The Evolution of Fish and Wildlife Conservation in Florida

KEY:  A-Administrative F-Freshwater, H-Historic, L-Law Enforcement, M-Marine, W-Wildlife
(NOTE:  Clicking on any thumbnail image in the left column will open an enlarged photo)

 
PRE-HISTORY [ Pre-History | Early History | 1800's | 1900-1941 | 1942-1999 |2000's ]
Paleogeography shows the topography of Florida through time  
See a Quick-time animation of how Florida formed geologically as the tectonic plates moved from what was Africa.  The animation is on the DEP web site (for the viewer click here).  To see how the peninsula of Florida emerged from the sea, you may view this DEP animation, note that green colors indicate elevations above sea level.  This helps to explain why many of Florida's existing species are actually more adapted to temperate climates, than the sub-tropical climate of south Florida.  This makes south Florida habitats especially susceptible to non-native species introductions from tropical or sub-tropical climates.

Early mammoth hunters in Florida. 10,000 BC H It is believed that during the Paleo-Indian period, about 12,000 years ago, the first people reached Florida after having come across from Siberia and migrated all the way across North America.  This was a low-water period in Florida and the peninsula would have been about twice as large as it is today with sea levels about 20 to 30 feet lower than today. The Paleo-Indian's would have shared Florida with large animals such as mastodon, giant armadillo, camel, bison and mammoths, but it is believed that they consumed mostly plants, nuts and species of rabbit, raccoon, opossum, squirrel, deer, fish and marine life.  Thus the hunting and fishing as a means of subsistence in Florida began about 12,000 years ago.

Early indian culture near Tampa2,000 BC H  Native Americans were making pottery and weapons of stone, shell and animal teeth and still survived as hunter/gatherers, although rising sea levels had reduced the size of the peninsula to roughly its current size.

Timucuan indians using a fishing weir500 BC to 500 AD H three different native American cultures occupied Florida utilizing the abundance and diversity of wildlife found here.  These cultures gave way to the Timucuan tribe, followed by the Pensacola, Apalachee and Tocobaga tribes, all of which were hunter gatherers depending on the natural abundance of Florida. 

EARLY
HISTORY

 
 [ Pre-History | Early History | 1800's | 1900-1941 | 1942-1999 |2000's ]

re-enactment of Ponce de Leon's caravel landing in Florida1513 H Spanish explorer and adventurer Juan Ponce de León landed on the northeast coast of Florida, possibly near present-day St. Augustine. He called the area la Florida, in honor of Pascua florida ("feast of the flowers"), Spain’s Easter time celebration.  The beginning of European man's outright exploitation of the land and its natural resources began.

re-enactment of DeSoto's explorations1539 H Hernando de Soto led an expedition in search of gold and silver, which took him on a long trek through Florida. De Soto and his soldiers camped for five months in the area now known as Tallahassee and reported on the abundance of wildlife, although the anticipated gold and silver deposits were not found.

1878 image of shell mounds found on Fort George Island1559 H Tristán de Luna y Arellano attempted to establish a settlement at Pensacola Bay, but his efforts were abandoned after two years.  Native American cultures, which heavily utilized marine shell fishes continued for a while longer to thrive in the area.

The remnants of Ft. Caroline have long been a tourist attraction.1562 H French protestant Jean Ribault, of France explored the area and two years later, fellow Frenchman René Goulaine de Laudonnière established Fort Caroline at the mouth of the St. Johns River, near present-day Jacksonville.

St. Augustine is considered the oldest permanently inhabited European settlement in North America1565 H San Augustín (St. Augustine) was established by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, as the first permanent European settlement in what is now the United States. He captured Fort Caroline and expelled or killed the French.  Throughout its history association with marine fishes, the St. Johns River's freshwater fishes and Florida wildlife in general have helped sustain and nurture the community.

Seminole indians spearfishng in the Everglades primarily for gar1500-1800 H Diseases wiped many of the original native American tribes out, after the Spaniards arrived.  The Seminoles and Miccosukees are primarily descendents of Creek indians from Georgia and north Florida who intermingled with escaped slaves.  Their ability to survive in the Everglades and live off the land helped them survive three wars with the United States.

