been much re- tal fish and wildlife habitat and places for duced from the recent past. We also support June 16, 2012 people to experience our wonderful out- incentives for willing private landowners to doors through sustainable nature-based rec- establish permanent conservation easements reation. We are strong advocates for clean on their properties. Along with our allies, waters, protecting and managing fish and we were able to successfully argue for con- wildlife populations and habitats, restora- tinuing the program at a much reduced level tion of wetlands and maintaining conserva- PRESIDENT con’t page 3

INSIDE:

Go to www.fwfonline.org MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR...... 2 NEWS AROUND THE STATE...... 4-7 to register for the 75th 2012 LEGISLATIVE WRAP UP...... 8 Anniversary Events, or PROPERTY INSURANCE REFORM...... 11 use the form on page 16 CONSERVATION CALENDAR...... 14 FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR EXPEDITION...... 15

of this publication 75TH ANNUAL CONSERVATION AWARDS BANQUET...... 16

www.fwfonline.org

Tallahassee, FL 32314-6870 FL Tallahassee,

P.O. Box 6870 Box P.O.

Florida Wildlife Federation Wildlife Florida official publication of the of publication official May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News  which gave him the opportunity to versary of the Florida Wildlife Fed- mined only by dollars and no sense, CHAIR’S MESSAGE explain the public land purchasing eration, the loss of our forefathers and where the environment needs to by Jim Schuette history in Florida. This interaction, becomes ever more poignant. The pay its own way on an annual basis. somewhere around his golden anni- generation that started the environ- We are in this together. All of versary with his wife Katharine and mental movement is in the process of us. There is no separation by age, well after his retirement, instilled in leaving us now, and who is to take as there should be no separation by me an appreciation for the depth of their place? We look to the next gen- why we value our environment. It is his understanding and involvement in eration for our new leaders and won- all a continuum. The younger, or re- the methods and history of Florida’s der if they are going to be as motivat- cently activated, are needed to carry natural environment preservation ef- ed as the originals, whose challenges the torch and provide the new en- forts. seem like mountains compared to ergy. They need guidance, howev- The last time I saw Lou, other than what we face today. Will we allow er, from those who have carried the at the memorial for Johnny Jones, our challenges to become as great torch so well for so long. Those who was in his “natural” environment... again? Surely they are heading that understand that there will be difficult turkey hunting at Fisheating Creek. direction. We continue to look for times. Those who understand how He was hunting the Lykes property signs among those in the next genera- bad things can be and once were. along with a couple friends, while I tion indicating they will be able to fix The end goal is shared by all. How Important is was on the WMA side. Four turkeys that which we are now creating. So, as we celebrate 75 years of it to You? were harvested that day, one of them But then, as individuals of the fighting for what we value, let us lay was mine. Lou knew how to hunt next generation point out, there are down the path for the next 75 years. I commented to our Immediate turkeys! Maybe his masters degree a couple problems with this line of Each of us has something to bring to Past Chair Linda Stanley recently in Game Management, which he ob- thinking. First, the idea of separate the effort. If we all show up and have “we have been meeting like this too tained well before it was fashionable, generations is a fallacy. I talk with some trust, we can improve the direc- much lately.” We were attending the helped him with that. Walt Brandon, a member of the FWF tion our environmental stewardship memorial for Lou Gainey, a legend More recently, we lost a current Board for over a half-century, about is heading...as a unified team...just as in South Florida, partly due to his member of our board, Mr. E.C. Van- who our next leaders will be...and our founders did 75 years ago. 32 years working for the Game dagrift. He was too young to have then wonder which generation I fall Happy 75!!! And I hope to see Commission starting as a biologist fought alongside Lou at the Battle of into. My college days are barely a you in St. Pete in June for the cel- and reaching the level of Regional the Bulge, but he certainly fit in well memory anymore! ebration! Director. as an elder statesman of the FWF The second problem with this line Although the last time I saw Lou Board. In his short time as a board of thinking is our holding this mythi- was at the memorial for another leg- member, he made a great impression cal next generation responsible for end, Johnny Jones, I prefer to remem- and long-lasting impact on the Fed- repairing the damages we have cre- ber two other occasions. The first eration, including spearheading the ated. It must be a combined effort. was over a decade ago at the initial development and implementation of Us and them. And everyone in-be- “Tales of Corbett” event, which cel- an investment policy. The Federa- tween. And everyone beyond, older ebrated the varied history of Corbett tion is better off for even this short and younger. We can’t expect them WMA and South Florida in general. duration of participation. He will to let us skate that easily; it’s not their Lou convinced me to transform the surely be missed. place to let us off the hook for creat- event into an “open microphone,” As we approach the 75th anni- ing a climate where value is deter-

FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION NORTHWEST REGION CENTRAL REGION STAFF TALLAHASSEE OFFICE 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive; P.O. Box 6870 REGIONAL DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR Jenny Brock Jim Thomas PRESIDENT Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6870 311 Old Magnolia Rd, Crawfordville, FL 32327 14908 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 Manley K. Fuller, III 850-656-7113; FAX 850-942-4431 850-421-6640 407-656-8277 Vice President for Conservation & General Counsel DISTRICT I DIRECTOR DISTRICT II DIRECTOR www.fwfonline.org E-mail: [email protected] DISTRICT V DIRECTOR DISTRICT VI DIRECTOR Preston T. Robertson Glenn Griffith Diane Roberts Robert E. “Bob” Taylor Ann Vanek-Dasovich 516 Ward Street Affiliated With National Wildlife Federation 3045 Windermere Dr P O Box 688 489 W Davis Blvd, Vice President of Administration Pensacola, FL 32503 Tallahassee, FL 32308 Lake Hamilton, FL 33851 Tampa, FL 33606 Diane Hines OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND STAFF 850-595-3538 850-508-5867 863-439-2251 813-205-9810 Membership Coordinator Policy Consultant Lynn Jones Jay Liles

CHAIR IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR NORTHEAST REGION SOUTHERN REGION Habitats Coordinator Communications Specialist Jim Schuette Linda Stanley REGIONAL DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR Pat Pearson Cole Sousa 16736 94th St. N PAST CHAIR’S COUNCIL David White Ned Stone Loxahatchee, FL 33470 Walt Brandon Florida Fish & Wildlife News 1700 Fairway Drive South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 2012 Coral Shores Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 Bookkeeper 561-301-4883 Steve O’Hara Producer/Editor: 727-365-9794 954-205-9595 Joe E. Cox Bob Reid Danny Gwynn-Shapiro Jenny Brock DISTRICT III DIRECTOR DISTRICT IV DIRECTOR DISTRICT VII DIRECTOR DISTRICT VIII DIRECTOR Administrative Assistants VICE-CHAIR David J. White To be Appointed Matt Kenyon Richard Kuepker Franklin Adams Neal George, Tessa Kleck, Michelle Hakemoller, Jake Gwynn-Shapiro George Tanner Lynn Alan Thompson 3020 Lake Shore Blvd 3928 Victoria Drive 761 15th St. NW, 2320 South Tanner Rd Franklin Adams Jacksonville, FL 32210 West Palm Bch, FL 33406 Naples, FL 34120 FWF SW FL OFFICE FWF NE FL OFFICE Orlando, FL 32820 Jim Scanland 904-759-2300 561-683-2144 239-455-1567 H SW Florida Field Representative NE Florida Planning Advocate 407-568-2277 Tommy Needham Nancy Payton Sarah Owen Gledhill Timothy Keyser 2590 Golden Gate Pkwy, Ste. 105 201A Owens Ave, VICE-CHAIR Richard Tillis Naples, FL 34105 St. Augustine, FL 32080 Janice Kerber EIGHT AT-LARGE DIRECTORS (239) 643-4111 (904) 461-1160 P O Box 33076 PRESIDING OFFICER Palm Beach Gardens, FL OF LIFE MEMBERS’ Martha Musgrove Ted Everett Tom Evans, Jr. Billy Causey 33420-3076 COUNCIL 2432 Edgewater Drive 1963 Hard Labor Rd 1000 Warwick Lane 30939 Delgado Lane The Florida Fish and Wildlife News is published quarterly by the 561-358-4011 David Theriaque West Palm Beach, FL 33406 P O Box 739 Wilmington, DE 19807 Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Florida Wildlife Federation 561-965-9409 Chipley, FL 32428 302-656-0880 305-809-4670 VICE-CHAIR 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301. 2012 DELEGATES TO NWF 850-638-4157 ISSN: 1520-8214 Steve O’Hara Delegate: Janice Kerber 1061 Holly Lane Terry Gibson To be appointed Tim Bachmeyer Rick Abbott 2060 NE 23rd Terrace 10566 SE 32 Ave EDITOR in CHIEF CONTACT US AT Jacksonville, FL 32207 Alternate: George Tanner 3233 Heather Hill Rd 904-803-4965 Jensen Beach, FL 32309 Ocala, FL 34480 Tallahassee, FL 32309 Manley K. Fuller, III [email protected] 772-285-7683 352-307-4742 (850) 599-8998 No original material may be reproduced without written consent from the publisher.

