33rd Annual Gopher Tortoise Council Meeting
October 14-16, 2011
Orlando, Florida
Please visit the Gopher Tortoise Council Website for more information on this year's meeting.
Abstracts are due 20 July 2011. Abstract submission guidelines can be found here.
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Rooms have been blocked at a very discounted rate of $99/ night. Book early as we expect them to go fast.
The Fall Business Meeting will be held at Augustine’s Restaurant at WOR the evening of October 13th, prior to the annual meeting.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
Friday, October 15th: Commensal Species Conservation, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Friday will kick off with a keynote presentation (TBA) followed by presentations highlighting Gopher Tortoise and Commensal Species Conservation Throughout its Habitat Range. In the afternoon, a series of presenations will address various aspects of Commensal Species Protection, ranging from past lessons learned, current ongoing projects and future conservation measures needed to ensure heightened awareness of the threats to commensals and ways to ensure their survival.
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Keynote Presentation begins at 9:00 a.m.
Friday Lunch: Deli Buffet
Friday evening: Plated sit down dinner (Choice of Blackened Grouper or Hickory Smoked Brisket)
Saturday, October 16th: Gopher Tortoise Conservation, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Conference sessions will focus on specifically on Gopher Tortoise and Upland Habitat Conservation efforts from the past, present endeavors and future needs. On Saturday afternoon, GTC will have a Question and Answer Session with a Panel of GT/Commensal Species Experts. Topic for discussion will be "Gaps in our Current Knowledge" as it relates to the Gopher Tortoise and Commensal Species. Suggestions for Topics include, research needs, as they pertain to GT population viability and patch size, whether a small population is still viable over time (a LONG time), how small a preserve is still meaningful/useful in a conservation context, research needs, regulatory needs, suggestions for updates to FFWCC GT mgmt plan review in 2012.
Saturday Lunch: Deli Buffet
Saturday Evening/Night: Poolside Texas Barbeque Buffet (separate Ice Cream Parlor at Poolside till 11:00 p.m. Available to guests for a charge). Limited alcoholic beverage (keg beer) provided for those of legal age.
Sunday, October 17th: Central Florida Natural Areas Field Trips, TBA
GTC has reserved a block of 40 rooms for Friday and Saturday night ($99.00 per each night). Room rates apply to days before and after the conference for those who wish to extend their stays (e.g. family vacations, etc.). There is always the opportunity for us to use more than 40 rooms, if available. However, room reservations beyond the 40 reserved are not a guarantee. All rooms are first come first serve basis. So please reserve your rooms as soon as possible. Registrants/Guests must mention GTC to get the discounted rate.
Please stay tuned for the call for abstracts and other announcements.