Newsroom

Eleven years after opening to the public, the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive continues to grow in popularity, now welcoming more than 200,000 visitors each year. The one-way, 11-mile drive winds through a mosaic of wetlands, levees and canals, offering exceptional opportunities to experience Florida’s native wildlife.

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) will host a public meeting on the draft 2026 Ocklawaha River Basin Plan. District staff will present regional priorities and objectives and provide an opportunity for questions and public comment.

The Headwaters Boat Ramp, including the kayak launch, at the Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA) will be temporarily closed May 4–7 as the District begins a series of scheduled monthly closures to support maintenance and habitat restoration activities.

The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 178-acre prescribed fire on the northeastern portion of Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park in Orange County, situated in the Middle St. Johns River Basin. Its purpose is to reduce hazardous fuel loads, improve habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker and maintain fire dependent natural communities.

The District is conducting a 71-acre prescribed fire at the Sand Lake Restoration Area in Indian River County today. The burn area is in the northeastern portion of the property, west of I-95. The objective of this prescribed fire is to support the ecological maintenance of fire-dependent natural communities and to reduce hazardous fuel loads, mitigating the risk of future wildfire.

In partnership with the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) and other state and local entities, the St. Johns River Water Management District is recognizing April as Water Conservation Month, highlighting the importance of protecting Florida’s water resources through responsible water use.