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Description:
Located about 65 miles north of St. Petersburg, the Chassahowitzka NWR includes 30,500 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes with a fringe of hardwood swamps along the eastern boundary. The northern boundary parallels and includes much of the Homosassa River. The Refuge extends southward across the scenic Chassahowitzka River for 12 miles to its southern boundary at Raccoon Point.The refuge's diverse ecosystems, including prime estuarine habitat, is home for an incredible variety and abundance of flora and fauna. The marshlands, swamp lands, shallow bays and tidal streams provide both the quantity and quality of aquatic plant and animal life required to support a variety of animal species that depend on a marine environment.The refuge provides a place for approximately 250 species of birds, more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians and at least 25 different species of mammals. Endangered and threatened species on the refuge include manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles and many others.The refuge is accessible only by boat. Visitors are encouraged to call or stop by the refuge office for information concerning local tour guides and public boat ramps. Directions:
Chassahowitzka Refuge: From either Tampa or St. Petersburg (each about 40 miles south), take highway 19 north and turn west at highway 98/480. The highway ends at the Chassahowitzka River Campground, refuge's main boat ramp, about 1 mile from the turnoff.Administrative Office: From either Tampa or St. Petersburg, take Highway 19 north and turn west at Paradise Point Rd. (SunTrust Bank on corner) in town of Crystal River. The road makes a sharp curve to the right and the headquarters office is on the left.
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