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i 1 3 ' to act as a buffer and provide native habitat is thereby magnified . The proposed restoration area is north of Pelican Island and encompasses 158 acres ( Figure 3) . 1 There are 67 acres of active citrus groves in the restoration area ( Figure 5) . The lease for the operator using the groves expired April 30 , 2001 . Another 60 acres are former citrus groves in early successional stages following citrus tree removal . Also within the ' restoration area are 9 acres of land that has been fallow following Brazilian pepper removal . There is still a 6-acre tract of Brazilian pepper and Australian pines in the restoration area . Marsh habitat in the restoration area covers about 9 acres . There is 1 also an old field tract of about 7 acres ( Figure 5 ) . Annually , the Service removes up to 10 acres of exotics from the Refuge , but sufficient 1 funding has not been available to replant these areas in native vegetation . Consequently , regrowth continues . An exotic species control project along Jungle Trail involved the South Florida Ecosystem Team with a team of FWS employees from i several south Florida refuges and with equipment provided by Caterpillar Company . This project removed Australian pine from 2 acres and replanted the area with native vegetation (e . g . $ live oak , red bay , and gumbo limbo) . Through the Pelican Island 1 Preservation Society and the Pelican Island Audubon Society , volunteer moon vine removal has been conducted as a special attack project on an as needed basis . Volunteer Brazilian pepper busting activities have been coordinated with the Marine Resources Council , Pelican Island Preservation Society , and the Environmental Learning Center. Pepper piles still exist from past efforts and require burning . Discretionary funds from the Chief of Refuges in fiscal year 2000 enabled the Refuge to 1 remove Brazilian pepper and Australian pine from much of the former citrus groves and impoundments , and fund contracts to replant in native vegetation on a small area along Jungle Trail ( 3 acres) . 1 . 2 Purpose of the Proposed Action The primary purpose of the proposed habitat restoration is to increase the protection of the historic rookery on Pelican Island by providing a buffer of native habitats on lands surrounding the island . The land for which restoration is being proposed has already been acquired , but is covered with existing and former citrus groves . Restoring the land to native habitats would benefit wildlife utilizing Pelican Island , and other wildlife as well . Freshwater lakes and ponds would provide opportunity for wading birds to feed freshwater fish to their young (i . e . wood storks and white ibis) . Restored maritime hammock would provide valuable habitat for Neotropical migratory birds . The enhancement of aquatic wetlands with water-level controls will enable the restoration of the upland water table to historic , natural conditions . Restoring the water table level should contribute to the health of the restored hammock and marsh communities . The proposed land restoration will also contribute to providing a natural community link between Pelican Island NWR and Archie Carr NWR . Contiguous habitat on larger scales has biological value over small fragmented patches , and is critical for species such as woodrats and bobcats . The restoration of the proposed land will also enhance