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Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area

osprey

Managed in cooperation with the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area (WMA) surrounds Lochloosa Lake in southeastern Alachua County and helps protect the water quality and species diversity in the watershed. More than 11,000 acres of pine plantations and water oak and live oak ridges provide habitat for large populations of bald eagles, osprey and wading birds. Eighteen listed species live within the area, including Florida black bear, fox squirrel, eastern indigo snake, wood stork and sandhill crane. Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing, and boating (no boat launches are located on the property). This area is a site on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. 

Add your bird observations to the Lochloosa WMA eBird Hotspot.

Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands.  All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands. Check the regulations summary brochure for information on equestrian access during seasonal hunts.

More Information

  • View FWC's regulations summary brochure for Lochloosa WMA for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, rules regarding dogs and area regulations.