Forestry Home > Forest Management > State Forests >
Lake Talquin State Forest
Total Acreage: 17,491
Counties:
Gadsden, Leon, Liberty
|
Lake Talquin State Forest is located just west of Tallahassee, Florida and is composed of ten main tracts
of land, along with several smaller tracts. Most
of the forest adjoins the Ochlockonee River and Lake
Talquin, the body of water that gives the forest its name.
Since 1977, Lake Talquin State Forest has been managed
by the Division of Forestry using the multiple-use concept,
which balances environmental, recreational and resource
use needs. Emphasis is given to reforestation, ecosystem
restoration, and outdoor recreation.
Located within the state forest, Bear Creek Educational Forest offers free guided programs where students will learn from activities correlated to Florida’s Sunshine State Standards.
Natural Features
Lake Talquin State Forest is comprised of a variety of forest cover types. The major type is pine-hardwood, covering over 50% of the forest.
Tree species found in the forest include: sweetgum, water oak, longleaf pine, slash pine, loblolly pine, laurel oak, live oak, mockernut hickory, red maple, sweetbay, swamp tupelo, bald cypress, dogwood and turkey oak.
Little Blue Heron. |
The presence of the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin give this forest the distinction of having two Outstanding Florida Waters. Excellent examples of the slope
and ravine forest communities are located on the west
side of the Talquin Tract and throughout the Fort Braden
and Bear Creek Tracts. Other examples of the natural
communities found on the forest include flatwoods, rolling
uplands, swamps, sandhills and hardwood forest.
Animal life is plentiful as there are
many varieties of wildlife that make their home on the
forest. Species found living here include the red-shouldered
hawk, bobcat, coyote, osprey, white-tailed deer, fox
squirrel, turkey, and mourning dove. Bald eagles, currently
listed as a threatened species can be viewed soaring
above the treetops. The gopher tortoise, which is a
species of special concern also lives on the forest.
Recreation
A wide variety of recreational opportunities await visitors to Lake Talquin State Forest. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, birding and nature study can be enjoyed using existing service roads, old road beds and established trails.
Freshwater fishing can be pursued from the shore or by boat and several public boat ramps are located on the lake. Canoes, kayaks and power boats are allowed.
Managing the Forest
Prior to state ownership, much of this land’s timber was removed in the mid-1970s under a long-term timber contract. Since taking over management, the Division of Forestry has managed for reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor recreation.
Timber management practices on Lake Talquin State Forest are important in the restoration and maintenance of forest ecosystems and provide a variety of socioeconomic benefits to Floridians. Harvesting activities follow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services guide to Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Longleaf Pine Trees. |
Trees are planted in order to restore natural communities while leaving small areas treeless as wildlife openings. Whenever large clearings are performed, it is to replant to the most suitable tree specie for the site or to remove diseased or dying trees. The Division of Forestry returns 15% of the revenue obtained from timber harvest, recreation and other income producing services to Gadsden, Leon, and Liberty counties.
Wildlife habitat management is of crucial importance on Lake Talquin State Forest and is an important consideration whenever other management decisions are made. Prescribed burning is an important management tool and is used on portions of the forest in a 3 to 5 year rotation. This mimics natural fires, keeping the ecosystems healthy and benefiting wildlife by encouraging the growth of wildlife food-producing plants.
Contact Us:
Division of Forestry
Lake Talquin State Forest
865 Geddie Road
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Telephone: 850/ 488-1871
or
Email
Lake Talquin State Forest
|
