The US Fish & Wildlife Service would like to offer a sincere thanks to all of our partners and concerned citizens who have offered support and assistance with recovery efforts after the devastating effects of hurricane Helene.
The Refuge is now open, though all structures in or near the lighthouse area and within the private property of the Pilots Compound remain off limits.
Significant damage and debris remains throughout the island so please exercise caution while visiting the refuge and obey all posted warnings.
Thus far, staff have worked to:
- open trails
- clean debris
- recover salvageable equipment
- mitigate electrical and hazardous materials concerns
- re-post regulatory signs and buoys protecting the critical bird nesting and wildlife protection areas
Recovery funding has been allocated by Congress and contracting efforts are underway for:
- large scale debris removal from refuge beaches
- clearing and restoration of interior trails
- replacement of the access dock and Service work facility
- necessary repairs to the historic Guardhouse
Given the amount of work to be done, all of these projects may take some time and we look forward to the island being completely restored to a pristine condition.
In the interim, please visit safely and remain cognizant of the importance of Egmont Key as critical habitat for Tampa Bay's wildlife.
For more information, see the Egmont Key Hurricane Fact Sheet
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Egmont Key NWR was designated as a national wildlife refuge in 1974. Egmont Key is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service� for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge to protect the island’s diverse natural, cultural, and historical features. Egmont Key is also cooperatively managed as a unit of the Florida Park Service as Egmont Key State Park. Egmont Key is on the National Register of Historic Places for playing a prominent role in Florida’s Seminole Indian Wars, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War.
What We Do
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.
Projects and Research
Staff monitors bird populations and collects and records observational data. Sea turtle nesting sites are monitored. Other research projects include studying gopher tortoises, box turtles, and beach erosion.