Sportsmen's Group Honors Nuisance Alligator Program Manager

The Florida Sportsmen's Conservation Association (FSCA) honored Linda Collins of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for her work managing the agency's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP). The award, which was presented July 17 at the FWC's meeting in Stuart, recognizes Collins' commitment to public safety.

Collins has worked for the FWC for 18 years. She started as an administrative assistant with the Alligator Management Program and now manages SNAP, which proactively addresses public safety risk from alligators in developed areas, while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur.

"Linda does a remarkable job managing a team dedicated to helping people who call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline with concerns about an alligator," said Steven Stroh, FSCA president. "Through the FWC's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program, she also oversees the efforts of over a hundred contracted nuisance alligator trappers across the state."

"It's such a privilege to receive this award from FSCA," Collins said. "I'm so proud of the service SNAP staff and the contracted nuisance alligator trappers provide people in Florida."

The FSCA was founded in 1994 by a group of sportsmen who shared a vision for creating a conservation organization that would serve the needs of modern outdoorsmen and their families. The organization aims to help protect and restore Florida's unique natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.