Managed in cooperation with
Southwest Florida Water Management District |
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Southwest Florida Water Management
District |
Green Swamp WMA consists of 50,692 acres in Lake, Polk,
and Sumter counties. Also known as Green Swamp East, this
area is part of the approximately 110,000 acres purchased to
protect the land and water resources of the Green Swamp Basin. Green Swamp is a critical recharge area for the Floridan aquifer
as well as the source of the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee,
Ocklawaha, and Peace rivers. Most of the landscape is pine
flatwoods, cypress domes, and hardwoods swamps. Freshwater
fishing is good along this segment of the Withlacoochee River.
Stanley Fish Hole and Maynard Mines, both accessed from SR 471,
are popular fishing spots. Paddling on the Withlacoochee east of
SR 471 is not recommended due to the poorly defined channel and
numerous logjams. Deer, hog, and turkey hunting are good,
although high water makes hunting and other recreational
activities difficult at times. More than 20 miles of the
Florida
Trail, 13.1 miles of which are part of the Florida National
Scenic Trail, traverse the area. Portions of the trail are
inundated in all but the driest years. Over 20 miles of unpaved
service roads are marked for bicycling. Wildlife that may be seen
on the area include
alligator,
white-tailed deer,
bobwhite quail,
armadillo,
gray squirrels,
feral hogs,
and a variety of birds.
Camping is
permitted year round at designated campsites and along the
Florida Trail. Camping during non-hunting periods requires a
permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District,
Brooksville office, (352) 796-7211. Camping during hunting
periods requires a camping permit from the FWC; an application
may be submitted at a license agent or county tax collector’s
office or online at
www.wildlifelicense.com, select “Florida,”
and choose “Quota Hunt Permits.” |
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Managed in cooperation with
Southwest Florida Water Management District |
|
Southwest Florida Water Management
District |
The Green Swamp West Unit WMA consists of more than 34,000 acres in
Pasco County and is part of the approximately 110,000 acres
purchased to protect the land and water resources of the Green
Swamp Basin of Central Florida. The area consists of a mosaic of varying habitat types
whose distribution is based mainly on moisture gradients and
soil types, and there are ample
opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding.
Forty-two miles of marked trails are available for bicycling and
horseback riding, and more than 50 miles of the
Florida
National Scenic Trail traverse the area. Horse-drawn buggies
are allowed on the marked trails. Primitive camping, including
an equestrian campground, is available. Well water for horses is
found at the equestrian campground.
Freshwater fishing is good along the Withlacoochee River, and
the best access is from River Road. Canoe launches are located
at River Road and in nearby Withlacoochee River Park. Paddlers
should check water levels as travel is difficult when water is
low. Green Swamp West is one of the premier public hunting areas
in the state for white-tailed deer. Special opportunity permits
are required to hunt on this area except during small game
season. The area is closed to the general public during hunts
except for through-hikers on the Florida National Scenic Trail.
This WMA is part of the
Great
Florida Birding Trail. Wildlife that may be seen on the area include
alligator,
feral hog,
wild
turkey,
white-tailed deer,
bobwhite quail, and a variety of other birds. |
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