Low water prompts use changes for Everglades-area wildlife management, water conservation areas

For immediate release: April 26, 2011
Contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459

Low water prompts use changes for Everglades-area wildlife management, water conservation areas
Low water levels prompted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to issue an executive order establishing special regulations for Rotenberger

Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and northern portions of the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA. These areas lie in Palm Beach and Broward counties.

The order, which takes effect immediately, prohibits motorized vehicles, airboats, motorcycles and campfires in Rotenberger WMA, and northern portions of the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor WMA. These northern portions lie within Water Conservation Area 3A and north of Alligator Alley (Interstate 75). However, vehicles are allowed on the L-4, L-5 and Miami Canal levees to access boat ramps for fishing.

These special regulations are necessary to minimize the likelihood of motorized vehicles, airboats or campfires igniting fires that would harm wildlife and wildlife habitat.

The areas consist primarily of marsh habitat.

The special regulations remain in effect until rescinded by a subsequent executive order.

To report a violation of this order, or any fish and wildlife law violation, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-3922.