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complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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Unit Name: Amelia Island State Park<br />

Acres: 230.48 Managing<br />

Agency:<br />

Description:<br />

DRP<br />

Current Management Plan<br />

Approved:<br />

Beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests provide a glimpse <strong>of</strong> the original<br />

<strong>Florida</strong> at Amelia Island State Park. This park is one <strong>of</strong> the few locations on the east coast that<br />

<strong>of</strong>fers horseback riding on the beach. Fishing is one <strong>of</strong> the top activities and anglers find the<br />

secluded beach a perfect place for surf fishing. Visitors can stroll along the beach, swim in the surf,<br />

look for shells or watch the wildlife. The park’s beach is prime shorebird nesting and resting<br />

habitat, providing outstanding birding opportunities. The Amelia Island State Park also provides<br />

parking for the George Crady Fishing Pier State Park.<br />

Accomplishments:<br />

Resource Management<br />

• Seasonal closures <strong>of</strong> areas on the beach have resulted in the establishment <strong>of</strong> nesting colonies<br />

<strong>of</strong> imperiled shorebird species.<br />

• Established and actively participated in the Timucuan Shorebird Working Group.<br />

• Planted approximately 150,000 sea oats.<br />

• Created a database for shorebird surveys and entered 13 years <strong>of</strong> data.<br />

• Initiated the use <strong>of</strong> bird decoys to attract nesting individuals/colonies.<br />

• Created a new driving zone to improve protection <strong>of</strong> a dune restoration area<br />

Visitor Services<br />

• Expanded the Kelly Seahorse Ranch to include a 150 square foot gift shop.<br />

• Increased attendance in the park by 14.3 percent.<br />

• Implemented park-wide improvements in accessibility to facilities and park resources and<br />

increased staff awareness <strong>of</strong> ADA barriers.<br />

146<br />

2008

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