Veteran group visits Sunnyhill Restoration Area for deer hunt

The district’s Sunnyhill Restoration Area north tract will temporarily close to host a deer hunt.

MAITLAND, Fla., Nov. 1, 2018 — The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Sunnyhill Restoration Area in Marion County will host veteran’s group Operation Outdoor Freedom for a guided deer hunt Nov. 6–8.

“While nearly all district lands are open to the public, we are especially proud to host our veterans for this event again,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We always look forward to working with Operation Outdoor Freedom to help create unique opportunities for recreation and rehabilitation for our disabled veterans.”

As a result of the event, the Sunnyhill Restoration Area north tract will close to all public recreational activities beginning Nov. 6, reopening Nov. 8 at noon. The 3,400-acre southern tract of the property will remain open to the public during this time.

A program of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Operation Outdoor Freedom provides wounded veterans with unique opportunities for recreation and rehabilitation. The district hosts the event in partnership with the Florida Forest Service and Friends of Florida State Forests.

The 7,748-acre Sunnyhill Restoration Area stretches along nine miles of the Ocklawaha River in Marion County. More information about the Sunnyhill Restoration Area is available online at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/sunnyhill.