Chassahowitzka Wilderness

In the language of the Seminole, Chassahowitzka means "Hanging Pumpkin," although no one seems to remember just how this region earned that moniker. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge protects mangrove islands, saltwater bays, estuaries, and brackish marshes, fringed with an oak-cypress-cedar hardwood swamp on the eastern side. Three-quarters of the refuge is designated Wilderness; the Chassahowitzka River runs between the northern and southern expanses of Wilderness, and the Homosassa River runs along the north side. Originally established to benefit waterfowl, the refuge now also provides critical habitat to endangered species such as the West Indian manatee and whooping crane. The tidal bays, rivers, and creeks provide summer habitat for manatees, which consume 10 to 15 percent of their body weight each day — and with some animals exceeding 1,000 pounds, the abundant growth of musk grass in the shallow bays is an important food source. Manatees frequent the refuge most often during the summer months; whooping cranes can only be seen during the winter. Other resident wildlife includes some 250 birds, more than 40 reptiles and amphibians, and about 25 mammal species. Seeing the Wilderness requires a boat. The Homosassa and Chassahowitzka Rivers offer access routes for canoeing and kayaking, and the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail — a designated National Recreation Trail commonly referred to as the "CT" — passes into or along the edge of the Wilderness. Allowed uses on that trail are non-motorized boating only. The sound of motorboats travels many miles over water, and from many portions of the Wilderness motorboats can be heard operating in the Gulf and other nearby waters. The state or county allows motorboats in some of the waters within the Wilderness under their administration, but those boats must abide by slow-speed restrictions to protect manatees. Anglers visit for fishing year-round. Camping in the refuge, including the Wilderness, is prohibited.