The stormwater treatment areas are man-made wetlands designed to clean up nutrients primarily from surrounding agricultural areas before the runoff reaches the Everglades. Levees and canals ring the perimeter of the treatment areas. The treatment areas are divided into several cells. Some have open water with submerged aquatic vegetation, and others have very dense cattail growth. The variety provides for varying degrees of water quality treatment to maximize the cleanup.
Visitors have a great opportunity to experience Florida's native wildlife in the midst of this 6,562-acre stormwater treatment area. This vast wetland site offers a public access point for hiking, bicycling, bird-watching and nature photography. It is also the first stormwater treatment area where "catch and release" bank fishing is allowed inside the levees. The facility features an information kiosk, directional signs, paved parking and a composting toilet. The recreation area is open from sunrise to sunset on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Boating is not permitted.
For More Information:
Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for details about fishing licenses, (850) 488-4676 or (561) 625-5122, or on the web at myfwc.com/fishing.
South Florida Water Management District recreation hotline, (866) 433-6312, or FL 1-800-432-2045. Online at: sfwmd.gov/recreation.
Stormwater Treatment Area 1 East (STA-1E) Photos - view »
Hunting
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages hunting on SFWMD lands.
Please visit www.myfwc.com regarding current hunt dates, regulations and directions to check stations to ensure the most accurate and latest information.
Florida's Wildlife Management Areas - Hunting Brochures
Directions
- From Interstate-95: Travel about 18 miles west on S.R. 80/U.S. 441. It is the closest stormwater treatment area to urban Palm Beach County.
- From the Florida Turnpike: Travel 11 miles west on S.R. 80/U.S. 441. The Public access site is on the south side of the road across a cement bridge where a left turn lane is provided. The area is open from sunrise to sunset on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.