The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has announced a temporary closure affecting a portion of the Bailey Tract. Effective this week, the parking lot on Tarpon Bay Road and the boardwalk adjacent to Ani Pond and Airplane Canal are closed to the public to facilitate essential construction activities.
This closure is a key step in the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in 2022 and caused significant damage to the refuge’s trail and boardwalk systems.
Building for Resilience
Administration has been working closely with engineers and federal contractors to redesign infrastructure that can better withstand future tropical cyclones. As part of this initiative, the current rehabilitation project involves constructing new concrete boardwalk systems at the Bailey Tract to replace those destroyed or damaged by the storm.
Access and Alternative Parking
While these specific areas are closed, the vast majority of the Bailey Tract and its trail systems remain open for exploration.
Visitors wishing to access the open trails should utilize the parking area adjacent to Smith Pond on Island Inn Road.
Duration and Safety
Construction activities are currently scheduled to last approximately two months. The Refuge administration thanks visitors for their cooperation in respecting all posted closure signage and barriers, which are in place to ensure public health and safety during this period.
Fast Facts: Bailey Tract Closure
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Closed Areas: Bailey Tract parking lot (Tarpon Bay Road) & boardwalk near Ani Pond/Airplane Canal.
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Reason: Construction of new, storm-resilient concrete boardwalks.
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Alternative Access: Trails remain accessible via the Smith Pond parking lot (Island Inn Road).
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Estimated Duration: Approximately two months.
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Updates: Visit the Refuge Website or follow their Facebook page for the latest information.
