While not directly related, recent news of a planned passenger rail service linking Miami and Orlando certainly drew our interest. As the most populated and traveled parts of our state, we know all too well the impacts traveling have on the land and wildlife of central and south Florida.

Each year, highly endangered Florida panthers suffered numerous fatalities due to collisions with automobiles.

Recent proposals by Florida East Coast Industries (FECI) though may help alleviate this road congestion that causes so many deadly encounters between man and wildlife.

Approximately 50 million people per year travel between Orlando and Miami according to the company, which has a long history dating back to Henry Flagler and the construction of the first land route to Miami. In response to the demand for travel between Orlando and Miami, the costs to travel by car and other factors, FECI is launching an ambitious effort to offer passenger rail service between the two metropolises by 2014.

Much of the feasibility for the rail service lies in the fact that FECI owns the track and right of way along the coast. The company is building the line’s final link between Cocoa and Orlando to complete the route. Future plans call for service to Jacksonville and Tampa, linking a huge bulk of Florida’s population to passenger rail.

Besides providing a comfortable and cost-effective travel option (…approximately 3 hours total), the All Aboard Florida line will include stops and access to airports, seaports and commuter rail systems in Orlando, West Palm, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.

Trains will cruise at around 80 mph and integrate well with FECI’s existing freight lines. Cabins will include coach and first-class options as well as WI-FI.

Anyone on the go can certainly appreciate that!

(See an infographic from All Aboard Florida below)

Economically, the new line is expected to create thousands of quality jobs, something our state has certainly suffered from a lack of in recent years. According to FECI, over 6,000 construction jobs will be required along with over 1,000 permanent personnel for operations.

Taxpayers and citizens of Florida will also realize benefits in terms of reduced road maintenance and construction costs and will not bear any financial risk.

In terms of Florida’s environment though, we consider this a big step forward in the history of our state.

Not only does this service have the potential to reduce congestion on highways, pollution from car exhaust and reduced chance of fatal encounters with wildlife, the All Aboard Florida line can serve as a spur for redeveloping areas of south Florida that superhighways left behind long ago.

We’re delighted and encouraged by this news of a privately funded and operated passenger rail service coming to Florida.

We wish FECI the best of luck in its endeavors and look forward to taking that first trip in 2014.

The lionfish is a popular saltwater aquarium fish with distinctive maroon (or brown) and white stripes, fleshy tentacles above the eyes and below the mouth, and an imposing fan of prickly venomous spines. Having no teeth, lionfish swallow their prey whole. It’s been said their stomach can expand up to thirty times. In warm climates like the Caribbean, they reproduce frequently – every four days -- year-round.

It is no surprise to Florida saltwater fishermen, divers
and many conservationists that the lionfish has quickly become a top predator
in many coral reef environments and is continuing to spread throughout the
Western Atlantic, Bahamas, Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. They can be found
as far north as New York state in the summer, as far south as Venezuela, and as
far west as Louisiana. They have formed fast growing colonies almost everywhere
they have expanded their territory. Unfortunately, additional aquatic
environments may also be affected.

In an article published online in June 2011, Recent invasion of a Florida estuarine
system by lionfish, Florida International University researchers documented
the first lionfish invasion of an estuary by capturing 211 lionfish in the
Loxahatchee River between August 2010 and April 2011. Several of the smallest
fish were found more than 3 miles upstream from the Jupiter Inlet suggesting
that small juveniles may settle well into estuarine systems. In a curious
finding, all of the fish were found around man-made structures along the river
bank — docks, sea walls, submerged debris; none were found in natural shoreline habitats such as seagrass beds, sand bottom and mangroves.

One disturbing conclusion by the FIU team: “On coral reefs, invasive lionfish have been shown to reduce recruitment of native fishes by nearly 80% over a 5 wk period (Albins & Hixon 2008); similar predation rates in estuaries could have major, yet undocumented, effects, particularly for species that rely on estuarine systems as nursery habitat. The continued presence of lionfish in estuarine nursery habitats may threaten the early life
history stages of a number of commercially, recreationally, and ecologically
valuable fish species . . . “

Look, but don't touch! Although not fatal to humans, the dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines of lionfish can deliver a painful sting, as well as cause headache, vomiting, and respiratory distress. If you are stung by a lionfish, seek medical attention immediately. Learn protective procedures at a local workshop or derby. Anyone not properly equipped should not handle the fish. If caught on a rod and reel, hold the lionfish over a cooler or bucket and cut the line. (Photo credit: Stephen Vives)

Lionfish are native to coral reefs in the South Pacific and Indian oceans and are not known to have any native predators or parasites. They are often described as gluttonous feeders and voracious predators, feeding on some of society’s most economically-important species like small reef fish, snapper, grouper and shrimp.  For this reason conservationists, fishing groups, divers and others have banded together
to try to slow down this onslaught. Bounties, fish derbies and development as a
food source have all been attempted to try to stem the spread of lionfish
territory.

