United States Department of Agriculture

TheWELCOME breathtaking beauty! of the great outdoors is evident throughout the Outdoor Adventures National Forests and Grasslands in .

The Texas Pineywoods stretch from the urban landscape of Houston to the border and are home to the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine and Sam Houston national forests.

These four national forests have an amazing diversity of plant and animal life scattered across gently rolling hills, hardwood bottomlands and world-class fishing lakes.

North of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex are the Lyndon B. Johnson and Caddo National Grasslands. Purchased by the government in the 1930s, these lands are made up of abandoned farms and ranches that suffered severe soil erosion, but are now a thriving testament to proper land management.

Whether it’s boating, fishing and swimming in the numerous lakes and reservoirs, or camping off the beaten path, the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas offer an experience like no other. Explore the Great Outdoors of Texas With a wealth of recreation activities beaches and boat ramps. Grasslands, recreation is a big draw within easy driving distance, more and The Davy Crockett and Sam to the 6.3 million people who live just more vacationers are discovering the Houston national forests are located minutes away in the Dallas-Fort Worth beauty and affordability of the National where the pine forests of the Deep South metroplex. Forests and Grasslands in Texas. join the blackland prairies. The result is The TADRA Point campground The Forest Service, U.S. Department a mix of eastern and western species of is the trailhead to a 75-mile network of Agriculture, manages more than birds and other wildlife found nowhere which includes five different loop trails 675,000 acres of public land in Texas else in the state. and attracts equestrian enthusiasts from consisting of four national forests and The Sabine and Angelina national accross the state. These trails cover land two national grasslands. forests are on the shores of Toledo where once the Chisholm trail was used The four national forests in Texas are Bend and Sam Rayburn Reservoirs, two to move huge herds of cattle northward the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine large lakes featuring fishing and other and the Comanche people roamed. and Sam Houston. water sports. Lake Conroe and Lake Black Creek Lake, with its adjacent The national grasslands are north of Livingston offer water-related outdoor campground and huge oaks, is popular the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and recreation opportunities on and near the for fishing, as well as tent camping and include the Caddo and the Lyndon B. Sam Houston National Forest. boating. Johnson. Primitive camping is allowed Coral bean adds a splash The National Forests and Grasslands anywhere in the general forest area, of red to the forest. in Texas provide a variety of outdoor except during hunting season or unless recreation opportunities with 25 posted otherwise. All campers are developed recreation areas, nearly 200 encouraged to practice “leave no trace” Look Inside miles of hiking trails, scenic areas, camping, leaving an area in the same Angelina ...... 2 wilderness areas, an off-road vehicle trail natural condition in which it was found. Davy Crockett ...... 3 and more than 100 miles of horse trails. During Spring, Caddo National Camping reservations for the four Grasslands visitors can enjoy the Sabine ...... 4 national forests may be made by calling spectacular experience of viewing Sam Houston ...... 5 1-877-444-6777, or on the web at www. migratory neo-tropical birds from Caddo/LBJ ...... 6 recreation.gov. A daily use fee is charged Central and South America. The display Experimental Forest...... 7 at most areas. of these winged visitors to the Caddo Campgrounds generally include tent compete with the springtime show of Safety Information...... 8 pads, picnic tables, parking spurs for wildflowers. Contacts...... 8 trailers, lantern posts, campfire rings, Photographers and nature lovers OHV Regulations...... 8 potable water and toilets. Some areas agree, spring in Caddo is magnificent. also have showers, electricity, swimming In the Lyndon B. Johnson National

Forest National Forests and R8-RG 479 Service Grasslands in Texas July 2020 2 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

ocated in the heart of the Pineywoods, the 153,160-acre LAngelina National Forest spans Angelina, Nacogdoches, San Augustine and Jasper counties. The forest lies in the Basin and on the north and south shores of Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

