Photo: Lorraine Margeson 2009

Fort Desoto (Pinellas) County Park Bird Refuge

Multi-species habitat management

Discussion topics:

1. Which species are appropriate for multi-species management?

2. Approaches:• FWCC’s biological review process for State-designated Threatened

species• FWCC – FDEP interagency regulatory authority via permits

3. FWCC – FDEP enforcement authority

Current state-listed beach-dependent birds:

Nesting on Florida beaches:

Least Tern (T)Snowy Plover (T)American Oystercatcher (SSC)Black Skimmer (SSC)

Overwintering on Florida beaches:

Piping Plover – federally endangered/threatenedRed Knot – federal candidate species

Which species are appropriate for multi-species management?

Least Terns and Black Skimmers often nest together

American Oystercatchers and Snowy Plovers nest with or without the terns and skimmers

Why not write a multi-species management plan regulating ALL of these currently listed species? COST-EFFECTIVE and biologically appropriate!

Current (9/23/09) draft language re: management plans

Integrate multi-species management plan directive where biologically

appropriate

Plans must have specific, measurable goals, be enforceable and be enforced

Management plans for:

• SDT species (both federally-listed and >27 Millsap)• Currently Threatened, Millsap 19-27, or data-deficient• Currently SSC and data deficient

Listing levels where multi-species management can be required:

Beach nourishment attracts nesting birds, especially Least Terns, Black Skimmers, and American Oystercatchers – all Florida listed species.

(Public funds pay for these projects but sand is often deposited on privately-owned beaches.)

Does FWCC work with DEP on beach nourishment permits to protect these species post-nourishment?

Requirements for ongoing year-round bird surveys? Requirements for nest monitoring and posting?Private landowner pre-permission to post nesting locations through ordinance or regulation?

Photo: Lorraine Margeson 2009

Fort Desoto County Park Bird Refuge

Outside the Fort Desoto Bird Refuge

…but we need FWC support through keeping species listed and use of decisive management methods.

This boundary requires a vigilant enforcement presence by volunteers …