We’re on Facebook and Fish Twitter @FlWildFed To follow us, just go to and Wildlife www.fwfonline.org and look for:

News FFWN is printed on recycled paper, ISSN 1520-8214 Volume 29, Issue 2 Affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation May 2015 Pleasant Hill Elementary School Wins FWF produces three great new videos 6th Annual Kids’ Habitat Contest illustrating why Florida Forever By Pat Pearson should be fully funded. FWF Habitats Coordinator

Pleasant Hill Elementary School in Kissimmee was the winner of this year’s Kids’ Wildlife Habitat Contest. The school celebrated Earth Day with tours for students and visitors, starting at 9:00 AM, Dr. Jay Exum (center) presented the kids’ featuring a Peace Garden, the Co- Habitat Award on Earth Day at Pleasant lossal Cabbage project, the Panda Hill Elementary School. Garden Patch and the Panda Critter Watch. At 2:00 PM, Dr. Jay Exum, Kids’ Wildlife Habitat Award to the a member of Florida Wildlife Fed- children and teachers who worked so eration’s Board of Directors, was hard to establish the habitat at Pleas- on hand to present the 6th Annual ant Hill Elementary School. Watch and share, then use our easy The habitat, which is the project contact tool to email and call your of Mrs. Strang’s Third Grade Class, was established on a part of school State Legislators.

PAID property which was being neglected

PRSRT STD PRSRT and collecting trash. The site was U.S. POSTAGE U.S. Permit No. 2840 No. Permit Help make a difference today!! JACKSONVILLE, FL JACKSONVILLE, chosen by the children themselves; they also did the original clean-up www.fwfonline.org/FloridaForever to get it ready to be used to attract birds. The habitat was designed to be expandable so as to attract other See the back for details on the 78th Annual Con- Florida wildlife, too. servation Awards Banquet, June 13, 2015 at the St. The students used materials found Augustine Rod & Gun Club. on the site to fashion bird feeders, and are using as much recycled ma- Please mark your calenders and see back page for further terial as possible to make feeding stations for other critters. The site information about the events June 12-14, 2015.

PLEASANT HILL con’t page 8 If you would prefer to receive this publication via email instead of print, contact [email protected]. Please include your name and address with your request.

INSIDE: MESSAGES FROM THE CHAIR AND PRESIDENT...... 2-3 NEWS AROUND THE STATE...... 4-9 25TH ANNUAL BOATING SWEEPSTAKES...... 10 SPRING CARDS...... 12 CONSERVATION CALENDAR...... 15

Winner of 2015 Kids’ Habitat Contest. 78TH 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 official of the

1 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 1 Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way... For Wildlife Steve O’Hara spent his childhood family vacations camping in Florida’s state parks and national forests and paddling on Florida waters. He hunted and fished his way through high school and college on Florida lands and waters which were open to pub- lic access. These experiences were the foundation for his lifelong devotion to conserv- ing Florida wildlife habitat and keeping it open for public recreation. In the early 1980s, Steve O’Hara joined the Florida Wildlife Federation and cam- paigned with other conservationists for public acquisition of the Guana Area a 12,000 acre wildlife habitat with 10 miles of undeveloped riverfront in Northeast Florida. This successful endeavor convinced Steve O’Hara that the Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF) was Florida’s most effective grassroots conservation organization in large part because it so willingly engages with others in achieving common goals. Steve O’Hara and his wife, Jeri. Since then, Steve O’Hara has served almost three decades on the Florida Wildlife Federation’s volunteer Board of Directors. He has also included the FWF as a beneficiary in his will. “Guana is still my favorite fishing destina- tion. I will soon be a grandfather, and I want my grandchildren and their grandchildren to have places like Guana for hiking, hunting, paddling, and other outdoor recreational pursuits. I will leave them that legacy by helping the Florida Wildlife Federation continue its good work for generations to come.”

Please join with Steve and help make sure we and future residents can enjoy a healthy, clean and abundant Florida, which helps not only our environment, but also our economy.

A charitable trust benefitting the Florida Wildlife Federation or a bequest like Steve’s is easy to arrange, makes creative use of assets and can benefit your family as well as help the Federation.

For more information on how your estate plan can benefit both you and wildlife, please contact Tim Bachmeyer, FWF Development Con- sultant, at 561-801-5752 or Manley Fuller, Diane Hines or Preston Robertson at 850-656-7113.

FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION NORTHWEST REGION CENTRAL REGION STAFF TALLAHASSEE OFFICE 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive; P.O. Box 6870 REGIONAL DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR Lou Kellenberger Jim Thomas PRESIDENT Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6870 3523 Westford Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32309 14908 Tilden Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787 Manley K. Fuller, III 850-656-7113; FAX 850-942-4431 850-570-2421 407-656-8277 DISTRICT I DIRECTOR DISTRICT II DIRECTOR Vice President for Conservation & General Counsel www.fwfonline.org E-mail: [email protected] DISTRICT V DIRECTOR DISTRICT VI DIRECTOR Preston T. Robertson Steve Theberge Curt Kiser Jay H. Exum Adelaide (Alex) Sink Affiliated With National Wildlife Federation 3616 Oakbrook La 5385 WPA Rd 2253 Peachleaf Ct PO Box 219 Panama City, FL 32408 Lamont, FL 32336 Vice President of Administration Longwood, FL 32779 Thonotosassa, FL 33592 Diane Hines OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND STAFF 503-338-0420 850-591-5416 321-229-5653 Membership & Database Policy Consultant Coordinator Jay Liles CHAIR IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR NORTHEAST REGION SOUTHERN REGION Lynn Jones Steve O’Hara Jenny Brock Communications Specialist 1061 Holly Lane REGIONAL DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR Executive Cole Sousa Administrative Assistant Jacksonville, FL 32207 PAST CHAIR’S COUNCIL Richard Hamann Martha Musgrove Florida Fish & Wildlife News Michelle Hakemoller 904-803-4965 Jenny Brock 2020 SE 32nd Place, Gainesville, FL 32641 2432 Edgewater Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Producer/Editor: 352-273-0842 561-965-9409 Jim Schuette Administrative Assistants Danny Gwynn-Shapiro VICE-CHAIR Linda Stanley DISTRICT III DIRECTOR DISTRICT IV DIRECTOR Tessa Kleck DISTRICT VII DIRECTOR DISTRICT VIII DIRECTOR Habitats Coordinator Ned Stone Steve O’Hara John Jopling Mark Middlebrook Ryan Ricciardi 2012 Coral Shores Dr Bob Reid Linda Stanley Franklin Adams Pat Pearson 5323 NW 92nd Way 212 Sailfish Dr 5665 Summit Blvd 761 15th St. NW, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 David J. White Gainesville, FL 32653 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 FWF SW FL OFFICE FWF NE FL OFFICE 954-205-9595 Lynn Alan Thompson West Palm Bch, FL 33415 Naples, FL 34120 352-538-4154 904-509-0918 SW Florida Field Representative NE Florida Planning Advocate Franklin Adams 561-312-3918 239-455-1567 H Nancy Payton Sarah Owen Gledhill VICE-CHAIR Jim Scanland 2590 Golden Gate Pkwy, Ste. 105 201 Owens Ave, Tim Bachmeyer Tommy Needham Naples, FL 34105 St. Augustine, FL 32080 1100 Via Royale, #101 Walt Brandon EIGHT AT-LARGE DIRECTORS (239) 643-4111 (904) 461-1160 Jupiter, FL 33458 Timothy Keyser

561-801-5752 Richard Tillis Joseph Atterbury Tom Evans, Jr. Billy Causey Ray Carthy 5393 Pennock Point Rd 1000 Warwick Lane 30939 Delgado Lane U.F. Coop Unit The Florida Fish and Wildlife News is published quarterly by the VICE-CHAIR PRESIDING OFFICER Jupiter, FL 33458 Wilmington, DE 19807 Big Pine Key, FL 33043 PO Box 110485 Florida Wildlife Federation Rick Abbott OF LIFE MEMBERS’ 561-371-0532 302-656-0880 305-809-4670 Gaineville, FL 32611 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301. 3233 Heather Hill Rd COUNCIL 352-213-5851 ISSN: 1520-8214 Tallahassee, FL 32309 David Theriaque 850-599-8998 EDITOR in CHIEF CONTACT US AT Terry Gibson Jim Schuette Bobbie Lindsay Keith Overton Youth Conservation Director Manley K. Fuller, III [email protected] 2060 NE 23rd Terrace 16736 94th St N 212 Caribbean Rd 5600 Gulf Blvd. 2015 DELEGATES TO NWF Samantha Baraoidan Jensen Beach, FL 32309 Loxahatchee, Fl 33470 Delegate: Jim Schuette Palm Beach, FL 33489 St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 772-285-7683 561-301-4883 561-797-9405 727-432-3428 No original material may be reproduced without written consent Alternate: Rick Abbott from the publisher.

