Florida has one of the nation’s largest systems of state-managed wildlife lands, which are managed primarily for wildlife conservation and nature-based public use. Options for experiencing wild Florida can be difficult to narrow down, with more than 6 million acres of state-management conservation lands.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the WMA (Wildlife Management Areas) Recreation Finder, an interactive virtual map for Florida residents and visitors looking to find the perfect outdoor experience on public lands, according to a news release.
Key features in the WMA Finder include:
Location-based search: Find local WMAs by entering your zip code.
Recreational experiences: Filter by activities such as boating, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and more.
Trail types: Explore different types of trails, including nature trails, paddling trails and scenic boardwalks.
Amenities: Find WMAs equipped with amenities like picnic areas, viewing structures, campsites, fishing piers and boat launches.
Accessible facilities: Identify WMAs with accessible trails, boat ramps, paddle launches, viewing structures, picnic areas and hunting blinds.
The map also includes details on how to plan a visit, including hours of operation, entrance fees, directions, links to the WMA website and regulations.
The FWC maintains, enhances and restores native natural habitats for the benefit of plant and animal populations, as well as for the people of Florida.
The Recreation Finder map can be found at tinyurl.com/zcbknz7b.
To view a video tutorial, visit youtu.be/ORZ9NgRZf-c.
Published March 20, 2024
