MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. (AP) - The person who cut down 106 sea
grape trees, limbs and stumps at a national wildlife refuge near
Melbourne Beach faces $17,000 in fines and restoration costs
Jane Whaley of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the
beach-side trees were cut down Aug. 2. While they're not
disclosing the name of the person suspected of cutting the
trees, the case is heading to federal court in Orlando. A
hearing is scheduled for November. Whaley says some of the trees
that were cut were 30 to 40 feet tall and were at least 50 years
old. Florida Today ( ) reports the trees are federally protected
because they block beach lights that disturb nesting sea
turtles. They also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Information from: Florida Today (Melbourne, Fla.),