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Recreation home

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• Campsites and shelters in the Upper St. Johns River Marsh Wildlife Management Area

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Bayard Conservation Area

• Property map
• Google Maps location
• Trail guide
• Property overview video

Size:

10,371 acres.

Location:

Along the western bank of the St. Johns River, east of U.S. 17, south of State Road (SR) 16 in Clay County, just southeast of Green Cove Springs and 12 miles south of Jacksonville.

Description:

This conservation area’s importance is magnified by its closeness to the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. It is a key to providing flood storage and preservation of water and natural resources in the Lower St. Johns River Basin. Riverine bottomland hardwoods, pine flatwoods and sandhill communities are bordered on the east by the St. Johns River with approximately seven miles of river frontage.

Wildlife viewing:

The diversity of natural systems provides habitat and feeding areas for a wide variety of species, including gopher tortoise, bald eagle, little blue heron, eastern indigo snake, deer and turkey. Woodland birds, such as warblers and woodpeckers, and manatee are found in this reach of the St. Johns River.

Recreational activities:

1. Bank fishing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, primitive camping at designated sites and wildlife viewing. more info
2. Seasonal hunting on areas 2, 3 and 4. View hunting information.
3. Boating and canoeing opportunities are available on the St. Johns River, and the property is accessible by water; however, there are no launches located on the property.

Restrictions: more info

1. No motorized vehicles allowed on property, except as authorized during hunt season.
2. Off-road vehicles (including motorcycles and all-terrain or track vehicles) are not allowed on property.
3. Area 1 is closed to hunting all year, but open to all other recreational activities.

Access:

Two parking areas are located on the south side of SR 16. The western parking area is recommended for horseback riding enthusiasts. Other access points are located off U.S. 17 and County Road 226, three miles south of Green Cove Springs.

For more information:

Call the District’s Bureau of Land Management at (386) 329-4404.