June 15, 2011
Multiple Fires Active in Preserve
There are currently four active fires within Big Cypress National Preserve. All are lightning caused fires that began on June 13, 2011.
June 10, 2011
Zone 4 Remains Closed Due to Low Water
Due to dry conditions Zone 4 of the Stairsteps Unit within Big Cypress National Preserve will remain closed until further notice.
June 09, 2011
June Advisory Committee Meeting Canceled
The June 23rd meeting of the Big Cypress National Preserve Off-road Vehicle Advisory Board is canceled.
May 18, 2011
2011 ORV Recreational Access Closure
The National Park Service will be implementing the annual 60-day recreational Off-Road Vehicle closure from 12:01 a.m., Monday, May 23, 2011 through 11:59 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2011. Recreational access will resume on Friday, July 22, 2011. This closure relates to those areas of the Preserve that allow for ATV, swamp buggies and street legal 4x4s.
April 29, 2011
04/29/2011 Fire Up-date
As of this morning the active fire within Big Cypress National Preserve has burned approximately 5,000 acres in the central portion of the Preserve. Crews from the National Park Service and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service are actively creating fire lines to contain the lightning caused fire and to protect privately owned backcountry camps where necessary.
April 28, 2011
NPS Working to Contain Lightning Caused Fire
The National Park Service is working to contain a lightning caused fire within Big Cypress National Preserve. It is believed the fire was ignited on Wednesday, April 28. It has burned approximately 3,000 acres as of today.
April 19, 2011
Public Scoping Comments on Air Tour Management Plan
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), has initiated development of an Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) and associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for Big Cypress National Preserve.
April 08, 2011
Zone 4 Closure
Beginning 12:01 a.m. Monday April 11, 2011 the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions.
March 11, 2011
2011 Land Owners 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.
March 04, 2011
Monroe South Trail Closed 03/08/2011
As part of the Loop Road repair project the Monroe South Trail will be closed on Tuesday, March 8, 2011.
March 02, 2011
Loop Road Closed
Beginning Thursday, March 3, 2011 that portion of Loop Road within Big Cypress National Preserve south of the Gator Hook Strand site and west to Crooked Culvert on Loop Road will be closed to vehicular traffic.
February 16, 2011
Preserve Seeking Public Comments on Proposed Trail Heads and Turn Lanes
The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to develop eight off-road vehicle trail heads/access points throughout the Preserve and five turn lanes off U.S. 41.
February 04, 2011
Record of Decision for Addition Signed
No abstract supplied.
December 13, 2010
2011 Advisory Committee Schedule
No abstract supplied.
December 07, 2010
State to Transfer Lands to Big Cypress
In a historic decision, the State of Florida Board of Trustees voted favorably today to transfer approximately 29,000 acres of State owned lands within the Big Cypress National Preserve to the National Park Service.
November 29, 2010
Wings of Wonder Butterfly Exhibit at Big Cypress
No abstract supplied.
November 24, 2010
Release of Planning Documents for Addition
Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Pedro Ramos announced today the availability of the Final General Management Plan/Wilderness Study/Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (GMP/WS/ORV Plan/EIS) for the Addition. Also available is a Biological Opinion prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for the preferred alternative described in the GMP/WS/ORV Plan/EIS.
September 21, 2010
Loop Road Environmental Assessment
The National Park Service (NPS) has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the rehabilitation and repair of approximately 16.53 miles of Loop Road within Big Cypress National Preserve. The proposed project area includes approximately 5 miles of paved and 11.53 miles of gravel road. This road provides access to the Everglades Environmental Education Center and is used by many visitors each year. The road is also the only access route for some Preserve inholders.
May 20, 2010
Florida panther experts honored by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Three Florida panther experts recently received a conservation award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for their work in managing the endangered species.
May 20, 2010
Preserve Seeking Backcountry Volunteers
No abstract supplied.
May 12, 2010
Preserve Announces Annual ORV Closure
Beginning on Monday, June 7, 2010 the annual 60-day Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) closure will be implemented within Big Cypress National Preserve. ORV access will be re-opened on Friday, August 6, 2010.
May 12, 2010
Draft Floodplains Statement of Findings Released
No abstract supplied.
April 20, 2010
Encouraging News for Florida panthers
No abstract supplied.
April 14, 2010
Environmental Assessment for Rehabilitation and Repair of Loop Road
No abstract supplied.
February 26, 2010
Preserve Seeking Public Comments on Proposed Rehabilitation and Repair of Loop Road
The National Park Service is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the rehabilitation and repair of approximately 16.5 miles of Loop Road to improve drainage, replace pavement, and repair damage caused by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.
February 11, 2010
Preserve Hosting Landowners Meeting
No abstract supplied.
January 22, 2010
Discover Fakahatchee
Join our partner, The Friends of Fakahatchee, during their signature event to explore Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.
