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News FFWN is printed on recycled paper, ISSN 1520-8214 Volume 31, Issue 4 Affiliated with the National Wildlife Federation November 2017 Senate President Negron receives Florida Wildlife Federation Legislator of the Year award for leadership on the reservoir legislation during the 2017 Session, on October 11, 2017.

2017-2018 FWF Annual Business Meeting The Florida Wildlife Federation held its annual business meeting Sept. 23, 2017 at St. Pete Beach Tradewinds Guy Harvey Resort. Three new board members were elected to serve for 2017-2018 on the 27 volunteer member FWF Board of Directors. They are: Anna Hamilton (Gainesville), Pepper Uchino (Tallahassee) and David Preston (Miami). We welcome these new members to the board as well as George Jones (Ft. Pierce), whose appoint- ment to the board during the summer was ratified at the meeting. FWF typi- Left to right – Sarah Owen Gledhill (FWF Planning Director), Senator Curt cally holds three to four meetings per year. Some of them are one day meet- Kiser (FWF Board Member), Preston Robertson (FWF VP and General ings on a Saturday; some are two days meetings. A field trip is usually a Counsel), Senate President Joe Negron, Manley Fuller (FWF President) and component of each meeting, held on Friday afternoon or Sunday of the meet- Anna Upton (Everglades Foundation). ing weekend. The members of the board serve one year terms and travel to meetings at their own expense, and are united in their love for natural Florida Announcing the 81st and conserving our woods and waters for future Floridians. If board member- Annual Conservation ship interests you, and you are a member in good standing of the Federation,

PAID Awards Banquet, please contact Diane Hines at [email protected]. Your interest will be

NON-Profit Org NON-Profit U.S. POSTAGE U.S. Permit No. 2840 No. Permit conveyed to the board and you may be asked to provide some background JACKSONVILLE, FL JACKSONVILLE, Saturday, April 28, 2018 information. Information about our new Directors is included in this issue. at the Safety Harbor Inn & Resort on . www.safetyharborspa.com

Please mark your calendars! Details to follow in our next issue.

If you would prefer to receive INSIDE: this publication via email MESSAGES FROM THE CHAIR AND PRESIDENT...... 2-3 instead of print, contact NEWS AROUND THE STATE...... 4-10 [email protected]. Please 9TH ANNUAL KIDS’ WILDLIFE HABITAT CONTEST...... 9 include your name and address HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS...... 11-12

with your request. CONSERVATION CALENDAR...... 16

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Tallahassee, FL 32314-6870 FL Tallahassee,

P.O. Box 6870 Box P.O.

Florida Wildlife Federation Wildlife Florida official publication official of the

1 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! • November 2017 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 1 CHAIR’S MESSAGE Then we have the Holidays six by Rick Abbott weeks away. I can’t wait. Fish- ing, hunting and exploring with family members and friends I don’t see on a regular basis. My family is excited about the cooling temps and being able to be outdoors and not worry- ing about being eaten alive by insects. This weekend with the night- ly forecast in the low 40’s high 30’s the Abbotts are headed to the woods. I just told my busi- ness partners and staff I will not be in on Monday! I wanted to say to all our We all have a lot to be thank- Diane Hines, Beth Hakemoller and Claudia Farren represented FWF on October 28, 2017 at the St. Marks NWR Monarch Festival. It was a Florida members, friends and ful for. Don’t let any negativity great day with gorgeous weather! fellow residents my thoughts spoil your holiday season. We and prayers go out to each and have all of next year for that. *Tom Evans’ conservation legacy forged every one that was directly or Be safe, be careful and have fun indirectly effected by Irma or in the great outdoors! through consensus Nate. Although the Abbott fam- Delaware Business Times “Tom has the ability to posit an issue in ily was not directly impacted, it October 19, 2017 a manner that people can relate to. He says to one person that it will save the was very stressful looking at Love Florida, National Wildlife Federation Presi- taxpayers money. Then other people the Weather Channel and fol- dent Collin O’Mara called the Delaware might be commercial fishermen or peo- lowing the projected paths of Don’t Litter Republican “one of the most nonparti- ple who are interested in eco-tourism. both storms barreling right at san politicians I’ve ever met.” He’s able to relate it to all those folks. Conservationists say Evans’ friend- He’s good at it. He’s really good at it. us. Wow! ships were pivotal in the passage of a People who have natural political ability This time of year for a lot of law that protected almost 2,700 miles of can do that kind of thing.” Floridians is very special and shoreline and probably saved lives and Continue Reading: http://www. homes this hurricane season. The New delawarebusinesstimes.com/tom-evans- what we wait for. College and York Times called it a “magic formula” conservation-legacy-forged-consensus/ pro football seasons. Baseball and “the most important environmental playoffs and the World Series. law nobody has even heard of.” *Tom is a proud member of the Flor- The start of basketball season. Manley Fuller, president of the Flor- ida Wildlife Federation Board of Direc- ida Wildlife Federation, put it this way: tors.

FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION NORTHWEST REGION CENTRAL REGION STAFF TALLAHASSEE OFFICE 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive; P.O. Box 6870 REGIONAL DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR Curt Kiser Billy Causey PRESIDENT Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6870 5385 WPA Rd, Lamont, FL 32336 29901 SE 150th St., Altoona, FL 32702 Manley K. Fuller, III 850-656-7113; FAX 850-942-4431 850-591-5416 305-395-0150 Vice President for Conservation & General Counsel www.fwfonline.org E-mail: [email protected] DISTRICT I DIRECTOR DISTRICT II DIRECTOR DISTRICT V DIRECTOR DISTRICT VI DIRECTOR Preston T. Robertson Steve Theberge Jenny Brock Tim Bachmeyer Jay Bushnell Affiliated With National Wildlife Federation 3616 Oakbrook Lane 311 Old Magnolia Road 2092 Braxton St. 15639 NW 46th Lane Vice President of Administration Panama City, FL 32408 Crawfordville, FL 32327 Clermont, FL 34711 Chiefland, FL 32626 Diane Hines OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND STAFF 503-338-0420 850-459-9341 561-801-5752 352-493-1807 Membership & Database Policy Consultant Coordinator Jay Liles Lynn Jones Communications Specialist CHAIR IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR NORTHEAST REGION SOUTHERN REGION Executive Cole Sousa Rick Abbott Steve O’Hara Administrative Assistant REGIONAL DIRECTOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR 3233 Heather Hill Road Michelle Forman Florida Fish & Wildlife News Tallahassee, FL 32309 PAST CHAIR’S COUNCIL Richard Hamann Martha Musgrove Producer/Editor: 850-284-4300 Steve O’Hara 2020 SE 32nd Place, Gainesville, FL 32641 2432 Edgewater Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 Administrative Assistant Danny Gwynn-Shapiro Jenny Brock 352-273-0842 561-965-9409 Tessa Kleck Habitats Coordinator VICE-CHAIR Jim Schuette DISTRICT III DIRECTOR DISTRICT IV DIRECTOR DISTRICT VII DIRECTOR DISTRICT VIII DIRECTOR Education Consultant Pat Pearson Joseph Atterbury Linda Stanley Jim Schuette Anna Hamilton 5393 Pennock Point Road Bob Reid Linda Stanley Franklin Adams Claudia Farren 244 Dorothy Land Rd. 6209 NW 246th Ave. Planning Director Jupiter, FL 33458 David J. White 5665 Summit Blvd 761 15th St. NW Branford, FL 32008 Alachua, FL 32615 FWF SW FL OFFICE Sarah Owen Gledhill 561-371-0532 Lynn Alan Thompson West Palm Bch, FL 33415 Naples, FL 34120 561-301-4883 904-599-0008 SW Florida Field Representative Franklin Adams 561-312-3918 239-455-1567 H Nancy Payton Jim Scanland FWF NE FL OFFICE VICE-CHAIR 2590 Golden Gate Pkwy, Ste. 105 Jay H. Exum Tommy Needham 88 Riberia St., Ste. 400 Naples, FL 34105 2253 Peachleaf Ct, Longwood, Walt Brandon St. Augustine, FL 32084 EIGHT AT-LARGE DIRECTORS (239) 643-4111 FL 32779 Timothy Keyser (904) 347-6490 321-229-5653 Richard Tillis Ned Stone Tom Evans, Jr. Bobbie Lindsay Ray Carthy 2012 Coral Shores Drive 1000 Warwick Lane 212 Caribbean Road U.F. Coop Unit The Florida Fish and Wildlife News is published quarterly by the VICE-CHAIR PRESIDING OFFICER Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 Wilmington, DE 19807 Palm Beach, FL 33489 PO Box 110485 Florida Wildlife Federation John Jopling OF LIFE MEMBERS’ 954-205-9595 302-656-0880 561-797-9405 Gainesville, FL 32611 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32301. 5323 NW 92nd Way COUNCIL 352-213-5851 ISSN: 1520-8214 Gainesville, FL 32653 David Theriaque 352-538-4154 Terry Gibson George Jones Pepper Uchino David Preston EDITOR in CHIEF CONTACT US AT Manley K. Fuller, III [email protected] Youth Conservation Director 4394 NE Skyline Drive 1420 Seaway Drive 905 Waverly Rd 754 NE 90th St. #704 2017 DELEGATES TO NWF Samantha Baraoidan Jensen Beach, FL 34957 Fort Pierce, FL 34949 Tallahassee, FL 32312 Miami, FL 33138 Delegate: Ray Carthy Marilu Morgan 772-285-7683 772-380-2039 850-727-9040 786-384-1320 No original material may be reproduced without written consent Alternate: Rick Abbott from the publisher.

