The Inside Job - April 2011

8/6/2019 The Inside Job - April 2011

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Apri l 2011

The Employee e-Newsle t t er o f t he F lor ida F ish and Wi ld l i feConservat ion Commission

Serves Them Right Em ployee Mi lest ones Shining St ars

In t h is issue...

Rethinking Species of Greatest Conservation Need list Wildlife Legacy Initiative staff taking a closer look... [more]

Trail's new name reflects expanded focus It's now the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail... [more]

MarineQuest 2011 The 17th annual open house is April 30 at FWRI headquarters in St. Petersburg... [more]

Japan interested in Sport Fish Restoration model FWC hosts meeting of Japanese delegation in Lakeland... [more]

Busman's holiday for McArthurVacationing employee from Recreation Services comes to sea turtle's aid... [more]

Florida Shorebird Database - coming soon Interdivisional effort results in centralized website... [more]

Rethinking Species of Greatest Conservation Need listBy Brian Branciforte, Habitat & Species Conservation

In 2005, the FWC recognized 974 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Florida's first State W ildlife

Action Plan . The list identifies species that are vulnerable so that conservation actions can be taken on their
http://www.myfwc.com/


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behalf. The list is also used to set priorities for funding, such as through Florida's State W ildlife Grants

Program .

As the State Wildlife Action Plan passes the 5-year anniversary mark,

Florida's Wildlife Legacy Initiative staff is working with state species experts

and conservation partners to take a closer look at the SGCN list as a part of

an overall revision of the Action Plan. Recently five FWC teams - focusing

separately on birds, mammals, reptiles/amphibians, fish, and invertebrates

- agreed on new criteria and are now working to create a draft list for

review by stakeholders, experts and the public.

The new list will include all federal- and state-listed species, as well asspecies that are considered keystone species, rare, biologically vulnerable

due to their status or life history, and species that are of concern for other

reasons, such as a specific threat or a lack of data. The oak toad is a species proposed foraddition to Florida's SGCN list.

(FWC photo)

The ultimate goal of the revision is to create a science-driven list that is meaningful and useful to the

conservation community.

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Trail's new name reflects expanded focus By Mark Kiser, Office of Recreation Services

The Great Florida Birding Trail has a new name. The program is now called the Great Florida Birding andWildlife Trail (GFBWT) to reflect the growing emphasis on promoting Florida's other amazing wildlife-watching

opportunities.

The 2,000-mile GFBWT links nearly 500 outstanding destinations around the state - from world-renowned to

hidden gems.

Look for new, expanded guidebooks for the Trail's Panhandle and East sections coming soon, and check out the

new GFBWT merchandise on the Wildlife Foundation of Florida's website.

The Trail's website address remains unchanged: www.floridabirdingtrail.com.

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MarineQuest 2011 By Carli Segelson, FWRI

Visitors of all ages can experience science firsthand at the 17th annual MarineQuest at the Fish and Wildlife

Research Institute on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last year, nearly 4,000 people attended this freeopen house, which features more than 60 exhibits

with interactive displays and live animals.

Participants can join FWRI biologists as they

demonstrate how they rescue distressed manatees,

tag fish and identify fish diseases. They can learn

about the FWRI's response to the Deepwater Horizon

oil spill and talk one-on-one with FWC scientists and

law enforcement officers.

Live critters in touch tanks will be on display, as will

other live animals, including sharks, rays and
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"School Daze" is a hands-on experience for students.

(FWC photo)

hatchery-reared redfish.

Participants can join FWRI biologists as they demonstrate how they rescue distressed manatees, tag fish and

identify fish diseases. They can learn about the FWRI's response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and talk one-

on-one with FWC scientists and law enforcement officers. Live critters in touch tanks will be on display, as will

other live animals, including sharks, rays and hatchery-reared redfish.

On April 28 and 29, FWRI holds a special version of MarineQuest, called "School Daze," open to schools by

registration only. The School Daze program is a fun, free, hands-on field trip that teaches students about theinstitute and current fish and wildlife research activities. Students will spend their two-and-a-half hour tour

visiting six of the lab stations. There, researchers will use hands-on demonstrations and activities to explain

individual research projects to the students.

MarineQuest takes place at the FWRI headquarters at 100 8th Ave. S.E., in downtown St. Petersburg. For more

information, visit MyFWC.com/Research or call 727-896-8626.

