The Hickory Mound Impoundment area on the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area’s Hickory Mound Unit is reopening to the public on April 4.
This area in Taylor County has been closed for construction since Jan. 2 to address damages done to the Hickory Mound Impoundment during Hurricane Hermine in September 2016.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been repairing the Hickory Mound Impoundment dike to restore its engineered design, as well as address public safety issues associated with damages to roads and water control structures in the area.
“Hickory Mound Impoundment is a beautiful area, and we realize people are eager to get back there to enjoy its recreational opportunities,” said Matthew Pollock, FWC regional wildlife management biologist. “Because it is such a popular destination for fishing, crabbing and wildlife viewing, the FWC wanted to reopen this area to the public as soon as possible.”
People can help the fish, birds and other wildlife that live in the Hickory Mound Unit by remembering to properly dispose of monofilament fishing line and crabbing lines that can pose a risk to wildlife.
The construction has included repairing four concrete box culverts, installing retaining walls, and spreading more than 7,000 tons of road base and fill to return the dike to its 6-foot elevation. There will be additional repairs to the viewing platform and kiosks in the future.
