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 The FWC Employee eNewsletter
July 2021
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 Last month, we participated in a roundtable with Gov. Ron DeSantis, leading scientists, researchers and local business owners to discuss our aligned commitment to combatting red tide. We were pleased to be a part of this roundtable, and continue to provide transparent and timely information to the public and partners as we track current bloom conditions.
I want to thank the staff at FWRI who worked diligently behind the scenes to make this event possible.
  I, along with Commissioner Sole, Executive Director Sutton, Col. Brown, Col. Young and a strong representation of LE officers and staff attended the Julian Keen, Jr. Lock and Dam dedication ceremony on June 18 in Moore Haven.
Officer Keen was a pillar of his community and embodied the very essence of honor, respect and loyalty we strive to instill in our officers every day. Now, the Julian Keen Jr. Lock and Dam will serve as a reminder of this young man’s legacy for decades to come. Losing an officer is never easy, and we are grateful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart and Greg Stube for honoring his memory.
Residents, visitors and boaters in the area will know of Officer Keen’s sacrifice when they approach or traverse the lock and dam. Officers responding to a call for service or reporting their location will be reminded of the “gentle giant” who changed the lives of those around him and who we miss every day.
  The next Commission meeting will be held in person Aug. 4-5 in Bonita Springs.
 Check out this giant mechanical harvester! Our invasive aquatic plant management program uses equipment including this to clear out harmful invasive plants from our waterways.
FWC staff manage invasive nonnative aquatic plants, mostly hydrilla, water hyacinth and water lettuce, in hundreds of water bodies throughout Florida each year. Our Aquatic Plant Management Team uses combinations of a variety of science-based techniques, including biological controls, mechanical removal and herbicide treatments, to manage these relentless invaders. Staff are exploring ways to increase mechanical harvesting methods to help address stakeholder concerns.
Mechanical harvesting refers to the use of machinery to remove or transport aquatic plants. One advantage of mechanical harvesting is the removal of the plant’s biomass, which prevents its eventual decay and settling to the bottom, helping to reduce sedimentation in the lake. There is also some level of nutrient removal as a result of harvesting because of the nitrogen and phosphorous bound up in the plant.
Another advantage of mechanical removal is that there are no restrictions on water use following a treatment as there can be with some herbicidal treatment methods. Mechanical harvesters do increase water turbidity but with temporary impact. There is the potential for bycatch issues at scale but not at the current level of use.
Learn more about the team’s efforts to combat these aquatic invaders: MyFWC.com/AquaticPlants. If you have any questions about invasive plant management, contact your regional Invasive Plant Management biologist.
For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, plant control operation schedules and annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lakes.
 While in the field one of our biologists found and collected a dead mobula ray washed up on the beach. Though the cause of death hasn’t been determined, the ray will live on as a specimen in FWRI’s Florida Biodiversity Collection.
Mobula rays have large, flat, diamond-shaped bodies and long fins to glide through water and also through the air. Mobula rays are sometimes called flying rays and can jump around 6 feet out of the water. Closely related to sharks, they are part of the family Mobulidae, which also contains two species of manta ray. Rays in this family are large and can be found all over the world in both tropical and temperate waters.
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 Among the archipelago of the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area lies a hidden gem, the Carter Creek tract. The tract is well known among conservationists and researchers for its assemblage of more than 35 imperiled species, including the Federally Threatened Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma ceorulescens). For scrub-jays, Carter Creek is a critical steppingstone in the fragmented landscape of the Lake Wales Ridge.
Unusual in the bird world, Florida scrub-jays are cooperative breeders. They form family groups and all members contribute to bringing up the next generation. This is why biologists count groups of jays and not individuals when analyzing population trends.
Alarmingly, the scrub-jay population in the Carter Creek tract dropped down to a low of two family groups in 2011. This is far below the estimated carrying capacity of 38 jay groups. Habitat loss resulting from a long history of fire suppression was the root of the problem.
Since 2006, FWC biologists have conducted multiple prescribed burns and habitat enhancements, such as sand pine reductions, to improve the tract for use by scrub-jays and increase the number of family groups. However, by 2015, the population wasn’t increasing as hoped. It appeared another strategy was needed to boost this population and a translocation project was proposed.
In 2016, the LWRWEA team refined their management strategy at Carter Creek and ramped up management activities considerably. The ensuing landscape changes were dramatic. The rolling hills formed by these ancient sand dunes became more visible. Views once obstructed by walls of dense sand pine forest had given way to low, open scrub.
