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PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION:
Refuge lands are open daily from sunrise to sunset, except
for periods during shuttle launch operations. The Refuge
normally closes at the Titusville entrance and just south of
Haulover Canal on SR3 24 hours prior to launch.
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VIC - A
Visitor Information Center - located 4
miles east of Titusville offers Refuge information,
educational displays, wildlife exhibits, and a 20
minute video about the Refuge. A 1/4 mile,
universally accessible boardwalk located behind the
VIC crosses over a pond, through an oak hammock, and
leads to a freshwater marsh overlook. Special
interpretive programs are offered November-March
annually. The VIC is open Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30 ,
and 9:00 -5:00 on Saturdays and Sundays (closed
Sunday April-October).
WILDLIFE DRIVE
Black Point Wildlife Drive is a 7 mile, one-way
, self guiding tour through impounded marshes. The
drive offers several numbered stops which are
described in a brochure that can be picked up at the
entrance to the drive. Wading birds, shorebirds,
raptors, waterfowl, alligators, otters, and other
species of wildlife frequent the area. The
Cruickshank Tower located at Stop 8 offers a view of
the surrounding marshes from a 10' tower.
HIKING TRAILS
- In addition to the trail at the VIC,
three other trails are offered: Oak Hammock Trail
(1/2 mile), Palm Hammock Trail (3 miles), and
Cruickshank Trail (5 miles). The Hammock trails are
typically wet following periods of rain, while the
Cruickshank trail (dike) is dry. Bug repellant is
recommended for all trails, especially from March -
October. |
| MANATEE
OBSERVATION DECK - Located on the
northeast side of Haulover Canal, this observation
platform overlooks an area that is frequented by
manatees. As many as 42 manatees have been seen here
during spring months, however use of the area by
manatees varies. Interpretive panels, a polarized
viewer, and tactile panels are on site. Parking is
available at the deck, and a ramp makes this
facility universally accessible. |
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FISHING -
The Indian River, Banana River and Mosquito Lagoon offer
fishing for species such as red drum, spotted sea trout,
snook, tarpon and black drum. Boat launching access is
available at several sites throughout the Refuge for smaller
watercraft. Larger boats (18'+) usually launch at Haulover
Canal or from the near-by Parrish Park on SR 402/406. Night
fishing is allowed by boat only and a permit is required.
All fishing is in accordance with state regulations.
Commercial fishing operations require a permit which can be
purchased at the Refuge Headquarters/VIC complex for $150.00
annually. Commercial fishing guides require a permit as
well.
Sport Fishing Regulation
WATERFOWL HUNTING
Hunting for ducks and coots is allowed in accordance with
state regulations in four specified hunt areas totaling
36,000 acres. A hunter safety card is required for all
persons in areas 1,2 and 4. Persons hunting in area 3 do not
need a hunter safety card unless they are required by state
law to have one in order to purchase a hunting license.
Hunting occurs on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday during the
state set season, plus Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and
New Years Day. All hunting stops at 1:00 p.m. Common species
bagged includes blue-wing teal, green-wing teal, pintails,
widgeons, shovelers, scaup, and mottled ducks. Hunter check
stations are frequently manned by Refuge personnel.
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