Belize had a bounty program until it ran out of money, and many fish derbies have been held in Florida and the Caribbean. Last year the Palm Beach Lionfish Derby brought in 700 lionfish; a tournament in Abaco, Bahamas brought in close to 3,000 in one day; and the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) together with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary had three lionfish derbies that removed 1,518 lionfish from the Keys. These derbies are not only fun, but contribute to scientific research; help to
raise awareness among fishermen and diving enthusiasts; and teach safe handling
and collection practices. Some even include cooking classes.

Attempts are also being made to develop local food markets. Lionfish taste similar to snapper, are high in Omega 3s and lionfish cookbooks are now available. Bermuda has even developed the slogan “Eat `em to Beat `em”.

Scientists hope that over time predators will learn to
consume lionfish and their population will level off. Until then, you can help
by educating yourself about these creatures, by attending a derby, or just by
asking your local seafood restaurant to serve lionfish on their menu.

REFERENCES

For more information on lionfish, safe handling
practices, derbies in Florida and the Bahamas, and REEF workshops: http://www.reef.org/programs/exotic/lionfish

Buy the Lionfish Cookbook at http://www.reef.org/catalog/cookbook

Lionfish Biology Fact Sheet: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/stories/lionfish/factsheet.html

FIU Document: http://www2.fiu.edu/~laymanc/PDFs/Jud%20et%20al.%202011%20Estuarine%20Lionfish.pdf

VIDEOS

To watch a portion of the documentary Lionfish, the Beautiful Outlaw, by Paul
Cater Deaton: http://www.paulcaterdeaton.com/music-28.html
To see the full program check your local PBS station listings.

Changing Seas:
Alien Invaders: http://video.wpbt2.org/video/1979166369
Major funding provided by the Batchelor Foundation.

FWF Life Member Lou Kellenberger shared an excellent photo and information about the Florida Manatee.

West Indian manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. They have two forelimbs, called flippers, with three to four nails on each flipper. Their head and face are wrinkled with whiskers on the snout. The manatee’s closest relatives are the elephant and the hyrax (a small, gopher-sized mammal). Manatees are believed to have evolved from a wading, plant-eating animal. The West Indian manatee is related to the West African manatee, the Amazonian manatee, the dugong, and Steller’s sea cow, which was hunted to extinction in 1768. The average adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weighs between 800 and 1,200 pounds.

Habitat and Range:
Manatees can be found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas — particularly where seagrass beds or freshwater vegetation flourish. Manatees are a migratory species. Within the United States, they are concentrated in Florida in the winter. In summer months, they can be found as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, but summer sightings in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina are more common. West Indian manatees can also be found in the coastal and inland waterways of Central America and along the northern coast of South America, although distribution in these areas may be discontinuous.

Behavior:
Manatees are gentle and slow-moving animals. Most of their time is spent eating, resting, and traveling. Manatees are completely herbivorous. They eat a large variety of submerged, emergent, and floating plants and can consume 10-15% of their body weight in vegetation daily. Because they are mammals, they must surface to breathe air. They may rest submerged at the bottom or just below the surface of the water, coming up to breathe on an average of every three to five minutes. When manatees are using a great deal of energy, they may surface to breathe as often as every 30 seconds. When resting, manatees have been known to stay submerged for up to 20 minutes. Manatees can swim up to 20 miles per hour in short bursts, but they usually only swim about three to five miles per hour.

Lifespan, Mortality, Population: West Indian manatees have no natural enemies, and it is believed they can live 60 years or more. As with all wild animal populations, a certain percentage of manatee mortality is attributed to natural causes of death such as cold stress, gastrointestinal disease, pneumonia, and other diseases. A high number of additional fatalities are from human-related causes. Most human-related manatee fatalities occur from collisions with watercraft. Other causes of human-related manatee mortality include being crushed and/or drowned in canal locks and flood control structures; ingestion of fish hooks, litter, and monofilament line; and entanglement in crab trap lines. Ultimately, loss of habitat is the most serious threat facing manatees in the United States today. There is a minimum population count of 4,480 manatees, as of January 2011.

