complete agenda - Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Unit Name: Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Acres: 6,055.22 Managing
Agency:
Description:
DRP
Current Management Plan
Approved:
Wakulla Springs State Park is host to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer
and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a close view of wildlife and glass bottom boat tours
are offered when the water is clear. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the wooded areas of
the park. The Wakulla Lodge was built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball and is open year round. It
has 27 guest rooms, a full service dining room overlooking the spring, a gift shop, snack bar and
meeting facilities.
Accomplishments:
Resource Management
• Record number of burns completed and burn zones burned in 2008/2009; most acres ever
burned in a 2 year period.
• Significant reduction of burning backlog acres.
• First aerial burn completed in the park was also the largest burn during the reporting period.
• Over 20 research projects ongoing at the park.
• Restoration of Cherokee Sink completed.
Visitor Services
• Expanded trail system.
• Enhanced restaurant and gift shop menus.
• Expanded interpretive programs at Wildlife Festival.
Capital Improvements
• ADA Restroom and guest rooms installed at Lodge.
• 275 kw generator installed at Lodge.
• Bridge built over Sally Ward Spring Run.
187
2007