Nov 28 2018

Mast’s Bill To Conserve Land, Protect Wildlife Passes Congress

Bipartisan Bill Transfers Coast Guard Land on Jupiter Island to Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s (FL-18) Jupiter Island Land Transfer Act passed the House of Representatives as part of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 late in the evening on November 27, 2018.  The bill transfers approximately four acres of land on Jupiter Island currently owned by the United States Coast Guard to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. 

Jupiter Island is home to multiple species of turtles on the Endangered Species List, among other animals and important natural habitats. 

“Ensuring that we are good stewards of our environment begins with strong conservation efforts, and on the Treasure Coast, protecting our environment is also critical to our businesses and livelihoods,” Rep. Mast said. “This is land that the Coast Guard no longer needs and the Department of the Interior is willing to include in the wildlife refuge, making this bill a win-win for all involved.”

The bill has already passed the Senate.  Read the full text of the legislation here.

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