2 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! hear how important conservation lands are to you. Key decision-mak- Conference of Young Conservation ers this year include Senate Presi- dent Joe Negron, Sen. Jack Latv- Leaders (CYCL) for NWF Affiliates ala, Sen. Rob Bradley, Sen. Wilton Simpson, Sen. Lauren Book, Sen. The Florida Wildlife Federation will have three representatives at- Anitere Flores, Sen. Wilton Simp- tending the Conference of Young Conservation Leaders (CYCL) in son, House Speaker Richard Kansas City, Missouri on November 2-5, 2017. NWF affiliate organiza- Corcoran, Rep. Matt Caldwell, tions are coming together to put on this event. The Conservation Fed- Rep. Ben Albritton and Rep. Clay eration of Missouri is the main host. Attendees will meet with conser- Ingram. Florida’s conservation vation leaders from other organizations and develop strategies to deal lands protect watersheds and allow with pressing conservation issues. They will also obtain ideas on how for groundwater recharge across to develop a youth conservation leadership program. the entire state. Wetlands help buf- Our three representatives are: Samantha Baraoidan, a University of fer storm surge and sea level rise ef- Florida graduate student and FWF Youth Conservation Director, Mar- fects on the built environment which cella Mullholand, and Dr. Rena Borkhataria, Director of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (DDCSP: http://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/ PRESIDENT’S is especially important in Florida. Our conservation lands and waters doris-duke-conservation-scholars) which is based at the University of MESSAGE Florida. by Manley Fuller provide high quality fish and wild- life habitat across the state. We need The goals of the CYCL Conference are to exchange ideas to improve to dramatically increase funding for the critical elements of existing programs; develop communication and Dear Florida Wildlife Federation conservation land acquisition, man- support strategies for new and existing programs; help form new youth members, agement and restoration as the voters conservation leadership programs in additional states; and leave Kansas intended. FWF and allies are mak- City with a clear set of goals and steps to achieve them. FWF will have This year’s stormy weather has ing the case that the constitutional a follow up article in the February 2018 issue of this publication. challenged many of us and I hope amendment passed by 75 percent of you all are safe and sound. Some ar- the voters in 2014 is intended for: 1.) eas of Florida have been hit worse Conservation lands acquisition, both for the Florida Forever program, but *** than others. The storms have once fee and less than fee, from willing we will continue to work on that. I also wanted to let you know again made clear that it is critical landowners, 2.) Conservation lands As many of you know, our fish and about pending legislation at the to support policies which green our management, and 3.) Restoration. wildlife habitats face a wide variety Federal level which would provide coasts and floodplains and steer new We dispute how the legislature has of invaders both plants and animals. major benefits to state level wildlife infrastructure away from flood-prone chosen to spend a significant portion We need to have sufficient funding conservation. areas. Programs which buy out will- of those funds and our case will be to tackle invasive species and have Our state is blessed with a di- ing landowners in flood prone areas argued in court the summer of 2018. programs that keep these problem verse array of fish and wildlife, and convert those properties to wild- While the legal dispute will ul- species from entering Florida. We and 6.4 million people spend $9 life areas or public access sites to timately be resolved through the will discuss what we are doing to ad- billion* a year enjoying wildlife- the beach or waterways make more courts, it is critical that our legisla- dress this problem in future issues. related recreation here. However, sense than paying for repeat flood tors and the Governor hear that we We recently recognized Senate while many of Florida’s wildlife spe- claims. Programs like the Coastal need significant increases for our President Joe Negron for his leader- cies are thriving, others are declining Barrier Resources System help pro- conservation lands funding through ship on the passage of Senate Bill 10 in numbers. tect coastal habitat by removing sub- the Acquisition and Restoration last year and his work in support of State fish and wildlife agencies sidies which promote development Council process. I wish everyone implementing it. As of today, Lake have identified 12,000 species- na of low-lying, flood-prone areas. A concerned with Florida’s conserva- Okeechobee waters are very high, tionwide in need of conservation ac- green or living shoreline provides tion lands acquisition prioritization threatening the lake marsh health tion. In Florida, the Florida Fish and fish and wildlife habitat and, ata and land management planning pro- and associated coastal . If Wildlife Conservation Commission relatively low cost, helps protect the cesses could understand how thor- Florida gets additional significant (FWC) has identified a number of built environment by reducing the ough the reviews are. Florida has rainfall, the integrity of the levee species requiring additional conser- impacts of storm surge and flooding. acquired some real gems over the is threatened. This all illustrates vation measures in the Florida Wild- I want to thank all those who years and they are of great value as why we need to move forward with life Action Plan. contributed to our recent appeal to wildlife habitat and places for people storage, especially south of Lake Nearly two decades ago, Con- further our conservation lands ini- to enjoy the out-of-doors. Ultimate- Okeechobee where the water needs gress created a program that would tiatives and note that we received a ly, they make Florida a better place to be treated and moved south. help prevent wildlife from becoming $10,000 match from a donor. As you to live and contribute greatly to our I want to conclude this column endangered. However, this program know, a top priority of Florida Wild- natural resource-based economy. with my expression of gratitude for has remained woefully underfunded. life Federation is to further conser- We were glad to hear the Gov- our members whose support is key On average, Florida receives a vation lands linkages across the state ernor’s budget for the coming year to FWF’s success in conservation. little over two million dollars each using all of the tools in the conserva- as to the Everglades restoration pro- tion tool kit to further that objective. gram is strong and forward looking. Thank you, PRESIDENT con’t page 10 It is critical for our legislators to We wish that it included more funds

