Refuge Updates

Despite the pandemic, work at the Refuges continues as usual.

The Refuge staff members have been helping with the Nature  Coast biological Stations Cedar Key Living Shoreline Project. Using the Refuge"s front-end loader, Jason Coates has placed large boulders around a bridge on the Airport Road section of this project.

George Pelt, in the yellow shirt, in California on wildfire detail

Vic Doig, Sterling Valentine, and George Pelt have all been helping fight the wildfires in the Western U.S. George was assigned to the Pt. Reyes National Seashore area where he and his crew had to cut an remove the Douglas Fir in the photo.

Hurricane Eta crossed over the Refuge recently, with a gust of 26mph and rain totaling less than an inch. That is the kind of hurricane we like!

The project to rebuild the fishing pier at Shell Mound is being contracted. It probably will not start until the spring.

Vandalism has again struck along the Dixie Mainline. The bridges and murals were damaged by graffiti and illegal UTV use has caused significant damage. Actions are being taken in both situations.

Vandals damaged bridge murals

Friends volunteers and staff members work to repair the boardwalk.

The popular  River Trail has been improved by filling low spots to keep in more smooth and dry. Efforts are underway to seek funding to replace the boardwalk with material that will not rot or be susceptible to algae and other slippery growth.