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 State Road 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] The area is named for John G. and Susan H. DuPuis Jr.
Hunting
Hunting seasons include a period for muzzleloading, mobility impaired, general, wild hog, small game, spring turkey, and archery.[3]
Camping
There are three campgrounds located in the area - equestrian, family and group. There are also several primitive campsites located along the various hiking trails. Permits are required for camping and another permit is required for vehicular access. Campgrounds are gated and locked.
In the family campground there are 16 primitive campsites that surround a lake. There are two solar powered composting toilets (supplies not furnished) and a shared single hose bib of potable water. Only tents and pop-up campers allowed. Some sites have fire rings and picnic tables.
The group campground is for group camping and includes two picnic table pavilions and portable bathrooms.
The equestrian campground is for people who need accommodations for horses and trailers.
The trail campsites are only accessible by hiking in on foot. Motor vehicles, such as dirt bikes, are not allowed on the hiking trails.
References
- ↑ DuPuis Management Area brochure Southwest Florida Water Management District
- 1 2
- ↑ Dupuis Management Area Southwest Florida Water Management District