May 08, 2009
May 2009 meeting of the orv advisory committee
The Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 3:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the Everglades City Community Center, 205 Buckner Avenue, Everglades City, Florida.
April 10, 2009
Preserve Implements Fire Restrictions
Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve, announced today that the National Park Service (NPS) will implement a fire use restriction on NPS lands within the preserve boundaries.
Effective immediately, and until further notice, the lighting or maintaining of a fire, including campfires, in the backcountry is prohibited. Campfires are restricted to developed campgrounds in established fire grates or fire rings and only while attended.
March 20, 2009
March Meeting of the Big Cypress ORV Advisory Committee
The Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 beginning at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Preserve Headquarters Pavilion located at 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida.
March 16, 2009
Preserve Announces Start of Zone 4 Seasonal Closure
Beginning Monday March 23, 2009 the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions. This will begin the 60 day recreational off-road vehicle (ORV) closure for this management unit within the Preserve.
March 10, 2009
Preserve Landowners Meeting
In a continuing effort to improve communication with landowners within the legislative boundaries of Big Cypress National Preserve, National Park Service staff will hold a meeting at the Preserve Headquarters (located on U.S. 41 four miles east of S.R. 29) on Saturday, March 14, 2009 beginning at 1:00 pm.
January 26, 2009
Pedro Ramos Selected as New Superintendent
The National Park Service Southeast Region in Atlanta announced today that Pedro Ramos has been selected as the new Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve in southwest Florida. Ramos had been acting superintendent at the Preserve since June 2008.
January 21, 2009
Preserve Extending Comment Period on Commercial Services Plan Through February 9
Pedro Ramos, Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve, announced today that the deadline for comments related to the Preserve's Commercial Services Plan will now be close of business on February 9, 2009. This is an extension from the previously announced date of January 24, 2009.
January 08, 2009
January Meeting of the Big Cypress ORV Advisory Committee
The Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 beginning at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Preserve Headquarters Pavilion located at 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida.
December 23, 2008
Final Draft Commercial Services Plan Released for Public Comment
The National Park Service (NPS) has recently completed preparation of a Final Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for implementation of a Commercial Service Plan in Big Cypress National Preserve. The final draft of the plan analyzes the effects of two action alternatives and a no-action alternative. The document is available for a final 30 day public comment period through January 24, 2009.
November 19, 2008
Big Cypress Announces Winter 2008/09 Ranger-led Activities
Big Cypress National Preserve, a unit of the National Park Service, has posted the winter 2008/09 schedule of ranger-led activities on the web.
November 13, 2008
Loop Road Re-opened
Due to water levels subsiding the Loop Road within Big Cypress National Preserve will re-open as of Friday, November 14.
November 04, 2008
Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Permit Lottery
Big Cypress National Preserve is announcing the implementation of the ORV Permit Lottery for those interested in obtaining an ORV permit for the 2009 permits. Permits are valid for 13 months, January 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010. The 2000 Final Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (ORV Plan) calls for implementation of a random drawing lottery system as a means of ensuring fair access to ORV permits which have a ceiling of 2000 permits per year.
November 04, 2008
November Meeting of the Big Cypress ORV Advisory Committee
The Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will hold their next meeting on Monday, November 17, 2008 beginning at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Everglades City Community Center, 205 Buckner Avenue, Everglades City, Florida.
October 08, 2008
Portion of Loop Road Closed
Acting Superintendent Pedro Ramos announced today that effective October 9, 2008 at 12:00 noon, the portion of Loop Road south of the Gator Hook Strand site and west of the Loop Road Education Center will be closed to vehicle traffic. This closure does not apply to landowners and their guests.
September 17, 2008
September Meeting of the Big Cypress ORV Advisory Committee
The Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 beginning at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Everglades City Community Center, 205 Buckner Avenue, Everglades City, Florida.
September 11, 2008
Travelers Advisory Portions of Loop Road Flooded
Recent rains from Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Ike have inundated portions of the scenic Loop Road within Big Cypress National Preserve with water.
September 09, 2008
Transportation Scholar Helps Save the Florida Panther
Many people are surprised to learn that the Florida panther is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Given the rapid pace of residential growth on private lands in south Florida, the panther's habitat is now limited to the areas of Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and the Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge. As its habitat shrinks, the panther is also threatened by vehicles on the roadways. Traffic on key highways that cut through or run along these protected lands is a major source of mortality for the panthers.
