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        <rss:title>Blog: Creature of Habitat</rss:title>
        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat</rss:link>

        <rss:description>Creature of Habitat is a blog dedicated to the discussion of habitat planning as a growing field of research and practice. We'd love to receive contributions and commentary from all of our readers. Please send us your ideas, insights, examples, case studies, photos or graphics that can help describe particular wildlife planning, design and/or BMPs used in your community.  To subscribe to our blog feed use the Syndication links on the right.</rss:description>
        

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                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/12/07/florida-beaches-habitat-conservation-plan"/>
                
                
                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/07/01/conservation-in-walton-county"/>
                
                
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                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/15/brazilian-peppers-while-good-for-carbon-footprint-bad-for-everything-else"/>
                
                
                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/15/whooping-crane-taken-out-of-wild"/>
                
                
                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/10/manmade-wetlands"/>
                
                
                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/03/sunken-warship-made-into-artifical-reef"/>
                
                
                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/05/29/environmental-education-in-florida"/>
                
                
                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/05/18/black-bears-in-florida"/>
                
                
                <rdf:li rdf:resource="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2008/09/17/butterflies-in-need-of-habitat"/>
                
                
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        <rss:title>Blog: Creature of Habitat</rss:title>
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        <rss:url>http://www.floridahabitat.org/logo.png</rss:url>
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    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/12/07/florida-beaches-habitat-conservation-plan">

        <rss:title>Florida Beaches Habitat Conservation Plan </rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/12/07/florida-beaches-habitat-conservation-plan</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img class="image-inline captioned" src="resolveuid/7b37956b16532e561c4d059d3bc64c06" alt="ibis beach" height="229" width="645" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Questions that the link below answsers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ8"&gt;&lt;u&gt;What federally listed species will the Florida Beaches HCP protect?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ9"&gt;&lt;u&gt;What are the benefits of a multi-county HCP?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ10"&gt;&lt;u&gt;How is the Florida Beaches HCP being developed and who is responsible for the plan?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ11"&gt;&lt;u&gt;How long will it take?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ12"&gt;&lt;u&gt;Should I become involved in the development of the HCP?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ1"&gt;&lt;u&gt;What is the Endangered Species Act?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ2"&gt;&lt;u&gt;What does "Take" mean?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ3"&gt;&lt;u&gt;What is an Incidental Take Permit?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ4"&gt;&lt;u&gt;What is a Habitat Conservation Plan?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ5"&gt;&lt;u&gt;What is the Coastal Construction Control Line?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ6"&gt;&lt;u&gt;Why do beaches in Florida need a Habitat Conservation Plan?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="#FAQ7"&gt;&lt;u&gt;Why is the CCCL Program developing a Habitat Conservation Plan?&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more complete information go to &lt;a href="http://www.flbeacheshcp.com/Default.aspx"&gt;http://www.flbeacheshcp.com/Default.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

          ]]>
        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-12-07T08:49:37-06:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-12-07T09:01:19-06:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>Threatened Species</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/07/01/conservation-in-walton-county">

        <rss:title>Conservation in Walton County</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/07/01/conservation-in-walton-county</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Walton County is&amp;nbsp;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.
&lt;dl&gt;&lt;dt&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/dt&gt;&lt;/dl&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;

          ]]>
        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-07-01T09:45:24-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-07-01T09:45:24-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>conservation</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/29/right-whales-and-the-navy">

        <rss:title>Right Whales and the Navy</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/29/right-whales-and-the-navy</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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.&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Lookouts for the whales will be at an all time high to try and protect them.&amp;nbsp;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;img class="image-inline captioned" src="../wiki/images/RightWhaleI.jpg" alt="Right Whale" height="428" width="600" /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1115725.html"&gt;http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1115725.html&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

          ]]>
        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-06-29T10:33:24-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-29T10:33:24-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>Endangered Species</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Right Whales</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/29/playboy-bunnies-endangered">

