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Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area

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Size:

10,338 acres.

Location:

Surrounding Lochloosa Lake in Alachua County, southeast of Gainesville and southwest of Hawthorne.

Description:

The area protects the water quality and species diversity in this environmentally sensitive watershed. Preservation of the shoreline helps maintain hydrologic connections within the Orange Creek Basin. In 1987, the state designated Orange Lake an Outstanding Florida Water. The Cross Creek community adds historic character with the site of author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ home close by. The District also purchased an adjacent 16,610 acre conservation easement from Georgia-Pacific Corp. (now Plum Creek Corp.). Both properties are wildlife management areas.

Wildlife viewing:

This area is of regional significance for large populations of bald eagles, ospreys, wading birds and other wetland-dependent species. Eighteen listed species live within the area, including wood stork, sandhill crane, black bear, fox squirrel and eastern indigo snake.

Recreational activities:

1. Seasonal hunting, fishing (handicapped accessible), hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, boating, wildlife viewing and primitive camping at designated locations. more info
2. Boating and canoeing opportunities are available on Lochloosa Lake; however, there are no launches located on the property.
3. Within the Grove Park portion of this property, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife viewing are allowed.
4. Visitors must stay on designated trails.
5. View hunting information.

Restrictions: more info

1. Off-road vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain or track vehicles) are not allowed.
2. Primitive camping on Burnt Island requires a permit from the District.
3. No camping is allowed during the general hunting season.

Access:

From the north off County Road (CR) 2082 and from the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. From the east, off U.S. 301. In Cross Creek, access is adjacent to the volunteer fire department on the east side of CR 325 and from Fish Camp Road.

For more information:

Call the District’s Bureau of Land Management at (386) 329-4404.