• Topics: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation  | Wildlife Management  | Schaefer, Joseph 

Florida's Critical Wildlife Area Program¹

The Florida Critical Wildlife Area Program, which began in 1977, is a cooperative approach to protecting concentrations of one or more wildlife species that are in danger of extinction. By posting Critical Wildlife Areas (CWAs) against human, domestic animal, and vehicular trespass during certain times of the year, they become mini sanctuaries or oases for wildlife surrounded by inhospitable landscapes. The cooperators of this program are the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (FGFWFC) and the property owners of the sites.

The CWA program is not unique to Florida. For example, the Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts initiated a multiple-use program for this beach in 1973 and posted all of its tern colonies. The public still had ample room for fishing, camping, and recreation and the presence of the colonies added to their enjoyment.

How Areas are Designated

FGFWFC biologists are responsible for evaluating potential CWAs. Biologists also draft rules called Establishment Orders that describe the legal description, location and boundaries of each specific site, state why these areas are critical to the species using them, and the terms and conditions (including dates) under which the area is established.

Signage is posted to clearly communicate the critical nature of the site, the potential impacts of human disturbance, and that the area is closed to human activity during a stated time period. Annual assessments are made of each previously designated CWA and modifications or deletions are made if necessary. These agreements can also be rescinded at any time by the landowner. Table 1 shows CWAs in Florida that were active as of 1994.

Why CWAs are Necessary

This special protection is used only for sites where the potential for damage to these species caused by unregulated human activities is imminent. Before this program was developed, people were unaware of the consequences of playing beach games, driving cars, and walking unleashed dogs near and through shorebird nesting colonies and other important areas where wildlife concentrate to nest and/or feed. When shorebirds are disturbed, they leave their nests unprotected against predatory gulls, fish crows and grackles. Extended disturbance also overexposes nests to the sun's heat.

What You Can Do

• Learn all you can about Florida wildlife and their habitat needs. Much of this information is available in the following resources:

• • Ecosystems of Florida by R.L. Myers and J.J. Ewel.

  • Florida's Birds, A Handbook and Reference by H.W. Kale, II and D.S. Maehr.

  • Rare and Endangered Biota of Florida. This 4-volume series is published by University Presses of Florida, Gainesville.

  • Common Natural Areas of Florida available from the Florida Conservation Foundation, Inc., 1191 Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789.

• Follow your local newspapers for information about current issues and decisions affecting native wildlife.

• Subscribe to The Skimmer and Florida Wildlife published by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600.

• Volunteer to help manage one or more of these CWAs.

• Report concentrations of wildlife that are threatened by human disturbance to your local Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission office (found in the state section of your phone book).

• Report trespass and disturbance of wildlife in CWAs to your local Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission office.

• Write or call your legislators and County Commissioners expressing your support of the CWAs Program or for the continued protection of a specific CWA near you.

• Encourage your friends to keep their dogs on a lease when they take them to beaches and other areas where they may disturb wildlife.

Legal Aspects

The CWA Program was enforced by a Florida Administrative Code Rule originally enacted in 1977 to protect Bird Key in Tampa Bay. This Rule was modified in 1979 to allow for the designation of CWAs for nesting bats and other species. It was modified again in 1981 to expand the protection to critical habitats used by non-nesting wildlife.

Florida Administrative Code 39-19.005 states that it is illegal to take or disturb any wildlife, enter or operate a vehicle, or knowingly allow a dog under your care within any CWA during the period designated by the Establishment Order for the area. Violation of this rule is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $500 and/or 60 days imprisonment for first offenses.

Tables

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.

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