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Eglin AFB covers 464,000 acres in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton
counties. An Eglin permit is required to access approximately 280,000
acres of the Eglin reservation conditionally open to public recreation.
Outdoor recreation permits and a comprehensive map and regulation
summary are available from the Natural Resources Branch office (commonly
known as Jackson Guard) located at 107 Hwy 85 North, in Niceville. All
or portions of the Eglin reservation are subject to closure during
military testing/training operations. Eglin has many outstanding natural
features and bountiful outdoor recreational opportunities. Popular
activities include: excellent deer, turkey and feral hog hunting;
mobility impaired and youth Special Opportunity Hunts; fishing Eglin's
21 ponds; primitive camping; canoeing scenic waters; mountain biking in
the Timberlake Recreation Area; and
hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Eglin AFB is also home to more than
93 rare or listed plant species and animal species, 63 of which are
considered globally rare. Included in this list is the endangered
Okaloosa darter, which is found in only six creek systems in the central
portion of the air force base. Eglin has the largest contiguous acreage
of old-growth longleaf pine in the world and the fourth largest
red-cockaded
woodpecker population. This area is a site on the
Great Florida Birding Trail offering both inland and barrier island
birding opportunities. The Anderson Pond Recreation Area is open to the
public year-round. Just off Highway 85, 3 miles north of Niceville, this
area has an elevated boardwalk, a picnic shelter, a pier, and camping
area. All the facilities are handicapped accessible. For specific
information regarding outdoor recreational opportunities on Eglin AFB
contact the Natural Resources Branch at (850) 882-4164.
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