Johnson Wildlife and Environmental Area - Sugarloaf Key

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) contracted WGI for the design of shade and viewing structures, as well as a trailhead parking lot, to the trails within the Johnson Tract of the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Areas (WEA) on Sugarloaf Key in Monroe County. The intent of the WEA is to prevent development of sensitive areas and provide habitat for endangered and threatened wildlife species. This particular tract is a portion of the old State Road 4A that was in use prior to construction of the Overseas Highway. A 10 to 20 stall parking lot with sidewalk provided an accessible route from handicap parking stalls. A barrier was designed to provide access to the trails for pedestrians and cyclists and to prevent access to motorized vehicles. A second phase included a shade pavilion with a picnic table overlooking the lagoon and an elevated viewing structure. Two other shade structures were included along the trails.