August 20, 2008
Preserve Reopens Following Tropical Storm Fay
As of August 20, 2008, all Big Cypress National Preserve facilities are open per regularly posted schedule.
August 17, 2008
Preserve Prepares for Tropical Storm Fay
Big Cypress National Preserve is preparing for landfall of Tropical Storm Fay. Effective 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2008 the Oasis Visitor Center and ORV Permit Office will be closed. All frontcountry campgrounds, including Midway, Pinecrest, Mitchell's Landing and Bear Island, will close as of 8:00 p.m. on August 17.
July 14, 2008
July Meeting of the Big Cypress ORV Advisory Committee
The Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will hold their next meeting on Monday, July 21, 2008 beginning at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Everglades City Community Center, 205 Buckner Avenue, Everglades City, Florida.
May 22, 2008
Zone 4 Closure within Big Cypress
Beginning Friday May 23, 2008, the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions. This will begin the 60 day recreational off-road vehicle (ORV) closure for this management unit within the Preserve. Pending water levels, this unit will re-open to ORV access by airboats on Tuesday, July 22, 2008.
May 06, 2008
May Meeting of the ORV Advisory Committee
The Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2008 beginning at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Everglades City Community Center, 205 Buckner Avenue, Everglades City, Florida.
May 02, 2008
Seasonal Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Closure
Big Cypress National Preserve will close to all recreational off-road vehicle (ORV) use for a sixty-day period beginning Monday, June 2 through Thursday, July 31, with trails re-opening on Friday, August 1.
April 11, 2008
preserve information meeting for landowners
In a continuing effort to improve communication with landowners Big Cypress National Preserve staff will hold a meeting specifically for landowners at the Preserve Headquarters (located on U.S. 41 four miles east of S.R. 29) on Saturday, April 26 beginning at 1:00 pm.
March 03, 2008
March Meeting of the ORV Advisory Board
The Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will hold their second meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 beginning at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Everglades City Community Center, 205 Buckner Avenue, Everglades City, Florida.
February 27, 2008
Visions of Big Cypress Photo Exhibit
A unique slice of South Florida’s tropical paradise, exquisitely captured by critically acclaimed artist Deborah Mitchell, will be on display as VISIONS OF BIG CYPRESS, a mixed media photo exhibit depicting the primeval beauty of the Big Cypress National Preserve. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and will run from Friday February 15th through Wednesday, April 30th, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the Big Cypress National Preserve, Oasis Visitor Center located at 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida, halfway between Miami and Naples along U.S. 41.
December 10, 2007
Preserve Temporarily Closes "Cypress Camp Trail" in Bear Island Unit
Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Karen Gustin announces the temporary closure of the Cypress Camp Trail in Bear Island, effective noon Friday, December 14. The NPS will be closing a portion of the Cypress Camp Trail (formerly the Yellow Trail) in order to stabilize sections of the trail that have widened excessively as a result of permitted recreational Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) traffic over the last year. The stabilization will require securing state and federal permits. This process involves coordinating with the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by accurately marking, measuring, and mapping the locations of the sections that need to be stabilized. Once that is completed, the permit request is submitted, and each agency has its own schedule for review, making this a process that usually takes many months.
December 10, 2007
LCEC and Big Cypress National Preserve partner together to install osprey platforms
On Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. a Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) lineman and Big Cypress National Preserve staff will be installing two osprey nest platforms at the Big Cypress National Preserve Headquarters located at 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL.
December 10, 2007
NPS Seeking Comments on Proposed U.S. 41 Turn Lane at Seagrape Drive
The National Park Service (NPS) is in the process of constructing the Tamiami Trail Welcome Center located on U.S. Highway 41 near the west entrance to Big Cypress National Preserve, Collier County, Florida. The impacts of the project were assessed in an Environmental Assessment (EA), which was released for a 30-day public review period ending September 22, 2003. A Finding of No Significant Impact was signed on February 6, 2004.
December 06, 2007
Report shows increase in human contact with Florida panthers
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) today released the 2007 Interagency Florida Panther Response Team Report that summarizes human-panther interactions investigated by the Interagency Florida Panther Response Team between December 2003 and June 2007.
November 30, 2007
Preserve Extending Comment Period on Commercial Services Plan Through December 19
Karen Gustin, Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve, announced today that the deadline for comments related to the Preserve's Commercial Services planning efforts will now be close of business on December 19, 2007. This is an extension from the previously announced date of November 30, 2007.
