Protecting Marathon's Natural Environment

The City of Marathon is committed to protecting and preserving the natural resources that make our community and the Florida Keys unique. Our coastal environment, nearshore waters, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and native vegetation are essential to the health, beauty, and long-term sustainability of our community.

Through environmental planning, conservation initiatives, stormwater management, wastewater improvements, and responsible development practices, the City works to protect these valuable resources for current and future generations.

This page provides information about environmental programs, conservation efforts, regulations, technical resources, and opportunities for residents, property owners, and visitors to help protect Marathon's environment.

Environmental Planning and Sustainability

The City's Planning Department works to balance responsible growth with the preservation and conservation of natural resources.

Environmental considerations are incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Plan, land development regulations, and long-range planning efforts.

Resources include:

Wildlife and Habitat Conservation

Marathon is home to a variety of sensitive coastal and marine habitats and protected wildlife species. Protecting these resources is an important part of maintaining the ecological health of the Florida Keys.

The City incorporates natural resource protection into its planning and development review processes, including consideration of wetlands, native vegetation, protected species, and coastal habitats.

Residents, property owners, and visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife and avoid activities that may disturb sensitive habitats.

Related Resources:

Sea Turtle Conservation

Sea turtles are an important part of the Florida Keys marine ecosystem. Marathon's beaches provide important nesting habitat for these protected animals.

Sea turtle nesting season in the Florida Keys generally runs from April through October. Residents and visitors can help protect nesting turtles and hatchlings by:

  • Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights visible from the beach.
  • Using turtle-friendly lighting where required.
  • Keeping beaches clean and removing trash and fishing line.
  • Avoiding disturbance of nesting turtles, nests, and hatchlings.
  • Keeping beach furniture and other obstacles off the beach when not in use.
  • Reporting injured or stranded sea turtles to the appropriate wildlife authorities.
Related Resources:

Native Landscaping and Vegetation Protection

Native vegetation plays an important role in protecting the Florida Keys environment. Native plants provide wildlife habitat, help stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and support the natural character of our coastal community.

Property owners are encouraged to incorporate appropriate native plants into landscaping and to understand applicable City requirements before removing or altering existing vegetation.

Environmental surveys and vegetation evaluations may be required as part of certain development applications.

Related Resources:

Environmental Regulations and Permitting

Development activities in Marathon may be subject to local, state, and federal environmental regulations.

Depending on the location and nature of a proposed project, environmental reviews, vegetation surveys, wetland delineations, protected species assessments, and permits from other regulatory agencies may be required.

Property owners and applicants are encouraged to contact the City's Planning Department before beginning work that could affect natural resources.

Related Resources:

Additional Environmental Resources

The following organizations provide additional information about environmental protection and conservation in the Florida Keys: