Lake Monroe Wildlife Management Area
Managed in cooperation with the St. Johns River Water Management District.
The Lake Monroe Wildlife Management Area covers over 3,000 acres in Volusia County and is open year-round, with three access points located along Reed Ellis Road, just north of the intersection with County Road 415.
The WMA is part of the Lake Monroe Conservation Area and is located along the southeastern shore of 9,406-acre Lake Monroe, five miles northeast of the City of Sanford. Lake Monroe is a shallow, wide area of the north-flowing St. Johns River. Management of the natural communities within this area helps to improve water quality, increase flood protection, preserve and restore diverse plant and animal communities and provide resource-based recreational opportunities that are in high demand in the region.
The WMA property was acquired by the state in 1987 and opened to public hunting for the first time during the 2009-2010 hunting season. Prior to 1987, the WMA property was a part of the Osteen Ranch and was managed for cattle production. The previous owners cleared portions of the native vegetation and planted pasture grasses suitable for grazing. The property is predominantly floodplain marsh along the river, with hydric hammock, basin swamp and upland mixed forests of oaks, palms, cedar and pine at higher elevations. The SJRWMD manages the property using a combination of groundcover restoration, reforestation and controlled burns.
Hunting
Hunters must enter and exit at a designated entrance. Access is also allowed from the St. Johns River and Lake Monroe. Access from State Road 415 is prohibited.
For more information about hunting seasons and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Lake Monroe WMA.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted year-round. A Florida fishing license is required and can be purchased at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
This area does not offer a boat launch.
Camping
Camping is not available at this area.
Recreation
Visitors will find a loop trail leading off the second parking area. The trail is suitable for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Vehicles are restricted to the parking areas.
Wildlife
Wildlife includes deer, turkey, numerous resident and migratory songbirds and turtles and wading birds along the river. Bald eagles are known to nest on the property. An endangered plant - Rugel's false paw paw - occurs here.
Add your bird observations to the following eBird Hotspots:
More Information
For an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations, view FWC's regulations summary brochure for Lake Monroe WMA.
Visit the St. Johns River Water Management District web site for Lake Monroe Conservation Area.