Land Manager Spotlight

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Spotlight

by Jenna Taylor, Central/South Trail Program Manager

inspected as well. “These are the types of projects I love doing with the FTA,” he shared, “Ones that we can do together.” Annual agreements between the Forest Service and land managers across the Florida Trail, like FWC, allow for the cost and labor sharing of projects like this along the Florida Trail. As we made our way through the WMA, we passed many hunters who were there for a hog hunt. Mark greeted them and we moved along. Part of his role is supporting the hunts and hunters on these lands. “Hunters are an important part of this. They are population control which help us conserve and protect.” Mark explained that hunters and anglers greatly support FWC financially

MARK JENKINS

On a cold weekend in January, I was able to sit in the shade of Godwin Hammock, within Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA), with Mark Jenkins while he shared about his role and why he does the work he does. While we sat and talked, his phone rang twice with mower updates that required his problem solving. Mark has spent the past three years as a Public Access Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) . Based out of Ocala, Mark oversees recreation throughout the state of Florida, both on land and water. Whenever he is able, Mark joins the Florida Trail Association (FTA) volunteers in maintaining the Florida Trail (FT). “My role as a Public Access Biologist fits into the overall goals of FWC, which is the long-term well being of the wildlife for the enjoyment of people, all people.” Specifically, Mark works to protect and maintain the recreational opportunities available to visitors and residents within FWC managed and co-managed lands. “I monitor and maintain every trail, every year.” he said. This can be similar to the work FTA does; mowing, blazing, lopping, checking signage and inventorying infrastructure. He works with partners to ensure that trail standards are met and trails remain open and safe. While at Godwin Hammock, Mark used the opportunity to assess the site. He tested the pitcher pump, and took notes about its condition. He logs every piece of infrastructure and its condition annually to track changes and anticipate what will need to be done each season. The tent platform, bearing an “FTA/FWC Project 2018” signature was

MARK’S TOP FWC DESTINATIONS

FORT WHITE WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL AREA “THIS IS A PRISTINE SANDHILL HABITAT WITH NO INVASIVE SPECIES. THE TRAIL IS ROLLING AND ALWAYS CLEAR, WELL MARKED AND WELL MAINTAINED. IT FOLLOWS THE SANTE FE RIVER AND THE RELIC SAND DUNES.”

 THE FLORIDA TRAIL IN THREE LAKES WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA “THIS IS MY FAVORITE SECTION OF THE FLORIDA TRAIL TO VISIT AND WORK ON. THIS (GODWIN HAMMOCK) CAMPSITE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES WITH THIS SWEEPING VIEW IN FRONT OF YOU.”

 FWC PADDLING TRAILS “PARTICULARLY, I LIKE THE SLAVE CANAL SECTION OF THE AUCILLA TRAIL AND FISHEATING CREEK. THEY ARE BOTH REALLY NICE, WELL MARKED TRAILS TO PADDLE.”

through license fees. “That money goes back to the state and it truly does trickle down to allow nearly free access for the public to these lands.” h he is on the road a lot, Mark still finds opportunities to enjoy the destinations. “I am always on the road. My colleague Cade and I work hard, we get a lot done and then we enjoy the areas we work so hard to maintain. It is really cool to go out in the Gulf and camp on the islands, fishing at night when my work is finished for the day.” When joining the FTA volunteer work parties, Mark is known for creating the perfect campfire. He said he enjoys working with the Florida Trail for a few reasons. He said that he loves seeing the beaten down path in spots where the trail has existed for decades. Having chapters and volunteers to support the maintenance of trails on FWC is an invaluable asset. Maintenance events can complete a section of trail in just a few days when it would take Mark significantly longer if he was simply attacking the trail on his own.

At the Godwin Hammock campsite during a work party in Three Lakes WMA. Mark removes invasive caesar weed at Forever Florida.

Mark’s email signature contains the quote, “The mere fact of being able to call your job your passion is success in my eyes,” and when you meet Mark, you can tell his job is his passion. “I’m here for these wildlife and plant communities. We want people to come out and see it and have the opportunity to do what they like to do,” he said. Then laughing, he added, “As long as it is an approved activity of course.” The FTA, Forest Service, and local volunteers are incredibly grateful for our partnership with FWC, and thank Mark and his team for their incredible contributions to the trail community.

Walking to meet a mower in need of fuel in Three Lakes WMA.

Taking a phone call from a volunteer about a mower.