U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Chassahowitzka NWR is one of more than 500 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Chassahowitzka NWR serves as an important breeding and feeding ground for marine life with it’s mix of saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes and fringe of hardwood swamp.
Located about 65 miles north of St. Petersburg, the Management Specific Regulations Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of over Management objectives are Speed Zone: Between April 1 and August 31, special posted 31,000 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes oriented toward preserving and slow speed restrictions apply to portions of the Chassahowitzka with a fringe of hardwood swamps along the eastern boundary. protecting the land and wildlife River for the protection of manatees. The northern boundary parallels and includes some of the resources of the refuge. This Homosassa River. The refuge extends southward across the requires an active law Airboat Use: Airboat use on the refuge is restricted to Hernando scenic Chassahowitzka River for 12 miles to its southern enforcement program designed County waters and posted routes in Citrus County. Operators are boundary at Raccoon Point. to prevent disturbance of required to have a refuge airboat permit. Free permits are issued wildlife populations and the from the refuge headquarters. destruction of habitat. Firearms/ Weapons: Firearms/weapons are prohibited on the The entire state of Florida is a refuge except during designated hunts at which time firearms fire ecosystem that has must be transported unloaded and encased or dismantled. historically burned every three to ten years. Prescribed fire is Hunting: Special hunt regulations apply to the refuge. Consult used on the refuge to mimic the refuge Manager for current regulations. natural fire regime. This
USFWS improves habitat and food Fishing: County and State commercial/sport fishing regulations availability for several wildlife apply. Consult Florida Marine Patrol for current regulations. species including endangered and threatened species. 1-800-DIAL-FMP.
76% of the refuge is a designated Wilderness Area meaning land Camping: Camping is prohibited on the refuge. However, that will remain uninhabited and preserved in its natural state. camping and boat rentals are available nearby. Please contact Chassahowitzka River Campground, a county park and Visiting the Refuge recreation area, for more information call: 352-382-2200. The refuge is accessible only by boat. Public boat ramps near the refuge are limited, so visitors are advised to consult the enclosed US FWS, J. Kleen For Your Safety: map for boat ramp access. There is no admission charged to enter Be prepared and observe regulations concerning: Refuge hours; the refuge. Rental boats and tour guides are available in nearby airboat permits; fishing or hunting license requirements; boat Habitat and Wildlife towns of Chassahowitzka and Homosassa. Contact the Chamber registration; and safety equipment. The refuge was established in 1943 primarily to benefit waterfowl of Commerce in Homosassa for listings. Make reservations in an area long famous as a wintering area for ducks and coots. in advance. • Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Today, although waterfowl numbers in south Florida have declined, the refuge has become increasingly important for the • Allow time to return to your vehicle and leave the area before endangered West Indian manatees which utilize many of the sunset. refuge’s tidal bays, creeks and rivers. • If canoeing or boating, carry insect repellant, foul weather Chassahowitzka is unspoiled estuarine habitat along Florida’s clothing and emergency light. If lost or disabled, stay with west coast that serves as important breeding and feeding ground your boat and attempt to reach the main canal. Display for marine life. Shallow bays support an abundant growth of emergency light after dark. Remember, floating vegetation muskgrass which provides food for various birds and the and changing water levels can block canals and hide boat trails. endangered manatee. • Tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you Inland from the bays are the brackish creeks and ponds where should return. widgeongrass, watermilfoil and other foods grow in abundance. The eastern boundary provides a few thousand acres of swamp This goose, designed by J.N. habitat where palms, oaks, cypress and red cedar grow. The outer “Ding” Darling, has become a islands consist mainly of red and black mangrove which provides symbol of the National habitat for colonial birds. US FWS Wildlife Refuge System. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Prohibited: W. Halls's • Feeding, enticing, or disturbing the wildlife. River Rd. Homosassa Crystal River Springs 10 miles • Firearms or weapons of any kind except during designated hunts at which time firearms must be transported, unloaded, ST. MARTINS KEYS o 490 tle Hom sassa River and encased or dismantled. Lit 19 490 98 assa S. Yulee Drive • Taking of turtles, frogs, and snakes by any means. os om H Homosassa • Release of any wild or domestic animals. Suncoast Blvd.
• Taking (living or dead) or injuring any plant or animal (this includes parts) other than legally taken fish or waterfowl. n Maso • Fires of any type, camping, or spotlighting. Homosassa Bay