| Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
View of the waterfront | |
| Location | Citrus County,Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Crystal River, Florida |
| Coordinates | 28°53′15″N82°36′00″W / 28.88750°N 82.60000°W /28.88750; -82.60000 |
| Area | 80 acres (32 ha) |
| Established | 1983 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | www |
TheCrystal River National Wildlife Refuge is part of the United StatesNational Wildlife Refuge (NWR) System, located inKings Bay, in the town ofCrystal River, and consists of 20 islands and several small parcels of land. The 80-acre (32 ha) refuge (only accessible by boat) was established in 1983, to protect theWest Indian manatee.
The Crystal River NWR administration was changed from theChassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex to theCrystal River Complex headquartered inCrystal River, Florida. The complex managesChassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge,Crystal River Preserve State Park, as well as the three 'Tampa Bay Refuges';Egmont Key NWR,Passage Key NWR, and thePinellas NWR.[1]

During the winter months, parts of the Crystal RiverNational Wildlife Refuge are subject to seasonal access restrictions to protect manatees. The refuge’s springs release 72°F (22°C)[2] water, attracting large numbers ofWest Indian manatees during colder months. To protect the manatees from injury or disturbance, certain areas are closed to the public during this time.
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