January 14, 2010
2010 ORV Advisory Committee Meeting Calendar
No abstract supplied.
January 12, 2010
Environmental Assessment Open for Public Comment
The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida has recently completed a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the expansion of three tribal member camps in Big Cypress National Preserve.
October 28, 2009
Portion of Loop Road Closed As of 11/2/09
Superintendent Pedro Ramos announced today that effective November 2, 2009 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.
September 24, 2009
Release of Final Commercial Services Plan Announced
No abstract supplied.
September 14, 2009
2009 Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Permits Sold-out, 2010 Permit Lottery Announced
No abstract supplied.
September 04, 2009
September Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Advisory Committee Meeting Canceled
The ORV Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2009 in Everglades City from 3:30 - 8:00 p.m., has been canceled.
September 03, 2009
Preserve Holding Meeting on Addition Lands Management Plan in Broward County
No abstract supplied.
August 31, 2009
Big Cypress National Preserve Announces a Partner With Hunters Program To Help Control Burmese Pythons
No abstract supplied.
August 21, 2009
FWC opens python captures to licensed hunters on S FL WMAs
No abstract supplied.
July 24, 2009
Preserve Re-opens to All Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Access
No abstract supplied.
July 17, 2009
Secretary Salazar Announces Renewed Commitment to Expanded Programs to Eliminate Pythons from the Everglades
No abstract supplied.
July 09, 2009
July ORV Advisory Comm Meeting Canceled
The ORV Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Everglades City from 3:30 - 8:30 p.m., has been canceled.
July 09, 2009
Release of Draft Addition Lands Planning Document
No abstract supplied.
June 16, 2009
Zone 4 Airboat Access Reopened
With recent rains water levels in Zone 4 of Big Cypress National Preserve have risen to allow for the reopening of airboat trails within the zone. The trails will reopen effective June 15, 2009.
June 15, 2009
New Deputy Superintendent to Begin Work at Preserve
Superintendent Pedro Ramos has selected Mr. JD Lee as the new Deputy Superintendent of Big Cypress National Preserve. Mr. Lee will begin work at the Preserve on 06/22/09.
May 21, 2009
Preserve Related Closure Information
No abstract supplied.
May 12, 2009
Hiker Dies in Preserve
No abstract supplied.
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
No abstract supplied.
March 16, 2009
Preserve Announces Start of Zone 4 Seasonal Closure
No abstract supplied.
March 10, 2009
Preserve Landowners Meeting
No abstract supplied.
January 26, 2009
Pedro Ramos Selected as New Superintendent
No abstract supplied.
January 21, 2009
Preserve Extending Comment Period on Commercial Services Plan Through February 9
No abstract supplied.
January 08, 2009
January Meeting of the Big Cypress ORV Advisory Committee
No abstract supplied.
December 23, 2008
Final Draft Commercial Services Plan Released for Public Comment
No abstract supplied.
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
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.
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.
October 08, 2008
Portion of Loop Road Closed
No abstract supplied.
September 17, 2008
September Meeting of the Big Cypress ORV Advisory Committee
No abstract supplied.
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
No abstract supplied.
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
No abstract supplied.
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
No abstract supplied.
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
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 10, 2007
LCEC and Big Cypress National Preserve partner together to install osprey platforms
No abstract supplied.
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 06, 2007
Report shows increase in human contact with Florida panthers
No abstract supplied.
November 30, 2007
Preserve Extending Comment Period on Commercial Services Plan Through December 19
No abstract supplied.
November 29, 2007
Big Cypress National Preserve Ornament Displayed on the Official White House Christmas Tree
No abstract supplied.
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.
November 09, 2007
Big Cypress National Preserve Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Committee Meeting
No abstract supplied.
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
No abstract supplied.
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
No abstract supplied.
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
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 04, 2007
Florida Trail from U.S. 41 to I-75 Reopened
No abstract supplied.
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.
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.
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
No abstract supplied.
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 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 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
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 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 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 18, 2007
Annual Seasonal Off-Road Vehicle Closure
No abstract supplied.
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
No abstract supplied.
March 16, 2007
Interior Chief of Staff Brian Waidmann to Host Listening Session in Miami on National Park Centennial Initiative
No abstract supplied.
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
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.
February 09, 2007
Preserve Hosts Work by Miami Artist Rick Cruz
No abstract supplied.
November 27, 2006
Giving Back to Get Ahead - Volunteer Follows Conservation Ethic to Big Cypress National Preserve
No abstract supplied.
November 03, 2006
Town Hall Meeting About Florida Panthers Scheduled for November 16 in Naples Florida
No abstract supplied.
October 05, 2006
South Florida National Parks Seek Input for the South Florida and Caribbean Parks Exotic Plant Management Plan
No abstract supplied.
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 31, 2006
Big Cypress National Preserve Seeking Public Comment on Evapotranspiration - ET - Research and Monitoring Network
No abstract supplied.
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.
