Courses and Testing for Certification

THESE 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. Marking, Transport and Release and Trapping (bucket, live trapping and hand-shovel excavation)
C. Supervision of Gopher Tortoise Burrow Excavations

COURSES:
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
2 DAYS (1 Day Classroom, 1 Day Field). Pre-class and post-class work is needed to pass this course.
Cost $600 Register Now ( register/payment 2 months in advance for a $75 discount)

Combination 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 (Does NOT include Mechanical Excavation class ).
4 DAYS (2 Days Classroom, 2 Days Field). It also covers basic natural history, safety issues, recipient site management and FWC Guidelines and Permitting Requirements. Pre-class and post-class work is needed to pass this course.
Cost $1200 Register Now (registration/payment 2 months in advance for a $100 discount)

Level One C
This certification in 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 as well. 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). Contact Julie Morris (jmorris@wildlandsconservation.org) for additional information on mechanical excavation classes.