Big Cypress National Preserve was one of the first preserves established within the National Parks System, it was established in 1974 by the National Parks Service with the input of the local hunters and fisherman from the area. After the Everglades were established and hunting and fishing within the parks boundaries were restricted, area locals were weary of annexing more land to be protected by the park service. After working with locals to establish land usage, hunting and fishing rights as well as allowing previously owned land for hunting cabins in the back country to stay in the owners possessions, the Parks Service was able to reach an agreement to protect the land while still allowing it to be used as it had been for generations.