2 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida PRESIDENT’S At a minimum, we want this year’s MESSAGE Amendment 1 dollars spent to (1) fully fund Florida Forever (at least $300 mil- by Manley Fuller FWF Scholarship Update lion dollars) using bonding of $30 mil- lion and (2) fund acquisition of lands south of to provide May 2015 at least 360,000 acre feet of water stor- Dear FWF Members, age in the Agricultural Area. $50 million will raise $500 million via On April 24th, the University of Florida Wildlife Ecology and Conserva- bonding. (So by bonding $85 million tion Department (WEC) held its annual BBQ and Student Awards Day at this year we could greatly benefit the which the FWF Scholarship Fund awarded two $1,000 scholarships. The entire state through a vigorous Florida Forever program and provide critical recipients were Ethan Noel, a Master’s degree student and Lauren Diaz, water storage benefitting South Florida an undergraduate student. I am pleased to tell you a little bit about each and the Everglades!) student who was selected for the 2015 scholarship award. In addition, we support funding for Ethan Noel, a Master’s degree student in the UF Department of Wild- long-term Everglades protection, man- life Ecology and Conservation, is a native Floridian from Winter Park. agement of conservation lands and wa- He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from UF and began his ters statewide, springs and other nature- graduate studies last fall. Ethan has worked as a biological technician for based water quality protections. At its the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, managing habitat heart, Amendment 1 is focused on criti- for many protected species, including red-cockaded woodpeckers, Florida Dear Members, cal land acquisitions, both fee and less panthers, gopher tortoises, indigo snakes and Florida scrub jays. His Mas- than fee perpetual (conservation ease- ter’s thesis research focuses on human-Florida black bear conflicts, and I want to focus this message on ment). The Legislature needs to hear will address the anthropogenic food-conditioning of bears by evaluating Amendment 1, the Florida Water and loud and clear that Floridians support bear-related garbage policies at the county/municipality, government/indus- Land Legacy Amendment that you (and our conservation and recreational lands try, and household levels. He collaborates with FWC’s Bear Management 75 percent of) Florida voters support- and expect our elected officials to do so Program in his thesis research, and hopes to continue working with this ed in November. To date, the Florida as well. state agency after he earns his Master’s degree. Legislature has not approved what we We and our allies are advocating that Lauren Diaz, a Florida native from Miami, is currently completing the consider appropriate funding from the the Legislatures in upcoming Special third year of her undergraduate degree program in Wildlife Ecology and Amendment proceeds. Session prioritize and allocate Amend- Conservation. In her scholarship essay, she wrote “I’ve developed a keen We believe that current legislative ment 1 dollars properly to benefit Flori- interest in herpetology, and Florida contains a high degree of endemism budget proposals are problematic in a da’s environment and its resource-based as well as multiple species that merit special concern, such as the eastern number of ways. The proposed budget economy. Please go to our website, indigo snake and the gopher tortoise...reptiles and amphibians have histori- for Amendment 1 dollars heavily sup- www.fwfonline.org, to follow this more cally been an unrepresented group in research and management, and I hope ports agency operating budgets in a closely and please view our social me- to expand our little knowledge on the life history and population health of manner that does not have a clear nexus dia efforts on behalf of the Amendment. these animals and make a positive impact on this state. The Florida Wildlife with the Amendments purpose. There These videos including, “Will of the Federation is a prestigious organization that has had a positive impact on has been a decided lack of support for People,” were made possible by one of environmental policy in Florida, and it would be an honor to be awarded full funding of Florida Forever and in- our great friends in conservation, M.C. this scholarship!” sufficient support for Everglades Resto- Davis. M.C. is a member of our Conser- Thank you to all FWF members and supporters who contributed to ration. Indeed, there has been substan- vation Hall of Fame. Thank you M.C.! the FWF Scholarship Fund at the University of Florida. Because of your tial opposition to funding conservation Please contact your legislators and generosity, FWF is able to assist these highly qualified individuals in their and recreational lands acquisition. emphasize to them that you fully ex- studies at the UF WEC Department. The Florida Wildlife Federation is pect them to uphold Florida’s Constitu- committed to doing whatever is neces- tion and to support critical conservation sary to see that the will of the people is goals by acquiring and subsequently met by the Florida legislature, and that managing lands to benefit our natural Amendment 1 funds are properly used. heritage, protect our waters and provide We do not support use of Amendment places for sustainable outdoor recre- Pictured left to right: 1 dollars to fund agency operations that ation during the June special session. Lauren Diaz and Ethan were previously funded from General Noel. These students re- Revenue. We also believe any agency Thank you, ceived FWF Scholarship or salary funding from Amendment 1 Fund awards at the An- dollars needs to pass a bright line test nual UF-WEC picnic. where the funding is clearly tied back to the Amendment’s purposes. Without a clear nexus between the Editor’s note: Please see Everglades Amendment’s purposes and agency ex- Foundation Eric Eikenberg’s comments penditures, we believe that dollars gen- on page 9 regarding the recent rejection To make an online donation to the FWF Scholarship Fund, erated by the Amendment will over time of the U.S. Sugar Purchase Option by please go to: get completely lost in the state govern- the SFWMD which includes his reitera- https://www.uff.ufl.edu/OnlineGiving/FundDetail.asp?FundCode=013403 ment bureaucracy which was not the in- tion of the ongoing need for new water tent of the voters! storage below Lake Okeechobee.

2 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 3 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REPORT New FWF Blog by Nancy Anne Payton, Southwest Florida Field Representative Post cause it is free, easy to reach, and wandering Immokalee Road in Col- Written by Claudia Farren with assistance open every day. lier County emaciated and blinded from Bill Boothe of Nature in Focus The Florida Wildlife Fed- by shotgun wounds to his face. He Flower pollinators are in decline. eration thanks the Barron was also injured in the hindquarters. The loss of honeybees around the Collier, Jr. Foundation for Uno was rescued by the Florida Fish world due to pests, disease, loss of providing a grant to under- and Wildlife Conservation Commis- habitat, pesticides, and changing write the CREW adven- sion after a good citizen reported his weather patterns has been widely tures. condition and location. Biologists publicized in the last few years. Na- concluded that Uno was barely sur- tive bees and other pollinators are viving on sniffing down roadkill. also in decline. Uno now lives at the Naples Zoo Pollinators are a keystone spe- and is adjusting well to captivity. cies group; the persistence of a large Read more and view video of Uno at number of other species depends http://napleszoo.org/panther. upon them. As pollinators disappear, Another panther was not as lucky the effect on the health and viablilty as Uno. This March a dead panther of crops and native plant commu- was retrieved along Immokalee nites can be disastrous... Into the Woods Road, Collier County, in the same vicinity where Uno was rescued. Read the full article at: The necropsy revealed the panther www.fwfonline.org/blog Again this year, the Florida Wild- Panther Posse members with their was killed by a gunshot. There were life Federation sponsored field trips handmade thank you sign. no signs of death due to collision for Florida Gulf Coast University’s with a vehicle. (FGCU’s) Panther Posse members. The US Fish and Wildlife Service Elementary children and their teach- Help Establish a recently established a reward for in- ers from Collier and Lee counties formation leading to the arrest and experience a hiking adventure and Reward Fund conviction of the shooter. Florida exploratory visit to the Corkscrew Wildlife Federation would like to Regional Ecosystem Watershed Florida Wildlife Federation is add to that reward fund. (CREW). CREW is a network of asking for donations to establish a public conservation lands in south- $5,000 Wildlife Reward Fund to Please consider a donation to west Florida. have cash readily available to offer the Florida Wildlife Federation Ricky Pires, Panther Posse direc- a reward or contribute to a reward earmarked “Reward Fund.” Any tor, reports that this school year over for information that leads to a con- amount is appreciated and every dol- 4,000 elementary students received viction of individuals who wantonly lar makes a difference. interactive wildlife programs and injure or intentionally kill Florida Send checks to Florida Wildlife hikes. The programs and hikes were panthers. Federation, PO Box 6870, Tallahas- presented by 440 FGCU students Last October, this Florida pan- see, Florida 32314 or donate at www. and FGCU’s Panther Posse staff. ther, now named Uno, was found fwfonline.org. Thank you. Handicapped children are escorted on the hikes in the “panther mobile.” After the hiking adventure, stu- dents are each asked to educate two people about local wildlife, wildlife habitat, and the CREW watershed. Student paint a rock, overseen by the school’s art teacher, with something special remembered about CREW. The “Nature Rocks” are placed at a special spot in CREW for students to bring family and friends to find. The goal is connecting families with the natural world, local conservation lands, education, science, research, art and fun. CREW was selected be-

