58: SPACE COAST LIVING | SPACECOASTLIVING.COM
BOATING & FISHING
SPACE COAST
DAN SMITH
There are paths to explore on the recreation islands, as well as picnic tables and fire pits. There
are no trash cans; visitors must remove their own trash.
IRLAP
People who would like to support the recreation islands can adopt an island like this one in
Brevard County’s Indian River Lagoon.
ensure a sustainable, healthy, safe and enjoyable
experience," Bacon said.
ACCESS AVAILABLE FOR DISABLED
In 2016, FOSI received a $25,000 grant from the
Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program to
outfit two campsites in St. Lucie County as part
of an initiative to increase access for visitors who
are physically disabled. FOSI volunteers installed
AccessRec mats, a beach wheelchair, picnic tables
and fire pits designed to accommodate the needs
of disabled visitors. Future plans include securing
funds for a dock to be built on these sites.
Bacon said he hopes funding will continue to
facilitate similar projects within the boundaries of
other aquatic preserves in Brevard and beyond, as
part of the Spoil Island Project.
“I truly enjoy being involved in maintaining the
spoil islands and cutting trails, assisting in removal
of excess brush cuttings and working with multiple
volunteers that do everything from repairing picnic
tables, to spraying for evasive poisonous foliage on
the islands.”
One of the best ways for citizens to support the
recreation islands is to become an island adopter.
The free Adopt-a-Spoil Island program involves a
one-year commitment that includes at least one
cleanup each quarter. The adopters are invited to
help enhancement projects such as picnic table
installations, campsite maintenance and trail cleaning.
Whether individuals, families, or even business
associates, these tasks not only connect volunteers
with nature, but offer many learning experiences
and knowledge relating to the ecosystem science.
Information on signing up for these duties can be
found on the FOSI website.
Access to all of the islands can be had via power
boat, sail boats, kayaks or canoes. And many local
excursion operators offer day trips, or even overnight
camping, to several locations throughout the area.
Maps are provided online and can be downloaded
and printed. IRLAP is in the process of designing
an app that will include both latitude and longitude
sites for each of the spoil islands with information
on specific amenities.
Camping reservations are not necessary since sites
are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
FOSI suggests visitors plan ahead with regard to
weather situations and availability because sites are
more popular on weekends and holidays.
Visit www.fosifl.org for more information about
maps, access and other features pertaining to the
spoil islands and the aquatic preserves in Brevard.
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