BLM-ES, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA Veterans Engagement Program Support

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BACKGROUND: On May 8, 2008, Public Law 110-229 (section 202) established the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) in Palm Beach County, Florida and designated it a part of the National Conservation Lands - the only unit of the system east of the Mississippi River. The site, totaling 120 acres, is a mix of sensitive native habitats and historic development from previous uses of the site and includes the nationally listed Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, structures supporting previous military uses of the site and buildings related to past U.S. Coast Guard operations. The ONA is a focal point for local communities and a tourist destination, attracting approximately 75,000 visitors annually. Tourists visit the site to engage in tours and programs or visit the dispersed areas of the site to participate in low-impact recreational activities, such as walking, swimming and wildlife photography. Aside from public visitation and recreation, the management of the ONA focuses on protection and enhancement of the historic, natural and cultural values of the site and promotes science and education through a number of site related programs. Support of this program will further veterans' engagement at the ONA, enhance their connection with America's public land resources, and aid in the rejuvenation, rehabilitation, and healing capacities of parks, preserves and public lands for persons, families, and communities. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of program is to facilitate engagement with individual veterans and veterans groups to establish on-site, appropriate, recreational and social experiences for veterans and their families, local veteran-focused education and outreach associated with the ONA and public lands resources on site, and to empower veterans through on-the-ground projects to enhance public lands, improve access and develop a strong connection and stewardship ethic with the values and resources of the ONA. The following are specific objectives this program seeks to achieve: 1) Veterans Fishing Event â¿¿ Continue the established Annual Veterans Family Fishing day at the ONA, to bring local veterans to the ONA for an engaging experience connecting people to the land and water resources, .2) Outreach and Awareness â¿¿ Assist in furthering the BLMâ¿¿s outreach efforts for the ONA focusing on the tie to the ocean and fisheries, and the benefits of recreational experiences on public lands to aid in connecting veterans with the unique and sensitive resources managed by the BLM, and 3) Empowerment Projects â¿¿ Assist in the development of empowerment projects at the ONA to engage veterans and volunteers in land management tasks focused on protecting ecosystems and enhancing recreational and education opportunities at the ONA. PUBLIC BENEFIT: The primary public benefit of this program is the public-private partnership created to enhance the values of the ONA recognized by Congress and the engagement of veterans in America's public lands resources to connect them with the significant and unique values they served to protect. This program brings together partners with expertise not found in the Federal government, and maximizes public-funds through matching partner financial and in-kind contributions.

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