Uno – Photo Courtesy of Naples Zoo.

4 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida NORTHEAST FLORIDA REPORT by Sarah Owen Gledhill, FWF’s Northeast Florida Planning Advocate Planning for Florida’s Historic Coast Hosts Southern FWF Annual Conservation St. John’s Awards Banquet County We are proud to host the 78th Annual Conservation Awards When the recession Banquet in St. Augustine this year. We are tailoring all the hit, development slowed events to a true Northeast Florida experience. On Friday down. Unfortunately, that also meant night, we will have a fish fry along the Matanzas River look- all the proactive planning projects slowed down too due to cutbacks ing at the sunset behind a 16,000 acre conservation corridor. and limited resources. Drive around Saturday night, we will celebrate the achievements of this now and no one will disagree that year’s conservation award winners under live oaks at the Rod Changing of the the recession is over and the devel- & Gun Club. The slate of conservation award winners is quite opment industry is booming again. impressive with “rock stars” who have contributed both to Guard at the This also means planning for the fu- our statewide and Northeast Florida natural resources. Our ture of our rural areas is more impor- St. Johns River tant. In that regard, the Federation is hotel headquarters is the brand new Doubletree Hilton on San Water hoping to reignite a 2008 conversa- Marco Ave. within a five minute walk to all the historic sites tion into a planning study for South- downtown has to offer. Bring the whole family and tell your Management ern St. Johns County. friends! This is going to be a weekend you will not want to District We hope to learn from what the miss. See back page of this issue to purchase tickets to the Federation’s Southwest Florida of- events. fice has been able to accomplish in Recently, five top executives at Collier County through their Ru- the St. Johns River Water Manage- ral Land Stewardship program and ment District resigned on the same Transfer of Development programs. day. Coincidence? I think not. This The Northeast Florida office has also was unfortunately an orchestrated been involved with a sector plan in event that has swept a lot of insti- Clay County. Unfortunately, a sector tutional memory right out the door. plan does not create incentives for One of those resignations was sub- land owners to protect their property mitted by Robert Christianson, 25 from development. South St. Johns year employee, who oversaw land County has a myriad of valuable at- management and acquisition of en- tributes that we can create “layers” vironmentally sensitive lands. The with, such as water recharge, wild- Federation has worked with Robert life habitat and agricultural lands. over the last two decades on a myri- Those layers can help create incen- ad of great projects. His departure is tives for property owners to not de- a huge loss to the conservation of our velop their property. lands that protect water resources. St. John’s County Chairwoman Bobcats captured by FWF wildlife crossing cameras. Bennett has been very receptive ear to the community’s desire to plan for the southern part of the county through such a program. The North- east Florida office continues to- en gage the commissioners and staff.

Bobcats! With the help of our volunteers, a recent camera data download of our Flagler County wildlife crossings captured a bobcat(s) going in both directions.

4 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 5 tion for the Land and Water Conser- the problems of the Caloosahatchee vation Fund. The bill presently has 10 have long been an issue of concern other Senators as co-sponsors. in the Comprehensive Everglades Please contact our US Senators, Restoration Plan (CERP). CERP was Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio, and approved by Congress as part of the ask them to please co-sponsor Senate Water Resources Development Act Bill 338. Thanks! (WRDA) in 2000. Many plans have FLORIDA KIDS’ Sen. Bill Nelson: (202) 224-5274 been put forth over the past 15 years to http://www.billnelson.senate.gov/ ameliorate the ecological destruction QUIZ contact-bill of South Florida, including the con- Sen. Marco Rubio: (202) 224-3041 struction of what is known as the C-43 www.rubio.senate.gov/public/ Reservoir in Hendry County close to index.cfm/contact the river. Upon completion, the C-43 Res- Preston Robertson ervoir (also known as the Caloosa- Vice-President for Conservation & C-43 RESERVOIR hatchee River Reservoir) will help General Counsel water managers ensure a more natural NEEDED FOR and consistent flow of freshwater to 1. What is an important thing you SOUTHWEST the Gulf during the dry season. This can do to help monarch butterflies Federal land will allow for greater survivability for whose numbers have declined by protection: The FLORIDA’S sea grasses and all the aquatic spe- 90%? cies that rely on certain salinity levels. Land and Water FUTURE Without viable , which act Conservation The one-time ecological gem as the nurseries for a multitude of sea known as the life, the entire marine ecology of this Fund (LWCF) originally meandered approximately region is at risk. 70 miles west from Lake Hicpochee While federal, state and local en- While we have been wrestling with to Ft. Myers and the Gulf of Mexico. tities have been involved in this pro- how Florida’s Amendment 1 dollars It was then connected via a canal to cess, the new factor in this effort are to be spent, there is another ma- Lake Okeechobee and channelized to may well be the money that will be 2. Why is it important to save jor land conservation issue going more rapidly move water. The result received owing to the BP Deepwater energy? on in Washington, DC. In the early has been increased pollution and ex- Horizon disaster of 2010. As BP has 1960’s, President John F. Kennedy tremely damaging water releases that been found grossly negligent in that initially championed what came to be have degraded not only the river itself, unprecedented environmental calam- known as the Land and Water Con- but the highly productive estuaries of ity, fine money may be able to be used servation Fund Act of 1965 (LWCF). the Gulf of Mexico. to help Southwest Florida and the The LWCF takes royalties paid by oil As part of the Everglades region, Gulf, including the construction of the companies and uses it to expand Na- C-43 Reservoir. It is time make to this 3. How can you help little sea tional Wildlife Refuges, National For- happen. turtles to survive? ests and other public recreational land across the United States. While $900 million was supposed to be available See page 14 for answers, and every year for this fund, it has rarely more information. been appropriated even half of that amount (sound familiar)? Even with lesser funding, over the past 50 years the LWCF has helped save our special natural places, and could be used to help create the Ever- glades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge in Central Florida and enlarge the St. Marks National Wildlife Ref- uge south of Tallahassee on the Gulf of Mexico. Importantly, some of the money would be earmarked to in- crease public access. LWCF is slated to expire this year, so we must make sure it is re-enacted. Thankfully, both Democrats and Re- publicans in DC are already support- Conservationist Mary Olson and one of ing this idea. Sen. Richard Burr (NC) the several rare native Torreya trees she has proposed Senate Bill 338, which has saved. This one is located at Florida Preston Robertson enjoyed the hospitality of the ladies of the Chattahoochee would make permanent the authoriza- State Hospital in Chattahoochee, Women’s Club in April. He spoke about the 2015 Florida Legislative Session and Florida. Thanks, Mary! Amendment 1.

