Recreation guide to District lands
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Pine Island Conservation Area
Size:
850 acres. Most of the property is jointly owned with Brevard County.
Location:
In Brevard County, on the eastern shore of the Indian River Lagoon on north Merritt Island.
Description:
The conservation area protects a variety of upland and wetland natural communities, including mesic pine flatwoods, cabbage palm hammocks and hardwood hammocks. Mangrove forests and high marshes fringe the Indian River Lagoon and the interior, interspersed with numerous open water ponds and creeks.
Wildlife viewing:
The listed West Indian manatee is frequently seen resting in the sheltered waters of Sam’s Creek. The upland, wetland and shoreline habitats draw a variety of wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and migratory songbirds. Other wildlife observed here include bottlenose dolphin, otter, alligator, gopher tortoise and bobcat.
Recreational activities:
- Wildlife viewing, hiking and biking on established trails.
- Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available in Sam’s Creek, in the interior marsh ponds and in the large interior North Borrow Lake. more info
- Catch-and-release fishing is allowed in the interior waters.
- Recreational activities are restricted to south of Pine Island Road during the limited waterfowl hunt dates, established annually.
Restrictions: more info
- Off-road vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain or track vehicles) are not allowed.
Access:
Take I-95 to the State Road (SR) 528 East exit to Merritt Island. Proceed east on SR 528 approximately seven miles to the SR 3 exit. Turn left on SR 3 (north) over the barge canal and go approximately five miles to Pine Island Road. Turn left on Pine Island Road and proceed 2.5 miles to the main entrance gate located at the western end of Pine Island Road.
For more information:
The lead manager is the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program. Call EEL at (321) 255-4466. For additional information, call the District’s Bureau of Operations at (386) 329-4404.
