M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Members of the Town Council
From: Council Member Mary Ann Mixon, Seat 1
Date: November 18, 2015
Re: Encouraging the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
To designate the Miami Tiger Beetle as a Threatened Species
REQUESTTit
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, IN SUPPORT OF THE MIAMI TIGER BEETLE AND ENCOURAGING THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO DESIGNATE THE MIAMI TIGER BEETLE AS A THREATENED SPECIES; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The purpose of this supporting Resolution is to encourage the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's approval of a biological review group to assess the status of the Miami Tiger Beetle for listing as a state-designated Threatened Species and therefore become formally protected.
Miami Tiger Beetles were presumed extinct until recent surveys detected individuals at three sites in the Richmond pine rocklands in Miami-Dade County. This is the very last habitat on earth known for this creature. Tiger beetles are predatory insects and need open sunny habitats like the pine rocklands to see their prey and warm themselves. The beetles play an important role in indicating the health of a habitat. The U.S. has about 200 species of tiger beetles. Five are already protected by the Endangered Species Act, while two more species, including one in Central Florida, are candidates.
I encourage my fellow Council Members to join me in supporting this cause and urge the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to review this request to evaluate the species and take immediate actions to list the Miami Tiger Beetle and afford it the fullest protection under Florida state law.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Town Council adopt the attached Resolution in support of the Miami Tiger Beetle and encouraging the Flo...
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