6 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida IN New Wildlife Legacy Club Members: MEMORIAM Joseph Atterbury, Jupiter Donations have been received in memory of: New Eagle Club Members: Mary Jane Jeffery, St. Petersburg John F. McDermott by Christopher McDermott Cyrus & Joanne Spurlino, Odessa Amanda Zewadski Smith and Robert M. Jackson, D.V.M., Lakeland Wilson Ring Smith by the Smith-Zewadski Trust New Life Members: Travis Miller Michael de V. Flinn, Delray Beach by the Jake Leonard Family Ann G. H. Flinn, Delray Beach Susan Fishbaugh Clayton & Anna May Timmons, Palm City by Stroller Newport News Nuclear, Inc. Martha Eggleston, Boca Raton by Amy Frederick Douglas Durst, New York, NY Suzanne Kibiger by Cheryl Rittenberry Thank you for your generous support!

*Legacy Club Members are those who have donated $5000 or more in a single gift. Dorothy E. Boone Eagle Club Members are $1000 donors, and Life Members are $500 donors. by Roxanne Boone

Capt. Richard Coleman Congratulations to those members of FWF who earned by Robert M. Jackson, D.V.M GreenStar Certification! The Federation began its GreenStar Certification program to acknowledge our members’ personal commitments to a clean and healthy environment Dr. Chuck Geanangel through the use of environmentally beneficial practices in their daily lives. by Robert M. Jackson, D.V.M 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 ac- The Federation thanks you for your thoughtful contributions. We express tivities that were not covered in the Questionnaire. We truly appreciate all our sympathy to family and friends of those who have passed away. 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 Special Recognition down menu. From there you will be tak- en to the online GreenStar Questionnaire. Our sincere appreciation to Amanda Smith who was kind enough to name FWF as a beneficiary in her will. Her New Green Star Members thoughtfulness will help keep the Federation moving for- ward on behalf of conservation. Our condolences go out to Jennifer Van Why, Milton her friends and family. – Manley K. Fuller Cheryl Little, Clearwater

6 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 7 PLEASANT HILL from page 1 outdoors, which is encouraged by Court proceedings under the health experts as a way to combat the Clean Water Act are nearing comple- is surrounded by chain-link fenc- problems facing today’s children. tion. The oil giant has been found ing. The fencing is used by the stu- Florida Wildlife Federation com- to be “grossly negligent,” meaning dents to hang and display informa- mends the work of these dedicated the company could have to pay up tional material about Florida wildlife teachers and students for their for- to $13.7 billion in civil penalties for they hope to attract and identify in ward thinking, their recycling ef- their recklessness. Hopefully, BP will the future. In this way, the scientific forts, and their hard work in estab- choose to end its stalling tactics and knowledge they are gaining can be lishing and tending their habitat, just pay these fines. shared with all students at the school which not only adds to the students’ The bipartisan RESTORE Act of including those who are not directly knowledge, but helps to conserve 2012 sends 80 percent of these Clean involved in the maintenance of the Florida’s wild creatures. Jay Liles Water Act penalties back to the Gulf habitat. FWF Policy Consultant region. Florida could reap a windfall Pleasant Hill Elementary Science of billions of dollars. But this does classes are geared to the Florida Florida’s not mean that the restoration of the Education Standards; many of these Gulf ecosystem is guaranteed. While requirements can be gained by use Sportsmen and nearly all of the legislative debate of the habitat. This effort is coordi- Women Have a around the RESTORE Act focused nated by Ms. Lorraine Ambrose, the on improving the health of the Gulf, school’s Science Resource teacher. Key Role in Gulf the final bill mandated that only 30 percent—controlled by a council of Working or studying in the habitat Restoration Gulf governors and federal agency also enables students to be active heads—be spent solely on compre- Five years ago, the Deepwater Ho- hensive ecosystem restoration. rizon rig exploded, killing 11 men. Most of the remainder of the mon- As much as 200 million gallons of ey will be controlled by state and lo- A student-made bird feeder. oil gushed into the Gulf of Mexico. cal governments. Some of this could We all watched in horror as oiled dol- be spent on a variety of activities— phins, sea turtles and brown pelicans everything from deepening shipping struggled in the slick. But once the channels to building boardwalks for TV cameras left the scene, those im- tourists. In Florida, each of the Gulf ages faded from our collective con- Coast counties will make their own sciousness. decisions about how to use their RE- Pleasant Hill Elementary School students But for wildlife, the disaster is on- STORE Act money. put up many bird feeders. going. A new National Wildlife Fed- To date, most of these counties eration report describes how dolphins have not made final plans for how Outdoor display of habitat information. in heavily-oiled Louisiana are still they will spend this money. Early pro- dying at four times the normal rate. posals show promise -- Hernando and Before 2010, the number of endan- Monroe have chosen to fund proj- gered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle nests ects such as those to restore coastal were rebounding dramatically. Now marshes, rebuild coral reefs and im- Kemp’s Ridley nests are on the de- prove water quality. We can only cline. Sperm whales deep in the Gulf hope that the other 21 counties will also appear to have changed where follow suit by making smart, targeted they forage for food. investments in Florida’s Gulf Coast. Common sense suggests that You can express your opin- 2015 Kids’ Habitat winners. dumping millions of gallons into ion to policymakers by going to: one of the world’s most productive www.floridasportsmanletter.com. Umbrellas provide a little shade in the ecosystems will have serious conse- At the above site, you can sign Panda School Habitat. quences; it is clear from previous oil on to a letter directed to all decision- spills that a full recovery could take makers who will ultimately make decades. the choices for projects to be funded Unfortunately, BP continues to by the BP Clean Water Act fines. If dodge its responsibilities. Just last Florida decision-makers take steps month, the company released a glossy now to clean our waters, restore our report declaring that the Gulf was es- wetlands and rebuild our oyster reefs, sentially healed. But even as BP’s then wildlife across the Gulf will ben- public relations team was rolling out efit, and so will the state’s economy. this report, the company had a large team of workers on a Louisiana bar- rier island attempting to remove a Mrs. Strang’s 3rd Graders each wrote a thank 25,000-pound tar mat. you letter with Earth Day theme and drawing.

8 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida 2015 Legislative Session - Please and Democrats together in a historic Act to Make Sure Amendment 1 fashion to restore this national trea- dollars are spent how we voted! sure. The District’s vote last week does not change that. The need for On behalf of the Florida Wildlife Federation and its board and members we want this critical project remains the same. to thank you for taking action on conservation issues this year. Your voice is critical to our ability to positively impact the legislative process. What Everglades restoration needs, right now, is political lead- By Preston Robertson ership to implement what scien- The crazy closing week of the 2015 Legislative Session gives hope that money Message from tists over the last 15 years have from Amendment 1 may actually be used for conservation and to fund the Florida counseled our elected officials — Forever program. As you have likely heard, for the first time in at least 40 years, Eric Eikenberg grow Florida’s water supply and one chamber of our State Legislature left early. At midday on Tuesday, April 28, CEO of The keep more freshwater in the Ever- House Speaker Steve Crisafulli suddenly ended the House of Representatives 2015 glades. Regular Session with three days left in the 60 day Session. The Speaker had ap- Everglades The action by the District’s Gov- parently given Senate President Andy Gardner 10 minutes notice of this action via email. Many House members were just as surprised as the entire Senate by this tac- Foundation erning Board is a step backwards. tic. Because no state budget had been passed, a Special Session has been scheduled There is near-universal agreement for June 1-20. It is hard to predict how the House and Senate and the Governor will Last week, the South Florida Wa- that storage reservoirs are needed, come to any agreement, but they will have to try. The budget must be completed ter Management District voted unan- and Gov. Scott is working with the by June 30. imously to terminate the negotiated Legislature to assure the funding is On Wednesday, April 29, although the House was gone, the Senate met and there land purchase of 46,800 acres from allocated for restoration projects. was discussion about Amendment 1. For the first time, Senators, particularly Joe U.S. Sugar Corp. This decision by What is missing from District lead- Negron and Rob Bradley, both said that Amendment 1 voters wanted money from the appointed Governing Board is ership is a plan on how it will iden- Amendment 1 spent for land acquisition and the Everglades, and that we need to disappointing, to say the least. tify land within the EAA to ensure use bonding to do it. This is great news, and we need to thank these Senators for Over the last five months, thou- this much-needed reservoir is built. trying to do the will of the people! Your voices are being heard! They join Senators The South Florida Water Manage- Altman, Soto and Joyner in openly advocating for this critical funding. sands of you have voiced your Present budget proposals by the Florida House and Senate still fall far short of strong support in favor of buying ment District and Gov. Scott are full funding for the Florida Forever program: $10 and $15 million, respectively. this critical land south of Lake stewards of Everglades restora- Past funding was $300 million per year under both Republican and Democratic Okeechobee, emboldened by the tion and have a responsibility to Governors. The Florida Forever program “acquires and restores” land which is overwhelming passage of Amend- take actionable steps to achieve it. what Amendment 1, which was passed by 75% of voters last November, clearly ment 1 last November. Thank you for donating your said to do. As you know, purchasing land time and resources — making phone But now that the Legislature will go into Special Session this summer, com- for restoration is not a new concept. calls, writing letters, attending meet- mencing June 1, we have more time to let our elected leaders know that they must The bi-partisan Comprehensive Ev- ings and making contributions — in do the will of the people and fully fund Florida Forever! erglades Restoration Plan or CERP, support of buying the land and pro- signed into law in 2000, specifically tecting the water supply eight mil- What you can do calls for an above ground reservoir lion Floridians rely on. Our pres- within the Everglades Agricultural sure and advocacy cannot let up. 1) As noted above, we need to thank the following Senators for their leadership Area (EAA). A reservoir south of on Amendment 1 and ask them to please keep fighting for money for Florida Lake Okeechobee is essential to Sincerely, Forever and the Everglades! Eric Eikenberg Sen. Joe Negron: (772) 219-1665; [email protected] protecting the Everglades for gen- Sen. Rob Bradley: (904) 278-2085; [email protected] erations to come and an integral part Chief Executive Officer Sen. Thad Altman: (321) 868-2132; [email protected] of CERP that brought Republicans The Everglades Foundation Sen. Darren Soto: (407) 846-5187; [email protected] Sen. Arthenia Joyner: (813) 233-4277; [email protected]