 May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News PRESIDENT from page 1 tion for the first Everglades Water Supply in 2012. Ultimately proper funding for our Summit in Tallahassee in January 2012. The conservation lands program will likely need unique ‘Glades provides water for one-third FWF Scholarship Update to be brought to and ratified by Florida voters of the state’s population as well as provid- to secure adequate resources for our conser- ing habitat for a myriad of species. FWF FWF Scholarship Update - May 2012 vation lands, both public and private, and for advocates robust Everglades restoration to necessary management practices including our elected officials. Today the Federation’s prescribed fire, control of invasive exotics and official representatives to the Coalition are funds to implement land management plans. FWF Director Martha Musgrove and myself. FWF was successful in spearheading the The restoration of increased flows in the 2008 statewide voter initiative to amend the Central Everglades is currently a focal point Florida Constitution to provide incentives to in the Restoration plan. This involves modi- private landowners to permanently protect fications of lands, levees and roads, water their properties through conservation ease- quality treatment, water storage and bridg- ments. The initiative passed with over 68 ing to more clean water south, similar to the percent voter approval. Since then, we have way it flowed historically. These actions educated landowners about this incentive must be properly sequenced. Everglades res- to increase the amount of protected private toration will have tremendous benefits to fish lands within our state. At the present time, and wildlife and will also provide enhanced approximately 580,000 private acres have nature-based outdoor recreational opportu- From left to right: Back row: John Hayes - UF IFAS Interim Dean of Research; Franklin Per- conservation easements over them statewide. nities for the public including fishing, hunt- cival – Unit Leader, USGS FL Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Matt Burgess The Federation has been working to ex- ing, ecotourism, boating, kayaking, etc. Ev- – WEC PhD student advised by Franklin Percival; Justin Mitchell – WEC undergraduate major; tend some of our great public lands includ- erglades restoration also helps protect the Kristen Donovan – WEC undergraduate major. Front row: Samantha Baraoidan – WEC under- ing the St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge, fresh water supply to millions of Floridians. graduate major and Carsyn Painter – WEC undergraduate major. This photo was taken at the annual WEC Department picnic at UF’s Lake Wauberg. the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the newly established Headwaters Na- Fish and Wildlife Management/Law The FWF Scholarship Fund provides scholarships each year in April to tional Wildlife Refuge as places for wildlife Enforcement students in the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and and well managed outdoor recreation. We The Florida Wildlife Federation supports Conservation who have a keen interest in Florida wildlife and/or an intent to work with federal and state natural resource scientifically-based management of our fish agencies and private land conservation- and wildlife populations and the recovery of pursue a career in Florida wildlife ecology or conservation after graduation. ists to bolster our landscape linkages. We depleted native fish and wildlife. To achieve This year there were five recipients of the FWF Scholarship: one graduate stu- are engaged in seeing that the Big Cypress recovery of historically overfished popula- dent - Matt Burgess ($1,500), and four undergraduates - Samantha Baraoidan National Preserve and Addition Lands are tions of marine fish, we strongly support the ($750), Justin Mitchell ($750), Carsyn Painter ($500), and Kristen Donovan managed for the benefit of their waters, their implementation of the conservation goals of ($500). wildlife, including the endangered Florida the Magnuson Act. The restoration of our reef Matt Burgess is a first year doctoral student, advised by Dr. Franklin Per- Panther, and for well-managed, traditional fish populations requires letting more fish -be cival. Matt’s research interest centers on the development of new and emerg- outdoor recreation as Congress intended. ing able to reach larger sizes which produce ing technological methods to advance knowledge of the wildlife, habitats, and many more offspring than do smaller fish and ecosystems unique to Florida. After completing his PhD, Matt would like to Cleaning Our Impaired Waterways which allows for better balanced sex ratios teach at a research-oriented university in Florida, where he can conduct novel The Federation, working with conserva- which increase reef fish productivity. Better tion allies, is a strong advocate for cleaning protection of baitfish stocks, which are near research on Florida wildlife, habitats and ecology. up Florida’s impaired waters. In 2011 and the base of the marine food chain, is critical Samantha Baraoidan is a 4th year student who plans a career in sustain- 2012, FWF’s attorneys at EarthJustice con- to building populations of larger fish species able development, with a particular interest in reforming the ecotourism indus- tinue the challenging but necessary work to and other marine wildlife. Marine fisheries try in Florida. She was just elected by her peers to serve as the president of the establish measurable, enforceable nutrient management also needs to increasingly fo- Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society in the upcoming academic year. standards for our waterways. Clean water- cus on more selective gear which does not Justin Mitchell is a 4th year student, currently working on an improved ways are critical to Florida’s nature-based adversely impact essential fish habitat, this technique of measuring Greater Sirens and two-toed Amphiumas in the field. economy and to public health. We are also will enhance future fishing opportunities. He hopes to attend graduate school and is the Historian of the Student Chapter exploring other strategies with attorney Tom FWF’s heritage has always contained of The Wildlife Society. Reese to prevent and begin to reverse further and we continue to champion sustainable, is new to the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conser- degradation of our springs and shell fish areas. ethical, and scientifically-based hunting Carsyn Painter In reviewing FWF’s 75 year history, a and fishing regulated by professional fish vation having switched from a Zoology major. She has worked for the Lowry 1960 St. Pete Times editorial article was dis- and wildlife managers. We strongly oppose Park Zoo in Tampa and is interested in environmental education as a future covered which noted that the Florida Wild- poaching and other illegal activities that career. life Federation was calling for the cleanup of adversely impact our fish and wildlife and Kristen Donovan is a 1st year student who plans on a veterinary career Florida’s waters for fish, wildlife and human their habitats. Since its beginning, FWF has with an emphasis on wildlife conservation. health. There was federal legislation for this supported Florida’s Wildlife Alert program Florida Wildlife Federation congratulates all of these outstanding in the Eisenhower Administration. So we which allows citizens to report wildlife vio- scholarship recipients. It is a pleasure to be able to assist students with finan- have been working on these same efforts for lators and has successfully lobbied for strict- cial support to pursue their educational and research goals related to Florida’s a long time, but we and our fish and wildlife er criminal penalties for violators as well wildlife. Keep up the good work and we look forward to hearing more about benefit from clean water and we must do a as more adequate permit and license fees your work in conservation in the future. better job of controlling nutrient pollution. to provide needed funding for enforcement. The FWF board of directors has recom- Manley Fuller Everglades Restoration mended to the Florida Fish and Wildlife The Federation has been a longtime pro- Conservation Commission (FWC) a se- To make an online donation to the FWF Scholarship Fund, ponent of Everglades restoration and col- ries of proposals to better manage white- laborates with a broad coalition on behalf tailed deer in Florida. Our objective is please go to: of one of the world’s most significant wet- to better manage Florida’s most popular www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving. land ecosystems. Having been an active game animal in part by adopting policies Select IFAS under “colleges,” and choose the FWF Scholarship member of the Everglades Coalition since that allow for a greater percentage of ma- Fund (013403) from the choices given. its inception, and as part of the Everglades ture bucks in deer herds across the state. Foundation’s environmental advisory group, we partnered with the Everglades Founda- PRESIDENT con’t page 7

May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News  SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REPORT by Nancy Anne Payton, Southwest Florida Field Representative

ther National Wildlife Refuge, a field trip to two wildlife crossings Fakahatchee Strand State Pre- in Collier County. Both crossings serve and Picayune Strand were built without public fund, are State Forest to Corkscrew much smaller in scale that the panther Regional Ecosystem Wa- crossings under I-75/Alligator Alley, tershed (CREW) in Lee and cost far less than those built with County. Florida panthers taxpayer dollars. and other wildlife can The first stop was at the Bonita forage and move through Bay/TwinEagles crossing under Im- Camp Keais without en- mokalee Road in northwest Collier countering people and homes. Trav- County. The crossing was built as a eling Camp Keais Strand is getting cooperative effort among the Federa- safer for wildlife because two wild- tion, Collier County Audubon Soci- life underpasses now exist at Oil ety, Bonita Bay and Collier County. Governor Scott Well Road near Camp Keais Strand. “Cost engineering” the Immokalee tours Camp Keais A third crossing under Immokalee Road widening project resulted in Strand Road is funded and construction is savings that were applied to building expected to be completed in 2013. the underpass. Linda Elligott, US Army Corps of Engi- On April 16, Field Representative Using Collier County’s Rural The underpass was designed by neers; Darrell Land, Florida Fish and Nancy Payton joined Florida Gover- Lands Stewardship Area program, biologist Jim Beever, who was then Wildlife Conservation Commission Pan- nor Rick Scott for a tour of the Camp Camp Keais west of the Town of Ave with the Florida Fish and Wildlife ther Team Leader; and David Bishof, Keais Strand in eastern Collier Coun- Maria is permanently protected and Conservation Commission and is Collier County Environmental Council inside the City Gate underpass. ty. is being restored. Governor Scott now with the Southwest Florida Re- Camp Keais is privately owned visited two restoration areas and was gional Planning Council. The unique and runs south from Lake Trafford impressed with the success of the in- structure, not as high or as wide as by the Barron Collier Companies, it in Immokalee to the Florida Pan- centive-based natural resource pro- most panther underpasses, is under is forever protected through Collier ther National Wildlife Refuge. The tection program. At one of the res- six lanes of highway, but panthers County’s Rural Lands Stewardship strand has been on the Florida For- toration sites, fresh black bear prints are using it. Due to the topography Area program. The crossing, Flor- ever acquistion list for many years. were found. on either side of the road, no fencing ida’s first privately-funded wildlife In addition to being an important was installed to funnel wildlife to the underpass, could not have been built wetland system, it is also the only re- Professionals underpass. On the day of the visit, without the private landowner’s co- gional habitat link from Florida Pan- panther and bobcat tracks were found operation and assistance. Visit Wildlife in the tunnel’s dirt floor. On other The Federation worked closely Underpasses visits, black bear tracks were seen. with City Gate’s consultants in de- The second stop was at the cross- termining the crossing’s location and Florida Wildlife Federation gave a ing east of Immokalee. This crossing was engaged throughout the permit- presentation to the Southwest Florida was privately funded, permitted, and ting process. In 2011, the Federation Association of Environmental Pro- built by City Gate in exchange for recognized City Gate’s contributions fessionals on protecting and enhanc- developing its property near I-75 in to the recovery of the endangered ing regional habitat links. Naples. Although the land both north Florida panther with the Wildlife Nancy Payton joined the group for and south of the crossing is owned Conservationist of the Year award.

