June forums set to discuss North Carolina alligator plan

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the North Carolina Alligator Task Force are holding six public forums in June to present a draft of the state Alligator Management Plan and receive public input.

The plan provides biological information on alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in the state, identifies knowledge gaps and additional research needed, specifies areas where alligators may be overpopulated and recommends biological and social strategies to address alligator management issues.

Each sentence of the plan is numbered to make it easier to comment on specific portions. Comments on the plan will be accepted until June 25. An online comment form is available for those who cannot attend a public forum.

Comments may also be sent to Allen Boynton, Wildlife Diversity Program Coordinator, 1722 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1700, or allen.boynton@ncwildlife.org.

Forums begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the following locations:

• June 5, Hampstead (Pender County) Annex Auditorium, Hampstead
• June 13, Bladen Community College, Parker Building, 17 Room 113, Dublin
• June 14, Brunswick County Complex, Coop Extension Training Room, Building N, Bolivia
• June 15, Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center, Jacksonville
• June 20, Craven Community College, Orringer Auditorium, New Bern
• June 21, Goose Creek State Park, visitor center, Washington

The final draft will be presented to wildlife commissioners at their July 26-27 meeting in Raleigh.

For more information on alligators in North Carolina, visit www.ncwildlife.org/conserving, or download the Co-Existing with Alligators document.