The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on Tuesday for a proposal that would allow landowners to develop thousands of acres in eastern Collier County.
The agency is evaluating how this proposed development would impact federally listed animals in the area like the Florida panther.
Nine landowners want to develop 45,000 acres in eastern Collier County. The landowners would offset that development by protecting 107,000 acres of habitat.
The plan is part of an application by landowners to receive what's called an "incidental take permit." The permit gives them legal protections if something happens to a federally protected animal or its habitat while they develop land.
USFWS biologist Kenneth McDonald said this permit does not protect a landowner that unintentionally kills an animal. Instead, he said, it focuses on habitat.
“Take in the sense that the species could be harassed by the lights or sounds of the communities that are developed in the space or areas that the panthers no longer visit because of the presence of humans,” he said.
McDonald said it’s possible panthers use the areas that will be developed, but it’s not considered a main part of their range.
Among the organizations applying for the permit are entities tied to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissioner Liesa Priddy. She was key in pushing the state to rethink its panther protection policies last year.
McDonald said it will be about two years before they make a decision on the plan. That will involve other opportunities for public comment.
The meeting will be held April 12 at 5 p.m. at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Collier County Extension Building in Immokalee.
