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Grove Park Wildlife Management Area

Grove park osrpey

Managed in cooperation with Plum Creek Timber Company and St. Johns River Water Management District.

Grove Park Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in southeastern Alachua County, just north of Lochloosa WMA, is comprised of 16,437 acres of mostly pine plantations with live oak ridges and hardwood swamps along Orange Lake. Access to this area is only permitted to individuals possessing a valid recreational use permit except for two multiuse trails that may be accessed year round for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding.  Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands.  For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law.  All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands. Camping is prohibited. Bald eagles, wading birds, black bear, fox squirrels and sandhill cranes are among the species that live on this area.

Add your bird observations to the Grove Park WMA eBird Hotspot.

Rules Regarding Dogs

  • For purposes other than hunting, dogs are allowed, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.
  • Hunting dogs may be taken onto the WMA after 8 a.m. the day before the opening of a season and shall be removed by 6 p.m. one day after the end of the season. Hunting with dogs, except bird dogs, is prohibited. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited. Dogs on leashes may be used for trailing wounded game.

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