Refuge Facts:

• Established:  1929.
• Size:  approximately 800 acres.
• Located in Levy County, Florida.
• Location summary:  The refuge is comprised of 13 offshore islands, around the village of Cedar Key, ranging in size from 1 to 165 acres. 
• Administered by the Lower Suwannee NWR, the refuge office is 17 miles north of Cedar Key off County Road 347.

Natural History:

• Four of the islands, Snake, Deadman's, Seahorse and North Keys, are designated wilderness and their interiors are closed to foot traffic..
• One of the largest colonial bird nesting sites in north Florida is located at Seahorse Key.
• White ibis, brown pelican, great blue heron, little blue heron, tri-colored heron, night heron, snowy egret, great egret, and cormorant nest on the refuge, as well as bald eagle and osprey.
• Provides important habitat for marine turtles, bottlenose dolphins, West Indian manatees, as well as valuable nursery areas for fish, shrimp, and shellfish.

Financial Impact of Refuge:

• Protects water quality for important shellfishing industry.
• 25,000 visitors annually.
• Important part of nature-based tourism for the town of Cedar Key.
• No staffing or funding.  Personnel from Lower Suwannee NWR provide protection, presentations and management for Cedar Keys NWR.

Refuge Goals:

• Manage and conserve the natural diversity, abundance and ecological function of refuge flora and fauna, with an emphasis on protecting the colonial bird rookery of Seahorse Key, threatened and endangered species, and species of special concern in the state of Florida.
• Protect refuge natural, cultural and wilderness resources to ensure their integrity and to fulfill the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
• Provide opportunities for environmental education, interpretation and wildlife-dependent recreation when compatible with the purpose, mission and vision of the refuge such that these activities will not negatively impact critical or sensitive habitats.
• Promote collaboration and partnerships with private citizens and other agencies to increase research and environmental education opportunities and to protect the coastal ecosystem.

Management Tools:

• Education and interpretation.
• Biological monitoring.
• Law enforcement.
• Partnerships.
• The University of Florida leases the lighthouse and associated facilities as a Marine Science Laboratory for research and education.

last updated
March 13, 2008
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