James
Kraus
Refuge Manager
1502 S.E. Kings Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL 34429
(352) 563-2088
Fax (352) 795-7961
E-mail: Chassahowitzka@fws.gov
Chassahowitzka
National
Wildlife Complex
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Refuge Facts
- Established: 1983.
- Acres: 80.
- Located in Citrus County, FL.
- Location: the refuge is located 75 miles north of St. Petersburg, FL, in the town of Crystal River, FL, and is accessible only by boat.
- Administered by Chassahowitzka NWR Complex.
- The refuge is comprised of 20 islands and several small parcels of land surrounded by the crystal clear, spring fed waters of Kings Bay.
- The refuge aids in preserving Florida's most significant naturally occurring warm water refugium for the manatee and provides critical habitat for approximately 25 percent of the nation's endangered Florida manatee population.
- Six hundred million gallons of fresh water flow daily from more than 30 natural springs. The temperature of the water flowing from the springs remains a constant 72° F
Finanical Impact of Refuge
- The refuge is managed by the Chassahowitzka NWR Complex, which is staffed by 10 full-time employees.
- 100,000 visitors annually.
Refuge Objectives
- Protect critical wintering habitat and individuals of the Crystal River herd of the endangered West Indian manatee.
- Provide habitat and protection for other wildlife species including wading birds, raptors, alligators, and fish.
- Provide wildlife dependent recreation and environmental education for the public.
- Manatee interaction guidlines -- (click here)
Commercial Use on Refuge
- All commercial activities and certain other activities require special permission.
- Commercial use on the refuge requires a Special Use Permit.
