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Blue Cypress Conservation Area

• Paddling guide
• Google Maps locations
  • Fellsmere Grade
  • 512 site
• Property map

Size:

54,458 acres.

Location:

Along the St. Johns River between State Road (SR) 60 and the Indian River/Brevard county line at Fellsmere Grade.

Description:

This area is part of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project being implemented by the District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This project will reduce flooding, restore and maintain natural hydrologic cycles and protect water quality. It will also reduce freshwater diversions to the Indian River Lagoon estuary and enhance native habitat for fish and wildlife. Blue Cypress Lake and Kenansville Lake are located on the western portion of the area.

Wildlife viewing:

The eastern portion of the area contains foraging and nesting habitat for the listed snail kite. Wetland-dependent species found here include great blue herons, white ibis, snowy egrets, limpkins and night herons. Other species include wood storks, ospreys and bald eagles.

Recreational activities:

1. Wildlife viewing, fishing, seasonal hunting, bicycling and hiking along many miles of levees, primitive camping at designated sites, canoeing, airboating and boating. more info
2. View hunting information.

Restrictions: more info

1. Off-road vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain or track vehicles) are not allowed on property.
2. Some portions of the area prohibit or restrict airboat/motorboats.
3. Handicapped access is available at the County Road (CR) 512 entrance.

Access:

For the Blue Cypress Recreation Area, from I-95, take the Fellsmere exit (CR 512). Go through the town of Fellsmere and continue south on CR 512. A boat ramp is just north of SR 60. You can also take the SR 60 exit from I-95 (Vero Beach), go west on SR 60 and turn right onto CR 512. For the Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area, go to Fellsmere and turn north on CR 507 (Babcock Road) and then turn west on Fellsmere Grade. From Kenansville, go south on U.S. 441. Turn east on Kenansville/Fellsmere Road. The road ends at the parking area to Kenansville Lake (about 12 miles). Parking is also available on the north side of SR 60.

For more information:

Call the District’s Bureau of Operations at (386) 329-4404.