looking back Recreation Opportunities While camping on the Osceola National Osceola The Osceola National Forest has been The Osceola National Forest offers a Forest please remember the following rules: National Forest home to native Floridians since the end of multitude of recreation opportunities n Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Pleistocene (about 10,000 BC) through including camping, picnicking and wildlife the general forest area, except during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). watching. You can explore the Osceola general gun hunting season which runs A large number of prehistoric villages National Forest by horseback, foot or November through January. and settlements, as well as early farmsteads bicycle. Trails throughout the forest lead n Pets are allowed in all campgrounds from some of Florida’s first pioneers, have visitors to historic sites and a wilderness and on trails, but must be on leashes no been discovered on the forest. The most area. for additional information about longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in significant historic site on the forest, any of the recreation activities, visit swimming or picnicking day-use areas. however, is Olustee Battlefield – site of Olustee Depot Visitor Center http://fs.usda.gov/osceola. n Within campgrounds and other a decisive Civil War Battle on February The Olustee Depot is a small building with recreation sites, build fires only in fire rings, 20, 1864. a big history. Dating back to the 1860s, the Ocean Pond and Olustee Beach stoves, grills or fireplaces provided for that On a fateful day in 1864, North met depot served as both a passenger and freight Developed recreation areas are centered purpose. Extinguish all fires completely. South in a battle that left more than 2,800 station and played a significant role in the around Ocean Pond, a 1,760-acre natural n Campgrounds and other recreation sites men dead or wounded scattered beneath the development of north Florida. The Florida lake. With both primitive and developed can be used only for recreation purposes. pines of what is now the Osceola National Gulf and Atlantic Railroad passed by the campsites, Ocean Pond campground is Permanent use or use as a principal The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits Forest. This battle is replayed every year perfect for campers who enjoy boating, fishing residence without authorization is not discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis Olustee Depot transporting everything from of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where at the annual reenactment of the Battle of Civil War soldiers to mail, timber, cattle, or swimming. All campsites are available allowed. applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental Olustee. During Presidents’ Day weekend for a fee, on a first-come, first-served basis. n At least one person must occupy a status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, citrus and turpentine. Until the 1960s the political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an the battlefield plays host to thousands of Olustee Depot served as the hub of the Reservations are not accepted. Nestled along camping area during the first night and he Osceola National Forest, located in northeast Florida, encompasses more than 226,000 acres. individual’s income is derived from any public assistance Confederate and Union soldier reenactors, community and has now been restored to the southern shore of Ocean Pond, Olustee camping equipment should not be left program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Comprised of two watersheds, one draining eastward into the Atlantic and one draining westward into Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for sutlers and camp followers from around serve as the center for Osceola National Beach provides a variety of day-use activities unattended for more than 24 hours. the Gulf of Mexico, this flatwoods forest is a mosaic of low pine ridges separated by cypress and bay communication of program information (Braille, large print, T the nation. This normally quiet, hallowed Forest information. This unique building including swimming, picnicking and a group n Quiet hours exist in and near most audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center swamps. The Pinhook Swamp dominates the northern portion of the forest and adjoins the Okefenokee at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint ground is transformed into an active lesson lets you step back into the early 1900s while campsite (reservations required). Anglers campgrounds. Quiet hours are between Swamp in Georgia. of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil in history. learning what the forest has to offer today. are sure to enjoy Olustee Beach’s barrier-free 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Keep noise at a Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. The area that now makes up the Osceola National Forest has been known for its ability to produce 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 On the other days of the year, you fishing pier. reasonable level and be considerate of high quality timber and, prior to federal acquisition, the forest had been heavily logged. Remnants (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. can stroll through history at the Olustee fellow visitors. of old railroad grades, used to transport logs to sawmills, crisscross the forest. On July 10, 1931, a Battlefield State Park Visitor Center. It Presidential proclamation established the Osceola National Forest and the area was reforested through is filled with historical information and the tireless efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps. O artifacts from the Civil War. The nearby E N TR V A A C The Olustee Experimental Forest was established in 1931 to conduct research for the naval stores Olustee Battlefield Trail highlights the E E L Recreation Guide industry. From 1881 to 1949 Florida produced as much as 10 percent of the world’s supply of turpentine. events that led up to the battle as well as

O Trees across the forest were tapped for resin. Remnants of old turpentine camps can still be found S the tactics used during the battle and the U C T I D H within the forest. aftermath – all from personal accounts, O O R E T Florida 2010 In the 1960s the Forest Service began managing national forests for broader public use. Where diaries and letters from soldiers who fought there used to be an emphasis on timber production, management practices expanded to include there. The state park is open every day recreation, water and wildlife. Since then, wise stewardship has left the Osceola National Forest with from 8 a.m. until dusk and all facilities Forest Service an abundance of natural and cultural resources. Today, the forest is managed for multiple uses under are available free of charge. For more the mission of “caring for the land and serving people.” information, visit www.floridastateparks.org/ United States Department of Agriculture Recreation Guide R8-RG352 January 2010 olustee/default.cfm.

