Friday, July 13, 2018

Florida: FWC Workshop to Encourage Local Government Conservation of Gopher Tortoises

FWC photo by Cliff Leonard.

FWC’s July 20 workshop in Marion County encourages local governments to conserve gopher tortoises

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding regional workshops to present information on opportunities for local governments to help conserve gopher tortoises in Florida. A workshop is scheduled for July 20 in Marion County.

The goal of these workshops is to identify ways cities and counties can participate in conserving one of Florida’s threatened species. In addition, the FWC will discuss financial incentives available for local governments. Representatives from local governments in nearby counties are also encouraged to attend. 

Marion County

Friday, July 20

9 a.m. – noon

Kiwanis Beach

15380 SE 140th Avenue Road

Weirsdale, FL 32195

“The purpose of this regional workshop is to encourage cities and counties to be our partners in conserving gopher tortoises, a threatened species whose spacious burrows provide shelter to hundreds of other native species,” said Alex Kalfin, local government coordinator for the FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Conservation Program. 

The workshop is free, but registration is required as space is limited. To register, send your name and the organization you represent to Alex.Kalfin@MyFWC.com.

For more information, go to MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise to access the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan.

Media contacts: Carli Segelson, 772-215-9459; Greg Workman, 352-239-2763