At a finer scale, biologists saw dramatic increases in many listed species and the scrub-jay population began to show signs of rebounding. As a result, the translocation project proposal was shelved.
All the positive results encouraged and fueled motivation in the LWRWEA team. Between 2016 and 2020, prescribed burning and scrub-jay habitat enhancement activities at Carter Creek increased by 165%*. Confirmation of a rebounding scrub-jay population at Carter Creek came in 2020 when the scrub-jay census counted 22 groups. Every indication shows this population is on track to reach its carrying capacity and fulfill its vital role in the long-term conservation of Florida scrub-jays on the Lake Wales Ridge.
*71 Rx burns and 11 mechanical treatments from 2016-2020 (82 total); 25 Rx burns and 6 mechanical treatments from 2011-2015 (31 total)
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 In June 2019, the presumed extirpated threeridge mussel, Amblema plicata, was rediscovered in the Choctawhatchee River by FWC researchers. The mussel was thought to be wiped out of this region, as it had not been seen in the Choctawhatchee Basin in more than six decades. Based on museum records, the threeridge mussel was collected from four sites in the basin between 1933 and 1958. FWC’s Freshwater Mussel Conservation Program surveyed 110 sites in this basin between 2014 and 2019, collecting a total of 16,468 individual mussels, representing 22 species. In 2019, one threeridge mussel was identified, to the glee of researchers! Using a DNA barcoding system, the collected mussel was verified as the presumed extirpated threeridge mussel.
 
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 FWC, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and our coral reef restoration partners successfully outplanted 1,152 coral colonies along Florida’s coral reef from Martin County to Key West as part of the largest coordinated experimental outplanting effort in Florida to date.
 The purpose of this project is to determine the fate of coral species that are susceptible to stony coral tissue loss disease when outplanted across Florida’s coral reef where the disease remains present but is no longer found in epidemic proportions. First reported in 2014 off the coast of Miami-Dade County, this disease has spread along Florida’s coral reef and to reefs in the Caribbean, resulting in the death of thousands of coral colonies. The knowledge gained during this study will guide future efforts to restore coral communities on Florida’s coral reef.
 Lady anglers from IWFA and Gina Russo (center) at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in Apollo Beach.
Gina Russo, MFM, hosted a special opportunity fishing event for the International Women’s Fishing Association at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in Apollo Beach. Eight ladies participated in the event and caught juvenile snook, ladyfish, catfish and one very large black drum. These ladies compete against their fellow women anglers in three catch-and-release tournaments each year, with members traveling to destinations including Louisiana, Guatemala, Mexico and the Florida Keys.
The IWFA was established in 1955 to promote women’s fishing in an arena primarily dominated by men. Over the years it has become one of women’s most prestigious fishing clubs, setting the standards for conservation and promoting angling competition among women. To help further the field of conservation, the IWFA established the IWFA Scholarship Trust to provide financial aid to marine science graduate students.
For more information about the IWFA, visit: IWFA.org
Rosemary White reels in the catch of the day! This black drum wins her the largest fish caught award.
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 Alexis Trotter speaks at the FWC Snook Symposium.
The seventh Snook Symposium was broadcast online at TheFloridaChannel.org June 30. Participants could submit questions or comments, which we checked in real time, online at MyFWC.com/Snook2021.
 Commissioner Mike Sole at the FWC Snook Symposium
The Snook Symposium provided a great way for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to engage with fisheries managers and researchers on this important Florida fishery. Discussions included a stock assessment update, the importance of habitat, information about efforts to improve water quality, and updates on conservation and restoration efforts.
Stuart Cumberbatch moderates the FWC Snook Symposium. Photos by Avery Bristol.
  Florida Python Challenge® kicks of today; with new $10,000 award
Atlantic red snapper season to begin; anglers can help FWC gather data
Just released! FWC’s 2021-2022 manatee and sea turtle decals
FWC’s Operation Dry Water promotes education, enforcement for boating under the influence this weekend
5 things you’ll want to do now to prep for archery and crossbow seasons
FWC: Celebrate Independence Day the Floridian way with these wildlife-friendly tips
Lionfish Challenge 2021 Update – June 29
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers renames Moore Haven Lock and Dam to honor fallen FWC Officer Julian Keen, Jr.