November 29, 2007
Big Cypress National Preserve Ornament Displayed on the Official White House Christmas Tree
“Holiday in the National Parks” Celebrated at the White House
Big Cypress National Preserve Ornament Displayed on the Official White House Christmas Tree
A Big Cypress National Preserve ornament is prominently displayed on this year’s official White House Christmas Tree. The tree is the centerpiece of elaborate decorations celebrating the theme of “Holiday in the National Parks.”
November 09, 2007
Big Cypress National Preserve Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Committee Meeting
The first meeting of the Big Cypress National Preserve ORV Advisory Committee will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2007, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria of the Everglades City School at 415 School Drive, Everglades City, FL.
November 09, 2007
Preserve to Hold Information Meeting for Landowners
Big Cypress National Preserve announces meeting for landowners to take place at the Preserve Headquarters, located on U.S. 41 four miles east of S.R. 29, on Saturday, November 17, 2007 beginning at 11:00 am.
October 31, 2007
Preserve Seeking Input on Future of Commercial Services
Big Cypress National Preserve, a unit of the National Park Service, is seeking public input on the future of commercial services within the Preserve. The NPS is in the process of developing a Commercial Services Plan (CSP) which will outline future opportunities for establishing types and levels of commercial activities necessary and appropriate within the boundary of the original Preserve. Commercial Services in the Preserve Addition will not be addressed until the General Management Plan for that area is completed, in mid 2009.
October 10, 2007
Preserve Establishes Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Committee
On June 14, 2007, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced the establishment of the Big Cypress National Preserve (the Preserve) Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Committee. The primary role of the committee will be to examine issues and make recommendations regarding the management of Off-Road Vehicles in Big Cypress National Preserve.
September 21, 2007
South Florida National Parks Adjust Special Use Permit Fees
Everglades, Dry Tortugas, and Biscayne National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve in south Florida announce implementation of a standard application fee for special use permits and film permits that will be charged at each of the four parks.
At each location, a consistent, non-refundable fee will be collected with every special use permit application, including those for commercial filming. Other park-specific fees, such as fees for a permit, monitoring, location, or facility-use, may also apply. These additional fees are based on actual costs incurred by the National Park Service for private or commercial events in the parks.
August 29, 2007
Preserve Seeking Public In-put on Turner River Unit Trails
Big Cypress National Preserve is moving forward with implementation of the ORV Plan through on-going designation of primary and secondary ORV trails within the Turner River Unit.
As part of this process you are invited to attend a scoping meeting at the Preserve Headquarters (located on U.S. 41 four miles east of S.R. 29) on 9/13/2007 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
July 31, 2007
Preserve Reopens for Recreational Off Road Vehicle Access
Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Karen Gustin announced that effective Friday, August 3, 2007 the off-road vehicle (ORV) trails within the Preserve will reopen to all recreational permitted users.
June 08, 2007
All Fire Related Closures Lifted in Preserve
As of Friday, June 8, 2007, Pedro Ramos, Acting Superintendent, Big Cypress National Preserve, announced that all fire related closures within the Preserve have been removed.
June 05, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update XVI
Preparation of contingency lines around private in-holdings and improvements were continued should the fire become active as conditions become drier. Firefighters continued to work on the north and west sides of the other fires on the Big Cypress National Preserve using hand crews, engines, and equipment to strengthen lines, mop-up, and rehabilitate fire lines. This will be the last daily update on fire conditions. No Private properties have been damaged due to fire.
June 04, 2007
Florida Trail from U.S. 41 to I-75 Reopened
As of Monday, June 4, 2007, Pedro Ramos, Acting Superintendent, Big Cypress National Preserve, announced that the Florida Trail from U.S. 41 north to Interstate 75 is reopened to hiking traffic. Additionally, all areas of the Preserve south of Interstate 75 within the Addition Lands have reopened.
June 04, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Update XV
The mandatory evacuation order for private landowner access has been lifted. The previous closure to all recreational access remains in effect. Fire remains staffed and was patrolled by ground and aerial resources. Preparation of contingency lines around private in-holdings and improvements were continued should the fire become active as conditions become drier. Firefighters continued to work on the north and west sides of the other fires on the Big Cypress National Preserve using hand crews, engines, and equipment to strengthen lines, mop-up, and rehabilitate fire lines. Accelerated demobilization of excess resources began. No private properties have been damaged due to fires.