2) Please contact the following legislators and tell them to fully fund Florida Forever! Senate President Andy Gardiner: (407) 428-5800; [email protected] Southern longleaf pines. Sen. Tom Lee: (813) 653-7061; [email protected] Sen. Jack Latvala: (727) 793-2797; [email protected] Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli: (321) 449-5111; [email protected] Rep. Matt Hudson: ((239) 417-6270; [email protected] Rep. Dana Young: (813) 835-2270; [email protected]

Importantly, with the regular Session over, Senators and Representatives will be Photos by Tyler back in their home district offices prior to the Special Session. Go see your Sena- MacMillan of tor and Representative personally and tell them how you feel about Amend- NWFWMD. ment 1 and Florida Forever. Go to the FWF website (www.fwfonline.org) and type in your zip code for contact information. Thank you – together we can do this!

8 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 9 2015 Annual Boating Sweepstakes Casts Off June 10 25th Anniversary Celebration By Claudia Farren, FWF Sweepstakes Coordinator

The Florida Wildlife Federation is excited to be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of our Annual Boating Sweepstakes. Instead of four boats, the Grand Prize winner will choose ONE of five fabulous prizes: One of two top-selling, family-friendly fishing boats with low emission engines, or a hybrid car, or an A-frame RV that’s easy to tow with many of today’s fuel-efficient SUVs, OR $25,000 in cash! The prizes are: the Sea Hunt Triton 188 nearshore boat, the Blue Wave 2000 Pure Bay boat, the Prius Three hatchback, or the Aliner Expedition camper. Get outside with your family and friends and enjoy all the marvelous outdoor opportunities that only Florida can offer. The Boating Sweepstakes Drawing will be held on December 17th.

Rule the Bay in this high performance, custom Get out on the water in a Sea Hunt Triton Introduced in 2010, the Prius Three Hybrid The Aliner Expedition—Aliner’s largest fishing boat. The Blue Wave 2000 Pure Bay 188 (18-feet 8-inches) center-console near- Hatchback continues to offer superior fuel model camper—is an easy-to-tow, pop-up (20-feet) is ideal for a family outing or the shore boat, ideally configured for serious salt- economy with estimated 51 city/48 highway RV trailer ready to handle any outdoor ad- serious angler. With its 8-foot beam, this boat water fishing. The package includes a stainless mpg. Due to the unique shape of the hatch- venture. It weighs less than 2,000 pounds and can float in 11-inches of water. Standard steel grab rail, windshield, 40-quart built-in back it has a very low drag coefficient of only is towable by many fuel-efficient vehicles. The equipment includes a leaning post with fold console cooler, 105-quart insulated bow stor- 0.25, making it one of the most aerodynamic package includes off-road capability, A/C- down footrest plus ice chest underneath, multi- age, 20-gallon aerated livewell, rear board- cars in the world. Available high-tech options heat, oven, stove, refrigerator, microwave, ple live wells, 100% hand-laid hulls, rod lock- ing ladder, rod holders, hydraulic steering, in the Prius Three model are display audio with euro-style sink, toilet, inside or outside shower, ers, two rear flip seats with storage, stainless helm chairs, rear jump seats, recessed cleats navigation; smart key system; subscription- dinette booth, plus your choice of a rear sofa steel hardware, unsinkable foam flotation, dry (4), and the smooth performance of the Vor- free Entune Apps Suite that includes real-time to foldout queen bed, twin beds, or queen floor drain system and a 10-inch manual jack- tex deep-V hull design. Powered with a quiet, traffic, weather, Pandora, and Open Table. mattress. All water tanks and lines are inside plate. Package includes a fuel-efficient Suzuki reliable Yamaha 115 HP four-stroke engine The 2015 hybrid won a 4-star safety rating the camper so it can be used in winter. Sleep- 115 HP fuel injected four stroke outboard with stainless steel prop, the prize pack- from the National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- ing capacity is four. Expedition is for the whole engine and a Magic Tilt aluminum trailer. age includes a Magic Tilt aluminum trailer. ministration. Safety features include antilock family or the couple that just wants more room. brakes, seven airbags, and a backup camera. Smaller Aliner models are also available. Outstanding Grand Prizes

SECOND PRIZE: Ten winners will receive a $75 Gift Certificate to Guy Harvey Sportswear which features Guy Harvey t-shirts, Limited Edition shirts, jackets and fleece, Ladies t-dresses and dry-release performance shirts, youth t-shirts and sandals, hats, footwear, towels and backpacks. Guy Harvey merges his stunning art with high-performance and high-quality fabrics, fits and designs.

How to Enter Ticket contributions are $5 each, 6 tickets for $25, 15 tickets for $50, or 35 tickets for $100. Watch for your Sweepstakes tickets in the mail or play online anytime. For more information, including the official rules, visitwww.fwfonline.org and click on the Sweepstakes navigation bar at the top of every page. Then click on 25th Annual Boating Sweepstakes to enter. If you would like a set of tickets mailed to you, send an email to FWF at [email protected] or call our toll-free number (800) 656- 3014. Please provide your full name and complete mailing address to receive a packet of tickets. Specify “Boat Sweeps” in the Subject line.

Green Car Sweepstakes The Florida Wildlife Federation will not be conducting the Green Car Sweepstakes this year. Thank you to all who participated in the past.

“Fish or Cruise” Sweepstakes Drawing to be Held on June 18 The Third Annual “Fish or Cruise” Sweepstakes is quickly drawing to a close. Be sure to send in your tickets for your chance to win one of four amazing prizes. The Grand Prize is your choice of five days of fishing for two at the Soldotna Bed and Breakfast Lodge in Alaska; a leisurely cruise through the Panama Canal on a luxurious Holland America cruise ship; a step back in time with a cruise in the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions; OR $10,000 in cash. The drawing is Thursday, June 18 at Federation Headquarters, 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive in Tallahassee. It will be supervised by Carroll and Co. Inc., Certified Public Accountants.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL- TURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES TO THE FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION IS: CH-499.

