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The
Wakulla State Forest WMA covers 4,170 acres in Wakulla County,
adjacent to Wakulla Springs State Park and about six miles south
of Tallahassee. A portion of the forest is within the
groundwater recharge area for Wakulla Springs, one of the
largest single vent freshwater springs in the world. Springs and
sinkholes dot the landscape and McBride Slough flows through the
forest. The slough connects with two small springs, flows under
State Road 267, and joins the Wakulla River. Past land use
practices replaced the upland hardwood forests, sandhills,
hammocks, swamps and marshes with pine plantations. Restoring
these ecosystems and protecting water resources are the primary
land management objectives on this forest. Wildlife species on
the area include white-tailed deer, feral hog, turkey, bobcat,
gopher tortoise and a variety of resident and migratory birds.
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David Moynahan |
The area,
managed by the Florida Division of Forestry, is open for public
use year-around. Recreational opportunities include hunting,
wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding and bicycling. At
present, there are no established trails, but recreation users
may roam the 20 miles of service roads not open to vehicles. Picnicking
is available at the parking area pavilion located off of SR 267.
Scheduled hunts include archery, archery/muzzleloading gun,
spring turkey, small game and migratory birds. A quota hunt
permit is required for archery, archery/muzzleloading gun and
spring turkey. Motorized vehicles may operate only on a portion
of Rosa Shingles Road and Chattin Road. ATVs are prohibited.
There is no
camping. Check the Wildlife Management Area
regulations for information about hunting seasons.
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