![brown pelicans image](images/pinellas1.gif)
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
![snake image](images/pinellas2.gif)
![bird in flight image](images/pinellas3.gif)
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Refuge
Facts:
- Established: 1951.
- Acres: 394. Located in Pinellas County, FL.
- Location: the refuge is located off shore from St. Petersburg, FL,
and is accessible only by boat.
- Administered by Chassahowitzka
National Wildlife Refuge.
Natural History:
- Pinellas Refuge was established as a breeding ground for colonial
bird species. Several islands comprise the refuge and include Indian,
Tarpon, Mule, and Jackass keys. All the islands are within the St.
Petersburg city limits.
- Species nesting on the island include brown pelicans, herons, egrets,
cormorants and numerous other species. Tarpon Key hosts the largest
brown pelican rookery in the state of Florida.
- The flats surrounding the island are protected from motorized boating
activity to protect the lush sea grass beds.
- The islands are currently closed year-round to all public use because
of their small size and critical importance to coastal species.
Financial Impact of Refuge
Refuge Objectives
- Provide nesting habitat for endangered brown pelicans
and other water birds.
- Preserve and protect barrier island habitat.
Management Tools:
- Law enforcement.
- Wildlife population surveys.
- Partnerships.
- Research.
Public Use Opportunities
- Closed to all public use.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunites exist for
visitor center operations, manatee
watch activities, and refuge
maintenance projects.
Questions and Answers
Where is Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge located?
Pinellas 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?
Because of its small size and importance to wildlife.
What wildlife species use the island?
Pinellas NWR was established as a breeding ground for colonial
bird species. Species nesting on the island include brown pelicans, herons,
egrets, cormorants and numerous other species. Pinellas NWR hosts the
largest brown pelican rookery in the state of Florida.
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