        <rss:title>Playboy Bunnies Endangered</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/29/playboy-bunnies-endangered</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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&lt;em&gt;&lt;span&gt; palustris hefneri &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;span&gt;or the Lower Keys Marsh rabbits. This particular species is named after Hugh Heffner, &lt;/span&gt;the playboy bunny founder who contributed money to research rabbits in the field.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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. &lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;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. &lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;img class="image-inline captioned" src="../wiki/images/bunnyhefenri.jpg" alt="Playboy Bunny" height="226" width="345" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;a href="http://news.ucf.edu/UCFnews/index?page=article&amp;amp;id=00240041037381429012136c33d79004f4b&amp;amp;subject_id=0024004102975ad83011b2b83251c0c35"&gt;http://news.ucf.edu/UCFnews/index?page=article&amp;amp;id=00240041037381429012136c33d79004f4b&amp;amp;subject_id=0024004102975ad83011b2b83251c0c35&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;

          ]]>
        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-06-29T08:59:07-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-29T08:59:07-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>Playboy Bunnies</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Endangered Species</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Threatened Species</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/26/old-florida-feel-being-brought-back-through-conservation-efforts">

        <rss:title>Old Florida Feel Being Brought Back Through Conservation Efforts</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/26/old-florida-feel-being-brought-back-through-conservation-efforts</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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. &lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; In Stuart, Florida, at the&lt;span&gt; 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. &lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;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. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2009-06-20/story/trail_will_bring_old_florida_to_nocatee-area_travelers"&gt;&lt;u&gt;http://www.jacksonville.com/community/shorelines/2009-06-20/story/trail_will_bring_old_florida_to_nocatee-area_travelers&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jun/23/southern-addition-to-halpatiokee-to-give-old/"&gt;&lt;u&gt;http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jun/23/southern-addition-to-halpatiokee-to-give-old/&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;

          ]]>
        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-06-26T10:04:29-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-26T10:04:29-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>Eco-Tourism</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/26/sea-turtle-nesting">

        <rss:title>Sea Turtle Nesting</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/26/sea-turtle-nesting</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jun/20/tracking-treasure-coast-turtles-leatherbacks-surge/"&gt;&lt;u&gt;http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jun/20/tracking-treasure-coast-turtles-leatherbacks-surge/&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;

          ]]>
        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-06-26T09:32:49-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-26T09:32:49-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        


    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/24/wildlife-corridors-needed-as-part-of-roads">

        <rss:title>Wildlife Corridors Needed As Part of Roads</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/24/wildlife-corridors-needed-as-part-of-roads</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img class="image-inline captioned" src="../wildlife-manual/images/BearCrossingsigncopy.jpg/image_mini" alt="BearCrossingSign" height="156" width="200" /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.pnj.com/article/20090623/OPINION/906230307/Wildlife-corridors-needed"&gt;http://www.pnj.com/article/20090623/OPINION/906230307/Wildlife-corridors-needed&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.effinghamherald.net/news/article/7503/"&gt;http://www.effinghamherald.net/news/article/7503/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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        <dc:date>2009-06-24T09:00:13-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-24T09:00:13-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>wildlife friendly</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Transportation Planning</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/15/brazilian-peppers-while-good-for-carbon-footprint-bad-for-everything-else">

        <rss:title>Brazilian Peppers, While It's Good For Our Carbon Footprint- It's Bad For Everything Else. </rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/15/brazilian-peppers-while-good-for-carbon-footprint-bad-for-everything-else</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Brazilian Peppers have been deemed a noxious, invasive plant, yet it is pretty to look at. The nickname for it is the Florida Holly. It is said to be a relative of poison ivy and dangerous to endangered species. Studies have shown though, that for global warming and humans, it is good. It sucks carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere in great amounts. While it should be celebrated for helping to reduce carbon in the atmosphere, it is not. It is looked down upon as being an invasive species that has taken over one million acres of land in Florida. It takes away wildlife habitat and costs the government millions to remove it from the highways, utility lines and shorelines. It has been said that the negatives that the plant provides outweighs the positives even though an acre of Brazilian peppers absorbs 500 times more carbon than an acre of saw grass. It grows fast and covers a large area of land. Over the summer, on a 100 mile stretch of I-75, the Department of Transportation will be going through and removing all the Brazilian pepper plants that they find.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Even homeowners have had enough of these peppers. They have waged their own war against it. They would work together on weekends to cut everything down and fight against the species. Also, their goal is to restore the habitats in the area to their original state so that the species living there can thrive again. &lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;They say they’ll be fighting it forever but they’ll keep at it if they have if they have to. Just because something looks beautiful and does something good for the environment; it does not necessarily mean that it is good all around. Reducing the carbon footprint in Florida would be good, but if it is at the cost of other wildlife and habitats that are also important, it is not worth it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;img class="image-inline captioned" src="../wiki/images/holly.doc" alt="Florida Holly/Brazillian Pepper" height="255" width="385" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/07/brazilians-peppers-devour-carbon-dioxide-study-fin/"&gt;&lt;u&gt;http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jun/07/brazilians-peppers-devour-carbon-dioxide-study-fin/&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.baysoundings.com/sum05/brazpepper.html"&gt;&lt;u&gt;http://www.baysoundings.com/sum05/brazpepper.html&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

