Suwannee Ridge Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Suwannee Ridge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a vast conservation area located in the state of Florida, offering visitors an abundance of natural wonders and recreational opportunities.


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Summary

This summary has been compiled by cross-referencing information from multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy.

Reasons to visit:
1. Biodiversity: Suwannee Ridge WMA covers approximately 11,126 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.
2. Water-based activities: The area is intersected by the historic Suwannee River, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
3. Hunting and fishing: Suwannee Ridge WMA offers hunting and fishing opportunities for various species during designated seasons, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Hiking and biking trails: Visitors can explore the area through several designated trails, allowing for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

Points of interest:
1. Suwannee River: The WMA is bordered by the picturesque Suwannee River, where visitors can enjoy scenic views, fishing, and boating.
2. Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitats within Suwannee Ridge WMA attract various species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcats, alligators, and numerous bird species, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
3. Natural springs: The area is dotted with several natural springs, such as Suwannee Springs and Peacock Springs, which are popular for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Interesting facts:
1. Suwannee Ridge WMA is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in collaboration with other organizations to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.
2. The area is part of a larger network of conservation lands in north-central Florida, contributing to the connectivity and preservation of wildlife corridors.
3. Suwannee Ridge WMA offers primitive camping facilities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Suwannee Ridge WMA is during the cooler months from fall to spring, typically from October to April. During this time, temperatures are milder, and wildlife activity is more abundant. However, it's essential to check specific hunting and fishing seasons, as well as any access restrictions, which may vary throughout the year.

Please note that visiting Suwannee Ridge WMA requires adhering to all regulations and guidelines set forth by the managing authorities, as well as practicing responsible outdoor ethics to preserve the area's fragile ecosystems.

       

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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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