Horseback Riding Osceola Wildlife BE Aware On horseback, you can journey quietly Management Area Many animals have the ability to inflict through open pine flatwoods and wet, The Osceola National Forest is part of serious injury on people, and some, like scenic bays. Four interconnected loops the Osceola Wildlife Management Area. alligators and bears, have the potential to traverse more than 50 miles of trails, with Cooperating with the Florida Fish and kill. Slowly back away from an animal that each loop offering unique challenges. Each Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), is a potential threat. Do not swim outside trail originates at West Tower where there the U.S. Forest Service protects, manages of posted swimming areas. is a camping area with horse stalls, drinking and enhances fish and wildlife habitat for The forest is home to many animals. water and a flush toilet. Horses are not a variety of game species. Game species Respect their personal space. If an animal permitted in developed campgrounds or include deer, turkey, wild hog, raccoon reacts to your presence, you are too close. recreation areas. and various waterfowl. Hunting and BE Prepared Store your Food properly fishing are allowed on the Osceola National One of the most important preparations In order to protect the Florida Black Bear Big Gum Swamp Wilderness Forest, subject to FWC regulations. Every before any forest outing is to learn about and other wildlife species, and to promote The 13,600-acre Big Gum Swamp visitor should become familiar with hunting the destination. Visit the forest website at safe camping in bear country, the U.S. Wilderness was designated by Congress seasons, licensing requirements, limits and http://fs.usda.gov/osceola or call a district Forest Service implemented a Food Storage in 1984. Much of this large, flat, freshwater Motor Vehicle Use closed areas. For further information office or visitor center. Forest Service Order requiring proper storage and disposal cypress-gum swamp appears untouched by Within the Osceola National Forest, motorized vehicles are allowed on some roads and prohibited on others. contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife personnel and volunteers can provide procedures for food, garbage and other humans. However, you might find remnants Vehicles are permitted only on numbered roads. These roads are clearly marked with road signs, designat- Conservation Commission or visit current and site-specific information. attractants. of naval stores or “turpentining” operations ing them for vehicular use. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on unmarked roads. All roads without road www.myfwc.com. Before you leave, make sure someone Attractants include anything having an that began in the area in the late 1800s and signs are closed to all motorized vehicles. Any forest visitor riding an unlicensed vehicle like an ATV or trail knows where you are going and when odor that may attract bears: food, beverages, early 1900s. The boggy terrain, warm and bike must stay on roads designated for unlicensed vehicles. If a road is open to unlicensed vehicles, it will Unique Encounters you plan to return. It is often best to travel cooking grease, toothpaste, toiletries, soap, humid climate and lack of roads make be marked with a road sign depicting a jeep, motorcycle and ATV; indicating the road is for mixed use. All The Osceola is home to a variety of unique with a companion in case of an emergency. game meat, pet food, livestock feed and hiking and hunting in Big Gum Swamp visitors are expected to adhere to all rules and regulations. A detailed motor vehicle use map can be obtained plant and animal species. Some animal For minor cuts and bruises, bring along garbage. extremely challenging. Bicycles and from the Osceola district office, the Olustee Depot Visitor Center or fromhttp://fs.usda.gov/osceola . species that one may encounter include the a first aid kit. Understand basic first aid and motorized vehicles are prohibited within red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, Snakes play a beneficial role in the be able to identify the symptoms of heat Ways to store food properly: all wilderness areas. When using the Osceola National Forest’s Tread Lightly Bachman’s sparrow and black bear. Be sure ecosystem by eating insects and rodents. exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. Store all attractants inside an approved road system, remember the following: n Travel responsibly on designated roads and to also watch for Florida toothache grass, In Florida, there are 45 snake species, Make sure your physical condition meets bear-resistant container or hard-topped Florida National Scenic Trail Fire Prevention n All roads are