Today, the Bureau of Land Management Southeastern States District released its approved Resource Management Plan amendment that will guide long-term management for the 120-acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in Palm Beach County, Florida.
The amendment to the 1995 Florida Resource Management Plan identifies long-term management goals for the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area and establishes an updated framework for managing the area’s existing and future uses, most notably for recreation and visitor services. It also determined that its Area of Critical Environmental Concern designation is no longer needed since the biological and cultural resources, as well as the recreational values, are protected with the congressional designation of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.
BLM, in coordination with local partners, takes a balanced approach to manage the unique and nationally important values of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. BLM’s management plans for the area include enhancing recreational opportunities, addressing potential conflicts between recreation use and resource protection, and ensuring public health and safety for visitors experiencing all the area has to offer.
The amendment is the culmination of more than a year of evaluation and public engagement. BLM conducted a science-based environmental assessment to evaluate the area’s future management direction for land use and recreation opportunities. The analysis and decision were informed by comments gathered from a 60-day public comment period and two virtual public meetings.
As the only unit of the National Conservation Lands east of the Mississippi River, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually to recreate and experience its rich history and biodiversity. When Congress designated Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in 2008, the area was valued for its historic, cultural and natural resources, which guide the BLM’s protection, preservation and enhancement of the site.
Additional information on the Resource Management Plan amendment and related environmental analysis is available online at the BLM’s ePlanning site.
Source: Bureau of Land Management