10 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida FWF participates in Wakulla FWF PARTNERS PROGRAM Wildlife Festival, April 18, 2015 The Florida Wildlife Federation has a new and exciting dimension to its fundraising program — FWF staff and volunteers FWF PARTNERS! from left to right: Beth Hakemoller, Jenny Brock, Wildlife Sustainer Michelle Hakemoller and Diane Hines manned the Joseph Atterbury Florida Wildlife Federa- tion booth at the Wakulla Wildlife Steward Springs Wildlife Festival on Saturday April 18. Ann B. Taylor Photo by Lou Everett H. Erlick Kellenberger. Friend of Wildlife It was a very pleasant spring day for the Wings Over Wakulla Jeffrey B. Parker Wildlife Festival on April 18 at Wakulla Springs State Park. Drs. David S. and Mary L. Oster Granite The Florida Wildlife Federation attended again as it has for al- Frances D. Wilson most all of the 20 years that the festival has been in existence. FWF volunteers and staff spoke to many visitors about the Barbara Hoffman Florida Wildlife Federation and the importance of monarch Sondra Resnikoff butterfly protection. Many children enjoyed coloring- mon Melissa K. Buhler arch butterfly pictures. If you have been involved in similar Mrs. Ted Parke events, or would like to volunteer to help FWF by setting up James and Cathy Garrett a display at your local events, please contact Diane Hines at [email protected]. Frank Orser Champ Tunno Jim Shoultz Claudia Farren Dr. Theresa Parrott Nenezian

FWF PARTNERS is an annual donor recognition program designed to provide a continuing stream of unrestricted support to FWF year in and year out. PARTNERS gifts will support FWF’s most critical priorities. A PARTNER pledges to make a gift each year to join one of the Remembering the Federation PARTNERS gift clubs. PARTNERS names will also be acknowledged regularly in FWF communications including the Florida Fish and Wild- If you wish to name Florida Wildlife Federation in your will or estate life News, the FWF website and our annual report. Of course, any PART- plan, please use the following language: NER may choose to remain anonymous. As an FWF donor, member, or friend you are now invited to join one The Florida Wildlife Federation, a nonprofit cooperation, or- of the PARTNERS clubs according to your capacity and to what FWF’s ganized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida, conservation action means to you. The giving clubs are: with principal business address of PO Box 6870, Tallahas- see, FL 32314-6870. FWF PARTNERS Conservation Visionary $25,000 The federal tax identification number is 59-1398265. Conservation Hero $10,000 Conservation Champion $5,000 Help Us Plan Wildlife Sustainer $2,500 If your plans already include a gift for Florida Wildlife Federa- Wildlife Advocate $1,000 tion, please let us know. We will honor all requests for anonym- Wildlife Steward $500 ity, and you can always modify your gift if your circumstances Friend of Wildlife $100 change. To become an FWF PARTNER, to receive a pledge form, or for more For more information please contact Tim Bachmeyer, FWF Develop- information, contact Diane Hines at [email protected] or 850-656- ment Consultant, at 561-801-5752 or Diane Hines at 850-656-7113. 7113.

10 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 11 The Elusive RCW and woodpeckers that excavate dead making them a key species that has pines. And, one will be able to find enormous ecological importance in by Sharon Denise Stephens examples of redheart fungal disease southern pine forests. Nature is re- The sun had not risen as I walked even where the burning has been stored when the habitat that RCWs the trail at Tall Timbers Research neglected. Redheart disease serves create increases and other animals Station near the Georgia/Florida line to soften the pine, which makes sea- that rely on their ecosystem replen- just north of Killearn Lakes. The sonal burns crucial to RCW habitat. ish the forest. To glimpse a sunrise morning dew was at its lowest and Midstory and understory respons- with an exuberant RCW excavating the humidity was thick. I started to es to fire are important to RCWs. a southern pine tree regenerates the sweat as I made my way to the pine Frequent fire kills small hardwoods soul because woodpeckers and plants where the elusive Red-cockaded before they have a chance to grow have become one. Woodpecker was roosting. Jim Cox, tall. When frequent fire ceases, the Tall Timbers Research Station & the Director of Stoddard Bird Lab at hardwoods increase in height and Land Conservancy is located near Tall Timbers, honored my request to eventually reach a point where they the Georgia/Florida line north of Tal- see the Red-cockaded Woodpecker may interfere with woodpecker for- lahassee on . The Re- (RCW) in its natural habitat. I an- aging as well as use of cavity trees. search Station is a widely regarded ticipated what I would observe about Female woodpeckers prefer to forage information resource for the areas of the woodpecker that would give me on lower trees and hardwood mid- fire ecology, game bird management, knowledge of the foraging habits of The author holding a RCW. story. If hardwoods get much above vertebrate ecology and forestry. It’s this bird. 15-25 feet and extend over a large recognized as the home of the study I had arrived at Tall Timbers a banded bird so I could get an up- portion of the territory, female wood- of fire ecology and is an advocate to at 5:50 a.m. on a Friday morning. close observation. He handed the peckers abandon the territory. protect the right to use prescribed RCWs are late risers compared to bird to me and, as I held it, I knew it According to Cox, “Fire recycles fire for land management. The Land other birds but humans still have to was in distress. I was able to feel its vital nutrients, such as calcium, that Conservancy is recognized as one of be early-risers to view them. The heartbeat in my hand. I held the bird can become trapped in plants. Ad- the nation’s leading land trusts, as it overcast sky distorted my view of the only a fraction of a second because I equate calcium intake is important has protected traditional land users path Mr. Cox and the staff took to get did not want to cause it further dis- for breeding female woodpeckers in north Florida and south Georgia to the woodpecker’s cavity. The bugs tress. As I gently placed the RCW because the outer shell is composed by conserving more than 160,000 stung my head and forearm but the back on the pine, to my amazement of calcium; and calcium is impor- acres in this region through conser- irritation was minimal compared to it walked in a zigzag formation back tant for egg production. The release vation easements. Tall Timbers also what I was about to witness. Words up the tree. I had never witness a bird of calcium following a burn can lead protects thousands of acres of habitat cannot describe how delighted I doing this. to larger clutches the following years along the Flint River in South Geor- was when I knocked on the tree and As I learned from Mr. Cox, RCWs afterward. Prescribed fire has other gia through conservation easements the RCW flew out of its cavity. The will climb when foraging as opposed benefits in the southern pine forests on private property along the river. equipment I held to net the wood- to flying away. When the RCW made as well, such as releasing natural The Tall Timbers Land Conservan- pecker was an extendable fiberglass its way back to its cavity, the breed- seed banks and reducing fuel that cy is the largest regional land trust pole with a large net. My first attempt ing female and helper in the group would create scorching wildfires.” in Florida and Georgia. For more failed, however, because the bird was came back. In the southeastern United States information, visit their website at quick and successful in its attempt to The RCW must drill the outer where Longleaf Pines are in abun- www.talltimbers.org. avoid being captured. layer tree bark of solid green pine dance, RCWs thrive because pre- Mr. Cox, however, succeeded in before it gets to a soft red-heart cen- scribed burning serves as a prescrip- Author’s Notes: Though this story takes his attempt to capture a banded RCW ter. This makes the RCW different tion to restore the aesthetic beauty place in Florida, Arkansas also has pro- of the land. Other birds like chicka- grams to increase the population and habi- for observation. Normally Tall Tim- from other woodpeckers that exca- tat of RCWs. Jim Cox, of Tall Timbers Re- bers does not catch RCWs that are vate dead pines. The cavities drilled dees, titmouse, and bluebirds benefit search Station, was helpful in preparing this already banded but Mr. Cox caught by RCWs are used by flying squirrels from cavities excavated by RCWs manuscript.

FWF’s 2015 Spring Greeting Cards FWF is pleased to feature four outstanding photographs by Karen Willes in our spring card series for 2015. When you send these cards to family and friends, it lets them know of your interest and commitment to fish and wildlife conservation. There are 12 cards and 12 envelopes in each packet. To order packets of these cards you may call toll free at (800) 656-3014. The cards are available online at www.fwfonline.org in the Nature Store. FP-540, Price $10.00, Member Price $8.95.

