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Land management, especially land that was disturbed in the past, can be a challenge due to the loss of balance between the natural and human-made environment but restoring habitat includes removal of invasive species (both plant and animal), monitoring for healthy native plant recruitment and helping nature along by planting appropriate native plant species when needed. This type of coastal wetland and hammock restoration has been going on for over a decade and has been successful with occasional ongoing invasive plant removal efforts.

Keeping the islands as a wading bird sanctuary, an important migratory bird rest stop and manatee and dolphin home are among the most important goals for the Thousand Islands. The balance between human recreation and a healthy home for wildlife is part of island management – prohibiting inappropriate recreational or commercial activities that spoil that balance for both resident and seasonal wildlife – and human residents and visitors. The City of Cocoa Beach and Brevard County’s EEL (environmentally endangered lands) program have limitations on these types of activities and work together to restrict commercial activities to suitable limits.

In the past, there were more problems with trash left on the islands and along the mangrove shorelines. These days, waterway and island users are more aware of the problems with plastic pollution and wildlife threats, and this issue is much less. There are two main island “trashbashes” sponsored by Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB) for the Great American Cleanup (spring) and the annual International Coastal Cleanup (fall), sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy. Many more volunteers including residents and commercial paddling outfitters do routine cleanups along the waterways and on popular islands. We invite all those who appreciate our Thousand Islands to leave only footprints and help remove plastic trash if you are able.

Waterway courtesy is key and should be shown to fellow paddlers, boaters, fisherfolk and wildlife. The Thousand Islands are for conservation first and recreational second.