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Manatee Festival
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 10, 2003
The system celebrates its centennial year in 2003 with special events throughout the country.
Florida boasts 28 national wildlife refuges, including two in Citrus County that provide manatee habitat: the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1941.
Florida refuges protect more than 977,000 acres primarily for fish and wildlife. Nearly 3-million people visit refuges each year, resulting in $74-million annually in recreational spending.
Nationwide there are more than 538 refuges encompassing nearly 94-million acres. The first of those sanctuaries was established in 1903 in Florida at Pelican Island by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Basic facts
Established in 1983
Encompasses 46 acres
Comprised of 20 islands and several small parcels of land surrounded by Kings Bay
Helps preserve the most significant, naturally occurring warm-water refuge for the manatee and provides critical habitat for approximately 25 percent of the endangered manatee population
Approximately 600-million gallons of fresh water flow daily from more than 30 natural springs at a constant temperature of 72 degrees
An estimated 100,000 visitors annually
Refuge administered with a 10-person staff by the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Protect critical wintering habitat and individuals of the Crystal River herd of endangered West Indian manatee
Provide habitat and protection for other wildlife species including wading birds, raptors, alligators and fish
Provide wildlife-dependent recreation and environmental education for the public
Diving and snorkeling
Wildlife observation
Sport fishing
Nature photography
Motorized and nonmotorized boating
Law enforcement
Designated manatee sanctuaries Nov. 15 through March 31
Designated slow and idle boat speed zones
Aerial manatee surveys
Aquatic vegetation surveys
Water quality monitoring
Manatee education center (at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park)
Manatee watch volunteer program
Manatee rescue team
Partnerships
James Kraus, refuge manager
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex
1502 SE Kings Bay Drive
Crystal River, FL, 34429
PHONE: 563-2088
FAX: (352) 795-7961
E-MAIL: chassahowitzka@fws.gov