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Today Virginia Key is an island of approximately 1000 acres located two miles east of downtown Miami and about one mile southwest of the southern tip of Miami Beach. Although there has been some limited development, the island is non-residential and includes ponds and waterways and a large wildlife conservation area. A diverse mix of ecosystems are found on Virginia Key: seagrass beds, coastal dunes, coastal hammocks, and mangrove forests, among smaller micro-ecosystems teeming with wildlife...all just several miles from downtown Miami. For these reasons, Virginia Key is an important environmental, cultural, and educational resource that must be preserved. Virginia Key has many stories to tell — ancient coral reef, semi-tropical paradise, historic black beach, landfill, abandoned property, proposed eco-lodge destination, and more recently, a place of renewal.
Ecosystems found on Virginia Key
Threats and Conservation Due to many reasons, such as habitat fragmentation, global warming, and use as ornamentals in the landscape, Invasive Species consistently threaten the ecology and native biodiversity of Virginia Key, as they threaten many natural areas across south Florida. Park managers and volunteers work continuously on removing invasive species and replanting natives as part of the overall restoration and maintenance of the Key. Likewise, natural coastal areas, with their beautiful vistas, sea breezes, and access to the ocean, are severely threatened by development across the globe. Virginia Key is no exception. On several occasions, various groups have attempted to develop large tracts of Virginia Key for private projects. Fortunately the project was halted by citizens concerned that public land was being misappropriated for private projects, as much of Virginia Key is designated as public park land. For the Virginia Key Beach Park (the southern portion of the Key), a group of citizens called the Virginia Key Beach Park Civil Rights Task Force organized themselves in June 1999 in response to plans of private development of the Beach Park. Later that year, the Miami City Commission established the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust to oversee the development of the historic Park property. The Trust has been working diligently to restore and preserve the culture and history of Virginia Key Beach Park ever since. Across south Florida's coastline, public access to coastal areas has been severely restricted by private development. Already, much of Biscayne Bay is off limits to the public. Any citizen concerned with their ability to access, enjoy, and preserve our remaining beautiful coastline found at Virginia Key should voice their concerns and participate in the Master Planning Process.
Master Planning Process The City of Miami, in conjunction with the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust, are conducting a master planning process of Virginia Key. As a citizen of the City of Miami, you have a right to participate in the planning process and help protect the endangered natural and cultural resources found at Virginia Key. To find out more information about participating in the Master Planning Process, please visit the Virginia Key Master Planning Site.
Citizens and Environmental Education
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