Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast

Palm Beach and Treasure Coast (Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties)

Palm Beach County Conservation (Wellington, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

Wetlands and Habitat Protection

Key Areas:
- Everglades Conservation Area (Western Palm Beach County):
  - The Everglades National Park and surrounding areas are central to efforts to restore the Everglades ecosystem, focusing on water flow, invasive species control, and preserving wildlife habitats, including those for the endangered Everglades snail kite.

Urban Conservation and Sustainability

Key Initiatives:
- Green Palm Beach County:
  - A series of sustainability programs including tree planting, stormwater management, and wildlife habitat restoration in urban areas to promote biodiversity and improve local water quality.

Martin County Conservation (Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

Wetlands and River Conservation

Key Areas:
- St. Lucie River Preservation (Palm City):
  - This river is part of efforts to preserve freshwater and saltwater habitats. Programs focus on water quality improvements, managing invasive species, and protecting the surrounding wetlands.

St. Lucie County Conservation (Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie Village)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

Cities Involved: Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie Village.
Key Efforts:
- Fort Pierce Inlet State Park:
  - Conservation initiatives here focus on protecting coastal dunes, enhancing habitat for wildlife, and safeguarding sea turtle nesting areas.
- Indian River Lagoon Restoration (Fort Pierce):
  - A continuation of efforts across the region to protect the Indian River Lagoon, including habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, and reducing pollution from agricultural and urban runoff.

Wetlands and Wildlife Habitat Protection

Key Areas:
- Savannas Preserve State Park (Port St. Lucie):
  - The preserve is home to various endangered species, and conservation efforts are focused on restoring wetlands, controlling invasive species, and protecting critical habitats.
- St. Lucie Wildlife Refuge:
  - Conservation efforts here aim to protect important habitats for migratory birds, alligators, and other native species. The refuge helps restore wetlands and improve water quality.

Indian River County Conservation (Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

Cities Involved: Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere.
Key Efforts:
- Indian River Lagoon Restoration (Vero Beach):
  - Similar to Martin and St. Lucie counties, the Indian River Lagoon is a major focus of conservation. Efforts aim to improve water quality, restore seagrass beds, and protect manatee and fish habitats.
- Sebastian Inlet State Park:
  - Conservation initiatives here focus on protecting coastal ecosystems, restoring sand dunes, and supporting marine life, including sea turtles and various fish species.

Wetlands and Wildlife Habitat Protection

Key Areas:
- Blue Cypress Conservation Area (Fellsmere):
  - This area is dedicated to preserving wetland habitats and providing protection for species like the Florida panther, alligators, and numerous bird species. Conservation efforts focus on water management, habitat restoration, and preventing habitat fragmentation.

Okeechobee County Conservation (Okeechobee, Brighton, Fort Drum)

Wetlands and Water Conservation

Cities Involved: Okeechobee, Brighton, Fort Drum.
Key Efforts:
- Lake Okeechobee Restoration:
  - Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida, is the focus of significant conservation work. Restoration efforts include improving water quality, controlling nutrient pollution, and restoring wetlands around the lake to support biodiversity.
- Okeechobee Waterway and River Restoration:
  - Efforts to preserve the health of the Okeechobee Waterway focus on reducing pollution, restoring wetland habitats, and maintaining water flow to prevent the degradation of ecosystems.

Wildlife Habitat Conservation

Key Areas:
- Big Lake Wildlife Management Area (Okeechobee):
  - This area provides habitat for numerous species, including deer, wild turkey, and alligators. Conservation efforts here focus on land management, invasive species control, and providing safe wildlife corridors.

Regional Conservation and Collaborative Initiatives

Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP)

This program spans the counties of Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and others, aiming to improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and engage communities in conservation efforts. It focuses on habitat restoration, pollution reduction, and sustainable development along the lagoon.

Florida Forever Program:

The state’s Florida Forever Program provides funding for land acquisition and conservation projects to preserve natural areas. Several of the counties in this region have benefited from this program, protecting critical wetlands, wildlife habitats, and watersheds.

Challenges and Future Goals

Water Quality and Pollution Control:

One of the ongoing challenges in these counties is the protection of freshwater resources, especially in Lake Okeechobee and the Indian River Lagoon. Efforts are focused on reducing nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, managing stormwater, and improving wastewater treatment.

Coastal Erosion and Sea-Level Rise:

Coastal areas in Palm Beach, Martin, and Indian River counties face threats from erosion and sea-level rise. Conservation projects focus on beach restoration, dune stabilization, and enhancing resilience to climate change.

Invasive Species Control:

Invasive species, such as Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, and non-native grasses, pose significant threats to the natural ecosystems of these counties. Efforts to manage and remove invasive species are a key part of conservation programs.