Lake Talquin
Welcome to Lake Talquin State Forest located just west of Tallahassee in western Leon County
and southern Gadsden County. It is composed of eleven main tracts and many smaller tracts of land. The majority of these tracts adjoin the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin, the body of water that gives the forest its name. This 17,491 acre forest offers space, solitude, and self-reliance as you enjoy its variety of naturally beautiful ecosystems.
Visit our website at
www.fl-dof.com
Welcome to
Lake Talquin State Forest
Bear Creek Educational Forest is a 492-acre tract of Lake Talquin State Forest. Programs are FREE for any public or private school group, Scout Troop, daycare, or any other youth organization. Each program option may include a lesson, game, and hands-on activity in the forest. An interpretive hike and souvenir craft to make and take home may also be included. The Bear Creek Tract also offers hiking and camping opportunities as well as the audio enhanced Living Forest trail where the trees tell their own stories. A list of the Florida Sunshine State Standards addressed in each program is available upon request. The facility consists of: • Air-conditioned classroom with seating for 60 students • Three nature trails ranging in length, including a paved “talking tree” trail and arboretum • Picnic shelter where students can eat lunch • Restrooms and drinking fountains • Full-time staff available to guide FREE programs
Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner Florida Forest Service
DACS–P–00153
HISTORY
Lake Talquin
The majority of Lake Talquin State Forest’s acreage was conveyed by the Florida Power Corporation to the State of Florida in 1977. The 492-acre Bear Creek Tract was purchased from a private landowner with state funds and an additional 4,075 acres were purchased by the )ORULGD Forest6HUYLFH for and on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund using Preservation 2000 funds. Prior to state ownership, much of this land’s timber was removed in the mid-1970s under a long-term timber contract. Since taking over management, the )ORULGD )RUHVW6HUYLFH has emphasized reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor recreation.
Timber Harvesting on Lake Talquin State Forest
Recreation
Lake Talquin State Forest is comprised of a variety of forest cover types. The major type is pine/hardwood, covering over 50% of the forest. Tree species found in the forest include: longleaf pine, slash pine, loblolly pine, laurel oak, live oak, mockernut hickory, red maple, sweetbay, swamp tupelo, bald cypress, flowering dogwood and turkey oak. Lake Talquin State Forest is also the home to many different species of wildlife. These include: gopher tortoise, red-shouldered hawk, bobcat, bald eagle, coyote, osprey, white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, and mourning dove. Natural communities consist of flatwoods, upland pine, floodplain, sandhills and hardwood forest. Outstanding examples of the slope and ravine forest communities are located on the west side of the Talquin Tract and throughout the Fort Braden and Bear Creek Tracts. The presence of the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin give this forest the distinction of having two Outstanding Florida Waters.
Lake Talquin State Forest offers the public a variety of recreational opportunities on its many diverse tracts of land. Hiking, bird/wildlife viewing and nature study can be enjoyed utilizing existing service roads, old road beds and established trails. The Lines Tract has 9.5 miles of trail designated for bicycling and hiking. An 11-mile designated equestrian trail has been blazed on the Fort Braden Tract. Proof of a current negative Coggins Test is required for all horses. While bicycling and horseback riding are not permitted on the Bear Creek Tract there are trails for hiking and nature study. The Bloxham Tract is a day use, group fee area available by reservation only. For hunting purposes, Lake Talquin State Forest is broken down into three Wildlife Management Areas: the Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area (North and South Ochlockonee Tracts), the Talquin Wildlife Management Area (Highway 20 Tract), and the Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area (Joe Budd, Rocky Comfort, and Midway Tracts). The Fort Braden, Bloxham, Bear Creek, and Lines Tracts are closed to hunting. Nonhunting recreationists are encouraged to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting specific tracts of Lake Talquin State Forest. Fishing is permitted in all waterways of Lake Talquin State Forest except for those on the Bear Creek Tract. A valid Florida fishing license is required except for those exemptions listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Sustainable Forestry
For more information regarding hunting or fishing on Lake Talquin State Forest call or write:
Natural Resources
LittleBlue Heron
The use of prescribed fire by the )ORULGD)RUHVW6HUYLFH is an effective tool in controlling hardwoods, promoting wiregrass flowering, and improving wildlife habitat. It is used on portions of the forest in a 3 to 5 year rotation. While it mimics natural fires, it reduces the hazard of wildfire.
Forest management practices on Lake Talquin State Forest are important in the restoration and maintenance of forest ecosystems and provide a variety of socio-economic benefits to Floridians. Timber harvesting activities follow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services guide to Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs). Trees are planted that represent the natural ecological community.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 5300 High Bridge Road Quincy, FL 32351 Phone: 850/627-1773 www.myfwc.com
Ft. Braden Recreational Area
Ravine Trail
Rain Lilly
Things to Know When Visiting the Forest In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida’s forest resources for the present and future enjoyment of all Floridians, the )ORULGD Forest6HUYLFH has developed rules which apply to all visitors to Lake Talquin State Forest. Some of the more important rules are: • Please take all garbage with you when you leave. Containers are not provided on the forest. • Bicycles and horses are welcome on open roads and trails designated for their use. • All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs ) and other unlicensed vehicles are not allowed on the forest. • Hunting requires a license and permit, and is allowed only in designated wildlife management areas during appropriate seasons. • Overnight camping is prohibited unless an area is designated for that purpose. • Visitors may be required to pay entrance or recreation use fees in designated areas. Annual Day Use Entrance Passes are available. Contact your local )ORULGD)RUHVW6HUYLFH office IRUinformation. For additional information on Lake Talquin State Forest call or write: FORULGD)oresW6HUYLFH Lake Talquin State Forest 865 Geddie Road Tallahassee, FL 32304 Phone: 850/488-1871
and southern Gadsden County. It is composed of eleven main tracts and many smaller tracts of land. The majority of these tracts adjoin the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin, the body of water that gives the forest its name. This 17,491 acre forest offers space, solitude, and self-reliance as you enjoy its variety of naturally beautiful ecosystems.
