U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

Chassahowitzka NWR is one of more than 500 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Chassahowitzka NWR serves as an important breeding and feeding ground for marine life with it’s mix of saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes

and fringe of hardwood swamp.

Located about 65 miles north of St. Petersburg, the

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of over

31,000 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes

with a fringe of hardwood swamps along the eastern boundary.

The northern boundary parallels and includes some of the

Homosassa River. The refuge extends southward across the

scenic Chassahowitzka River for 12 miles to its southern

boundary at Raccoon Point.

Habitat and Wildlife

The refuge was established in 1943 primarily to benefit waterfowl

in an area long famous as a wintering area for ducks and coots.

Today, although waterfowl numbers in south Florida have

declined, the refuge has become increasingly important for the

endangered West Indian manatees which utilize many of the

refuge’s tidal bays, creeks and rivers.

Chassahowitzka is unspoiled estuarine habitat along Florida’s

west coast that serves as important breeding and feeding ground

for marine life. Shallow bays support an abundant growth of

muskgrass which provides food for various birds and the

endangered manatee.

Inland from the bays are the brackish creeks and ponds where

widgeongrass, watermilfoil and other foods grow in abundance.

The eastern boundary provides a few thousand acres of swamp

habitat where palms, oaks, cypress and red cedar grow. The outer

islands consist mainly of red and black mangrove which provides

habitat for colonial birds.

 USFWS

US FWS, J. Kleen

Management

Management objectives are

oriented toward preserving and

protecting the land and wildlife

resources of the refuge. This

requires an active law

enforcement program designed

to prevent disturbance of

wildlife populations and the

destruction of habitat.

The entire state of Florida is a

fire ecosystem that has

historically burned every three

to ten years. Prescribed fire is

used on the refuge to mimic the

natural fire regime. This

improves habitat and food

availability for several wildlife

species including endangered and threatened species.

76% of the refuge is a designated Wilderness Area meaning land

that will remain uninhabited and preserved in its natural state.

Visiting the Refuge

The refuge is accessible only by boat. Public boat ramps near the

refuge are limited, so visitors are advised to consult the enclosed

map for boat ramp access. There is no admission charged to enter

the refuge. Rental boats and tour guides are available in nearby

towns of Chassahowitzka and Homosassa. Contact the Chamber

of Commerce in Homosassa for listings. Make reservations

in advance. US FWS

Specific Regulations

Speed Zone: Between April 1 and August 31, special posted

slow speed restrictions apply to portions of the Chassahowitzka

River for the protection of manatees.

Airboat Use: Airboat use on the refuge is restricted to Hernando

County waters and posted routes in Citrus County. Operators are

required to have a refuge airboat permit. Free permits are issued

from the refuge headquarters.

Firearms/ Weapons: Firearms/weapons are prohibited on the

refuge except during designated hunts at which time firearms

must be transported unloaded and encased or dismantled.

Hunting: Special hunt regulations apply to the refuge. Consult

refuge Manager for current regulations.

Fishing: County and State commercial/sport fishing regulations

apply. Consult Florida Marine Patrol for current regulations.

1-800-DIAL-FMP.

Camping: Camping is prohibited on the refuge. However,

camping and boat rentals are available nearby. Please contact

Chassahowitzka River Campground, a county park and

recreation area, for more information call: 352-382-2200.

For Your Safety:

Be prepared and observe regulations concerning: Refuge hours;

airboat permits; fishing or hunting license requirements; boat

registration; and safety equipment.

• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

• Allow time to return to your vehicle and leave the area before

 sunset.

• If canoeing or boating, carry insect repellant, foul weather

 clothing and emergency light. If lost or disabled, stay with

 your boat and attempt to reach the main canal. Display

 emergency light after dark. Remember, floating vegetation

 and changing water levels can block canals and hide boat trails.

• Tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you

 should return.

This goose, designed by J.N.

“Ding” Darling, has become a

symbol of the National

Wildlife Refuge System.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

N 0 Miles 1

0 Kilo 1



Homosassa

Springs

Homosassa

19

98

98

19

Homosassa

Little Homosassa River

ST. MARTINS KEYS

Homosassa

Bay

Mason

NORTHWEST

KEYS

Black Rock

BIRD

ISLAND

CRAWL KEY

Raccoon Pt.

CITRUS CO.

HERNANDO CO.

DOG ISLAND

(pier boardwalk, picnic shelter, 

and composting toilet)

480

490

490

Chassahowitzka

Bay

Chassahowitzka Pt.

Legend

No Hunting Area

Private Land

Refuge Boundary

Airboat Routes 

Maintenance Facility

Boat Ramp

Dog Island Recreation Area

Chassahowitzka

National Wildlife Refuge

60

40

Lakewood

Ocala

Tarpon

 Springs

Crystal

 River

Homosassa

Springs

27

98

19

75

4

Clearwater Tampa

St. Petersburg

Tampa

Bay

19

98

Florida TPK.

GULF

OF

MEXICO

Chassahowitzka

National Wildlife Refuge

GULF OF

MEXICO

S. Yulee Drive

Suncoast Blvd.

W. Halls's

River Rd. Crystal River

10 miles

Brooksville

16 miles

Clearwater

57 miles

0 Miles 25

0 Kilo 25

If you would like more information about this refuge, the refuge

system, or if you would like to volunteer your services, please

contact:

Refuge Manager

Chassahowitzka

National Wildlife Refuge

1502 SE Kings Bay Dr.

Crystal River, FL 34429

Phone: 352/563 2088

Fax: 352/795 7961

E-mail: FW4_RW_Chassahowitzka@fws.gov

Internet: www.fws.gov

Website: www.nccentral.com/fcnwr.htm

Prohibited:

• Feeding, enticing, or disturbing the wildlife.

• Firearms or weapons of any kind except during designated

 hunts at which time firearms must be transported, unloaded,

 and encased or dismantled.

• Taking of turtles, frogs, and snakes by any means.

• Release of any wild or domestic animals.

• Taking (living or dead) or injuring any plant or animal (this

 includes parts) other than legally taken fish or waterfowl.

• Fires of any type, camping, or spotlighting.

Calendar of Events

March

Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest

Volunteer Awards Dinner

National Wildlife Refuge System Birthday Celebration

June

National Fishing Week

September

Coastal Cleanup

October

Volunteer Orientation

December

Homosassa Boat Parade