Citrus County's development is a great compromise between nature and Man kind, for several years Citrus County officials made sure that the growth would benefit the residents with the least impact on the wildlife, they have set aside over 152,000 acres out of the 683 square miles to preserve Florida wildlife. Citrus County is not about big theme parks but more about nature and activities around it, like boating on one of the six rivers or one of the many lakes covering over 19,000 acres, fresh or salt water fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling or swim with the manatees and dolphins, bird watching, golfing on one of the nine public courses or join one of the five private ones, these are only part of the many activities offered in Citrus County. An estimate show 138,143 residents in Citrus county for 2006.