Palm Bay’s Headwaters Boat Ramp and kayak launch at the Fellsmere Water Management Area will close from June 1 to June 4 for maintenance and habitat restoration work. The closure is part of a series of five planned shutdowns between June and September, each occurring on the first Monday through Thursday of the month, excluding federal holidays. The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) confirmed the temporary closure affects the popular launch site, which connects to the Fellsmere Water Management Area.
The district said alternative boat access is available at the Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area and the C-54 Boat Ramp during the closure. Western levee trails near the site will remain open for hiking and bank fishing. Officials urged boaters and outdoor enthusiasts to plan ahead and use the alternate access points to avoid disruptions. The SJRWMD emphasized that the work is necessary to maintain the area’s infrastructure and protect local wildlife habitats.
The first closure this month is expected to draw attention from local anglers and kayakers who rely on the Headwaters Ramp. The district has not provided specific details on the scope of the maintenance or restoration efforts, but said the work aligns with broader conservation goals for the Fellsmere Water Management Area. Recreational users are advised to check the SJRWMD website for updates and additional closure dates.
For more information, the public can visit sjrwmd.com and review the Recreation announcements section. The district said it will post updates as work progresses. The closure follows a pattern of monthly maintenance windows designed to minimize long-term disruptions while allowing essential repairs and ecological improvements to be completed.