Little Big Econlockhatchee Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Big Econlockhatchee Wildlife Management Area is a 10,000-acre wildlife reserve located in the state of Florida, United States.


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Summary

The area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and birdwatchers due to its diverse landscape and rich wildlife.

Visitors to the wildlife management area can explore a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and marshes. The area is home to over 170 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and woodpeckers, making it a prime destination for birdwatching.

Several hiking and biking trails wind through the wildlife management area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area up close. Other popular activities include fishing, kayaking, and camping.

One of the most popular points of interest in the Little Big Econlockhatchee Wildlife Management Area is the Econ River, which runs through the heart of the reserve. The river is a great place to spot wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and river otters.

The best time of year to visit the Little Big Econlockhatchee Wildlife Management Area is in the cooler months between October and April. This is when the weather is most comfortable, and the wildlife is most active.

In conclusion, the Little Big Econlockhatchee Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With its diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, and range of activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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