2 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! • November 2017 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 3 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REPORT by Nancy Anne Payton, Southwest Florida Field Representative

quantity, and spatial configuration mandates that the following criteria Conclusion to support these three subpopu- must be met before considering delist- lations is retained, protected, ing. The Interim Recovery Goals, the or secured for the long-term. Criterion 1. Three viable, self- Reclassification Criteria, and the The first task is achieved. sustaining populations of at least 240 Delisting Criteria have not been met. The Florida Fish and Wildlife individuals (adults and subadults) each Therefore, there is no trigger to re- Conservation Commission have been established and subsequently consider the endangered status of the estimates the current popula- maintained for a minimum of twelve Florida panther. tion is 120 to 230 adults and years. Florida Wildlife Federation urges subadults living in primary habitat Criterion 2. Sufficient habitatqual - the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to south of the . ity, quantity, and spatial configuration to aggressively preserve and restore Flor- http://myfwc.com/news/news- support these populations is retained, ida panther habitat; prioritize necessary releases/2017/february/22/panther- protected or secured for the long-term. habitat linkages for permanent protec- population/ It is also important to note that for tion; and secure additional life-saving Florida Wildlife The other tasks have not been delisting to be considered, the exchange terrestrial wildlife crossings in regions achieved. Two subpopulations with a of individuals and gene flow among currently and potentially occupied by Federation minimum of 80 individuals do not ex- subpopulations must be natural (i.e., not Florida panthers. ist. Although there are significant tracts manipulated or managed). Statement on Five- of public and private conservation lands Year Review of the in Florida, the current conservation net- work is not contiguous and therefore This is Why Florida Panther may not be sufficient to support three This is why Florida Wildlife Federation continues to support a place-based, full- subpopulations long-term. time Wildlife Advocate in the heart of Florida panther breeding habitat. For kit- The following Florida Wildlife tens and adults to survive and contribute to the recovery of the endangered Florida Federation statement was submitted Reclassification Criteria Not Met panther, there must be contiguous conservation networks across Southwest Florida, and signed by both Nancy Payton and into Central Florida, and beyond. Manley Fuller on August 29, 2017, to The Florida Panther Recovery Plan the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in mandates that both of the following cri- Please donate today to Florida Wildlife Federation’s Florida panther efforts! response to its review of the protective teria must be met before reclassification 1. Go to www.fwfonline.org, look for Donate Now button in upper right status of the Florida panther under the is considered. Neither criterion has been 2. Scroll down to enter your amount U.S. Endangered Species Act. achieved to warrant considering reclas- 3. Scroll down to “I want my donation to be designated to” sification. 4. Select “Florida Panther – Southwest Office” and The endangered Florida panther’s Criterion 1. Two viable popula- 5. Click on Donate Now status does not meet the current crite- tions of at least 240 individuals (adults Thank you! ria for reclassification established by and subadults) each have been estab- the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and lished and subsequently maintained for Very young panther kittens contained in the 2008 Florida Panther a minimum of twelve years (two pan- born this spring in rural Recovery Plan. ther generations; one panther generation Collier County. https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/ is six years). Panther%20Recovery%20Plan.pdf Criterion 2. Sufficient habitat They will remain in this quality, quantity, and spatial configura- den for about two months before following their tion to support these populations is re- Interim Recovery Goal Not Met mother. tained, protected or secured for the Due to the challenging nature of at- long-term. Photo Courtesy of Florida taining the recovery criteria, an interim Two viable populations do not ex- Panther Biologist Mark recovery goal was established to gauge ist. There is not yet one viable popula- Lotz, Florida Fish and progress towards the goals of reclassifi- tion according to the current population Wildlife Conservation cation and delisting. estimate of 120 to 230 individuals an- Commission. The Florida Panther Recovery Plan nounced by Florida Fish and Wildlife states that the interim recovery goal will Conservation Commission in February be achieved when the following three 2017. Florida Fish and Wildlife tasks are met. Although there are significant tracts Conservation Commission Task 1. The south and south-cen- of public and private conservation lands biologist holds the three tral Florida panther subpopulation is in Florida, the current conservation kittens during a health maintained, restored, and expanded network is not contiguous and not suf- evaluation. beyond 80 to 100 individuals (adults ficient to support long-term two viable and subadults). populations of at least 240 adults and Photo Courtesy of Florida Task 2. Two subpopulations with subadults. Panther Biologist Mark a minimum of 80 individuals each are Lotz, Florida Fish and established and maintained within the Delisting Criteria Not Met Wildlife Conservation Commission. historic range. Task 3. Sufficient habitat quality, The Florida Panther Recovery Plan

4 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! NORTHEAST FLORIDA REPORT by Sarah Owen Gledhill, FWF’s Planning Director

ly assumed by the NFIP. Figures from Our outdoor economy is dependent the NFIP indicate that most homes in upon its own infrastructure. A natural counties affected by Harvey, Irma and infrastructure is comprised of restored these “sunny day” flooding episodes do wildlife habitat, clean waterways, not have private flood insurance. This healthy forests and wetlands and grass- lack of coverage can be the result of a lands. Most importantly these ecosys- number of reasons from a lender not tems provide accessible lands for recre- monitoring a lapse in coverage to out- ating, fishing and supporting sustainable dated mapping which does not indicate wildlife populations. Preserving flood- the need for flood insurance. plains invests in our community resil- The original intent of NFIP was to iency and outdoor economy. Flooding in Jacksonville during Irma. slow or prevent new flood-prone coastal and riverine development. Its goal was to guide development away from lo- cations which are threatened by flood hazards. Unfortunately, NFIP has incen- Timing is tivized and exacerbated development. Even though the coastal region makes Everything up 18 percent of the nation’s land area, FWF has been engaged in protecting it is home to half our population. This and restoring Florida’s coasts, wetlands has resulted in a loss and alteration of and floodplains. These systems, when floodplains and a loss of their ecological healthy and natural, provide some of our benefits. most critical wildlife habitat. Moreover, One adaption measure which pro- they help protect people and communi- motes natural and nature-based mitiga- ties by providing buffers against storm tion is floodplain mapping. FWF is urg- surge and wave action and maintaining ing local governments to update their areas for water collect instead of flood- respective floodplain maps and include ing surrounding areas. However, federal 50, 100, 200 and 500-year floodplain programs such as the National Flood areas. Floodplain maps are developed Insurance Program (NFIP) have led to community by community. Moreover, increased development and alteration the standard for each community is dif- Downtown Jacksonville during . Credit: Doug Freeman/ShotbyDoug.com of coasts and floodplains which now no ferent and thus lack consistency across longer serve important environmental jurisdictional boundaries. Importantly, and public safety functions. In essence, most maps do not take into account Gopher Tortoise Upland Signs are the current NFIP is hurting our wildlife sea level rise. FWF believes account- and human safety. ing for sea level rise in our floodplain Almost Complete The 2017 hurricane season has maps, we can help keep properties out Thank you to our members and supporters for donating to the campaign to help served as a wake-up call for many com- of the floodplain. At this time, Broward people learn how to co-exist with gopher tortoises. When we educate ourselves to munities and state decision makers. County is the only known county to be better understand Florida’s wildlife and their habitat, we learn how to live and rec- Floridians watched Hurricane Harvey undertaking this critical adaptation step. reate alongside them without negatively impacting them. devastate the Houston area with rising Another adaption measure is to start We have requests for the signs in Northeast Florida and two locations in the flood waters due to heavy rainfall. On looking at our wildlife corridors as re- Panhandle. If you know of a park with an active gopher tortoise burrow, let us know the same day Hurricane Harvey made siliency hubs. If we examine a regions and we will try to have an educational sign installed. US landfall on Port Aransas, meteorolo- community exposure index, which takes gist were monitoring a tropical wave into accounts critical infrastructure and which later formed into Hurricane Irma its assets, and overlay wildlife habitat SAVING FLORIDA’S and made US landfall on Cudjoe Key and protected lands (both existing and GOPHER TORTOISES on September 10th. Hurricane Irma potential), we can create these critical came with just as big a punch, bringing resiliency hubs. These hubs can pro- WHY IS MY BURROW IMPORTANT? I am a keystone species. My burrow is home to 365 + species like: • Indigo snakes • Florida mice high storm surge levels during high tide mote human community resilience and • Gopher frogs • Burrowing owls cycles and a nor’easter simultaneously protect fish and wildlife habitat at the impacting the East coast. The Jackson- same time. ville region saw epic flooding with the If communities do not start taking WATCH YOUR STEP We dig burrows on land 8-12’ deep and up to 40’ long! “Using our powerful into account sea level rise, serious eco- front forelegs, we dig our burrows deep to escape the Florida heat! I’M PROTECTED St. Johns River hitting levels not seen Our eggs are usually laid in a sandy area outside the burrow entrance. DON’T TOUCH ME OR MY BURROW

It is a violation to intentionally take, harass, wound since 1846. A month later, many neigh- nomic impacts can occur. We will see or kill any species designated as endangered, threatened, or “of special concern.”