Tourists see a costumed British soldier at teh ravelin, St. Augustine1763 H Britain gained control of Florida in exchange for Havana, Cuba; the Spaniards left except for small enclaves in St. Augustine and Pensacola.

Free roaming cattle were easy prey to looters during the Revolutionary war1784 H Spain regained control of Florida as part of the peace treaty that ended the American Revolution. Florida had remained loyal to Great Britain throughout the War for American Independence (1776–83). However, Spain—participating indirectly in the war as an ally of France—captured Pensacola from the British in 1781.  The introduction of non-native agricultural species that had begun in the 1500's with Ponce de Leon continued.
 
1800's [ Pre-History | Early History | 1800's | 1900-1941 | 1942-1999 |2000's ]
Transfer of the Flag from Spain to the US as a territory1821 H Florida purchased from Spain. General Jackson assumes control of the Territory.  The U.S. obtained a wilderness sparsely dotted with settlements of native Indian people, African Americans, and Spaniards.
Florida was particularly attractive to people from the older Southern plantation areas of Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, who arrived in considerable numbers. After territorial status was granted, the two Floridas (dominated by St. Augustine and Pensacola) were merged into one entity with a new capital city half-way in between in Tallahassee (established 1824). Some of the Spanish land grants issued at the time still dictate ownership and property rights today. 
Cracker Cowman by Robert Butler part of a series depicting Florida agribusiness1828 W Hunting with a gun and light at night prohibited west of the Suwannee River by the Legislature; however, the intent was more to protect domestic free-roaming live stock than wildlife.  This is the period when the term Florida "cracker" came about due to the cracking sound of bull whips as cowboys sought out the free roaming scrub cattle brought in by the Spaniards.
Seminole wars cleared the way for land ownership and plantations 1835–42 Second Seminole War, the most significant of three, began when residents wanted to force the Seminoles to moved to what is now Oklahoma.  Although some ultimately moved, others escaped into the Everglades away from the encroaching settlers.  For the first time, enough stability existed for farms and ranch lands to begin to extend into the interior encroaching on the wild-lands and altering natural habitats.  Plantations were cleared primarily in the middle portion of the state between the Suwannee and Apalachicola rivers.
Florida achieves statehood.1845 H Florida became the 27th state, and by 1850 the population had grown to 87,445, including about 39,000 African American slaves and 1,000 free blacks.
1885 shad fishing camp, on the St. Johns 1855 F First freshwater fishing regulation passed to prohibit use of haul seines.  H Internal Improvement Act generates construction of railroads by Henry Flagler and Henry B. Plant and began efforts to drain south Florida marshlands for agriculture, particularly citrus, altering forever the natural hydrology and habitat of the state.
Civil war battery at Pensacola seized by Union forces 1861 H Florida seceded from the Union, although few major battles devastated the land and Tallahassee never fell to the union, the state supplied much of the food for the rebel forces and continued to expand into natural habitats. 
1890 phosphate mining 1865 H With the end of the civil war, lumber was needed to reconstruct the country and Florida became a primary source.  The plantation culture was replaced by share croppers and then larger commercial farms.  Enterprises extracting natural resources such as living sponges, cypress, and phosphate became commonplace further stressing natural resources and habitats.
1909 deer hunters1875 H Hunting licenses were required of non-residents for the first time.  The licenses were attained from local counties but required by the State Legislature.
Through conservation roseate spoonbills are recovering from the brink of extinction1877 W First true wildlife conservation law passed prohibiting taking of deer, turkey, quail, partridge and mockingbirds during closed seasons.  Also an attempt was made to prohibit taking of plumed birds that had been nearly devastated in the preceding seven years.  Without law enforcement, the act did virtually no good and by 1890 the roseate spoonbill and reddish egret were nearly eliminated.
1890 police force in Lake City helped enforce fishing and hunting rules.1879 F "The act to protect the food fishes of the state and to regulate fisheries" was passed.  Authorized "fish bailiffs" to be hired by each county.
1878 Steamboat tour on the Ocklawaha River1880's H Florida began to attract ecotourists and sportsmen as steamboats plowed the rivers, railroads expanded down the east coast and marshlands began to be drained.  A change in attitude, from considering wildlife to be either a nuisance or limitless commodity to be exploited to recognizing the value and necessity of conserving the resource, began to take place
young boys with bass and rifle, ca 18901889 H First Florida Fish Commission created.  A law to regulate harvest of freshwater food fishes was defeated with an opposing legislator stating: "too much legislation will ruin any people. We have legislated for railroads, for fences, for jack mules, for razor backs, for the birds of the air and now we are going down into the waters and are legislating for fishes, depriving the poor man of chances for earning his living. It is the most damnable law yet."
Seminole's harvesting a manatee for food (ca. 1922)1893 H First law protecting manatees from over harvest.  Until that time Seminole Indians in particular used them as a food source.
Deer hunters on horseback 1897 L First official game wardens assigned.  They worked out of sheriff's offices.

