Special Events for 1998
Event #1- The Long Walk for Felis concolor coryi
100+ miles, 100+ friends of the Florida Panther
from the Osceola National Forest to The Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida

to deliver a petition of support for Felis concolor coryi Recovery and Reintroduction to the House and Senate and office of the Governor of Florida.

The walk begins on March 7, 1998 and ends on Legislative Day on March 17, 1998.

Goal: 16 to 25 miles per day. Total, approx. 125 miles.

Route: From West Tower in the Osceola National Forest, west to U.S. 441, south to County Road 246, west to U.S. 41, north to S.R. 136,west to Live Oak Fl. and U.S. 90, then west on U.S. 9320 to Tallahassee, south on U.S. 319, then north on U.S. 27 (Appalachee Parkway) to the Capitol.

Petition will be carried by Stephen Lee Williams (see biography insert), president of the Florida Panther Society Inc.

For daily log of event, please go to "Long Walk Diary" following the "Support and Donations" heading of special events entry.

Purpose

The Florida Panther has been listed as an endangered species for thirty years. The panther's tenuous hold in south Florida and potential for recovery of the species will not be secured until reintroduction is accomplished. In 1967, the Department of the Interior listed the panther as endangered. In 1973, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act. The state of Florida committed itself to the recovery of this species in 1981 when the Florida Panther Recovery Plan was published. In 1982, the school children of Florida chose this animal as the state mammal.

Since that time, significant measures have been taken by state and federal authorities to prevent further decline in panther population, habitat, and species viability. These efforts are to be applauded, yet today, the animal remains isolated and subject to the stresses of an ever diminishing habitat and prey base. Recently concluded studies under the auspices of the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commision, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior Park Service, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have emphatically concluded that the Florida panther can be reintroduced into portions of its former range. After 22 years of research, solutions for recovery of this species are at hand. It is the position of the Florida Panther Society, Inc., Board of Directors and officers with the advisement of qualified environmental and scientific authority that there is no meaningful recovery without reintroduction.

At this time, the Osceola National Forest, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Pinhook Swamp, and associated riverine basins of the Suwannee and Savannah Rivers represent the best potential for the first site for reintroduction. A possible alternative is the Big Bend, Apalachicola National Forest area. Current study of relevant social attitudes and public understanding in dealing and coexisting with the needs of this integral element in a balanced predator/prey relationship are underway. Attitude changes toward and understanding of human relationships and responsibility toward maintaining balanced and vibrant natural systems will result from these discussions. In north Florida, a small segment of the community opposes reintroduction of the panther due to a lack of understanding of the value of biodiversity or their own responsibility of stewardship in preservation of our natural resources.

In the final analysis, it will be a political decision made by people in authority who are charged with representing the will of the majority. Now more than ever, the people of Florida and all Americans should speak loudly and firmly in support of what they know to be the right thing to do. This is the reason the Florida Panther Society Inc. has taken upon itself with the support of major regional and national environmental groups to carry this message to Tallahassee. We ask that all persons who in their heart hold special reverence for the natural world and there-in a special place for the Florida panther to at this time make your wishes known in order to bring this animal back from the edge of extinction.

Beginning on March 7, 1998, please express your support of the Florida panther and its reintroduction in the form of letters, fax, and e-mail to Governor Lawton Chiles, Office of the Governor, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001 or call at 850-488-4441, fax 850-487-0801 and copy to or write seperately to the Speaker of the Florida House, Daniel A. Webster Capitol Room 420, C, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, telephone 850-488-1564, fax 850-488-1456, and the President of the Florida Senate, Honorable Toni Jennings, The Capitol 409, C, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, telephone 850-487-5229, fax 850-487-5844.

Schedule of Events

 Prior to January 24, 1998, the training schedule of Steve Williams had been undertaken. As of Febrary 8, his daily mileage is averaging 18 miles in a six hour walking time. On March 2, the final schedule for the long walk for coryi and the press release announcing the event will be distributed to the media. A schedule of participation options by supporters and interested parties will be offered by March 2nd. Look to this heading for further updates, changes,or corrections.

Scheduled public participation points where supporters and friends of Florida's state mammal may join in are as follows:

1. Live Oak Florida, Monday, 3/9/98 at 11:00 a.m.

2. Madison Florida, Wednesday, 3/11/98 at 11:00 a.m.

3. Monticello Florida, Friday, 3/13/98 at 2:00 p.m.

Meet at the courthouses for each of these communities for a one mile walk for coryi.

4. Tallahassee Florida, Tuesday, 3/17/98. Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the juncture of Magnolia Dr. and U.S. 27 in the parking lot of the old Holiday Inn for a one mile walk to the capitol via U.S. 27.