S. 379.411, Florida Statutes – Violators may be bors across the state still cannot get a increases in mortgage defaults, business guilty of a third-degree felony. break from the flooding because of the interruption from flooding, reduction in ABOUT US October full moon cycle bringing “sun- tourism, changes in flood insurance pre- Gopher tortoises are one of the oldest living animals on Earth, with many of us living to be 80 years or older!

As adults, we have no natural native enemies, except humans. ny day” flooding. miums and migration of residents. All CALL FWC TO REPORT A VIOLATION I DON’T SWIM! 888-404-3922 On average, we’re 10 inches long and weigh up to 10-12 lbs. Unfortunately, the flood risk for these factors will result in a loss of tax We are reproductively mature at 10 years or older DON’T PUT ME IN THE WATER and lay 3-5 eggs in a clutch. We have an internal GPS unit that allows us to always homeowners in the US is almost entire- revenue for a local government. find our way back home to our burrow.

4 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! • November 2017 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 5 SB 370, which would put $100 mil- shine State and we should be using and are fatally ingested by birds, lion into the Florida Forever Trust the sun’s power, a freely obtained wildlife and fish. Senator Jose Ro- Fund. The Federation is thankful the and non-polluting source, whenever driquez has filed SB 348, beginning Senator has recognized the need to we can. the process of allowing coastal com- act on what Floridians voted for in Plastic bag pollution has been munities to examine how best to deal 2014 by approving Amendment 1, an issue for many years, especially with this issue. the Water and Land Legacy Amend- in coastal environments. The bags We will keep you informed on ment. Last year, the Florida Forever take literally thousands of years to these and other issues. program was appropriated zero dol- deteriorate, and are often pushed by lars. We still believe Floridians sup- the wind into aquatic environments port, and deserve, full funding for where they disrupt natural systems Florida Forever land conservation, which was $300 million per year un- der previous Republican and Demo- Preston Robertson What you can do: Vice-President for Conservation & cratic administrations. Our litigation General Counsel against the misspending of Amend- Please take a few minutes and contact the following. ment 1 monies continues, and will likely go to trial next summer. This Sen. Rob Bradley (Orange Park) Legislative case has dragged on and on because [email protected] Preview 2018 every time the Legislature goes into 904-278-2085/toll free 888-347-3483 Session, the clock stops on the case Thanks for your efforts on the Florida Forever program. The Seems like the last Legislative per state law. voters want land conservation fully funded. Session in Tallahassee just ended, A bill to ban fracking, which doesn’t it? Well, the next one is right failed last year, has been refiled. SB Sen. Dana Young (St. Petersburg) around the corner because next year 462, by Senator Dana Young, with [email protected] is an election year, so Session starts its House of Representatives com- 813-281-5507 early. The 2018 Session will com- panion bill, H 237 by Representa- mence January 9 and run for the next tive Kathleen Peters, would ban Thanks for supporting a ban on fracking. 60 days. Committee meetings are al- this practice. Fracking is a danger to ready underway. our water supply, especially as Flor- Rep. Kathleen Peters (St. Petersburg) ida’s groundwaters are contained in [email protected] Our efforts in coming months will Swiss cheese-like karst formations. 727-341-7385 be centered on: We should not be playing Russian Thanks for supporting a ban on fracking. • Funding for conservation roulette with our water supply. FWF land protection supports these good bills. Sen. Jose Rodriquez (Miami) • Banning fracking SB 292, filed by Senator Jose [email protected] • Supporting solar power Rodriguez, is entitled the Private 305-854-0365 • Minimizing pollution Property Rights bill, but its under- Thanks for acting to stop plastic bag pollution. lying goal is to support homeown- At present, there are several filed ers in using solar energy. If passed, bills which address each of the above this bill would allow solar power to Thank you for taking the time to make contact. Even a issues. be generated and used on site. FWF short message means a lot. Senator Rob Bradley has filed supports this bill. Florida is the Sun-

Misty Penton, Director of Edu- cation, Fred George Nature Center, New Legacy Club Member: Preston Robertson, FWF and Mi- chael Kelly, Director of Wildwood Jim & Ginger Visconti, Monticello Preservation Society at Tallahassee’s Fred George Park for Robertson’s talk on Land Conservation in Flor- New Life Member: ida. Florida’s landscape has changed drastically since Spanish admiral Pe- Gail Carmody, Panama City dro Menéndez de Avilés founded St. Augustine in 1565. We need to en- sure we keep “La Florida” sustain- Thank you for your generous support! able. *Legacy Club Members are those who have donated $5,000 or more in a single gift. Eagle Club Members are $2,500 donors and Life Members are $1,000 donors.

6 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! 7th Annual FWF Kids’ Fishing Day! FWF’s 2017 Photo Contest On September 30, 2017, kids and parents again gathered at FWF’s River The Florida Wildlife Fed- Preserve on the beautiful to enjoy a few hours in the eration is pleased to announce natural world and also hopefully catch a fish! All had a fun day experiencing the third year of its FWF Photo the river and the woods, which FWF owns to protect water quality on this Contest, which we renamed one of the most pristine rivers left in the state. Many thanks to all the volun- The Lou Kellenberger FWF teers and participants who made this event a success! Photo Contest in memory of this board member and friend. Lou was an outstanding na- ture photographer who passed away in June 2016. The Con- test celebrates the enjoyment of taking photos in Florida’s great outdoors which promotes FWF’s mission to encourage citizens to participate in sus- Photo by Barbara Blaisdell tainable outdoor recreation. Members, supporters and friends of FWF are encouraged to enter, not- ing anyone may enter the contest with the exception of FWF staff. -En trants have an opportunity to win $300 in cash, a tablet (Kindle Fire), $50 Visa gift cards and more! Ten total winners will be selected. It has nev- er been easier to capture images in Florida’s outdoors – use your cam- era, smartphone, or tablet to document the wild world around you. En- ter your most compelling nature images and photos of Florida today at www.snappiephoto.com. Entries will be taken from now until December 31, 2017. Entry fees are $5 for one photo, $10 for 3 photos, and $25 for 7 photos. One Overall Con- test winner will be selected for the First Prize of $300, a Second Prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire tablet, six category winners will receive a $50 Visa gift card and the kids’ contest winner will receive an outdoor backpack. Only digitally uploaded images may be entered. Judging will follow the closing date of December 31, 2017. Visit www.snappiephoto.com to get started. Contact FWF at (850) 656-7113 for questions. IN MEMORIAM

Donations have been received in memory of: In loving memory of her mother, Selma Sheinman, and sister, Beatrice Sheinman

by Susan S. Levine

Rupert “Pete” Iaukea by Camille Brown

The Federation thanks you for your thoughtful contributions. We express our sympathy to family and friends of those who have passed away.