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Japan interested in Sport Fish Restoration model By Gary Morse, SW Region Public Information Coordinator

For more than 60 years, the Federal Aid in Sport FishRestoration Act has been a funding cornerstone for

fisheries conservation programs in the United States.

The successful program has caught the attention of

the Fisheries Agency of Japan , which sent several

officials to Florida to learn how the federal program

works.

They met in March at the Southwest Regional

Office in Lakeland, where FWC representatives

described how the federal user-pay system helps fund

freshwater and marine fisheries projects for state

agencies.

Recently, a world record-tying 22-pound largemouth

bass was caught in a Japanese lake, stirring interest in

developing freshwater fishing opportunities there.

With that in mind, Japanese officials are hopeful of

instituting a similar "federal aid" program in Japan.

FWC staff hosted officials from the Fisheries Agency of Japan to

discuss how the Sport Fish Restoration Program works in the

United States. The Japanese government is considering creating a

similar program.

(FWC photo)

To learn more about the Sport Fish Restoration program, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing.

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Busman's holiday for McArthur

Hugh McArthur (Recreation Services) took some time off in February for a vacation in the Keys. He was
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enjoying some kayaking when he spotted a sea turtle entangled in a lobster trap. Being a smart FWC employee,

he knew exactly what to do. He paddled to shore and called the FWC for assistance.

Officer Racquel Daniels and marine turtle biologist Sue Schaf(FWRI ) responded. Together, the three

untangled and released the turtle. The turtle had a rub mark from the rope, but was otherwise in good shape.

Officer Daniels retrieves the entangled sea turtle while Hugh

McArthur observes.

(FWC photo by Sue Schaf)

Cutting loose the lobster trap rope from around the flipper of the

sea turtle.


Despite the rub mark left by the rope...


...the turtle was healthy enough to be released.


McArthur seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. In 2010 he and two co-workers

encountered a young boy cruising down the highway in his toy, battery-powered car. They got him off the road,

called 911 and stayed with him until authorities arrived - quite likely averting a tragic outcome.

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Florida Shorebird Database online soon By Naomi Avissar, Habitat & Species Conservation

The FWC is pleased to announce the pending launch of the Florida Shorebird Database (FSD), a centralized

website for shorebird and seabird data.

This online tool provides users with shorebird and seabird monitoring protocols and allows them to submit and

share their monitoring data. Once data are entered, they can be accessed online, allowing researchers, managers

and conservationists to easily collaborate. This website combines a state-of-the-art, user-friendly Web interface

and Google mapping features with a standardized monitoring protocol that will greatly improve population-

monitoring efforts. Even in its development stage, this ground-breaking database has drawn the attention of

other states and federal agencies.


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The FSD is the product of the dedication and commitment of "Operation SeaShore," an interdivisional effort

between staff of the Species Conservation Planning Section of HSC and FWRI . Janell Brush , Chris

Burney, Bobbi Carpenter, Nancy Douglass, Samantha Dupree, Jake Gipson , Alex Kropp and Kristin

Rogers took on this ambitious project to address a critical need, despite full workloads and limited funding. The

FSD was further strengthened by input from members of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, a statewide network of

partners committed to advancing shorebird and seabird conservation in Florida. Regional staff has been

conducting workshops statewide to train partners on this new tool.

The FSD is expected to launch in mid-April at www.flshorebirddatabase.org. Until then, we encourage you to visit

the demonstration site at https://publictest.myfwc.com/CrossDOI/Shorebirds/index.htmland explore the features

of this exciting new database.

For more information, please visit www.flshorebirdalliance.org or contact [email protected].

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Serves Them Right

Citizens and FWC customers were so impressed by the following employees, they told us about it through the

"Praise an Employee" page of MyFWC.com/Contact:

Lt. David Dipre - "...and his younger officer came to our neighbor's assistance. She collapsed while at Picnic

Island in Newfound Harbor...officers managed to jury-rig a stretcher, transport her to marina, where an

ambulance was waiting. She is OK ..."

Tim Donovan, Gus Holzer, Tim Lew is (CR) - "...every time their assistance is requested by the Division of

Law Enforcement, they are thorough...prompt...professional...They consistently put aside their personal

schedules and interests to do what is requested...commend them all on their work ethic and attitude."

Renee Hays (HGM) and George Handley (Volunteer) - "...George...has been outstanding in so many ways

on the two youth hunts that my son and I participated in. Renee has always been extremely helpful arranging

and coordinating these events."

