|
from Away.com
Related Guides
Popular Cities in Florida
|
PARKS
|
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge Manager
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 6504
Titusville, Florida 32780
Pelican Island stands today as a monument to our historic past and the National Wildlife Refuge System it
spawned. From this small beginning has grown the world's largest and most diverse land base for the
protection and management of wildlife. Paul Kroegel, a German immigrant and boat builder, became the
first manager of Pelican Island due to his affection for pelicans and his concern for their habitat and
protection.
Introduction
Pelican Island, a small three-acre island on Florida's east coast, holds a unique place in America's
conservation history. It became the Nation's first national wildlife refuge in 1903. From this beginning has
grown a National Wildlife Refuge System of almost 500 refuges encompassing about 93 million acres.
But today, nearly 100 years later, this national historic landmark is threatened by residential and
commercial development. Because of its national significance as the birthplace of the National Refuge
System, Pelican Island needs immediate protection from these developments.
History
On March 14, 1903, President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt issued an Executive Order that set aside
Pelican Island as a "preserve and breeding ground for native birds." This historic event marked the first
federal lands dedicated to the protection of wildlife. Today that system has grown to become the world's
largest network of lands managed for wildlife. But it all began at Pelican Island!
Wildlife
The waters and wetlands of Pelican Island are the lifeblood of the refuge and form a major ecological
system that supports hundreds of species of birds, fish, plants, and mammals. In terms of biological
diversity, the Indian River Lagoon around Pelican Island has been described as one of the most productive
in the United States. Fifteen federally listed threatened and endangered species live here, including a large
population of manatees. The lagoon also serves as a vital nursery for juvenile sea turtles. Two wood stork
rookeries are found within the refuge. A tremendous assemblage of fish provide food for the wading birds
that nest on Pelican Island. Nesting birds include the brown pelican, common egret, snowy egret, reddish
egret, great blue heron, little blue heron, tri-color heron, black-crowned night heron, white ibis, glossy
ibis, double-crested cormorant, anhinga and oyster catcher.
Threats
Over the years, Pelican Island has faced many threats from those who wished to exploit or destroy its
wildlife and natural habitats. But each time concerned citizens and environmental organizations rose to
the challenge and the threats were overcome.
Today, Pelican Island faces perhaps its most serious threat, the development of its shoreline. Shoreline
development can reduce the area's water quality by increasing the runoff of sediments, fertilizers and
pesticides. Any decline in water quality can directly affect the food base which sustains the island's
nesting bird colonies. Waterfront development can also lead to more boat traffic which has already
adversely affected the nesting birds. But equally important, the development of the shorelines at Pelican
Island will permanently flaw the pristine character of this unique National Historic Landmark.
Will Pelican Island endure this latest threat? Will the birds continue to nest on the island when the refuge
celebrates its Centennial in 2003? Action is needed now to ensure that this historic refuge will continue to
provide the essential public benefits envisioned by President Roosevelt almost one hundred years ago.
Plan of Action
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to take the following steps to preserve and protect Pelican
Island and to provide the public opportunity to learn about its historic significance and wildlife
values:
Acquire an insulating buffer along the eastern boundary to protect the refuge from encroaching residential
development. Acquire lands for development of administrative and visitor facilities. Approximately 900
acres of mangroves, other subtidal habitats and some uplands will be needed. About one half of the
acquisition area is state owned and will be obtained through a lease agreement.
Develop administrative and visitor facilities including a visitor center where the story of the birth and
growth of the National Wildlife Refuge System will be told. Other planned developments include a
rookery viewing site, an aquarium, and wildlife observation trails. Administrative offices and maintenance
facilities for both Pelican Island and the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge will be
located here.
This information was provided by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
|
|
advertisement
Sign up for our Travel Deals Newsletter
|
