Viera Wetlands Reopened to the Public

October 2, 2024 – Here’s some good news from Brevard County (from the official press release):

The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, commonly referred to as the Viera Wetlands, has officially reopened to the public.

The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, located at 3658 Charlie Corbeil Way in Viera, welcomes visitors daily starting at 7 a.m., with the gate closing promptly at 7 p.m. Although vehicle access remains restricted, pedestrians and cyclists, including those on e-bikes, are welcome to explore the area. The wetlands offer a prime spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation, but be mindful that the area is home to various wildlife, including large alligators, stinging insects, venomous snakes, and toxic plants. Leashed pets are allowed, though their presence may affect your chances of spotting wildlife.

Since June 2023, a $2.7M project has been underway to remove vegetative muck and overgrown cattails from four ponds located on the site adjacent to the South-Central Regional Water Reclamation Facility in Viera. The main focus of the cleanup effort was to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous levels from the ponds that feed into Four Mile Canal, which ultimately leads into the St. Johns River. The wetlands project is funded through federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

While the majority of the necessary improvements have been completed to meet environmental requirements, additional infrastructure enhancements have been identified for future completion. Each of these projects will have a minimal impact on the surrounding area, and during their execution, only the immediate work zone will be closed to the public. The vast majority of the wetland will remain open and accessible to visitors.