This will enhance wildlife habitat, allow for greater species diversity, and control species such as cattails and willows which have invaded the impoundments. This project is part of the overall effort to protect and better manage the 156 mile Indian River Lagoon. Each year, thousands of acres of upland and marsh habitat are prescribed burned to rejuvenate the vegetation, add nutrients to the soil, and control woody vegetation such as willows that invade impoundments. Fire is a very useful tool in managing scrub oak habitat where species such as Florida scrub jays, eastern indigo snakes, and gopher tortoises occur. Without fire, this type of habitat becomes too overgrown to successfully support scrub jays.
Wildfires often result from passing thunderstorms, especially during summer months.
These fires are controlled as soon as possible in critical areas, and are frequently allowed to burn in areas where prescribed fires were scheduled to be conducted. Surveys are conducted for many species of wildlife including sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and alligators. Data collected on these species is used to determine use and population trends for management purposes. Progress Report St. Johns NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plans are being produced for these refuges. Public input is invited.