The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is set to present draft materials for the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA) 10-year Land Management Plan at a public hearing in Monroe County on Tuesday, August 12. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center, located at 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, in Marathon. Public participation is encouraged, providing an opportunity for attendees to comment and ask questions about the Land Management Plan for the FWC-managed WEA.
The Florida Keys WEA encompasses an archipelago of sites totaling 5,914 acres and extends 80 miles from Key Largo to Sugarloaf and Saddlebunch Keys, situated northeast of Key West. These areas feature some of the finest examples of undisturbed tropical hardwood hammocks in Florida. They serve as crucial feeding and resting grounds for numerous migratory bird species traveling between North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Among the unique imperiled species inhabiting these areas are the endangered Key deer, American crocodile, Lower Keys marsh rabbit, silver rice rat, wood stork, tree cactus, Garber’s spurge, and three species of imperiled marine turtles: green sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, and loggerhead sea turtle. The WEA also offers various natural resource-focused outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, paddling, kayaking, and sightseeing.
Elizabeth Norregaard, FWC Land Conservation Planner stated: “The Florida Keys WEA was purchased to ensure the preservation of fish, wildlife, and other natural and cultural resources for future generations and to provide fish and wildlife-focused outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.” She added that “This Management Plan will specify how we intend to accomplish that goal.”
For additional details on this event or other upcoming public hearings related to terrestrial conservation efforts by FWC visit MyFWC.com/Conservation under “Terrestrial Conservation” followed by “Management.” It is important to note that hunting and fishing regulations are not covered within this plan or during this public hearing; they follow a separate process available through MyFWC.com/Hunting or MyFWC.com/Fishing.
To receive a copy of the draft elements of the Management Plan for Florida Keys WEA reach out via email to Elizabeth Norregaard at Ann.Norregaard@MyFWC.com or Christina Omran at Christina.Omran@MyFWC.com.
According to Chapters 253 and 259 of Florida Statutes all lands acquired with public funds require a Land Management Plan ensuring consistent management aligned with purchase purposes. More information can be found on MyFWC.com/Conservation under “Terrestrial Conservation,” scrolling down to “Management Plans (WMA).”
Individuals needing special accommodations per Americans with Disabilities Act provisions should notify FWC five days prior by calling 850-488-6411 or using Florida Relay Service numbers provided if hearing/speech impaired.
For concerns regarding discrimination or further information contact:
FWC Office of Human Resources
620 S Meridian Street
Tallahassee FL 32399
Alternatively write to:
Office of Diversity Inclusion & Civil Rights
Department of Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington D.C. 20240
