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Big Cypress National PreserveThe ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) is one of the rare epiphytic orchids found in Southwest Florida.
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Big Cypress National Preserve
Zone 4 Closure within Big Cypress

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Date: May 22, 2008
Contact: Bob DeGross, 239-695-1107

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.

All other management units within the Preserve that allow for wheeled ORV access remain open until June 1, 2008. Beginning on June 2, 2008 these units will be closed for 60 days with access being re-opened on August 1.

The Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan calls for a sixty-day seasonal closure to allow a period free from resource pressures related to ORV use. The off-road vehicle closure within Big Cypress National Preserve was first instituted in 2002.

Landowners that hold special use permits to access their private properties within the Preserve will retain continued access to their property along approved routes.

For information on other closures within the Preserve click here.

Alligator in the swamp.  

Did You Know?
Within Big Cypress HP Williams and Oasis Wildlife Viewing Platforms are popular areas to see alligators. The best time to see large congregations of alligators is typically from January through May. Remeber not to feed or approach these dangerous animals.

Last Updated: June 24, 2008 at 09:50 EST