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Big Cypress National PreserveFlorida Panthers, one of the endangered species found within the preserve.
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Big Cypress National Preserve
Laws & Policies

Various public documents help guide the further management of natural and cultural resources, and the recreational opportunities within the preserve. Click the links below to find out more.

Big Cypress National Preserve Enabling Legislation (P.L. 93-440, as amended by P.L. 100-301) - Congress created the Big Cypress National Preserve in 1974 as one of the first National Preserves within the National Park Service. Click here to download the law in its entirety.

Criteria for Off-Road Vehicle and Hunting Access Within Big Cypress National Preserve In Response to Surface Water Levels, August 2006 - In recent years the occurrence of high and low water conditions have prompted the National Park Service to temporarily close areas of the Preserve to off-road vehicles (ORVs) such as swamp buggies, airboats, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). This paper provides an overview of this subject, and discusses how hydrologic criteria can be used to assist future decision making.

Big Cypress Private Property Owners Questions and Answers, November 2005 - This document answers commonly asked questions regarding the ownership of private property within the boundaries of Big Cypress National Preserve.

Long Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP) 2002 - The LRIP presents a visitor experience vision of the Preserve based on purpose, significance, and mission identified in the Preserve's Strategic Plan.

ORV Management Plan 2000 - This document guides the implementation and management of the Recreational Off-road Vehicle trail system within the Preserve.

Big Cypress Land Protection Plan, 1991 - This document outlines the actions necessary to assure resource protection and provide essential public access.

A young alligator emerges from its egg.  

Did You Know?
Alligator hatching season is typically September through October in South Florida. A female can lay up to 50 eggs, about 45 of which will hatch, but only 2 or 3 will make it beyond the first two years of life.

Last Updated: April 20, 2008 at 05:10 EST