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Commission preserves a Coastal Jewel
On August 18, the
Brevard County Commission approved the purchase of Coastal
Jewel, a 188-acre parcel of land located in Malabar on the
Atlantic Coastal Ridge. Combined with the adjacent Jordan
Scrub Sanctuary, other land under conservation easements and
Coastal Jewel, more than 600 acres of scrub-jay habitat are now
protected. Click here for more information
IRL Basin
Management Action Plan Meeting
On July 10, David
Biega and Vince Lamb attended the BMAP meeting at the Ag Center
in Cocoa. The meeting was one of a series held by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to promote
their initiative to Improve Water Quality and Seagrass Bed
Coverage in the Indian River Lagoon System.
Click
here for more information.
Ulumay
Historical Marker
On December 17, 2008, The State
Bureau of Historic Presentation finalized, with the Brevard
County Historical Commission Manager Stephen R. Benn and the
Friends of Ulumay Vice President Jack Lembeck, the designation
of the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary on Merritt Island as a Florida
Heritage Landmark. This marker at the Ulumay entrance was
dedicated on Saturday, March 21st. Commissioner Chuck Nelson
officiated at the ceremony.
Click here to view marker text.
Land Purchases Approved by County Commission
On July 8,
2008, the Brevard County Commission voted unanimously (4-0) in
favor of purchasing 295 acres adjoining the Ulumay Wildlife
Sanctuary. Funding for these purchase is provided via the
Environmentally Endangered Lands(EEL) Program. When
these purchases
are completed, 1200 acres of public conservation lands adjoining
Sykes Creek will be linked - ranging from a short distance from
Highway 520 to the
Beachline (528) and Barge Canal.
More than thirty people who
supported this purchase attended the meeting, including many
Friends of Ulumay. Eighteen
people spoke in favor of the purchase while only one voiced
opposition. After a few questions and remarks,
Commissioner Nelson made a motion and Commissioner Bolin
seconded the motion. A unanimous vote followed quickly.
Jim Egan of the Marine Resources Council provided some
thoughtful remarks about the importance of protecting wetlands
adjoining the Indian River Lagoon. Jim Durocher and Doug
Sphar spoke about the recreational and birding attractions of
Ulumay and the adjoining properties. Maureen Rupe
expressed her strong support for these purchases. Paul
Schmalzer did an outstanding job of explaining how the EEL
Program Selection and Management Committee locates and evaluates
properties. Thirteen others added their personal
perspectives in support of these purchases. |
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