The Florida Beaches HCP seeks to preserve the unique and precious wildlife and natural resources of Florida’s coastline. Florida’s beaches are important to many user groups, from commercial fishers to wildlife watchers to the millions of vacationers that visit the state each year. Florida’s coast is a major source of economic prosperity for the state, but it is also home to many rare species and fragile, dynamic ecosystems. Preserving these species and their habitats will ensure not only the fulfillment of our responsibility as stewards of the state’s natural resources, but also the continued economic importance of and the quality of life on the coast for future generations of residents and visitors to the state.

The HCP is being developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and with input from a broad range of contributing partners. The HCP process is in the early stages, so please check back often for updates and more details on how development of the plan is progressing.

The FDEP has decided to pursue HCP as a result of Incidental Take Permits (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act, which requires the development of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The intent of the HCP is to minimize and mitigate impacts to federally listed species that may occur as a result of activities permitted by FDEP's Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) Program. The FDEP is currently developing an HCP, which will be known as the Florida Beaches Habitat Conservation Plan, or Florida Beaches HCP.

Questions that the link below answsers.

What federally listed species will the Florida Beaches HCP protect?
What are the benefits of a multi-county HCP?
How is the Florida Beaches HCP being developed and who is responsible for the plan?
How long will it take?
Should I become involved in the development of the HCP?
What is the Endangered Species Act?
What does "Take" mean?
What is an Incidental Take Permit?
What is a Habitat Conservation Plan?
What is the Coastal Construction Control Line?
Why do beaches in Florida need a Habitat Conservation Plan?
Why is the CCCL Program developing a Habitat Conservation Plan?

For more complete information go to http://www.flbeacheshcp.com/Default.aspx

         Walton County is currently working on a habitat conservation plan. It is aimed towards protecting the animal species in the area, while at the same time, providing a place for people to enjoy the beach and the natural areas around them. The officials are trying to create what they call a balance; to make both the wildlife and people happy. Much damage had occured to the area after Hurricane Dennis struck in 2005; but not much was done to fix it. The conservation plan looks towards the future and the present. It is working on lighting in the area for the sea turtles and building construction along the shoreline. If a person wishes to build a bonfire on the beach; they have to get a permit. Only seventeen permits are issued each year. Walton County is going to have a fight on their hands with the developers and some homeowners already along the shoreline; but with the taxpayers and environmentalists' backing, they should be able to proceed just fine. Walton County is trying hard to keep the animals' safety in mind; while keeping the beaches attractive to people.

             The North Atlantic Right Whale is one of the most endangered species of whales out in the oceans. They can typically be found in the north in the New England area but during the winter they travel south to Georgia and North Florida to where their primary calving grounds are located. Environmentalists tend to keep close watch on this area during the winter time to make sure the whales are not harmed. Right now the environmentalist and the navy are in a heated battle which the navy is going to win.

               There is a planned training range being set up for submarine warfare with sonar use off the north Florida Atlantic Coast. It is said that the sonar can disrupt the whales feeding patterns and even cause distress in which the whales beach themselves. The environmentalist are afraid it will hurt the whales going to the calving grounds and that the species overall will be hurt. They are trying to get the navy to just not do their exercises during the breeding months. It does not seem the navy will postpone their exercises during that time.  Lookouts for the whales will be at an all time high to try and protect them.  

           One would never think of bunnies as being endangered. We think of them as being very populous, and all over the place. In fact, there is one species that is endangered and it is native to Florida. This species is called Sylvilagus palustris hefneri or the Lower Keys Marsh rabbits. This particular species is named after Hugh Heffner, the playboy bunny founder who contributed money to research rabbits in the field.

           The Lower Key Marsh rabbit is very dependant on its habitat for survival. It only eats certain plants and grasses that are in the marshes. It also relies on the way the marsh is naturally, for shelter. Unfortunately, with habitat destruction due to human encroachment and vehicles, these rabbits are losing their homes and their lives. There are about 300 rabbits left today. The rabbits do not have enough genetic diversity in their genes according to researchers to be able to adapt easily to new situations.  The rate of survival goes down with less genetic diversity. The US Fish and Wildlife Service are hoping to relocate the rabbits in order to help prevent its extinction. They are hoping to put them in an area where they are least likely to be disturbed and help them grow again.  