Florida Governor Rick Scott and Field Representative Nancy Payton discuss restoration plans for Camp Keais Strand, pictured in background. The mined area is being reclaimed for the benefit of native wildlife includ- ing wood storks that nest in nearby Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Southwest Florida Association of Environmental Kim Fikoski, Bonita Bay biologist, standing in Photo by: Blake Gable Professionals discussing the TwinEagles underpass. the south entrance of the TwinEagles underpass.  May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News NORTHEAST FLORIDA REPORT Chattahoochee by Sarah Owen-Gledhill, FWF’s Northeast Florida Planning Advocate Basin named one of America’s Johns River will have a voice in Once flooded, these lands cannot fa- Great Waters DC which will help elevate the cilitate movement for Florida’s wild- status of the River, leverage life. The tour was a real eye-opening funding and ensure restora- experience to fully understand the tion efforts are coordinated. impact the reservoir has on the natu- It’s good to know that the ral system. The next drawdown will St. Johns River is valued not be for another three to four years. as a national treasure for its By then we hope the dam is well on economic, social and environ- its way to being taken down, thereby mental contributions to our commu- allowing the Ocklawaha to flow free. nities. FWF President Manley Fuller Water Resolutions Ocklawaha River Photo by Mike Haskey Pass in Two Tour Counties By Mike Owen Captain Erika Ritter and Putnam Published April 19, 2012 St. Johns and Flagler counties are County Environmental Council’s in the Ledger-Enquirer leading the way in northeast Florida Karen Ahlers took a group of us out www.ledger-enquirer.com to help protect our water resources. to see the Rodman Reservoir draw- The Florida Conservation Coalition down. The drawdown, which last oc- The Apalachicola-Chattahoochee- drafted a resolution for local govern- curred in 2008, allows you to see the Gas and Oil Flint River Basin has been designat- ments to express their intent to sup- Ocklawaha River meander as it once ed one of America’s Great Waters, port and secure funding for the water did and should today. The drawdown Exploration Off the joining natural resources such as management districts and keep water reveals a graveyard of old forest that Atlantic Coast the Everglades, Great Lakes and the resource decisions at the regional once stood along the banks of the Mississippi River in holding that dis- level. FWF, along with its north- Ocklawaha. This graveyard goes as The Bureau of Ocean Energy tinction. east Florida conservation partners, far as the eye can see. The drawdown Management is conducting public America’s Great Waters Coali- presented the resolutions to local began around Thanksgiving and hearings along the east coast to so- tion, which made the designation, is commissions. St. Johns and Flagler takes approximately 60 days to reach licit comments regarding the draft an alliance of national, regional, state jumped on board and passed the re- an elevation of 11 feet by January 1. Environmental Impact Statement and local organizations devoted to spective resolutions unanimously. By March 1, the water is released and (EIS) which would modify an ex- protecting, preserving and restoring A huge thank you to Flagler County is back to 20 feet above sea level by isting permit to explore the Atlantic important water resources. Commissioner Milissa Holland and April 15. As the reservoir is raised outer continental shelf for gas and The announcement of the ACF Ba- St. Johns County Commissioner Cin- critical habitat is flooded. Amongst a oil. The existing permit allows for sin, along with the St. Johns River in dy Stevenson for sponsoring the res- host of concerns noted by FWF, the exploration of renewable energy and Florida and the Hudson River in New olution. Of course, they would not lands flooded are part of the Ocala marine minerals. The modification to York, was made Wednesday on the have successfully passed it without to Okefenokee ecological corridor. explore for gas and oil would require banks of the Chattahoochee, within the support from their fellow county seismic testing of the sea floor which earshot of the ongoing whitewater commissioners. We look forward to comes with impacts to marine spe- rafting river restoration project. more northeast Florida counties sup- cies that inhabit the waters. One al- “We will join a host of other well- porting our water resources. ternative for the draft Environmental known and important ecosystems Impact Statement includes prohibit- across the country, such as the Florida St. Johns River ing seismic testing during two time Everglades, the Great Lakes, Chesa- periods. One would prohibit test- peake Bay, Puget Sound, Coastal Basin Great Waters ing during the North Atlantic right Louisiana, and on and on,” said Man- Petition Approved whale calving season and the other ley Fuller, president of the Florida would prohibit testing off of Brevard Wildlife Federation, who made the Another success in northeast Flor- Old forest exposed during drawdown County during sea turtle nesting sea- announcement. “What we hope to ac- ida is the approval of the St. Johns son. And the “do nothing” alternative complish with this is to bring greater River basin as a “Great Water” by is to not explore for gas and oil off public recognition at the national the Great Waters Coalition. In the the Atlantic Coast and continue with level of the ecological significance of last publication, we informed you renewable energy and marine miner- the ACF and the great economic and that FWF, along with our conserva- als as the current permit allows. The societal values and some of the chal- tion partners, submitted the petition. Federation is preparing its comments lenges and threats that it faces.” It is with great pleasure to announce regarding the impacts of seismic test- Chattahoochee RiverWarden Ex- that we succeeded! As part of the na- ing to marine species. tional Great Waters Coalition, the St. GREAT WATERS con’t page 10

May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News  Congratulations to those members of FWF who earned GreenStar Certification! A year ago, the Federation began its GreenStar Certification program to acknowledge our members’ personal commitments to a clean and healthy environment through the use of environmentally beneficial practices in their daily lives. The areas covered on the online Questionnaire include Outdoor Impact, Transportation and Energy, Water Conservation, and “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.” In addition, there was a place to describe a person’s own activities that were not covered in the Questionnaire. We truly appreciate all those who responded and requested GreenStar Certification. The program is still up and running on our website, www.fwfonline.org. Go to PROGRAMS on the main menu at the top, and you’ll find GreenStar Certification on the drop down menu. From there you will be taken to the online GreenStar Questionnaire.

Members Who Received Green Star Certification Tom & Kristi Thomas, Odessa Dorothy E. Pansius, Avon Park Capt. Mike Baker, Silver Springs Sherill Overberg, Labelle Franklin & Kathy Adams, Naples Christina Brownlow, Southwest Ranches Kerry Jackson, Orlando Gina Burrell, St. Augustine Eric Gehring, Wellington Jerry Burns, Lake Wales John B. Weber, Spring Hill Kathleen Krizek, Jacksonville Graham Clarke, Panama City G. S. Paaso, St. Augustine Barbara A. Goodman, Plantation Carol Kline, St. Petersburg Mary F. Hoffeld, Okeechobee Elizabeth D. Miller, Jacksonville Capt. Vicki B. Tarr, Port Charlotte Rudy J. Beres, Hernando Patricia E. Williams, Pace Donna Rowe, Hampton Deidre Heindl, Ft. Myers Marjorie Schaefer, Southwest Ranches Richard Poole, Longwood Maurine B. Buckley, Apopka Sabine Odenbreit, Gainesville Saturiwa Conservation Area, Michael D. Adams, Elkton Frances McConnell, Coral Springs Sarah Gledhill, St. Augustine Lynn Fischer, Miami Nancy Payton, Naples Edeltraut Taut, Archer Heidi Stiller, Tallahassee Edward Stone, Ft. Lauderdale Barbara Meade, Pompano Beach Eileen Kimsey, Tampa Glenn Griffith, Pensacola Jim Thomas, Winter Garden William Swatkoski, Ruskin Janice Kerber, Palm Beach Gardens Lee Moore, Melbourne Maura Poglitsch, Gainesville Robert E. Taylor, Jr., Lake Hamilton Pat Rose, Largo Janet Renuart, St. Augustine Stephanie Armas, Gainesville Alexander B. McManus, St. Augustine Carolyn H. Peet, Sarasota Esther Marie Prexl, Tamarac Raymond Feinberg, Gainesville

FLORIDA KIDS’ QUIZ FWF participates in Wakulla 1. Why is the Gopher Tortoise Wildlife Festival, April 21, 2012 so important ecologically?

2. Have any Florida critters been declared extinct in the last few years?

FWF staff and volunteers from left to right: Michelle Hakemoller, Jake Gwynn-Shapiro, Diane Hines, Laura Daley, Beth Hakemoller and Danny Gwynn-Shapiro. We spotted a pelican which was recov- ering from the BP Oil Spill and must 3. Why is it so important to try remain in wildlife rehab due to continuing health problems. to eliminate the Burmese Python from the Everglades? Once again, FWF participated in the Wakulla Springs Annual Wildlife Festival. If you have been involved in similar events, or would like to volunteer to help FWF by setting up a display at your local events, please contact Diane Hines at [email protected]. See page 11 for answers, and more information.

