Conservation Lands Program
Wabasso Scrub Conservation Area Prescribed Burn
Indian River County is working with the Florida Forest Service to conduct a prescribed fire at Wabasso Scrub Conservation Area, north of County Road 510 near West Wabasso Park. The prescribed fire may be conducted sometime between March 2-March 15. The area has been prepared by mechanical mowing, which reduces the vegetation to reduce flame height and to create a safe working area during the prescribed burn. The fire is expected to be conducted in one day, however, depending on weather, it may involve more than one day. Full Press ReleaseCounty-wide Wildfire Mitigation Program
Indian River County is working with the Florida Forest Service and a private contractor to create firelines and reduce wildfire threat throughout multiple conservation areas in Indian River County. Work activities will include pruning, chipping and mowing within the designated work areas and in general, removal or mulching of vegetative material. The project is expected to perform vegetation management activities on 527 acres, with an expected project area size of approximately 1,388 acres. Work completed through the County-wide Wildfire Mitigation Program is one of two statewide grants issued by the State of Florida through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, funded by FEMA. Residents living near conservation areas where work will be completed should expect to see heavy equipment on the sites and are asked to avoid these areas while crews are working. Read the full PSA for more information.Statement of Function
The primary purpose and objective of the Indian River County Conservation Lands Program is to protect, restore and sustain endangered ecosystems and associated rare and endangered species in Indian River County. Secondary objectives of the program include passive public recreation, preservation of open space, groundwater quality protection, flood protection, protection of historic and cultural resources, and general preservation of "quality of life." The Conservation Lands Program is managed by the Conservation Lands Manager through the Parks Division and supervised by the Parks Superintendent. The Conservation Lands Manager and Parks Superintendent also work closely with the Community Development Department.
Volunteer for the Scrub-Jay Monitoring Program
Indian River County Conservation Lands Program is seeking volunteers to assist with the monitoring of Florida scrub-jays on conservation lands and surrounding areas. Florida scrub-jays are a federally protected species under the Endangered Species Act and are managed on conservation lands in accordance with an Incidental Take Permit and a Habitat Conservation Plan. Volunteers will assist the county in monitoring assigned areas and families of scrub-jays. These tasks require training and performance under a federal permit. Volunteers must be able to work year-round and especially in the months of June-August. Ability to work in outdoor elements, during high temperatures and without shade is necessary. Volunteer activities are generally conducted alone and for 2-3 hours per week in the early morning hours. Proper clothing and attire are also required. For the 2020 year, a mandatory volunteer training will be held on Febuary 13th from 1pm-3:30pm and Febuary 14th from 10am-3:30 pm. An application is required to be accepted into the training program. For more information, email Beth Powell, Conservation Lands Manager, at bpowell@ircgov.com or call 772-589-9223.