Breeding and Reproduction:
The reproductive rate for manatees is low. Manatees are not sexually mature until they are about five years old. It is believed that one calf is born every two to five years, and twins are rare. The gestation period is about a year. Mothers nurse their young for one to two years, during which time a calf remains dependent on its mother.

Conservation:
The Florida Manatee Recovery Plan was developed as a result of the Endangered Species Act. The recovery plan is coordinated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and sets forth a list of tasks geared toward recovering manatees from their current endangered status.

In October of 1989, Florida’s Governor and Cabinet directed the state’s wildlife agency to work with 13 “key” manatee counties in Florida to reduce injuries and deaths. These 13 counties were: Brevard, Broward, Citrus, Collier, Dade, Duval, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Sarasota, and Volusia. Over the years, these 13 county governments have worked with the state to develop site-specific boat speed zones to reduce the likelihood of watercraft collisions and to implement comprehensive manatee protection plans (MPP) for each county. Other conservation measures deemed important to saving manatees include: research addressing biology, mortality, population and distribution, behavior, and habitat of manatees; implementation of management plans; posting of regulatory speed signs and levying of fines for excess speeds in designated areas; manatee education and public awareness programs; and public acquisition of critical habitat and creation of sanctuaries.

SMC’s Role:
Save the Manatee Club’s mission is to protect endangered manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations. To achieve this mission, we work to: increase public awareness and education; sponsor manatee research, rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts; and advocate for strong protection measures, such as boat speed zones and sanctuaries. SMC also supports research and conservation efforts for other sirenian species around the world.

Source:  Save the Manatee Club

Tip@MyFWC.com to report fish-and-wildlife law violators or boating under the influence. 

If you are like most Florida anglers and boaters, you enjoy your time on the water. It’s an opportunity to get close to nature and break the routine of work, school or retirement. The peaceful challenge of trying to find, attract and catch your piscatorial prey is made possible, in part, by the scientific management and conservation laws that sustain sport fish populations. The goal is for everyone to be able to share in the pleasure and to provide a sustainable harvest.

So when you see someone threatening those resources by damaging habitat, polluting the water, using illegal gear, taking more than the bag limit or keeping undersized fish, you probably wish you could do something. Well, you can. You have several options, but the newest, most real-time option is to silently send a text message to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Conscientious anglers and boaters can text Tip@MyFWC.com (standard usage fees may apply).

“The text-messaging option makes it more convenient for the public,” said Col. Jim Brown, director of the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement. “We also hope it will make Wildlife Alert even more effective in catching poachers and other violators.”

Being able to do so quickly and efficiently is crucial. Cell phones, and now texting, help get information to a conservation officer while the possible crime is still ongoing. Once a report is initiated, FWC dispatchers can respond via text message to the reporting party to gather additional details.

Other Ways to Report a Violation
Over the years the Wildlife Alert Reward Program has helped the FWC catch thousands of violators. Boaters and anglers can call 888-404-FWCC (3922), or simply dial *FWC or #FWC (depending on service provider). Violations can also be reported online (MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert).

How Wildlife Alert Works
When submitting information it is important to include as much information as possible, such as the specific violation and the location. Don’t forget to include　physical descriptions of violators and vehicles, license tag numbers, etc. Such details are important to ensure an officer can respond effectively.

Callers and online reporters may remain anonymous; they do not have to provide their names or email addresses, and they will not be required to testify in court. A confidential code number is provided, so you will be eligible for a reward, either by text, email or calling 888-404-FWCC. Trained dispatchers handle Wildlife Alert contacts 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

When people’s information results in an arrest, they may become eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Many conservation-minded people don’t even claim the reward because helping get the violators off the water or saving a life by reporting unsafe boaters, including boating under the influence, is reward enough.

The real beauty of the program is that violators – through court fines – are the ones who pay the reward money. When a violator is found guilty, the judge can require a portion of the fine to be paid into the Wildlife Alert Reward Fund. So, in effect, violators are paying people to turn them in.

Wildlife Alert’s 13-Member Committee
The highly successful Wildlife Alert Reward Program has been around for more than 30 years and is administered by a 13-member committee appointed by the FWC’s executive director. The committee meets at least twice a year, oversees the program and determines the reward amounts. There are two members for each of the FWC’s five geographic regions, and one member each representing Audubon of Florida, Florida Wildlife Federation and Unified Sportsmen of Florida. Each member serves a two-year term and may be reappointed by the executive director.

The Chair of Wildlife Alert since 2009 has been Jenny Brock, Regional Director of the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Northwest Region and also Region Four Director of the National Wildlife Federation. Ms. Brock noted that “Wildlife Alert makes our wildlife officers more efficient. Florida is a big state and we can all help protect our outdoor resources by contacting Wildlife Alert when we see known or suspected violations.”