 May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News PRESIDENT from page 3 Apalachicola River and Bay, Chatta- Federation Sponsors Eagle Scout Project hoochee and Flint Rivers (ACF) FWF successfully nominated the Apala- Coastal Management Policy and Gulf chicola, Chattahoochee and Flint River Paul (Trey) Blackmon, a sophomore at Bar- Restoration drainages (ACF) for selection as one of ron Collier High School and an aspiring Eagle The Federation is engaged in critical America’s Great Waters. The ACF stretches Scout, selected the Nancy Payton Preserve for coastal policy issues, most notably protect- from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Gulf ing the Coastal Barrier Resources System. his Eagle project. of Mexico and contains some of America’s Christal Segura, Preserve Land Manager with This system helps protect over 700,000 acres most productive and diverse fish and wild- of coastal Florida by removing federal subsi- life habitats. The ACF is filled with tremen- Collier County’s Conservation Collier, contact- dies that typically stimulate development in dous challenges in terms of water manage- ed Boy Scout Troop 243 for help with marking flood prone areas. Federation director Tom ment including adequate flows to maintain the Preserve’s trail. Troop 243 is chartered to Evans, Jr. co-authored the Coastal Barrier ecological sustainability within the ACF. Resources Act (CBRA) while in Congress. the North Naples United Methodist Church. Inclusion of the ACF as one of the Great Trey’s project consisted of building four Nationally, CRBA protects over 3.5 million Waters will provide a means to highlight the acres on the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes ACF before a concerned national audience. benches, a picnic table, trail markers, and an coasts. During 2011, we continued to edu- informative wildlife sign. He and his team then Installing a trail marker cate Congress about the need for a strong St. John’s River placed them along the trail. CBRA program and fought efforts to gut the The Northeast office and FWF Headquar- protection it offers, not only to nature but The building materials were sponsored by Florida Wildlife Federation ters staff working with conservation allies and Collier County Florida Audubon Society. to taxpayers. By promoting state policies submitted the St. John’s River as a candi- that discourage development intensification date for inclusion as one of America’s Great The preserve was purchased through Conservation Collier’s voter-ap- along our beaches and shores, we seek to Waters acknowledging its high significance. proved tax. It is named in honor the Federation’s Field Representative mitigate Florida’s exposure to storms and The national Great Waters committee subse- Nancy Payton and acknowledges her work on behalf of Florida wildlife. sea level rise. Our undeveloped or lightly quently voted to include the St. John’s as one developed shorelines currently offer incred- The preserve is noted for its red-cockaded woodpecker habitat and is part of of America’s Great Waters. This program a habitat network in North Belle Meade and Picayune Strand State Forest. ibly rich fish and wildlife habitat, and serve will provide a forum to bring the ecological as storm protection zones by absorbing wind values and conservation challenges facing the Red-cockaded woodpeckers are endangered because their upland habitats and high water. We are also active in the St. John’s to a national conservation audience. are those first sought for development. effort to reform state insurance in Talla- Boy Scout Eagle projects are making significant contributions to Con- hassee and to modify Federal Flood Insur- Going Forward ance programs to remove public incentives servation Collier preserves and the public’s enjoyment of these lands. The For 75 years, the Florida Wildlife Feder- Federation encourages other land managers for new development in flood prone areas. ation has been and continues to be a leading In Washington, D.C., we are also sup- advocate for the conservation of Florida’s to consider Boy and Girl Scouts as conser- porting federal legislation known as the magnificent fish and wildlife, the habitats vation partners and congratulates Trey on RESTORE Act to have eighty percent of upon which they depend and sound natural his accomplishments. the fines stemming from the BP -Deepwa resources management. The Florida Wild- ter Horizon oil disaster returned to Florida life Federation believes that educating peo- and other impacted Gulf states for ecosys- ple about our environment and having peo- tem restoration. We are also concerned ple get out into nature, enjoying sustainable about the coming effects of sea level rise and ethical outdoor recreation, contributes to and other impacts on Florida’s coastal the long term appreciation of our natural re- areas associated with climate change. sources and helps to create conservationists Working with allies to promote conser- for the future. We believe that a bright future vation of sea turtle nesting beaches along of fish and wildlife and people alike requires Florida’s coasts, the Federal Emergency the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Management Agency (FEMA) agreed with us by requiring sea turtle consider- Thank you so much for your support. Woodpecker Identification Sign ations in the issuance of federal flood in- surance. The Federation is collaborating Delivering the benches and table with reinsurance companies to highlight the value of natural barrier islands, natural features and wetlands to buffer and protect built environments from coastal flooding. Following successful relocation of the nests of threatened and endangered sea turtles along the Gulf Coast to habitats on The Importance of Financial Support Florida’s Atlantic coast in 2010, the Fed- The Florida Wildlife Federation New Life Members: eration continues to partner with the Sea seeks financial and volunteer assistance Turtle Conservancy and National Wildlife from individuals, private foundations Federation to protect marine turtle nesting and businesses to support the continu- beaches. In 2011, the Federation promot- ation of our conservation work. If you Mr. & Mrs. Michael Corrigan, Sarasota ed implementation of the Florida Beaches would like to assist the Federation in a Habitat Conservation Plan and a compre- financial capacity, through donations Diane K. Roberts, Ph.D., Tallahassee hensive reevaluation of the state Coastal or to make arrangements to include Construction Control Line program. The FWF in your planned giving or estate Federation also works to reduce sea turtle Thank you for your support! mortalities associated with long-line fishing plans, please contact the FWF head- and trawling. FWF is also supporting mea- quarters office at (850) 656-7113 or by *Legacy Club Members are those who have donated $5000 or more in a single gift, Eagle sures to reduce threats to the highly endan- email at: [email protected]. Your Club Members are $1000 donors and Life Members are $500 donors. gered Atlantic Right Whale which winters assistance will be very much appreci- off the central and northeast Florida coast. ated and put to good conservation use.

May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News  2012 Legislative Session Wrap Up On behalf of the Florida Wildlife Federation and its board and members we want to thank you for taking action on conservation issues this year. Your voice is critical to our ability to positively impact the legislative process. Bills That Passed This issue remains the subject of a Renewable Energy HB 7117: As and would restrict all local governments, State Budget: $8.3 million to Florida state administrative hearing involving proposed by Agriculture Commissioner except Jacksonville-Duval, from having Forever. From this appropriation, a con- FWF. A recent National Academy of Adam Putnam, this bill restores millions septic tank programs that exceed state servation easement must be purchased on Sciences report chastised the Florida in expired renewable energy tax credits, standards. Counties with first magnitude 721 acres in northern Jefferson County. Department of Environmental Protection and puts Florida “somewhere between springs and others may opt out of the In addition, the legislature directed the for confusing the difference between the a baby step and a modest step” toward prescribed 5-year inspection standards for purchase of two lots near the Governor’s incremental implementation costs that energy independence, according to Com- septic tanks. The bill retains a prohibition Mansion, near what is known as “the might be incurred with the EPA numeric mittee Chair Rep. Scott Plakon. The bill on land disposal of septage, beginning Grove.” The remainder of the appropria- nutrient criteria and the total long-term would direct the Department of Agricul- January of 2016; prohibits any local gov- tion will go to fund conservation ease- costs of restoring all of Florida’s impaired ture and Consumer Services, in consulta- ernment from requiring high performance ments or “partnerships where the state waters. Status: Governor Scott signed tion with the Public Service Commission, systems until completion of a DOH study pays no more that 50% of the cost.” Thus, HB 7051 into law and our litigation to conduct a statewide forest inventory to in 2015; and prohibits any point of sale there will be several million to spend continues. determine the appropriate level of plant- inspection program (except for Jack- on land protection. While not the $15 ings to sustain biomass energy in Florida. sonville-Duval). Status: Approved by million requested by the Governor, it is a Trail Signage SB 268: Allows private This has been a high priority of the for- Governor start toward returning Florida Forever to entities to put up advertisement signs on estry industry in Florida and a recommen- consistent annual appropriations. Status: greenways and trails. A carefully crafted dation of the Biomass Energy Taskforce Approved by Governor. agreement had been reached to limit sig- in 2010. Status: Allowed to become law HB 1117: Allows zoo animals to be nage to a relatively few trail heads, park- without Governor’s signature. placed on state lands. Status: The Gov- Reclaimed Water SB 1086/HB ing lots and access points. However, a Septic Tank Pre-Emption HB 1263: ernor vetoed this bill. FWF and others 639: Prohibits water management dis- floor amendment deleted these provisions Adopted as an amendment to the omnibus had asked for a veto. tricts from requiring a permit for the use thus opening our greenways and trails to Department of Health (DOH) reorgani- of reclaimed water unless the use also the potential for commercial exploitation. zation bill, this measure eliminates the involves surface or ground waters, and Status: Approved by Governor. statewide septic tank inspection program -Preston Robertson and Jay Liles limits the ability of the districts to allocate reclaimed water without a request from a Water Management Districts SB utility during a water shortage or emer- 1986: As finally adopted, this bill re- Friends remember former gency. This legislation as originally intro- moves the revenue caps instituted in 2011 duced was highly problematic. Thanks to and gives the Legislature the authority to DEP veteran Mark Glisson the good work of our environmental al- review and comment on Water Manage- by Bruce Ritchie, The Florida Current, www.thefloridacurrent.com lies, the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Dana Young, ment District (WMD) budgets. The Legis- agreed to amendments which narrowed lature may set millage rates for WMD’s if The Florida Current is an online news service which covers Florida politics and policy. the focus of the bill and stopped efforts to they are dissatisfied with the preliminary Subscribe to its free Morning Edition by visiting www.thefloridacurrent.com. redefine state waters. A redefinition could budgets (as allowed under current law). have meant reclaimed water would have The Legislative Budget Commission Former Florida Department of Environmental Protection been considered a privately-held resource. (LBC) is authorized to reject: (1) single veteran Mark Glisson of Wacissa was remembered this week Status: Approved by Governor. land purchases over $10 million; (2) accu- as a humorous but stalwart defender of natural resources. mulative land purchases of over $50 mil- Glisson, who retired from DEP in 2007, died on Satur- Numeric Nutrients HB 7051: In lion in one year; (3) issuance of debt; (4) day at Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee after order to facilitate the EPA’s review of expenditures for outreach or management being rushed there with complaints about abdominal pain, said his wife, Kristi Glisson. He was 60. DEP’s numeric nutrient criteria rules, this and administration in excess of 15% of Photo by James A graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in bill exempts DEP’s proposed rules from total budget; and (5) individual variances William Muller biology, Glisson spent his entire 30-year career with DEP. He legislative ratification and requires DEP in WMD’s tentative budgets in excess of grew up in Keystone Heights and went to work for the Florida to submit its proposed numeric nutrient 25% from the preliminary budgets. State Park Service as a park ranger at Gold Head Branch State Park in 1977. criteria rules to the EPA for review under In summary, SB 1986 will largely He served as chief of the Bureau of Natural and Cultural Resources at the Florida Park the Clean Water Act. This was done place WMD oversight and management Service, and scientific and technical services director for the Office of Greenways and to preempt implementation of federal back under the model that existed prior Trails. He was staff director for the Acquisition and Restoration Council overseeing the standards which our opponents have to passage of 2011 legislation which so ranking of state lands purchases when he retired. incorrectly labeled as “too expensive” for hampered the Districts’ ability to carry Glisson was “a ‘green rock star’ for conservation as far back as the early to mid-’80s,” state implementation. We have judged the out their mission. Status: Approved by George Willson, a conservation advisor to landowners, said in an email. proposed DEP rules to be too weak and Governor. He was “a good character with tons of confidence about ecological issues and values,” unenforceable as to actually protecting Willson said. our state waterbodies. Landowner Liability HB 313: At- The Florida Wildlife Federation gave Glisson its “Conservationist of the Year” award The U.S. Environmental Protection tempts to reduce liability and duty of care in 2004 for his work making the Florida Forever land acquisition program a national mod- Agency decided 14 years ago that limits to private landowners who make their el. on the pollutants that feed algal outbreaks land available for the purpose of hunting, Glisson had “a little devil in him” so that while he butted heads with people while pro- on lakes and streams were necessary. fishing or wildlife viewing. To benefit tecting state lands and natural resources, he did so in such a way that was disarming to his Three years ago, EPA and the Florida from this limitation of liability, the land- opponents, federation President Manley Fuller said. Department of Environmental Protection owner must provide notice of the liability “He was a good problem solver,” Fuller said. “He was extremely enthusiastic. And he agreed that specific pollution limits must limits to the person or persons using the would call a spade a spade. be quickly implemented - but efforts to land in addition to the current require- “Sometimes I think his supervisors would get a little concerned,” Fuller said. “He establish limits were met by a massive ment that the landowner make no profit would say things in a way that would probably make some more bureaucratic people (at DEP) nervous. He wanted to get things done and cut through the red tape and BS. And he campaign by polluting industries to stop from nor charge a fee for using the land. could be just funny as hell in doing it.” or delay the new rules. Status: Approved by Governor.

