GREENWAYS & NATURAL LANDS

Lake Jesup Wilderness Area Management Plan

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The Lake Jesup Wilderness Area is an approximately 490 acre site located on the north shore of Lake Jesup west of Highway 417. The property was purchased through a joint effort with the St. Johns River Water Management District, towards the goal of preserving significan habitat to aid in the restoration of Lake Jesup. Please remember that all plants and animals are protected, and to increase your chances of seeing them please be quiet, keep all pets on a leash, and pack out any trash/waste you bring in.

Raccoon Print

Resource Management: As with all Seminole County natural lands, the primary management objective is to preserve and/or restore the natural, ecological functions of the land while providing a passive resource-based recreational experience for the citizens. To accomplish our objectives several methodologies will be employed.

Prescribed Fire: Many of the communities on this site will require prescribed burns to restore and maintain their diversity. These burns also reduce fuel loads and the chance of damaging wildfires.

Restoration: Restoration of this site will include control of exotic species such as air yam and tropical soda apple, pasture restoration through replantings and filling of ditches and subgrade trails to restore hydrology.

Preservation: Of particular interest on this property is the large tract of xeric, scrub habitats, and isolated ephemeral ponds, both important ecological habitats. These sensitive areas will be monitored closely and impacts kept to a minimum.

Monitoring: By the continuous collection of data over a period of time we are able to assess land management practices and make adjustments where necessary; determining if resource goals are being attained.