The Ft. Pierce Inlet (FPI) Management Area (FPIMA) includes several large mosquito impoundments which are presently under management (St. Lucie County Impoundment numbers 19A, 16A, 17A, 18A, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) and several smaller impoundments which are not presently managed. Dominant terrestrial vegetation types are mangroves interlaced with areas of saltwort and mudflats. A majority of the mangroves were killed or severely damaged in the freeze of December 1989 but juvenile plants are rapidly recolonizing these areas. A very diverse tropical hammock exists on Impoundment 19B, adjacent to the FPIMA. Exotic plants (Schinus terebinthifolius and Casuarina sp.) have colonized many of the dikes and some of the upland areas in this management area. Most impoundments have multiple culverts which aid in tidal exchange between the impoundments and the surrounding Indian River during unmanaged periods. This management area also contains several large mangrove islands (some up to several acres in size) which have never been modified for mosquito control and remain in a pristine state.

The Ft. Pierce Management area is transected by the Ft. Pierce Inlet. Because of the presence of the inlet, lagoonal salinities and temperatures tend to remain more constant than in areas more distant from the inlet. The less saltatory salinity and temperature regimes of the area coupled with the high species diversity of the inlet tend to give this management area a relatively high diversity of estuarine fauna. Dense seagrass beds in the Indian River, and tidal creeks and canals in the mosquito impoundments support a wide variety of marine life including tarpon, redfish and manatees. Many species of birds, reptiles and mammals occur throughout the area. The beaches on the ocean side of this management area serve as nesting sites for sea turtles.

The Ft. Pierce Management Area contains considerable urban development adjacent to the Ft. Pierce Inlet and for some distance north and south. Two causeways connect Hutchinson Island with the mainland. Jack Island State Preserve, Pepper Park, The Inlet State Park and John Brooks Park contain publicly owned land in this management area. Presently, St. Lucie County is negotiating for the purchase of an additional 330 acres of wetland adjacent to the John Brooks Park. If the county is successful in acquiring this parcel, about three miles of lagoonal shoreline will be under public ownership south of the inlet. This, in conjunction with the approximately 4 miles of shoreline under public ownership north of the inlet should form a relatively large block of protected wetlands.

Area Map