Summer Updates from the Refuge

​​Refuge staff have been exceptionally busy this summer, with projects underway that range from habitat restoration, visitor improvements and wildlife management to hurricane recovery. 

Here's a look at some of the work happening across the refuge.

Improving Visitor Safety and Access

New water safety signage is being installed throughout the refuge, including signs warning visitors about the presence of snakes in key waterways. Approximately six signs have already been installed this month, Plant ID signage is being developed by Friends Dennis Creek team. On completions these will be funded by the Refuge for the Dennis Creek Trail .

Recreational access also continues to improve. Staff recently cleared the kayak launch at Sanders Creek on Dixie Mainline Road, reopening another popular paddling access point while carefully avoiding any protected plant species.

The refuge also celebrated the first Seahorse Key Open House since Hurricane Helene. The event was made possible through the collaboration of refuge staff, the University of Florida Biological Station, Friends of the Refuges, volunteers, and local vendors. Visitor response was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees already asking for additional open house opportunities in the future.

Meanwhile, the newly revised hunt program has officially been released. The updated hunt schedule and regulations have generated an enthusiastic response from hunters, with positive feedback highlighting the improvements and no significant concerns reported to date.

Restoration Work Expands Across the Refuge

Habitat restoration continues to move forward through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. Contractors have begun restoration work around the southern end of Dixie Mainline Road, marking another important step toward improving wildlife habitat.

Hydrology restoration is also gaining momentum. Refuge staff have partnered with the State of Florida, the University of Florida, and Ducks Unlimited to pursue funding opportunities aimed at restoring the refuge's historic water flow. An $85,000 materials grant has already been requested to support initial restoration efforts, and the team is optimistic about receiving the award.

Invasive species management remains another priority. Refuge staff are working with the State of Florida on a new aerial survey using drones to identify Brazilian pepper infestations across the refuge. This will allow crews including our very own Pepper Busters to target treatment and eradication efforts more efficiently.

Strengthening Wildfire and Wildlife Management

The Florida Forest Service has been contracted, using outside funding, to maintain critical fire lines with bulldozers. Work is currently underway in Dixie County, with Levy County work expected to follow.

Wildlife management efforts are also increasing during the off-season. The USDA is conducting helicopter operations and ground trapping to reduce feral hog populations. One unexpected challenge has emerged: local black bears have discovered the bait corn before the hogs can, requiring USDA crews to develop creative solutions to keep bears away from the traps.

Infrastructure Investments Continue

Recovery and construction projects funded through disaster assistance continue to advance, with 11 separate construction projects moving forward.

One unexpected discovery came during survey work for the new Vista dock. Survey crews located a remarkably well-preserved World War II-era DUKW amphibious vehicle—better known as a "Duck Boat"—hidden in the woods. The rare military vehicle is an exciting piece of history that had previously gone unnoticed on the refuge.

Recovery work from past hurricanes is also accelerating. After completing debris removal along the entire length of Nature Drive using a rented excavator with a mulching attachment and operators from Pelican Island and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuges, crews are preparing to expand operations dramatically. Two additional mulchers are scheduled to arrive on July 28, with a third likely to follow. The goal is to clear debris from every refuge road, both inside and outside the gates, while simultaneously mowing and resurfacing Nature Drive.

Road maintenance partnerships are also paying dividends. Working alongside Dixie County, refuge staff have coordinated improvements to Dixie Mainline Road using refuge-owned limerock. The county is providing all labor at no cost to the refuge, and recent inspections confirmed that minor washouts near bridges do not present any safety concerns.

​Facilities and Equipment

Several efforts are underway to improve operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. The refuge has begun downsizing older equipment by selling surplus vehicles, airboats, trailers, tractors, and other equipment, while transferring a dump truck to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and donating a utility vehicle.

At the same time, new equipment is being added where it provides the greatest value. A replacement 24-foot skiff and a new 10-foot rotary mower have been ordered to support ongoing field operations.

Staff have finished clearing a climate-controlled 12-by-24-foot storage building, with excess materials transferred to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. The newly available storage space will provide secure, air-conditioned storage for sensitive artifacts and materials from the Vista house and outbuildings. Funding has also been procured for, and design is in progress for interpretive signage at Vista.

Protecting Resources Through Partnerships

Refuge leadership continues working with the Suwannee River Water Management District to revisit long-term goals for Atsena Otie Key. A planning meeting is expected in the near future to help align priorities and identify future opportunities.

Law enforcement staff also continue their work protecting refuge resources by addressing ongoing poaching activity and ensuring the refuge remains a safe place for both wildlife and visitors.

Together, these projects reflect the tremendous amount of work happening across the refuge. From restoring habitats and improving visitor experiences to recovering from hurricanes and strengthening partnerships, the refuge continues making meaningful progress toward a healthier, more resilient future.