Indian River County, in collaboration with the Florida Forest Service, Okeechobee District, is undertaking habitat management near Pelican Island Elementary School, at 1355 Schumann Drive, Sebastian.
This initiative, running from November 27 to December 4, 2023, involves mechanical treatment on about 2 acres beside Barber Street. The objective is to lessen wildfire risks and improve the habitat for the “Threatened” Florida scrub jay, by shredding woody vegetation using heavy machinery.
This effort is part of a 20-year commitment to managing scrub habitat for the Florida scrub-jay’s protection, aligning with the Sebastian Area Wide Habitat Conservation Plan led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These efforts have notably boosted the local Florida scrub-jay population, with Indian River County lands contributing juveniles to the St. Sebastian River State Park’s population.
Residents are advised not to disturb the operators during this period. For any inquiries, please reach out to Wendy Swindell or Dave Grubich. Contact details are provided below.
- Wendy Swindell, Conservation Lands Manager
- Indian River County
- 1590 9th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962
- 772-226-1781
- wswindell@indianriver.gov
- www.facebook.com/ircConservation
- Dave Grubich, Wildfire Mitigation Specialist
- Florida Forest Service
- Okeechobee District
- 772-260-0053
- david.grubich@fdacs.gov
- https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service
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