Photo Credit - Ted Below

A Special Place

Keewaydin Island is a special place, a sanctuary for wildlife and a recreational destination for local residents and tourists. The 8-mile-long island is one of southwest Florida’s largest unbridged barrier islands. Least terns and loggerhead sea turtles use the island’s pristine beach as a vital nesting ground. People also enjoy the island, which provides a great opportunity to experience Florida’s natural coast. Thousands of boaters visit the island each year, boosting our local economy through rentals and purchases of boats, fishing tackle, and fuel.

Protecting Wildlife and Habitat

Since 1980, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has worked with local partners to protect wildlife and habitat on the island while providing a wilderness recreation experience for people. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) purchased 85 percent of the 1,300-acre island at a cost of $15 million. As managers of these state-owned lands, Rookery Bay Reserve removed 300 acres of non-native Australian pine, Brazilian pepper and melaleuca that had displaced much of the island’s native habitats and wildlife. The island didn’t wash away as some predicted, but instead has flourished with native trees, plants and wildlife.

Committed to Providing Public Access

The public lands on Keewaydin belong to the people of Florida. The Rookery Bay Reserve remains committed to providing public access and use that is compatible with the protection of wildlife and habitats on the island. No single agency or organization has all the resources needed to get the job done. It will take a collaborative effort involving state and local government, marine industry and local boating interests, landowners, area residents and environmental groups to achieve that vision.