Thanks to the support of our membership, the Indian River Land Trust recently acquired two critical pieces of land to establish a new trail project along the Indian River Lagoon in Winter Beach. In its first land acquisition project since McKee Botanical Garden, IRLT purchased a 1.6 acre parcel of native oaks for the gateway to a one mile trail loop through a variety of native landscapes. A small parking area and trailhead will lead trail users onto existing public, but previously inaccessible, land to a second 6.7 acre parcel IRLT purchased in December. This parcel contains a ¼ mile boardwalk through a native mangrove swamp, and a dock extending into the Indian River Lagoon that will allow walkers, bird watchers, and others a quiet scenic stroll in a natural setting.

Early in 2009 the Indian River Land Trust Board of Directors determined that protection of the Indian River Lagoon was of the utmost importance, especially in light of the declining real estate market and resulting slowdown of development projects near the Lagoon. Given this direction, IRLT staff utilized a strategic approach for identifying Lagoon parcels at risk. A computer mapping process, funded by the Elizabeth Ordway Dunn Foundation and Dorothea and Brad Endicott, allowed staff to prioritize undeveloped parcels larger than two acres using a wildlife habitat ranking system developed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2008.

One set of parcels stood out to the IRLT Land Committee, over 40 acres of public and private “conservation” lands with a well maintained trail and boardwalk hidden from the public. A landowner had already approached IRLT staff about purchasing one parcel, so with approval of the Board of Directors, staff conducted preliminary research and ordered appraisals to establish valuation on both privately owned parcels. After considerable negotiations and legal work, the purchases followed several months later.

The funding for this project would not have been possible without the donations IRLT members made to our Land Protection Fund. And the involvement of various private and public entities greatly increased the benefit of the purchases. Indian River Land Trust staff is working closely with the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Inland Navigation District, owners of the adjoining parcels – and the Indian River Mosquito Control District has agreed to assist IRLT in maintaining the trails and boardwalk. Pickering Surveyors and Knight, McGuire & Associates provided pro bono surveying and engineering assistance.

On March 20, 2010 Indian River Land Trust members and guests got a sneak peak of the property at the Land Trust’s Annual Membership Event. At the event, Board Chair Stephanie Smith, announced that the property will be known as the Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail in honor of Director Emerita Toni Robinson for her longtime support and commitment to the Indian River Land Trust. The property is expected to be open to the public in fall 2010.