Pasco County landowner recognized for his wildlife conservation efforts
FWC photo of Mr. English holding his property's new sign.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently recognized Jake English of Pasco County, Florida for his outstanding wildlife habitat management efforts as a private landowner. The recognition is part of the FWC's Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program, which formally honors exemplary landowners by gifting them with a sign to display on their property and a certificate recognizing their habitat conservation efforts.
English began working with the FWC in January 2020, to create a management plan for his 30-acre property, Drexel Farms, located in Land O' Lakes, Florida, where he implements a variety of practices to improve the food, shelter and water available to benefit game, imperiled species and other wildlife species on his property, such as prescribed fire, brush management, and invasive plant control.
“We are impressed by the hard work Mr. English has put into his property,” said Luis Gonzalez, Coordinator of the FWC’s Southwest Regional Landowner Assistance Program. “His management practices have provided tremendous habitat improvement for local fauna. We hope his efforts can serve as an example for all other private landowners in Florida to follow.”
More than 70% of land in Florida is privately owned - and more than half of all threatened and endangered species in the United States depend on privately owned land to thrive. Thus, private lands play a critical role in wildlife conservation,by protecting and restoring rare habitats, such as the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem, and by responsibly managing farms, ranches, and forests that provide habitat for many species. Although public land protects many species of wildlife, public land is a fragmented landscape that needs private lands to connect them to other public conservation land. Without private landowner efforts, countless plant and animal species would be at risk of significant population declines, which could result in them becoming listed on state or federal threatened and endangered species lists. The efforts of private landowners in managing their own land to benefit wildlife is critical to ensure that future generations may experience and enjoy wildlife in their native habitat.
FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program offers a written management plan to guide landowners interested in working toward meeting the requirements for the Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program. Interested landowners with properties of 20 acres or more can apply online. For more information, visit myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/lap.
FWC Landowner Assistance Program biologists provide technical assistance to private landowners, helping them develop management plans for their property that maximize benefits to wildlife and people. These biologists can also assist with finding financial aid to complete important habitat restoration projects on private lands. To learn more about this program or to find help and resources for managing wildlife on your property, learn about the FWC's Wildlife and Habitat Assistance here: myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/lap/assistance, or call your FWC Regional Office and ask to speak to a LAP biologist. Find your Regional Biologist here: myfwc.com/contact/fwc-office/regional-offices.