Q1 2026 IRL Newsletter

Project Updates

Wetland Restoration Brings New Life to Jones Pier Conservation Area

Photo Credit: IRLNEP

The Jones Pier Conservation Area in Indian River County was restored to improve water quality, protect wildlife, and reconnect the public with a unique piece of “Old Florida” history. The 16.5-acre site, located along historic Jungle Trail and bordering the Indian River Lagoon, was once part of a late 19th-century homestead. After the County acquired the property in 2008, plans were put in place to restore its ecological value while maintaining public access and educational opportunities.

With support from the IRLNEP, Indian River County completed a wetland restoration project that restored and created approximately 2.8 acres of open water, estuarine wetlands, and high marsh uplands. The project removed invasive plants that had dominated the site and replaced them with native vegetation, including mangroves and herbaceous marsh plants. These restored wetlands improved water flow through the property and helped filter stormwater runoff before it entered the Indian River Lagoon.

A key feature of the project was re-routing existing drainage ditches and using lagoon water as a base flow through the restored wetlands. A gate structure and solar-powered pump were installed to help mimic natural tidal conditions and keep water moving through the site. Together, these improvements increased nutrient removal, with the site estimated to remove 269 pounds of nitrogen and 124 pounds of phosphorus each year, helping protect lagoon water quality.

Beyond water quality benefits, the restored wetlands provided important habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Jones Pier Conservation Area continues to serve as a refuge for species such as osprey, wading birds, songbirds, and reptiles, while also offering new opportunities for public access, walking trails, and environmental education focused on conservation and sustainability.

IRLNEP contributed $61,000 toward the project, with funding from the Indian River Lagoon Specialty License Plate program and the IRL Council. Partner contributions brought the total project investment to more than $220,000. This completed restoration showcases how wetland restoration projects support lagoon health, preserve local history, and create meaningful places for the community to learn, explore, and enjoy the Indian River Lagoon.

Management Conference Quarterly Meetings

The IRLNEP Management Conference conducted its most recent series of quarterly meetings in November. The Finance Subcommittee, Management Board and STEM Advisory Committee each met on Tuesday, November 4, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the IRLNEP Offices in Sebastian. The Citizens’ Advisory Committee met on Thursday, November 6, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the IRLNEP Offices in Sebastian. The IRL Council Board of Directors met on Friday, November 7, at Sebastian City Hall beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Finance Subcommittee

The Finance Subcommittee reviewed the quarterly financial reports. It also recommended to the IRL Management Board that the IRL Council Board of Directors accept the 2025 Final Budget Amendment.

For details of all business conducted at the Finance Subcommittee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

 Management Board and the STEM Advisory Committees 

The Management Board and Stem Advisory Committee made recommendations to the IRL Council Board of Directors to accept Management Conference recommendation to approve the meeting calendar for 2026 and the final budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2025. Both committees heard presentations on, 1) the NOAA Habitat Restoration Projects, Year 1 Progress by Kevin Walker of the IRLNEP; 2) the 2025 IRL Economic Valuation Update by Valerie Seidel and Courtney Cortez from the Balmoral Group; and 3) Looking Back Ten Years, by Dr. Duane De Freese, which reviewed progress being made by the IRLNEP over the past ten years. The Management Board heard an additional presentation by Dr. James Sullivan on an Introduction to the Florida Office of the Ocean Economy at Florida Atlantic University.

For details of all business conducted at the Management Board meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

For details of all business conducted at the STEM Advisory Committee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

Citizen’s Advisory Committee

The Management Board and Stem Advisory Committee made recommendations to the IRL Council Board of Directors to accept Management Conference recommendation to approve the meeting calendar for 2026 and the final budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2025. They also heard a presentation from students at St. Edwards School regarding their Small Grants project that was recently completed. The students reviewed the scope of the project and its outcomes and shared several stories about the learning experience. The CAC also heard 3 additional presentations on, 1) the NOAA Habitat Restoration Projects, Year 1 Progress by Kevin Walker of the IRLNEP; 2) the 2025 IRL Economic Valuation Update by Valerie Seidel and Courtney Cortez from the Balmoral Group; and 3) Looking Back Ten Years, by Dr. Duane De Freese, which reviewed progress being made by the IRLNEP over the past ten years.

