The Carr Companion The newsletter of the Friends of the Carr Refuge Summer 2002

The Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge authorized by an act of Congress in 1989, is a twenty and one half mile stretch of beach, on the Southeast coast of Florida. This refuge hosts the largest concentration of nesting loggerhead and green sea turtles in the United States. It is the second most important nesting site in the world for loggerhead turtles. The Refuge protects animal species by preserving the coastal habitat on which they depend; and is also a place for public recreation and education. The Refuge, named for the late Dr. Archie Carr, honors his lifetime commitment to conservation and research.

Refuge Reports: Turtle Nesting

As of July 25, 2002, a total of 13,105 loggerhead nests had been recorded in the Refuge. This represents a drop off from the numbers of the last few years. This was a disappointment in that, prior to the start of this years nesting season, a high if not record year was thought possible. It does however, reflect that the number of nests cannot be predicted in advance. One possible explanation for the reduced numbers is the amount of rain experienced early in the nesting season, with the Sebastian Inlet SRA measuring 23.4 inches of rain in June. A total of 1,868 Green nests had been recorded as of July 25 which indicates that 2002 will be a very good year for green nests. Green turtles begin nesting about a month behind loggerheads and continue a month later in the season. A total of 19 leatherback nests were recorded as of July 25 which was also a drop from last year. Since leatherback turtles begin nesting about a month earlier than loggerhead turtles, they should have just about finished nesting.

Draft of Refuge Land Maps Completed

The Hubbs - Sea World Research Institute, working with the Dynamac Corporation, has recently completed the first draft of Refuge maps, which indicate all the parcels of land in the Refuge and the respective owners. The ACNWR is unique in that it consists of a partnership of landholders including; the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Florida, Brevard County, Indian River County, and the Mellon Foundation. Included in this mix, is a large number of privately held parcels, making accurate maps essential.

Barrier Island Ecosystem Center

The Brevard County EEL’s Program has released additional information concerning the conceptual plan for the Barrier Island Ecosystem Center which will be located in the Refuge. The building will contain 7,000 square feet of space and will include; a classroom/meeting room for 40 to 50 people, a gift shop, 2 or 3 offices, a display area, storage, an outdoor wet lab, a 2 mile interpretive loop of salt marsh restoration, an observation deck, an interactive kiosk station, and a public resource area with access to library materials. The FOCR looks forward to the utilization of the center along with other partners, in 2003.

Backyard Concerns: Aquarina’s Expansion Plans

The new developer of the Aquarina Subdivision has announced preliminary plans to build a number of high rise condominium buildings along the west side of Highway A1A and along the Indian River Lagoon. The developer’s plans include three 11 story buildings to the south of the entrance, three 8 story buildings to the north of the entrance, and three 8 story buildings along the Indian River Lagoon. Four of the buildings along Highway A1A would require the approval of the Brevard County Commissioners, but permission has already been granted for the other buildings through a PUD (Planned Unit Development) approved in the early 1980’s. Several local homeowners’ organizations have expressed a willingness to challenge the portion of the plan that would require Commissioner approval. The FOCR is concerned about the amount of light generated by the high rise buildings along A1A. They would not only add a considerable amount of sky glow in an area where there now is none, but their high elevation would allow any lights to shine over the dune onto the beach. The immediate beach area has some of the highest nesting density in the Refuge. The FOCR is also concerned about the additional impacts on the Indian River Lagoon due to the proposed high rise buildings to be located there. The lagoon is habitat for a large population of juvenile green turtles located to the south of the proposed buildings.

Who to call for information:
Friends of the Carr Refuge 1-321-676-1701
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge: 1-772-562-3909 ext. 258

BACK to Carr Companion INDEX
BACK to The Friends of Carr Refuge HomePage