Workshop to be held in Inglis, Sept. 5, for public input on potential changes to manatee protection zones
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, a rule development workshop will be held at the Inglis Community Center, located at 137 Highway 40 West in Inglis, Florida.
The meeting will be held by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)to gather public input on potential changes to some of the existing manatee protection zones in Levy County, Florida.
The FWC has been working with Levy County and other interested parties to review potential changes to the rule, specifically in the vicinity of the mouth of the Withlacoochee River. The public workshop will offer an opportunity for people to ask questions and provide information to FWC staff members.
Information about the ongoing review is available at
myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/rulemaking.
Maps and descriptions of the existing manatee protection zones are available at myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/data-and-maps.
The Manatee Protection Zones help reduce the risk of injuries to manatees from boats by requiring slower boat speeds in areas regularly used by manatees and are supported by data.
FWC staff members will use input provided at this workshop to help develop recommendations for potential rule changes. Any potential changes will be considered by FWC Commissioners at a future FWC Commission meeting.
This activity is part of the statewide manatee management plan approved in 2007, which directs staff to periodically review existing manatee protection zones to see if changes are needed.
For more information about Manatee Protection Zones, visit myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/manatee/protection-zones.
Additional information is available at MyFWC.com/Manatee.