6 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! • November 2017 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 7 Friendly Yard (FYN), a NWF Certified other Wilton Manors’ residents played Wildlife Habitat and as a NatureScape an important role in getting the town There are more than 80 parks in property. The Barbers have been work- certified as a National Wildlife Federa- Broward County. Many have but- ing to establish their wildlife habitat tion Community Wildlife Habitat. Over terfly gardens and have undergone for 20 years and they say it is a work 200 properties in Wilton Manors have native wildlife habitat restoration. in progress. Immediately upon enter- registered. The goal of the certification Some excellent parks to visit are ing the tree canopy at the side entrance program is to encourage people to land- Synder Park in Ft. Lauderdale, to their habitat the air temperature de- scape in an environmentally-friendly Oak Hammock Park and Cypress creases a few degrees even on a hot July way that provides shelter, places to raise Preserve Park in Sunrise, Planta- morning. They have a very old hibiscus young, and has a source of water and tion Preserve and Golf Course in hedge, a butterfly garden with salvia and food for birds, butterflies and other pol- Plantation, Lakeside Sand Pine various milkweeds, thatch palms, plus linators. Preserve in Oakland Park and Anne buccaneer palms and lignum vitae–both M.E. DePalma’s home also sits on Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood. endangered in Florida. Recent wildlife a lot that borders one of the many ca- Here is a link to my Facebook page visitors are possums, raccoons, snakes, nals in Broward County. The front yard with photos of these parks. Claudia Farren legless lizards, burrowing and screech is full of large shade trees, flowering Education Consultant owls, spot-breasted orioles, cooper’s bushes and wildflowers that hide the and red-shouldered hawks plus various house from the street. There is a lovely butterflies—monarch, Polydamas, giant sitting area with a bright blue bench and Certified Wildlife swallowtail, cloudless sulphur, zebra a fountain that attracts local birds and Habitat Gardens longwing and the atala. wildlife. At the top of the shade tree The next home we visited was a above the bench is a wood duck box. of Broward cleared lot when Maggie and Jim Dunn Behind the home is a secluded pool area County moved in. They have since planted 98 and a back porch for enjoying the view percent native plants and use no chemi- along the canal. On the porch on the day On July 6th I spent a very enjoyable cals in their wildlife habitat. There is no I visited there was a planter with a wild morning visiting wildlife habitat gar- grass to mow. Some of the plants that lime tree full of fruit. dens at four homes in Broward County have survived well in their sunny land- Many more photos can be seen on with Rose Bechard-Butman. Rose is scape are: tickseed/coreopsis–the Flor- my Flicker page. a natural resource specialist with the ida state flower, several silver button- Please consider making your yard county and the Out Reach Coordinator wood trees, clusters of dune sunflowers, wildlife friendly! of Nature-Scape Broward. I was visit- coonties and firebushes. The sunshine ing family for a week during the July mimosa, also called powderpuff due 4th holiday and took the opportunity to to their puffy-pink flowers, is used as explore some of the county’s best parks a ground cover. A secluded section of and wildlife habitat gardens. their backyard has been home to a fam- I met Rose at her home and she start- ily of foxes off and on for several years. ed her tour by showing me her own gar- One morning this spring, the Dunns den. It sits on a corner lot with two thick woke to see the fox parents and their hedges of trees, bushes, and flowers pups devouring a potted plant on top of separating the road and the neighbor‘s their breakfast table on the patio! property from the house, patio and pool Before we visited the home of M.E. area. The back of the property has been DePalma, we stopped at a park dedicat- designed for the uptake and filtration ed in her name located at NE 20th Drive of nutrients before they enter the local and NE 7th Avenue in Wilton Manors. canal system. Some of the native plants In January 2010, M.E. DePalma Park in her yard are Bahama strongbark tree, was just another empty lot (.10 acres) in thatch palm, sabal palm, dahoon holly, the middle of a neighborhood, but Ms. blanket flower and coontie. The coontie DePalma worked to register it as a cer- plants are an excellent example of vi- tified wildlife habitat with the National tal wildlife habitat because they are the Wildlife Federation. This butterfly gar- host plant of the very rare atala butterfly, den contains over 100 varieties of na- and on my visit there she pointed out red tive wildflowers, trees, and shrubs such and yellow-spotted caterpillars hidden as: tropical sage, American beautyberry, on one of the coontie bushes. Florida muhly grass, cocoplum, orange Rose’s property is a Certified Wild- geiger tree, gumbo limbo tree and the life Habitat with the National Wildlife endangered cinnecord tree. Click here Federation. It’s also a NatureScape Bro- to see the park’s website that includes ward Certified Property. Broward Coun- a list with photos and descriptions of ty’s NatureScape program is about cre- the plants in the park. The list is an ating a Florida-friendly landscape that excellent resource for choosing plants conserves and protects water resources and trees for your own yard if you live and provides vital wildlife habitat. in southern or central Florida. Click The second wildlife habitat garden here for native plants and trees for we visited was the home of Marilyn and North Florida. Wain Barber. It is certified as a Florida In 2006, Ms. DePalma and many

8 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! 9TH ANNUAL KIDS’ WILDLIFE HABITAT CONTEST... COMING UP! Though Earth Day, April 22, 2018, falls on a Sunday. Florida Wildlife Federation will celebrate Earth Day 2018 on the previous Friday, April 20. We will again be awarding a commemorative certificate and an age-suit- FLORIDA KIDS’ able gardening book to the Florida kid or group of kids 12 years old or under who have helped to establish and maintain a habitat for wildlife at QUIZ home or on school property. The habitat will also be featured on our web- site and in our newsletter. A representative from Florida Wildlife Federation will travel to the contest winner to present the award. Entries close March 31, 2018. The Florida Wildlife Federation is dedicated to encouraging young Flo- ridians to be good environmentalists and to care for our native animals and plants. We believe that time spent outdoors working on a habitat project is of great value in encouraging young people to learn about nature. Experts say that lack of active outdoor play and projects contributes to many childhood health problems. Establishing and maintaining a habitat benefits both chil- dren and wild creatures. 1. Gardeners who live in Flori- It’s easy to enter. Just tell us how the habitat provides the following five da are lucky because they can elements for critters you want to attract: food, water, cover, a place to raise garden all year round. What are young, and an element that improves and sustains the site. Send us some some veggies and flowers that photos of your habitat, preferably with children working there. you can plant in the fall? Teachers, please note that it is not necessary for schoolyard habitats to be certified by National Wildlife Federation or any other organization, just that they provide the five necessary elements for a good wildlife habitat. We are especially interested in the science that students learn in the habitat. IF YOU HAVE ENTERED BEFORE, AND DIDN’T WIN, PLEASE ENTER AGAIN! A description and photos of your habitat can be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to Florida Wildlife Federation, 2545 Blairstone Pines Drive, Tallahassee FL, 32301. Email to [email protected] or call the FWF office at (850) 656-7113 for more information, if needed. See our website at www.fwfonline.org under programs on the drop-down menu at the top of the opening page for photos and information about previous winners, and a PowerPoint and videos for general information about wildlife habi- tats. We look forward to hearing from you. 2. Why should your family be careful about how you dispose of Meet the New FWF Board Members! left-over prescription medicines that you no longer need? (“Dispose of” means to throw away.)

Dave Preston Anna Hamilton Pepper Uchino

David was born and raised in Mi- Anna is a radio producer and oral Stephen “Pepper” Uchino has 10 ami and is a University of Florida historian based in Gainesville. She years of experience in the natural re- 3. How much trash does the graduate. Through his love for fly reports on the environment, climate source field and has a keen interest average person in Florida throw fishing in the Everglades and Keys, he change, and resource management, in the health of Florida’s environ- away in a day? became involved in environmental ad- and documents the changing traditions ment. Currently at Anfield Consulting vocacy after seeing the need to protect of coastal communities in the Ameri- Group, he represents public and pri- South Florida’s remaining wild lands can South. She is Project Director of vate entities as an environmental poli- See page 14 for answers, and and waters from pollution and mis- Matanzas Voices, a multimedia initia- cy expert. He holds a master’s degree more information. management. tive documenting life and work along in Marine Affairs and Policy and a law northeast Florida’s Matanzas River. degree from the University of Miami.

