Coastal Jewel - 188 Acres on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge
 
After more than a decade of discussions and negotiations, the landowners and the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program have signed a contract that enables the purchase of this land for conservation.  At the August 18 meeting, the Brevard County Commission approved the purchase with a 3-2 vote. Commissioner Infantini voted against the purchase after stating that she considered the price too high. Comm. Anderson also voted against the purchase, while Commissioners Nelson, Bolin and Fisher voted for approval.
Coastal Jewel is adjacent to the north boundary of the Jordan Scrub Sanctuary, a conservation area managed by the EEL Program.  The property includes scrub, pine flatwoods and wetland habitats.  One of the largest populations of Florida Scrub jays resides on the mainland of South Brevard and Indian River Counties.  With the purchase of this property, more than 600 contiguous acres of managed scrub will be preserved for wildlife and native plants – including the threatened scrub jays.  Four species of threatened or endangered plants exist on the similar habitats of the adjacent Jordan Scrub Sanctuary.
The U.S. Air Force provided matching funds for purchases of scrub-jay habitat as Brevard County conservation land.  On March 24, 2009, the County Commissioners approved a motion to cooperate with the USAF on this matter.    These matching funds will enable Brevard to purchase this land for approximately 55% of the appraised value.