The Florida Turtle Conservation Trust (FTCT) focuses its efforts on the conservation of non-marine species. This work is accomplished independently or in partnership with agencies and other non-governmental organizations.  To date, the FTCT has:

• organized and co-sponsored a symposium on the status and conservation of Florida turtles;
  
• co-sponsored a national workshop on the ecology, status and conservation of diamondback terrapins;
  
• initiated the development of both a national and Florida Diamondback Terrapin Working Group;
  
• partnered with the Gopher Tortoise Council on a project that distributed an educational book to nearly 3,000 elementary school libraries throughout the range of the gopher tortoise;
  
• partnered with the Gopher Tortoise Council on a project that distributed an educational slide/PowerPoint presentation and supplemental resource notebook to educators throughout the range of the gopher tortoise;
  
• co-developed and funded the Pinellas County School District's Florida turtle track pack;
  
• organized Florida turtle educational exhibits at nature festivals and environmental events;
  
• and assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with the development of a diamondback terrapin educational poster and exhibit.
  

FTCT LAUNCHES NEW CONSERVATION INITIATIVE

February 2005

Florida Riverine Turtles Conservation Program

Florida's diverse river systems are an important habitat for turtles.  Sixty percent of Florida turtles are associated with rivers, with seven species being principally riverine.  Threats to these species include habitat loss and degradation, water pollution and channelization, and both legal and illegal collection for the food and pet trade.  Riverine turtles, as fascinating as they are, probably receive the least attention when it comes to conservation programs.

The Florida Turtle Conservation Trust is developing a multi-faceted program that will address the need for increased awareness about this threatened group of chelonians.  Efforts will include:

• educational exhibits at nature-related festivals and events;
  
• canoe and snorkel trips led by biologists and naturalists;
  
• educational material for school-age children and the general public;
  
• and identification of existing threats and development of recommendations to effect positive change.