FWC Updates for 2018 (so far…) Four years in the making, the ISMP is the culmination of significant successful effort and collaboration among staff, partners and stakeholders. Photo cover: Hickory Mound at Big Bend Wildlife Management Area (FWC) Illustrations by AnnMarie Tavares (FWC) FWC Updates for 2018 (so far…) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Habitat and Species Conservation

FWC and Imperiled Species Management The Commission developed a new Imperiled Species Management System in 2010 for 64 species Federal and State Listed Species identified in Chapter 68A-27, F.A.C. The Commission approved the new Imperiled Species Management Plan in 2016 8 Species guidelines were approved at that time As part of the Imperiled Species Management Plan (ISMP) approval in 2016, staff was directed to create Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines (Guidelines) for all 57 species included in the ISMP. Eight Guidelines were approved in November 2016 and staff is now bringing an additional 8 Guidelines for Commission review. Guidelines contain information on species biology and habitat needs, identify what constitutes take through habitat modification, and provide guidance on survey methodology and voluntary conservation practices. The Guidelines outline activities not expected to cause take, methods for avoiding take and in some cases authorize take for certain activities such as emergency actions for human safety or certain forestry management activities. The Guidelines also provide options for achieving conservation benefit as required in Rule 68A-27.007 through a combination of minimization and mitigation when take cannot be avoided.

New Species Guidelines Florida burrowing owl Florida pine snake Big Cypress fox squirrel Barbour’s map turtle Blackmouth shiner Saltmarsh topminnow Santa Fe Cave crayfish Black Creek crayfish. All 8 species are state designated Threatened species, and in addition to their state listing status, most have some existing protections in place through cave protection statutes, Forestry and Wildlife Agricultural Best Management Practices, Florida Department of Environmental Protection requirements for Outstanding Florida Waters, and overlap with FDEP Environmental Resource Permitting.

ISMP and Comprehensive Plan Amendments Ch 163.3184: “State agencies shall only comment on important state resources and facilities that will be adversely impacted by the amendment if adopted. Comments provided by state agencies shall state with specificity how the plan amendment will adversely impact an important state resource or facility and shall identify measures the local government may take to eliminate, reduce, or mitigate the adverse impacts.” Implementing components of the ISMP – ex regulatory process Direct relevance to RPCs FWC: “subjects relating to fish and wildlife habitat and listed species and their habitat” Commenting on measure to eliminate, reduce, mitigation the impacts: measures to 1) avoid, 2) minimize, 3) mitigate, OTHERWISE 4) ITP

Helpful Information Biological info: Essential behaviors/habitats/range Threats Specific “take” information Conservation Measures and Avoidance Survey methods and Mitigation options The Barbour’s Map Turtle, Florida Bog Frog, and Georgia Blind Salamander are proposed to change from SSC to Threatened. The Alligator Snapping Turtle will remain SSC until we can make a determination on the status of the two new species in this range. The Pine barrens treefrog is proposed to be removed from the list but is still protected from possession by our proposed rules.

FWC and FDOT Coordination Agency operating Agreement FWC staff a part of ETDM/Environmental Technical Advisory Team New, updated Agreement Two dedicated staff – increasing to 4 CFX, Keys Bridges, 1-75 Future Corridor(s)

FWC Bear Blast Agency commenting and project review (CPAs) Language, recommendations, data updated annually Bear stakeholder groups Educational/Public Forum Visits Law Enforcement

FWC Bear Blast FWC staff can: Present to your group Train local law enforcement and animal services officers on bear response Supply a PowerPoint presentation for you to give to your group Supply sample language for community by-laws and covenants Supply sample language for rental notices         Supply sample language for waste service contracts Supply sample language for ordinances about securing attractants from wildlife Supply newsletter article material

Contact Information: Jason.Hight@MyFWC.com http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/ http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/bear/living/

Questions? Photo by Jack Rogers