The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is set to present draft materials for the T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area’s 10-year Land Management Plan. A public hearing on this is scheduled for April 29 in Brevard County.
The hearing will take place at 6 p.m. at the Brevard County UF/IFAS Extension Office in Cocoa. Members of the public are invited to attend, where they can comment and pose questions regarding the plan for the Waterfowl Management Area.
Spanning approximately 6,482 acres in Brevard County, T.M. Goodwin WMA is a significant part of conservation efforts protecting the upper St. Johns River Basin. This area aids flood control and supports diverse wildlife, including species like the wood stork and Everglade snail kite. Additionally, T.M. Goodwin WMA offers various recreational activities, such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Savannah Atwell, an FWC Land Conservation Planner, stated, “T.M. Goodwin WMA was purchased to ensure the preservation of habitat for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife, flood storage, and to provide fish- and wildlife-focused outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. This management plan will specify how we intend to accomplish that goal.”
Christina Omran, an FWC Biological Administrator, described T.M. Goodwin WMA as “an incredible example of successful partnerships in conservation across organizations.” Omran highlighted collaboration with entities like the St. Johns River Water Management District, Brevard County, and Ducks Unlimited.
Further details on this and other public hearings can be found at MyFWC.com/Conservation. Hunting and fishing regulations will be addressed through a separate process.
For a copy of the draft Management Plan elements, contact Savannah Atwell at 850-487-9588 or Savannah.Atwell@MyFWC.com.
The meeting is open to all, with special accommodations available upon request under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
