Habitat Conservation

Overview

Habitat Conservation Section ensures protection of the County’s endangered animal and plant species and protection of critical habitats. The beaches of St. Johns County are recognized as important nesting habitat for coastal wildlife and for offering a variety of recreational uses.

Our Largest Natural Resource

The beaches of St. Johns County are the areas largest natural resource consisting of 41.1 miles of various sandy conditions. From coquina to white soft sand our beaches host a variety of coastal species as well as endless recreational opportunities. Visitors enjoy recreational and commercial fishing, surfing, horseback riding, sunbathing, beach combing, and beach driving.

Sharing Our Beaches

Beach driving is allowed on 16.3 miles of our beaches at varying levels of restriction. Beach driving is a lawful and traditional activity that can impact protected species such as sea turtles, the native Anastasia Island Beach Mice (AIBM), sensitive shorebirds, and their nesting and feeding habitat. St. Johns County recognized the need for coordinating lawful beach activities in a manner that maintains public use, while minimizing negative impacts to the natural beach/dune environment and the protected species that depend on its health.

In August 2006, St. Johns County received approval from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for a 20-year Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to minimize these possible effects.

Incidental Take Permit/Conservation Plan

Impact on Our Beaches

In addition to beach driving, there are a variety of other negative impacts brought on by human disturbance to sea turtles and AIBM.

public and private beachfront lighting
special beach events
human presence on the beach at night
feral and free-roaming cats
destruction of dunes by pedestrian traffic and horseback riding
trash and objects on the beach
coastal development and construction
seawalls, revetments, and other armoring structures
beach management activities.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Sea turtle nesting season is May 1 to October 31, and St. Johns County officials are asking residents, visitors, and businesses to help protect natural habitat by observing all nesting season laws and regulations.

Sea Turtles

Beach Use Permits

Women horseback riding on the beach shoreline

Special Events, Horseback Riding, Commercial Fishing, Coastal Construction, and 4×4 driving require permits.

Special Use Permits

Volunteers Needed

St. Johns County is seeking volunteers to survey wrack lines to recover stranded washback sea turtles and conduct beach cleanups from August through November. Be a Sea Turtle Washback Program Volunteer.

HCP Volunteer