June 01, 2007
Mandatory Evacuation Lifted
As of 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 1, 2007, Pedro Ramos, Acting Superintendent, Big Cypress National Preserve, lifted the mandatory evacuation that was in place for portions of the Preserve due to heavy fire activity.
June 01, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update XIV
A hazardous material clean up began yesterday on the fuel tanker accident at the intersection of I-75 and Hwy-29.
A 6 mile long and 1 mile wide fuel-break burn out was completed on the east side of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge next to Hwy 29 to reduce the risk of a westerly spread of the main fire. Firefighters continued to work on the north and west sides of the other fires on the Big Cypress National Preserve using swamp buggies, aircraft, and tracked vehicles to help with suppression efforts. Many parts of the fire were inaccessible with heavy, highly volatile fuels. No private property has been damaged to date.
May 31, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update XIII
Because of a fuel tanker rollover at the intersection of I-75 and Hwy 29, burn out operations on the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) had to be postponed to later in the day to avoid the burn out from igniting spilled fuel. Once the southeast corner of the Refuge which is near the fuel tanker rollover site was safe, burn out operations were initiated. This burnout was started late in the day and was continue through the evening hours. Firefighters continued to work on the north and west sides of the other fires on the Big Cypress National Preserve using swamp buggies, aircraft, and tracked vehicles to help with suppression efforts. Many parts of the fire were inaccessible with heavy highly volatile fuels. No private properties have been damaged to date.
May 30, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex XII
The fire’s main flame front remains approximately 4 miles east of Highway 29 (north of I-75). Burning operations were initiated on the east side of Florida Panther National Wildlife reserve west of Highway 29.This action was to reduce fuels and the chance of fire spreading to the west from the Big Cypress National Preserve. No private properties damaged due to fire, to date.
May 29, 2007
Seasonal ORV Closure
Big Cypress National Preserve will close to all recreational off-road vehicle (ORV) use for a sixty-day period beginning Monday, June 4 through Thursday, August 2, with trails re-opening on Friday, August 3.
May 29, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update XI
The mandatory evacuation and closure of recreational and private landowner access to the Bear Island Unit and the Addition Lands north of I-75 and west of the northerly portion of the Turner River Road remains in force. The previous closure of the Florida Scenic National Trail from US Highway 41 north to the Preserve’s northern boundary; and, a closure of the Addition Lands north and south of I-75 and east of Turner River Road to all recreational access remains in effect. The BICY Complex consists of one major fire. Because of continued dry and windy conditions the two previous Strickland and Midrest fires have burned together consolidating approximately 24 miles of fire line on the north side of I-75 from mile marker 52 to mile marker 76. Potential remains for rapid fire movement towards the western and northern Preserve boundaries. No private properties have been damaged to date.
May 26, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Update X
• The Midrest Fire’s main flame front is about 4 miles east of Highway 29 (north of I-75); however, the fire’s advance has greatly slowed due to its encounter with the moister fuels conditions of the East Hinson Marsh. Firefighters, with the help of water drops from aircraft, made good progress building and burning out lines along both the Midrest Fire’s northern and southern flanks. Where conditions were favorable, burnout operations were initiated to reinforce the control lines. Closures remain in place. No private properties have been damaged to date.
May 25, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Update IX
The Preserve remains closed to all recreational access and activities in areas north of I-75, and within the areas of the Addition Lands south of I-75 and east of Turner River Road. Additionally, there is a mandatory evacuation in affect for camp owners and residents within the Bear Island Unit and those areas of the Addition Lands north of I-75 and west of Turner River Road. Firefighters continued to construct holding lines along the Midrest Fire’s northerly flanks to retard its movement. Additionally, aircraft assaulted the fires’ advance, dropping water on a significant portion of the north and west boundaries of the fires’ perimeter. Fire crews persisted with mop up operations on the other fires in the complex. No private properties have been damaged to date.
May 24, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update VIII
Severe drought, readily receptive fuels, and strong winds greatly contributed to significant fire activity causing control problems. On both yesterday and May 22, the Midrest Fire made significant runs to the west, aggressively burning through all fuel types. This fire’s main flame front is now approximately 4 miles east of Highway 29 (north of I-75). In addition, the western flank of the Strickland Fire continues to spread in both a western and northern direction.
