Guy Harvey Donates to Florida Youth Conservation Centers
The Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN), whose goal is to create the next generation that cares about fish and wildlife conservation, is the beneficiary of a lot of good friends.
One of those friends is renowned marine wildlife artist and conservationist Guy Harvey. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recognized Harvey and his company this morning in Tampa for their support of FYCCN programs that get kids involved in conservation-based recreation.
“We are proud and excited to partner with FYCCN in furtherance of our marine educational programs and goals,” said Dr. Harvey. “This partnership will help us to teach and develop the next generation of responsible Florida sportsmen and women.”
Steve Stock, president of Guy Harvey Inc. and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, both headquartered in Davie, presented on behalf of Harvey a check for $50,000 to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida to help fund FYCCN saltwater fishing camps that infuse in youths conservation ethics and a sense of stewardship related to the sport of fishing.
“The importance of developing in our children a strong personal connection with nature and a conservation ethic to match cannot be overstated,” said Stock. “The future of the state’s natural resources depends on it.”
The Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network is jointly sponsored by the FWC and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The FYCCN is a growing network of youth centers that teach kids basic principles of conservation and outdoor ethics, while developing traditional outdoor skills that include fishing, shooting sports, boating, wildlife viewing and more. Visit fyccn.org for more information.
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission came into existence on July 1, 1999 - the result of a constitutional amendment approved in the 1998 General Election as part of the package proposed by the Constitution Revision Commission.
In the implementation of the Constitutional Amendment, the Florida Legislature combined all of the staff and Commissioners of the former Marine Fisheries Commission, elements of the Divisions of Marine Resources and Law Enforcement of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and all of the employees and Commissioners of the former Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
Five years later, after consulting stakeholders, employees and other interested parties, the FWC adopted a new internal structure to address complex conservation issues of the new century. The new structure focuses on programs, such as habitat management, that affect numerous species. It will focus on moving the decision-making process closer to the public and did not require any additional funding or additional positions.
