Big Cypress National Preserve

Federal layoffs at Everglades National Park hit 12 employees; other local Florida parks have fewer affected employees.

One person was laid off at Big Cypress National Park and “several” are now without jobs at Bay Pines VA Hospital as federal downsizing under the Trump Administration begins to affect Southwest Florida.The person out of a job at Big Cypress was on a probationary period and was laid off on Tuesday, Feb. 18, said Michelle Hanson, lands and permits coordinator at the park.

Big Cypress National Preserve has re-issued a temporary closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity beginning Tuesday. Closure incudes all areas and trails within the treatment perimeter, however, due to changes in weather and environmental conditions, the previously planned Boundary Prescribed Fire Phase 1 treatment perimeter has been amended.

Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity beginning Tuesday, Jan. 14. Closure incudes all areas and trails within the treatment perimeter, trails on the perimeter of the unit will remain open for use. During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas. Unlike the closure in the area last week, during this closure all parts of the Florida National Scenic Trail will remain open.Prescribed fire is a carefully planned fire that uses fire science and specific environmental conditions to meet management goals for the preserve. A prescribed fire is one of Big Cypress’s best tools to help create a mosaic of diverse habitats, manage for our endangered species, and reduce the threat of a destructive wildfire.

Southwest Florida may be the driest part of the state right now, but forecasters are in agreement that they have no clue what comes next: a rough wildfire season, or calm in the woods

Big Cypress National Preserve is issuing a temporary closure in certain areas of the preserve during prescribed fire activity beginning Wednesday, January 8.Closure includes all areas and trails within the treatment perimeter, trails on the perimeter of the unit will remain open for use. During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.

Big Cypress National Preserve on Monday issued the record of decision (ROD) for the Preserve’s Backcountry Access Plan / Wilderness Study / Environmental Impact Statement. The ROD identifies the alternative selected for implementation and concludes the environmental review process. The selected action serves as a blueprint to guide the NPS's management of the Preserve’s backcountry access and use and will provide new access to the Preserve while protecting natural and cultural resources and providing for public enjoyment.

South Florida Fire & Aviation will conduct a series of prescribed fire operations across Big Cypress National Preserve over the coming months, as weather conditions and other parameters permit. The planned treatment areas cover approximately 115,639 acres in three separate burn units, strategically placed throughout the preserve as part of a multi-year fuels treatment plan.

The first of many signs marking the Florida Wildlife Corridor was set in place on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2024, at the Fakachatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The sign designates an entrance to a Southwest Florida portion of the 18 million acres being preserved for animals to let people know they are also welcome to explore the growing state-long pathway