Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, whenever possible, outdoor recreation sites at national wildlife refuges
will remain open to the public.
For local conditions review the information on this website and call ahead.
If visiting one of our location, please ensure public health and safety by following guidance from the CDC and state and
local public health authorities. You can do this by maintaining social distancing, avoiding overcrowding and excercising
good hygiene.
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Black Point Wildlife Drive is OPEN !
Black Point Wildlife Drive has re-opened for visitor use.
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Manatee Viewing
The Manatee Observation Deck is a handicap accessible opportunity to view manatees in the wild.
Learn More
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BioLab Road Is Closed
because the National Park Service has closed the exit gate at Canaveral National Seashore.
Latest News
Due to the CoronaVirus Health Emergency the Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center and other refuge locations are CLOSED until further Notice.
CLOSURES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID19)
Working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Park Service (NPS) are pleased to announce that the FONSI for the proposed Space Coast Trail.
NEWS RELEASE details with the Document Download Link
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will begin accepting applications for one available commercial fishing guide permit beginning May 1, 2020. Persons who do not currently possess a permit to guide on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and would like to secure one, have until April 30, 2020 to submit an application. Applications are available online and can be emailed to Merritt Island@fws.gov or delivered via the U.S. Postal Service at the above address.
See the NEWS RELEASE for more details
Merritt Island Refuge is proposing minor changes to hunt program through the 2020-21 regulatory process. Please see attached document explaining the changes. Comments may be submitted to Kate Harrigan, National Chief of Hunting and Fishing, at katherine_harrigan@fws.gov
Proposed Minor Changes to Hunt Program with downloadable Categorical Exclusion Checklist
Featured Stories
Duck Stamps are pictorial stamps produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They are not valid for postage. Created in 1934 as federal licenses required for hunting migratory waterfowl, Federal Duck Stamps have a much larger purpose today.
Duck Stamp Program
About the Complex
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Merritt Island Complex.
Read more about the complex
About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Page Photo Credits – FL Scrub-jay - Mitch McConnell, Pine Warbler - Danny Bales, , by NRCA, Butterfly - Andrea Westmoreland, Green anole - Vicki's Nature, River Otter - Chris Paul Photography,
Last Updated: Apr 07, 2020