Request for Information

1.             Management Considerations for the Bald Eagle

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determined at its June 7-8, 2006 meeting that the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) warranted removal from the state’s imperiled species list, thereby ending Phase 1 and beginning Phase 2 of the state’s imperiled species listing process (Rule 68A-27.0012 F.A.C.). The delisting of the bald eagle will occur upon completion and approval of a species-specific management plan to guide bald eagle recovery (Phase 2). To assist in management plan development, the Commission requests information on the conservation needs of the bald eagle and any economic and social factors that should be considered in managing the species in Florida. The Commission is also seeking information regarding state, local or regional rules or ordinances that reference FWC species listing categories. Comments should be sent to: Bald Eagle Management Plan Comments, DHSC, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Mail Station 1O, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2006.

2.             Management Considerations for the Gopher Tortoise

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determined at its June 7-8, 2006 meeting that the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) warranted listing as threatened, thereby ending Phase 1 and beginning Phase 2 of the state’s imperiled species listing process (Rule 68A-27.0012 F.A.C.). The reclassification of the gopher tortoise to threatened will occur upon completion and approval of a species-specific management plan to guide gopher tortoise recovery (Phase 2). To assist in management plan development, the Commission requests information on the conservation needs of the gopher tortoise and any economic and social factors that should be considered in managing the species in Florida. The Commission is also seeking information regarding state, local or regional rules or ordinances that reference FWC species listing categories. Comments should be sent to: Gopher Tortoise Management Plan Comments, DHSC, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Mail Station 1O, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2006.

3.             Management Considerations for the Manatee

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determined at its June 7-8, 2006 meeting that the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) warranted listing as threatened, thereby ending Phase 1 and beginning Phase 2 of the listing process (Rule 68A-27.0012 F.A.C.). The reclassification of the manatee to threatened will occur upon completion and approval of a species-specific management plan to guide manatee recovery (Phase 2). To assist in management plan development, the Commission requests information on the conservation needs of the Florida manatee and any economic and social factors that should be considered in managing the species in Florida. The Commission is also seeking information regarding state, local or regional rules or ordinances that reference FWC species listing categories. Comments should be sent to: Manatee Management Plan Comments, DHSC, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Mail Station 6A, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2006.

4.             Management Considerations for the Panama City Crayfish

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission determined at its June 7-8, 2006 meeting that the Panama City crayfish (Procambarus econfinae) warranted listing as threatened, thereby ending Phase 1 and beginning Phase 2 of the listing process (Rule 68A-27.0012, F.A.C.). The reclassification of the Panama City crayfish to threatened will occur upon completion and approval of a species-specific management plan to guide crayfish recovery (Phase 2). To assist in management plan development, the Commission requests information on the conservation needs of the Panama City crayfish and any economic and social factors that should be considered in managing the species in Florida. The Commission is also seeking information regarding state, local or regional rules or ordinances that reference FWC species listing categories. Comments should be sent to: Panama City Crayfish Management Plan Comments, DHSC, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Mail Station 1O, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, 2006.

Special notice: With respect to the Commission’s decision to list, delist or reclassify the species’ referenced above pursuant to Phase 1 of the listing process (Rule 68A-27.0012, F.A.C.), any person who asserts that his or her substantial interests are affected by the FWC decision as to Phase 1 may request a special evidentiary hearing (known as a “draw-out”) pursuant to Section 120.54(3)(c)2., F.S., and Rule 28-103.005, Florida Administrative Code. Requests for this hearing should be sent to: Mr. James V. Antista, General Counsel, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Mail Station 1 F, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 by 5:00 p.m., by August 8, 2006.