Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Southeast Region

 

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Welcome to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Scuba drivers swimming with the Manatee. Credit: USFWS

Snorklers viewing manatees. Credit: USFWS

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, was established in 1983 specifically for the protection of the endangered West Indian Manatee. This unique refuge preserves the last unspoiled and undeveloped habitat in Kings Bay, which forms the headwaters of the Crystal River. The refuge preserves the warm water spring havens, which provide critical habitat for the manatee populations that migrate here each winter.


Getting There...

Information about the Crystal River NWR can be obtained by visiting the refuge headquarters, located in Crystal River, Florida. The headquarters can be accessed from U.S. 19, which runs through the Town of Crystal River. A directional sign located on both sides of the highway, at the intersection of U.S. 19 and S.E. Paradise Point Drive. Turn onto Paradise Point Drive and proceed west, following the road. As Paradise Point Drive curves toward the north, it will change names and become Kings Bay Drive. The headquarters building is located at 1502 S.E. Kings Bay Drive, which is on the left side of the road, immediately adjacent to the Port Hotel and Marina.

 

NOTICE:
Kings Bay Manatee Refuge

Following the emergency rule process last November and December, the Service is proposing a final rule for the Kings Bay Manatee Refuge.  The proposal is to expand federal protection areas for manatees in Citrus County, Florida, by creating a manatee refuge including all of Kings Bay in Crystal River. The proposed area of the Kings Bay Manatee Refuge has not changed from what was previously identified in the emergency designation from the 2010-2011 season.
Now Accepting Public Comments Through August 22

USFWS is currently accepting comments on the propsoed rule and EA. Comments may be submitted as follows:

- Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. [FWS-R4-ES-2010-0079]

- U.S. mail or hand-deliver: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. [FWS-R4-ES-2010-0079]; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4410 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.

The Service is not able to accept email or faxes.
Do not deliver to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge nor send to the North Florida Ecological Service Office. Please submit as shown above.
Comments must be received on or before August 22,2011.
For More Information:
  • Jacksonville Ecological Services Office
  • Federal Register Notice
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Press Release
  • Draft Environmental Assessment
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    Last updated: August 18, 2011