Teaming With Wildlife Holds Climate Change Meeting

On September 30, 2008 the Florida Wildlife Federation hosted a public meeting called to reconstitute the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition. On behalf of the National Wildlife Federation, Jay Liles, FWF Policy Consultant, led the agenda with support from F. G. Courtney, Ron Warnken and Austin Kane of the NWF staff. More than 30 participants attended including FWF board members Wanda Jones, Jim Schuette, David White, and Jim Thomas.

The purpose of the meeting was to educate and engage new Teaming members and offer focus to the existing coalition members regarding the climate change advocacy efforts underway, both in Florida and at the national level. Members were asked to consider adding climate change to the packed agenda they have carried annually to the State House and Congress. It is through these advocacy effort that Florida has been awarded more than $23 million dollars in federal funding and state grants to accomplish the goals and objectives of the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Participants in the meeting received a briefing on the current status of legislation at the federal level and had the opportunity to direct their concerns and suggestions to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff who manage the Wildlife Acton Plan.

Teaming with Wildlife has a growing base of support with more than 5000 member organizations nation wide and 120 groups in Florida among its members. News of the coalition activities and the focus on climate change has spurred on a resurgence of interest and promises further growth in the ranks of advocates for the SWAP and FWC’s efforts to protect Florida’s endangered wildlife. You can learn more about the Teaming with Wildlife Coalition at http://www.teaming.com/states/florida.html . Links there will provide you with the ability to sign up to become a member online.