1900-1941

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ladies plume hats lead to near extinction of several bird species1901 H The Audubon Society formed to attempt to prevent the total loss of plumed birds that were being driven to extinction to decorate lady's hats.  Florida's population was 0.5 million.
Guy Bradley Memorial--Audobon warden killed in line of duty1905 L Guy Bradley was hired by the Audubon Society to help control plume hunting.  He was murdered in the line of duty as was Columbus McLeod, one of his successors.
Roosevelt and Spanish War officers on visit to Florida in 18981909 W First game preserve law passed, following a national trend brought about by the influence of Theodore Roosevelt an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast.
1907 Oyster Shucking1913 M The Florida Shellfish Commission, and first State Department of Game and Fish were created.  H Ownership of wildlife (but not freshwater fishes) was vested in the state.
1915 Pinellas County Officials1915 H Fish and wildlife regulations delegated to counties, Game and Fish Department was abolished, and wildlife ownership temporarily vested back into the counties.  The 1917 Legislature reversed the decision and vested ownership of game, birds and fish with the state, as it remains today.
1923 Tourism Brochure1927 Game License1925 H State Department of Game and Fresh Water Fish established.  Florida was the 46th state to establish such a department.  Governor Martin pointed out that game and fish were "one of the state's most valuable commercial assets, as well as one of her greatest tourist attractions.  Our fresh and salt water fish should be conserved and the supply increased by the employment of scientific methods of propagation."   F First state fishing licenses were sold: $2 for out-of-county residents, free for county residents, $5 for out-of-state.  Minimum 12" bass size and 12 bass creel limits imposed with a 15 March to 15 May closed season for bass fishing.  Spawning refuges and fingerling bass stocking utilized. W Resident hunting cost $10, and out-of-state was $25.
1923 lunker bass harvest 1927 H The Department laws were rewritten creating commissioners from each congressional district and one at-large commissioner.  Restocking programs, education programs, restricted seasons, tight bag limits and setting aside land under the "Florida Plan" for breeding grounds were helping restore fish and wildlife.  However, the Great Depression created conflicts between recreational and commercial laws (for instance, bass harvest by recreational anglers was restricted, but not by commercial fishermen).  One example, Lake Okeechobee was declared to be a saltwater lake to prevent Commission regulations from being enforced.
The state's first conservation magazine 1929 H The "Florida Conservator" published as the first conservation publication by the state.  Due to budget shortfalls, 200 Department employees were laid off--in other words all of the Department's field personnel.  The following year, 40 game wardens were hired by a reorganized State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.  A Florida Game Farm was established at Raiford Prison and a fish hatchery at Winter Haven.  An education program was authorized to issue press releases, publish a magazine and create statistical bulletins.
1920s haul seine operation on Lake Okeechobee, from LAMartin.comLoss of 25,000 lives in 1926 and 1928 due to hurricanes resulted in the Hoover Dike, from SFWMD.orgEarly dredging equipment for Lake Okeechobee, from SFWMD.org1931 F Commercial take of 3.4 million pounds of bass lead to a 50% decline in harvest statewide, with organized sportfishing groups claiming Okeechobee haul seiners took as much as 10,000 pounds in a single set.  H Following two major hurricanes in 1926 and 1928 that hit south Florida and led to flooding around Lake Okeechobee the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) commenced the monumental task of creating a dike around the perimeter of the lake, which is the second largest lake entirely within the U.S. (730 square miles).  These initial efforts were completed in 1937 and include a series of flood control gates and drainage canals that transect southeast Florida.  The Lake is one of the fish and wildlife Mecca's of Florida but is also maintained by the COE and South Florida Water Management District to protect against flooding, to prevent saltwater intrusion, to provide water for agricultural irrigation and drinking water supplies to large urban areas in South Florida. 
men with tarpon, ca 19301933 H State Department of Game and Fresh Water Fish dissolved. Duties were assumed by State Board of Conservation, which became responsible for geology, wildlife, shellfish, saltwater and freshwater resources.  The Board constituted the Governor and Cabinet. A deposed commissioner decried the move saying "the sportsmen's interest has been bartered for personal or political gain" referring to Governor Sholtz's move to take direct control of conservation.
1940's Recreational bass harvest1935 H The Board of Conservation was split into two departments. Responsibility for wildlife and freshwater resources given to a five-member appointed Commission known as the State Commission of Game and Fresh Water Fish.  I.N. Kennedy from Eustis was the first Executive Secretary.  The State Conservation Department assumed responsibility for geology and shellfish. Legislature continued to pass local laws pertaining to fish and wildlife. F The Black Bass Act was passed prohibiting sale or commercial taking of bass.