Trina Heil (OED, Southwest Region) - "...was extremely helpful in answering my questions. I could tell by

speaking to her she takes pride in her job. Every business could use more Trinas."

Monica Howell (L&P ) - - "...always a breath of fresh air to talk to and so knowledgeable. You serve FWC well

by consistently offering great customer service..."

Joe Morcate (OED, NW Region) - "...took the 5 minutes that I need to get the correct information...was very

helpful with an out-of-state person who did not know what they needed to do to fish on a vacation..."

Officer Stephen Rice - "...my wife and I were involved in a boating accident...her back was broken...officershowed great concern for my wife...showed up at the hospital to check on her condition...gave me a cell phone

number to contact him at any time...We are so very pleased with the way we were treated..."

Bill Turner (HSC) - "...very polite, informative and friendly. He provided the information I needed with no

need for follow-up. He is very helpful!"

Unidentified (NE Region) - "...It doesn't matter what the question or where, they are always supportive.

Thanks everyone for a great job with such limited resources."

Officer Jeff ?? - "...in Lake George State Forest...I was stung by a yellow jacket and went into serious

anaphylactic shock...Jeff took me into the store and along with the help of the clerk took care of me until EMTs

arrived and I was able to be taken to the hospital...I appreciate his professionalism and courtesy."
http://www.flshorebirddatabase.org/http://www.flshorebirddatabase.org/https://publictest.myfwc.com/CrossDOI/Shorebirds/index.htmlhttps://publictest.myfwc.com/CrossDOI/Shorebirds/index.htmlhttp://www.flshorebirdalliance.org/mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20read%20about%20it%20in%20Inside%20Jobhttp://www.myfwc.com/contact/staff-contacts/praise-an-employee/http://www.myfwc.com/contact/staff-contacts/praise-an-employee/mailto:[email protected]?subject=I%20read%20about%20it%20in%20Inside%20Jobhttp://www.flshorebirdalliance.org/https://publictest.myfwc.com/CrossDOI/Shorebirds/index.htmlhttp://www.flshorebirddatabase.org/http://www.flshorebirddatabase.org/


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Unidentified - "...I called to report a burrowing owl nest that was being bothered...I was dealt with

professionally and courteously...I just want to thank everyone for the prompt action, you just don't get service

like this anymore..."

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Shining stars

Congratulations are in order for agency coordinator Ming

Lee and FWC employees in the Big Bend for their

generosity during the 2010 Florida State EmployeesCharitable Campaign (FSECC).

At the campaign's recent awards banquet for the 8-

county Big Bend region, the FWC received the Special

Achievement Aw ard for Highest Per-capita Giving

($83) among agencies with 501-1,000 employees in the

region.

For having 19 Leadership Givers, the FWC received the

Art of Leadership Giving Award . All told, FWC Big

Bend employees pledged $41,227 to the 2010 campaign.Lisa Zullo (HSC), Ming Lee (L&P) and Greg Holder pose with

former Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson and Ken

Armstrong, United Way Big Bend.

The Big Bend Region of the FSECC includes Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and

Wakulla counties.

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Milestones

Congratulations to the following employees, who reach 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC in April.

Numbers in parentheses indicate total state service, if different.

35 YearsEarnest Truby - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

30 YearsJeffrey Ardelean - Law Enforcement

William Murphy - Law Enforcement (36 years)

Alton Ranew - Law Enforcement

Norman Runkle - Law Enforcement

Dennis Sharpe - Law Enforcement

Jeffrey Summers - Law Enforcement

25 YearsJohn Benton - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Bruce Jaggers - Habitat & Species Conservation

20 Years

Rodney Bertelsen - Fish and Wildlife Research InstituteAngelina Stoliker - Law Enforcement (24 years, 3 months)

15 YearsBillie Carlton - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Kim Dipre - Law Enforcement

10 YearsKathy Barnes Licensing & Permitting (20 years, 11 months)

Howard Brown - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Conrad Ender - Law Enforcement

Monica Howell Licensing & Permitting


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Adrienne Ruhl Recreation Services

William Wheat - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

5 YearsLisa Clancy - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Carlos Llull Jr. - Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Kim Palmer - Law Enforcement

Clinton Peters - Habitat & Species Conservation

Brenda Regan - Habitat & Species Conservation

Michelle Sempsrott - Marine Fisheries Mgt.

Michael Sowinski - Habitat & Species ConservationChasen Yarborough - Law Enforcement

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The Inside Job - April 2011

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