Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Crystal River NWR was established primarily for the protection of the endangered Florida manatee. The refuge consists of twenty islands and several small parcels of land surrounded by the crystal clear, spring-fed waters of Kings Bay. Crystal River NWR is unique in that it was established specifically for the protection of the endangered West Indian manatee. The refuge aids in preserving Florida's most significant naturally occurring warm water refuge for the manatee and provides critical habitat for approximately twenty 5 percent of the nation's endangered Florida manatee population.

From either Tampa or St. Petersburg (each about 50 miles south), take highway 19 north, and turn west at Paradise Point Rd. (SunTrust Bank on corner) in town of Crystal River.

Location: Fish and Wildlife Service, 1502 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River Florida 34429 Telephone 352-563-2088

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