1930's nets used to catch quailWildlife Restoration logo

1936-40 H Sportsmen complain about complicated county laws governing the taking of fish and wildlife.  Organized as the Florida Wildlife Federation they sought a modern conservation program to include restoration, management, harvest and wise use of all natural resources.  W Pittman-Robertson (PR) the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program passes Congress creating an excise tax on hunting equipment, hand guns and ammunition which is returned to the states for conservation.  Florida without a strong game commission was unable to accept funds from 1937 until 1941.  From 1937 through 1941 the Board of Sanitation over the objection of the Commission ordered commercial deer hunts to reduce spread of ticks carrying cattle fever.
1943 quail hunt, excellent hunting on private property led to a desire to make similar opportunities available to everyone1941 H Legislature proposed a Constitutional amendment (previous efforts in 1937 and 1939 had failed), with the support of Governor Holland, establishing a Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) with five members appointed by the governor for five-year terms.  Approval required a constitutional referendum.  W The state acquired 60,000 acres in Charlotte County for public hunting.
1942-1999

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The Original GFC logo 1942 H Constitutional amendment passes creating the non-political Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Article IV, Section 9, with offices in the old capital.  The Legislature retained the right to set license fees and exemptions.  However, the Legislature could no longer alter or eliminate the Commission on their own.  I.N. Kennedy was the first Executive Director and the first commission meeting was held in January 1943. The agency consisted of the director, his assistant, a secretary and an accountant. Special county laws for fish and wildlife were repealed.  W An alligator conservation program was initiated.
Jack Dequine was the first fisheries biologist, first fisheries director and shown here on left in 1952 a founder of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society he is now a Florida aquaculturistbobcat and fox hunting1946 H First technically trained biologists hired and Divisions of Wildlife, Fisheries (freshwater), Law Enforcement and Fiscal were established. O.E. Frye was hired as the first wildlife biologist and later served as Executive Director. Jack Dequine was the first freshwater biologist and later the first Director of the Fish Management Division (freshwater). By the end of the year, there were 162 conservation officers. F It became illegal to take commercially or sell freshwater game fish, thus initiating the recognition of the value of recreational fishing opportunities.  W A bounty program on predators was established, which was later eliminated when it proved unnecessary.
1947 Florida Wildlife CoversLunker Bass in World Fair AquariaBen Morgan, Executive Director, 1947-491947 A A new Information-Education Division published Florida "Wildlife Magazine" for the first time "to acquaint and educate the public about the many problems connected with the immense task of conserving a natural heritage for all future generations. Staging wildlife exhibits and attending fairs was another of their tasks. Florida sponsored the World's Fair. The Communications Division was established to provide two-way radio connectivity with field officers.   H Commercial fishermen challenged GFC authority to prohibit sale of game fish, and the courts upheld the constitutional authority. The courts further supported agency authority by determining contrary Legislative acts to be unconstitutional.  I.N. Kennedy resigned and Ben Morgan became the second Executive Director, telling his officers "politics and game wardening do not go together."
1946 herbicide application1947 coon hunt 1948 F Research on closed seasons and stocking fingerling bass in established populations led to elimination of closed seasons statewide in fresh water, and the realization that dumping fry or fingerling (ca. 1-inch long) bass into lakes where predatory fish abounded was fruitless.  Herbicide control for exotic hyacinths commenced.  W An agreement with Robinson Land and Lumber Co. in Levy county provided 110,000 acres of land for public hunting in return for the state fencing and patrolling the area.  This was the precursor of many such deals benefiting Florida hunters.
quail huntColeman Newman, Executive Director 1947-511949 H Ben Morgan died and was succeeded by Coleman Newman. The agency had grown to 40 biologists/specialists, 228 officers and 23 administrative positions.  The Legislature passed bills to lessen the authority of the GFC, but the Supreme Court again found them constitutionally invalid. W The Commission distributed a million seedling Lespedeza to improve quail habitat on farms.  Feeders were documented to be successful in raising the carrying capacity of quail.
