Grant: 25-006C
Project Title: Safeguarding Sea Turtle Habitats at Sebastian Inlet State Park
Project Manager: Julia Woodward
Organization: Florida State Parks Foundation (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $19,074.03
Completion Date: 2025-10-06
Summary: The Florida State Parks Foundation will purchase two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for Sebastian Inlet State Park. These ATVs will greatly enhance the park's ability to monitor and protect sea turtle nests along its three miles of shoreline. As a critical nesting area for the endangered loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles, Sebastian Inlet requires consistent and thorough monitoring to safeguard turtle nests from threats like predation and erosion. The ATVs, equipped with trailers, will allow rangers to conduct efficient daily patrols, identify and document nests, transport equipment, and collect beach garbage to maintain a safe environment for nesting turtles. In 2024 alone, the park recorded 630 loggerhead, 104 green, and one leatherback nest, underscoring its significance as a sea turtle habitat. By improving the park's monitoring capabilities, this project will enhance sea turtle nest protection and support the Sebastian Inlet's conservation efforts. This project strengthens both local conservation practices and statewide efforts, contributing to the long-term survival of Florida's sea turtle populations.
Results: Two ATVs with trailers and accessories were purchased for Sebastian Inlet State Park in time for the 2025 sea turtle nesting season. These vehicles are now in use by park staff and authorized volunteers to support sea turtle conservation activities, including daily patrols during nesting season, monitoring and protection of nests, and transportation of necessary field equipment along the beach. The equipment has improved the ability to more easily respond to and recover live, stranded sea turtles from the beach, then assist in relocating them to a local wildlife rehabilitation center.