The Monroe County Land Authority land steward and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office recently teamed up to conduct cleanups across several protected hardwood hammock conservation properties in the Florida Keys, enhancing both the environment and quality of life for neighbors.
This effort addresses issues ranging from illegal dumping to abandoned homeless encampments in conservation areas. By removing debris and restoring the native landscape, the teams are helping to protect ecologically sensitive lands that play a vital role in the health of the Keys ecosystem.
“Conservation lands are community treasures, and it’s important that they’re maintained for ecological protection. We cannot thank the Sheriff’s Office enough for their participation in helping us with these efforts,” said assistant Monroe County land steward Lawrence Lopez. “The work isn’t easy in the heat, humidity and mosquitoes, but it’s worth it to see these natural areas brought back to a cleaner, safer state.”
The land authority continues to acquire and manage properties that preserve critical habitats, protect water quality, and reduce development pressure in environmentally sensitive areas. The land steward regularly monitors these lands to ensure they remain healthy.