For details of all business conducted at the Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

IRL Council Board of Directors

The week of quarterly meetings concluded with the IRL Council Board of Directors meeting, which incorporated all the recommendations from the Management Conference. The Board of Directors:

As part of the Consent Agenda, the Board:

• Approved the minutes from their previous meeting
• Approved a FY 2025 Final Budget Amendment
• Approved the 2026 Meting Calendar
• Approved a contract Amendment for Contract IRL2024-10 with Coastal Connections, Inc.
• Reviewed and approved the annual performance evaluation for the Executive Director.

For details of all business conducted at the IRL Council Board of Directors meeting, view the Meeting Packet.

NEWS FROM THE FRONT…

Local Government Happenings

After 10 years of partnership and investment with the IRL Council, there’s nothing new about our county and municipal partners’ commitment to preserving and protecting our IRL. Here are some highlights for projects moving forward to bring the lagoon back to health:

Volusia County’s Carter Quail Ranch Acquisition Moves Toward Future Management Planning

There’s good news for conservation and outdoor recreation in Volusia County. At their December 2, 2025 County Council meeting, Volusia County took an important step toward managing the 1,339-acre Carter Quail Ranch, a conservation property acquired through the Florida Forever program. Located directly adjacent to Deep Creek Preserve, this acquisition strengthens the County’s growing network of protected lands.

The execution of the land lease formally begins the management plan process, as required under Section 253.034, Florida Statutes, and Rule 18-2.021(4), Florida Administrative Code. Because the property exceeds 160 acres, the County must complete a management plan using the Division of State Lands’ compliance checklist. A local management plan advisory group will be established, and staff will host public meetings to gather and summarize input from residents, environmental partners, and other stakeholders.

Once a draft management plan is prepared, an additional public hearing will be held to present the plan and invite feedback. Following public input, the draft will be submitted to the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) for final review and approval. The County has one year from lease execution to complete and secure approval of the management plan.

Upon completion, the property is expected to be incorporated into Deep Creek Preserve. This addition would expand the preserve to approximately 9,865 acres, opening the door for future recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, equestrian activities, camping, kayaking, hunting, and fishing — all while ensuring long-term conservation and responsible public access. Visit Volusia Forever for more information.

Brevard County Boosts Financial Support for Septic System Upgrades

Photo Credit: Brevard County SOIRL

Brevard County is expanding financial assistance for homeowners and businesses working to reduce nitrogen pollution flowing into the Indian River Lagoon. Under the county’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) program, properties within the lagoon watershed can receive funding toward septic system improvements or connections to centralized sewer as part of a broader effort to meet a state mandate requiring upgraded wastewater systems by 2030.

In December, the Board of County Commissioners approved a minimum grant amount of $6,000 for eligible applicants — a change intended to make award amounts more predictable and meaningful for property owners pursuing advanced nitrogen-reducing septic systems. Previously, grants were based solely on a property’s estimated nitrogen load, sometimes resulting in awards far below the actual cost of upgrades.

Funding for the SOIRL voluntary grant programs comes from a half-cent sales tax approved by voters and is supplemented by state and federal grants. Through these programs, eligible homeowners may receive up to $20,000 to upgrade conventional septic tanks to advanced treatment units that remove at least 65% of nitrogen — a key pollutant driving algal blooms and habitat loss in the Lagoon.

In addition to septic upgrades, SOIRL offers other grant opportunities, including septic-to-sewer connections and private sewer lateral repairs for properties where sewer infrastructure is available. Applications and details about eligibility criteria are available through Brevard County’s Save Our Indian River Lagoon grant portal.

These enhanced funding measures reflect a long-standing county commitment to improving water quality and meeting regulatory deadlines while helping residents shoulder the costs of critical infrastructure changes. Property owners interested in financial assistance are encouraged to review program guidelines and apply through the official SOIRL homeowner grants site.

City of Vero Beach Septic-to-Sewer Program Earns Top Marks from City Council

Photo Credit: Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County

The City of Vero Beach recently released its FY 2024–2025 Report Card on progress across 13 priority initiatives — and the Septic-to-Sewer (STEP) program stood out as one of only two to earn an A+ grade. This recognition reflects measurable progress toward improving water quality, protecting the Indian River Lagoon, and supporting residents through smart infrastructure investment.

