Laserfiche WebLink
4 <br /> ' the educational and recreational opportunities for the public . Though not covered by <br /> this environmental assessment , future plans are to provide public- use facilities in this <br /> area which include wildlife viewing trails , a wildlife viewing drive , and a boardwalk with <br /> ' an observation tower (for viewing Pelican Island ) . The presence of natural habitats with <br /> wetlands on these lands is requisite for the public- use plans . <br /> 1 . 3 Need for the Proposed Action <br /> FWS has recently acquired most of the lands proposed for the restoration , and is <br /> discontinuing the cultivation of the citrus groves on these lands . If the lands are simply <br /> allowed to go fallow , exotic plants such as Brazilian pepper and Australian pines will <br /> continue to become established . A window of opportunity exists upon ceasing citrus <br /> operations , to convert the land to native habitats and thereby prevent further infestation <br /> by exotic plants . <br /> 1 . 4 Decision that Must be Made <br /> DEP and FWS must decide to what extent the native habitats will be restored on the <br /> subject lands of Pelican Island NWR . <br /> 1 . 5 Issues and Concerns <br /> Issues concerning the restoration of the citrus grove lands on Pelican Island NWR have <br /> E concerned the habitat types that should be restored and the extent to which wetlands <br /> should be restored or enhanced . Discussions have included the possibility of creating <br /> habitat types that were not historically found on the coastal barrier island in this area <br /> such as pine flatwoods . Although inclusion of pine flatwoods would increase the <br /> diversity of the landscape , the decision was made to restore native habitats that were <br /> historically found in this location such as maritime forests . Maritime forest is <br /> diminishing and becoming increasingly threatened . Expansion and restoration of <br /> maritime hammock habitat would provide for resident wildlife including bobcats , <br /> woodrats , and Neotropical migratory birds . <br /> The extent to <br /> which the wetlands should be restored or enhanced has also been <br /> discussed . Conversion of the ditches into more functional freshwater habitats would <br /> increase foraging opportunities for wading birds and shorebirds . Restoration of the <br /> historical tidal habitats could re-establish mangrove swamp , salt marsh , mud flat , and <br /> sea grass bed habitats . <br /> 1 . 6 Coordination and Consultation <br />