 May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News unless the gator is big enough to eat the snake. With the drop in the population John Ogden edited a detailed and instructive volume of small mammals, our native and en- on restoring the River of Grass. He also dangered Florida panther has less to feed A bold and conservation-minded sci- authored more than 85 other academic upon. Sightings of native animal species entist, John Ogden, who was one of the papers. Later in his career, he became the in the Park have noticeably dropped with world’s most respected experts on wading lead scientist for the South Florida Water Management District and played a key role the coming of the pythons. birds and helped to create, mold and push Everglades’ restoration plans, died at age in driving the restoration effort. The snakes are well-suited to South 73 on March 31, 2012. Born on November Florida and are excellent swimmers. 18, 1938, Ogden dedicated nearly 40 years They are exceedingly hard to see, as they of his life to Everglades’ restoration and are well camouflaged and blend into the conservation. He also spent five years in background of a typical Everglades set- the West with the Audubon Society to help ting. Breeding in the early spring, py- rescue and restore the endangered Califor- Preston Robertson thons lay 12-36 eggs in March or April. nia condor. Vice President for Conservation & One can see how exponential growth Ogden worked as an ornithologist General Counsel of this snake’s population is a very real throughout the 1960s and ‘70s for the Na- concern. tional Audubon Society and Everglades National Park where he became a leading Cold weather will make the snake go Of Big Snakes expert on wading birds. In 1994, John co- dormant, and may even kill some indi- Photo via Audubon of Florida and South Florida viduals if temperatures drop sufficiently and with enough duration. With our an- You have likely been made aware nual temperatures rising, the spread of that South Florida, already replete with this snake northward is a possibility. IN exotic plants and animals, is now home Combating this ecological disaster to perhaps thousands of Burmese py- has proven very difficult. Hunting them MEMORIAM thons and other non-native constrictors. with airboats and on foot has generally This problem is especially severe in Ev- proven unproductive as the snakes are Donations have been received in erglades National Park and elsewhere very hard to detect, even if the snake is south of Lake Okeechobee, as these very only a few feet away. At present, bomb- memory of: large predators have now taken their sniffing dogs are being trained to detect place at the top of the ecological food the reptiles by odor. These “Ecodogs” chain. These snakes grow to 12 feet in are part of an Auburn University project. Betsy Knight length or more and are native to South- Training them to find these big snakes by Helen E. Clark east Asia. The python, one of the six larg- takes up to 10 weeks, but they are much est snakes on the planet, is now found in more successful than humans as they by Robert E. Reid Puerto Rica and Florida. It is likely that do not have to actually see the snake to the first snakes were released pets or es- know it is there. Ivy and Jake, two black by Dr. & Mrs. John A. Rushing capees following severe weather events Labrador retrievers, have an over 75% such as Hurricane Andrew. Whatever success rate and have helped in the de- the reason, these carnivores are here and struction of 19 snakes, including a grav- in great numbers. id female with 19 eggs. Larry Harris The major problem with the pythons As with the other exotic, harmful spe- and other exotic reptiles is that they eat cies we as Floridians have to deal with, by Mr. & Mrs. James L. Schortemeyer what we are trying to conserve and there- including plant species such as Brazil- by disrupt the balance of nature. The prey ian pepper and melaleuca, the suppres- of the pythons includes mice, raccoons, sion, and hopefully eradication, of this Dave Maehr foxes, rabbits, birds, eggs, opossums scourge will likely take a long time and and white-tailed deer. It eats alligators, only happen with great effort. by Mr. & Mrs. James L. Schortemeyer

Emory “E.C.” Vandagrift (from www.Tribute.com) THE FATHER of Carolyn Bailey Born Oct. 4, 1928 in Winter Haven, Florida. Graduated from Ocala High School in by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schwartzman 1957 and from Illinois Wesleyan in 1962. Served as Vice President of Continental Illinois Bank, Chicago, IL, Established and managed its Houston Office. Served as Chairman of the American Heart Association and was the Chair-Elect for its Texas affiliate. Was Ex- ecutive Director of Stages Repertory Theater, Director of Houston Clearinghouse Asso- E. C. Vandagrift, III ciation and Main Street Theater. President and Director of Houston Symphony Society, Managing Director of Houston Symphony. Served as by Claudia Farren Vice President and Division Manager of First National Bank of Denver. Held other bank management posi- by Diane Hines tions in Colorado and Texas. An investment advisor with A. G. Edwards & Son, Inc., At-Large Director of the Florida Wildlife Federation, and member of Silver by Mrs. Barbara Johnson Springs Alliance. Memorials to Florida Wildlife Fed- eration, P. O. Box 6870, Tallahassee, FL 32314. The Florida Wildlife Federation truly appreciated receiving these memorial donations.

May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News  Play our Boat and Car Sweepstakes Online!! GREAT WATERS from page 5 ecutive Director Roger Martin, who The Florida Wildlife Federation’s Boat and Green Car Sweepstakes are now joined Fuller for the announcement, online. You may enter anytime you like by going to FWF’s website and click- said restoration efforts like the white- water project and the Mill Creek res- ing on the Sweepstakes button at the top of any page. Ticket contributions toration project on the Alabama side are $5.00 each, or five tickets for a $20.00 contribution that will give you an helped the basin gain the designa- tion. extra chance to win. Other ticket combinations are available online. Proceeds Martin said the Mill Creek proj- from these two sweepstakes will be used right here in Florida to pursue vital ect discovered an illegal dump in the creek, which flows into the river next programs including support for conservation of sensitive wildlife habitat, pri- to the Phenix City Amphitheater. vate land conservation, wetlands protection, clean air and water initiatives, A cleanup effort removed 100,000 pounds of refuse from the creek in responsible outdoor recreation, Everglades restoration, and stewardship of that one spot, he said. our fish and wildlife resources. “It’s a national recognition, and this is a national resource here,” Mar- tin said. “It means it’s a resource of The 22nd Annual Boating Sweepstakes is in full swing. We are giving away a significant regional importance and is very important to our economic brand new boat with either a fuel-efficient, clean-running engine or a quiet, development in the region.” nonpolluting electric motor. To check out this year’s boat models go to http:// Fuller said he did not expect the designation to have any impact on the www.fwfonline.org/Sweeps-Archive/Boat/2012-Boating-Sweepstakes.aspx. long-running water dispute between This year we are offering the Angler 204 FXLE offshore boat, the Angler Georgia, Alabama and Florida over the Chattahoochee’s water supply. 2000 Grande Bay nearshore and inshore bay boat, the Hewes Redfisher flats “We’re not a party to the litiga- boat, the Ray E-Boat Explorer 21 with the Ray electric outboard motor, or tion,” Fuller said. “No matter what happens in that litigation -- and that’s $25,000 in cash. going to have to play itself out -- we need to practice water conservation throughout the basin.” Watch for your Sweepstakes tickets in the mail or play online. If you would The ACF river system spans more like a set of tickets mailed to you, send an email to FWF at boatsweeps@fw- than 19,600 square miles and flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains, fonline.org / [email protected] or call our toll-free number (800) through Atlanta, and south through 656-3014. Please provide your full name and complete mailing address to rural Georgia, Alabama and Florida before emptying into the Gulf of receive a packet of tickets. Specify “Boat Sweeps” or “Hybrid Sweeps: in the Mexico. Subject line. “While the Great Waters vary in geographic location and physical Proceeds from this sweepstakes will be used right here in Florida to pursue vital programs from Pensacola to Key West including support for land acquisition through the Florida Forever Program, private land conservation, wetlands protection, clean air and water initiatives, responsible characteristics, they are plagued by outdoor recreation, Everglades restoration and stewardship of our fish and wildlife resources. Payment not required to win. The Federation is a similar problems such as pollution, 501 (c) (3) non-profit citizens’ organization. altered water flows, habitat loss and destruction, invasive species, cli- New for this year is the Ray E-Boat Explorer 21, one of four boats to choose from in FWF’s 2012 mate change, and more,” said Adam fund-raising sweepstakes. Kolton, co-chairman for the Ameri- The Ray E-Boat Explorer 21 electric boat (21-feet) brings ex- ca’s Great Waters Coalition and a se- ploring tributaries, creeks and secluded water to a new level nior director at the National Wildlife of accessibility. Easy to trailer and launch with the family car, Federation. “Federal support for res- the boat features a shallow draft of 8 inches–motor up, and 18 toration work is essential for protect- inches–motor down. The Explorer will cruise continuously at ing these important waterways.” 6.2 mph for 8 hours on only 8 golf cart batteries—guaranteed. With its shallow water drive, the propeller manually tilts up leav- ing only 10 inches of draft. The propeller is guaranteed not to bend or break for two years. Comes complete with 12V house battery, 48V bank of batteries and chargers, and a Bimini top. The Explorer 21 and the Ray electric motor are built right here in Florida at Cape Coral. The company can be reached at (239) 574-1948; www.rayeo.com.