8 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! • November 2017 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 9 PRESIDENT from page 3 funds wisely and effectively. This approach has support from diverse Juanita Greene, FWF Hall of year—a fraction of what is needed. interests including outdoor enthusi- Fame honoree, dies at age 93 This means hundreds of species— asts, the recreation and energy indus- birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, etc— tries, and much more. Compiled by Martha Musgrove and Diane Hines. continue to slip through the cracks. Without dedicated funding, hun- But it doesn’t make sense to dreds of species will face increas- Juanita Greene was The wait until a species is on the brink ing risks. Taking action before at- Miami Herald’s first envi- of extinction before stepping in. risk wildlife requires listing under ronmental writer, having The Endangered Species Act is an the Endangered Species Act makes pushed the newspaper’s American success story that has ben- sense fiscally and morally. National publisher into creating the efitted thousands of species of wild- Wildlife Federation and its affiliates environmental beat in 1969. life including the bald eagle, green across the United States are support- She also pioneered cover- sea turtles and Florida manatees. But ing this legislation as a pragmatic age of “growth manage- it would be better—and generally solution that will allow us to help ment.” Many of the report- cheaper—if we could prevent at-risk protect our natural heritage without ers who followed her still wildlife from needing the Endan- burdening taxpayers. regard her as “the best.” gered Species Act’s expensive and The Recovering America’s Wild- It is said she churned out occasionally restrictive “emergency life Act is the solution we need to stories on everything from room” measures in the first place. help address America’s wildlife cri- backdoor political deals to The Florida Fish and Wildlife sis. This type of proactive conserva- disappearing wood rats. Conservation Commission regu- tion is good for wildlife, good for Born on a rice plantation larly assesses the health of wildlife taxpayers and good for business. We in Louisiana, Juanita be- in Florida and what it would take to hope Florida’s Congressional Dele- came interested in journal- Juanita Greene holding her Florida stop the decline of species in trouble. gation on both sides of the aisle will ism in high school. While Wildlife Federation Conservation This document, required by federal champion this groundbreaking bill. attending Louisiana State Hall of Fame Award. law, is known as a State Wildlife University during World Action Plan and it is created collab- * https://www.census.gov/ War II, she took advantage of the absence of male students to rise oratively with input from scientists, prod/2013pubs/fhw11-fl.pdf to editor of the student newspaper; it was quite an accomplishment landowners, conservation groups, for a female student at that time. After graduation, she worked at the outdoor recreation community, The Tampa Times and The Daytona Beach News-Journal before and a variety of businesses. But getting what she would later call “the most exciting phone call of FWC lacks the money to implement my lifetime” from editors at The Miami Herald inviting her to join this plan the way it would like to. their staff as a reporter. There is a solution on the ho- Juanita’s ferocious approach to the beat at The Miami Herald rizon. The bipartisan Recovering sometimes bordered on activism. Because of her expertise, she America’s Wildlife Act, introduced was also asked to write for The Herald’s editorial pages. When by Representatives Jeff Fortenberry she retired from the paper in 1987, she was ready to stage a frontal (R-Nebraska) and Debbie Dingell assault on the forces she felt were destroying the Everglades and (D-Mich.) would direct existing rev- its wildlife. She wrote numerous articles on this topic for encyclo- enue from oil and gas activities on pedias, journals and magazines. federal lands and waters towards Taking inspiration from pioneering Florida environmentalist state-led efforts to help wildlife spe- and author , she headed Friends of the cies in decline. If it passes, Florida Everglades, an organization founded by Douglas. She was instru- will receive $49.3 million annu- mental in convincing the Friends to file a lawsuit after the state ally—without any tax increases or tried unilaterally to alter terms of a restoration plan. The suit even- new fees. tually led to the current $880 million expansion of water-treatment The legislation builds upon the (filtration) systems and increases in the flow of clean water through successes of the Federal Aid in the Everglades ecosystem. She was also the driving force behind Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman- creation of the . Robertson) and the Federal Aid in In 2012, Juanita Greene was inducted into FWF’s Conservation Sportfish Restoration Act (Dingell- Hall of Fame. She spent her final years in Tallahassee, where she Johnson) that have allowed America could be closer to her two daughters, Helena Sims and Monica to lead the world in the conserva- Mathis. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Catherine John- tion of game species, such as deer, son. A memorial celebration in Miami will be held 2-4 p.m., Sat- elk, bighorn sheep, wild turkeys, urday Nov. 11 at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature and many species of waterfowl and Center, 6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149. sportfish. State agencies have a proven track record of using those

10 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Call For 2018 Conservation Awards Nominations

The Florida Wildlife Federation is again calling for nominations for the Annual Conservation Awards Program, the oldest conservation awards program in the state. The recipients of this year’s awards will be honored at the Annual Conservation Award Banquet which will be held in April 28th 2018. A list of the achievements of nominees should include organizational memberships and affiliations, published papers, news clippings and other references, along with a narrative describing the accomplishments of the nominee. You may also include letters of support from others.

You must be an FWF member to make a nomination. Nominations will be accepted through January 15, 2018, and should be submitted to: Diane Hines, Florida Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 6870, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6870, fax to 850-942-4431 or e-mail [email protected].

CONSERVATIONIST FOREST CONSERVATIONIST CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION wildlife or the environment. This cate- OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR gory is also open to legislative commit- Nominees should have made a contri- Nominees should have made contribu- Nominees can include clubs, societies tee staff members and members of the bution which has a statewide impact, tions in sound forest management prac- or councils which have had a significant public who provide the impetus towards or be an example of selfless dedication tices, including those protecting and conservation achievement during the the passage of conservation legislation. towards the advancement of a conserva- managing for the perpetuation of Flor- past year. tion issue. ida’s native ecosystems. FISH AND WILDLIFE LAW WATER CONSERVATIONIST ENFORCEMENT OFFICER YOUTH CONSERVATIONIST LAND CONSERVATION AND OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR PLANNING AWARD Nominees should have made a contri- Nominees should be employed as law Nominees can be anyone under the age This category includes efforts of bution in protecting the water resources enforcement officers for a state or fed- of 21, or a Youth Organization that has citizens,government entities or employ- of Florida through pollution abatement, eral resource agency who have demon- made a significant contribution toward ees in developing sound land use plan- water management or through efforts strated dedication to protecting Flori- improving the environment or the cause ning. Also eligible are individual land leading to laws or regulations which da’s fish and wildlife resources through of conservation. owners who participate in land conser- protect or enhance Florida’s water re- either law enforcement or community vation practices. sources. involvement. WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR CONSERVATION EDUCATOR CONSERVATION LEGISLATOR BURK “BIFF” LAMPTON This category includes nominees who OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR CONSERVATION COMMUNICATOR haven made significant contributions in This category is open to citizens or edu- Nominees should be legislators who OF THE YEAR protecting or improving Florida’s fish or cators who have made a significant con- have made an important contribution to- All radio, television, newspapers, maga- wildlife habitat, or who have made an tribution toward educating the public on wards the passage of conservation leg- zines or other communications media important contribution towards the con- Florida’s conservation issues. islation, or for efforts against legislation are included in this category which is servation of native wildlife. which would have an adverse affect on open to individual reporters who have given an extra measure of time and ef- fort in research and in-depth reporting in CONSERVATION NOMINATION FORM order to bring the conservation message before the public. FWF member making nomination ______Nominator’s address ______FRANCIS S. TAYLOR OUTDOORSMAN OF THE YEAR City, State, Zip ______This award honors a person who has ex- Telephone ______emplified the highest principles of good sportsmanship and whose leadership AWARD CATEGORY abilities have made a significant impact ______Land Conservationist ______Fish & Wildlife Law ______Conservation Legislator for conservation. The award is named for Francis S. Taylor who passed away ______Youth Conservationist Enforcement Officer ______Conservation Organization in 1982, was an avid outdoorsman and ______Wildlife Conservationist ______Conservation Communicator ______”Living Green” Award the first builder of all aluminum riveted ______Forest Conservationist ______Water Conservationist ______Conservationist of the Year custom built airboats. ______Outdoorsman of the Year ______Conservation Educator “LIVING GREEN” AWARD Nominee ______The “Living Green” award is to be pre- Nominee’s Address ______sented to an individual, organization, municipality, institution of learning or City, State, Zip ______corporation that, during the past year, Nominee’s Phone (______) ______-______Home (______) ______-______has demonstrated extraordinary vision and action in implementing a program, product and/or positive behavioral Return completed form and written narrative to: Diane Hines, Florida Wildlife Federation, P.O.Box 6870, change that utilizes environmentally re- Tallahassee, FL 32314-6870, fax to 850-942-4431 or e-mail [email protected]. sponsible initiatives. Deadline for receiving nominations is January 15, 2018.

