Scott Johns |
PotashCorp - White Springs WMA is located on active phosphate mining lands in southeast
Hamilton County. Four phosphate settling ponds covering nearly 4,000
acres are open for waterfowl hunting. Hunting is restricted to boats
with electric motors. No wading is permitted due to the unstable nature
of the pond bottoms. These ponds produce abundant invertebrates and
plankton on which waterfowl feed. The most abundant species are
shovelers and
blue- and
green-winged teal. Varying depths of water
attract everything from
white pelicans to
black-bellied whistling ducks
and occasional rarities like red-necked phalaropes and
black terns. This
area is a site on the
Great Florida
Birding Trail. For bird watching, access is available only to groups
by advance reservation on the first and third Saturdays of October,
February, March, April and May. Individual birders may call and ask to
join a group with an existing reservation. Groups can drive/hike the
dikes around the settling ponds. For reservations call (386) 397-8313.
Camping is prohibited on the area.
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