FWC to meet June 17-19 in Fort Myers

 

June 9, 2014

 

Suggested Tweet: Commission to meet @MyFWC in SW #Florida. Public invited: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/bcb319 #fish #hunt

 

FWC to meet June 17-19 in Fort Myers

 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will meet June 17-19 at the Crowne Plaza, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers. The half-day discussion session June 17 starts at 1 p.m., while the full-day business sessions on the 18^th and 19^th start at 8:30 a.m.

The public is invited to all three days and will be provided opportunities to speak.

Highlights of the agenda include:

• June 17 –
  • Strategic discussions about conservation approaches on private lands, present and future, as well as innovative approaches to marine fisheries management.
• June 18 –
  • A five-year Gulf Reef Fish Data Reporting System proposal requiring final action by the Commissioners. This system will improve recreational reef fish data.
  • A proposed final rule that would include provisions to make it easier for people to harvest lionfish and prohibit further importation of this nonnative, invasive species.
  • Draft rules to further streamline saltwater fishing acts and regulations and to allow freshwater commercial operators on Lake Okeechobee to transfer permits.
  • Gulf and South Atlantic fishery management council updates, as well as FWC updates on panther and other research activities.
• June 19 –
  • Consideration about allowing 24-hour hunting during its statewide recreational alligator hunting season. If passed, this change would take effect during the upcoming 2014 season, which begins Aug. 15. Under current rule, alligator hunting hours are from 5 p.m. through 10 a.m.
  • Staff-proposed draft rules for the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area to allow hunting on the Big Cypress National Preserve’s Addition Lands. This would include a recommendation for walk-in hunting and quotas to address the 2014-2015 hunting season.

For the full agenda, go to MyFWC.com/Commission and select “Commission Meetings.” Can’t attend meeting in person? Follow live coverage on Twitter @MyFWC and join in the conversation by using tag #FWC2014. https://twitter.com/MyFWC.

Also check the Florida Channel (www.thefloridachannel.org/) for possible live webcast times.

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