Protecting endangered pine rockland habitat

Most of Miami-Dade County was built on about 185000 acres of pine rocklands (the Miami Rock Ridge) because it was higher ground. Less than two (2) percent of this globally imperiled ecosystem still exists in South Florida, and it is home to about 40 endangered species.

Pine rocklands are named for the native Dade County slash pine trees growing on what once was coral reef. Saw palmettos, palms, shrubs, and herbs provide habitat for insects, birds, and bats.

Occasional burning of this type of habitat is needed for it to remain healthy.

Some of the unique species to be found only in pine rocklands include deltoid spurge, the Miami tiger beetle, Florida bonneted bat, and Atala and Bartram’s hairstreak butterflies. 

You may already be familiar with the Richmond pine rocklands tract next to ZooMiami, the Martinez Army Reserve facility and Larry and Penny Thompson Park. 

Over three decades ago, the federal government transferred part of this property to the University of Miami for educational use. At the end of 30 years, UM had the right to sell the property, which they did in July 2014 to RAM Realty of West Palm Beach for 22 million dollars.

The developer currently plans to build a shopping center to include a Walmart and other stores, and an apartment building.

No building permits have been issued yet for this irreplaceable piece of land.

There is still time to take a stand for wildlife habitat, green space, and quality of life for the overcrowded residents of South Florida. We want to send a message to Miami-Dade County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Miami and Ram Realty that we want this unique area protected for our wildlife and for future generations.

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Due to the presence of numerous endangered species living on this property, the developer must submit a Habitat Conservation Plan to keep this habitat in the same or better condition.

Miami Wild Theme Park

In 2024, Miami-Dade County was set to approve plans for a water theme park adjacent to ZooMiami, but once it was realized that the endangered species in the area would be impacted, the county commissioners decided against plans to build a hotel/theme park/parking lot on one of the few pine rockland spaces left outside of Everglades National Park.