Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:
- Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
- Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick
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Black Point Wildlife Drive is OPEN
The Black Point Wildlife Drive is OPEN.
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Manatee Viewing
The Manatee Observation Deck is currently closed for maintenance and repairs.
Learn More
Latest News
Due to the CoronaVirus Health Emergency the Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center is CLOSED 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
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 Tamar Kavaldjian-Liskey, Regional Hunting and Fishing Chief, tamar_kavaldjian-liskey@fws.gov, by June 8, 2020.
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: Aug 12, 2020