Sportfish Restoration Logo 1950 F Congress passes the Dingell-Johnson (DJ) bill creating the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Program.  Shortly thereafter the Florida Legislature passes the required language guaranteeing all monies from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses go to the appropriate agency exclusively for administration of fish and wildlife programs.  These dollars remain a major supplement to Florida fishing license sales for funding conservation and restoration of fisheries.  In 1950, only freshwater tackle was taxed and consequently only freshwater fisheries management benefited.  Florida's population was 2.7 million.
Old GFC Regions1951 H Coleman Newman was replaced by Ben McLauchlin as Executive Director and decentralized agency staff into five regional offices to be closer to the resource.  These regions coincided with the five congressional districts of the day, with offices originally located in Panama City, Jacksonville, Williston, Lakeland and Lake Park.
1948 kids casting club in Mt. Dora, participation with education outreach efforts like this led to establishment of the first youth camp in 19521952 A The Division of Information-Education conducted the first Youth Conservation Camps in Auburndale.  Plans for a permanent Ocala campsite were initiated, which opened in 1954.  F The agency began spraying to control the exotic hyacinth plants and initiated a statewide survey of lakes and rivers.
1950's haul seines used experimentally to remove excess predators, or rotenone to reduce gizzard shad.1953 H McLauchlin is replaced by Charles Pace an avid recreational angler and hunter.  His initiative led to the first survey of Florida lakes and streams to determine the resource status.  F Rough fish removal is utilized in freshwater management to control shad, bowfin, gar.  These programs were later eliminated in favor of habitat and regulation management to restore natural predator-prey balance.  W Turkey hatcheries were shut down because the pen-reared birds could not adapt to the wild and often carried diseases and quail habitat improvements were deemed more appropriate than increased harvest restrictions.
Exposing bottom sediments (muck) to air for about three months allows it to consolidate and provide reinvigorated healthy aquatic habitats.E. B. Jones, Executive Director 1954-19551954 F First pioneering drawdown of Merritt's Mill Pond for habitat improvement.  This technique seeks to artificially replace the lows of historical drought-flood cycles that Florida fishes and aquatic habitats adapted to, considering the flood control/irrigation structures that were being built to drain natural marshlands.  H After only one year, Charles Pace is replaced by E.B. Jones.
early display at FMRIBob Aldrich, Executive Director 1955-19651955 M The Florida Marine Research Institute begins as a small field station in St. Petersburg to study red tides.  H E.B. Jones is replaced by Bob Aldrich as the seventh Executive Director in only 12 years.  Aldrich was the first of the professional conservationists to serve as director having served since 1921 in federal, state and municipal conservation programs.  Among his accomplishments during the next 10 years was initiation of a merit system for employees creating a dedicated creative work force.  Governor Collins assisted in the development of an objective Commission by insisting members serve as a statewide policy board, and not representatives from just their own regions.
1957 Hunting Mappheasant 1957 W The Division of Game Management began opening several areas in 1955 that had been identified as prime turkey habitat but devoid of turkeys which were stocked in the late 1940's and closed while the population built up.  The areas have been open ever since.  By 1957 over 3 million acres of Wildlife Management Areas were open.  During this time Game Management studied and imported several potential exotic game species, such as pronghorn antelope, Sika deer and pheasants, a practice that has now been replaced with a focus on native species.
Stone lake was among the first Commission-Managed Impoundments1958 F The first public lake was built in the panhandle--Bear Lake, which is still one of seven Commission-Managed Impoundments.  A The military took over the radio frequencies previously used by the GFC, so the Communications Office initiated Project #1 and designed the nation's first state-wide public safety mobile relayed communications network. W The Commission declared full protection for panthers.
 1960 H The citizens of Florida reaffirmed their desire to have a constitutionally mandated Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to objectively and scientifically manage their resources, by a two-to-one margin.  The Florida Wildlife Federation helped prevent Legislative takeover of the agency with a slogan of "Keep your fish and wildlife out of politics."
1965 Conservation Officer with Jumping Frog Contest Winner

