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512 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-4761
Fax: (727) 464-3174
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© 2008 Pinellas County
All rights reserved
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Shell Key Preserve 
Shell Key Preserve Management Plan
Public Use
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General Rules
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All plants and animals are protected. Access within the Bird Preservation
Area is prohibited without authorization.
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Pets
on Shell Key are permitted only on the north and south ends of the
island and must be under control at all times.
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Please take your trash with you.
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No
open alcoholic beverages are allowed on Shell Key.
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Groups
of over 50 or more require a permit. (To obtain a permit, please phone: 727-453-6900).
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Primitive
camping - Camping is permitted on the north and south ends of the
preserve. Campfires are allowed. Bring your own sanitary facilities
with you; none are available on the island.
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Hiking
- is allowed on Shell Key except in the Bird Preservation Area, which
is clearly posted.
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Two
walk-throughs from the east side of Shell Key to the Gulf are clearly
marked.
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Fishing
- Shell Key provides excellent surf casting opportunities as well
as flats fishing on the protected side of the island. Please obey
all Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations
regarding licensing, seasons, catch size, and limits.
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Boating
- Please follow signage in shallow areas (See map).
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Nudity is prohibited.
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Excessive noise is prohibited.
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Fireworks
and firearms are prohibited within the entire Preserve.
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Nature
appreciation
- Please note the following recent changes which may affect your visit to the island.
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Northeast Tip - Beach Closed to:
Anchored or Beached Vessels
Swimming
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Safety is always a major concern. Restrictions are now in effect along the narrow channel at the northeast tip of Shell Key which is a major access point for vessels entering the waters of the Preserve. Historic congestion along this shoreline resulted in unsafe conditions. Please help us keep everyone safe by obeying this new rule.
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No Pets
April 15 - June 15
Anywhere on the Island
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Shell Key provides critical bird nesting habitat for several listed species. Research over the past three years on the island has documented colony losses due to disturbance by pets and their owners. Consequently, a pilot study has been implemented where no pets will be allowed on the island during this 2-month critical nesting period. Data will be reviewed to determine the effectiveness of this restriction. Please help us balance the needs of the wildlife that rely on this island with the needs of the public.
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Habitat
Restoration
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Reforestation
The Australian pine forests, through time will be replaced with native
trees including cabbage palm and possibly live oak.
* Ongoing exotic
species removal program
Nuisance exotic species, like the Brazilian pepper and Australian Pine often out-compete our native
vegetation. Our native animals are not particularly well adapted to these
species and our overall natural diversity declines. We aggressively try
and remove these undesirable species as they are discovered. Because the
seeds of many of these nuisance exotics are dispersed by wind, water,
or wing (birds), exotic species removal is a never-ending process.
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Ecological Monitoring
* Shorebird
nest monitoring
* Sea turtle nest monitoring
* Seagrass monitoring
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