What is a CCP?

Estimated Timeline

Fall 2003 Planning Update

Fall 2004 Public Comments

How can I stay informed? (pdf)
Merritt Island NWR
  (currently underway)
St. Johns NWR
  (scheduled to begin in 2005)
Lake Wales Ridge
  (scheduled to begin in 2005)

Please contact us with any questions or for more information.

C.C.P.
Merritt Island NWR Complex
PO Box 6504
Titusville, FL 32782-6504

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan

The 140,000 acres of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which spans all 50 states and 5 US territories with over 530 refuges and nearly 95 million acres. Coexisting with NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge manages various habitats to support >500 species of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species.

Refuge Purposes "...for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds." 16 USC §715d   (Migratory Bird Conservation Act) "...to conserve and protect migratory birds...and other species of wildlife that are listed...as endangered species or threatened species and to restore or develop adequate wildlife habitat." 16 USC §715i (Migratory Bird Conservation Act) "(1) to protect, enhance, restore, and manage an appropriate distribution and diversity of wetland ecosystems and other habitats for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife in North America; (2) to maintain current or improved distributions of migratory bird populations; and (3) to sustain an abundance of waterfowl and other migratory birds consistent with the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the international obligations contained in the migratory bird treaties and conventions and other agreements with Canada, Mexico, and other countries." 16 USC §440(2)(b) (North American Wetlands Conservation Act)

Refuge Mission To protect, enhance, and manage wetlands and uplands for biodiversity and for the benefit of all species native to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge; provide feeding, resting, and wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds; protect and manage threatened and endangered species and their habitats; and provide opportunities for compatible public recreation and environmental education.

Merritt Island NWR - Existing Goals
The Refuge adopted 9 goals in 1997, as listed.

Goal 1:

Resource Management: Actively manage the refuge through habitat and wildlife monitoring, water and wetlands management, and uplands and fire management to maintain biological diversity and productivity under multiple species management programs including coordination with mosquito control agencies.

Goal 2:

Migratory Birds: Effectively manage impoundments to provide optimal breeding, nesting, resting, and feeding habitat for all species of migratory birds that use refuge lands including waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds; provide habitat for neotropical migrants that use refuge lands during spring and fall migrations.

Goal 3:

Threatened and Endangered Species: Monitor the federally threatened or endangered species on the refuge; implement action items outlined in recovery plans if feasible including restoration and enhancement of T&E species habitats.

Goal 4:

Habitat Restoration: Restore native plant communities to as close to a natural condition to benefit all native wildlife species through marsh reconnection, mechanical manipulation, and the use of prescribed fire.

Goal 5:

Exotic Species Management: Use mechanical and chemical methods to eliminate or significantly reduce Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, and Melaleuca sp. from the refuge for the benefit of native plants and animals; control feral hog populations through managed trapping programs and direct reduction methods; identify other exotic species, which may be present on the refuge and take necessary actions.

Goal 6:

Partnerships: Continue current partnerships with State and Federal agencies and other organizations for the benefit of all refuge programs; identify potential new partnerships or cooperators and work to establish additional partnerships to further enhance refuge and resource management.

Goal 7:

Law Enforcement: Protect refuge lands through public education, informational leaflets, signing, and patrols to maintain the integrity of natural and cultural resources while providing for safe, wildlife-oriented public use.

Goal 8:

Visitor Services: Provide high quality services to refuge visitors including wildlife viewing opportunities, interpretation, environmental education, compatible recreation, and the goals listed as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System (see below); promote conservation and appreciation of the refuge, North Florida Ecosystem, and natural resources in general through on-site and off-site programs; maintain and enhance the relationship between the refuge and the Merritt Island Wildlife Association.

Goal 9:

Research: Encourage partnerships with universities and other organizations to further identify research needs and objectives; coordinate and participate in wildlife/wildlands research projects to gain a better understanding of management needs. (Special Use Permits are required for activities and uses not otherwise expressly permitted by the Refuge and permits must be on hand by the applicant and available upon request).

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