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(Photo by Pete Wintersteen)
Biscayne National Park recently announced the reopening of the Convoy Point Jetty Trail.
The trail has been closed since July 2021 while undergoing extensive repairs.
“We are excited to reopen the Convoy Point Jetty Trail with enhanced accessibility,” said Penelope Del Bene, superintendent, Biscayne National Park. “In a park that is over 95 percent ocean, this trail is an important resource for our neighbors in the local community, as well as visitors from all over the world.
“Strategic planning and sustainable construction methods will ensure that the trail is available for many years, as the park will continue to face challenges from sea level rise and increased storm intensity,” Del Bene added.
Hurricane Irma swept through the area in September 2017, causing damage to many of Biscayne National Park’s facilities. Irma’s storm surge flooded the Convoy Point Jetty Trail and heavily damaged the boardwalk. In addition to the damage from this onetime event, the trail has also faced many years of erosion and frequent submersion during storms and major tidal events. Frequent closures due to weather events impacted popular activities along the trail, including bird watching, scenic viewing and fishing.
The project utilized funds allocated through Public Law 115-123 for national park units significantly impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. New sustainability measures were incorporated into the trails, including raising them, stabilizing trail shorelines and constructing an additional boardwalk that better meets the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS).
Biscayne will host National Public Lands Day (NPLD) programming on Sept. 24, from noon to 4 p.m., to celebrate the reopening of the Jetty Trail.
These family-friendly activities include guided walks along the new trail at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and a fishing clinic from noon to 4 p.m. Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve also will be onsite with family activities from noon to 4 p.m. Additionally, the Convoy Point Grounds and the Dante Fascell Visitor Center will remain open until 8 p.m. for visitors to enjoy the sunset by the bay. All programs are open free to the public.
More information about the event can be found at www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=F0F24DB4-D2DC-E977-9D677E5B59BD5A19.
The Convoy Point Jetty Trail is located at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, 9700 SW 328 St., nine miles east of Homestead.
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