10 May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News billion) and its 1-in-100 year exposure which would further encourage coastal ($23.2 billion) would be covered by as- development. Meanwhile, the Coastal sessments levied by Citizens on its own Barrier Resources Act is being chipped policyholders and on policyholders of away, one unit at a time, by Members ANSWERS TO most property and casualty insurance. of Congress who fail to understand the FLORIDA KIDS’ That’s where it hits all of us in the true value it brings to most Americans. pocketbook. Next time you look at your By illustrating the market forces in QUIZ homeowners, auto or business insur- play here we are able to show that there is more at stake than wildlife habitat ance policy, note the charge for the 1. The gopher tortoise is a very impor- “Hurricane Assessment”. That is your and coastal protection. By allowing the tant part of the local ecology. As in any donation to those who want to live in risk associated with coastal living to food web, if you start taking certain paradise and have a front row view of be properly reflected in insurance cost flora or fauna out of the equation, then Jay Liles, your favorite beach but not have to pay (and not shifted to the public) we can you can adversely affect the survival of FWF Policy Consultant the full cost of such luxury. We have all impact the buyer’s decision. Perhaps that ecosystem. The gopher tortoise is been paying this assessment since 2004 they will consider the wiser invest- especially important because the bur- -05 series of storms that hit this state. ment that living just a little further in- rows, which are dug by the tortoises Is Time Running In all fairness, some residents have land presents and save one more stretch also provide a home for other animals, such as indigo snakes, gopher frogs, no choice but to go with Citizens. of barrier island from development. Out for Property mice, foxes, skunks, opossums, rabbits, We came away from that April This is due primarily to the fact that quail, burrowing owls, snakes, lizards, Insurance Reform? competitors for your insurance dol- meeting with a clear signal from oth- frogs, toads and other invertebrates. lar have been driven out by the pre- ers in the conservation community that Gopher tortoise burrows are home to As Florida enters another hurricane mium cap placed on Citizens by our they see the value in what we are doing about 250 species of animals at one season, the state-backed insurance policymakers. Recently, Citizens tried and they are inclined to join our efforts. time or another. Some species share the companies, Citizens Property Insurance to remove that cap for new business After hearing about the success of a na- burrows with the tortoises and others Corporation (CPIC) and the Florida being written in 2012-13 only to be tional insurance reform coalition called utilize abandoned burrows. Since the Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF), told by regulators that they could not! SmarterSafer, it was recommended burrows are used by so many species, continue to pose a financial risk to all On April 12-13, 2012 the Florida that we form a similar state coalition it does not take a rocket scientist to see that removing the tortoises from the lo- Floridians. At the heart of the matter is Wildlife Federation joined the National around the issue of insurance reform. cal habitat would leave many animals a lack of political will to address this Participating groups discussed educa- Wildlife Federation and Renaissance without homes. True, some of these threat to the state’s economy by mak- Reinsurance in briefing members of the tion efforts to encourage lawmakers to animals will be able to relocate, but ing the CPIC actuarially sound. Seem- Florida environmental community on adopt legislation that would limit the there are a few species that are found ingly, some members of our Florida the threat posed to Florida’s economy sale of CPIC coverage seaward of the only in these burrows. Legislature would rather put political by the continued over-exposure of CPIC Coastal Construction Control Line or expediency ahead of the economic risk and FHCF. Recognizing that this is an in the Coastal Barrier Resources Sys- 2. Yes. In 2011 the US Fish and Wildlife to the state. I know that comes as a bit issue that requires more than an obvious tem. Additionally, we discussed ways Service announced that they believe of a surprise to less jaundiced read- glance to see its environmental implica- to align state law to remove incentives two species in Florida have vanished: ers, but that is the unfortunate reality. tions, we wanted to share the rationale for building within units of the Coast- the South Florida rainbow snake (Far- ancia erytrogramma seminola) and the By continuing to ignore the threat for working on this issue and some of al Barrier Resources Act (CBRA). Florida fairy shrimp (Dexteria flori- posed by both CPIC and FHCF’s over- It was the consensus of opinion that the unique coalition building benefits dana). The species were under review exposure we are flirting with both a hur- we have derived from the campaign. CBRA is little known or understood out- for possibly being added to the Endan- ricane-induced calamity and a financial The impact of coastal develop is fair- side of the groups already working on gered Species Act (ESA), but it’s likely calamity. And what makes this worse is ly clear. We have lost much of the regu- these issues. An education effort to help the review came decades too late, as the fact that Citizens Insurance serves latory framework to push smart devel- raise awareness about how well it has they have not been seen in 50 years. as a perverse incentive to further coast- opment away from coastal flood plains. worked (especially at saving taxpayer al development in areas where people Amendments to restrict further abuse of dollars) and how it could be a model for 3. The story of the Burmese Python is should not be building. Our message to the Federal Flood Insurance Program other legislation would be well worth the like the story of the Gopher Tortoise in policymakers has been consistent – if remain mired in the U.S. Senate. We effort, especially since traditional con- reverse. The python is an exotic (non- native) species in the Everglades. It you insist on allowing people to build continue to fight congressional efforts servation approaches are being thwarted. is not part of the natural food chain on coastal, low-lying areas at least We anticipate that a call for partici- to create a national catastrophe fund there, and will prey even on alligators, don’t let them pass the financial risk on pation in the Florida coalition which were top dog in the food chain to the rest of us! Unfortunately, as a re- will be positively received by before the pythons came. Pythons are sult of further inaction by our state leg- many who attended the meeting. eating many of the mammals that live islature to reform CPIC and the FHCF, We look forward to going into in the Everglades, and recent reports that is exactly what is happening. the 2013 Legislative Session say that they are also consuming birds’ At the risk of inducing sleep, al- with a stronger grassroots effort eggs. This is damaging to the estab- low me to offer this bit of background: and a more receptive audience. lished balance of nature. No offence Citizens Insurance is the largest Let’s hope Florida is spared to snakes, but these are certainly in the property insurer in Florida, holding from any serious storms until wrong place! 25% of the entire market. As of No- the political will to reform is vember 30, 2011, Citizens’ total expo- sufficient to win the day. Those How did you do, sure was over $515 billion, with over who predict such things would Florida Kid??!!! 1.4 million policies, growing at a rate of tell you our time is running out. more than 1000 new policies a day. Cit- izens estimates the 1-in-100 year hurri- This real estate sign on waterfront property in cane would cost over $23.2 billion. The coastal Gulf County says it all. Note the fact $10.4 billion difference between Citi- that Federal Flood Insurance (offered by FEMA) zens’ resources to pay claims ($12.775 is advertised as a benefit to buying this lot.

May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 11 Florida Nature Store www.fwfonline.org

Atlas of Florida’s Natural Wild Florida Waters Florida’s Fishing Legends Backyard Birding: Using Nat- Heritage by Doug Alderson and Pioneers ural Gardening to Wild Florida Wa- by Doug Kelly “The Florida Attract Birds ters places Florida ’s by Julie Zickefoose Natural Ar- unsurpassed beauty “If you are a se- Bird watchers ev- eas Inventory and abundant wild- rious fisherman, erywhere dream of is pleased life in the forefront, Doug Kelly’s a landscape filled from the mangrove book will be of to announce with berry-laden labyrinth of the Ten interest to you. the publica- branches, nest- Thousand Islands to It is an essen- tion of the ing spots among the springfed Ichet- tial history of twining vines, and Atlas of Flor- ucknee River . It also Florida fishing, birds crowding ida’s Natural includes an exciting its many color- their feeding sta- Heritage: Biodiversity, Landscapes, dose of paddling adventures, whether it’s ful characters, tions. Let Back- tipping over in the Suwannee River ’s Big guides and pro- Stewardship and Opportunities. This yard Birding show you how to lay out the Shoals rapids, surfing wind-generated waves moters. The eas- high-quality, full-color Atlas is sure welcome mat for your feathered friends by while paddling the remote Apalachee Bay , ily read chapters range from the early days to become a standard reference for considering all of their needs, including or meeting up with a different form of “wild up to the present. Anyone who has been for- anyone involved in the conservation, year-round water, food, and shelter. Wheth- life” on a scenic waterway. Through all of the tunate enough to fish Florida’s waters both er you’re looking to create a hummingbird management, study, or enjoyment of adrenalin, a strong conservation message per- fresh and salt for an extended period of years garden, install a water feature, create perch- Florida’s rich natural resources. We meates the volume, and useful how-to infor- will recall the former abundance of the fish- es for birds, or simply let a corner of your hope the Atlas will inspire, educate, mation is included at the end of each chapter. ery and the changes in fishing technology.” property run wild, you’ll find all of the in- “It is past time somebody wrote a book of this Book review by Franklin Adams, FWF Dis- and raise awareness of and interest in spiration and information you need here in caliber. A treasure trove of information for trict VIIIDirector. biodiversity and conservation issues.” Backyard Birding. nature enthusiasts.” --Bill Richards, Executive Hardback, 288 pages. FP–496 Paperback, 196 pages, 10” x 12” format Paperback, 244 pages, 83 full-color photo- Director, Paddle Florida Price $26.95, Member Price, $24.45. FP–501, Price $49.99, graphs. FP–498, Price $14.95 Paperback, 266 pages. FP-499 Member Price, $47.99 Member Price, $14.62 Price $14.95, Member Price $14.62 The Joy of Birding Grandma of the Glades: A Brief Biography by Kate Rowinski of Marjory Stoneman Douglas The Joy of Birding by Kate Rowinski is a great book for anyone who by Marya Repko loves birds and wants to learn more about their behavior, their markings, This concise biography summarizes the achievements of Marjory wing shape, beak shape, how to photograph them, and more. The book Stoneman Douglas as a conservationist and writer – she is author is a colorful and unique guide which combines the best of all birding of the popular, well-received book about the Everglades, “River of books. There are tips for attracting birds to your yard as well as a key Grass” – and chronicles the changes she experienced through her for identifying birds. The narrative is very enjoyable, too! (Review by 108 years of life (1890-1998). Included in the book are old photo- Diane Hines, VP of Admin, FWF) graphs, commentary from friends and recommended reading. Paperback, 240 pages. FP-511 Paperback, 80 pages. FP–494 Price $14.95, Member Price $13.62 Price $10.00, Member Price, $8.75.