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        <dc:date>2009-06-15T11:00:56-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-15T11:00:56-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        


    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/15/whooping-crane-taken-out-of-wild">

        <rss:title>Whooping Crane Taken Out of Wild</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/15/whooping-crane-taken-out-of-wild</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; What happens when humans feed wild animals or help it to adapt to the human habitat? They wind up having to be put down or put into a zoo. In this case, a wild whooping crane, an endangered species, became to tame to be left out in the wild. It was not fearful of humans and would approach them or their surroundings for food. He had to be captured and put into a zoo, never to migrate or fly again.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;The workers of Operation Migration, a program to help the whooping cranes learn to survive and learn to migrate take great care to not reveal their human selves to the cranes from the moment of birth. They do everything in disguise; showing them how to eat, drink, socialize and even migrate. Once the cranes learn the route once, they never forget it. But when humans get involved with the cranes and allow the cranes to feed off of them, the cranes’ survival rates decrease. They never learn to adapt to the wild again. In this case, for the first time since the program Operation Migration started, they had to take a crane away from its flock. It was something they hoped and thought they never had to do.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;img class="image-inline captioned" src="topic_images/061005whoopingcranes_big.jpg" alt="whooping crane" height="303" width="461" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/article1009620.ece"&gt;http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/article1009620.ece&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-06-15T09:26:01-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-15T09:26:01-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>Whooping Crane</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Florida Wildlife</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Threatened Species</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/10/manmade-wetlands">

        <rss:title>Manmade Wetlands</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/10/manmade-wetlands</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The US Environmental Protection Agency is noticing the cost of losing habitats and wetlands to agriculture and development. It seems that the wetlands can naturally degrade some pollutants, settle particulates and provide buffers for some storm water events. As a result, man made wetlands are now being constructed. Two types are being made: subsurface and free water surface. Subsurface is used as storm or waste water treatment system and can maintain water levels underground. Free water surface has exposed water that you see in the wetlands. The creation of the wetlands also provides habitats that were not there before due to destruction. Vegetation is able to flourish as well as the wildlife. A bonus in these wetlands is that there are deep and shallow zones of millions of gallons of water. The deep zones provide fish refuge as well as a reservoir of water for firefighters to use. The shallow zones help the vegetation in the area to grow.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Rebuilding wetlands provides a positive impact for both the human and wildlife population. The wildlife has a place to flourish and grow again without threats. The health of the water is increased through the natural removal of pollutants. Recreation in the area as well as a tourism boost is provided because not only is there a successful wetland, but it was manmade and modeled after the perfect specimen-the original wetlands itself. Wetlands are important and the remaining ones need to preserved no matter what the human needs are. Sprawl in the area can be contained or moved elsewhere in order to protect what is already in place.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Sparks, S (2009).Habitat Creation Using Constructed Wetlands. &lt;em&gt;Land and Water: The Magazine of Natural &lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;/span&gt;Resource Management and Restoration&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;em&gt;53&lt;/em&gt;, 20-23.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

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        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-06-10T09:15:03-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-10T09:15:03-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>Wetlands</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Ecological Design</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Florida's Future</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/03/sunken-warship-made-into-artifical-reef">

