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. In addition, the FWC will discuss financial incentives available for local governments.

A workshop is scheduled in Northeast Florida. Representatives from local governments in nearby counties are encouraged to attend.

Agenda

2022 Gopher Tortoise Local Government Workshop

May 17, 2022

Clermont City Center

620 West Montrose Street

Clermont, FL 34711

Workshop Goal: To encourage participation in gopher tortoise conservation by providing information that may aid in establishing local gopher tortoise protection policies.

Host: Paul Erickson, Construction Project Manager – City of Clermont Public Services

Lead: Amanda Mills, Local Government Coordinator – Program Planning & Monitoring, FWC

FWC Resources:

Alex Kalfin, Administrator – Program Planning & Monitoring, Wildlife Diversity Conservation

Meeting Agenda

09:00 a.m. – Introductions, agenda and workshop overview

09:15 a.m. – Presentation - Gopher Tortoise Local Government Coordination

Amanda Mills, Local Government Coordinator, FWC

10:15 a.m. – 15-minute break

10:30 a. m. – Presentation - Land Use Planning 101 – Introduction to FWC’s Office of Conservation Planning Services

Laura DiGruttolo, Conservation Planning Services, FWC

11:15 a.m. – Questions & Discussion

Amanda Mills, Local Government Coordinator, FWC

Alex Kalfin, Program Planning & Monitoring Administrator, FWC

Laura DiGruttolo, Conservation Planning Services, FWC

Session intended for questions and discussion of local gopher tortoise conservation/protection issues

11:55 a.m. – Meeting Wrap-Up

12:00 p.m. – Adjourn