Biography of Stephen L.Williams

 Steve was born on May 12, 1943 in Quincy, Florida. Raised in Tallahassee, he graduated from Leon High School and received a Associate of Arts degree from Tallahassee Community College. In 1965, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve and received a honorable discharge in 1971 with the rank of sergeant. He moved to Miami, Florida in 1973 and began his career as a professional guide and outfitter of natural Florida's rivers and trails. He graduated from Florida International University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies.

In 1978, Steve and his family moved to the Suwannee River at White Springs, where he has sinced operated his guide and outfitting enterprise as River Road Inc. until 1993 and since then, as Old Florida Guides and Outfitter. He has been active since 1980 in environmental issues. The Florida Panther Society Inc. was founded by Steve on February 11, 1994. The society is a 501 c3 non-profit corporation. There are no paid staff or officers. All work and efforts undertaken are done through volunteer effort.

Support & Donations of Long Walk forCoryi

 Means of support of any initiative for environmental action requires both people power and financing. The 1998 Long Walk for Coryi (LWC) will be modest of the latter and more effective if significant of the former.

Support and or donations for supplies, fuel for support vehicle, mailouts, and volunteer staff provided by:

Brasingtons Trail Shop, Gainesville, Florida

Florida Defenders of the Environment, Gainesville, Florida

Florida Wildlife Federation, Tallahassee, Florida

Old Florida Guides and Outfitter, White Springs, Florida

"THE MUSEUM" Inc. of the Muskogee, Colquitt, Georgia

Topvchula , Pine Arbor Tribal Town, Blounstown, Florida

Wildlife Drawings, by Jim Wilson, Gainesville, Florida

Wildlife Drawings by Jim Wilson of Gainesville FL stands as one of Florida's premier wildlife artist. He has graciously presented the Florida Panther Society Inc. a signed and framed print of his original pen and ink painting of a Cougar and her Kittens (22 X 24 in) to be awarded through a drawing for donors. Interested persons who wish to provide funding for the "Long Walk for Coryi" and toward the purchase of an exhibit tent for our "Environmental Awareness Exhibit" at the Florida Folk Festival can purchase a raffle ticket for the print at $5 each by sending check or money order to the Florida Panther Society Inc, Rt. 1 Box 1895, White Springs, Fl 32096. Only fifty tickets will be sold.

The dates for purchase of the tickets are from March 2, until May 15, 1998. The winner will be announced on May 16th. For a rendering of the print, see the insert below.

LongWalk Diary

Saturday, March 7, 1998, at 8:45 a.m. est., my son Nathan drove away from West Tower after despositing me to begin the walk to Tallahassee. Unexpected company appeared in the form of a old Walker hound who would not be denied the chance to run the forest roads with me on this rainy morning. She ran and I walked. After about an hour however, as we left the forest boundary, she chose to stay behind at some house which offered better prospects for regular meals. The rain never stopped for the three hours and fifty minutes it took me to get to the S.R. 136 bridge. This was the first 14.6 miles of todays effort. After a 1 hour rest and visit with the Agricultural Inspection Station officer, I resumed the route to Live Oak in the rain of course for one hour and thirty-five minutes and a distance of 5.4 miles to Rocky Creek and 136A juncture. 19.7 miles on this first day indicates a adequate pace necessary to stay on schedule. With good fortune, we will have less rain tomorrow.

Sunday, March 8, 1998. Starting where I left off yesterday at 136A, today promised to be dryer and warmer. With strong winds and fast moving clouds, I moved toward Live Oak. Dogs will apparently be a big part of my trip. Fifteen minutes into my walk, a female Rotweiller with great bravado, took posession of the road. Her mistress was in no hurry to retrieve her and I had to call on all my diplomatic skills to convince her I was leaving. She turned out to be a big bluffer and she licked my hand. The rest of the day was uneventful except I developed one new blister. Through Live Oak and on to U.S. 90, by 12:30 p.m., I took a lunch break on the west side of town. After one hour I headed on out, ending the days trip at I-10 and U.S. 90. Todays total of 15.8 miles was completed in four hours and forty-five minutes.

Monday, March 9, 1998. I began the day at the newspaper office, met the school reporter who took me to east and west Suwannee County Elementary school complex. Here I had the opportunity to give the science class a 24x22 Florida Panther poster and three videos which included Florida Public Television's "Edge of Extinction" program. Leaving the schools, I then went to a local radio station for a 15 minute interview and then on to the courthouse to meet any people who wanted to walk. At 11:45 a.m., I departed I-10 and U.S. 90 juncture headed west. After an uneventful walk, I took my lunch break at the Suwannee River at 1:40 and then headed out for Lee, Florida at 2:00 p.m. I arrived in Lee, 8 miles and two hours and fifteen minutes later. A short mileage of 14.4 today, but a busy day and looking forward to pass through Madison tomorrow.

