FWC approves rules to protect dozens of species in Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is moving forward with new rules designed to protect dozens of threatened species across the state.

The FWC this week approved its Florida Imperiled Species Management Plan which will take effect in December.

The plan is designed to help protect 57 bird and animal species across the state with a focus on helping multiple species thrive in the habitats they share.

The FWC designed the plan to make more efficient use of its resources.

17 of the species addressed in the plan can be found in our area including the American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmer and Wakulla Seaside Sparrow along with the Alligator Snapping turtle, Florida Pine Snake and the Gopher frog.

While the biologists who developed the 10-year plan are responsible for its implementation, the public is encouraged to step into key roles.

Citizen-scientists can volunteer to help survey wildlife and collect data.

Private landowners can conserve imperiled species on their property and Schools, businesses, organizations and individuals can become informal educators on imperiled wildlife.

If you would like to see the full plan for yourself, you can find it on-line at MyFWC.com/Imperiled.

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