         Various counties are working on bringing back what they call the “Old Florida” feel. They are bringing back nature from the way that it used to be for the locals and tourists to experience and enjoy. St. Johns County is working on making the area they have look like they way it did to the Native Americans and the explorers who came through. Public access will be allowed through out the place. They expect that people will be able to walk, jog, bike and even go horse back riding. While areas around it will be eventually developed for homes, community center and with the trails going through the area, there will be a one and half mile wide area that will not be touch and left undeveloped.  The money to help develop and preserve this area comes from the tree bank fund from which developers have to pay into if they do not replace the required number of trees on the property that they have cut down for development. This fund goes towards conservation and natural preserve areas, so using it to create this piece of wildlife haven for both the wildlife to be protected and for people to enjoy, works.

         In Stuart, Florida, at the Halpatiokee Regional Park, land was purchase in 1989 with county and state funds after residents voted for a half cent tax towards conservation. Now, that land is getting ready to be made available to the public to enjoy. This is a 357 acre refuge that was purchase through this conservation effort. Two man made lakes have been created for recreational fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. It contains freshwater grass, pickerelweed and spike rush to create a marsh. There will be access to the St. Lucie River. Throughout the park, there are going to be hiking and biking paths as well as various camp grounds for all to enjoy. The conservationists here are also trying to do the same as St. John; bring back the old feel of Florida, while preserving the land for the wildlife and letting the public enjoy it all the same.  Both counties are stepping up in efforts to preserve the land around them and help the wildlife by building corridors around the land to keep them safe. Their conservation efforts are going to be well received and the nature recreation availability in the area will increase.

http://www.jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2009-06-20/story/trail_will_bring_old_florida_to_nocatee-area_travelers

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jun/23/southern-addition-to-halpatiokee-to-give-old/

        It’s that time of the year for sea turtle nesting season here in Florida. Along the Treasure Coast, from the beginning of March to the end of October; leatherheads, loggerheads and green turtles make their way ashore to make nests and lay their eggs. The Leatherback turtles are listed as an endangered species, but this year, it is reported that they are laying a record number of nests. Wildlife specialists say it seems that the Loggerhead turtle nests are declining, but it is still too early in the season to tell. Part of the problem is the maturation rate of the turtles. It takes decades for a turtle to mature and out in the sea, scientists do not know what goes on. No numbers will be completely verified or proven right or wrong until the official end of the nesting season.

    Sea turtle biologists are doing their best to make sure that the nests are protected and that the left behind, straggling hatched baby turtles make it. The biologists and the Ecological Associates in the Treasure Coast are keeping careful watch over the beaches as well as numbers. The Leatherback turtle is the largest of all the turtles and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. It is the fourth largest reptile in the world. Green turtles can weigh up to 400 pounds. The Loggerhead can weigh up to 300 pounds. If you are heading to the beach during the nesting season; watch out for the nests and be mindful of the eggs that have been laid there.

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jun/20/tracking-treasure-coast-turtles-leatherbacks-surge/

          How many times have you come across a dead animal along the side of the road that another driver has hit? Animals are killed every day by drivers when they try to cross simple streets or even major highways to get to the other side; to the rest of their habitat. Human beings are also hurt and even killed by these accidents. This comes from roads infringing on animal habitat and dividing up the land. It makes it difficult on the animals, especially when their homes become smaller, the resources to live become less, and the unfamiliarity of man-made machines. The fragmentation of the habitat at ground level is what causes the majority of the road crossings. The resources of the animals have decreased. Roads were built right on and thru these animals’ habitats and they are suffering as a result of it.

            Efforts are now being made to retrofit stretches of roads with wildlife corridors. These corridors are supposed to guide the animals off the road and even to an area that allows them to cross if they wish to. It is an infrastructure being put into place to protect both the wildlife and human beings. Some are complaining of the costs of retrofitting the roads; but it is said better late than never as with other projects in the past like superfund cleanups. It is a good measure to be taken because it will decrease the slaughter of animals and increase the safety of people on the roads. Wildlife corridors need to be taken into consideration and be put into every new road plan for the future.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090623/OPINION/906230307/Wildlife-corridors-needed

http://www.effinghamherald.net/news/article/7503/