OUTDOORS
preserve is 12525 Range Line Road in Port St. Lucie) as the
preserve is a bit off the beaten track.
Mayor Greg Oravec is quite excited about this recreational
opportunity. Despite the drive, he expressed hope that residents
and visitors would continue to discover the preserve.
“The beauty of the park is that it is a getaway,” Oravec
said. “I have seen a lot of out-of-state plates when I have
gone there,” adding that he thinks the new camping areas
will draw more visitors and residents to it.
“The land is a piece of Old Florida,” he said. “And while
the master plan won’t be complete until the end of 2018, we
know that the unspoiled pieces are going to stay that way for
the benefit of all in perpetuity.”
Although kayaks and canoes are the preferred mode of
transit on the lakes, a permit can be obtained from the city’s
utility systems department for a boat with one small electric
motor. And while fishing is allowed from the shore or out on
the water, all those 16 and older must have a valid Florida
fishing permit. No wading is permitted in the lakes and
kayaks and canoes are permitted in designated areas only,
so preserve visitors are asked to read the signs that dot the
campground and follow any guidelines as printed.
Along with the alligator warnings, visitors should also be
aware that they are in a natural area and might encounter
snakes, bobcats, panthers, feral hogs and other Florida wildlife
during their time at this environmentally-sensitive park.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Joggers and hikers are warned that the terrain is natural.
This means that it is uneven in places and muddy in others.
Visitors ride, walk, park, bicycle and horseback ride at their >>
36 Port St. Lucie Magazine
IF YOU GO ...
CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
What: McCarty Ranch Preserve
Where: 12525 Range Line Rd., Port St, Lucie
Amenities:
• Boat and canoe launch
• Camping/RV sites
• Fishing (with permit)
• Nature trails
• Restrooms and showers
• Undeveloped, open-space park
Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset, daily; except for campers
JOHN BIONDO
Near the lakeshore, each of six new RV sites is equipped with a lantern pole, a picnic table for meals under the sun or the stars and a barbecue grill.