News: Everglades National Park has good news for us

Everglades National Park Shark Valley Visitor Center opens

NPS – Photo J. Roark.

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hile most anglers fish along the “Trail” which is the Tamiami Trail or State Route 41, the Shark Valley portion of the Everglades National Park offers some of best bass fishing on the northern stretch of the Park. The long canal resource within the Shark Valley offers up mostly very good access for casters of any persuasion. Bring “plenty” of bug spray – the mosquitoes can be really bad.

The Shark Valley is best known for its 15 mile paved bike loop, and riders from around the world come to enjoy the ride and unique Everglades scenery.

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Address of the Shark Valley Visitor Center: 36000 SW 8th Street. Miami, FL 33194

From Miami, Shark Valley Visitor Center is located on Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail / SW 8th St.) 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike, exit 25A (from the north) and exit 25 (from the south).

From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) approximately 70 miles east to Shark Valley.
Search for Everglades National Park, Shark Valley Visitor Center on Google or Mapquest to get directions.
Approximate GPS Coordinates: 25°45’27.60″ N 80°46’01.01″ W

Hours of Operation
9:15 am – 5:15 pm
Hours are subject to change.

Contact by phone 305-221-8776.

Amenities:
Shark Valley Visitor Center offers educational displays, a park video, an underwater camera and informational brochures. Books, postcards, and other souvenirs are available in the gift store.

Guided tram tours, bicycle rentals, snacks and soft drinks are available from Shark Valley Tram Tours, Inc.

Two short walking trails (one accessible), are located off the main trail for your enjoyment.

Restrooms are available.

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Everglades National Park’s Alternative General Management Plan changes once again, this time for the better

Map of Everglades National Park and Florida Bay provided by sofia.usgs.gov.

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]verglades National Park revised its draft General Management Plan (GMP) of a year ago. They’ve increase access for boating and fishing in Florida Bay. The original GMP alternative made a third of the park’s waters pole/troll zones only. Boater were to be forced use either push poles or electric trolling motors instead. No outboard motors would have been allowed to navigate shallow areas.

The newest revision in the GMP reduces the pole/troll zones by about 29,000 acres, which includes pathways for running with outboards in the case of an emergency or an approaching storm.

The plan now goes through the National Park Service review process for final adoption later this year.

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The best way to get the updated GMP is by phoning and asking for it. the  website way behind with info.

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