Rachel Carson, author of "Silent Spring" and Bob Hines

1962 L Florida Conservation Patrol uniformed personnel became known as "officers" rather than "agents."  The concept of "multiple use" is emphasized as a way to protect hunting and fishing opportunities as land is diverted from the open public sector to private uses.  Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" emphasizes the need for environmental sensitivity.  A phosphate spill in the Peace River by Virginia-Carolina Chemical Company killed thousands of fish and for the first time a company was made to pay restitution--$20,000 for river restoration, and donation of a 10-acre tract that became the Christina Recreation Area.

 

Early ramp designs included concrete planks or paving stones 1963 F A $1 increase in fishing license sales enabled the GFC to expand into boat ramp construction, creation of Commission-Managed Impoundments and expand access to wilderness areas and begin planning two hatcheries.  Federal Aid funds were used as a $3 to $1 match, thus for every $1 of license fees anglers benefited by $4 in value.  Additionally, using Public Works programs and private matching, facilities were built in the Everglades with virtually no state dollars.
 1964 L Director Aldrich for the first time put all employees in dress uniforms including secretaries, at the time any employee had law enforcement responsibilities.
1965 Bryant Bldg. built in Smokey Hollow and old minority section of townDr. Earle Frye, Executive Director, 1965-19771965 H The Bryant Building was constructed becoming the dedicated headquarters of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.  Bob Aldrich succeeded by Dr. Earle Frye, Jr. as director of FWC.  Dr. Frye brought 19 years of experience as a conservation biologist to the position, and continued the trend of professional scientific management.  The Chairman of the Commission, W.B. Copeland at the time stated "Hunting, fishing, boating and other associated outdoor activities are big business in Florida.  These forms of recreation must be managed as a business, and the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission serves as a board of directors to determine that the business of hunting and fishing is managed for the mutual benefit of all concerned."  F The Richloam Hatchery in Sumter County and Blackwater Hatchery in Santa Rosa County were constructed.
Eustis Freshwater Fisheries Research Lab1967 L Police Officer Standards established for Law Enforcement Officers.  F The Eustis Fisheries Research Laboratory was built and staffed, which is still the focal point for much of the freshwater research done in Florida.
Research Vessel Cortez operated by the Marine Research Lab1968 H The Board of Conservation, which had overseen shell fish, became the Florida Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The GFC was placed in the DNR.  A difference of opinion ensued as to whether the GFC was placed within DNR for purposes of enhanced coordination and cooperation or if DNR was to assume administration over GFC and the commissioners of the GFC would only set fishing and hunting rules.  An agreement was reached whereby GFC managed its own budgets, programs, plans and administration as well as setting rules. M The Florida Marine Laboratory (now the Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) was placed in the Bureau of Marine Science and Technology in the Division of Marine Resources, which was also part of DNR.  L The Wildlife Reserve Program for law enforcement volunteers was initiated.
endangered gopher tortoise1969 A The Environmental Protection Section was created within the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission to protect resources potentially impacted by various development projects.
Drawdowns allow the soil to dry out and restore firm substrates.1970 F Drawdowns as a tool to restore freshwater fisheries are expanded into major systems, when Lake Tohopekaliga is dewatered by the Division of Freshwater Fisheries.  The pioneering effort was the work of Smokie Holcomb, Bucky Wegener and Vince Williams and became the basis for much of the current lake restoration work in Florida.
 1971 L Hunter safety program initiated.
 1972 H The first endangered species lists published, including 14 birds, five mammals, two reptiles/amphibians and one fish..
