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Above illustration,
"Tillandsia stricta,"
by Margaret Mee,
© Smithsonian Institution,
used with permission.
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Since the weevil threat
was first discovered, the Florida Council of
Bromeliad Societies, the University of
Florida, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services, Division of Plant Industry (DOACS/DPI),
have been attempting with very limited funding to find a solution. The
project has recently received greater support, but in order to
successfully protect our endangered airplants, the Save Florida's
Native Bromeliads project needs higher levels of funding and additional
collaboration from bromeliad society members, park personnel, and
anyone interested in conserving our valuable bromeliads.
Please consider
offering your support in one or more of the following ways:
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- Support the
weevil research fund: Higher funding levels are
needed to support the research required to test the biological control agent
and produce large quantities for release. Tax-deductible contributions
for weevil research may be sent to the "Florida Council of Bromeliad
Societies - Weevil Fund" at the following address:
Jay Thurrott
713 Breckenridge Drive
Port Orange, FL 32127
email: cajat@aol.com
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- Educate others
about the weevil problem: Refer to the educational resources
that are available to you, including fact sheets and activity guides.
School classes, after-school programs, scout groups, and others can
learn about the state's native bromeliads
and about pest management through biological
control by getting involved in the project. Contact us for additional resources
if your class or group would like to participate in the project.
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- Monitor
bromeliads in your area to provide us with information on where each
species is present and on seed release times: We
need more information on where each species is found and when each
produces mature seed in different parts of south Florida. Individuals,
park volunteer groups, or school classes can monitor local bromeliad
populations and send us the data they collect. Park volunteer groups
may also want to monitor the bromeliad populations in their park to
determine the effects of the weevil or establish the presence of
bromeliad populations to aid in future conservation efforts. We can
provide such groups with a sampling protocol to standardize the
monitoring process. Please email us
if you are interested.
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- Report weevil
sightings: We
try to track the spread of the weevil throughout south Florida when
possible. If you come across signs of the pest weevil in a place not
already listed on the weevil
distribution page, please email
us or get in touch with one of the project
contacts. Please remember that the plants at risk are protected by state law,
so do not destroy or remove endangered bromeliads from any property
without a state-issued permit. Instead, take pictures if possible, and
describe exactly what you saw and where.
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- Prevent
additional infestations of other bromeliad weevils:
If
you bring in bromeliads from Central or South America, import only
seed, or at least subject any imported bromeliad plants to a pesticide
dip, preferably both before leaving the country of origin and after
entering Florida.
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