Courses for Certification

COURSES ARE OFFERED TO HELP MEET THE FWC APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHORIZED GOPHER TORTOISE AGENT WITH DESIGNATIONS OF THE DIFFERENT AUTHORIZATION AREAS:

A. Gopher Tortoise Surveys
B. Gopher Tortoise Capture and Transport, Marking and Release of Gopher Tortoises
C. Supervision of Gopher Tortoise Burrow Excavations

 

Level One A
Provides instruction and testing to meet the FWC published requirements of Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent in Gopher Tortoise Surveys. The class also covers Basic Natural History, Safety Issues and FWC Guidelines and Permitting Requirements
3 DAYS (1 Day Classroom, 2 Days Field)
Cost $700 Register Now

Level One B
Provides instruction and testing to meet the FWC published requirements of Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent in Gopher Tortoise Capture (not Mechanical Excavation) and for Transport, Marking and Release of Gopher Tortoises. Course 1B will also cover the CLASSROOM requirements certification in mechanical excavation (additional field work will be necessary to fulfill the FWC requirements for mechanical excavation).
3 DAYS (1 Day Classroom, 2 Days Field)
Cost $700 Register Now

Limited Time Special “Refresher” Course
For those who have completed an Ashton 3-Day Tortoise Program previously (past 4 years), this provides both Level One A and Level One B certification following a 3-Day review and testing program. It includes a review and testing over the FWC published requirements of Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent in Gopher Tortoise Surveys, Gopher Tortoise Capture (classroom requirements for Mechanical Excavation) and for Transport, Marking and Release of Gopher Tortoises. It also covers basic natural history, safety Issues and FWC Guidelines and Permitting Requirements.
3 DAYS (1 Day Classroom and 2 Days Field)
Cost $700 Register Now

Combination Level One A & One B Course
We are offering an intensive 4 day class that will combine Course 1-A and 1-B for those that desire to be trained in Gopher Tortoise Surveys, Transport, Marking, Release, and Capture (Classroom portion ONLY of Mechanical Excavation).
4 DAYS (2 Days Classroom, 2 Days Field). It also covers basic natural history, safety issues and FWC Guidelines and Permitting Requirements.
Cost $1300 Register Now

Level One C
his certification in actual mechanical excavation will be scheduled on a special basis with instructors and participants doing actual digs. Prerequisites: Level One A and Level One B Courses OR demonstrated experience to be authorized in those areas per FWC requirements. This will cover classroom requirements for mechanical excavation. Satisfaction of the field requirements will depend on the number of burrows participants are able to excavate successfully (please see FWC requirements for mechanical excavation). Participants can schedule their own digs (Under Ray Ashton’s Authorized Agent Permit) and we will teach on those sites. We will also be scheduling digs around the state for people to participate in. Contact us for additional information on mechanical excavation classes.
(1-2 Days Field).
Cost To be determined based on time, travel and location. Register Now

These digs will be under Ray Ashton, who will act as the authorized agent.
Download Requirements PDF

ADDITIONAL COURSES ARE OFFERED FOR INFORMATION BUT NOT REQUIRED BY FWC FOR CERTIFICATION AT THIS TIME