12 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida Adopted by the Affiliate Delegate of the Annual Meeting of National Wildlife Federation, March 28th, 2015.

National Wildlife Federation Conservation Congress We Believe

America’s experience with cherished landscapes and wildlife has helped define and shape our national character and identity for generations. Protecting these natural resources is a cause that has long united Americans from all walks of life and politi- cal stripes. To hunters, anglers, hikers, birders, wildlife watchers, boaters, climbers, campers, cyclists, gardeners, farmers, forest stewards and other outdoor enthusiasts, this conservation ethic has evolved and is now integral to our heritage and fundamental to the very pursuit of happiness enshrined at the founding of this great country. It is this heritage that we will defend and pass on to our children. And for all Americans, whether they venture into nature or not, whether they live in the middle of our most densely populated cities or in small towns or rural communities or somewhere in between, we all depend on clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. Our ties to the land provide spiritual sustenance and a path to virtue; they suggest a perfection in nature that exceeds anything humans can create. As Americans we share a sacred duty and obli- gation to protect and build upon our conservation heritage for the sake of native wildlife, ourselves, our neighbors, and most of all for future generations.

To this end, we believe…

• Our nation’s wildlife, fish, healthy waters, clean air, and public lands are a birthright of all Americans. • Government has a sacred duty to conserve and steward these public trust resources for all, including future genera- tions, using the best available science and providing robust financial resources. • Conservation on private land plays an essential role in supporting healthy fish and wildlife populations and providing and connecting their habitat. • Our nation’s healthy lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, marine and coastal waters, forests, and other wild lands are vital to our public health, economy, wildlife, and quality of life. • Diverse and abundant wildlife habitat is essential for urban, suburban and rural communities. • We all have a right to enjoy sustainable and responsible outdoor recreation including: hunting, fishing, camping, bird- ing, wildlife watching, hiking, climbing, swimming, boating, and gardening. • Our nation must address climate change, continue moving toward cleaner energy sources, and make wildlife habitat and communities more resilient to such change. • We have a national responsibility to get our children outdoors, for their health, their intellectual enrichment, their daily happiness, and to instill a conservation ethic in future generations.

As the National Wildlife Federation – a nationwide federation of state and territorial affiliate organizations and nearly six million members and supporters across the country:

• We embrace a national responsibility to conserve wildlife and wild places wherever they may be and to broaden the conservation movement so that it encompasses America in all its diversity. • We dedicate ourselves to share respectfully with our neighbors our understanding and appreciation of our natural en- vironment, of conservation, of cultural preservation, and of America’s outdoor heritage. • We commit to nurturing with resources, attention, and talent a diverse national conservation movement that inspires local, state, and national action and engagement on issues that transcend political boundary. • And we fully accept our profound responsibility to speak up, to advocate, and to engage on behalf of America’s wild- life.

12 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 13 Deepwater Horizon Researchers Discuss Their Scientific Research in Tallahassee By Claudia Farren, Communications Consultant a rainbow sheen and dissipate the ripple and plankton. On the Gulf’s floor, corals going to get the marsh back.” effect of surface water. Large sheens are were injured but the extent is unknown. Some of Dr. Turner’s other findings: For the 5th Anniversary of the Deep- visible from the Space Shuttle. By map- On a dive trip soon after the accident Ants and spiders were killed or left the water Horizon Oil Spill three university ping these oil slicks Dr. MacDonald has several sites showed “circular death of area, which in turn impacted the seaside researchers discussed their latest find- been able to discern what is happening corals”. Dr. MacDonald showed photos sparrow population. Oysters were more ings about the impact of the Macondo at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Be- of pink-colored coral fans. Their cen- damaged after three years than after one. well blowout on the biology and ecology fore the Deepwater Horizon oil spill he ters were brown. When he and other re- He does not know why. He is also study- of the Gulf of Mexico and its shores. had discovered 914 natural seep zones. searchers returned in 2014 much of the ing loons and their reproductive cycles The panel discussion took place at the Most are in the northwest off Texas and coral was dead. Other coral reefs were into the future. The marsh fish have not Challenger Center and was sponsored offshore of Mexico. There’s not much checked surrounding the spill. They had been affected in a population level, only by the Tallahassee Scientific Society. in the northeast off Florida, only 7 per- not recovered. He hopes to continue to in an individual level. The dead zone was The first speaker was Dr. Ian- Mac cent. When the accident occurred in study the long-term effects of the oil not worse after the spill. Donald, benthic biologist and oceanog- April 2010, he used satellite imagery to spill on the deep ocean communities of Comments during the Question and rapher of “deep-ocean extreme commu- challenge the size of the oil spill first re- the Gulf of Mexico. Answer period: All three professors nities” at FSU’s Department of Earth, ported by BP and government scientists. Dr. William F. Patterson III, an Asso- stressed the need for long term studies Ocean and Atmospheric Science. He has They later confirmed his findings. ciate Professor at the University of South and suggested the audience write their been studying natural oil seeps for years. Controlled burning by the Coast Alabama and Dauphin Island Sea Lab, local, state and federal representatives Gas hydrate droplets in the ocean form Guard removed significant amounts of spoke about chronic effects and resil- and tell them to fund scientific studies the heavy oil. Dr. MacDon- iency of reef fish after the accident at the on fish, mammals, and the interconnec- ald’s new research shows oil well. At the time he was in the middle tivity of the whole ecology of the Gulf. that the dispersant used on of a long-term study on the diversity of They were asked if dispersant chemi- the remaining oil on the sur- fish on natural and artificial reefs in the cals should be used in the next big oil face and directly at the well Gulf. The various fish on both types of spill and they all said they did not know. head reduced the volume of reefs grow similarly and their diet is sim- They’d like to see the results of a long floating oil by 21 percent but ilar. His studies were showing that there term study covering the whole ecosys- increased the ocean area it is a greater diversity of fish on natural tem. The professors agreed that booms covered by 49 percent. This reefs. They are species-rich with lots of have no use and were not effective in shifted the impact from the large and small fish. Artificial reefs have stopping the oil from coming onshore. upper food chain—dolphins, plenty of large fish but very few small Dr. Patterson stated that the fish from the whales, turtles—to the lower ones—the diversity is lower. After the Gulf are safe to eat. levels of the Gulf—larvae spill, concentrations of all fish declined The oil industry continues to do busi- in the Gulf by Year 3. However, in Year 4, fish populations started to come back. DEEPWATER con’t page 15 Lionfish, an invasive species Answers to Florida Kids’ Quiz native to the South Pacific and Indian Oceans, arrived in 1. You can plant (or encourage your parents to plant) native milk- 2010 adding a confusing ef- weeds in Florida to help monarchs on their flight across the Gulf to fect on his study. The lionfish their winter habitat in Mexico. Native milkweeds are the only plants are at a much higher density monarchs can eat to fuel themselves on this long flight. You can also put on the artificial reefs than on a shallow dish with some stones in it that are almost covered with water the natural ones and are in- to give butterflies a drink on their journey. Pour out the water every day creasing in numbers. Last to speak was Dr. and refill it to keep mosquitoes from breeding. R. Eugene Turner who is a 2. It’s important to save energy because most energy requires the coastal, wetlands biologist burning of fuels (coal, gas) that create greenhouse gases causing cli- and professor at the Louisiana mate change. Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxides) are caught in our State University School of atmosphere and heat up the planet (they turn the earth into a “green- the Coast and Environment. Deepwater Horizon oil slick near the Mississippi River house”). So be mindful when you use your television sets and computers He is an expert on the dead Delta as seen from space by NASA’s Terra Satellite on or gas to drive cars. Solar and wind energy, which do not cause climate zone in the Gulf of Mexico May 24, 2010. Credit: WikiMedia Commons. change, are becoming more widely used, and that is a good thing for the and the ongoing impacts of earth. However, until we have more solar and wind energy, we should the oil spill, and is study- ing the effects on the coastal try to save energy when we can. ecosystems in Louisiana. Oil 3. Little sea turtles, which hatch from eggs on Florida beaches, are entered the marshes off the supposed to make their way into the ocean, but can get confused about coast around June 1 and his where the water is because of lights on the beach. They confuse the team was able to get baseline lights for the moon and will crawl inland instead of out to sea. Any measurements before the oil lighted sign that is built directly on the beach will attract them, and came to shore. There has only they will crawl in the wrong direction and may die. Houses, hotels and been a modest weathering of motels directly on the beach should shield their lights on the beach side, the oil that reached the marsh or turn them off during the turtle hatching season. and they expect to have per- sistent oiling for decades. He How did you do, Florida Kid??!! stated, “The shoreline erodes faster with oil and we are not