Old Aldridge The Aldridge Sawmill site is located on a spur of the Sawmill Hiking Trail there are also camping and picknicking south of Boykin Springs Recreation spots. Area. Additional boat ramps are located at The 20,700-acre Bannister Wildlife The sawmill was built in 1905 and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer parks. Management Area is located north of Lake Sam Rayburn and is a prime was active until it closed in 1923. Wilderness Logging was the economic base for The 5,473-acre Turkey Hill and the hunting area. the community, but when the trees were 13,390-acre Texas Parks and Wildlife acts gone the sawmill closed and the town areas are set aside to allow the earth’s as an advisor concerning wildlife was abandoned. spillway have been restored to their natural processes to shape and influence management and it is a designated Although most of the buildings are classic 1930s-era look. It is a favorite the land. Hunting, horseback riding and Eastern Wild Turkey restoration site. gone, the shells of four concrete mill spot for camping, picnicking, hiking and hiking are allowed, while bicycles and Endangered Species buildings, various foundations, the mill photography. motorized equipment are not. During winter and early spring, bald pond and portions of the old railroad Sam Rayburn Reservoir In these wilderness areas, visitors eagles can been seen soaring over the tram still remain. While many come to the Angelina will discover Texas the way it was 100, lake, perched on a flooded snag or in As a structure listed on the National National Forest to enjoy the camping maybe 200 years ago. pines along shorelines. Registry of Historic Places, no digging, experience, it is Sam Rayburn Reservoir Wildlife The red-cockaded woodpecker is collecting of artifacts, use of metal that brings folks back time and Principal game in the forest are deer, also found throughout the forest. This detectors, damaging or defacing the site again. hog, squirrel, wild turkey, woodcock, small bird makes its home by pecking is allowed. At 114,500 acres, “Big Sam” is a quail, dove and duck. cavities in large, older living pine trees, Boykin Springs fishing, boating and skiing paradise in Fish and waterfowl abound in Sam and was designated an endangered Boykin Springs Recreation Area the largest lake wholly located within Rayburn Reservoir and the area is also species in 1973. has undergone extensive renovations Texas. resting grounds for migratory birds Wherever these birds are found, since it was damaged by Hurricane Forest Service boat ramps are located before they fly south toward the Gulf emphasis is directed toward providing Rita in 2005. The picnic shelter and at Townsend and at Caney Creek where Coast. the special habitat they require. www.fs.usda.gov/texas 3 Davy Crockett National Forest

amed for the legendary pioneer, Davy Crockett NNational Forest contains more than 160,600 acres of woodland streams, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches River and Trinity River basins. Ratcliff Lake Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area surrounds a 45-acre privately owned land, the Four C Trail A $10 per day fee covers camping at lake that was a log pond for the Central stays on national forest land. either of the two horse camps and use Coal and Coke Company Sawmill that Walnut Creek Campsite is located of the horse trail system. A self-service logged the area from 1902 to 1920. on a small ridge about midway on the pay station is available at the site. An The area offers visitors camping, trail, and the Pond Campsite is near annual permit can be purchased for $50 picnicking, a swimming beach and mile 13. per vehicle at the ranger’s office. bathhouse in a beautiful forest setting Spring and fall are the best times Trail riding groups of more than 74 often featured in travel magazines. of year to experience the trail, but persons (including spectators) need a The picnic shelters and camping the trail can be hiked year round. special-use permit and should contact sites may be reserved from the Wearing bright orange is a must when the ranger’s office three months prior National Reservation System online at hiking during hunting season (October to the event. www.recreation.gov or by calling 877- through January). Horses, bikes and During rainy weather, parts of the 444-6777. off-road vehicles are not allowed on trail may flood. Four C Hiking Trail the trail. The best seasons for using the trail The Four C Hiking Trail begins at are during the mild weather of the fall Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area and ends and spring. Vault toilets are at both at the Neches Bluff Overlook. It was horse camps, but potable water and named one of the top 10 trails in Texas designated campsites are at the Piney by Texas Monthly magazine. Creek camp. Named for the Central Coal and Big Slough Wilderness Area Coke Company, it follows abandoned The 3,639-acre Big Slough tramways through the national forest. Wilderness was set aside under the Except for a one-mile segment through Texas Wilderness Act of 1984 to Principal game includes white- provide opportunities for solitude and tailed deer, turkey, feral hog, challenge and remains natural and waterfowl, dove, squirrel, quail and pristine. frogs. During wet periods, it is sometimes In addition, the endangered red- Piney Creek Horse Trail possible to canoe along a four-mile cockaded woodpecker thrives within a The Piney Creek Horse Trail loop from the Neches to Big Slough carefully managed old-growth habitat meanders 54 miles along Forest and back. in the forest. Service roads, tram roads, pipeline Alabama Creek This WMA was established to rights-of-way, game trails and Wildlife Management Area provide improved hunting and to highways. It is mostly on national The Alabama Creek Wildlife demonstrate how wildlife habitat forest land, but there are crossings on Management Area provides for and ecosystem management are private property and public roads. intensive wildlife management. coordinated to the benefit of all. 4 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas abine National Forest is the easternmost of the four national Sforests in Texas and forms part of the boundary between Texas and Louisiana. The 160,806-acre forest is situated on the western slopes of the Sabine River watershed within Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Jasper and Newton counties.

