The Southwest Florida Water Management District is inviting the public to participate in a workshop aimed at updating the management plan for the Chassahowitzka Riverine Swamp Sanctuary property.
The workshop will be held at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park visitor center on U.S. 19 (4150 South Suncoast Blvd.) on Tuesday, July 26, at 6 p.m.
The Sanctuary property encompasses approximately 5,700 acres, which protects an extensive area of coastal floodplain and accommodates a variety of recreational uses. It is bordered on the west by the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, on the south by the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, and on the east by the Homosassa Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest.
The property includes the Chassahowitzka River Campground and Recreation Area, which is leased and operated by Citrus County. The county will continue to manage use of the park. The District is responsible for managing the property’s natural resources and for accommodating recreational uses on the land that is not operated by the county.
Public usage of District-owned lands emphasizes recreational uses that are compatible with the natural resources of a site. Recreational uses proposed for or currently allowed on the property include hiking, camping, wildlife observation, nature study and picnicking. A boat ramp at the county park provides boaters and paddlers with access to the Chassahowitzka River.
For more information about the management plan or attending the workshop, please call Eugene Kelly in the District’s Land Resources Department at 1-800-423-1476, extension 4464.