FWC is helping pet owners tag their tegus, green iguanas to prepare for new rules
Gone Coastal: Tips for finding a good fishing spot in open water
 Officers Brandon Ulrich and Michael Sarmiento assisted in locating James Taylor, who had been missing for three days. He was found safe in a heavily wooded area in Citrus County. Taylor was re-united with his family at the scene and released to EMS. This story could have easily had a tragic ending but thanks to the efforts of everyone who worked tirelessly to find the missing man, it had a happy ending! Thanks to Citrus County Sheriff's Office and K-9 Unit, Florida Forest Service and Florida Department of Corrections K-9 Unit who helped in the effort.
  Congrats, USFWS Regional Awards Recipients!
Last month, the Southeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service held its annual awards ceremony and many FWC staff were recognized for their accomplishments in conservation in the South Atlantic-Gulf and Mississippi Basin Interior Regions. The following categories included FWC staff.
Recovery Partners, At Risk Species Conservation Award: Florida Grasshopper Sparrow Working Group
 In 2018, only 80 Florida grasshopper sparrows remained in the prairies of central Florida. Thankfully, a captive breeding program was already underway by the partnership of the Service, state, nonprofit, military, zoological and private partners. The program tackled big hurdles, including disease, stress and diet for the birds in captivity. This group worked together to save these tiny birds from extinction after releasing ~250 birds back into conservation lands in central Florida.
FWC staff award recipients: Robin Boughton, Andrew Cox, Craig Faulhaber, Adrienne Fitzwilliam, Steve Glass, Bryson Harvey, Michelle Kerr, Karl Miller, Juan Oteyza, Erin Ragheb (previous FWC biologist), Rebecca Schneider, Carli Segelson, Lisa Shender (previous FWC veterinarian).
Honor Awards for Conservation Partners: The Tracking and Reporting Actions for the Conservation of Species Regional Working Group
 Last year the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the South Florida Water Management District and the FWC partnered to improve water quality, eradicate invasive plants and boost recreation in the refuge.
FWC staff award recipients: Stasey Whichel and Robyn McDole
 Citizens and FWC customers were so impressed by the following employees, they told us about it through email on the "Praise an Employee" page of MyFWC.com/Contact. When your coworkers receive kudos, help share the good news by contacting Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
Donna Beck, HGM
Donna was extraordinarily helpful and went above and beyond in explaining the limitations and allowances of my alligator harvesting license. She was extremely knowledgeable, prompt and just an overall joy to speak with. She is an exemplary employee.
Chris Boyce, HSC
The FWC received a call from a landowner regarding overnight depredation. Her call was to determine if there had been any predatory sightings reported in the area that could have been the source of her loss. Chris Boyce was contacted and he offered to promptly make a site visit. The caller said he was very thorough and she was grateful for the time and attention she received. “Super thankful for Chris coming out here and for all the investigative work he has done this morning. He actually took the time to really conspicuously look for tracks, drag marks... so many things that I feel like other entities would not have gone to the trouble of doing. He took some DNA samples from the injury sites. Why had I never thought about that before? Brilliant. I will be anxiously awaiting the results of the samples.”
Officer Josh Mock
During our First Responders Week, Officer Mock came to visit our Middle and High School students with disabilities who are participating in the School District of Indian River County’s Extended School Year program. Officer Mock spoke with our students about conservation and various aspects of being an FWC Officer. He was engaging and interactive with our all the students. They enjoyed asking questions as well as learning about his airboat and getting an opportunity to check it out. I and the rest of the teachers are all very thankful for Officer Mock being able to make time to help us provide educational opportunities for all students with disabilities.
Officer Wayne Sapp
The officer made contact with my vessel as we arrived at the dock. He was the perfect image of what an officer should be. Had my children on board, my daughter has an issue of, well, being afraid of things, to make the story short. The officer did his job and my daughter said afterward, what a nice man he was. Keep up the good work and keep great people like this!
Tony Young, HGM (four commendations)
Mr Young took the time to answer some of my questions about hunting. This will be my first year hunting public land and I wanted to check my bases with an expert. He replied with an in-depth response to everything I had to ask. He gave me lots of tips and explained everything thoroughly. I was just as concerned about ethics as I was laws and he understood where I was coming from. I really appreciate any outreach from FWC staff and representatives, I feel like it helps the hunting community in a positive way. It certainly helped me.
Tony was great. answered every question. He was great to talk to.
I had some questions regarding an outfitter for a gator hunt on public land/waterways. Tony went above and beyond in helping me find answers. He was very professional and friendly. He even sent a text message following up to ensure all my questions and concerns were answered.
I am planning a hunting trip in July. Tony helped find the right location, helped with all the licensing. Overall, he did a phenomenal job and he knows his stuff well. Big thank you from Ohio!