14 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida DEEPWATER from page 14 omy that was also damaged by the spill. DON’T FORGET which are their only food to fuel their By making sure the waters that flow off journey? Think about it, and PLANT ness with inadequate regulations as a our lands and into the Gulf are cleaner, ABOUT THE MILKWEEDS! result of the Macondo well blowout, ex- we can help keep the Gulf healthy and Get to know which native milkweeds plosion, and fire. The Deepwater -Hori sustainable. A healthy Gulf should be MONARCHS! are good for monarchs, and which are zon spill was just a rehearsal of what we the goal of every dollar spent on restora- By Pat Pearson, Habitat Coordinator are going to be facing in the future. tion. The Florida Wildlife Federation is not. Here is the quickest way to propa- working with local advisory groups and Our monarchs are in trouble. I’m gate plants. I don’t know the source of **Jay Liles, FWF Policy Consultant, other environmental organizations to en- talking about the dire straits that the the following information, so I can’t had this to say about the current state of sure that the Clean Water Act fines paid monarch butterfly is in, with a 90% de- attribute it to its writer, but I believe the Gulf restoration: “Restoring the Gulf of by those responsible for this spill go into cline in its numbers within the last few writer will not mind my repeating it here Mexico will help restore Florida’s econ- Gulf restoration.” years. Yes, maybe it will be OK. Maybe as it was surely written to aid the mon- the programs initiated by government archs’ survival. agencies and almost anybody else with some clout will work out in the end, and GROWING MILKWEEDS FROM the beautiful and unique monarch will fly CUTTINGS again. Or not. Please forgive me if I seem skeptical All milkweeds are perennials and about how slow and ineffectual gov- some can be grown from cuttings. Cut- ernment seems to be, as in how slowly tings provide a way of producing new action on climate change, for instance, plants in a relatively short time and it seems to be, and how quickly we seem avoids some of the difficulties of start- to forget things that are no longer in the ing plants from seeds. To start cuttings, news. Wouldn’t it be a shame if we forget cut the stems underwater, then coat the about the monarch butterflies? bottom of the stem with a strong rooting I am still convinced that most good hormone. The stems should be placed in changes that happen in this country start sand, vermiculite, or potting soil that is on the grass roots level, and rise from kept continuously moist. Cuttings can there up to the powers-that-be before usually be transplanted in 6-10 weeks. they are enacted into effective programs Survival is best when cuttings are made or laws for helping bad situations. That from green stems (1/3 inch diameter) usually takes years of wrangling in leg- obtained from plants fertilized two weeks islative bodies before they can be made earlier. effective. After all, political contribu- Soil Types: If you have a choice, light tions must be considered, and I doubt soils are better than those with heavy that the monarchs make many political clay. Well-drained soils are generally contributions. best but there are some species, e.g. A. So, what’s to be done if monarch but- incarnata (swamp milkweed) and A. terflies are to be helped in any way? We sullivantii, which do well in saturated grass roots people can try to help them conditions. survive and thrive where we live until Where to Plant: Most milkweed spe- larger programs kick in, and give the but- cies evolved in open areas where they terflies what they need to survive. Florida were exposed to full sunlight and they is the last stop for many of the east coast will do best if they are planted in the monarchs migrating to their winter home sunniest areas of your gardens. A few in Mexico. Shouldn’t Floridians try to see species, such as A. purpurascens, appear that they have the necessary milkweeds, to require partial shade.

June 18, 2015 Fish or Cruise Sweepstakes Drawing Conservation FWF Headquarters – 3 PM September 25-27, 2015 2545 Blairstone Pines Dr FWF Board of Directors Meeting Calendar Tallahassee, FL 32301 Tradewinds Resort, St. Pete Beach [email protected] June 12-14, 2015 June 23-25, 2015 FWF Board of Directors Meeting FWC Commission Meeting December 17, 2015 & Conservation Awards Banquet Sarasota 25th Annual Boating St. Augustine www.myfwc.com/commission Sweepstakes Drawing [email protected] FWF Headquarters (see back page of this issue) September 2-3, 2015 FWC Commission Meeting Fort Lauderdale

14 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 15 Florida Wildlife Federation’s 78th Annual Conservation Awards Banquet June 12-14, 2015. Headquarters: Doubletree by Hilton St. Augustine Historic District Make reservations for tickets through FWF and overnight accommodations through Doubletree by Hilton.

Friday, June 12th 6:30 pm Fish Fry along the Mantanzas River Genung’s Fish Camp 291 Cubbedge Rd, Crescent Beach ($25 per person) St. Aug. Rod & Gun Club

Saturday, June 13th Doubletree by Hilton in 9:00 am FWF Board of Directors/House of Delegates Meeting St. Augustine’s to Doubletree by Hilton – Anastasia Room 4:00 pm Historic District Doubletree by Hilton 5:30 pm Cocktail Reception/Hors d’oeuvres Reserve by May 29th to receive St. Augustine Rod & Gun Club room rate of $129 per night. Silent Auction and Art Exhibit by Peter R. Gerbert The Federation’s summer meet- ing hotel headquarters is the 7:00 pm FWF’s 78th Annual Conservation Awards Banquet Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. St. Augustine Rod & Gun Club Ideally located in the city cen- Dinner & Presentation of Awards ($60 per person) ter, this inviting hotel is within walking distance of the historic downtown district. Full service Sunday, June 14th hotel with pool & free parking for hotel guests. Hotel located at 7:30 am Life Members’ Breakfast to Doubletree by Hilton – Anastasia Room 116 San Marco Avenue, St. Au- Genung’s Fish Camp 8:30 am Tickets and registration below gustine, FL 32084 ($25 per person) Call 904-825-1923 for room 9:00 am FWF Board of Directors/ reservations. Mention FWF or to House of Delegates Meeting Florida Wildlife Federation to 12:00 pm Doubletree by Hilton – Anastasia Room receive group rate - $129 per night. Or, visit www. IDEAS For Us: IDEAS For Us will hold their annual board/staff retreat on June 13-14 at the Doubletree in St. Augustine StAugustineHistoricDistrict. in conjunction with FWF’s meeting. They plan to engage in team-building activities, discuss important updates and mile- Doubletree.com and use Group stones across the IDEAS movement and develop action plans for the next academic year to engage students in environmental Code “FWF” for $129 per night projects around the world. If you are interested in further information about IDEAS or their meeting, contact Chris Castro at rate. [email protected]. IDEAS meetings will be held in the Laurel Room.

Name:______Registration Form For Events

Address:______Friday, June 12th — Fish Fry - Genung’s Fish Camp, Crescent Beach $25.00 per person. Enclosed is $______for ______persons. City, State, Zip:______Saturday, June 13th — 78th Annual Conservation Awards Banquet – St. Augustine Rod & Gun Club, $60.00 per person. Enclosed is $______for ______people for the ______Bill my Discover, AMEX, VISA, MC #: Banquet. Please make a meal choice for each attendee (indicate number of meals): Shrimp______Chicken______Vegetarian______Exp. Date:______Security Code:______Total charged:______Event Includes Cocktail Reception, Awards Banquet and Silent Auction. Please enter the names of all persons attending with you:______Signature: ______Phone #: ______

Email:______Sunday, June 14th — FWF Life Members’ Breakfast – Anastasia Room $25.00 per person. Enclosed is $______for ______persons. Please reserve your event tickets no later than June 3! Attn. Diane Hines, Florida Wildlife Federation, Total amount: $______P.O. Box 6870, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6870. Checks payable to Florida Wildlife Federation Questions? Email: [email protected].

16 May 2015 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News • Keeping the Wild in Florida