Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Designated as an Outstanding Natural Area by President George W. Bush
Bill Signed into Law May 8, 2008

What is an "Outstanding Natural Area"?
On May 8, 2008,President George W. Bush signed a Congressional bill to designate the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and surrounding 126 acres an “Outstanding Natural Area,” making it thethird such designation for a lighthouse in the country, and the first east of the Mississippi River.The President’s signature finalizes the process of designating this local – and now national – treasure and protecting it for generations to come.

The “Outstanding Natural Area” concept is a congressional designation that was established to protect federal lands that contain unique scenic, scientific, educational, and recreational values for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Recreation activities center on those that foster education and interpretation of the Outstanding Natural Area’s unique resources. The BLM’s first and only Outstanding Natural Area is Yaquina Head along Oregon’s Coast. The centerpiece of this 100-acre area is the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse. By becoming a designated Outstanding Natural Area, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is now part of the National Land Conservation System.

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a local and regional icon of national significance. The surrounding properties contain significant cultural and biological resources. Biologically, the area is home to an extraordinary 18 special status plant and animal species. Culturally, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and surrounding area has a rich and colorful history and pre-history dating back 5,000 years. The Jupiter Light and adjacent Oil House are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Over the last decade, a great deal has been accomplished at the site. This includes habitat improvement for indigenous species, reducing wildfire danger through prescribed burning, wetland construction, invasive plant removal, planting of native species, lighthouse restoration and community park improvement. This area offers a unique opportunity to provide critical and rapidly vanishing publicly owned green space in a highly urbanized part of Florida. It could ensure the continued use and enjoyment by the public today and for generations to come.

What's Next for the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area?
A working group comprised of federal, county and local government and community stakeholders is meeting regularly to develop a management plan for the site. This plan will consider the environmental, cultural and historic aspects of the property, and chart a course for any improvements and public access.

In the Fall of 2008, public scoping meetings will be held to gather input in order to develop the management plan.

In 2009, once a management plan is drafted, the working group will hold additional public input sessions to gather feedback. Check this page for updates on meetings and ways to provide input.

How Can You Get Involved?
Public scoping meetings are being held in three local municipalities to gather input on the types of things that should be considered in the management plan:

• Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 4-7 pm, Tequesta Council Chambers
• Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 4-7 pm, Jupiter Community Center, 741-2400
• Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 4-7 pm, Beach Club, Jupiter Inlet Colony

To see the presentation and handouts that will be distributed at these sessions, click the links below. To provide input online, please click here.

Slideshow of the information presented
at the Public Scoping Meetings in
September and October of 2008

Handouts from the
Public Scoping Meetings in
September and October of 2008

CLICK the map above to view a printable (PDF) version.

Jupiter Mayor Karen Golonka accepts the Cooperative Conservation Award
on behalf of the Working Group fromSecretary of the Interior Kempthorne.