District expands conservation lands in Brevard County – SJRWMD

District expands conservation lands in Brevard County

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Aerial view of a coastal wetland in a water management district, showing dense gray-brown vegetation, small open-water ponds, and patches of bright green marsh plants indicating varying habitat and water conditions.

An aerial view of the diverse wetlands and natural habitats within Pine Island Conservation Area along the Indian River Lagoon.

Aerial view of a coastal wetland in a water management district, showing dense gray-brown vegetation, small open-water ponds, and patches of bright green marsh plants indicating varying habitat and water conditions.
An aerial view of the diverse wetlands and natural habitats within Pine Island Conservation Area along the Indian River Lagoon.
Several acres in Brevard County will be preserved as conservation land following the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board’s approval of a land acquisition within Pine Island Conservation Area.

The 3.85-acre inholding within the Pine Island Conservation Area on North Merritt Island will strengthen existing conservation lands, protect wetland habitats and support long-term land management.

The  property is one of  three privately owned inholdings within the conservation area and is included on the District’s  2025–26 List of Critical Wetlands. Pine Island spans 925 acres along the eastern shore of the Indian River Lagoon and protects a diverse mix of habitats, including mangrove forests, high marsh savannas, cabbage palm hammocks, wet hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods.

Managed by Brevard County’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program, the Pine Island Conservation Area offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing.

The acquisition is expected to close on or before Sept. 30, 2026.

To learn more about the District’s land acquisition program, please visit www.sjrwmd.com/lands/acquisition.

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