The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be meeting on Wednesday and will be voting on the removal of sixteen species from the state’s endangered species list, including four birds – Snowy Egret, Brown Pelican, Limpkin, and White Ibis. There is not much controversy around the delisting of the four birds, all of which have recovered substantially from their population nadirs. Far more controversial is the likely delisting of the Black Bear, especially around concerns that a hunting season will follow soon after a delisting.
This is just the beginning. Since the last election steps are being taken in Tallahassee to stop or reverse any number of environmental protection activities. Although we are in the midst of a monumental drought, wild lands remain well-lubricated by the drool of salivating developers. Florida has a new “most dangerous” occupation. It’s called “being a tree”.