Tuesday, March 10, 1998. Departure from Lee, Florida Feed Store was at 10:40 a.m. This turns out to be a wind in your face day. Two hours and fifteen minutes later, I arrived at the Madison recycling station, my compliments. They have a fine recycled plastic park bench in the sun. For 30 minutes I repaired foot tape and ate my sandwich. By the way, I saw a fine doe on the way into town. It took me 45 minutes to walk through town with a stop to visit the memorials in the plaza next to the courthouse. After a 30 minute hamburger stop, I departed westward toward Greenville. Within an hour, I made a decision to try and make Greenville before dark. I arrived there at 6:30 p.m., ending the day with 21.6 miles. Sore feet and shins but with satisfaction.

Wednesday, March 11, 1998 (posting date 3/15). I suppose anyone who has followed this might think I had fallen in the ditch or caught the Greyhound. No, in fact we've just been too far from cyberspace to keep you posted. Today I backtracked to Madison, Florida, went to the newspaper and with a reporter in tow, I stopped by the elementary school. Then I went on to Greenville to resume my walk. The mileage was modest, 8.4 in two hours and twenty minutes to Aucilla, Florida at S.R. 257.

Thursday, March 12, 1998. On the road again! S.R. 257, Aucilla to Monticello is a scene of hills, curves, and landscaped roadsides. Hills are beginning to rise before me more frequently and offer more challenge to my pace. Natural settings, a swamp or stream or distant horizon all are pleasures to be taken in. The cars and trucks which thunder by carry many, I'm sure who didn't notice what surrounded the road we followed. Through town and out the other side, 8.7 miles in two hours and 15 minutes. Monticello is a pleasant place to pass through.

Friday, March 13, 1998. To begin the day in Monticello, I found a newspaper, invited them to come along, they declined. Then I headed for the school house. There I met the principal, a pleasant fellow, and I was allowed to speak to a third grade class. Now it's time to walk and boy the hills are getting bigger. The woods were also very beautiful. At S.R. 59, I made and ended the day with 8.5 miles in two hours and ten minutes. This evening spent with a dear friend was most enjoyable

Saturday, March 14, 1998.Today my sons joined me. They rode ahead and I walked on from the Hilltop. A beautiful day but steep shoulders on the road made the footing more difficult. This necessitated more frequent adjustments taping and care of the feet. Three times I stopped. The traffic is getting heavier and they all drive fast. I was happy to be near the end. Stopping at U.S. 319 for a total of 13.2 miles in three hours and twenty minutes. My son Nathan picked me up in front of one of the "Burger Kings". Though I had skipped lunch, I have to say I wasn't tempted by what they had to offer. It's close at hand now.

Sunday, March 15, 1998. Today is the final approach and I was joined by my friend John to walk within a mile of the capitol. We started from the "Burger Giant" headed west at an easy pace, cars streaming by on the four lane. Walking has become a good way to gain stimulation of the mind. I'm glad I came this way at 3 miles in 45 minutes in good company. Look in here on March 17th for the last mile of this trek we have made together.

Tuesday, March 17, 1998. Prepared, motivated, and happy, to see the job through. I arrived at the top of the hill to be met by a Television News Service camera. Friends began to arrive and after introductions all around, responsibilities were assigned to those who would carry signs or flags. The national standard, our state flag with a small Earth flag nestled beneath it, and the Marine Corps flag led us toward the capitol building of Florida. It was gratifing to acknowledge those who honked their horns as they passed. On reaching the top of the hill, we walked up the old capitol steps with a class of children and out the back door into the plaza before the new capitol. The first thing was to go into the main door and before the Great Seal of Florida, we placed our petition and the skull of one of the cats which died in the research project in north Florida. We then circled to both the main doors of the Senate and then House wings at ground level and then returned to set up our display among the other groups there this day. After doing so, we went first to the governor's office, then the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate's office to deliver our petition. My day was concluded by meeting again with friends who came to Tallahassee this day to again work to help make Florida a better place to live. It is my hope that those we have given the responsibility to implement the stewardship necessary to right old wrongs such as the Ocklawaha River or assure the future of the Florida Panther will carry out the will of the people of Florida in caring for our natural heritage.

To all those whose best wishes and efforts helped make my journey safe and meaningful. I wish to extend my deepest appreciation.
Event #2- Long Walk for the Ocklawaha

In celebration of "Earth Day" April 22, 1998, The Florida Panther Society (FPS) will again undertake to bring attention to issues related to the future of our state animal. Habitat requirements of wide ranging large mammals such as the Florida panther or Black bear require productive edge and uplands associated with river floodplain.

