Have a Hoot: FWC Seeks Input on Burrowing Owl Conservation
The FWC will host three online public webinars in August 2023 to present draft revisions to the Species Conservation Measures for the owls. The guidelines provide recommended survey methodology and voluntary conservation practices to improve conditions for the birds.
During the webinars, FWC staff will outline the proposed changes and provide opportunities for feedback and suggestions from the public. The webinars will take place on:
- Friday, August 4 from 1 – 2:30pm ET
- Monday, August 14 from 3 – 4:30pm ET
- Wednesday, August 23 from 9 – 10:30am ET
Each webinar will cover the same information. Those interested in participating can find webinar registration details on the FWC website at MyFWC.com/wildlifehabitats. The public can also submit comments at Research.net/r/BurrowingOwls_Feedback before, during, or after the webinars.
The Florida burrowing owl was listed as a state-designated threatened species in 2017. It is the smallest owl in the state and nests in burrows in open, short vegetation areas. To learn more about burrowing owls, visit the FWC’s species profile page.
The FWC aims to finalize the conservation measures after considering public input. The webinars present an opportunity for stakeholders to help shape guidelines to protect the threatened burrowing owl population in Florida.
