Purpose
The purpose of this proposed rule is to provide a presumption of compliance from incidental take of state imperiled species through the implementation of voluntary Florida Forestry Wildlife Best Management Practices (WBMPs). The effect of the proposed rule is to establish a procedure for applicants submitting a “Notice of Intent to Implement” Florida Forestry WBMPs. When the Notice of Intent to Implement Florida Forestry WBMPs is filed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service (FFS) and the Florida fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), and Florida Forestry WBMPs are implemented, the landowner has a presumption of compliance from incidental take of state imperiled species. This proposed rule also provides that when the Florida Forestry WBMPs are not physically observable in the field, participants must preserve sufficient documentation to confirm implementation of the Florida Forestry WBMPs identified in the Notice of Intent to Implement. All field activities and documentation related to Florida Forestry WBMPs implementation are subject to the Florida Forest Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission inspection.