The Ocklawaha represents a case in point of a once free flowing river, which has had it's capacity to support biological diversity severely diminished. The existence of the Rodman dam and reservoir significantly impacts the ability of the river to function as a corridor for wildlife in the St. Johns river watershed.

The Ocklawaha once served as the link from the Green Swamp and Withlacoochee Forest to the St. Johns. Today, the Rodman impoundment is an aquatic weed choked sore on the landscape which covers over 9,000 acres of once forested floodplain. The once productive fishing is now limited to catches of species which offer little attraction to sport fishermen. Other recreational interest need not apply.

The cost of herbicides and flood control in a futile effort to maintain this boondoggle cannot be justified. Essential nutrients which once flowed into the St. Johns providing the base of the aquatic food chain contributing to the productivity of juvenile fish, blue crabs and shrimp are today locked up behind Rodman dam. The Florida manatee and Atlantic surgeon are denied the sanctuary of twenty or more spring sites and breeding areas.

Enough said, with the support of Florida's governor and leadership in the legislature the time has come to rectify this wrong. Your help is needed. Write, fax , e-mail or call your representative and state senator to support restoration of the Ocklawaha. To lend our endorsement to the effort, FPS president Steve Williams will undertake a 63 mile walk from the Suwannee river at White Springs to the Earth Day celebration in Gainesville, Fl. on 4/19/98.

The "Long Walk for the Ocklawaha" in memory of Marjorie Carr, will occur from 4/13 through 4/16 with the final one mile leg taking place at 10 AM on 4/19/98. Interested persons who wish to participate can join in by meeting with Steve atr the O'Connell Center parking lot adjacent to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. From there we will walk east down University Avenue to the corner of 1st and Main to arrive at the Earth Day festivities.

The FPS, Four Rivers Audobon Society and Save Our Suwannee organization wish to send the message that the restoration of the Ocklawaha river is supported by their members and the majority of Floridians who care for natural Florida.

The schedule for the "Long Walk for the Ocklawaha" is as follows:

Sunday 4/12/98, US Hwy 41 bridge, White Springs to Lake City, Fl.

Monday 4/13/98, US Hwy 90 and 41, Lake City via US 90 to CR 245 the south to SR 238.

Tuesday 4/14/98, From SR 238 east to CR 241 then south to US 441 in Alachua.

Wednesday 4/15/98 from Alachua, go SE on US Hwy 441 to Gainesville, ending at University Ave.

Sunday 4/19/98 from the O'Connell Center, go east on University Ave., 1.5 mile to 1st St.
Long Walk Diary, Ocklawaha

Sunday 4/12/98. Getting started is the hardest thing to do. But an early morning, cool temperatures and the Suwannee River in view gave a good beginning to my day. U.S. 41 has become a busier road after 8 in the morning. My walk for two hours, led me to a break on the railroad track north of the highway, where I enjoyed the warm sun, ate a snack, and attended to my shoes and socks. I regretfully acknowledge that the highway is hard place for wildlife. I thought U.S. 90 in some places killed alot of critters but 41 is in a class by itself. All in all a good day for walking thorugh Lake City and out the other side for a total of 16.8 miles in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Monday 4/13/98. Stopped by the newspaper to leave off a letter to the editor, everyone on vacation. At 8:50, arrived at my departure of S.R. 100 and C.R. 245 and began a strong walk towards Providence. The temperature is moderate in the mid 60's and traffic is lite though log trucks are scary on a narrow road. In Providence at the feed store, a 1 liter cola is $1.29, 2 liters is a $1.39. This is not a big decision. I sat down, clled my son Nathan, practiced my limited Spanish with the ag workers at the phone and set out for C.R. 241 and Williams Country Store (no relations). I concluded the day with 17.2 miles in 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Tuesday 4/14/98. Dropped off at the store to resume my route this morning at 6:45 a.m. As Nathan drove away, I was greeted by the resident rotweiller whose master restrained him with her voice from within the store. I was grateful indeed. Down the road, within 10 minutes to meet another Rotweiller behind Club 241, bar and carwash. Continuing to the Santa Fe River bridge, one of my best times of 3 miles in 45 minutes. The scenery beyond the river was fine with a sun rise and interesting cattle in the field to share discourse with. The wind came up from the south past Bland, Florida and after a 30 minute stop, I continued on to Alachua. Then I moved east on U.S. 441 to go beyond my anticipated stop at the B&B Vegetable Market for another 3 miles ending my day with 19.4 miles in five hours and fifteen minutes. Tomorrow I look forward to Gainesville and only one blister to show for my effort but in memory of good hours on the road and many wildflowers.