This success has been driven by a strong public-private partnership that makes sewer connections affordable for working families. Led by the City of Vero Beach and supported by the Clean Water Coalition, Indian River Land Trust, Indian River Community Foundation, One Lagoon/IRLNEP, and the Economic Opportunities Council, the program has already approved 64 homeowners for grants, with funding secured for approximately 150 total septic-to-sewer conversions. The City’s STEP sewer system provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional hookups, significantly reducing upfront costs for eligible households.

Mayor John Cotugno highlighted the benefits, stating, “… Each new connection reduces pollution and helps ensure a cleaner, healthier Lagoon for our residents.” Homeowners within the City’s water and sewer service area can still apply for assistance, with funding available on a first-come, first-served basis, by contacting the Economic Opportunities Council at (772) 226-3900.

Programs like STEP demonstrate the important role local government plays in helping residents prepare for environmental challenges while keeping solutions affordable and accessible. Kudos to planning ahead, leveraging partnerships, and tracking progress through tools like the City’s annual Report Card.

Neighborhood Drainage Improved by St. Lucie County’s Swale Maintenance

Photo Credit: St. Lucie County

St. Lucie County’s ongoing commitment to protecting water quality starts right in local neighborhoods. Drainage swales play a quiet but critical role in managing stormwater runoff by collecting, treating, and moving rainwater away from homes and roadways and into treatment ponds. Without this essential infrastructure, water would accumulate in yards and streets, increasing the risk of flooding throughout the community.

Like any infrastructure, swales require regular maintenance to function properly. Over time, sediment, vegetation, and debris can clog these channels, slowing water flow and reducing their effectiveness. The County’s enhanced swale maintenance program ensures routine upkeep is performed so drainage systems continue to protect homes, roads, and public safety—especially during heavy rain events.

The Water Quality Division, which manages and oversees the contractor performing this work, has begun identifying and servicing swales across the county. Maintenance is underway or planned in neighborhoods such as River Park, Indian River Estates, and Lakewood Park, with specific streets scheduled for work throughout the year. If funding remains after these areas are addressed, maintenance efforts will also extend into the Holiday Pines neighborhood.

In addition to reducing flooding, well-maintained swales support the County’s broader water quality goals. St. Lucie County uses green infrastructure strategies, including planting native trees and restoring wetlands, to help keep excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus out of the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River estuaries. These efforts reduce the potential for algae and blue-green algae blooms, creating healthier waterways and enhancing quality of life for residents. For more information about swale maintenance and the Water Quality Division, visit www.stlucieco.gov.

Martin County honors Boo McCulley with Artificial Reef

Photo Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife

A remarkable new chapter in marine conservation is unfolding off the coast of Martin County. On November 18, a 227-foot derelict freighter was sunk nearly 200 feet below the surface, about 9 miles east of the St. Lucie Inlet, to create vibrant new underwater habitat. This vessel, once known as Borocho, now serves as an artificial reef that will support fish and other marine life while offering new opportunities for anglers and divers alike.

Named the Boo McCulley Reef, the site honors John “Boo” McCulley, a local marine legend who dedicated more than two decades to expanding Martin County’s artificial reef network. McCulley’s work through McCulley Marine helped build dozens of reef sites that bolster fisheries, attract marine species, and enrich Florida’s coastal ecosystems. His passion and leadership left a lasting impact, making this reef a fitting tribute to his lifelong commitment to ocean habitat enhancement.

Beyond honoring a local marine leader, the Boo McCulley Reef reflects the shared goals of Martin County Environmental Resources and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to protect marine resources through proactive management. Removing derelict vessels from coastal waters reduces navigational hazards, eliminates potential sources of pollution, and minimizes impacts to sensitive marine habitats. When properly cleaned, permitted, and deployed offshore, these vessels can be repurposed as artificial reefs that provide long-lasting hardbottom habitat, increase structural complexity, and support fish aggregation and recruitment. This coordinated approach enhances fisheries, expands recreational opportunities, and represents an environmentally responsible, cost-effective strategy for transforming abandoned vessels into valuable marine habitat.

We love a project that was made possible through true collaboration. Thanks to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Derelict Vessel Removal Program and Martin County Environmental Resources. To learn more about FWC’s Artificial Reef Program, visit www.MyFWC.com

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