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