 1973 H The Legislature for the first time appropriated general revenue dollars to the GFC so supplement fishing and hunting license fees and Federal aid dollars.  Rationale included the recognition that "stewardship of our wildlife resources" is the "responsibility of every Florida citizen."  Therefore, and since GFC programs are "beneficial to the state as a whole as well as the hunter and fisherman," it is appropriate to use general fund appropriations.  F Efforts to reduce gar and mudfish populations were eliminated in public waters, stocking of fingerlings in established fisheries was further reduced due to research results, and the critical role of aquatic plants as nursery habitat was further substantiated.  Federal Government passed Endangered Species Act.
 1974 H Constitutional amendment reaffirmed independent stature of the Commission, and the existing Divisions remain in tact. Division of Administrative Services created. The first Endangered Species Technical Advisory Committee was established.  W Type II Wildlife Management Areas, owned by private landowners but managed by the Commission for public hunting, were established under an agreement with Owens-Illinois and International Paper.  L Statewide 24/7 dispatch capability provided for Law Enforcement Officers
Striped bass being injected on site to create sunshine bass hybrids1975 F Sunshine bass developed at Florida hatcheries and stocked in State waters. Biologists stop wearing dress uniforms and are authorized field uniforms.  L First hunter safety specialists hired in regions.
Colonel Robert M. Brantly, Executive Director 1977-19931977 H GFC became an independent Department no longer affiliated with the Department of Natural Resources.  The Legislature, four years after congress approved the Federal act created the state endangered species act.  W Alligator downgraded to threatened from endangered.  F Fish attractor program initiated.  Colonel Robert Brantly assumes the role of Executive Director upon Dr. Earle Frye's retirement in June.
Nuisance gators are subject to removal by licensed trappers1978 L Nuisance alligator program commenced.  The muzzle-loading and bow hunting courses were added to Hunter Safety which was nationally recognized as among the best in the nation.
 1979 L Wildlife Alert Program initiated to encourage public to report fish and wildlife law violations.
1946 photo of early GFC herbicide applications that ended in 1980 when DNR took over1980 DNR took over aquatic plant control from the GFC, except for the use of fish as biocontrol agents.
Radio collar allows tracking threatened panthers1981 W Radio-telemetry used to monitor movements and life-history of Florida panthers.
high waters reduced deer habitat causing many to die of starvation1982 W Everglades Deer Crisis (high water) threatens deer herd.  GFC's handling of this highly publicized event is based on solid science and ultimately receives high praise from the conservation community.
 1982 A First personal computer purchased with agency funds.
Triploid grass carp, created in hatcheries as sterile fish and certified for use in vegetation control.Revegetation efforts become increasingly important1983 M Marine Fisheries Commission established by the Legislature as a citizen board to oversee rulemaking.  Field research, to form the basis of the rules, was dependent on cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources.  The shellfish program attained Bureau rank along with the Bureau of Marine Resource Regulation and Development. The marine lab then became the Bureau of Marine Research.  F Triploid-hybrid grass carp first used as herbivores in Florida waters.  A new method of certifying triploids using a Coulter-Counter is developed by GFC personnel and adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  GFC personnel begin work on pure triploid grass carp and stocking rates to assist in cost-effective management of nuisance aquatic plants.  Simultaneously, the importance of protecting and even reestablishing desirable native plants is emphasized.
Mrs. Louise Humphries, First female CommissionerSkimmers have become a symbol of the non-game and birding trail programPeacock bass were stocked after extensive research1984 H Louise Humphrey is first confirmed female commissioner. W Non-game Wildlife Program initiated.  F Butterfly peacock bass introduced into south Florida canals following extensive research, within a few years a self-sufficient multi-million dollar urban fisheries develops.  Lack of cold water temperature tolerance constrains them to south Florida where they feed extensively on illegally introduced exotics from the aquarium trade.  The Wallop-Breaux amendment to Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration passes, increasing the tax base to include a motor boat fuel tax and import duties on fishing tackle and boats.  The Boating Safety Account was established and 10% of the money was dedicated to boating access, a cap of 10% was placed on education and outreach, and for the first time saltwater programs were eligible.  State apportionments continued to be based on the total number of paid license holders (resident and nonresident, fresh- or saltwater, short-term or long-term).  Within individual states the allocation between freshwater and saltwater programs was based on estimates of resident anglers using those resources, either with licenses or under exemptions.
