STATE FOREST SPOTLIGHT Tings to Know Forest Service Sustainable Forestry Initiative® When Visiting Florida’s State Forests The Florida Forest Service voluntarily participates in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program. The Sustainable Blackwater State Forest is the largest state Forestry Initiative program integrates the forest in Florida, with over 211,000 acres of Blackwater River perpetual growing and harvesting of trees woodlands, lakes, and . It is named for the with the protection of wildlife, Blackwater River, which begins in neighboring plants, soils, and water. Conecuh County, Alabama, and State Forest Blackwater River State Forest is certified to southwestward through the forest into Blackwater the SFI forest management standards. We Bay near Bagdad, Florida. Te forest has are proud to be part of a growing community campgrounds, day-use areas and recreational trails of landowners, conservation groups and for your enjoyment. Some of the more important responsible companies all working towards rules and information when entering the forest improving forest management. include: • Visitors will be required to pay a use fee for day-use activities or camping, where posted. • Swim at your own risk. Children must be under the watch of their adult guardian when swimming. Life vests save lives. • Hunting and fshing in state forests are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Love the state forests? So do we! Conservation Commission (FFWCC). It is suggested that non-hunters wear bright Te Friends of Florida State Forests is a direct- clothing in the forest during the main hunting support organization of the Florida Forest Service season from October through March. dedicated to ensuring Florida’s state forests are • Use caution when driving on dirt roads. Te available for future generations to enjoy. Make a speed limit on all roads within the forest is 30 diference by joining today to help prtotect Florida’s mph unless posted otherwise. Clay roads, in forests. particular, can be very slippery afer a rain. • Drive only on roads designated with ofcially Membership dues go to the forests for conservation numbered or named road posts or signs. and improvement projects. To join Friends or for • For safety reasons, glass containers are not more information, visit: allowed around state forest waterways. • Pets, unless posted as a no pet zone, must be www.FloridaStateForests.org restrained on a leash. • Do not cut or remove trees and vegetation. • Campfres must not be lef unattended.

For more information, visit: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE www.FDACS.gov/FLStateForests AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DACS-P-00135 Rev. 10-2019 History Natural Resources Spanish and other early pioneer explorations of the Blackwater River State Forest is home to over Blackwater area included an expedition by General 211,000 acres of rolling clay hills of primarily Andrew Jackson. Te Blackwater River State Forest upland longleaf pine forest; alluvial hardwood was rich with vast, huge longleaf pine. During forests of slash pine and Atlantic white cedar; the mid 1800’s, longleaf pine products became longleaf-turkey oak sandhill; and sand-bottom, valuable to the economy of Florida’s panhandle. black water streams. With the adjacent federal In Blackwater, logs were foated down the creek landholdings of Conecuh National Forest, to the systems to sawmills in Bagdad. Later, wood was north, and Eglin Air Force Base, to the south, brought out of the forest by railcar as is evident by the western panhandle region is the largest the old railroad beds that run through the forest. contiguous ecological community of the longleaf Large pine mills such as the Bagdad Land and Grist mill at Krul Lake Recreation Area pine - wiregrass ecosystem in the world. Less than Lumber Company and the Bay Point Mill Company 3 million of the original 60 million acres of this together processed billions of board feet of timber ecosystem remains. Recognized species like the from the forest and surrounding areas. gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, panhandle lily, white-top pitcher plant, and the red-cockaded In 1938, the U.S. Department of Agriculture woodpecker have declined signifcantly from their entered into a long-term lease with the Florida pre-colonial numbers. Many of these threatened Board of Forestry to reforest and manage the forest. species are thriving in a healthy, native habitat on In 1955, the property was deeded over to the state Blackwater River State Forest. Breeding pairs of of Florida. red-cockaded woodpeckers have increased tenfold since 1998 due to an active habitat restoration program.

Forestry Pitcher plants Recreation Management practices on Blackwater River Blackwater River State Forest has outstanding State Forest are important to the restoration and forest and water resources that ofer a variety of maintenance of forest ecosystems and provide recreational opportunities such as hiking, canoeing, economic benefts to the local economy. To birding, fshing, hunting, horseback riding, of- convert areas back to native longleaf pine forests, highway vehicle riding, and mountain biking. undesirable species are reduced and removed. Tere are ten developed recreation areas located Millions of exotic plants that impact the native throughout the forest. Many of these facilities ecosystems are being removed. have campsites with electricity, water and showers. Tere are three freshwater lakes that serve as the To further return the forest to the fre-tolerant, focal point for freshwater fshing and camping. longleaf pine system, an aggressive prescribed Two of the lakes are swimming areas with picnic burning program is in place. Even afer two tables, grills, and swimming docks; and one is an devastating hurricanes, Opal (1995) and Ivan equestrian campground that ofers 69 miles of (2004), the forest is home to millions of healthy North Hurricane Lake and campground horse trails. Tere are also group primitive areas longleaf pine saplings that have naturally for camping. Te forest has many hiking trails that regenerated due to an open forest foor thanks to For more information contact: range in size from just over one mile to 54 miles prescribed burning. As fre continues to play a Blackwater River State Forest in length. Blackwater River State Forest also ofers pivotal role in forest management, the longleaf- 11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Fl 32570 many driving opportunities to travel down quiet wiregrass ecosystem will continue to fourish and (850)-957-5700 forest roads to view beautiful longleaf pine forests supply homes for many threatened species. www.FDACS.gov/FLStateForests and clean refreshing streams.