News Release

Conserving Florida's imperiled species is a high priority for FWC

August 7, 2009
Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) strives to provide conservation for Florida's imperiled species. Achieving this goal requires using a comprehensive management system, which includes a listing process that is simple and understandable. 

A team of FWC employees has been working on draft rules to achieve this goal as well as identify species that need state intervention for survival. The draft rules link species protections to science, while using a balanced approach through collaboration and partnerships.

The FWC welcomes public input and comment before the draft rules are presented at the Sept. 9 Commission meeting in Howey-in-the-Hills.  A public meeting will be held in late August, so anyone interested can learn more about the FWC's proposed management of endangered and threatened species.

"We are committed to working with anyone who's interested in providing input as staff drafts rules that focus on management of species," said Dr. Elsa Haubold, leader of the imperiled species listing team. "It is important for the public to understand and support how we conserve imperiled species."

The draft rules are available for reviewing and comment at MyFWC.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/imperiledSpp_index.htm.  Public comments on the draft rules will be accepted at Imperiled@MyFWC.com until Sept. 9.