Wildlife Alert is Not Just for Fishing Violations
You can also report illegal hunting; destruction of the resource such as the cutting of trees or trash dumping; sick, dead, injured or tagged manatees or marine turtles; commercial trafficking of wildlife; or the killing of an endangered or threatened species.

Concerned Citizens Can Directly Assist the FWC by Calling:

• Angler Tag Return Hotline: 800-367-4461.
• Fish Kill Hotline: 800-636-0511.
• Horseshoe Crab Nesting Activity: 866-252-9326.
• Manatees: Report sick, dead, injured or tagged manatees: Wildlife Alert 888-404-3922.
• Marine Turtles: Report dead or injured marine turtles: Wildlife Alert 888-404-3922.
• Oil, Fuel or Hazardous Material Spills in Florida Waters: 800-320-0519.
• Red Tide Status Line: (Toll-free inside Florida only) 866-300-9399. Outside Florida – 727-552-2448.
• Waterway Markers – Missing or Damaged: 866-405-2869.
• Nuisance Alligators: 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
• Burmese Pythons, or other exotic reptiles: 888-483-4681.

For additional listings, and online contact forms for many of these reporting activities, visit  MyFWC.com/Contact.

Protecting fish, wildlife and ourselves is everyone’s responsibility. Reporting those who misuse our wildlife resources or endanger lives by operating vessels while intoxicated is one way we can all help. Through Wildlife Alert and these other programs, ordinary people become the eyes and ears of the FWC, keep costs down, help conserve our resources and keep outdoor enthusiasts safe.

Additional contributions by Katie Purcell –the FWC’s public information coordinator for its Division of Law Enforcement and by Claudia Farren – FWF’s Communications Consultant.

But visiting Torreya State Park just west of Tallahassee is sure to change this perception.

Courtesy of Florida Park Service

Nestled along the Apalachicola River in Florida’s Panhandle, Torreya is a one of a kind place for outdoor enthusiasts and all of those who enjoy the natural wonders our state offers.

But the hills are just one part of the splendor. In the fall months, you can also catch a glimpse of some tremendous colors – views you would have to drive several hours to see in the mountains.

The park itself offers many activities to get you out and about.

Miles of hiking trails for instance will take you to some out of the way spots overlooking the Apalachicola. And let’s not forget – trekking up and down those hills is sure to give you quite the workout. Hiking at Torreya a few weeks ago gave me some much needed exercise that felt rejuvenating.

The park’s name – Torreya – comes from a rare tree that’s only found along the Apalachicola River.

Besides a good hike, many visitors also come to the park to enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing. In fact, over 1,000 species of birds have been spotted in the confines of the park. And as we said before, hardwoods provide some of the most splendid fall colors around.

The park is also home to the Gregory House – a fully-furnished plantation home that was built in 1849 and moved to its current location at the park in the 1930s. Torreya State Park in fact was developed in the 1930s as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC.

If your plans allow you to stay overnight, I certainly suggest it. A full-facility campground is available along with what’s known as a YURT, or a “Year-round Universal Recreational Tent.”

To an old-fashioned camper like me, this was a site indeed.

But if you’re the type who likes to really get out there, Torreya’s trails offer plentiful primitive camping opportunities.

Located 13 miles north of Bristol along the Apalachicola, it’s easy to get to Torreya from both I-10 and the town of Bristol. If you’re looking for something that’s especially unique for the Sunshine State, Torreya State Park will not disappoint.

The Florida Wildlife Federation is pleased to bring the “Atlas of Florida’s Natural Heritage—Biodiversity, Landscapes, Stewardship, and Opportunities” to the Nature Store. This is an outstanding publication that all of our members will enjoy.

Did you know there are 4,000 species of plants in Florida and only Texas and California rank with Florida in terms of plant species? Did you know that young male panthers are known to move long distances in search of new territories and mates as documented by panther #130, a young male panther whose positions were recorded over a 3-year period? Or, did you know that the Apalachicola River and its surrounding natural habitats are one of the top rare species hotspots in the United States?

The new “Atlas of Florida’s Natural Heritage” is a book that shows the reader the uniqueness of Florida’s natural areas. The high-quality, full-color Atlas is sure to become a standard reference for anyone involved in the conservation, management, study, or enjoyment of Florida’s rich natural resources. With its colorful maps, graphics and photographs, the authors want the Atlas to inspire, educate, and raise awareness of and interest in biodiversity and conservation issues. Florida’s biodiversity is a primary reason why so many people love to live here and why so many tourists visit our state.

