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The free STA permits are for waterfowl hunting in all STAs
open to hunting, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis
through the Total Licensing System. To apply for a permit, hunters
must first obtain an application worksheet to select desirable dates and time
periods. The hunter then applies at any tax collector’s office, or for a
small convenience fee, via the internet at
MyFWC.com/license, or by phone at 1-888-HUNT-FLO
(486-8356). Permits are not available from license agents, such as
sporting goods stores or tackle shops. Applications are not accepted
through the mail.
These waterfowl hunting areas are a cooperative effort
of the South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in order to provide additional
opportunities for recreation on public lands in South Florida.
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Stormwater Treatment Area One-West (STA-1W)
is a 6,700 acre constructed wetland located in central Palm Beach
County. This STA is designed to reduce phosphorus loading to the
northern Everglades and Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
Stormwater
Treatment Area Two (STA-2)
is a 9195-acre constructed wetland located about 3 miles north of the
Palm Beach / Broward County line on HWY 27. This STA is designed to
reduce phosphorus loading to the northern Everglades and Loxahatchee
National Wildlife Refuge.
Stormwater
Treatment Area Three-Four (STA-3/4)
is a 17,000 acre constructed wetland located at the intersection of the
L-5 levee and US 27 at the Palm Beach / Broward County line. This STA
is designed to reduce phosphorus loading to the northern Everglades and
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
Stormwater
Treatment Area Five (STA-5) is a 5,200 acre constructed wetland
located in eastern Hendry County at the Hendry / Palm Beach County
line. This STA is designed to reduce phosphorus loading to the northern
Everglades and Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.
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The plants inside these
constructed wetlands are consuming phosphorus as they grow, eventually
depositing much of the nutrient in the soils. Previously under
agricultural practices for decades, phosphorus from fertilizers and
organic soils has been carried into the Everglades by storm runoff,
causing a change in the Everglades landscape. Too much of this
essential nutrient has allowed cattail to invade the River of Grass,
reducing the coverage of sawgrass and open water sloughs. Unfortunately,
cattail does not provide the habitat necessary to support many of the
plant and animal species that are unique to the Everglades. The
construction of STAs was mandated by the State of Florida’s Everglades
Forever Act with a primary goal of reducing the amount of phosphorus
that reaches the Everglades ecosystem. In time, these STAs will help
sawgrass replace cattail and return the entire ecosystem to a healthier
condition. The numerous levees, water control structures and monitoring
equipment within the STAs are critical to the success of the phosphorus
control program. Any damage to these facilities as a result of public
access could restrict the continued public use of these areas.
Other Waterfowl Hunting Areas
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