Villagers to discuss Gopher Tortoise population problem at preserve

Community Development District 2’s monthly Question & Answer meeting will be hosted by Supervisor Tom Swiers from 7 to 9 p.m. at the El Santiago Recreation Center.

Sue Goges, a resident of The Villages and a volunteer member of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission for the Gopher Tortoise, will provide information regarding the estimated 3,000 Gopher Tortoises residing in CDD 2, most of which reside in the Harold S. Schwartz Wildlife Preserve, including their protected status in Florida, their life expectancy, what they eat, annual “hatchlings,” and the current “over-population” situation.

The remainder of the meeting will consist of update regarding current topics relating to CDD 2, an overview regarding recent AAC activities and the general Q&A component.

“The purpose of these monthly informal meetings is to provide all residents with the opportunity to get together, make friends, ask questions, get answers, share concerns, offer suggestions, seek solutions, and address rumors,” said Swiers.

For more information, call Swiers at (847) 951-2230 or send an Email to [email protected].