The public is being encouraged to participate in the next stage of the planning process concerning the future of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. The Draft Management Plan is now available for public review through the end of September. The draft plan provides background on the area, outlines resource goals and objectives, and provides a series of alternatives to meet those goals and objectives. The alternatives were developed as a result of public scoping meetings held last fall and through numerous Jupiter Inlet Working Group meetings. The Jupiter Inlet Working Group is comprised of representatives of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM),U.S. Coast Guard, Palm Beach County, Village of Tequesta, Town of Jupiter, Loxahatchee River Historical Society and the Jupiter High School, Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy. 

The wide range of alternatives being proposed reflect careful consideration of the intent of the legislation that designated the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (Public Law 110-229), the experience of the partners, and the present and future needs of the community. It strives to strike a balance between use and conservation, as well as between public access and preservation of imperiled resources. Most importantly, the management plan describes roughly three dozen proposed management actions and alternatives that address a myriad of issues ranging from public access and passive recreation to shoreline stabilization and habitat restoration.

There will be two public meeting held during this public comment period. Written comment cards will be available at these public meetings.  If you are unable to attend a public meeting, comments can also be submitted to the BLM Jackson Field Office at the address below, or via the web at www.blm.gov/es. All comments should be received by the BLM by September 30, 2009 to ensure that they are given full consideration in the preparation of the final plan. 

Two local public meetings are scheduled.