Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Florida is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Summary
The area covers over 31,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, otters, and various species of birds.
One of the main attractions of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area is its pristine waterways, which are ideal for kayaking, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also explore the many hiking trails that wind through the area's forests and wetlands.
Some points of interest within the area include the Chassahowitzka River and the Seven Sisters Springs, which are known for their crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife. The area is also home to several historic sites, including the Old Homosassa Heritage Council Museum and the Crystal River Archaeological State Park.
Interesting facts about the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area include its status as a designated manatee sanctuary, as well as its importance as a nesting site for several species of sea turtles. The area is also home to the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1941 to protect the region's unique ecosystem.
The best time of year to visit the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area is during the cooler months from November to April, when the weather is milder and the wildlife is more active. Visitors should also be aware of the area's occasional flooding and should plan accordingly.
Overall, the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Florida's rich natural history and diverse wildlife.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Linda Pederson Park at Jenkins Creek
Weekiwachee Wildlife Management Area
Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park