FLP Achieve Program Spotlight from The School Board of Highlands County

The Ducks Unlimited Ecology Conservation & Management Certification, offered through iCEV, is designed to validate an individual's expertise in ecological principles, wildlife management, and habitat conservation. This certification encompasses a wide range of topics, including the conservation and management of forests, grasslands, wetlands, and waterfowl. It is particularly beneficial for students and individuals pursuing careers in natural resources management. Earning this certification can enhance one's qualifications for roles such as wildlife habitat manager, wildlife research ecologist, or conservation scientist. 

The certification exam consists of 100 questions covering four main areas:

1. Ecological Principles (20%): Topics include ecological systems, succession, and ecosystem monitoring.

   
   

2. Wildlife Conservation & Management (30%): Focuses on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, population ecology, and management plans.

   
   

3. Species Identification (10%): Covers identification of non-game animals, predators, furbearers, game birds, and waterfowl.

   
   

4. Habitat Conservation & Management (40%): Addresses various habitats, conservation history, and the management of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. 

For residents of Florida, this certification is approved under the CAPE Funding List. Students who earn this certification can receive acceleration points, and schools may obtain additional funding for each student certified. 

As mentioned, as a district our middle schools have an overall pass rate of 72% for Ag Foundations. This year we have two new sites (LPMS/APMS) with a 56% and 60% first time pass rate and one continuing site (HGMS) with a 100% pass rate. That equates to 123 certified students!