The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a series of virtual public meetings to discuss proposed changes to Florida’s wildlife trapping regulations. These gatherings aim to gather input from residents across the state. The FWC has worked with a Technical Assistance Group, which includes public and diverse stakeholder involvement, to develop these proposals.
The virtual meetings are scheduled as follows:
- May 6 from noon to 3 p.m. EDT
- May 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. EDT
- May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon EDT
All sessions will be held online via Zoom. "The content covered in all meetings is identical," the FWC states, adding that "it is not necessary to attend more than one virtual public meeting."
The proposed regulatory changes are intended to align with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' best management practices. This alignment aims to make trapping more humane, targeted, and efficient. Further information about these changes can be found on the FWC website at MyFWC.com/TrappingRules. The site will also provide access to the public commenting tool, which will be activated on May 6.
Details on the use of wildlife trapping, the FWC's procedure for collecting feedback, frequently asked questions, and virtual meeting links are also available on the website.
More information about the FWC’s process and opportunities for public participation is accessible at MyFWC.com/TrappingRules. The Commission encourages public engagement to ensure comprehensive feedback.