Recreation The eastern part of the Sabine National Forest outlines , the fifth largest man-made reservoir in the U.S. and a nationally known recreation attraction. Recreation developments adjacent to Toledo Bend Reservoir are extensive. Private facilities range from fish camps with marinas and primitive camping, to highly developed lodge and motel-type facilities. Boating Toledo Bend Reservoir offers the best in fishing and scenic shorelines. The Forest Service and private businesses provide boat ramps at all major recreation areas and other selected spots on the reservoir, giving boaters a wide choice of access points to the lake. Hunting and Fishing The Forest Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department work together to offer prime habitat for game and fish populations in national forests. Moore Plantation is a 26,500-acre wildlife management area in Sabine County cooperatively managed by these two agencies. It is known for excellent deer hunting. Toledo Bend Reservoir is a nationally known bass fishing lake, and numerous tournaments are held here each year.

available for family reunions and other tradition with local fox hunters who day-use activities; reservations need to organize hunting events in the area, be made in advance for shelters and the and it offers excellent opportunities for amphitheater. hunting in the nearby forest. Boles Field is also home to the Willow Oak boat ramp is open and Wilderness National Cemetery Hall of Fame provides several walk-in campsites. Indian Mounds is a 12,369-acre for Foxhounds. Prized hunting dogs Developed campgrounds require a congressionally designated wilderness from across the country are buried in fee, but there are many opportunities for area set aside to allow the earth’s natural this picturesque setting. The area is a dispersed camping throughout the forest. processes to shape and influence the land. Hunting, horseback riding and hiking are allowed. Bicycles, other Hiking wheeled vehicles and mechanized and The forest is the perfect place motorized equipment are not allowed. for hiking, horseback riding and Camping and Picnicking bicycling (no bicycles are allowed in Family camping areas in the Sabine the wilderness), and the many miles of National Forest are designed for those roads through the woods are perfect for wanting “elbow room” in a natural forest a scenic drive especially in the spring setting. Several units share a water tap, and fall. trash receptacle and toilet facilities. Hiking is best in the early spring Most parking spaces are suitable for when the forest is filled with native camping trailers. wildflowers, or in fall when the Red Hills Lake has picnic facilities, a hardwood leaves change color. Be sure swimming beach and dump station along to wear hunter orange during hunting with electrical hookups at several sites. season. Boles Field has a picnic shelter www.fs.usda.gov/texas 5 Sam Houston National Forest

