National Wildlife Refuges in Florida
The National Wildlife Refuges comprise a network of public lands that support wildlife, protect a healthy environment, and provide people with outdoor recreation and experiences. There are more than 560 refuges in the U.S., all administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior. Of these, 30 are in Florida. Here is a list, in alphabetical order, of Florida refuges:
The National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) System celebrated its 100th birthday in 2003. In 1903, concerned about the number of birds killed for their plumes, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the first of these refuges, Pelican Island, to protect egrets, herons, and other birds. By the end of his presidency, Roosevelt had created an additional 9 refuges in Florida.
Visitors to the national wildlife refuges can participate in a variety of outdoor activities including photography, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, paddling, bicycling, and environmental education. Some, but not all, of the refuges allow hunting and fishing. In addition to wildlife, the refuges may also protect historic and cultural sites. For example, there are historic lighthouses at St. Marks and at Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges.
Each of the Florida refuges has an individual web page accessible from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site.
Note: As of 26 December 2018, the national wildlife refuges are, with certain exceptions, closed to public visitation. This policy is in effect until further notice after the partial federal government shutdown has been resolved.
- Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
- . Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
- Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
- Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
- Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
- Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
- Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
- Everglades Headwaters NWR and Conservation Area
- Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
- Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
- Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
- Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge
- Key West National Wildlife Refuge
- Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
- Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
- Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
- Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- National Key Deer Refuge
- Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge
- Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge
- St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
- St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
- Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
The National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) System celebrated its 100th birthday in 2003. In 1903, concerned about the number of birds killed for their plumes, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the first of these refuges, Pelican Island, to protect egrets, herons, and other birds. By the end of his presidency, Roosevelt had created an additional 9 refuges in Florida.
Visitors to the national wildlife refuges can participate in a variety of outdoor activities including photography, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, paddling, bicycling, and environmental education. Some, but not all, of the refuges allow hunting and fishing. In addition to wildlife, the refuges may also protect historic and cultural sites. For example, there are historic lighthouses at St. Marks and at Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges.
Each of the Florida refuges has an individual web page accessible from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site.
Note: As of 26 December 2018, the national wildlife refuges are, with certain exceptions, closed to public visitation. This policy is in effect until further notice after the partial federal government shutdown has been resolved.
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