        <rss:title>Warship Sunk To Become Artificial Reef</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/06/03/sunken-warship-made-into-artifical-reef</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;A former warship, &lt;em&gt;&lt;span&gt;USS Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;, that was used in World War Two and the Cold War has been sunk about seven miles off the Key West coast to create an artificial reef. It was a project commissioned to protect the current reefs from further exploration and damage. It allows these reefs to flourish with out the pressures of fishing and over diving. The artificial reef will be open to all and is expected to last over 100 years with lots of long time habitats of various marine species. &lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;The main intention of the sinking is to protect current reefs, but it will attract&amp;nbsp;many tourists and boost the tourism economy in the area. It will be the second largest intentionally sunk reef in the world. The sinking of the ship was successful and the reef itself is expected to be as well.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/05/27/ship.sinking.reef/"&gt;http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/05/27/ship.sinking.reef/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1073207.html"&gt;http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1073207.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/31/content_11458853.htm"&gt;http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/31/content_11458853.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-06-03T09:53:10-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-06-03T09:53:10-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>Warship</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Ecological Design</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Eco-Tourism</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/05/29/environmental-education-in-florida">

        <rss:title>Environmental Education in Florida </rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/05/29/environmental-education-in-florida</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
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&lt;p&gt;Environmental education is important and some schools in Florida are recognizing that fact. Programs that advocate environmental conservation and teaches kids about wildlife around them have been successful because they put the kids in the middle of it all and show them how to get their hands dirty. They build butterfly gardens, other gardens with different native plants; they learn how to use solar power and the way recycling works. It’s all education while having fun. &lt;span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;The Schoolyard Wildlife Program and Eco-Friendly Festivals at schools have been successful because it teaches kids while they are young. Advocates of the Schoolyard program say the younger the kids learn, the better their attitudes are towards wildlife and the environment. Conservation is important for the future and it is up to the generations of today to help the future and to be properly educated on the environment that surrounds them. After all, we are part of that environment as well. Cooper City Schools and P.K. Yonge Elementary School have taken the first step in the education of our kids on this matter.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="center"&gt;&lt;img class="image-inline captioned" src="topic_images/grover_typing.jpg" alt="public bird monitoring " height="128" width="170" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/cooper_city/sfl-flpioneer0524swmay24,0,289004.story"&gt;http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/cooper_city/sfl-flpioneer0524swmay24,0,289004.story&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090525/ARTICLES/905251010/1002?Title=Schoolyard-Wildlife-Program-opens-students-eyes-to-science-all-around"&gt;http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090525/ARTICLES/905251010/1002?Title=Schoolyard-Wildlife-Program-opens-students-eyes-to-science-all-around&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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        <dc:date>2009-05-29T09:00:03-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-05-29T09:00:03-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>Wildlife Education</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/05/18/black-bears-in-florida">

        <rss:title>Black Bears in Florida </rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2009/05/18/black-bears-in-florida</rss:link>       

        <rss:description>

</rss:description>

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;Many people in Florida are aware of the variety wildlife that surrounds and live among us. Most though, are not aware of the Black Bear. Black Bears can be found in the Florida wild; more so in southwest Florida. Unfortunately, as humans are sprawling more and more, we are infringing onto the Black Bear habitat. This leads to new backyard visitors. You might be used to raccoons foraging through your garbage at night. Some are seeing Black bears coming into their homes. One incident resulted in a "nuisance bear" having to be euthanized because it was going into people's homes foraging for food. It was pushed out of its natural habitat and was trying to simply survive. &lt;br /&gt;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; The Naples Zoo has created a Black Bear Hammock. Its purpose is to educate visitors on who their neighbors are and how to keep them out of their backyards safely. They set up two different style habitats. One shows them living life in the wild normally in their natural habitat. The other has them living in a backyard showing how they are able to adapt to man-made products and their garbage. The habitats are set up to try and show how easily it is for a Black Bear to be among humans and to tell you how to prevent that in a way that is good for both parties. They are a species that we pushed out of their homes to make room for ours. Now, you have to help them stay adapted to what little wildlife they may have left in the area that they are in. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;img class="image-inline" src="../about-1/files/copy_of_UrsusDM2005090605700F146.jpg" alt="Black Bear" height="304" width="397" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;Sources:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-1434-Black_Bear_Hammock_at__Naples_Zoo_Features_a_Natural_and_a_Backyard_Habitat"&gt;http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-1434-Black_Bear_Hammock_at__Naples_Zoo_Features_a_Natural_and_a_Backyard_Habitat&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p align="left"&gt;&lt;a href="http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20090516/NEWS01/905160315/+Nuisance+bear++is+euthanized"&gt;http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20090516/NEWS01/905160315/+Nuisance+bear++is+euthanized&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2009-05-18T11:09:55-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2009-05-18T11:09:55-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>neighborhood</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>wildlife friendly</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>1000 Friends of Florida</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Black Bear</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>mammal</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Eco-Tourism</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Florida Wildlife</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2008/09/17/butterflies-in-need-of-habitat">

