James
Kraus
Refuge Manager
1502 Southeast Kings Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 563-2088
FAX: (252) 795-7961
E-mail: chassahowitzka@fws.gov
Directions
to Refuge
Fact
Sheet
Fact
Sheet: Passage Key NWR history
 Passage
Key NWR Centennial
News
Release - 10-10-05
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 Refuge
Facts:
- Established: 1905.
- Acres:
Variable.
- Located in Manatee County, FL.
- Location: the refuge is located off shore from St. Petersburg and
is accessible only by boat.
- Administered by Chassahowitzka
NWR.
Natural History:
- Passage Key is one of the first national wildlife refuges in the
system. When established, it was a mangrove island with a fresh water
lake. A 1920 hurricane destroyed the island. Today it is a 30-acre
meandering barrier island.
- The
island once hosted the
largest
royal tern and sandwich
tern nesting colonies
in the state of Florida.
- The island is currently closed year-round to all public use.
Financial Impact of Refuge
Refuge Objectives
- Provide nesting, feeding and resting habitat for colonial water birds
including laughing gulls, royal terns, black skimmers, sandwich terns,
brown pelicans and oyster catchers. The island hosts the largest royal
tern and sandwich tern nesting colonies in the state of Florida. Passage
Key is also critical habitat for thousands of shore birds and water
birds as a roosting/feeding site.
- Provide critical habitat and protection for thousands of shore birds
and water birds.
Management Tools:
- Law enforcement.
- Designated wilderness area.
- Wildlife population surveys.
- Partnerships.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunites exist for visitor center operations, manatee
watch activities, and refuge maintenance projects.
Questions and Answers
Where is Passage Key?
Passage Key NWR is located off shore from the town of St.
Petersburg, FL.
How do I get there?
The island is accessible only by boat and public entry is
prohibited.
Why is the refuge closed to public use?
Passage
Key NWR is a designated
Wilderness Area and because
of its small size and importance
to nesting and roosting
sea birds and other sensitive
birds species.
What wildlife species use the island?
Laughing gulls, royal terns, black skimmers, sandwich terns,
brown pelicans and a few oyster catchers nest on the island.
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