The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is inviting public feedback on proposed changes to the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. This plan is crucial for guiding conservation efforts and aims to reverse the population decline of this state-designated Threatened species, ultimately leading to its removal from the endangered list.
The proposed revisions focus on streamlining the plan, aligning it with other FWC management plans, updating goals and actions, and addressing new threats to the gopher tortoise.
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Public Webinars and Comment Period
To share the details of the proposed revisions and answer questions, the FWC will host two public webinars:
- Thursday, August 8, 2024: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT
- Monday, August 12, 2024: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT
Information on the draft plan and instructions to join the webinars can be found at MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise. A PDF version of the presentation will be available on the website after the webinars.
Additionally, written comments can be submitted through an online survey from July 29 to August 30, 2024. Those unable to comment within this timeframe or who prefer an alternate format can contact Marty.Brown@MyFWC.com.
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Background
The gopher tortoise plays a vital role in Florida’s ecosystem. The Management Plan provides a framework for its conservation, and the current revision, approved in 2012, is due for an update. The FWC is committed to ensuring the long-term survival of this important species.
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