Visit our website at
www.fl-dof.com
Welcome to
Lake Talquin State Forest
Bear Creek Educational Forest is a 492-acre tract of Lake Talquin State Forest. Programs are FREE for any public or private school group, Scout Troop, daycare, or any other youth organization. Each program option may include a lesson, game, and hands-on activity in the forest. An interpretive hike and souvenir craft to make and take home may also be included. The Bear Creek Tract also offers hiking and camping opportunities as well as the audio enhanced Living Forest trail where the trees tell their own stories. A list of the Florida Sunshine State Standards addressed in each program is available upon request. The facility consists of: • Air-conditioned classroom with seating for 60 students • Three nature trails ranging in length, including a paved “talking tree” trail and arboretum • Picnic shelter where students can eat lunch • Restrooms and drinking fountains • Full-time staff available to guide FREE programs
Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner Florida Forest Service
DACS–P–00153
HISTORY
Lake Talquin
The majority of Lake Talquin State Forest’s acreage was conveyed by the Florida Power Corporation to the State of Florida in 1977. The 492-acre Bear Creek Tract was purchased from a private landowner with state funds and an additional 4,075 acres were purchased by the )ORULGD Forest6HUYLFH for and on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund using Preservation 2000 funds. Prior to state ownership, much of this land’s timber was removed in the mid-1970s under a long-term timber contract. Since taking over management, the )ORULGD )RUHVW6HUYLFH has emphasized reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor recreation.
Timber Harvesting on Lake Talquin State Forest
Recreation
Lake Talquin State Forest is comprised of a variety of forest cover types. The major type is pine/hardwood, covering over 50% of the forest. Tree species found in the forest include: longleaf pine, slash pine, loblolly pine, laurel oak, live oak, mockernut hickory, red maple, sweetbay, swamp tupelo, bald cypress, flowering dogwood and turkey oak. Lake Talquin State Forest is also the home to many different species of wildlife. These include: gopher tortoise, red-shouldered hawk, bobcat, bald eagle, coyote, osprey, white-tailed deer, fox squirrel, and mourning dove. Natural communities consist of flatwoods, upland pine, floodplain, sandhills and hardwood forest. Outstanding examples of the slope and ravine forest communities are located on the west side of the Talquin Tract and throughout the Fort Braden and Bear Creek Tracts. The presence of the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin give this forest the distinction of having two Outstanding Florida Waters.
Lake Talquin State Forest offers the public a variety of recreational opportunities on its many diverse tracts of land. Hiking, bird/wildlife viewing and nature study can be enjoyed utilizing existing service roads, old road beds and established trails. The Lines Tract has 9.5 miles of trail designated for bicycling and hiking. An 11-mile designated equestrian trail has been blazed on the Fort Braden Tract. Proof of a current negative Coggins Test is required for all horses. While bicycling and horseback riding are not permitted on the Bear Creek Tract there are trails for hiking and nature study. The Bloxham Tract is a day use, group fee area available by reservation only. For hunting purposes, Lake Talquin State Forest is broken down into three Wildlife Management Areas: the Ochlockonee River Wildlife Management Area (North and South Ochlockonee Tracts), the Talquin Wildlife Management Area (Highway 20 Tract), and the Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area (Joe Budd, Rocky Comfort, and Midway Tracts). The Fort Braden, Bloxham, Bear Creek, and Lines Tracts are closed to hunting. Nonhunting recreationists are encouraged to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting specific tracts of Lake Talquin State Forest. Fishing is permitted in all waterways of Lake Talquin State Forest except for those on the Bear Creek Tract. A valid Florida fishing license is required except for those exemptions listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Sustainable Forestry
For more information regarding hunting or fishing on Lake Talquin State Forest call or write:
Natural Resources
LittleBlue Heron
The use of prescribed fire by the )ORULGD)RUHVW6HUYLFH is an effective tool in controlling hardwoods, promoting wiregrass flowering, and improving wildlife habitat. It is used on portions of the forest in a 3 to 5 year rotation. While it mimics natural fires, it reduces the hazard of wildfire.
Forest management practices on Lake Talquin State Forest are important in the restoration and maintenance of forest ecosystems and provide a variety of socio-economic benefits to Floridians. Timber harvesting activities follow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services guide to Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs). Trees are planted that represent the natural ecological community.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 5300 High Bridge Road Quincy, FL 32351 Phone: 850/627-1773 www.myfwc.com
Ft. Braden Recreational Area
Ravine Trail
Rain Lilly
Things to Know When Visiting the Forest In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida’s forest resources for the present and future enjoyment of all Floridians, the )ORULGD Forest6HUYLFH has developed rules which apply to all visitors to Lake Talquin State Forest. Some of the more important rules are: • Please take all garbage with you when you leave. Containers are not provided on the forest. • Bicycles and horses are welcome on open roads and trails designated for their use. • All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs ) and other unlicensed vehicles are not allowed on the forest. • Hunting requires a license and permit, and is allowed only in designated wildlife management areas during appropriate seasons. • Overnight camping is prohibited unless an area is designated for that purpose. • Visitors may be required to pay entrance or recreation use fees in designated areas. Annual Day Use Entrance Passes are available. Contact your local )ORULGD)RUHVW6HUYLFH office IRUinformation. For additional information on Lake Talquin State Forest call or write: FORULGD)oresW6HUYLFH Lake Talquin State Forest 865 Geddie Road Tallahassee, FL 32304 Phone: 850/488-1871