shortleaf pines dominate ridgetops that are separated by a wide variety of hardwoods along creek channels. Big Creek Scenic Area The 1,920-acre Big Creek Scenic Area is noted for its unique plants and scenic qualities. No camping is allowed in Big Creek Scenic Area. The Lone Star Hiking Trail winds through the area and features four trail loops of various lengths. and the day-use area is open during the spring and summer. he Sam Houston National Forest On the east side of the forest is is located 50 miles north of Double Lake Recreation Area, built in THouston and contains 163,037 the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation acres of land in Montgomery, Walker Corps. This historic campground and San Jacinto counties. The forest is includes family and group camping, intermingled with private timber lands, picnicking, a picnic shelter, swimming small farms and a growing number of area, a concession stand and bathhouse. of-way are closed to off-road-vehicle subdivisions. It is also home to a popular mountain use except at designated crossings. Lone Star Hiking Trail bike trail. During wet, rainy days the trails are The 129-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, Stubblefield Recreation Area, on closed, so check with the ranger’s office a portion of which has gained National the north shore of Lake Conroe, has 30 before planning a trip. Recreation Trail status, winds through camping sites and access to the Lone Wildlife Double Lake, Stubblefield and Kelly’s Camping/Swimming/Fishing Star Hiking Trail. The Sam Houston National Forest Pond campgrounds. There are three developed Kelly’s Pond, just off the Multi-Use is the largest Wildlife Management Except during deer hunting season, campgrounds in the Sam Houston Trail and west of Lake Conroe, offers Area in Texas. The Forest Service and when camping is restricted to designated National Forest: Cagle, Double Lake primitive camping. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department camps, primitive camping is allowed and Stubblefield, and a primitive Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe are cooperatively manage the forest for off the trail. Hikers should wear bright camping area at Kelly’s Pond. both popular weekend destinations noted game as well as non-game use. orange clothing during hunting season Cagle Recreation Area has 48 family for black bass and year-round fishing. Deer is the most popular game from October through January. Drinking campsites with grills, tent pads, electric Multi-use Trails animal in the forest followed closely by water is available at Double Lake and hookups and connections for water and Riding off-road vehicles (dirt bikes squirrels, ducks and hogs. Stubblefield recreation areas. wastewater for recreational vehicles. and four-wheelers), mountain bikes and Lake Conroe and the surrounding The trail, which is open to foot traffic There are restrooms, showers horses are some of the most popular forest provide habitat for the bald eagle only, is open year round, but winter and and a boat dock. Paved and natural recreational uses of the Sam Houston and during winter months, they have spring are the most popular seasons for surface trails wind through the popular National Forest. Special areas and trails been seen soaring over the lake, perched hiking due to the mild climate. campground. are designated and developed for these on a flooded snag or in a tall pine along Little Lake Creek Wilderness Scotts Ridge Recreation Area, on the uses. the shoreline. The 3,855-acre Little Lake west side of Lake Conroe, has a boat Four trailheads along the multi-use The endangered red-cockaded Creek Wilderness, five miles north launch, swimming beach, picnic sites trails provide starting points and parking woodpecker also makes its home in the of Montgomery, is home to a rich and three picnic shelters. areas. Please stay on the marked trails. forest and is best seen early morning ecological mosaic. Loblolly and The boat launch is open year-round, Pipelines, powerlines and other rights- and late evening. 6 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands LYNDON B. JOHNSON NATIONAL GRASSLANDS