Boating safety began in 1987 in the GFC and continues in the FWC 1987 L Commission begins Operation Sportfish, a watersport and alcohol monitoring program that later became the Boating Safety program
FMRI, St. Pete, FL1988 M The Marine Lab becomes the Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) resulting from the initiative of DNR Secretary Tom Gardner.
Marine recreational fishing now shares a high priority focus with revenue generated by license sales1990 A First saltwater fishing licenses sold.  This not only generated revenue directly to DNR for marine fisheries work and education, but also substantially increased the amount of Federal Aid monies drawn down by the state.
Dr. Quinton Hedgepeth, first Afro-American Commissioner1991 H Quinton Hedgepeth, DDS named first Afro-American commissioner.
From Conservation Board, to DNR to DEP to FWC the Marine Patrol has covered our saltwaters.Dr. Allan Egbert, Executive Director 1993-20011993 H Departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Regulation merged into one new entity - The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  The FMRI remains with DEP and Ken Haddad was appointed the new Chief.  Conservation groups encourage marine fisheries be moved to GFC to gain constitutional status, but it does not happen.  Dr. Allan Egbert assumes control of the GFC upon the retirement of Col. Brantly, after 38 years of service.
The net ban prohibited gillnets and monofilament nets in salt water1994 M Constitutional net fishing ban amendment passed by Florida voters as a result of the MFC's inability to reach consensus on a science-based harvest management plan.  The MFC had developed, with input from DNR scientists, a series or reasonable science-based conservation proposals intended to allow use of the resource by all parties concerned while ensuring sustainability of the fishery resource, but each proposal was  struck down by one-side or the other ultimately leading to deadlock.  This ultimately was another reason for the public push to include all fish and wildlife conservation within one science-based constitutional agency.
FWC Logo1998 H Constitutional amendment creating the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed overwhelmingly by Florida voters.  The Wildlife Federation of Florida and "Florida Sportsman" magazine were instrumental in creating the grass roots support that saw the amendment through to fruition. 
FWC Regions1999 H Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Marine Fisheries Commission, and parts on the Department of Environmental Protection come together as the new FWC.  Allan Egbert is the first Executive Director of the FWC.  New regions created to better reflect marine zones.
2000's [ Pre-History | Early History | 1800's | 1900-1941 | 1942-1999 |2000's ]
Ken Haddad, 2nd Executive Director of the FWC, 2001-present2001 H Ken Haddad named Executive Director of the FWC.  Florida's population now exceeds 15 million.
 2003 H Legislature eliminates Office of Informational Services' marketing and education programs; and freshwater fisheries urban fishing/education and outreach programs.  Florida Wildlife magazine eliminated.

2004 H New matrix organizational structure proposed to complete merger of freshwater, saltwater and terrestrial initiatives along the lines of four new programs:  Habitat and Species Conservation; Harvest and Recreation Management; Research and Monitoring, and Law Enforcement.  These divisions replace the divisions of Wildlife, Freshwater Fisheries, Marine Fisheries, Administrative Services and Law Enforcement in 2004.

2005 H The Florida Wildlife magazine is re-established with a charge to become more self-sufficient, stay focused on traditional hunting and fishing topics and be sold at magazine stores.  The Florida Bass Conservation Center is fully funded for research and production needs creating a state-of-the-art freshwater hatchery for the first time in 30 years.  Plans are underway to supplement the facility with a sponsor-funded visitor center that will provide education and outreach opportunities.

2006 H The agency conducts a series of public summits for freshwater and saltwater anglers, hunters and other outdoor recreationists to help plan future efforts.

NOTE:  Many of the photos on this page come from the State Archives, whereas others are from GFC, MFC, DNR, DER, DEP, USFWS, USGS and FWC archives.