nps.gov - Big Cypress National Preserve - News Releases http://www.nps.gov/bicy News releases from Big Cypress National Preserve. en-us Portion of Loop Road Closed As of 11/2/09 http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/portion-of-loop-road-closed-2.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:07:46 EST 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. Release of Final Commercial Services Plan Announced http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/release-of-final-commercial-services-plan-announced.htm Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:45:31 EST Superintendent Pedro Ramos announced the completion of the Commercial Services Plan and Environmental Assessment (CSP) for the Preserve.  The CSP was developed over 5 years, and incorporates the participation of numerous federal and state agencies, the two federally recognized Tribes, as well as the public. 2009 Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Permits Sold-out, 2010 Permit Lottery Announced http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/2009-and-2010-orv-permit-information.htm Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:09:43 EST Superintendent Pedro Ramos has announced that as of September 7, 2009 Big Cypress National Preserve has sold all 2000 ORV permits authorized for sale in 2009 by the 2000 Final Recreational Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (ORV Plan). September Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Advisory Committee Meeting Canceled http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/september-off-road-vehicle-advisory-committee-meeting-canceled.htm Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:29:57 EST The ORV Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2009 in Everglades City from 3:30 - 8:00 p.m., has been canceled. Preserve Holding Meeting on Addition Lands Management Plan in Broward County http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/preserve-holding-meeting-on-addition-lands-management-plan-in-broward-county.htm Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:14:50 EST The National Park Service (NPS) will hold a public meeting in Broward County on the Big Cypress National Preserve Addition Lands Draft General Management Plan/Wilderness Study/Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (Draft GMP/WS/ORV Plan/EIS). Big Cypress National Preserve Announces a Partner With Hunters Program To Help Control Burmese Pythons http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/big-cypress-national-preserve-announces-a-partner-with-hunters-program-to-help-control-burmese-pythons.htm Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:25:48 EST On August 28, 2009 Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Pedro Ramos announced the Partner With Hunters program to assist in the control of reptiles of concern, particularly Burmese pythons, within the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.  FWC opens python captures to licensed hunters on S FL WMAs http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/fwc-opens-python-captures-to-licensed-hunters-on-s-fl-wmas.htm Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:21:41 EST The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Big Cypress National Preserve will implement a program to reduce the number of Burmese pythons in the wild in Florida. Beginning Aug. 29, the FWC and Big Cypress will enlist the help of licensed hunters on specific wildlife management areas in South Florida. Preserve Re-opens to All Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Access http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/preserve-re-opens-to-all-off-road-vehicle-orv-access.htm Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:56:39 EST Big Cypress National Preserve will re-open to all ORV access beginning on Friday, July 31, 2009. Recreational ORV use was suspended in the Preserve during an annual 60 day closure period as outlined in the 2000 Recreational ORV Access Plan. Visitors wishing to access the backcountry of the Preserve with an ORV are reminded that they must have the appropriate training, permits and inspections to do so. Secretary Salazar Announces Renewed Commitment to Expanded Programs to Eliminate Pythons from the Everglades http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/secretary-salazar-announces-renewed-commitment-expanded-programs-to-eliminate-pythons-from-everglades.htm Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:19:08 EST Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the State of Florida and other stakeholders, are renewing their commitment and expanding existing programs to eliminate Burmese pythons from the Everglades. Release of Draft Addition Lands Planning Document http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/preserve-addition-gmp-doc.htm Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:07:42 EST Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Pedro Ramos announced today that the Draft General Management Plan/Wilderness Study/Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (Draft GMP/WS/ORV Plan/EIS) for the Addition is available for public review. July ORV Advisory Comm Meeting Canceled http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/july-orv-advisory-comm-meeting-canceled.htm Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:10:42 EST The ORV Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Everglades City from 3:30 - 8:30 p.m., has been canceled. Zone 4 Airboat Access Reopened http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/zone-4-airboat-access-reopened.htm Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:22:14 EST 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. New Deputy Superintendent to Begin Work at Preserve http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/new-deputy-superintendent-to-begin-work-at-preserve.htm Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:25:08 EST 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.