Managed in cooperation with
Northwest Florida Water Management District |
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Northwest Florida Water Management
District |
This nearly 41,000-acre area in Washington and
Bay counties runs 14 miles along the course of Econfina Creek
and also encompasses mile after mile of xeric sandhill uplands
with dozens of shallow, clear sand-bottomed lakes. These uplands
recharge the springs that feed the creek. Most of the area was
planted with commercial stands of non-native sand and slash
pine, which are being harvested and restored to longleaf pine
and wiregrass habitat. Along the creek hardwood forests and
hammocks grow above fern-covered limestone bluffs and outcrops.
In the spring, visitors will see blooming dogwoods, red buds,
mountain laurel, wild azaleas, Carolina silverbells, Ashe and
pyramid magnolias, and Florida anise. Recreational activities
available on this area include seasonal hunting (brochure), fishing, hiking
(a 14 mile segment of the
Florida
National Scenic Trail traverses the WMA), horseback riding
on designated trails
(Pine Ridge Equestrian Trail, Wolf Pond Equestrian Trail, and
other trails being developed), swimming, primitive and group
camping, birding and paddling. Information on primitive camping and group camping is
available at
Northwest Florida Water Management District
or by telephoning (850) 539-5999.
The Econfina is a state designated canoe trail (brochure) with launches
located at Scotts Road (upper creek), Walsingham Bridge (middle
creek) and Highway 20 (lower creek). The canoe trail contains
numerous “chutes” on the upper creek with springs and limestone
rock outcrops occurring on the lower creek between Highway 20
and Highway 388. The upper portion of the creek is especially
strenuous and should only be attempted by experienced canoeists.
Summer tanagers, warblers,
wild
turkeys and numerous raptor
species, including
bald eagles,
kestrels, hawks and
osprey are
common along the Econfina. The short nature trail at Pitt Spring
is an excellent spot for bird watching. This area is a site on
the
Great Florida Birding Trail. |
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Managed in cooperation with
Northwest Florida Water Management District |
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A separate parcel of Econfina Creek WMA,
named the Fitzhugh Carter Tract, lies west of Highway 77, 5
miles north of Highway 20, in the Greenhead community. This
2,155-acre tract contains xeric sandhill uplands, portions of
upper Pine Log Creek, various
wetland habitats, and clear, sand-bottomed lakes. Non-native
sand and slash pine plantations have been harvested and the
uplands are currently being restored to longleaf pine and
wiregrass habitat.
While it is a part of a wildlife management
area, the Carter Tract is also a mitigation bank property,
purchased by the Northwest Florida Water Management District to
offset development impacts to other wetlands in the surrounding
areas. The primary objective of the Carter Tract is the
preservation and restoration of the wetlands and surrounding
uplands on the property. Thus, recreational use is limited and
more intensively managed on this wildlife management area than
on most others in the state. While it is open to access on foot
everyday during daylight hours, public vehicle access is limited
to Friday through Monday (except during established hunting
seasons), and is restricted to improved roads. Camping,
swimming, horseback riding, use of bicycles and ATVs are all
prohibited on the area.
The Carter
Tract was operated as a popular fishing ranch by its owner, Mr.
Fitzhugh Carter, in the 1960’s and 1970’s. During drought
conditions, some of the old cypress boats Mr. Carter built and
rented to anglers can be seen exposed on pond banks throughout
the area. The tract was later leased as a private hunting
area. Knowing this rich history of recreational use, and
recognizing its potential for high quality recreational
opportunities, the District entered into an agreement with the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to manage the
property for limited recreational use, and to conduct ongoing
monitoring of fish and wildlife resources. Recreational
activities include seasonal hunting by quota permit, hiking and
bird watching. Visitors to the area will often spot white-tailed
deer, wild turkey, songbirds and wading birds, including little
blue herons, tricolored herons and snowy egrets. The Carter
Tract also offers a Special Opportunity Fishing Program four
days per week (Friday – Monday) year-round (with the exception
of established hunting seasons), with boats located on the lakes
for use free of charge. For more information about the Carter
Tract, or to reserve a boat, please call (850) 773-2631. |
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