Home Introduction Physical Setting Urbanization Natural Hazards Mineral Resources Water System Environmental Quality Outdoor Recreation - Parks > Waterfront Rec. Everglades N.P. Coastal Zone Fish & Wildlife Miccosukee Indians Conclusion References

The urbanization of Dade County is producing conditions of critical stress on the marine ecosystems of south Biscayne Bay. In fact, most of this part of the bay was closed to recreation use for part of March 1973 due to algae/pollution conditions. Increasing recreational use of Biscayne Bay and adjacent shoreland will inevitably add to the stress on the ecosystems of those areas. In designing new parks for the area, minimization of impact on natural environments will be a matter of major concern.

The mangrove forest along the south Biscayne Bay shoreline produces leaf debris which is at the bottom of the marine food chain, and the mangrove roots provide refuge for many marine organisms. The roots also stabilize the shoreline, reduce storm tide damage, and filter upland runoff. From a recreation standpoint, the mangrove fringe restricts visual and physical access to the bay. It is not suitable for direct recreation use except for limited nature study potential yet needs preservation to help maintain water clarity, quality, and marine productivity.

The mangrove fringe provides food for many aquatic species. [larger image]

	Natural swimming beaches are few in south Biscayne Bay. To provide needed swimming opportunities, atoll pools or swimming lagoons have been excavated at some south Dade County parks just inland from the bay. An alternative to be considered in meeting future needs would be the development of either fresh- or salt-water swimming pools at inland sites rather than in the primary mangrove fringe.
Atoll pools provide bathing facilities inland from the coast. [larger image]

Existing marine facilities are jammed to capacity. [larger image]

1. a master plan for marina development in Biscayne Bay, covering additional boat launching and storage facilities;
2. limiting dredging for needed marina development to the minimum necessary for a launching and turning basin;
3. boat docking space to be provided in dry storage lots or buildings;
4. restriction of channel dredging in the mangrove zone and productive bay bottom areas to minimum depths and widths, with tie-ins to existing channels whenever possible.

Administrative responsibility for south Biscayne Bay is divided, Biscayne National Monument being under Federal jurisdiction, the waters of the bay primarily under State jurisdiction, and coastal land use and recreational development being controlled by Dade County and various municipal governments. Coordinated planning would appear to be most important in such a situation. An example would be the coordination of plans for boating facilities in Biscayne National Monument with plans for development of mainland marine facilities, including means of berthing boats in the 30-foot class or larger to minimize environmental impact.

The primary waterfront parks now existing along the southern mainland shoreline are Dinner Key Marina, operated by the city of Miami, and Matheson Hammock, Chapman Field, Black Point, and Homestead Bayfront Parks, operated by the Metro-Dade government. Recent bond issues passed by the city of Miami and by Dade County include funds for expansion of Dinner Key and Homestead Bayfront Parks and for design and construction at Black Point and Chapman Field, both of which are presently undeveloped.

The Black Point recreation area can be developed and still preserve the coastal mangrove fringe. This image is from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [larger image]

The Chapman Field recreation area also offers the opportunity for development commensurate with environmental protection. This image is from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [larger image]

1. using the existing dredged lake in the northwestern segment of the property;
2. routing channels to Biscayne Bay through existing waterways to connect to the Florida Power and Light Channel;
3. using a large crushed rock storage area between the easternmost lake on the property and the bayfront to accommodate almost any type of well-planned day use facilities;
4. using the lake for canoes, paddle boats, or small sailboats which do not require a major boat handling facility. This would provide boating in protected waters;
5. protecting of the larger mangrove forest on Shoal Point in its natural condition;
6. providing added recreation through such facilities as boardwalk nature trails and an observation platform.

Adjacent to the Chapman Field parksite is the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Introduction Station. The station area has recreation potential without environmental problems. Under certain conditions, such Federal properties can be transferred to local government agencies for park and recreation purposes. The desirability of such a transfer should be considered in the future.

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