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Edward W. Chance
Reserve — Gilley Creek
Tract
Size
5,800 acres
Location
Eastern Manatee County, east of Lake Manatee
About the Property
As part of the District’s Lake Manatee Reserve
project, the Gilley Creek Tract protects the main
branch of Gilley Creek, which is one of the main
tributaries of the Manatee River. The creek flows
into Lake Manatee, which serves as the primary
drinking water source for Manatee County.
Formerly a cattle ranch that had been converted
to pasture, hardwood hammocks are still found
along the creek channels and wetlands. Remnant
patches of native groundcover species still
remain and will serve as the seed source for
restoration efforts. Where appropriate, portions
of the property will be restored to the native pine
flatwoods community by replanting pines and
conducting prescribed burns on intervals that
would mimic the natural fire cycle.
The hydrology of the site will also be restored to
the extent possible. The property was extensively
ditched in the 1950s to create crop and pasture
lands. As more historical hydrological conditions
are established, it is anticipated that the surface
water will begin to flow more naturally through
sheetflow rather than in the ditches. This will
enable the uplands to serve as natural waterfiltering
areas and provide cleaner water to Lake
Manatee. Restoring the hydrology will also aid the
reestablishment of the natural communities that
once were present on the property and required
moister soils to thrive.
Access and Parking
Entrance located north of Lake Manatee on SR
674. Parking area on east side of road.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms and Water
No restrooms or water available.
Recreational Opportunities
Short sections of trails may go through area
leased for cattle grazing. Exercise caution in
these areas. Stay on marked trail at all times
and remember that cattle serve a management
function on the property and should not be
disturbed.
Bicycling
• Loop trails on 12 miles of old roads.
• Always wear helmet. Florida law requires
bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.
Equestrian Use
• 12 miles of interior roads marked as trails.
• Equestrian parking area available near main
gate. Access available with free quarterly use
permit from District.
• Each rider must carry proof of current negative
Coggins test.
Fishing
• All water bodies open for fishing, unless posted
closed.
• Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission for license requirements.
Hiking
12 miles of multiuse trails.
Nearby Recreation Lands
• Lake Manatee State Park
• Manatee County’s Duette Park and Rye
Wilderness Park
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands
38