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Liz Sparks |
The 7,400 acres of Potts WMA protect the water resources along the
Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka Chain of lakes in northeast
Citrus County. Most of the uplands have been converted to pasture. The
more natural areas include floodplain forests along the Withlacoochee
River, freshwater marshes, and scrub oak communities, which support a
small population of the threatened
Florida
scrub-jay. Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and frogging are some
of the recreational opportunities available on the area. You can hike on
nearly 30 miles of paths, with two loop trails. Swamp lilies and blue
flag irises bloom along the river trail in the spring. Biking is
available on roads. Camping is
permitted at five primitive campsites. Horseback riding is available on
12 miles of marked woods trails, where
white-tailed
deer,
gopher
tortoise, and
wild turkey may be observed. Paddling is permitted
in the creeks and marshes but you need a permit from the Southwest
Florida Water Management District to use a vehicle to transport your
boat to the closest water entry. This area is a site on the
Great Florida
Birding Trail.
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