 Congratulations to the following employees for reaching 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC.
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40 Years
Rick Stout, FFM
35 Years
Randy Vaughn, HSC
30 Years
Beacham Furse, HSC
Beth Morford, HSC
Chris Roszkowiak, LE
Steve Wayne, LE
25 Years
Jerrie Lindsey, HSC
Jerry Pitts, HSC
20 Years
Hedy Havel, FWRI
Lawanda McCarter, IT
Shannon Whaley, FWRI
LaVerne Williams, FWRI
15 Years
Martine de Wit, FWRI
Jennifer Myers, HSC
Sara Tecle, FBO
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10 Years
Carl Greene, HSC
Christine Mathis, FWRI
5 Years
Sarah Barrett, HSC
Nicoli Davis, LE
Westley Farmer, IT
Christine Kittle, MFM
Timyn Rice, FWRI
Phillip Rodgers, HSC
Nathan Vanbibber, FWRI
Retired!
Lt. Jeffrey Ardelean, LE –
40 Years, 4 Months
Inv. Stephen Wayne, LE –
30 Years
Officer Shon Brower, LE –
18 years, 3 months
Robin Mitchell, LE –
6 years
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(The FWC has a great many non-FTE employees, and they deserve recognition for reaching 5-year milestones too. Unfortunately, the system doesn't keep track of such statistics; but we don't want that to stop us. If you know of a non-FTE employee about to reach a 5-year milestone, please notify the Inside Job by email.) |
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FWC employees have some of the most interesting jobs ever! Here are some of our employees doing what they do best. Send your photos of FWC employees in the office and in the field to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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 Officers Chris Litherland and Eamon McCormack noticed a young Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle that appeared to be sick while they were on water patrol in Tampa Bay. After contacting and providing photos to biologist Brice Burleson, the officers were able to move the sea turtle to the patrol vessel and transport it to Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center in Apollo Beach.
 
 Lt. Michael Bibeau and Officers Joel Conrad and Thomas Enos conducted shorebird patrol at Outback Key. Florida Shorebird Alliance Facebook members posted their positive interactions with the lieutenant and officers on the FSA Facebook page resulting in numerous positive comments and likes.
facebook.com/groups/FLShorebirdAlliance/permalink/4037259853018875/
facebook.com/groups/FLShorebirdAlliance/permalink/4041099745968219/
facebook.com/groups/FLShorebirdAlliance/permalink/4016468848431309/
 Our freshwater fisheries biologists recently finished conducting electrofishing in south Florida’s L-67A canal. Researchers sampled 25 random sections along the canal and found 32 different species. The most encountered species were Florida gar, largemouth bass and bluegill.
 
 Deven Davidson maintains a clearing around RCW trees on Hungryland WEA, which helps to protect the tree during prescribed fires.
 Bryan Ames, HSC/WHM, conducting ignition operations on a prescribed burn on Salt Lake WMA.
 Justin VanGorder, HSC/WHM, conducting ignition operations on prescribed burn on Guana River WMA
 Melanie Mancuso, HSC/WHM, banding red-cockaded woodpecker nestling on Triple N Ranch WMA.
 HSC/WHM staff Wade Brenner (left) and Justin VanGorder (right) plan maintenance of rice truck-style water control structure on Guana River WMA. This control structure is used to manage water level on a brackish water impoundment to enhance conditions for waterfowl and wading birds.
 HSC/WHM staff Alexis Gallant and Nick Eder work to unclog riser board culvert (water control) structure on TM Goodwin WMA. Riser board culverts are used to manage water level within impoundments on the area.
 HSC/WHM contracted mechanical removal/shredding of floating tussocks on Goodwin Reservoir (TM Goodwin WMA) to increase open water conditions, which allows for more efficient movement of water and increases useable habitat for wintering waterfowl and wading birds, and improves navigational access for recreational boat users.
 Connor Blais, HSC/WHM, checks wood duck box use on Bull Creek WMA.
 HSC/WHM staff (Jason Slater and Storm Wittenberg pictured) monitor conditions and conduct mop-up of wildfire on Caravelle Ranch WMA.
 Officers in the Keys completed the required snorkel training at Founders Park in Islamorada. They had to take a swim test, tread water, retrieve submerged items and learn man overboard techniques.
 Gov. Ron DeSantis visited FWRI on June 17 for a round table discussion of Red Tide with scientists.
 Northeast Region captains, lieutenants, investigators and officers worked Boater Skip Day on the St. Johns River.
