Barrier Island Ecosystem Center – Old A1A Boardwalk The Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program was awarded FCMP funds to construct a 500' wooden boardwalk that connects the Barrier Island Ecosystem Center (BIEC) to the public beach at Bonsteel Park. The boardwalk is also situated in the footprint of the historic “Old A1A” access road. The BIEC serves as an EEL Education Center within the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge – interpretive signage along the boardwalk highlights the importance of barrier island species, their habitats, restoration efforts, and management practices used to preserve the resources and history of the old A1A road. The boardwalk also completes a ¾-mile education loop trail that takes visitors through restored maritime hammock and mangrove swamp communities, with views of the Indian River Lagoon, the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.
Lignumvitae Key Submerged Lands Restoration Plan
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation & Parks was awarded a FCMP state agency subgrant, for FY 2004-2005, to develop a restoration plan for the Lignumvitae Key Submerged Lands Management Area (LKMA).  The LKMA is located in Islamorada, Monroe County, and encompasses submerged lands of the Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and Lignumvitae Aquatic Preserve.  FCMP funded activities involved identification of restoration sites, including seagrass and hardbottom damage areas, and prioritization of areas to be restored.  Specific grant tasks were channel marking, aerial photography, limited-motor zoning, and development of management and GIS systems for easy update, analysis and retrieval of information.  Project work was coordinated with, and complements the efforts of, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in which the LKMA is located.  At the end of the project, 81 sites were individually analyzed, ranked and mapped. As a result of the plan there restoration activities in the management area have advanced. Other programs benefited by this subgrant include Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (floridakeys.noaa.gov) and Florida’s Aquatic Preserves.
9/3/07 - 1733 Spanish Plate Fleet Interpretation and National Register Nominationn In 1733, thirteen ships of the Spanish Plate Fleet were sunk along 80 miles of the Florida Keys during a hurricane. These shipwreck sites represent some of the oldest artificial reefs in North America, supporting complex marine life. To preserve this significant coastal resource, the Florida Department of State, Bureau of Archaeological Research applied for a FCMP state agency subgrant, for FY 2004-2005, to explore, document and assess the sunken vessels in order to form the foundation for a multiple property nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. FCMP funds supported the design and printing of an interpretive guide booklet, and web site development. The nomination was successful, and the National Park Service listed the 1733 Spanish Plate Fleet in the National Register in June 2006. Other programs benefited by this subgrant include Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (floridakeys.noaa.gov/), Biscayne National Park, Florida Park Service and National Register of Historic Places. Teaching with Historic Places Lesson Plans: Spanish Treasure Fleets of 1715 and 1733
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6/4/07 - Matanzas Pass Preserve Canopy & Native Plant Restoration

The Matanzas Pass Preserve is a 56-acre maritime forest on Estero Island that provides unique habitat for many species of wildlife, some of which are endangered or threatened. From the time the Preserve was donated to Lee County in 1995, the Friends of the Preserve, a non-profit organization, has helped protect and preserve its natural habitat. Towards this goal, the Friends, Lee County and the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program joined as partners to re-establish the canopy and native plant community and encourage stewardship of the Matanzas Pass Preserve [read CHNEP’s coverage on this project on page 4 of Harbor Happenings, Volume 9, Number 3: 2005]. Specifically, the project partners [Lee County, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program and Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve] applied for a FCMP Coastal Partnership Initiative subgrant, for FY 2004-2005, to revegetate 18 acres with native trees including gumbo limbo, green buttonwood and strangler fig, and plant over 400 shrubs, such as marlberry, wild coffee and southern wax myrtle. A video documentary about the Preserve and its importance to the area’s ecosystem was also produced with FCMP support. Other programs benefited by this subgrant include Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve.

Site prior to exotic removal

Volunteers removing exotics

Post-restoration results

 

11/30/07 - Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish & Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) has established a monofilament recovery and recycling program (MRRP) in 17 counties in Florida.  Monofilament recovery is important in the protection of a variety of sea life, including birds, fish, dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.  Towards the goal of expanding this program, the FWRI was awarded a FCMP state agency subgrant, for FY 2004-2005, to establish an MRRP in Palm Beach County.  Project tasks included educational outreach; volunteer recruitment and training to manage outdoor monofilament recycling bins; production of flyers, brochures, posters and an educational video; and construction of an educational display kiosk.  Other programs benefited by this subgrant include NOAA’s Marine Debris Program and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Additional Link: The Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup

Monofilament Recovery Bin