FWC MAKES IT EASY TO SPEAK UP WITH ONLINE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

June 1, 2005
Contact: Brian Branciforte (850) 265-3676
 

~This is a brand new way to host an FWC workshop.
Register to participate in the live, online workshop for Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative on June 9 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time~

The people of Florida have an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of our state’s fish and wildlife conservation programs by helping create Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative. Now, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering an unprecedented forum for public participation.

On June 9, at 7 p.m. EDT, the FWC will host a live online virtual workshop where FWC staff will present an overview of Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative and ask for feedback. This is the first time the FWC has conducted a public workshop through the Internet.

Instead of having to travel to a traditional public meeting, workshop attendees will be able to “attend” from the comfort of home, office or any place with computer and Internet connection. Participants will see and hear a presentation and interact with FWC staff through chat, questions and answers and instant polling. They will also be able to comment and make suggestions. The presentation will run approximately 30 minutes.

“The meeting will be conducted like a public workshop, except that people can participate from virtually anywhere,” said Thomas Eason, who is leading Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative for the FWC. Eason will conduct, or emcee, the live workshop.

Everyone interested in “attending” the workshop, must pre-register online before June 9. To get signed up, go to MyFWC.com/wildlifelegacy and follow the instructions to register. Registrants will receive e-mail reminders.

Complete information about our Legacy Initiative and Congress’ requirements for the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy is also on the Web site.

For the convenience of people who do not have a computer with Internet access, the FWC is making the presentation available at six locations around the state. Concerned citizens can view the computerized workshop and meet with FWC biologists in Lakeland, Lake City, Ocala, Panama City, Tallahassee and West Palm Beach. (Addresses for the viewing locations: MyFWC.com/wildlifelegacy/PDF/Directions.pdf)

Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative is a far-sighted approach to link action plans to a distinct funding program. Its aim is to avert future declines of native wildlife, with a goal of keeping common species common. Public participation is a crucial element in developing this plan.

“The success of Florida’s Wildlife Legacy depends on partnerships throughout – from creating, to securing funding, to implementing the conservation strategy. I hope everyone who cares about the future of Florida’s fish and wildlife will get involved and help create a blueprint for managing our resources,” Eason said.

Congress has challenged each U. S. state and territory to develop a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy and to work together to create a nationwide approach to wildlife conservation. Florida’s Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy is one of 56 being developed by every U. S. state and territory. As a strong incentive to get states to develop a plan, Congress made it a requirement for participating in the federal State Wildlife Grants program. Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative could lead to millions of dollars of federal funding for our state’s wildlife and habitats.

The FWC is leading the process to create Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative. But this is not a plan for the FWC. It is a plan for the future of our state’s native wildlife.

“I encourage Floridians to get involved and have their say,” Eason said. “This is a chance for everyone who is interested in the future of Florida’s wildlife to participate and help craft the plan.

A recorded copy of the virtual workshop will be available at MyFWC.com/wildlifelegacy after the live workshop ends. People can provide comments by clicking on the comment link on that site, or by writing to Thomas Eason at the FWC at 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600. The deadline for submitting comments is June 18.

In addition to the live online workshop, the FWC is hosting a special workshop with scientific experts on June 17 at 8 a.m. On June 18, the public and FWC stakeholders are invited to an open house throughout the day to meet with FWC staff and comment on the strategy. Both meetings will be held at Holiday Inn Express, at 8310 Galbraith Rd. (I-75 Exit 270) in Tampa.

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