Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Shoreline Stabilization Project
In northern Palm Beach County on Florida’s urbanized Treasure Coast lies the 120-acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA). The ONA was designated by Congress in 2008 for the preservation, protection and enhancement of seven key resources and values found on the site; these include the remarkable biodiversity and rich history of the site. The site is the only unit of the National Conservation Lands east of the Mississippi River, and the only unit managed by the BLM’s Eastern States.
Today the Bureau of Land Management broke ground on a critical infrastructure project to protect and enhance the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and unique, significant resources of surrounding public lands. The community, local elected officials, and special guests joined BLM officials in celebrating the $16 million effort to stabilize the shoreline and incorporate resilient recreation features at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.
With an investment of $8.3 million from the Great American Outdoors Act, the project will add engineered and living shoreline components to reduce erosion and sediments entering the Intracoastal Waterway.
Project Description
Covering about 5 acres, the project includes construction of a retaining wall, installation of in-water wave breaks, pilings, artificial reef structures, and an addition of shoreline access points. The planting of upland and tidal vegetation, including mangroves, will enhance and protect the area’s terrestrial and marine habitats.
What's New
The BLM sought funding through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) to support the development of shoreline stabilization plan to address erosional issues and associated damage to infrastructure.
Benefits
To protect the values of the congressionally designated ONA through the development and implementation of a project that reduces or eliminates accelerated shoreline erosion that contributes to the loss of plant and wildlife habitat, lands used for public access and recreation, and scenic values, while protecting public safety.
- The Problem
The Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) is losing approximately 7 feet of shoreline each year due to severe erosion, threatening the historic lighthouse structure and surrounding natural habitats.
Ongoing erosion poses significant threats to:
- The historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
- Critical natural habitats within the 120-acre ONA
- Safe navigation on the Intracoastal Waterway
- Public safety along the shoreline
Without intervention, continued erosion will result in potential structural damage to the lighthouse, loss of protected natural areas, and disruption to maritime activities in this historically and ecologically significant area.
- The Solution
Project Scope:
- Stabilize approximately 5 acres or 1 mile of eroding shoreline
- Timeline: January 6, 2025 to August 2026
- Total Budget: $16 million
Funding Sources:
- Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA): $8.3 million
- Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND): $7 million
- Additional sources: $0.7 million
Implementation Methods:
- Engineered structures: Rip-rap wave breaks, retaining walls, terraced seawalls
- Living shoreline techniques: Native vegetation planting, mangrove restoration
- Creation of salt marsh habitat and artificial reef structures
- ADA-compliant recreational amenities
- Environmental Benefits
Habitat Creation and Enhancement:
- Planting of 10,000 new mangroves
- Creation of 2-acre salt marsh habitat
- Installation of artificial reef structures
- Protection of habitats for sensitive and endangered species
Erosion Control and Water Quality:
- Significant reduction in shoreline erosion rate
- Decrease in sediment flow into the Intracoastal Waterway
- Improved water quality in the Loxahatchee River
- Protection of the 120-acre Outstanding Natural Area (ONA)
- Economic Benefits
Tourism and Heritage Protection:
- Safeguarding the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, a major tourist attraction
- Preservation of a historic site that generates approximately $14.7 million annually for Palm Beach County
- Protection of a site that draws over 150,000 visitors per year
Economic Development and Navigation:
- Protection of the Intracoastal Waterway's navigability for commercial and recreational vessels
- Job creation through Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) funding
- Reduced long-term maintenance costs for waterway dredging
- Support for local maritime businesses and recreation industries
- Recreational Enhancements
New Public Access Features:
- New approximately 700-foot public boardwalk along the Loxahatchee River
- Construction of approximately 800-foot terraced wall with 9 stairways for improved shoreline access
- Enhanced snorkeling and marine education areas
- New dock facility for ferries and water taxis
Accessibility Improvements:
- ADA-compliant dock and access improvements
- Improved access points to the Loxahatchee River & Indian River Lagoon
- Dedicated boat access spots with access to the ONAs trail system
- Safer recreational areas for visitors of all abilities
- Enhanced educational opportunities about coastal ecosystems
Note: Boat beaching spots will be reduced during construction.
- Construction Information
Project Timeline:
- Start date: January 6, 2025
- Completion: August 2026
- Phased approach to minimize disruption to visitors and wildlife
Visitor Impact During Construction:
- Wildlife protection measures in place, including gopher tortoise relocation
- Temporary trail rerouting of approximately 500-foot segment
- Intermittent closures of certain areas
- Limited boat anchorage accessibility during construction phases
- Informational signage and updates available on-site
Regional Updates
BLM, partners break ground on improvements at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