10 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! • November 2017 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 11 Florida Nature Store Go to www.fwfonline.org for more great merchandise! 2017 Fall Cards By David Moynahan David is a native Floridian who grew up in Miami and now resides near Tallahassee. As an award-winning conservation photographer, he has spent the last fifteen years as a professional nature photographer. David has merged his life-long study and respect for the natural world with his great eye for composi- tion to create diverse and striking photographic images of Florida’s wild beauty. You may already be familiar with David Moynahan’s outstanding nature photography, since his photographs have graced the covers and illustrated numerous books and publications. We recommend that you visit his website, www.davidmoynahan.com, and also view and enjoy his blog posts at www.davidmoynahan.com/blog. Please order cards on page 12 or by phone, toll free, by calling 800-656-3014. FP - 551, Price $8.95

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 $10.00 Add $3.50 $10.01 to $15.00 Add $5.50 Merchandise total ______$15.01 to $25.00 Add $6.50 $25.01 to $50.00 Add $8.50 FL Residents add 7.5% sales tax Authorized Signature ______$50.01 to $75.00 Add $9.50 $ 75.01 to $100 Add $11.95 Postage/Handling (see chart) Please return this form to: Florida Wildlife Federation $100.01 to $125 Add $12.95 $125.01 to $150 Add $14.95 ORDER TOTAL P.O. Box 6870 • Tallahassee, FL 32314-6870 $150.01 to $175 Add $15.95 Your satisfaction is guaranteed! If the product you receive is unsatisfactory, kindly return to us postpaid $175.01 to $200 Add $17.95 and we’ll cheerfully exchange it or send you a refund. $200.01 and up Add $19.95

12 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Sportsman’s Best: Baits, Rigs & Tackle Book & DVD Coastal Dune Lakes: Jewels of Florida’s Emerald Coast by Vic Dunaway Book and DVD The latest in rods, reels, lines and terminal tackle. The hottest in rigged baits, live baits and Coastal Dune Lakes: lures. The strongest and easiest knots, leaders Jewels of Florida’s Em- and rigs and much, much more. The book and erald Coast is a 1-Hour DVD provide all the important angling know- High-Definition Docu- how you’ll ever need to fish freshwater or salt- mentary featuring the water, bream or bass, spinning or baitcasting, coastal dune lakes of flyrod or canepole, boat or shore. northwest Florida. Jour- ney with film-maker Elam Paperback, 285 pages. FP - 309 Stoltzfus as he shows you Price $9.95 (Retail Price $21.95) why these lakes are unique and what can be done to Special Price protect them. In order to get a wider Florida Sportsman Sport Fish of Florida understanding of the lakes by Vic Dunaway in Florida, Elam traveled to New South Wales, Australia, to do a comparison study with the coastal This excellent book not only has detailed art dune lakes found there. This will be an important part of the story as two of just about any species of fish that an angler geologists in Australia and the United States compare and contrast the lakes might catch or use for bait in Florida, but also and how they were formed. includes specific tips, hints and biological in- The dune lakes are home to a diverse of species—many of them endan- formation compiled by Vic Dunaway in over 50 gered such as the Choctawhatchee beach mouse, loggerhead sea turtle, and years of Florida fishing. snowy plover. In addition, these lakes are important to the region’s econo- my as many visitors come to the area to experience the dune lakes’ natural Paperback, 253 pages. FP - 343 beauty. Price $9.95 (Retail Price $16.95) There are many threats to the coastal dune lakes, but the most significant one is human activity. Part of the film discusses impacts to the lakes—and Special Price what local organizations are doing to preserve the lakes and surrounding natural communities. Produced by Elam Stoltzfus - Live Oak Production Group; Presenting FWF Polor Water Bottles Station - WUSF Public Media; Sponsored by: St. Joe Community Founda- tion BPA-Free & Phthalate-Free “Polar Bottle” has never used BPA in any DVD - 1 Hour. FP - 542. Price $20.00, Member Price, $17.95. water bottles. Even their first water bottles in Book by Nic Stoltzfus - Hardcover, 120 Pages. FP - 545 1993 were BPA-free. Price $44.95, Member Price, $40.00

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12 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! • November 2017 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 13 George Jones Answers to Florida of ORCA on FWF Kids’ Quiz Board of 1. Gardeners who live in Florida are lucky, because they can garden all year round. What are some veggies Directors and flowers that you can plant in the fall? Some cool-weather flowers are pansies, violas, Sweet Williams, be- gonias and Primroses. Some vegetables that do well in cool weather are lettuces, kale, cabbages, Swiss chard, spinach, broccoli, leeks, onions, turnips and spinach. It might be fun to plant some ornamental cabbages in your flower beds. They are colorful and very pretty.

2. Why should your family be careful about how you dispose of left-over prescription medicines that you no longer need? (“Dispose of” means to throw away.) Do not put unwanted medications in the trash that will go to landfills, or flush them down the toilet to get rid of them. Using either of these methods risks having unfiltered medications ending up in our groundwater, which is the source of much of our drinking water. Call your local Health Department for advice on how to properly dispose of medications.

3. How much trash does the average person in Florida throw away in a day? The average person in the United States generates a little more than 4 1/2 pounds of trash every day! Less than 1/4 of that is recycled. George has been involved in Flor- What is not recycled is incinerated (burned) or is buried in landfills. Almost 3/4 of the waste that goes into ida’s environmental issues since his landfills could be recycled. family first started visiting Florida What does this mean? It means that we must do better in our recycling efforts, and keep from polluting our when he was young. His early expo- groundwater with trash and wastes and causing more landfills to be needed. Burning causes air pollution. Dis- sure to the Keys and diving led him to carded plastic bags and old fishing lines get into our lakes, rivers and oceans and are eaten by and kill aquatic his adult positions working to preserve creatures. We need to be more careful with our trash! PLEASE RECYCLE! and protect Florida’s fragile natural ecosystems. George spent his early How did you do, Florida Kid??! career with the State Department of Natural Resources, now the Florida Department of Environmental Protec- tion (DEP), as a Park Ranger at Cape es! I want to join the Florida Wildlife Federation to conserve, Florida Wildlife protect, and restore Florida’s natural treasures such as Florida State Recreation area, and then Y springs and water bodies, fish & wildlife habitats, and to enhance moved on to several management po- Federation asks: the public’s enjoyment of resource-based, outdoor recreation sitions, two of which were Assistant in Florida. With your membership you will receive the FWF Manager, and Manager at John Pen- Do you want to make sure that your children and grandchildren have a healthy environment and can publication, Florida Fish and Wildlife News (FFWN) by mail nekamp State Park. He finished the last enjoy quality outdoor recreation in Florida? or email (please select your choice below). 10 years of a 34 year DEP career in 2007 as the Southeast Florida Region Do you want to ensure our lands and waters are conserved  Student...... $15 Please send completed form Bureau Chief in charge of all State and available for resource-based public recreation?  Associate...... $35 with check, money order, or Parks from Ft. Pierce to Key West and If you agree that we must protect the future of well managed  Family...... $50 credit card information to: Florida Wildlife Federation over to . Since his re- outdoor recreation by acquiring public conservation lands,  Sustaining...... $100 PO Box 6870 tirement from DEP, George spent five encouraging private-lands conservation, and restoring  Sponsor...... $250 Tallahassee, FL 32314 years time as the Indian Riverkeeper habitats and populations of fish and wildlife through  Wildlife Steward...... $500 or sound management, then we would like you to become  Life Member...... with the National and International $1,000 Join or Donate Online at: a member of the Florida Wildlife Federation.  Waterkeeper Alliance Organization. Eagle Club Member...... $2,500 www.fwfonline.org  Wildlife Legacy Club... $5,000 He then worked for Broward County to By joining with us, you will assist with the transition of Everglades become part of a dynamic, Enclosed is my payment for $______Holiday Park from FWC to a Broward statewide organization with Please charge my payment to: County Regional Park. George cur- the goal of conserving Florida’s  Visa  MasterCard  American Express  Discover fish, wildlife, water and plant life rently is working with Ocean Research Card #______Exp. Date______and Conservation Association (ORCA) in the face of rapid loss of habitat statewide. It is only with the Signature______Sec. Code______where he was a board member from financial support of our members Name______2008 till he resigned in 2013 to became that we may continue to pursue Address______an employee with ORCA working as a these goals. Please join or donate City______State___ Zip______today! Representative/ Advisor for NGO’s, Phone______government relations, and Special Projects. ORCA is an Affiliate organi- We need your support to conserve Email______zation of the Florida Wildlife Federa- Please send me my FFWN by ____ Mail ____ E-mail tion, but George has worked with this Florida’s wildlife and habitat ____ Please add me to your list to receive occasional e-mail updates. group and FWF throughout his career in the Florida Park Service, as well as for today and the future!  This is a gift membership from:______his other positions since his retirement 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. REGISTRA- from DEP. Don’t forget about a gift membership! TION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES TO THE FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION IS: CH-499.

