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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
- Private lands in the designated area; residents should use caution and notify the Fire Duty Officer of entry by calling 561-923-5228.
Last updated: February 9, 2024