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FWC passes ATV restrictions for 3 South Fla.
WMAs
February 26, 2008
Contact: Chuck Collins, 561-625-5131
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC) has passed new rules regarding the use of ATVs on Everglades and
Francis Taylor, Holey Land and Rotenberger wildlife management areas
(WMAs).
Effective July 1, 2008, the use of ATVs will be allowed
for hunting purposes only and only during the archery, muzzleloading gun
and general gun seasons. In addition, ATVs will be allowed for
scouting purposes two weeks before archery season and one week before
the start of muzzleloading gun and general gun-walk seasons.
The unrestricted use of ATVs on these WMAs has resulted
in extensive resource damage and public safety concerns. The FWC
took this action following its rulemaking process, which included
publicizing proposed rules on its Web site in August and September 2007,
publishing the proposed rules in the Florida Administrative Weekly and
public meetings in September and December 2007 and February 2008.
Final consideration of this rule by FWC took place at
the February Commission meeting. For further information, see the
meeting agenda at
MyFWC.com/Commission/2008/Feb08/index.html.
The FWC is a member of the Florida Off-highway Vehicle
Advisory Council. The council is working with riding groups to
develop safe and sustainable riding sites in Florida. For more
information on the council see
www.floridaohv.org.
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