Recreation (updated yearly)

In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following recreation activities are allowed:

Hunting

David Moynahan

Waterfowl and gray squirrel hunting is available on limited days in the fall and winter. Wood ducks, blue- and green-winged teal and ring-necked ducks are prized. A hunting license and Wildlife Management Area Permit are required to hunt here. Check the L. Kirk Edwards WEA Hunt Brochure for an area map, specific dates and a regulations summary.

Hunting Regulations and Maps - pdf file

Fishing

Fishing is permitted throughout the area but is most productive on Piney Z Lake, a part of the Lafayette chain of lakes that lies about one mile west of the WEA. In 1996, 193-acre Piney Z Lake was pumped dry, exposing its bottom for the first time in half a century. Accumulated muck was removed and shaped into five spoil islands and six earthen “fishing fingers.” The lake was stocked with largemouth bass, bream, redear sunfish and channel catfish. The lake is managed by the FWC as a fish management area in cooperation with the City of Tallahassee and Leon County. Appropriate licenses and permits are required.   Fishing license information.

Don Francis

Wildlife Viewing

The L. Kirk Edwards WEA, within Lake Lafayette, hosts the largest wood stork colony in northwest Florida. The area was established to protect and sustain this endangered wading bird. In addition to wood storks, wetlands commonly attract wading birds - ibis, herons and egrets -  and waterfowl such as wood ducks, blue- and green-winged teal and ring-necked ducks. Peruse the Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife..

Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding

There are no recreational trails at L. Kirk Edwards, but two adjacent conservation areas - Lafayette Heritage Trail Park and J.R. Alford Greenway - offer a network of trails designed for these activities.

Paddling

The Lafayette Passage Paddling Trail meanders through Lake Lafayette in the western portion of the WEA and continues to Lake Piney Z in the adjoining Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, operated by the City of Tallahassee. One boat launch is located in the WEA and one within the city park. The two lakes are separated by an earthen berm which requires a portage for paddlers choosing to explore both lakes.

Liz Sparks

Click here to download a paddling guide and map. Wear brightly colored clothing if you paddle during seasonal hunts, which occur on limited days in the fall and winter. Avoid canoeing during the first couple of hours of daylight to minimize disturbance to hunters.  Please stay on paddling trails.  Paddling is best in fall and winter. Low water levels or an abundance of aquatic plants in summer months can make paddling difficult. Water gauges are located at each landing and at the portage. Levels of 1.0 or higher are best for paddling. Check on current conditions at the City of Tallahassee TalGov.com web site.

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