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St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 23rd, 2020, 9:37 pm
by StMarksAngler
I know as of this morning the Refuge was still open, despite the state park closures... anyone know what the plans are in the near-term? Thinking about heading down in the next day or two to launch the kayak before the state goes into lockdown.

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 23rd, 2020, 10:23 pm
by doomtrpr_z71
The website indicates they will be open, they have waived use fees to get people out and away from other people.

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 24th, 2020, 8:20 am
by TroutTrent
I called the number that is on the Econfina web site this morning and spoke to them about the park being closed and was told it was and bath rooms are locked but he said I will tell you this we do not have away to close the boat ramp from use and he said I will leave it at that. I said it got it , Thanks :wink: My buddy called St. marks yesterday afternoon late because he's going there this morning and was told the same thing about the park,,,park is closed but gate will be open and we will not close ramps off is what they said. I'll pass along info when he gets there this morning :thumbup:

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 12:06 am
by J Holden
It's not a state park, it's a federal wildlife refuge so what the state of Florida decrees has no effect on it. I'm glad it's staying open.

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 8:15 am
by StMarksAngler
Right, but the feds had already begun shuttering some parks and refuges and more continue to follow. Hoping they don't started leaving the gate closed.

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 11:04 am
by Tallyfins
Anyone know if the Wakulla Beach launch is open or not? I would like to practice my social distancing this weekend and can think of no better place!

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 11:15 am
by Limitless
TroutTrent wrote:I called the number that is on the Econfina web site this morning and spoke to them about the park being closed and was told it was and bath rooms are locked but he said I will tell you this we do not have away to close the boat ramp from use and he said I will leave it at that. I said it got it , Thanks :wink: My buddy called St. marks yesterday afternoon late because he's going there this morning and was told the same thing about the park,,,park is closed but gate will be open and we will not close ramps off is what they said. I'll pass along info when he gets there this morning :thumbup:
I just saw this on facebook:

Well, it finally happened. All parks have been closed in Florida. The state has put rock's in front of the boat ramp at the Econfina landing. For those with Charters booked in the future, we will keep you updated as we learn information. Econfina Flats Charters 8508386226

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 11:39 am
by SHOWBOAT
Has there been any formal release as to what is closed and open. I can't believe closing boat ramps is a priority at this time. Maybe major ramps where crowds gather, but Econfina, Aucilla, etc don't seem like they create any risk. Nobody goes there to raft up on sandbars. Are Feds assisting counties, states, etc? Are they also closing talquin, Iamonia, etc? Florida ramps on Seminole but not GA ramps? Assume nobody is closing Lanark since I just paid my $125 private party fee?


What about rest areas and service plazas? Both actually facilitate mobility and those plazas are always a cluster....


"Let's not confuse movement with progress...."

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 11:59 am
by StMarksAngler
SHOWBOAT wrote:What about rest areas and service plazas? Both actually facilitate mobility and those plazas are always a cluster....
I think you're conflating what most would consider "essential services" with recreational services.

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 12:17 pm
by SHOWBOAT
hmmmmm.....I thought we were focused on reducing movement and gatherings, not restricting access to the most open spaces

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 2:24 pm
by StMarksAngler
You'e massively oversimplifying an incredibly complex, and deadly, set of circumstances. I hate it as much as anyone but I'm going to follow the rules and guidelines being put into place, because it's the right thing to do. Not for myself, but for everyone.

And if in the meantime there's a few ramps that remain open, I'll try to take advantage so long as I feel that I can do so in a socially responsible way.

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 3:56 pm
by SHOWBOAT
StMarksAngler wrote:You'e massively oversimplifying an incredibly complex, and deadly, set of circumstances. I hate it as much as anyone but I'm going to follow the rules and guidelines being put into place, because it's the right thing to do. Not for myself, but for everyone.

And if in the meantime there's a few ramps that remain open, I'll try to take advantage so long as I feel that I can do so in a socially responsible way.
No idea who you are, but your posts routinely express a sentiment that the rest of are somehow not up to your standards or mental capacities . I hope that isn't accurate and it is just a misguided, juvenile tone. I understand the larger issues, but I also struggle with ineffective and inefficient government decisions; the basis of my post. Enjoy your platform and screen time during isolation.

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 25th, 2020, 4:07 pm
by mitchamafied
SHOWBOAT wrote:Has there been any formal release as to what is closed and open. I can't believe closing boat ramps is a priority at this time. Maybe major ramps where crowds gather, but Econfina, Aucilla, etc don't seem like they create any risk. Nobody goes there to raft up on sandbars. Are Feds assisting counties, states, etc? Are they also closing talquin, Iamonia, etc? Florida ramps on Seminole but not GA ramps? Assume nobody is closing Lanark since I just paid my $125 private party fee?


What about rest areas and service plazas? Both actually facilitate mobility and those plazas are always a cluster....


"Let's not confuse movement with progress...."
All state parks are closed - that includes boat ramps on them. Its not assault on boat ramps, just a casualty. As for other ramps, that will vary with the managing entity. Aucilla is managed by Taylor County, the refuge is USFWS, etc. There's no one stop shopping for closures.

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 26th, 2020, 9:49 am
by Tallyfins
Tallyfins wrote:Anyone know if the Wakulla Beach launch is open or not? I would like to practice my social distancing this weekend and can think of no better place!
Meanwhile, back to my question (lol). I will most likely head down that way this weekend if I am unable to find anything online. I'll post what I find.

Remember, this is a fishing forum and this will all be over by Easter :o :roll: :roll: :roll:

Re: St. Marks Refuge - Staying Open?

Posted: March 26th, 2020, 3:01 pm
by BloodyChamp
What about the old home remedy? Douse it in saltwater and you’re cured!