        <rss:title>Butterflies in Need of Habitat</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2008/09/17/butterflies-in-need-of-habitat</rss:link>       

        <rss:description>Habitat loss keeping butterfly numbers low. </rss:description>

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          
&lt;p&gt;One of the most delicate creatures is, naturally, one of the most susceptible to wildlife habitat destruction.&amp;nbsp; An important part of the food chain, and a delight around a garden, butterfiles of many varieties are endangered due to loss of habitat, some of which, in Florida, is attributed to hurricane damage and pesticide use.&amp;nbsp; Florida has many concerned groups following the many troubled species.&amp;nbsp; State, and local organizations, as well as the North American Butterfly Association and the University of Florida have teamed up to protect species like the Miami Blue.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Native to South Florida, numbers of Miami Blues have dwindled over the years and were believed extinct.&amp;nbsp; It was rediscovered in 1999 in Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys.&amp;nbsp; The species has been successfully reintroduced, albeit&amp;nbsp;in&amp;nbsp;a shaky, single, captive colony with about 100 at any given time. Officials plan to continue introduction in other areas including Everglades and Biscayne National Parks.&amp;nbsp; More information about butterflies in Florida is available through the Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;One way you can aid butterflies in your area is by making your garden butterfly-friendly.&amp;nbsp; The North American Butterfly Association guides gardeners to plants likely to attract butterflies in their region.&amp;nbsp; The site lists native plants for different regions essential to restoring wildlife for butterflies near your home.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;

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        </content:encoded>        

        <dc:date>2008-09-17T11:18:41-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2008-09-17T11:18:41-05:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>Eileen Collins</dc:creator>

        

        
            <dc:subject>native</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>wildlife friendly</dc:subject>
        
        
            <dc:subject>Endangered Species</dc:subject>
        

    </rss:item>

    
    

    <rss:item rdf:about="http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2008/09/17/wildlife-friendly-amendment-4">

        <rss:title>Wildlife Friendly Amendment 4</rss:title>

        <rss:link>http://www.floridahabitat.org/creature-of-habitat/archive/2008/09/17/wildlife-friendly-amendment-4</rss:link>       

        

        <content:encoded>
          <![CDATA[
          Private landowners protect and manage some of Florida’s best wildlife areas—serving as habitat for rare species, such as the Florida panther and Florida black bear. Some landowners place their lands in permanent protected status using conservation easements, while others use their land for the benefit of wildlife, water resources and outdoor recreation.
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
As Florida grows, valuable green spaces are being converted to other uses. While the Florida Forever program has enabled the state to purchase important critical natural lands, an additional tool is needed to encourage property owners to manage their land for wildlife habitat and water resource protection, rather than convert it to development.
&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;To encourage private landowners to preserve wildlife habitat and water resources, Florida’s leading conservation groups, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and others are supporting Amendment 4, on the November 2008 ballot to encourage conservation without spending tax dollars. Amendment 4, if approved by 60% of the voters, will do two things:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;•&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;Exempt land that is permanently set aside for conservation from all property taxes.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;•&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;Allow land that is being used for conservation purposes, but which hasn’t been permanently set aside, to be taxed according to its conservation use.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Amendment 4 can benefit the Florida Panther, the Florida Black Bear, many bird species and special places such as the Florida Everglades and will help protect our water resources. Amendment 4 holds great promise to supplement public land acquisition programs such as Florida Forever by providing incentives to private landowners to conserve their lands for nature and future generations of Floridians.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Please visit the Amendment 4 Site at:&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &lt;a href="http://www.amendment4florida.com/"&gt;http://www.amendment4florida.com &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

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        <dc:date>2008-09-17T11:13:19-05:00</dc:date>

        <dc:modified>2008-11-22T10:27:44-06:00</dc:modified>

        <dc:creator>DP</dc:creator>

        


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