The Atlas is divided into three primary sections:

Elements of Biodiversity characterize the diversity and distribution of communities and species across the state.

Notable Natural Areas shifts the emphasis to place, and ties together the individual elements of natural heritage to highlight outstanding natural places in Florida. Designed to look like a researcher’s field notebook, maps for each of these notable regions in Florida feature a beautiful hand-drawn style, and are complimented with stunning photos and other sketches of species found there.

Biodiversity Conservation outlines major challenges threatening Florida’s natural resources, some notable efforts to prioritize places for conservation, and Florida’s landmark conservation strategy—the acquisition and management of conservation lands.

Hopefully, the Atlas of Florida’s Natural Heritage will increase awareness of the resources we take for granted, and the challenges we face in preserving them.

“The Atlas is an up-to-date, well-researched and richly illustrated compendium of Florida’s natural diversity and the unparalleled conservation legacy of Florida citizens. An excellent reference for anyone interested in Florida’s natural environment and conservation issues.”

Manley Fuller,
President, Florida Wildlife Federation

We think this atlas will be a valuable reference for anyone involved in or interested in conservation in Florida.” 

Jonathan Oetting
Conservation Planner, Florida Natural Areas Inventory

 Watch a short segment on the book recorded for WFSU’s Dimensions, a Tallahassee local public television show: http://www.wfsu.org/dimensions/admin/uploads/videos/1316709707.php

A new film by producer Elam Stoltzfus explores both the natural and social heritage of this rich region and how different stakeholders ranging from cattle ranchers to environmental groups like the FWF are working together to ensure its vitality well into the future.

The Kissimmee River basin, which begins in Osceola County and flows south to Lake Okeechobee, is a rich paradise of a wide variety of waterfowl, wading birds, fish and wildlife. Following very active hurricane seasons in the late 40s though, it was decided that parts of the river needed to be ‘channelized’ in order to control flooding.

This in effect shortened the river’s length from 103 to 56 miles.

As a result, many species of plants and waterfowl endemic to the area dried up – fishing along the river suffered as well. And it was later determined the channelized water flow prevented water running off from Orlando from being cleaned up. As a result, water quality from the Kissimmee and into Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades suffered.

Recognizing this fact prompted Congress to authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore the basin in 1992. Working with state agencies, cattle ranchers and environmental groups, the restoration of the Kissimmee is in fact nearly complete. Land surrounding the basin has been purchased as well as development rights to cattle ranching lands.

Besides serving as a critical habitat and water resource for central and south Florida, the Kissimmee’s restoration is helping ensure Florida’s cattle industry continues to thrive. Many ranchers also experienced difficulty and water shortages from the channelization. Therefore, they’ve been critically interested in restoring the basin and ensure their way of life is able to continue.

Watch a preview of the high-definition film below. Full release should be in the near future.

On Saturday, September 24, Preston Robertson led the first ever Kids Fishing Day at the FWF River Preserve in northern Leon County on the Ochlockonee River. Preston, who is FWF VP for Conservation and General Counsel, invited children to come for a day of fun on the River. Over 50 kids accompanied by parents came to fish, enjoy a nature-based scavenger hunt and have lunch. Each youngster received a fishing pole which they were able to take home at the end of the day. FWF staff and volunteers helped Preston in a variety of ways during the day. Many children caught fish and there was plenty of excitement and laughter for everyone! It was great to get kids and adults out into the “real Florida”!

Check Out The Video:

The FWF Board of Directors, Staff and Guests were treated to a ferry boat ride to Egmont Key on Friday, September 16.  Jim Spangler of Egmont Key Alliance, Dave Howard of Friends of Tampa Bay NWR, and Michael Lusk of the U S Fish & Wildlife Service were our guides during the trip.   They pointed out important details of the 400 acre island, its bird sanctuary, the beach erosion that has depleted the prime nesting area for sea turtles, the ruins of the historic fort and the prolific population of gopher tortoises.  The FWF group spent about two hours on the Island and returned to Ft DeSoto Park for a cookout in the evening.

You can check out the rest of the photo’s here……

Bison

“This winter, the state plans to forge ahead with thinning of the bison herd at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park through the removal of all adult males.”

A a current poll shows that Bison are public visitors favorite animal to see when visiting the park.

Park Service authorities are concerned because the Bison adult males continue to leave the park, causing safety issues for the public.

Read the article here: DEP  expects thinning of bison herd at Paynes Prairie to commence in winter

Should the DEP remove the Bison  from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park? Let us know what you think.