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Results from Todays meeting in FL...
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by southerncat on September 9, 2009
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News Release
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Cutline goes here.
Python control and legislation discussed by FWC
September 9, 2009
Contact: Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130
More on Burmese Python Removal Program
Pythons first appeared in South Florida nearly two decades ago, and they now take center stage as efforts to control their proliferation in the Everglades continue by wildlife managers at both the federal and state levels. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to search for solutions for controlling the further invasion of this exotic species, as well as all reptiles of concern in Florida.
On Wednesday at the FWC meeting in Howey-in-the-Hills, staff presented an update on the reptile of concern programs to date, offered suggestions for further management measures, and discussed potential legislation that could possibly affect the management and enforcement of reptile of concern policies.
After listening to approximately 20 speakers address the issues regarding Burmese pythons and reptiles of concern, the Commission approved a draft rule that codifies an Executive Order, effective Aug. 29, allowing hunters to take pythons in the course of hunting game species in Florida.
Commissioners directed staff to bring back a final rule at the December meeting in Clewiston.
They also asked Col. Julie Jones, the FWC's director of law enforcement, to open rulemaking and look at the science behind personal pet ownership and breeding and sale by Florida's reptile industry. Commissioners asked Jones to bring back a wide range of options, with complete flexibility, for the Commission to consider.
The Commission heard from the reptile industry and conservation groups before taking the vote.
"Let's find out everything we can about this problem," said Commissioner Ron Bergeron. "Then we can move forward diligently."
Tim Breault, the FWC's director of the Division of Habitat and Species, began the presentations by addressing the FWC's efforts thus far to control the spread of Burmese pythons in South Florida. He also spoke about the future of pythons in Florida.
"It's natural to have a spike in the population of a nonnative species, and I think right now we're seeing the explosive stage," Breault said. "As we continue to implement control measures, our large native species will figure out what to do eventually; I am hopeful once that happens that Florida's native wildlife will take control."
Jackie Fauls, the FWC's director of Legislative Affairs, provided the Commission an overview of the possible state legislation, including proposed bills by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs; Rep. Darren Soto, D-Orlando; and Rep. Ralph Poppell, R-Titusville, that would provide stricter licensing requirements and increase penalties and fines for violating licensing requirements and for releasing nonnative animals in the wild.
Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, also proposes a ban on pet ownership of reptiles of concern.
Jones asked the Commission to allow staff to open rulemaking for reptiles of concern and other nonnatives to strengthen regulatory controls.
"Staff understands the python issue and wants to proactively develop solutions for the future," Jones said. "Pythons are a sign of a much bigger issue, and we want to apply all the new rules and regulations to all nonnative species in Florida."
Chairman Rodney Barreto said science and facts must guide decision-making on this issue as answers are sought for a solution.
"There's a huge battle cry for an all-out ban, but it is uncharacteristic of this agency to have knee-jerk reactions," Barreto said. "Let's put everything out on the table and encourage the industry to keep working with us to find the answers."
http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/09/statewide/N...ython6.htm
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RE: Results from Todays meeting in FL...
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by Cro on September 10, 2009
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Thanks for the update, Cathy.
In the news article posted above, they say:
"Jackie Fauls, the FWC's director of Legislative Affairs, provided the Commission an overview of the possible state legislation, including proposed bills by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs; Rep. Darren Soto, D-Orlando; and Rep. Ralph Poppell, R-Titusville, that would provide stricter licensing requirements and increase penalties and fines for violating licensing requirements and for releasing nonnative animals in the wild."
So, they have now been presented with the proposed bill, and those are the ones that need to be watched, as they will probably vote on that bill that would eliminate importing, in the near future. The Bill by Constantine, & others is the most dangerous to the future of the reptile, and other animal importing industry. If they eliminate importing, then big outfits like Glades will not be able to stay in business, as well as the rest of the importers.
Hopefully, some of the herpers here contacted the Commissioners before the meeting to express their concern about that proposed bill. Right now all the attention is on the silly Burmese python issue, however, the Constantine Bill is the one to keep an eye on. In the above news release, it only says that the Bill would "provide stricter licensing requirements," however, as written, it would eliminate importing of animals. Kind of sneaky the way they are trying to slip that through isn't it ?
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Results from Todays meeting in FL...
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by FLVenom911 on September 10, 2009
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Here's the deal with FWC. They have sole Constitutional authority in Florida regarding fish and wildlife, including exotic animals. They make and call the shots. Legislators can offer advice, but they cannot go about it their own. FWC makes the rules period.
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RE: Results from Todays meeting in FL...
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by LarryDFishel on September 10, 2009
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I think that's a bit of an oversimplification Joe. The state constitution preempts county/local laws and gives FWC the power to make and enfoce rules and enforce state wildlife laws. The legislature cannot directly control FWC rules, but nothing prevents them from passing new laws which supercede FWC rules.
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RE: Results from Todays meeting in FL...
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by Cro on September 10, 2009
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A good example of what Larry is talking about is the Bill Proposed by Sen. Constantine, Rep. Poppell and Rep. Soto.
They took the Bill they wanted to see passed to the Fish and Wildlife Commissioners. And Fish and Wildlife folks reviewed it, and probably even helped craft it.
The Fish and Wildlife Commissioners will have to vote on it, but, since these folks are in cahoots, it is probably as good as passed, unless folks in the animal industry get together and fight the outlawing of import businesses.
There could be more opportunities for public comment before the Bill comes up for a vote, or not. They did not shelf the bill, they just heard it presented, and probably listened to any objections from the public about it.
Most Commissions like that Vote in Private, following one, or more public comment meetings.
So, folks in the animal industry, might have influence in voicing protest not only to the Fish and Game Commissioners, but, also, to the State Senators and Representatives who crafted the Bill. Considering that folks from both the Florida House, and the Florida Senate got together to craft the Bill, it probably has strong support in the rest of the Legislature in Florida. That could help spell the end of reptile keeping as you now know it.
Not to mention that the 3 Federal Bills are all still pending, and will be up for votes soon !
Best Regards
John Z
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