Conservation

Governor Ron DeSantis’ future budget focus highlights conservation

On Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the proposed Fiscal 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future Budget, solidifying his commitment to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) mission to protect Florida’s natural resources.

The budget will help provide Floridians with more opportunities to get outdoors and high-priority conservation items including coral reef restoration, derelict vessel removal and habitat restoration initiatives. 

Water district publishes new, free recreation guide

QR codes added for most up-to-date property details

Southwest Florida Water Management District

 

Special Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:20

Applications for limited recreational harvest of goliath grouper in state waters open Oct. 1

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin accepting applications for the second annual limited harvest season of goliath grouper in state waters. Those interested can apply anytime from Oct. 1-15, 2023, for the upcoming 2024 season. 

FWC launches new public reporting tool to enhance turtle disease research

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is researching a virus present in Florida known to be fatal in freshwater turtles, called turtle fraservirus 1 (TFV1).

Special Thu, 09/28/2023 - 20:06
Bears becoming more active in Fall season -- be aware

FWCThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents and visitors that our state’s black bears are more active in search of food as autumn approaches.

Special Thu, 09/14/2023 - 17:37
FWC recognizes Pasco County landowner for wildlife conservation efforts

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently recognized the outstanding wildlife habitat management efforts of private landowner Jake English of Pasco County.

The recognition is part of the Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program, meant to formally honor exemplary landowners by gifting them with a sign to display on their property and a certificate recognizing their habitat conservation efforts.

Special Thu, 08/17/2023 - 09:32
Gov. DeSantis sets 17-day extension of record Gulf recreational red snapper season

2023 season now totals 87 days, the longest combined season since the state assumed management of Gulf red snapper 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.

Special Sat, 08/12/2023 - 11:42

Governor shapes water board

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Nancy Watkins and reappointed Ashley Bell Barnett, Kelly Rice, and Joel Schleicher to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board. Watkins represents Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, Bell Barnett represents Polk County, Rice represents Citrus, Lake, Levy and Sumter counties and Schleicher represents Charlotte and Sarasota counties.