Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Refuge Purposes

The Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1993 for the protection of threatened and endangered plants and animals. This primary purpose applies to the entire Refuge. A secondary purpose also applies to portions of the Refuge and involves more general protection of the resources.

Primary Purpose “…to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species… or (B) plants…” 16 USC §1534, Endangered Species Act

Secondary Purpose “…conservation, management, and restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans…” 16 USC §668dd(a)(2), National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act

Refuge Mission

To protect, restore, and manage the remaining fragmented parcels of ancient interior Florida scrub habitat; To work in partnership with the State of Florida and conservation organizations towards the recovery of numerous unique, endemic plants and animals which are now threatened with extinction and are found nowhere else on Earth; and

To increase public understanding and appreciation of this unique ecosystem through education and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Existing Goals

Goal 1:

RESOURCE PROTECTION: Through land acquisition, protect a collection of scrub parcels on or adjacent to Lake Wales Ridge which will enhance the recovery of the endemic, threatened, or endangered plants and animals unique to this ancient and rapidly disappearing ecosystem.

Goal 2:

RECOVERY OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: Monitor the federally listed species of plants (20) and animals (4) and enhance their recovery through fostering scientific research on scrub ecology; implement management programs such as prescribed fire to perpetuate the natural scrub ecosystem; and reduce threats from illegal human activities such as off-road vehicle use.

Goal 3:

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Manage the refuge through active management programs including research, wildlife surveys, prescribed fire, law enforcement, cultural resources protection, and compatible public use.

Goal 4:

HABITAT RESTORATION: Re-establish ancient scrub habitat through ecological restoration to perpetuate unique biological diversity for indigenous plants and resident migratory wildlife.

Goal 5:

PARTNERSHIPS: Maintain, enhance, and continue multi-agency public and private approach to land acquisition and management; create new partnerships that are mutually beneficial and further the goals of the refuge.

Goal 6:

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, INTERPRETATION, AND RECREATION: Develop public understanding, appreciation, and support for the ancient scrub ecosystem and resource issue along the Lake Wales Ridge through a comprehensive program of education, interpretation, and compatible recreation that leads to an environmentally literate and active citizenry.

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We Need Your Input

Join us on Thursday evening, September 25th, 2008, where we will hold a public meeting, to discuss the management direction of the Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the process of developing a long-term management plan for Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Once complete this Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) will function as a practical guide for managing the refuge over the next 15 years. In order to capture opinions of all who are interested in the future management of Lake Wales Ridge NWR, the refuge will hold an evening meeting at the South Florida Community College Highlands Campus auditorium in Avon Park, on Thursday, September 25th, 2008, from 6-9:00 p.m. The South Florida Community College Highlands Campus is located at 600 W College Drive, Avon Park. College Drive intersects U.S. Hwy 27/98 about one mile south of downtown Avon Park. The campus and auditorium building are located on the south side of College Drive (for a location map and information about SFCC, visit http://www.southflorida.edu/about/campuslocations.aspx)

The CCP process provides a unique opportunity for the Service to involve individuals and local communities in the long-term management of our National Wildlife Refuges. “We are anxious to hear the public’s ideas and opinions about a proposed comprehensive conservation plan for the refuge,” said Sam D. Hamilton, the Service’s Southeast Regional Director. You can play a significant role in the development of this far-reaching plan!

The Service invites public comments to the following questions, as well as any other issue, opportunity, or concerns they may have for the Refuge.

• 1. What makes Lake Wales Ridge NWR special or unique for you?
• 2. What do you value most about the Lake Wales Ridge NWR?
• 3. What would you like to see the future hold for Lake Wales Ridge NWR?

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Other Ways to Get Involved!

The US Fish and Wildlife Service invites you to participate in the CCP planning process for Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. We are currently gathering information to provide a 15-year refuge management direction and there are many ways you can get involved in the process:

Come to our public meeting on September 25th from 6-9pm at the South Florida Community College Auditorium located at 600 W. College Drive in Avon park, Florida

Become a member of our mailing list by completing the form located on this link (Mailing List Request Form) and mailing it to Lake Wales Ridge NWR CCP, Merritt Island NWR Complex, PO Box 2683, Titusville, FL 32781. We'll need your written permission to be on the mailing list as it's subject to release under the Freedom of Information Act.

Email us your questions, comments, or a request to be added to the mailing list at LakeWalesRidgeCCP@fws.gov

Fax us at 321.861.1276

Call us at - 321.861.0067 or 561.715.0023

Visit us at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Center, exit 80 on I-95, 5 miles east of Titusville on SR 402

We look forward to hearing from you!

If you would like to keep informed about this planning process, please fill out and return the mailing list request form. We look forward to hearing from you!