  Officer Kyle Freda responded to a call of an individual that found a fawn near a roadway next to a Pinellas County park. The individual picked up the fawn, paced it in their vehicle and drove to a nearby store. Officer Freda met with the individual to educate them about how female deer hide their fawns and move them when feeding to avoid drawing predators to their offspring. Officer Freda took possession of the fawn and brought it to a local rehabber.
 
 WHM Sunrise Field Office staff Lauren McCullough, Adam Eurbin, Cory Gillis, Ashley Chattle, Colleen Closius, and Rachel Taylor, and the WHM South Region Intern Max Maddox, working together on a tree island planting in Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA.
 FWC Sunrise staff had a skills and team building day in June where they practiced driving boats, tying knots, cleaning bolt guns, cleaning fish, and other team building exercises. Cleaning fish (above) and a strategy communication team building exercise (below).
 Officers Paige Pestka, Ronald Washington and Robert Dube were invited to represent FWC at the Frost Museum of Science. They talked about practicing safe boating in Biscayne Bay and the latest fishing regulations. The event was a collaboration of ocean conservancy partners in celebration of World Ocean Day and was attended by over 200 guests.
 Phillip Rodgers took this photo during a prescribed burn at Hilochee WMA.
 Officers Reece Alvis and Ed Prouty conducted a fisheries inspection on a recreational vessel that was returning through a pass in Pinellas County. They discovered five out of season red snapper and issued appropriate citations The seized red snapper was donated to a local charitable organization. Above: Officer Reece Alvis donates the red snapper to a local charitable organization.
 WHM staff from our WMAs and Land Conservation Planning, including Marsha Ward, Pam Boody, Jackie Gomar, Carol Rizkalla, Dylan Haase, and Jackie Bucheck, teamed up to visit the John C. and Mariana Jones/Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area to prepare for an upcoming management plan meeting.
 When a report of an injured or sick osprey came in, FWC Officer Jessica Diaz and USFWS Officer Jared Briley were able to locate the raptor and transport it to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center. After an examination, staff with the rehabilitation center explained that it had parasites and was very underweight for its age and weight. After weeks of rehabilitation, officers assisted staff with the osprey’s release back into the wild.
 
 Keys officers work out at Key Largo CrossFit as a Julian Keen memorial.
 Kevin Christman (biologist from the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area) assisted four visiting biologists access a remote site on the Florida Keys WEA so they could collect soil and water samples. This was part of a statewide assessment of wetland condition as part of the US Environmental Protect Agency’s nationwide National Aquatic Resource Survey. From the HT Odum Center for Wetlands University of Florida were AJ Alexis Jackson, FL NWCA Crew Lead and Tony Davanzo, Botanist and from FWRI were Scott Gilb, Biological Scientist II and Elizabeth White, Biological Scientist II. Above: Alexis Jackson, Scott Gilb; Below: (L-R) Elizabeth White, Tony Davanzo, Kevin Christman, Alexis Jackson; Bottom: Kevin Christman
 
 FWC Northwest Region Dive Team and FWC Okaloosa County patrol squad joined Force Blue and Pepsi Stronger Together for one of four stops in their summer-long series of marine conservation initiatives aimed at cleaning coastal communities around Florida. The first stop was in Destin, Okaloosa County and FWC assisted with removing marine debris and beach clean-up, and provided security to divers who were in the water at the Destin jetties. Thanks to Force Blue and Pepsi Stronger Together for hosting this event and the great collaboration between partners. FWC Northwest Region Dive Team: Lt. Price and Lt. Suggs and Officers Brady, Gerber, Hellett, Lee, Ramos, Sizemore and Wicker and FWC Patrol: Lt. Shelton Bartlett, Lt. Steve Bartlett and Officers Brown and Hahr.
 North Central Regional Director Chris Wynn speaks about the FWC to a summer camp at Westside Elementary in Lake City. .
 Officers Taryn Stanton, Ronald Washington and Jan Fore, our Nonnative Species Education and Outreach Coordinator, conducted a presentation about Boating/Outdoor Safety and about Habitat and Species conservation and our role as it relates to invasive species. The group of 30 campers aged 6-12 from Camp Manatee of Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation Ecoadventures, were very excited to learn about our wild jobs and appreciated seeing examples of invasive species up close and personal.
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Deadline for the August issue is July 30.
The Inside Job is a monthly newsletter featuring
the employees and programs of the FWC.
Send your submissions, comments and questions to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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