Protecting Wildlife and Habitat

Since 1980, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has worked with local partners to protect wildlife and habitat on the island while providing a wilderness recreation experience for people. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) purchased 85 percent of the 1,300-acre island at a cost of $15 million. As managers of these state-owned lands, Rookery Bay Reserve removed 300 acres of non-native Australian pine, Brazilian pepper and melaleuca that had displaced much of the island’s native habitats and wildlife. The island didn’t wash away as some predicted, but instead has flourished with native trees, plants and wildlife.
 

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Visitor Use



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Recommended Activities:
Sunbathing
Wildlife viewing
Nature photography
Camping (in designated areas)
Fishing

Fishing Licenses

Do you need a Saltwater Fishing License?
learn more

Prohibited Activities
As part of the Wilderness Area Practice “Leave No Trace” guidelines, the following activities are prohibited.
  • Unleashed pets
  • Unattended fires
  • Hunting, harassing or possessing wildlife
  • Use of firearms or weapons
  • Removal or disturbance of natural or cultural resources
  • Pollution or destruction of property
  • Live shelling is prohibited throughout Collier County
Rule 18-23.007
Florida Administrative Code Chapter 253 Florida Statutes

To Report Violations
Call 1-888-404-FWCC
or (239) 938-1800 for DEP Park Patrol