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Matanzas
State Forest
Total Acreage: 4,699
Counties: St. Johns |
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Matanzas State Forest was created from the Matanzas Marsh Northeast Florida Blueway Florida Forever Project. The forest protects the last remaining undisturbed salt marsh within the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Currently comprising 4,699 acres, the initial acquisition was completed in 2003 from Rayonier (a timber company). Since then, additional parcels have been acquired, including a 20-acre linkage to Moses Creek Conservation Area.
Using sound ecosystem science, the Division of Forestry manages for multiple uses of forest resources which include timber management, wildlife management, natural resource-based recreation, and ecological restoration.
Location
Located in St. John’s County, Matanzas State Forest is owned by the State of Florida and managed by the Florida Division of Forestry in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and St. Johns River Water Management District.
Situated north of Faver-Dykes State Park and south of Moses Creek Conservation area, the western boundary is US Highway 1 and the eastern shoreline runs along the Intracoastal Waterway (Matanzas River).
Natural Features
A regionally significant wood stork rookery is also located in the forest. Wood storks are listed federally as an endangered species. |
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Matanzas State Forest is part of a 16,000 acre continuous conservation corridor beginning with Moses Creek managed by the St. John’s River Water Management District, and continuing south through the forest into Faver-Dykes State Park managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Pellicer Creek Conservation Area and Flagler County’s Princess Place Preserve.
Matanzas Marsh was deemed an important birding area (IBA) by the Audubon Society. In addition to many song birds and wading marsh birds, bald eagles nest and hunt in the forest. Deer, otter, turkey, hogs, and gopher tortoises also inhabit the forest.
About 75% of the forest is upland and made up of pine plantations. The remaining 25% of the forest is wetlands including bay and cypress swamps. Slash and longleaf pines dominate the upland forest. The majority of the pine stands range in age from newly planted (2003) to thirty year old plantations.
There is an archaeological record of possible Native American settlements in the area. Historic features include remains from turpentine camps. More recently, timber companies and hunt clubs shared the land that is now the forest.
Recreation
Recreational features include roads for horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling; water access for canoeing and fishing; and abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems for nature study, viewing, and photography. Planned activities and facilities include picnic and camping areas, regulated hunting, and bird observation areas.
The Florida Division of Forestry began managing this parcel in 2003. We are currently making improvements to the forest so that visitors can take full advantage of all it has to offer. A day use permit is required for entrance and can be acquired at no charge by contacting Matanzas State Forest.
Hunting requires a license and permit, and is allowed only in designated areas during appropriate seasons. Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for information.
In keeping with its mission to protect and
manage Florida's forest resources, the Division of Forestry
has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors.
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Trails |
Campsites
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Other
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Hike |
Bike |
Horse |
Canoe |
Camp
sites |
with
Electric |
Leashed
Pets OK |
More Activities |
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none |
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Contact Us: Division of Forestry
Bunnell District Office
5001 US 1 North
Bunnell, FL 32110
Telephone: 386/ 446-6786 |
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