Layne
Hamilton
Refuge Manager
3860 Tollgate Boulevard, Suite 300
Naples, FL 34114
(239) 353-8442
FAX: (239) 353-8640
E-mail: floridapanther@fws.gov
Directions
to Refuge
Fact
Sheet
Amphibian & Reptile
List
Tearsheet
|
|
 Refuge
Facts:
- Established: December 1996.
- Acres: 35,000 located in Collier County Refuge lies in 14th Congressional
District of Florida.
- Location: Refuge is located 20 miles southeast of Naples, Florida
and south of SR 41 near Goodland, Florida. The refuge headquarters
is in east Naples at Exit 15 of Interstate 75.
Natural History:
- Refuge is situated in the lower end of the Fakahatchee and Picayune
Strands of Big Cypress Swamp.
- Concentrations of wading birds including wood storks, water birds,
shorebirds.
- Year round use by manatees, sea turtles (substantial beach nesting
by loggerhead sea turtles).
- Refuge is part of one of the largest expanses of mangrove estuary
in North America; approx. 30% of refuge (8,000 acres) is mangrove forest,
16,000 acres marine water, 11,000 acres freshwater marshland and other
habitat.
- Estuaries are extensively used by interjurisdictional fisheries;
renown saltwater fishing area.
Financial Impact of Refuge
- Two persons specifically for refuge; supported by 18 person staff
at Florida Panther NWR Refuge.
- Approximately 200,000 visitors annually.
- Current budget (FY 05): Refuge operations funded through Florida
panther NWR.
Refuge Objectives
- Conserve and protect the wildlife resources, especially endangered
species in the refuge.
- Provide visitors with quality recreational opportunities compatible
with refuge purpose.
- Permit sustained-yield use and enterprises compatible with the refuge
purpose.
- Promote the interpretation and education of natural resources of
the refuge.
- Promote refuge cooperation with entities involved with natural and
cultural resources within the Big Cypress watershed.
Management Tools:
- Prescribed fire.
- Exotic plant control through mechanical and chemical means.
- Education/Interpretation Law Enforcement for resource protection
and implementation of public use controls.
- Partnerships: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, National
Park Service.
Public Use Opportunities
- Fishing.
- Hunting.
- Wildlife Observation.
- Photography.
- Wildlife Viewing Trail.
- Camping.
Calender of Events
May: Migratory Bird Day.
September: Coastal Clean-up Day.
October: National Wildlife Refuge Week.
November: Duck hunting.
Questions and Answers
Where is the new Ten Thousand Islands NWR (TTINWR)?
The refuge is located approximately 20 miles southeast of
Naples, Florida, on the south side of Highway 41. The wester boundary
lies along county road 92. The Gulf of Mexico borders the southern boundary,
and the eastern boundary lies just west of Everglades National Park,
and FAKA Union Canal in the northern portion of that boundary.
What can I do on this refuge?
The mangrove ecosystem of TTINWR and the greater area are
currently used by the public in a variety of recreational pursuits. These
activities include sportfishing, boating, bird watching, camping, and
enjoying the aesthetics of the area.
Can I see a manatee in the refuge?
Yes, manatees are year-round occupants of the refuge but to
see one is sometimes a challenge. In the winter, adjacent to the refuge
at the Port of the Islands resort harbor and HWY 41 bridge at the resort
area are great places to see manatees.
What other wildlife can I see on the refuge?
A variety of wetland wildlife are seen on the refuge: alligators,
wading birds, shorebirds, bald eagles, osprey, loggerhead sea turtles,
and dolphins.
What is the best way to see the refuge?
Since the refuge is largely wetlands, a boat is the best means
to get around the refuge. Boating is a must for fantastic sportfishing
in the backwaters. Boat ramps are located in Goodland, Florida and Port
of the Islands Resort on the Faka Union Canal. Commercial boat operators
(tour guides) are available in these areas too. |