May 23, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update VII
Firefighters continued to construct holding lines to retard the forward advance of the fires. Additionally, aircraft assaulted the fires’ advance, dropping water on a significant portion of the north and west boundaries of the fires’ perimeter. Fire crews persisted with mop up operations on other portions of the fires. As of May 21, 2007 the following areas remain closed to all recreational access and activities - the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) from US 41 North to the Northern Boundary of the Preserve; all Addition Lands North of I-75; and, Addition Lands South of I-75 and East of Turner River Road; the Bear Island Unit of the original Preserve. To date, no private properties have been damaged due to fires within the Preserve.
May 22, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update VI
The Strickland and Midrest fires continued to grow in size, moving towards a southwesterly direction. Firefighters completed two significant burnout operations in an attempt to halt these fires’ advance and protect the I-75 corridor. The burnout operations took place both north and south of I-75, one in the vicinity of the Florida Scenic Trail; and, the second between the Bundschu (Baker) Grade and the north edge of the Midrest Fire. As of May 21, 2007 the following areas remain closed to all recreational access and activities - the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) from US 41 North to the Northern Boundary of the Preserve; all Addition Lands North of I-75; and, Addition Lands South of I-75 and East of Turner River Road; the Bear Island Unit of the original Preserve. To date, no private properties have been damaged due to fires within the Preserve.
May 21, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update V
Severe drought and readily receptive fuels are all contributing to active fire behavior causing control problems. Thunder cells continued yesterday around and over all fires.
Portions of most fires were difficult to access except with swamp buggies and helicopters. Recreational access and activity closures within the northern portion of the Preserve are in effect due to firefighting operations. No privately owned structures have been damaged due to fires.
May 21, 2007
Recreational Access Closure Due to Fire Activities
On May 20, 2007 acting Superintendent Pedro Ramos ordered an emergency Closure and Public Use Limit due to the fire emergency existing within Big Cypress National Preserve. The closure includes the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) from US 41 North to the Northern Boundary of the Preserve; all Addition Lands North of I-75; and, Addition Lands South of I-75 and East of Turner River Road. Additionally, today (5/21/2007) the closure was extended to include the Bear Island Unit of the original Preserve. These areas will be closed to all recreational activities.
May 18, 2007
Annual Seasonal Off-Road Vehicle Closure
Acting Superintendent Pedro Ramos announced today that Big Cypress National Preserve will close to all recreational off-road vehicle (ORV) use for a sixty-day period beginning Monday, June 4 through Thursday, August 2, with trails re-opening on Friday, August 3.
May 18, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update IV
• Firefighters successfully completed burnout operations on the Strickland Fire to protect the community of Sanctuary to check the wildfire’s gradual northeast advance. Additionally, burnout operations were conducted around two cabin sites north of I-75 to protect these structures from wildfire. The Strickland Fire is actively burning both north and south of I-75. Helicopters made several water drops to “cool” the heavily burning fuels along the I-75 corridor. All facilities remain open within the Preserve that are typically open during this season. No privately owned structures have been damaged due to fires.
May 17, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update III
Firefighters successfully extended burnout operations about 1.6 miles between the Strickland Fire and the community of Sanctuary to remove fuels and check the wildfire’s slow advance. The Strickland Fire is actively burning both north and south of I-75. Helicopters made several water drops to “cool” the heavily burning fuels along the I-75 corridor. I-75 is open and passable to travelers. All facilities remain open within the Preserve that are typically open during this season. No privately owned structures have been damaged due to fires.
May 16, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update II
Firefighters continued prep for burnout operations between the Strickland Fire and the rural community of Sanctuary to remove fuels and check the northeast spread of the flame front. The Strickland Fire is actively burning both north and south of I-75, Helicopters made numerous water drops to “cool” the heavily burning fuels along the I-75 corridor. I-75 is open and passable to travelers.
All facilities remain open within the Preserve that are typically open during this season. No privately owned structures have been damaged due to fires.
May 15, 2007
Big Cypress Fire Complex Update
The BICY Complex is currently made up of several, major fires:
• The most actively burning fires are the Strickland, Midrest, and FT6 fires. Strickland Fire, located north of I-75, and, west of Levee 28 Interceptor Canal is estimated at 10,000 acres. Midrest Fire, situated north of I-75 and west of the Strickland Fire is estimated at 3,900 acres. FT6 Fire, located north of Highway 41 and east of the Florida National Scenic Trail is estimated at 1,900 acres. The Trail Fire located south of I-75 and north of the FT6 Fire is estimated at 450 acres. The HP Fire is situated south of Highway 41, in the vicinity of Turner River Canoe Trail. All facilities remain open within the Preserve that are typically open during this season. No privately owned structures have been damaged due to fires.