he 17,873-acre Caddo and 20,313-acre Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) National Grasslands are located Tin north-central Texas, northeast and northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Fannin, Wise and Montague counties. Before the federal government purchased them in the late 1930s, the grasslands were mostly abandoned farms and ranches suffering severe soil erosion from poor agricultural practices. Since 1955, the national grasslands in Texas, along with the national forests, have been managed by the Forest Service. The national grasslands in Texas are part of the western and eastern cross-timbers vegetation type, with both hardwood forests and open grasslands. The national grasslands provide recreation areas and lakes for camping, swimming, hunting, fishing and habitat for wildlife. Grasslands management restores native prairies and improves wildlife habitat. The Forest Service reseeds rangeland, provides water, builds and maintains fences and conducts prescribed burning. Windmills and ponds provide water for livestock. Oil and gas wells are a common sight on the Caddo and LBJ National CADDO NATIONAL GRASSLANDS Grasslands. The United States does not own all the mineral rights for these lands because a few of the sellers retained permanent mineral ownership. The counties in which national grasslands lie receive 25 percent of the income from mineral leasing and royalties as well as from grazing permits, special land use fees and recreation fees. These funds are returned to the counties to be used for schools and roads. Wildlife White-tailed deer, small mammals, coyotes, bobcats, red fox, waterfowl, bobwhite quail, turkey and songbirds thrive in the diverse habitats provided by the grasslands. Largemouth bass, blue catfish, channel catfish and perch are common catches in the many lakes. In spring, migratory neotropical birds from Central and South America make their way across the grasslands, and wildflowers blanket the gently rolling hills in color. Recreation - LBJ The LBJ National Grasslands offers various facilities for camping, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Popular areas are Black Creek Recreation Area, TADRA Point Trailhead and Cottonwood Lake. Valley View offers group camping and is a designated bird dog training area. There are 15 campsites, a pavilion with grill, restrooms Ü and water for horses. There are approximately 400 lakes and 0 1 ponds, ranging from less than an acre to more than 40 acres on the LBJ National Grasslands. The trailhead has restrooms, 20 parking spurs, six pull The 35-acre Black Creek Lake is a developed Bois D’Arc Multi-Use Trail - Caddo recreational site with picnic spots, 14 walk-in campsites, throughs, 10 stock tethers and water for horses. Additionally, open areas of the grasslands are popular The Bois D’Arc Multi-Use Trail offers 12 campsites, a concrete boat ramp and a four-mile hiking trail. It is restrooms and three loops that begin and end at the located off CR 2360 and CR 2461 with access from FS for cross-country horseback riding. Because soils on the LBJ and Caddo Grasslands are trailhead. The trail is 28 miles and offers views of Coffee 902. Primitive camping is allowed off FS 922. Mill Lake and Lake Crockett. Cottonwood Lake is 40 acres with a concrete boat ramp susceptible to erosion, vehicle travel is only allowed on designated roads. Caddo Wildlife Management Area and has a trail that connects it to Black Creek Lake. Other The grasses and trees of the Caddo Wildlife lakes in the area are Little Cottonwood Lake, Rhodes Recreation - Caddo Popular areas in the Caddo National Grasslands are Management Area attract small mammals, red and gray Lake, Chicken Lake and Dan’s Pond. fox, waterfowl, gulls, quail, white-tailed deer, wild Visitors to the national grasslands should be extremely East and West Lake Crockett Recreation Areas, Coffee Mill Recreation Area and Bois D’Arc Trailhead. turkey and a variety of other birds. The diverse habitat careful with fire because the prairie grasses can be highly offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and flammable. In Fannin County, the 750-acre Coffee Mill Lake has a paved boat ramp, drinking water, tent camping and limited photography. TADRA Multi-Use Trail - LBJ The 16,240-acre area is a favorite spot for hunters, The 75-mile TADRA Multi-Use Trail is open to RV space. Lake Crockett, at 450 acres, offers a paved boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area and restrooms on the east recreational visitors and wildlife. Deer hunters are horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. Access to required to have the necessary permits issued by Texas the trail is provided at the TADRA Point Trailhead. side. The west side can accommodate RVs and has 12 campsites, restrooms and hiking trails. Parks and Wildlife Department. www.fs.usda.gov/texas 7