ORDER FORM for merchandise For faster service - Fax this form to (850) 942-4431 or visit www.fwfonline.org FP# Item Qty. Price Total Name ______Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______Daytime Phone ______E-mail______Method of Payment My check is enclosed___ (Please make check payable to Florida Wildlife Federation.) Please bill my _____Visa _____MC _____AmEx _____Discover Card No. ______Security Code My card expires: (month/year) ______/______Postage & Handling Charges: Name as it appears on card (Please print below) ______Less than $15.00 Add $5.50 $15.01 to $25.00 Add $6.50 Merchandise total $25.01 to $50.00 Add $8.50 ______$50.01 to $75.00 Add $9.50 FL Residents add 7.5% sales tax $ 75.01 to $100 Add $11.95 Authorized Signature ______$100.01 to $125 Add $12.95 Postage/Handling (see chart) Please return this form to: Florida Wildlife Federation $125.01 to $150 Add $14.95 $150.01 to $175 Add $15.95 ORDER TOTAL P.O. Box 6870 • Tallahassee, FL 32314-6870 $175.01 to $200 Add $17.95 Your satisfaction is guaranteed! If the product you receive is unsatisfactory, kindly return to us postpaid $200.01 and up Add $19.95 and we’ll cheerfully exchange it or send you a refund.

12 May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News Living Sanibel Living Gulf Coast Everglades Wildlife Barons by Charles LeBuff A Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands A Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands “This book written by a former guide at the Everglades Wonder Gar- by Charles Sobczak by Charles Sob- dens in Bonita Springs is certainly interesting to anyone who ever visit- Living Sani- czak ed the Piper Brothers wildlife gardens. It is the story of two remarkably bel is the most The Living Gulf tough bothers, Bill and Lester Piper, who came to Florida because of complete na- Coast is the first their love of wildlife and to have a new beginning. Seventy-four years ture guide to comprehensive later their Wonder Gardens still survives. It is a story of a time when Sanibel and nature guide to roadside attractions flourished for the tourist trade in Florida, most of Captiva Island Florida’s South- which are long gone. The Piper brothers were incredible field naturalists ever compiled. west region. It is in the earlier days of South Florida. The snake hunting accounts serve W i t h m o r e divided into two to document the decline of snake populations that we have witnessed today through loss of than 650 full sections with the habitat. The Florida panther breeding and particularly the ancestry/gene pool question of the color photo- first half being Piper panthers will be very interesting to anyone who has followed the attempts to recover graphs and il- a detailed field the endangered panther. lustrations by guide and the lat- For those who have an interest in Florida wildlife and those individuals most closely con- award-win - er being divided nected to an earlier time in Florida, this is an enjoyable read, both the good times and the ning nature by counties and tragic times of a unique family.” photographers arranged in a north-to-south plan. The book -Book review by Franklin Adams, FWF Southern Regional Director and artists, this covers six counties: Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Paperback, 272 Pages. FP - 492 single volume is the only book you will ever Collier, Glades and Hendry. There are more Price $24.95, Member Price $22.62 A Land Remembered need while visiting Florida’s fabled barrier than 160 parks, preserves and eco-destina- by Patrick D. Smith islands. The guide contains a total of 291 spe- tions covered in this work, with sixty-one of A Brief History of the Here are three cies of birds, with 105 species having color them described in great detail. Not only does Fakahatchee generations of plates and detailed information making it easy the book describe these outstanding desti- by Marya Repko the MacIvey fam- to identify the various resident and migra- nations, it also covers all the major birds, ily, from dirt-poor tory species that inhabit J.N. Ding Darling mammals, reptiles and amphibians found The author gives an Crackers to wealthy National Wildlife Refuge and the many other throughout the region. The bird section in- overview of South- real estate tycoons, preserves located on Sanibel and Captiva. cludes 291 species with 120 of the most west Florida’s past, in an epic portrayal “Living Sanibel” also includes a extensive commonly encountered birds covered in ex- the drainage and of the American shell guide, complete with color photographs acting detail. It also includes all the major development, and pioneer’s will to sur- of more than 70 of the most commonly found mammals and eighty-eight snakes, lizards, then delves in detail vive against all odds. shells on the pristine beaches of Sanibel and turtles and crocodilans found in the unique into the history of Here is the sweeping Captiva. The photos include a ruler beside ecosystems of Southwest Florida. With more this area. The book story of the land, how at first bare survival is each shell, making it simple to find even the than 600 full-color photographs of wildlife, includes old photo- scratched from it and then how it is exploit- smallest of shells. LIVING SANIBEL starts campgrounds, rivers and parks this is an es- graphs, a large list of ed far beyond human need. Here is a rich, with a detailed and concise Environmental sential tool for exploring everywhere from references, a time- rugged history of Florida’s pioneer spirit and History of Sanibel and Captiva. This brief the Florida Everglades to the aquarium at line, stories from local residents, and first- natural world. Winner of the Florida Histori- natural history puts the amazing accomplish- Mote Marine. This book is an absolute must hand accounts of the formation of the Park cal Society’s Tebeau Prize as the Most Out- ment of preserving these barrier islands into have for any nature lover, birder, biker, hik- from some of the people involved. standing Florida Historical Novel. Recently its true historical perspective. The book also er, kayaker, canoeist or naturalist planning Paperback, 58 pages. FP–486, awarded the best outdoor book of 2009 by contains a complete section on the mammals to visit Southwest Florida. Price $10.00, Member Price $9.00. the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. and sea mammals found on Sanibel and Paperback, 512 pages. FP- 500 Paperback, 403 pages. FP-413 Captiva. These include manatees, bottle-nose Price $26.95, Member Price $24.45 Price $12.95, Member Price $11.65. dophin and Atlantic spotted dolphin. For those This superb book, with its unique focus on the entire marine coastal environment, is the most interested in reptiles and amphibians, there A Field Guide comprehensive and up-to-date field guide available on the southeastern Atlantic Coast and the are more than fifty pages of snakes, lizards, to the Southeast Gulf Coast. Not just for beachgoers, the book is essential for birders, whale watchers, fishers, alligators and crocodiles. Also included are Coast & Gulf of boaters, scuba divers and snorkelers, and shoreline visitors. Features of the guide: Entries on the various fresh water turtles, as well as five Mexico 619 coastal and ocean species; More than 1,100 color illustrations; 450 up-to-date range maps; species of sea turtles that nest on Sanibel and by Noble S. Proctor & Overviews of key ecological communities, including mangroves, salt marshes, beaches, sand Captiva’s beaches. Patrick J. Lynch dunes, and coral reefs; Special attention to threatened and endangered species; Discussions of Paperback, 498 pages. FP- 448 environmental issues, including such catastrophic events as Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon blowout. Price $26.95, Member Price $24.45 Paperback, 386 pages. FP-510 Price $22.95, Member Price $21.00

2012 Spring Note Cards Karen Willes, an avid nature photographer, has photographed plants, animals, natural features, landscapes, and seascapes from coast to coast, includ- ing Alaska. From home in Tallahassee, Florida, she travels several times each year to enjoy and photograph scenes to share with others. Her work may be found at www.karenwillesphoto.com. She may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected]. To order cards please see order form on pg. 12 or purchase them in the FWF nature Store at: www.fwfonline.org. Price $10, FP-470.

May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 13 Kid’s Contest from page 1

The award was made to Leesburg Elementary in acknowledgement of the excellent educational and con- servation value of the gardens which include a Butterfly Garden, a Bog Garden, a Pond Habitat, a Wildflow- er Garden, a Florida Woodland Na- tive Habitat Garden, a Florida Native Wildlife Habitat and a Hydroponic Vegetable Garden. The diversity of these gardens provides habitat suit- Dr. Tanner, FWF Vice Chair, prepares to able for many native species of present students with their award. Florida wildlife. Interest in the es- tablishment of wildlife habitats and Dr. Tanner addresses Leesburg Elementary School knowledge of how to establish and students and their teachers. care for one is being carried home and back into the community by students. After the presentation ceremony, Dr. George Tanner said “The Florida Wildlife Federation is very proud and appreciative of Leesburg El- ementary School teacher Lesa Roe for her dedication to the conserva- tion of Florida’s natural resources and her guidance in developing this avocation in the minds and actions of the school’s students. These young students have learned that conser- vation requires both planning and Left and above: Students working in the gardens. hard work to meet their goals. Their wildlife gardens will continue to pro- vide perpetual educational stimuli for natural resource conservation.” The contest was open to all back- yard, schoolyard, business, or com- Conservation munity habitats in Florida estab- lished by and tended by children 11 Calendar years old and younger. FWF pro- motes building places for Florida May 28 - Memorial Day wildlife to find food and water, and June 15-17, 2012 to breed and raise their young as a FWF 75th Anniversary and Conserva- way to lessen the harmful effects of tion Awards Banquet, see page 16. development and diminishing natural June 27-28, 2012 habitat. FWF believes that education FWF Commission meeting, of young Floridians in ways to aid West Palm Beach, our wildlife is an effective method www.myFWC.com/about/commission to help preserve our heritage of or- August 4, 2012 dinary and unique-to-Florida species Hands Across the Sand for future generations, and supports Annual Event and promotes NWF’s Wildlife Habi- http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/ tat Certification program. This pro- September 5-6, 2012 gram guides and informs citizens in FWC Commission meeting, Tampa, establishing habitats, and informa- www.myFWC.com/about/commission Students walk through some of the gardens they have planted. tion about the program and a Flori- September 21-23, 2012 da-specific guide to achieving- cer FWF Annual Business meeting, tification of habitats is available on Palm Beach Gardens FWF’s website, www.fwfonline.org.