April 16, 2007
Addition Lands Revised Alternatives Notice
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on General Management Plan (GMP) / Wilderness Study/ Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan for the Big Cypress National Preserve Addition. The Addition is 146,000 acres of land that were added to the Preserve in 1988 by Public Law 100-301.
March 16, 2007
Interior Chief of Staff Brian Waidmann to Host Listening Session in Miami on National Park Centennial Initiative
WASHINGTON – Interior Department Chief of Staff Brian Waidmann will host a listening session in Miami, Florida on Thursday, March 22, 2007 to seek suggestions and ideas on President Bush’s $3 billion National Park Centennial Initiative to reinvigorate and strengthen national parks over the next decade.
March 14, 2007
South Florida National Parks Unveil Trilingual Junior Ranger Program
Everglades and Biscayne National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve are pleased to announce the release of a trilingual Junior Ranger program for young visitors. Previously offered only in English, the program is now available in both Spanish and Haitian Creole, and encourages children to explore, learn about, and protect our national treasures, while working to earn the title of “Junior Ranger.” Successful participants will earn a souvenir badge at each park they visit. Those who earn a badge at all three parks are eligible to receive a newly designed Junior Ranger patch in the shape of a water drop.
February 21, 2007
Preserve to Modify Bear Island ORV Trail System
Karen Gustin, Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve, announced today the continued implementation of the National Park Service's Final Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan.
Effective February 28, approximately 30 miles of designated primary Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trails that were provided for in the plan will now be open to the public within the Bear Island Unit of the Preserve. This trail configuration re-establishes eleven miles of trails, completing the designated trail system within Bear Island.
February 09, 2007
Preserve Hosts Work by Miami Artist Rick Cruz
Big Cypress National Preserve will be displaying work by Miami artist Rick Cruz during the month of February. The work will be displayed at the Oasis Visitor Center located along the Tamiami Trail (U. S. 41) midway between Miami and Naples. Hours for the visitor center are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
February 09, 2007
Town Hall Meeting To Address Safety Tips And Strategies For Living Near Florida Panthers and Other Wildlife
You are invited to a public meeting on living with wildlife, featuring information on Florida panthers.
November 27, 2006
Giving Back to Get Ahead - Volunteer Follows Conservation Ethic to Big Cypress National Preserve
The Great Outdoors has always lured people for a variety of reasons. But more and more young people are heading back to places like Big Cypress because it’s the right thing to do. They want to give back to the environment while exploring possible careers in conservation.
November 03, 2006
Town Hall Meeting About Florida Panthers Scheduled for November 16 in Naples Florida
State and federal agencies responsible for managing the endangered Florida panther will partner with Collier County Commissioner Jim Coletta to host a meeting with Naples area residents about how to live safely with Florida panthers and other wildlife. The town hall meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Thursday, November 16, at the University of Florida Agricultural Extension Service at 14700 Immokalee Road in Naples.
October 05, 2006
South Florida National Parks Seek Input for the South Florida and Caribbean Parks Exotic Plant Management Plan
Everglades, Dry Tortugas, Biscayne National Parks and the Big Cypress National Preserve along with five (5) other South Florida and Caribbean parks are seeking public input, through November 22, 2006 on a proposed Exotic Plant Management Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EPMP/EIS).
August 31, 2006
Big Cypress National Preserve Seeking Public Comment on Evapotranspiration - ET - Research and Monitoring Network
The National Park Service (NPS) has recently completed preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction and operation of an evapotranspiration (ET) research and monitoring network in Big Cypress National Preserve. We are seeking public comment on the document, which can be viewed at http://parkplanning.nps.gov.
August 31, 2006
Preserve Re-Opens Following Ernesto
With the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto, Big Cypress National Preserve re-opens facilities and recreational backcountry access, effective today August 31, 2006.
August 28, 2006
National Preserve Prepares for Ernesto
Big Cypress National Preserve prepares for landfall of the tropical system "Ernesto". Effective 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2006 the Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Center and administrative facilities will be closed.
August 28, 2006
Response Time for Addition Lands GMP Extended
Due to recent problems with the National Park Service’s “Planning, Environment and Public Comment” web-site, the comment period related to the Addition Lands General Management Plan has been extended to July 18, 2006, 11:59 pm mountain time.
