Frequently Asked Questions

If there is an endangered species on my property, are there restrictions on what I can do?
There may be. It is illegal to harm or harass an endangered species. Harm includes destroying or modifying habitat fo the species. Continuing your normal activities is no problem. If you are planning construction work or other major changes, it is best to check with our office before proceeding. You will need a special permit from FWS and/or the state if your work will harm a federal- or state-protected species.

Can I still grow pine trees for silviculture purposes and help red-cockaded woodpeckers?
Yes. FWS has been working with private landowners in the Southeast to provide guidance and management recommendations that allow silviculture activities and conservation of red-cockaded woodpeckers. Management work includes conducting certain forestry activities outside the bird’s breeding season, protecting the bird’s nesting tree cluster and using other forestry activities that benefit forestry production and the woodpecker, such as prescribed burning.

Where can I obtain information on endangered species?
There are several sources. On this site, please see our endangered species search engine.
Information can also be obtained by contacting our office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection .

Can I help in the recovery of endangered species, and if so, how?
First, start out at home, by being a good land steward on your property. Landscape using only native plants; they benefit local wildlife and save you money because they require less care and maintenance. Also support community involvement in conservation of wetlands, bays, rivers, forests and coastal habitats. Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides in locations that can runoff to waterways or ditches. Maintain your septic system regularly. These areas provide habitat for wildlife species as well as enjoyable recreational opportunities, drinking water supplies and economic benefits, including tourism and some industry.

Where can I get information about taking care of my private fish pond?
From the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service and the Florida Game and Fresh Water fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Is there money available to help wildlife on my land?
There are opportunities for cost-sharing partnerships through several federal programs. Assistance and information on these programs are available through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.

Can I, and how do I go about importing wildlife from outside the U.S.?
Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Division for referral to the proper authority in Atlanta or elsewhere.

What does the Gulf sturgeon look like, and where does it live?
The fish is easily recognized by a row of bony plates, or scutes, along the body. It can grow longer than 9 feet and weigh more than 300 pounds. It has a suction-type mouth located beneath its head. The Gulf sturgeon lives in the northern Gulf of Mexico, bays, estuaries and in major rivers in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. It is an anadromous fish, migrating into freshwater from saltwater to spawn.

Can you still fish for Gulf sturgeon?
No. The Gulf sturgeon is listed as a threatened species by the federal government and a species of special concern by the state of Florida. Recreational and commercial fishing is prohibited by the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

What federally listed species GIS data layers are available?
We have several GIS layers available for some of our trust resources (federally listed species and migratory birds). This list will continue to grow through time as we develop more data related to our trust resources. Please go to (coming soon) for a list of available GIS layers.

How do I obtain available GIS data layers?
Currently we are not set up to serve out the available GIS layers via our website; we are looking to provide this service in the future. In the meantime, please send an email request to Wendy Gierhart listing the data layers you would like to receive and the purpose for your request. We will respond to your email request in a timely manner to coordinate the distribution of the data.

Do you have critical habitat maps available online?
Yes. Critical habitat maps are available on our website, click here. These maps are in clickable pdf format, meaning you can turn features on or off within the map. They present the current critical habitat designations that occur within the corresponding county.

Where can I find the GIS layers for the critical habitat designations?
The GIS layers for the final Critical Habitat designation for species’ in which we were involved are available via the Service’s Critical Habitat Portal. This portal maintains final Critical Habitat designation for federally listed species throughout the United States. For proposed designations being developed in our office, please email the Panama City Field Office with a GIS Data Request, and indicate which species you need.