14 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! WIN One of These Great Prizes or $25,000 in Cash Drawing for the 27th Annual Boating Sweepstakes is December 14 by Claudia Farren, FWF Sweepstakes Coordinator The Florida Wildlife Federation has launched the 27th Annual Boating Sweepstakes. We are no longer limiting the prizes to 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 family wagon, 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 Beavertail Micro 16 flats boat, the Blue Wave 2000 Pure Bay boat, the Prius v Three hybrid wagon, or the Aliner Expedition camper. Help the Federation achieve its conservation goals by sending in your tickets today or going online to enter. When you play, Florida wins! The Drawing will be held on December 14.

Fish the shallowest backcountry flats in the BEAVER- Rule the Bay in this high performance, custom The TOYOTA PRIUS v THREE HYBRID is the perfect Aliner’s largest model camper—The ALINER EXPE- TAIL MICRO 16 (16-feet 8-inches), a side console fishing boat with center console. The BLUE WAVE road-trip vehicle and family wagon offering out- DITION—is ready to handle any outdoor adven- technical poling skiff. With a true 5-inch draft fully 2000 PURE BAY (20-feet) is ideal for a family out- standing fuel economy with its proven Hybrid Synergy ture. It is easy to tow by many fuel-efficient vehicles loaded and a soft, dry ride, the Micro will take ing or the serious angler. With its 8-foot beam, Drive for an EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined rating. and sets up in 30 seconds upon arrival. This pop- you places only kayaks could previously reach. The this boat can float in 11 inches of water. - Stan Inside you’ll find a roomy interior with 34.3 cubic feet up RV trailer includes off-road capability, soft-side package includes a removable bow casting plat- dard equipment includes a leaning post with fold of cargo space. Plus, the back seats fold flat to 67.3 and hard-side dormers, A/C-heat, stove, refrig- form, insulated baitwell, twin rod holders, Ocean- down footrest plus ice chest underneath, multiple cubic feet rivaling most small SUVs for total cargo erator, microwave, euro-style sink, toilet, shower, Grip padding, Moonlighter carbon fiber push pole, live wells, 100% hand-laid hulls, rod lockers, two capacity. Some of the high tech features in the Prius v dinette booth, plus your choice of a rear sofa to Tibor pole caddy, trim tabs, Garmin ECHOMAP rear flip seats with storage, stainless steel hard- Three model are a multi-information display with en- foldout queen bed, twin beds, or a queen mattress. 54DV with transducer, and dual storage compart- ware, unsinkable foam flotation, dry floor drain ergy monitor, navigation system, hands-free phone, Weighing just 2,000 pounds, its sleeping capac- ments. Powered with an Evinrude E-TEC 30 HP en- system, spacious bow casting deck, and a 10- and a smart key system. Entune Apps Suite provides ity is four. Expedition is perfect for the whole fam- gine with a stainless steel propeller, this prize pack- inch manual jackplate. Package includes a fuel- real time traffic, weather, Open Table, and Pando- ily or the couple that just wants more room. Other age also includes a Peterson custom aluminum trailer efficient Suzuki 115 HP fuel injected four stroke ra. Safety features include seven air bags, vehicle models are also available. It’s time to hit the road! with swing away tongue and transom tie downs. outboard engine and a Magic Tilt aluminum trailer. proximity notification system and a backup camera. 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 27th 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.

2017 “Fish or Cruise” Sweepstakes Winner

In January, the Florida Wildlife Federation concluded its 5th Annual “Fish or Cruise” Sweepstakes offering three fantastic Grand Prize choices - Costco Travel Cruise in the Carribean, a Fishing Trip at Sitka Point Lodge in south- eastern Alaska, OR a $10,000 cash prize! The Sweepstakes drawing was held on June 22, 2017 at 3 pm at FWF Headquarters in Tallahassee, and 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 Tim Keyser (right), a former FWF Board Member and RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND Past Chair, presenting a check to the Grand Prize CONSUMER SERVICES TO THE FLORIDA WILDLIFE FEDERATION IS: CH-499. winner, Mr. Jim Jordan.

14 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936! • November 2017 • Florida Fish and Wildlife News 15 Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way... For Wildlife FWF members April and Claude Ward own a very special tract of land north of the Gilchrist County community of Bell, just south of the . Having bought the original acreage some years ago, they have steadily expanded their holdings and fenced it for security. Eventually, they built a cabin, guest quarters and a stable for their horses. As equestrians, the Wards needed a place to ride away from the bustle of the growing suburbs north of Tampa, and found this jewel in still rural North Florida.

It is very rare to find a place anywhere in this state that has retained virtually all the characteristics of what the land looked like 200 years ago, before development and agriculture changed the face of Florida. The Ward property is one of those special areas. With wiregrass, longleaf pine, turkey oak, April and Claude Ward. sand live oak, Florida rosemary and saw palmetto, it is a very fine example of the habitat known as Florida scrub. The land also boasts one of the largest, and no doubt oldest, flowering dogwoods I have ever seen. Due to the diversity of this land, it harbors many native animal and bird species, and it is most evident that the gopher tortoises love it. Their burrows are everywhere! In addition, white-tailed deer, barred owls, many subspecies of woodpecker (including the large pileated - inspiration for the old Woody Woodpecker cartoons) call this land home.

The Wards manage the property with the assistance of “Godzilla”, a Japanese mini-truck that serves as their all-terrain vehicle. While the land is very much intact, invasive species such as Chinese popcorn tree do appear at times. These are dealt with rapidly.

Thankfully for us, the Wards have very kindly put the Florida Wildlife Federation into their wills as a beneficiary to receive and protect this special place forever. The Federation is very grateful. By acts such as these, Florida will retain the natural beauty that makes it a special place to call home. --by Preston Robertson

Please join with April and Claude 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 or bequest benefitting the Florida Wildlife Federation, or gift in a will like the Ward’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 Consultant, at 561-801-5752 or Manley Fuller, Diane Hines or Preston Robertson at 850-656-7113. The Wards’ land in Gilchrist County.

December 14, 2017 February 3-4, 2018 Conservation Boating Sweepstakes Drawing FWF Board of Directors Meeting FWF Headquarters Oakland Nature Preserve & Calendar Tallahassee, Florida Hampton Inn & Suites, Clermont [email protected] November 4, 2017 January 8-11, 2018 Florida Panther Festival 33rd Annual Everglades April 27-29, 2018 Naples, Florida Coalition Conference FWF Annual Awards Banquet www.floridapantherfestival.com Hutchinson Island, Florida And Board of Directors meeting www.evergladescoalition.org/ Safety Harbor Inn & Spa December 6-7, 2017 conference [email protected] FWC Commission Meeting Okeechobee, Florida January 9 - March 9, 2018 www.MyFWC.com/Commission Florida’s Legislative Session

16 Florida Fish and Wildlife News • November 2017 • Keeping the Wild in Florida Since 1936!