Gopher Tortoise Workshop Set for South Florida

Gopher Tortoise Workshop Set for South Florida

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. The last of the south Florida workshops is scheduled for Aug. 19 in Port St. Lucie. Representatives from local governments in nearby counties are encouraged to attend.

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.

“Partnerships involving cities, counties and the FWC have led to wonderful projects to conserve gopher tortoises and their habitats,” said Alex Kalfin, local government coordinator for the FWC’s gopher tortoise management program. “We look forward every year to our regional workshops, where representatives of local governments can find out how to get involved in gopher tortoise conservation.”

The upcoming workshop is in:

St. Lucie County

Wednesday, Aug. 19

9 a.m. – noon

Oxbow Eco-Center

5400 NE St. James Dr.

Port St. Lucie, FL 34983

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

For more information, and to download the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, visit MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise and click on “Management Plan.”