|
Bruce Williams |
Etoniah Creek WMA includes more than 7,185
acres in northern Putnam County. The area is home to many
wildlife species as well as a wildlife or travel corridor for
the Florida black bear. Scrub, flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and
sandhill are the main community types. Etoniah Creek State
Forest contains one of only two known population of the
endangered Etonia rosemary found on public land. Etoniah Creek,
Rice Creek, and Falling Branch flow through scenic bottomland
hardwoods along seepage slope ravines to George’s Lake.
White-tailed
deer,
bobcat,
fox squirrel,
wild
turkey,
eastern diamondback rattlesnake, and
great horned owl are commonly found in the forest. Listed
species include
eastern indigo snake and
gopher tortoise. Recreational activities permitted in the
forest include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking,
biking, paddling, and primitive camping. There are two
designated hiking trails, and one multi-use trail for horseback
riding, biking, and hiking. The
Florida
National Scenic Trail passes through the northeast portion
of the forest, and the Longleaf Pine Trail is included in the
Division of Forestry’s Trailwalker Program. |
