Dec. 15 the deadline
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public comments on a draft addendum to the State Wildlife Action Plan that would incorporate 596 native plant species into the state’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list, the agency has announced.
“Species listed as SGCN are declining or are at risk of becoming imperiled in the future,” an FWC news release explains.
Written comments are being accepted via survey until Dec. 15, the release adds. “If you would like to comment but are unable to do so in the specified timeframe, or if you require an alternate format in which to comment or review the draft Addendum, contact information can be found at MyFWC.com/SWAP,” the release notes.
“Florida has the greatest diversity of native plant families in the United States,” the release points out. “Native plant species are vital to Florida ecosystems and provide food and shelter to wildlife species. They also provide many benefits to Florida residents, including hurricane protection and water filtration,” the release adds.
“Florida’s action plan is a comprehensive, statewide plan for conserving wildlife and natural areas for future generations,” the release continues. “The action plan takes an ecosystem approach, focusing on the needs of Florida’s terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems that will benefit the most Species of Greatest Conservation Need,” the release notes.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/SWAP.