Workshops set for gopher tortoise conservation

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 goal of these workshops is to identify ways cities and counties can participate in protecting one of Florida’s threatened species.

“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.”

Two workshops are scheduled in southwest Florida. Representatives from local governments in nearby counties are encouraged to attend.

Sarasota County

Monday, July 20
9 a.m. – noon
Morgan Family Community Center
6207 West Price Blvd. North Port, FL 34291

Manatee County

Tuesday, July 21
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kendrick Auditorium
Manatee County Cooperative Extension Service
1303 17th St., West Palmetto, FL 34221

The workshops are 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.”