The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved revisions to the Florida Burrowing Owl Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines during its August meeting.
According to the FWC, the changes are intended to increase the conservation value of permitting actions, provide more regulatory certainty, and make the permit review process more efficient for both stakeholders and agency staff. The main updates include standardizing mitigation requirements for projects that significantly alter habitat, offering expanded options for long-term permitting, and clarifying various concepts, definitions, and requirements.
“These guidelines are designed to be a tool for landowners, consultants, agency partners and other interested parties on how to conserve State-designated Threatened species. Recommended conservation measures and survey methods are included to promote actions that benefit these species. These guidelines also include options for avoidance of take and options for permitting that minimize and mitigate unavoidable harm or harassment. Revisions were informed by feedback from stakeholders and agency partners during the update process,” stated the FWC.
The revised guidelines come with Species Action Plans that detail specific actions aimed at reducing impacts from known threats, improving habitat conditions, and supporting conservation and recovery efforts. Both documents support Florida’s Imperiled Species Management Plan.
The Florida burrowing owl is recognized as the state’s smallest owl species. It primarily inhabits Peninsular Florida but also has isolated populations in the Panhandle and Keys. These owls live in open areas with short vegetation and use underground burrows about 5-10 feet long for nesting and shelter. The species was listed as State-designated Threatened in 2017.
More information about burrowing owls can be found at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/burrowing-owl/, while details on the updated guidelines are available at https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/species-guidelines/.