14 May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News Florida Wildlife Expedition Looks to the Future

By Steve Newborn/WUSF looking back on the trip. to protecting these public places. But unless of friends and experts to spend time with and Published April 28, 2012 When asked to recall an indelible scene you get the buy-in and support from lots of to help be the ambassadors for this story. etched on his memory, Ward drew a word different people, you’re going to have trou- And in a way it just came together,” he says. It’s one day before the Florida Wildlife picture of sunrise at a barn on the Creek ble getting the consensus to go forward.” “Each of us brings certain strengths and con- Corridor Expedition is set to end. The mem- Ranch in Osceola County, halfway through They’re waiting at this remote spot on the nections, and we help make each other better bers have pushed themselves to the limit for the mission. upper Suwanee to meet Michael Fay, who’s and help keep this thing alive, I hope. three months, and it’s time to relax with a dip “Kind of one by one, pickup trucks with done this kind of grand adventure before. on a remote stretch of the Suwanee River. horse trailers started to pull in, and we had “I’m Elam Stoltzfus, glad to meet you. Here’s what the future holds in the store “Nice to have a little down time before 20 friends who had assembled from around Thank you so much for coming and wel- for the expedition members: we enter the Okefenokee,” says expedition the state who believed in what we were do- come to the expedition. This is great. This Carlton Ward plans to join Joe Guthrie leader Carlton Ward Jr. ing, and ride with us, and lead on on a 17- is like wow, I’m back in the woods already. and work on tracking bear movements in Just then the skies opened on us on the mile journey up to the Nature Conservancy’s I’m Mallory. Hi.” southern Florida. He’ll then try to find ways banks of the Suwanee. These guys took it in Disney Wilderness Preserve,” he says. Fay is an explorer-in-residence at Na- to help expand the Florida Panther National stride - after all, they’ve been exposed to the “And to realize that on fairly short order, tional Geographic - one of the sponsors of Wildlife Refuge and the creation of a similar elements for ever day since January 16th. these people believed enough in what we the expedition. In 1997, he walked a 2,000- effort along Fisheating Creek, just north of That’s when they began their 1,000-mile, were doing to give that much of their time to mile corridor through the African jungle, the Everglades. 100-day trek, leaving from the tip of the Ev- come share it with us was really humbling, in Congo and Gabon. The “Megatransect” Joe Guthrie plans to continue his research erglades. and one of the things I’ll never forget.” project helped create 13 national parks in on black bears for the University of Ken- The day after the deluge was Earth Day It was also time Ward to reflect on what Gabon. He hopes for a similar outcome here tucky. -- when the four members of the Florida they have yet to accomplish. in Florida. And in a way, the work of Elam Stoltzfus Wildlife Corridor Expedition paddled into “It’s very important to carry forward the “If you look at the history of protected ar- is just beginning. He’ll be indoors for a Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp and ended conversation with all the different interest eas in general, they’re always islands of the change, starting work on producing a two- their journey groups - the people who depend on public best of the best or places that humans hadn’t hour documentary on the trip that will air on Their mission - to create a wildlife cor- lands for their hunting,” he says. colonized yet,” Fay says. “But I think as time public television stations early next year. ridor stretching the length of the state - is far “The people who do motor sports and goes on, and people’s notion of ecology and Mallory Lykes Dimmitt will go to quite from complete. But on the day I caught up fishing and all different activities. There’s ecosystems evolve - even at a political level - a different scene - Telluride, deep in the San with them, they were in a reflective mood, kind of a common ground and importance I think the notion of corridors starts to make Juan Mountains of Colorado, to continue her more sense.” work on the Nature Conservancy’s Colorado The next day, they’re greeted by family Plateau initiative. and friends at the remote Ste- phen Foster State Park, tucked inside the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. One of the speakers at the Earth Day event was Tom Hoc- tor. He’s a professor at the University of Florida and was instrumental in starting the expe- dition. Hoctor has been working with state officials on establish- ing wildife corridors for two de- cades. “One of the things we’re plan- ning to do is to make clear is that there is a set of Florida Forever En rout in the Big Cypress Preserve. Left to right: Bob De- projects that go all the way from Gross: Chief of Interpretation for Big Cypress National Everglades National Park, all the Preserve, Elam Stoltzfus: FWCE team, Franklin Adams: FWF Director. way to Okefenokee,” says Hoc- tor. “That if we had the money in Florida Forever - and those proj- ects were funded - the corridor would be essentially complete.” But Hoctor expects land de- velopment pressures to pick up once the economy kick starts, so the clock is ticking. “Because Florida is - much of it is a peninsula,” he says, “it lends it to the concept that all it takes is a little bit of too much development to fragment these unique ecological systems that Photo of the expedition team, taken at Etoniah Creek State Florida has. Forest. In the photo, the team is joined by two representatives And as a band played “Old from the Florida Forest Service. Left to Right: Carlton Ward Folks at Home,” (Way Down Jr: photographer and member of FWCE team, Mallory Lykes Dimmitt: conservationist and member of FWCE team, Char- upon the Suwanee River...) lie Pedersen: Biologist from the Waccasassa Forestry Center, Ward reminisced on the peo- Elam Stoltzfus: filmmaker and member of FWCE team, Scott ple he’s counted on since leav- Crosby: Forestry Supervisor from the Florida Forest Service, ing the Everglades in the dead of Joe Guthrie: bear biologist and member of FWCE team. winter. Photo by Carlton Ward Jr/www.CarltonWard.com “I couldn’t pick a better group For more info visit www.FloridaWildlifeCorridor.org

May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 15 Florida Wildlife Federation’s 75th Anniversary Weekend and Conservation Awards Banquet June 15-17, 2012, Headquarters Hotel: St. Petersburg Bayfront Hilton (register online at www.fwfonline.org) St. Petersburg Bayfront Hilton Friday, June 15th A downtown hotel with resort-style amenities 7:00 pm Weedon Island Preserve – Cocktail Party, Hors d’oeuvres, Cash Bar The hotel is located in the waterfront district of downtown St. Peters- to Celebrating 75 years of conservation leadership in Florida with a 9:00 pm special program. Tickets & registration below ($40 per person, burg, across from Progress Energy Park and The Mahaffey Theater, children under 12 free) and is within walking distance of downtown St. Petersburg businesses and nightlife as well as The Pier and the Salvador Dali Museum. All Saturday & Sunday events will be held at St. Petersburg Bayfront Hilton Directions to Bayfront Hilton (333 1st St S, St. Saturday, June 16th Petersburg, FL 33701): From Interstate 275, 8:30 am FWF Board of Directors/House of Delegates Meeting take Exit 22 (next to Williams-Demens Room to Tropicana Field): 4:00 pm Interstate 175, which 1:00 pm FWF Youth Congress – Conservation Advocacy for the Future. is the same exit as to Forum topics include Water, Energy, Waste, Food & Ecology that for the Bayfront 4:30 pm St. Petersburg I Room Center. At fourth traf- This event is for college and post grad students only – Please fic light turn left onto register for this and all youth events through the link provided here: 1st Street S. Hotel http://fwfyouth2012.eventbrite.com/ two blocks on left. 6:00 pm Reception & Conservation Awards Banquet – Grand Bay Ballroom Tickets & Registration below ($75 per person, $18 for children under 12) Please make overnight reservations 6:00-7:00 Reception, Hors d’oeuvres, Cash Bar ASAP directly with the hotel Artists Exhibits & Silent Auction featuring wildlife artists Peter R. Gerbert and Paul Schulz, and guest exhibitors Bob The 75th Anniversary weekend activities will be headquartered at the St. Pe- and Tammy Derwick, Fine Line Glass Door Prizes, Displays & Merchandise exhibits tersburg Hilton Bayfront Hotel. Please use the link provided below to make your reservations online. Room rates are $89 per night ($119 for Alcove 7:00-9:30 FWF’s 75th Annual Conservation Awards Banquet: Suite); this room rate will automatically appear if you follow the link. http:// “Faces of the Future – Conservation in the 21st Century” www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/S/SPTSHHF-FWF-20120615/in- Dinner and Awards Presentation dex.jhtml Keynote Address: Senator Bob Graham

It is also possible to make room reservations by calling the hotel directly at: Sunday, June 17th 1-727-894-5000. Be sure to mention group code FWF to receive the rate of 7:30 am to Life Members Breakfast - Tangerine South Room $89 per night, $119 for Alcove Suite. Parking fees will be waived for hotel 8:30 am Tickets and registration below ($25 per person) guests with our group. Breakfast is not included in the room rate. 9:00 am to FWF Board of Directors Meeting/House of Delegates Meeting 12:00 pm Williams-Demens Room

To register online, please visit www.fwfonline.org 9:30 am to I.D.E.A.S. Working Group – (This is one of the Youth Events) and click the 75th anniversary emblem to register. 12:30 pm St. Petersburg I

Name______Registration Form – June 15-17 FWF Events Friday, June 15 — 75th Anniversary Reception, Weedon Island Preserve. $40 per person, Address______children under 12 free. Enclosed is $______for ______people. Hors d’oeuvres, Cocktails, Cash Bar, Special Program

City, State, Zip ______Saturday, June 16 — FWF Youth Congress: Conservation Advocacy for the Future – for college students and recent graduates only – please register for all youth events at this web- Bill my Discover, AMEX, VISA, Mastercard #: ______site provided: http://fwfyouth2012.eventbrite.com/

Saturday, June 16 — FWF 75th Annual Conservation Awards Banquet –St. Pete Hilton Exp. Date: ______Security Code: ______Bayfront — $75 per person, ($18 for children under 12, kids menu) Enclosed is $______for ______adults, and $_____ for ______children under 12 Your Signature: ______Daytime Phone: ______Table of 10 may be reserved for $750.00. _____ I wish to reserve a table for 10. Event Includes Reception, Cash Bar, Awards Banquet, Art Exhibits, and Door Prizes . Email:______Please enter the names of all persons attending with you here:______Please reserve your tickets no later than June 1st! ______Attn. Diane Hines, Florida Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 6870, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6870. Sunday, June 17 — FWF Life Members’ Breakfast – Hilton Tangerine South Questions? Email: [email protected] $25.00 per person. Enclosed is $______for ______persons. 16 May 2012 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News