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Wakulla
State Forest
Total Acreage: 4,219
Counties: Wakulla, Leon |
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Wakulla State Forest is composed of one main tract in Wakulla County and one smaller tract in Leon County. Since 1999, Wakulla 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 preservation of water quality by protecting the conduits that lie below the state forest and supply Wakulla Springs, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor recreation.
Location
The main body of Wakulla State Forest is located in the northeastern portion of Wakulla County, approximately five miles northeast of Crawfordville and six miles south of Tallahassee city limits. The Woodville Tract of the state forest is located in southern Leon County.
Natural Features
The natural resources found on Wakulla State Forest are very diverse due to the unique and various natural community types. At one time Wakulla State Forest supported at least 8 major community types which included: upland hardwood forest, upland mixed forest, sandhill, hydric hammock, floodplain swamp, basin swamp, dome swamp, and depression marsh. Currently, the forest contains approximately 2,500 acres of pine plantation. Past management practices have disrupted the function of the natural ecosystems on Wakulla State Forest. The restoration of these ecosystems is a primary objective of the Division of Forestry.
Springs and sinkholes can be found throughout Wakulla State Forest. A spring is a point were underground water emerges onto the Earth’s surface. A sinkhole is a landform created by subsidence of soils, sediment or rock as underlying strata is dissolved by groundwater. |
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Many species of wildlife make their home on the forest. There have been no confirmed sightings on Wakulla State Forest of species that are currently listed as threatened or endangered however there have been confirmed sighting of species of special concern. The habitat of the gopher tortoise and Sherman’s fox squirrel, species of special concern, will be enhanced by sandhill restoration and regular prescribed burning. These practices may also benefit many other sandhill species which although not observed on Wakulla State Forest, may migrate in and increase the numbers as their habitat is restored.
McBride Slough is the major watershed drain through the forest. It combines with two small springs then flows under State Road 267 and joins the Wakulla River in just over a mile. Wakulla State Forest is within the Wakulla Springs aquifer. A portion of the forest is part of the watershed groundwater recharge area for Wakulla Springs, one of the largest single vent freshwater springs in the world.
Recreation
| Wakulla is believed to be named after the Timucuan Indian word for “spring of water” or “mysterious water”. This is referenced to Wakulla County most famous natural attraction, Wakulla Springs. |
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Wakulla State Forest offers a variety of recreation activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Currently there are no established hiking, biking, or equestrian trails available. Recreation users are free to roam the 20 miles of non-vehicle service roads at their leisure. Picnicking is available at the parking area pavilion located off of SR 267 and also at the parking area on the Woodville Tract off of highway 363.
Wakulla State Forest is open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Wakulla State Forest. Hunting on Wakulla State Forest is limited to a primitive hunt and only archery/muzzle loading is allowed during deer season. Modern shotgun use is allowed during small game and spring turkey season. 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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Contact Us:
Division of Forestry
Wakulla State Forest
3674 Bloxham Cutoff Road
Crawfordville, FL 32327
Telephone: 850/ 421-3101or Email Wakulla State Forest
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