1. Photo: Lorraine Margeson 2009 Fort Desoto (Pinellas) County Park Bird Refuge Multi-species habitat management

2. Discussion topics: 1. Which species are appropriate for multi-species management? 2. Approaches: FWCC’s biological review process for State-designated Threatened species FWCC – FDEP interagency regulatory authority via permits 3. FWCC – FDEP enforcement authority

3. Current state-listed beach-dependent birds: Nesting on Florida beaches: Least Tern (T) Snowy Plover (T) American Oystercatcher (SSC) Black Skimmer (SSC) Overwintering on Florida beaches: Piping Plover – federally endangered/threatened Red Knot – federal candidate species Which species are appropriate for multi-species management?

4.  Least Terns and Black Skimmers often nest together  American Oystercatchers and Snowy Plovers nest with or without the terns and skimmers Why not write a multi-species management plan regulating ALL of these currently listed species? COST-EFFECTIVE and biologically appropriate!

5. Current (9/23/09) draft language re: management plans Integrate multi-species management plan directive where biologically appropriate Plans must have specific, measurable goals, be enforceable and be enforced

6. Management plans for: SDT species (both federally-listed and >27 Millsap) Currently Threatened, Millsap 19-27, or data-deficient Currently SSC and data deficient Listing levels where multi-species management can be required:

7. Beach nourishment attracts nesting birds, especially Least Terns, Black Skimmers, and American Oystercatchers – all Florida listed species. (Public funds pay for these projects but sand is often deposited on privately- owned beaches.) Does FWCC work with DEP on beach nourishment permits to protect these species post-nourishment? Requirements for ongoing year-round bird surveys? Requirements for nest monitoring and posting? Private landowner pre-permission to post nesting locations through ordinance or regulation?

8. Photo: Lorraine Margeson 2009 Fort Desoto County Park Bird Refuge

9. Outside the Fort Desoto Bird Refuge …but we need FWC support through keeping species listed and use of decisive management methods. This boundary requires a vigilant enforcement presence by volunteers …