District public lands begin to re-open after Tropical Storm Nicole

~ Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive will remain closed ~

Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area is re-opened for public use, including for scouting and hunting.

PALATKA, Fla., Nov. 11, 2022 — Today, the St. Johns River Water Management District re-opened several of their lands and all the navigational locks.

These properties include:

• Blue Cypress Conservation Area
• Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area
• Fellsmere Water Management Area
• Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area
  • Hike in campsites remain closed due to flooding.
• Micco Water Management Area
• Ocklawaha Prairie Restoration Area
  • Open for duck hunt scouting later today.
  • South side of prairie is still closed due to high water levels.
• River Lakes Conservation Area
• Three Forks Conservation Area

While some activities may be limited, our properties have many recreational opportunities to offer, including hiking, birding, horseback riding, fishing, and more.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive will remain closed due to a downed powerline at the exit and high-water levels throughout the drive.

Staff will continue to reassess these properties and will re-open them as soon as it is safe for visitors.

For the most up-to-date list of open District properties, visit our website at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/announcements/.

The list will be updated on a regular basis as staff continue to perform their safety assessments.