Laws & Policies

Various public documents help guide the further management of natural and cultural resources, and the recreational opportunities within the preserve. Click on the links below to find out more.

BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE ENABLING LEGISLATION
(PL 93-440, as amended by PL 100-301)
Congress created the Big Cypress National Preserve in 1974, as one of the first national preserves within the National Park System. Click here to download the law in its entirety.
Superintendent's Compendium
Click here for more information.
BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE FIRE MANAGEMENT PLAN
October 2019
Click here for more information.
Hunting Management Plan - 2014
The Hunting Management Plan outlines how the NPS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), will cooperate to implement an adaptive management strategy to manage hunting in the Preserve.
Designated ORV Trail Heads and Turn Lanes - 2012
In 2012 the NPS completed an Environmental Assessment related to turn lanes associated with high traffic areas at facilities along U. S. 41 and facilities to be developed at designated backcountry access points within the national preserve..
Addition Lands General Management / ORV / Wilderness Management Plan - 2011
Click here for information
COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN NPS/FWC - 2011
Click here for the agreement.
CRITERIA FOR OFF-ROAD VEHICLE & HUNTING ACCESS WITHIN BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE IN RESPONSE TO SURFACE WATER LEVELS - AUGUST 2006
In recent years the occurrence of high and low water conditions have prompted the National Park Service to temporarily close areas of the Preserve to off-road vehicles, such as swamp buggies, airboats, and all-terrain vehicles. This paper provides an overview of this subject, and discusses how hydrologic criteria can be used to assist future decision making.
BIG CYPRESS PROPERTY OWNERS QUESTION & ANSWERS - NOVEMBER 2005
This document answers commonly asked questions regarding the ownership of private property within the boundaries of Big Cypress National Preserve.
LONG RANGE INTERPRETIVE PLAN (LRIP) - 2002
The LRIP presents a visitor experience vision of the Preserve, based on purpose, significance, and mission identified in the Preserve's Strategic Plan.
Big Cypress National Preserve General Management Plan (GMP) - 1992
The GMP is a plan developed to guide the management of the preserve over a 10 to 20 year period. Vol. 2 of the GMP are the written comments received during the development of the plan along with the NPS responses.
BIG CYPRESS LAND PROTECTION PLAN - 1991
This document outlines the actions necessary to assure resource protection and provide essential public access.

Last updated: March 12, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, FL 34141

Phone:

239 695-2000

Contact Us

Tools