Thanks to these individuals who have donated to the BBECA 2023 Mangrove Fund

BBECA conducted mangrove trimming on our main canal on Feb 28 to March 2. This is an ongoing effort - the 2023 trim was our 6th such effort over the past 40 years, the last time being 2019. The Association assists with main canal trimming as there is a common interest for all residents. We are asking for a donation of $100 from property owners on all interior canal lots as well as the main canal. (Owners on the open water on the east side of the island are not being asked to contribute since they would not benefit from the trimming and are not covered by our island-wide permit.) Your donation is money well spent to ensure access to our main channel and to enhance our property values. In addition to individual donations, BBECA will contribute, and we will once again seek a contribution from the Looe Key Resort. Donate online OR mail a check to: BBECA, P.O. Box 421232, Ramrod Key, FL 33042.
(Contributions to the Mangrove Fund are not deductible for federal income tax purposes as charitable contributions.)

Mangroves are a natural part of our tropical environment, but when they proliferate on canal banks and interfere with navigation, they can be a serious problem. Monroe County Code of Ordinances (Section 26-4) prohibits property owners from “causing or permitting trees to interfere with vessels upon any manmade water body" and requires canal front property owners to keep their shoreline vegetation (including mangroves) trimmed. A hazard is defined as “vegetation extending by more than ten percent of the overall width of the water body.” Violations are punishable by fines up to $500 and/or up to 60 days imprisonment.

We encourage all property owners to trim their property on the canals to allow for the safe passage of boats. The trimming of mangroves requires a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which BBECA acquired and can be viewed below. The permit covers all properties on the interior canals but does NOT include open water lots/houses.  Owners of open water property can apply for and receive permission to trim by contacting the DEP in Marathon at 305-289-7070. 

If property owners have further questions, contact Paul Gerson, BBECA board member at 305-872-2780 or [email protected].

Florida DEP Mangrove Frequently Asked Questions
Monroe County Code of Ordinances/Chapter 26 Waterways
Monroe County & DEP Contacts
PROFESSIONAL MANGROVE TRIMMERS
-  State Authorized PMTs
-  PMT Status Through Professional Certifications