How to Recognize Stephen F. Austin National Experimental Forest Forest Land Maps commonly show proclaimed ffering a quiet refuge to national forest all who seek the natural boundaries. However, Oenchantment of a forest all land within this experience is the Stephen F. boundary is not national Austin Experimental Forest forest land; some is (SFAEF), located eight miles privately owned. The southwest of Nacogdoches. land shown in green Tucked away in the heart of on the maps indicates the Pineywoods, the forest is national forest land. bordered on its southern and Red paint and signs eastern boundaries by the mark the boundaries Angelina River and the Alazan between national Wildlife Management Area. forest land and private The SFAEF is a 2,560- property. Recognition acre tract consisting of of these markings and approximately 1,800 acres of boundary signs helps mature bottomland hardwood the visitor to be certain with the remainder being to stay on national southern pine and mixed pine forest land. and hardwood. Visitors should Part of the Angelina National comply with state law Forest, SFAEF is administered and the owner’s rules by the Southern Research when entering private Station through its Wildlife land. The Stephen F. Austin Interpretive Trail offers universal accessibility. Habitat and Silviculture Entrance (portal) Laboratory in Nacogdoches. signs. These signs Since its adoption into the national can be seen along forest system in 1945, the primary major roads entering objective of the experimental forest has the national forests, been wildlife and timber management usually on the first tract research. of government land The site is also used as an outdoor encountered. Generally, classroom in the study of forest portal signs are not ecosystems for students majoring in used on low traffic forestry, wildlife management, forest volume roads. recreation and environmental science. Welcome signs. In 1990, management objectives These signs are located for the SFAEF were expanded to on or just inside the include educational and recreational boundaries or individual opportunities for the general public. tracts of national forest The Interpretive Trail System land where the road Completed in the summer of 1997, enters. The sign will be the forest’s innovative interpretive trail oriented so that the land system represents the commitment of behind the sign is public the Forest Service to meet the changing land. Generally, they needs and perspectives of society. are not used on dead- Unique in its concept and design, it end or woods roads features the first major trail in this region or on small blocks of designed and constructed for universal public land. accessibility. Two separate loops, Upon entering woods spanning a distance of 2.9 miles, take on public land, welcome visitors into some of the most dynamic signs will not be present and scenic areas of the forest. and the visitor should Jack Creek Loop rely on property line Jack Creek is a cool, clear, spring- markings and boundary fed perennial stream which serves as signs. the centerpiece for this loop. Traversing Property line gentle slopes along the banks of the marking and boundary creek, this barrier-free, 0.8-mile surfaced signs. The boundaries trail provides universal access to a of individual national mature mixed forest where 100-year-old forest tracts adjacent pines and hardwoods still stand stalwart But this is not just a path through the to other ownerships against the rush of modern time. forest, the trail is like a corridor through are marked with brown The rich, moist soils along the creek time. Integrated into the management and yellow property support diverse vegetation dominated objectives for each different area, it boundary signs. by large, old hardwoods that offer a permits visitors to witness firsthand the The small metal soothing environment for exercise as forest’s response to various treatments boundary signs are well as opportunities for quiet reflection across the years. fastened either to trees or posts located on the and relaxation. General Information Since these trees also provide cover Approximately half of the more than boundary line and at and food, which support many species 300 species of birds which are common road crossings, and the of birds and mammals, wildlife viewing to this area of Texas are found in the signs are placed so that public land is behind the (especially birding) is an inherent part of forest. sign. Red paint spots the unobtrusive visitor’s experience. More than 80 species of butterflies on trees define the Management Loop add color and quiet beauty, while the boundary line through As environmental issues become anticipation of catching a glimpse of woods. increasingly a part of public awareness one of the more than 30 indigenous and concern, the Forest Service is taking While the majority woodland creatures makes each visit of boundaries are the initiative to provide and promote exciting for wildlife lovers. conservation education. identified and posted, The temperate climate permits year- occasionally visitors Experiential learning opportunities round use of the trail and allows visitors offered in a living outdoor classroom are may encounter an area to appreciate the beauty each season where signs have been geared toward fostering respect for forest brings. resources and appreciation of sound vandalized or lines Binoculars and cameras can enhance accessible and bus spaces, and shaded are not yet marked. In management principles. lasting memories. picnic tables are adjacent to the parking Winding two miles through five these cases, visitors Visitors may wish to bring their own area. should be alert to avoid differentunits on the forest, this loop water, as fountains are available only Restrooms are located near the accidently trespassing provides visitors a chance to view an near the parking area. Insect repellent is parking area and visitors are asked to on private land. array of forest management practices at advised from May through September. keep their pets on a leash and their various stages of process. The parking lot provides both firearms at home. 8 National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

