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Address Savannas Preserve State Park, Port St Lucie, FL 34952, USA Similar River Park Marina, Savannas Preserve State Park, Port St Lucie Engineeri, Fin Addict Fishing Kayak Re, River Lilly Cruises | ||
The North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve (NFSLR) is a freshwater and brackish water system connected to St. Lucie Estuary in Florida. It was designated as an aquatic preserve in 1972.
Contents
The NFSLR is part of Florida's "Save Our Rivers" Program, and is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water (pursuant to Chapter 62-302 F.A.C.).
Environment
The NFSLR contains mainy federal and state protected species, including American alligators, manatees, North American river otters, nesting wood storks, little blue herons, brown pelicans, snook and opossum pipefish. The NFSLR also contains rare tropical peripheral fish species, including gobies, sleepers, and pipefish.
Endangered species
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 33 listed species (11 plants, 2 fish, 5 reptiles, 13 birds, and 2 mammals) and three commercially exploited plant species have been documented in and adjacent to the preserve.
These species include:
Management
In 1984, the North Fork-St. Lucie River Aquatic Reserve Management Plan was adopted by Department of Natural Resources, Division of Recreation and Parks, Bureau of Environmental Land Management to provide a fundamental policy guideline for management of the NFSLR.
Commercial
NFSLR provides a critical habitat for juvenile species, including blue crabs, snook, snapper, drum and shrimp.