Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area (LHWM) is a protected wildlife habitat in the state of Florida, covering about 16,000 acres.


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Summary

The area is located on the Hillsborough River, between the cities of Tampa and Plant City, and is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). There are several reasons to visit LHWM, including its diverse wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.

One of the main attractions of LHWM is its wildlife, which includes over 200 species of birds, as well as alligators, turtles, snakes, and other reptiles. Visitors can also spot Florida panthers, bobcats, and deer in the area. The habitat consists of wetlands, forests, and riverine areas, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Some of the specific points of interest in LHWM include the Hillsborough River, which is popular for canoeing and kayaking, and the Fort Foster State Historic Site, which provides insights into the area's history and offers interpretive tours. Other notable landmarks in the area include the Morris Bridge and Trout Creek recreation areas, which both offer camping, picnic areas, and boat ramps.

Interesting facts about LHWM include that it was once used as a hunting and fishing ground by Native American tribes and early settlers, and that it is a critical habitat for several endangered species, including the wood stork and the Eastern indigo snake. The area is also an important recharge area for the Floridan Aquifer, which supplies drinking water to much of Florida.

The best time of year to visit LHWM depends on personal preferences and activities. Winter and early spring are popular times for birdwatching, while summer and fall offer opportunities for fishing and water-based activities. Visitors are advised to check the FWC website for seasonal updates and information.

In summary, LHWM is a unique and diverse natural area in Florida, offering a range of recreational activities and opportunities to experience the state's wildlife and natural beauty. From birdwatching to camping, there is something for everyone in this protected wildlife habitat.

       

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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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