Saving a National Treasure from Erosion
Pelican Island is an important bird rookery in Indian River Lagoon. In 1903 it became the first federal land set aside specifically for wildlife. Since then it has eroded dramatically due to wave action. By 2000 it had lost more than half of its original 5.5-acre area. Proactive steps were urgently needed to stop erosion and preserve critical nesting habitat for 16 different species of birds, including these threatened Wood Storks.