Description
BACKGROUND: On May 8, 2008, Public Law 110-229 (section 202) established the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) in Palm Beach County, Florida and designated it a part of the National Conservation Lands â¿¿ the only unit of the system east of the Mississippi River. The site, totaling 120 acres, is a mix of sensitive native habitats and historic development from previous uses of the site and includes the nationally listed Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, structures supporting previous military uses of the site and buildings related to past U.S. Coast Guard operations. The ONA was protected by Congress for its unique and nationally significant resources, which include sensitive native Florida habitats, 26 special status species and cultural/historic resources dating back over 8,000 years. The site is a focal point for local communities and tourist destination, attracting approximately 75,000 visitors annual, whom visit the site to engage in tours and programs or visit the dispersed areas of the site to participate in low-impact recreational activities, such as walking, swimming and wildlife photography. This program is a continuation of the long established partnership between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Palm Beach County's Department of Environment Resource Management (ERM). This partnership has supported management of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA since its establishment in 2008, and prior since the agency's involvement in the site began in 1996. Portions of the ONA are included in the Countyâ¿¿s Natural Area System and considered jointly managed by the two agencies along with other partners. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of program is to support management of the ONA through the protection, preservation and enhancement of the seven key values of the site recognized by Congress in the designation of the site as part of the National Conservation Lands. As such, the following objectives are established to support natural area management, visitor services, science and education at the ONA: 1. Restoration & Enhancement â¿¿ Natural areas of the site are protected, restored where previously disturbed and enhanced through a variety of projects. 2. Biological Monitoring â¿¿ Threatened and endangered species populations, along with key special status species are monitored to ensure stable and healthy populations and to serve as indicator of overall ecosystem health. Monitoring is conducted in association with species enhancement projects in accordance with USFWS guidelines. 3. Natural Area Management and Coordination â¿¿ Natural area management is coordinated between partners to ensure goals of the 2010 Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Comprehensive Management Plan are successfully achieved. 4. ublic Use and Outreach â¿¿ Assistance is provided, as needed, with management public use facilities and implementing natural area based interpretive and recreational programs both on and off site. 5. Science and Education Support â¿¿ Science and education are supported through project development and extended partnerships with local education establishments and academia. PUBLIC BENEFIT: The primary public benefit of this program is the federal to local government partnership created to aid in management of the seven values of the ONA recognized by Congress. This program brings together partners with local expertise and resources, and maximizes Federal-funds through matching partner financial and in-kind contributions. These benefits manifest in the improved ecosystem services, protection and preservation of unique and significant natural and cultural resources, and the array of programs, and recreational/educational opportunities available on site to the local community and visiting tourists.