two-way and are designed for trails or in permitted areas. lopsided Indian grass and pitcher plants but only six are venomous. The six the requirements for the activity you are vehicle. For more information visit The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) All visitors to the forest are asked to use slow speeds. n Respect the rights of others including private while visiting the forest. species of venomous snakes are the planning. There is a big difference between www.igbconline.org/html/container.html. is more than just a 1,400-mile footpath care with fire. Keep campfires small; never n Riders must comply with the state of Florida’s property owners, all recreational trail users, southern copperhead, cottonmouth, a one-mile hike and a 10-mile hike. Check Hang all attractants at least 10 feet above spanning the length of Florida. It’s an escape leave one unattended; and extinguish all OHV title law and possess proof of ownership. campers and others to allow them to enjoy their eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber the equipment you plan to use before you ground and 4 feet from any vertical support. into nature where you can refresh, recharge fires, matches and cigarettes. Remember, n All riders age 15 and under must possess a recreational activities undisturbed. rattlesnake, dusky pigmy rattlesnake and leave home to make sure it is in good Discard all attractants in provided bear- and relax. From the FNST you can admire only you can prevent wildfires. certificate evidencing the completion of an n Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and the eastern coral snake. If you are bitten working order. Florida weather changes resistant trash receptacles. DO NOT burn longleaf pines reaching to the clear blue approved OHV safety course. regulations from public agencies, planning for your by a venomous snake, you need to be constantly, so bring clothes that will or bury any attractants and take out what sky, their scent rising from the damp needles Leave no Trace n All riders age 15 and under must be trip, taking recreation skills classes and knowing treated and administered antivenin. Stay withstand the elements. Remember, you bring in. under foot, and relax with the chirp of birds Many people use and enjoy this forest. supervised by an adult and wear a helmet, how to use and operate your equipment safely. calm and seek immediate medical attention rainstorms can creep up unexpectedly and the knock of a red-cockaded woodpecker Follow simple steps to leave no trace of your goggles and boots. n Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, at the nearest hospital or medical facility. on summer afternoons. on a tall tree. visit. Be sure to know the regulations and n It is a violation of state law to carry a lakeshores, wetlands and streams unless on Mosquitoes, ticks and other biting The Osceola National Forest is home to special concerns for the areas you will visit. passenger on an OHV, unless the machine designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat insects are common on the forest. Some a 22-mile segment of the FNST, best known is specifically designed to carry an operator and sensitive soils from damage. insects, such as ticks, can transmit diseases. for more than 20 boardwalks that offer and a single passenger. n Do your part by leaving the area better than Insect repellent is a must in the summer views of gum swamps and other wetland n Riding is prohibited at night. you found it: properly disposing of waste, months. For restful sleep during mosquito areas. With trailheads within an hour of n Do not damage the resources (mudding, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread season, bring a screened tent. most Florida residents, the Florida Trail is creating new trails). Mudding is not allowed of invasive species, restoring degraded areas and an ideal place to get out and enjoy the on the Osceola National Forest. joining a local OHV enthusiast organization. beauty of natural Florida. n Wilderness areas are always closed to motorized vehicles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Osceola Ranger District The Osceola National Forest is open year PO Box 70 round. The Osceola district office is open 24874 US Hwy 90 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to Olustee FL 32072 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on all federal (386) 752-2577 holidays. Please call the Olustee Depot Visitor Center for its current hours of Olustee Depot Visitor Center operation. PO Box 70 5892 North County Road 231 Olustee FL 32072 (386) 752-0147

Supervisor’s Office 325 John Knox Road Suite F-100 Tallahassee FL 32303 (850) 523-8500

Website: http://fs.usda.gov/osceola TDD Relay Service of Florida: 1-800-955-8770