DuPuis Management Area

DuPuis Management Area is a 21,875 acre protected area in northwestern Palm Beach County, Florida and southwestern Martin County, Florida. Recreational opportunities include hunting, horseback riding, cycling, camping, hiking, auto touring, and fishing. During hunting periods it is closed to other use. The property includes a visitor center. Dogs are not allowed on the property. The park includes 22 miles of hiking trails, including a stretch of the Ocean to Lake Trail (a spur of the Florida National Scenic Trail). There is also an equestrian campground and 40 miles of horseback riding trails. The park is located off Highway 76.^[1] It is along the Ocean to Lake Trail.

Habitats

Habitats on the property include ponds, wet prairies, cypress domes, pine flatwoods, and remnant Everglades marsh. Its remote location provide a dark night sky well suited for star gazing. Animal species include deer, turkey, quail, bobcat, alligator, hawks, owl, woodpecker, wading birds, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, wood stork, and eastern indigo snakes.^[2]

Species inhabiting the property include the federally endangered red cockaded woodpecker which are being reintroduced. There is also a butterfly garden.

History

The ranch land was acquired in 1986, and had been used by Dutch white-belted cattle, sheep and goats. Restoration work was done after it was purchased and linked it up with the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area.^[2]

Hunting

Hunting seasons include a period for muzzleloading, mobility impaired, general, wild hog, small game, spring turkey, and archery.^[3]

References