-
Fire Activity
Currently there is fire activity within the Preserve. More »
-
2013 Zone 4 Closure
Beginning at 12:01 am Monday, April 8, 2013, the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions. More »
-
Interstate 75 Mile Marker 63 Closure
Beginning summer of 2013 the rest area and backcountry access at mile marker 63 will be closed due to construction. More »
-
Campground Closures
Beginning Monday, May 13 through Friday, August 16 camping will be available at the Midway Campground and the “loop” in the Bear Island Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve. All other established campgrounds will be closed. More »
Preserve Implements Fire Restrictions
|
A fire crew in Big Cypress National Preserve. Wildfires are more dangerous and costly to suppress compared to conducting prescribed fires under controlled conditions.
Contact: Bob DeGross, 239-695-1107 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. "This restriction is necessary due to the extreme high fire danger brought about by the lack of rainfall accompanied with dry, windy conditions creating red flag fire weather." Ramos stated. The preserve is now in extreme fire danger, similar conditions exist throughout south Florida. No relief to the dry condition is anticipated until the onset of the summer rainy season, which typically begins in May. Preserve Fire personnel will be conducting safety patrols while the restriction is in effect to observe conditions, engage the public and discuss the extreme fire weather present throughout the Preserve when the opportunity presents itself. Those who witness unauthorized burning on NPS lands within the Preserve boundary should report it to the NPS at 800-342-5869 or #NPS on a your cellular phone. |
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 two or three will make it beyond the first two years of life.