For More Information

Angelina National Forest 111 Walnut Ridge Road Zavalla, TX 75980 936-897-1068   

Davy Crockett National Forest 18551 Hwy. 7 East Kennard, TX 75847 936-655-2299   

Sabine National Forest 5050 Hwy. 21 East Hemphill, TX 75959 409-625-1940 The red-cockaded woodpecker makes Toll Free: 866-235-1750 its home in pines throughout the Camping Motorized and National Forests in Texas.    Developed recreation areas offer Off-highway Vehicles conveniences such as showers, restrooms and The National Forests and Grasslands due to their food habits. Sam Houston picnic facilities. in Texas has implemented the Travel The Texas Department of Health advises National Forest Primitive camping is allowed except in Management Rule that requires all registered that adults should limit consumption of designated scenic areas or where otherwise motor vehicles to be limited to designated largemouth bass from area lakes to no more 394 FM 1375 West prohibited. roads shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map than two eight-ounce meals per month. New Waverly, TX 77358 During hunting season – September (MVUM). Depending on seasonal use, the Children should limit consumption of through January – camping is permitted only 936-344-6205 roads on the map will be open to licensed largemouth bass from area lakes to no more in designated camps in the Angelina, Davy Toll Free: 888-361-6908 street-legal vehicles. than two four-ounce meals per month. Crockett, Sabine and Sam Houston national OHV riding is allowed only on the Sam    forests. For safety’s sake, always wear hunter Houston National Forest’s designated OHV Target Practice orange during hunting season. trail. The 85-mile multiple-use trail allows There are no target practice areas in the Pack drinking water, maps, sunscreen, Caddo/LBJ motor vehicles less than 50 inches wide. Call National Forests and Grasslands in Texas insect repellant, compass, raincoat and a first- National Grasslands the Sam Houston ranger office at 936-344- except for a designated area in the LBJ aid kit. 1400 US 81/287 6205 before you visit to determine if the trail Grasslands, which is open to clay pigeon Don’t rely on your cell phone. There is is closed due to water on the trails. shooting with shotguns. P.O. Box 507 minimal cell coverage in national forests. Hiking, bicycling and horse back riding Decatur, TX 76234 Camping in the national forests is limited also are allowed on the trail. to 14 days during a 30-day time period. Bringing Your Dog 940-627-5475 Visit our website for MVUM maps and In campgrounds, picnic areas, parking    additional information, or call or visit the areas and trailheads, your dog must be on a Nature’s Hazards ranger’s office of the forest where you are leash no longer than six feet. If you tie your Maps and general information Copperhead, Canebreak rattlesnake, visiting (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through dog, find a shady spot and give him a lot of can be obtained from: Cottonmouth, Coral and Pigmy rattlesnake Friday). attention to minimize barking which could are five venomous snakes native to this area Volunteering to help maintain trails is disturb other forest visitors. of Texas. All have triangular-shaped heads a great way to show your support and get Forest Supervisor’s and slit-shaped pupils. Of course the best involved. Contact your local Forest Service Maps Office way to deal with an encounter with a snake is office to see how you can help. Maps and general information for each of National Forests and to not get close enough to see its eyes! the forests and grasslands may be purchased Grasslands in Texas Leave snakes alone. Be careful when from ranger offices or the forest supervisor’s 2221 North Raguet St. walking in tall grass or other places where office in Lufkin. you cannot see your feet. Lufkin, TX 75904 Forest maps are $10 each and wilderness n n n maps are $4 each. 936-639-8501 Ticks and chiggers are common insects Order forms are available on the Web at: TDD: 936-639-8560 found in the woods. Ticks attach themselves www.fs.usda.gov/texas to your body and can transmit diseases. If you Or call 936-639-8501 for more    find one on you, gently pull it off, record the information and for postage and handling date on your calendar, and notify your doctor. charges. Chiggers, also known as redbugs, cause n n n Sam Rayburn Reservoir you to itch and are more of an irritant than a U.S. Army Corps danger. Avoid sitting in grasses and directly In accordance with Federal civil rights law of Engineers on the forest floor, especially in pine needles. and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil Use insect repellant. rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Route 3, Box 486 State Regulations Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions Jasper, TX 75951 n n n participating in or administering USDA programs Poison ivy makes most people break out in for OHVs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, 409-384-5716 an itchy rash. The oils on this plant can cause All OHVs driven on public lands in color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity www.swf-wc.usace.army. an allergic reaction, with or without leaves. Texas (or on lands purchased through Texas (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, mil/samray It is active in all seasons. The vine has roots Recreational Trails Grant funding) must income derived from a public assistance program, or little hairs on it throughout the year. This, follow these state guidelines: political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior    and the fact it has three leaves, is an easy way n Display a current Texas OHV decal civil rights activity, in any program or activity to identify the plant. Remember, “Leaves of available for $16 from Texas Parks and conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply Toledo Bend Reservoir Wildlife. For more information on the OHV to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing three, let it be!” deadlines vary by program or incident. Sabine River Authority n n n decal, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/ohv/ Persons with disabilities who require alternative Route 1, Box 270 Our national forests are a refuge for n Take an ATV Safety Rider Course and means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Burkeville, TX 75932 wild animals, such as bears, alligators and carry your certificate (call 1-800-887-2887 venomous snakes. Wild animals can be upset for information). Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 409-565-2273 Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720- by human presence and can unexpectedly n Wear a D.O.T. approved helmet and 2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through www.sra.dst.tx.us become aggressive. Feeding wildlife causes eye protection. the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.    dependence on campers, an increase in n Do not carry passengers. Additionally, program information may be made camper disturbance and interaction and can available in languages other than English. n Operators under 14 years of age must To file a program discrimination complaint, make wildlife more aggressive. Do not give be under direct supervision of parent or complete the USDA Program Discrimination Texas Parks them a reason or an opportunity to attack. guardian. Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http:// and Wildlife Department Always keep your distance. Your safety is www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and Old Texas Plaza your responsibility. Observe wildlife only Mercury Warning at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to from a distance. USDA and provide in the letter all of the information 4100 S. Medford Dr. Largemouth bass in Ratcliff and Boykin requested in the form. To request a copy of the Suite 204B Springs Lakes have shown elevated levels complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your of mercury. This is a common occurrence completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Lufkin, TX 75901 Firearms Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant No discharge of firearms is allowed in in area lakes. Sources may be natural and 936-632-1311 Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence developed recreation areas, across from made soluble by naturally acidic soil and Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) www.tpwd.state.tx.us or within 150 yards of all roads, trails and water. Only largemouth bass and bowfin are fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@ camps where people are likely to be. State affected. Sunfish and channel catfish do not usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, laws apply to all firearm use. accumulate significant levels of mercury employer, and lender.