St. Johns River Water Management District

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Rec. Guide Property Number

Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area

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Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area Photo

An aerial view of a public parking area near an access point into Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area.

Size:

Approximately 52,000 acres.

Location:

Extends from the southern Brevard County boundary along Fellsmere Grade, north to U.S. 192, west of Melbourne.

Description:

This area comprises a significant portion of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project, a cooperative effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide flood control and environmental protection. The first discernible channels of the St. Johns River (Three Forks) arise within the marsh south of Lake Hell ‘n’ Blazes. The original floodplain communities of this area were severely impacted by diking and draining for agricultural uses. Water management areas separate and improve the quality of agricultural waters before they flow into the river.

Wildlife viewing:

Restoration has helped to improve habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, river otters and shorebirds. The diversity of fish and wildlife provides a recreational resource for anglers, hunters, boaters and bird-watchers. Alligators are seen year-round.

 

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Recreational activities:

  1. Hiking, biking and bank fishing on the levees, seasonal hunting, fishing, primitive camping at designated sites, airboating, boating, canoeing and wildlife viewing. more info
  2. Several shelters are located on the marsh. These are for day-use only and can be used for picnicking or protection from the weather.

Restrictions: more info

  1. Off-road vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain or track vehicles) are not allowed on property.
  2. Special protection areas include water control structures, rookeries for wading birds and levees.
  3. Public access is also restricted in certain areas under construction or restoration, as posted.

Access:

From I-95, use the Melbourne exit at U.S. 192 and go west to Camp Holly. You can also take the County Road (CR) 514 exit (Malabar Road) and turn west on Malabar Road to the Thomas O. Lawton Recreation Area, or from the Malabar Road exit, turn east to CR 507 (Babcock Road), then south on Babcock and west on Fellsmere Grade. Gates at the Thomas O. Lawton Recreation Area open at sunrise and close at sunset.

For more information:

Call the District’s Division of Land Management at (386) 329-4404. For hunting information, click HERE.


© 2007, 2008 St. Johns River Water Management District