News Release

Big Cypress National Preserve Issues Temporary Area Closure for Lost Dog A & C Prescribed Fire

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News Release Date: February 9, 2024

Contact: Riki Hoopes

OCHOPEE, FL – Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity beginning Monday, February 12th, 2024. During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.

Prescribed fire is a carefully planned fire that uses fire science and specific environmental conditions to meet management goals for the preserve. A prescribed fire is one of Big Cypress’s best tools to help create a mosaic of diverse habitats, manage for our endangered species, and reduce the threat of a destructive wildfire.

Please refer to the provided map and area description below, temporary closures include the following areas:

• Florida National Scenic Trail South of I-75 and North of US-41 (see map)
• Raccoon Point CDU
• Raccoon Point TRU
• West Raccoon
• 827-10 Poppenhagar
• Lost Dog 1
• Lost Dog 2
• Oasis Trail (North of CDU 10)
• CDU 21
• CDU 25
• CDU 26
• CDU 27
• CDU 28
• CDU 29
• CDU 30
• CDU 31
• CDU 32
• CDU 32 NW ext
• CDU 32 NW
• CDU 32 NE
• CDU 32 Bypass
• CDU 35W
• CDU 38
• CDU 39
• CDU 40
• CDU 40S
• CDU 40N
• CDU 41
• CDU 41W
• TRU 74
• All areas within treatment perimeter

The following adjacent areas will remain open:

• Private lands in the designated area; residents should use caution and notify the Fire Duty Officer of entry by calling 561-923-5228.

Fire personnel anticipate 3-5 days of ignition operations and typically determine an area safe for reentry 2-4 days after ignitions are completed. Big Cypress Fire and Aviation will make a determination after ignitions are complete on when to lift the closure. The public will be advised of the implementation and subsequent termination of this closure by web alert, and by the posting of signs in the appropriate areas. If a longer closure is required, due to additional fire activity, an additional press release will be issued immediately.