Secretary Zinke Signs Document to Extend Protections for Nation’s First National Wildlife Refuge
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WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke signed a document that will extend protections around Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida – which Roosevelt himself created more than a century ago.
Secretary Zinke’s approval would extend an upland buffer zone that helps to preserve the special features of Pelican Island, which Roosevelt established as a protected sanctuary for birds in 1903. The buffer zone is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in close coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge itself.
“Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, one of our nation’s great treasures, is a living monument to Teddy Roosevelt’s foresight and passion for wildlife conservation,” said Secretary Zinke. “I can think of no more fitting birthday tribute to TR than to continue to protect this incredible place for new generations of Americans to experience and enjoy.”
Roosevelt’s action to protect Pelican Island was the beginning of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which has grown to encompass more than 500 units spanning more than 150 million acres nationwide. A naturalist at heart, Roosevelt (born on October 27, 1858) became famous for his land stewardship ethic, saying in 1912, “There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country.”
Today, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge provides 5,400 acres of marine and terrestrial ecosystems habitat for hundreds of species of birds, fish, plants, and mammals. It hosts approximately 100,000 visitors annually, and provides important economic and recreational benefits to the surrounding communities along Central Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
The original Public Land Order (PLO) No. 5683 was issued for a 40-year term on Sept. 12, 1979. It established a buffer zone contiguous with the Indian River Lagoon estuary, and features a one-third-mile stretch of shoreline with 37.5 watershed acres. These lands are now the site of the refuge’s Centennial Trail, Observation Pavilion and boardwalk.
The BLM proposes to extend the term of the existing PLO that provides a buffer between the refuge and adjacent non-federal lands, and will receive public comments on this action during a 90-day period that ends February 11, 2019.
The BLM is proud to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure this important wildlife habitat is protected for current and future generations of Americans.
Written comments should be addressed to Victoria Craft, Realty Specialist, BLM Southeastern States District Office, 273 Market Street, Flowood, MS 39232. They may also be emailed to vcraft@blm.gov. People who choose to comment should be aware that their entire comment – including personally identifiable information – may be made publicly available at any time.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.