A guide for planners and managers - IUCN

254 MARINE AND COASTAL
PROTECTED AREAS
plates were welded to each post to hold signs securely. This system eliminated signpost
theft, and virtually eliminated vandalism to signs (Figure III-2). Posting, augmented
by occasional presence of enforcement officers reduced illegal camping during the
May-August sea turtle nesting season from a peak of ten violations in 1989 to only
one in 1996.
In early 1994, a 60-passenger
commercial catamaran brought tourists
to the Key without a required permit.
Subsequently, a permit application was
submitted, but was denied by the refuge
manager following a compatibility
assessment. Reasons included the large
number of visitors involved, concerns
over dune erosion, and loss of wilderness
character. Several years of litigation
followed, culminating in a 1998 court
verdict that supported the refuge
manager’s decision.
In 1995, a camping site (10 X 40m), where several green turtles nests have been
found, as posted “closed to all public entry.” Reasons included severe erosion problems
at an unstable 1.5 m scarp, and recurring instances of vandals shattering glass bottles.
The latter likely caused lacerations to nesting green turtles; tracks through shards of
broken glass were observed on three occasions.
In the summer of 1997, restoration of the clearing, including removal of about
45 kg of broken glass, planting of native species, erection of a wooden dune fence,
and posting of “Area Closed for Habitat Restoration” signs was completed. One year
later the plants were thriving, and no vandalism had yet occurred.
Erosion has continued, challenging managers to counter natural erosion while
continuing to reduce anthropogenic impacts. Measures include: 1) increasing visitor
awareness of the value and fragility of dunes; 2) enforcement of trespass regulations
and rigorous prosecution of vandals; 3) immediate restoration of damaged areas;
4) limiting numbers of the visitors; and/or 5) closing the area to public use.
Source: Tom Wilmers, Wildlife Officer, U.S Fish and Wildlife service, Big Pine Key,
Florida, USA.
References
FIGURE III-2.
Construction of vandal-proof signs at Boca Grande.
Kruer, C.R. 1994. An assessment of Florida’s remaining coastal upland natural communities: Florida
Key. FL natural areas inventory, Tallahassee, FL 244p.
Wilmers, T.J 1994. Survey of nesting sea turtles in Key West national Wildlife Refuge: productivity and
management recommendations. Unpubl. Rep. National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key, Fl. 24 p.
Editor’s Note: This case shows what can be accomplished when one dedicated person takes up the
conservation cause.