Date: December 23, 2006
Contact: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714
Superintendent Dan Kimball announced this week that the Eco Pond area at Flamingo will reopen. The Eco Pond viewing platform and boardwalk, severely damaged by Hurricane Wilma in October, 2005, have now been removed, and the area is now available for visitor use. Historically, Eco Pond has been a destination for birdwatchers from all over the world.
“We are thrilled to reopen the Eco Pond area at Flamingo so that bird watchers and naturalists can enjoy this vantage point on the Everglades, especially during thisHolidayseason," Superintendent Kimball stated. Kimball also expressed his thanks for the patience and understanding exhibited by the bird watching community and also to the volunteers and staff ofEvergladesNational Parkwho made this reopening possible.
EvergladesNational Parkasks visitors to stay in mowed areas around Eco Pond, away from the water. Visitors should also be on the lookout for wildlife on the ground, such as snakes. EvergladesNational Parkstaff and visitors are seeing birds at Eco Pond everyday.
There is additional work that remains to be completed at Flamingo to recover from the 2005 storm damage; however, there are still many services available to the visitor. Boat ramps are open; the marina store and fuel services are available; and canoe and small motor skiff rentals are available as well. There are also boat tours ofFloridaBayand the backwater area ofWhitewaterBay. Reservations for boat tours are strongly recommended during the busy winter months. Tours are subject to wind and weather conditions so please call ahead for confirmation of departures (Marina Tours 239-695-3101 X 101). TheParkVisitorCenterat Flamingo is also open with Ranger’s on hand to answer questions.
Further information is available by calling the Flamingo Ranger Station at 239-695-3990.
We look forward to seeing all of you in the park!
