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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element • Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area The Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area is managed by the SJRWMD for conservation, recreation, and flood control purposes. This area contains a variety of interspersed ecological communities that include: dry prairies, pine flatwoods, hardwood swamps and freshwater marshes. These communities support Florida sandhill cranes, wood storks, caracara, bald eagles, deer, wild turkeys, and feral hogs. Recreational opportunities include: hiking, bicycling, primitive camping, bird watching, canoeing, environmental education, and seasonal hunting. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established Pelican Island as the first National Wildlife refuge. Subsequently, Pelican Island was designated a National Historic Landmark, and in 1970 it was declared part of the National Wilderness System. The boundaries of the refuge are (roughly) Sebastian Inlet to the north, C.R. 510 to the south, Jungle Trail and S.R. AIA to the east, and the ICW to the west. The refuge consists of submerged lands in the IRL lagoon, several mangrove islands, and an upland buffer area of several hundred acres of abandoned citrus groves that are being restored over time to native plant communities endemic to the coastal barrier island. Due to the extensive year-round use by wading birds and pelicans, the island is off-limits to visitors, and boats are required to maintain a minimum distance of 75 feet. In addition to protecting pelican rookeries, the refuge also provides protection for lush submergent aquatic vegetation, shallow water habitat, mangrove fringe, and upland habitat for other colonial nesting birds. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge In 1989, the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR) was established as a joint venture between the USFWS, the State of Florida, and local government agencies. Segment 4 of the refuge extends from Golden Sands Park north to the Sebastian Inlet S.R.A. and contains nearly 2.9 miles of the most prolific beaches for turtle nesting in the world. Approximately 1.2 miles, or 41 percent, are currently under public ownership. Passive recreation is allowed within the refuge. Within the refuge, natural communities are in good condition and include coastal strand and maritime hammock. The primary significance of the refuge is its habitat for loggerhead, green, and leatherback species of sea turtles. Overall, the refuge supports approximately eight percent of all loggerhead turtle nesting in Florida, and also supports several other rare plant and animal species such as the Florida beach mouse. Community Development Department Indian River County 75