Grant: 23-027C
Project Title: Sea Turtle Data Collection UTVs
Project Manager: Paula Russo
Organization: Florida State Parks Foundation (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $34,834.30
Completion Date: 2023-11-09
Summary: UTVs have become an essential tool for shoreline management during sea turtle nesting season and three Florida State Parks need updated models to assist with daily beach clean-up, data collection, and new nest identification. Without UTVs, standard-sized utility trucks must be used to transport park staff, volunteers, and equipment along the beach, which can disrupt the nesting turtles. The data collected using UTVs make it possible for each park to manage a successful sea turtle conservation and education program, where hundreds of park visitors are impacted each year. The funding for this project will allow the purchase of two UTVs, one for John D. MacArthur Beach State Park and one for Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.
Results: Two UTVs were purchased and are in place at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park and Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.