ST. LUCIE INLET MANAGEMENT AREA

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

General Comments:

The SLIMA contains four impoundments that are all unmanaged. In the southern part of the area, the Indian River is very narrow and boat wakes have breached the impoundment dikes at several locations. The area is near the St. Lucie Inlet and there appears to be adequate flushing. There are three impoundments in the Hobe Sound Refuge that are also breached.

Impoundment A-3S - The dike in this impoundment is not completely breached, but has several low areas that overwash frequently. Mosquito breeding is only a problem at the southeast corner during periods of very low tides. Adding several breaches to the dike may improve circulation and reduce the mosquito problem, but limited rotary ditching to increase flushing of the southeast end may be necessary.

Impoundment E-3 - The dike in this impoundment is almost totally destroyed. The remaining portions of the dike could be removed, but this does not appear to be necessary at this time as the area is narrow and flushes well.

Impoundment E-5 - This is a small impoundment with several breaches in the dike. A tidal creek flows through one of the breaches and the whole area flushes well and does not constitute a mosquito problem. No changes are recommended.

Impoundment G-2 - Erosion has breached the dikes of this impoundment and flushing is adequate. No additional breaches or dike removal appear to be necessary at this time.

Impoundments F-1 TO F-3 - These impoundments (not on map) are part of the Hobe Sound Refuge. The dikes are breached and open. No changes are recommended unless required by the Refuge's management strategies.

Area Map