Managed in cooperation with
Florida Division of Forestry |
|
Jean Marie Conner |
Seminole Forest WMA is located in northeastern Lake County. Its
more than 12,000 acres are part of a vast network of public
lands that protect thousands of acres of streams, springs, sand
pine scrub, swamps and pine flatwoods associated with the Wekiva
and St. Johns rivers. Blackwater Creek flows through the forest
into the Wekiva River, which forms the area’s eastern boundary.
The rare hooded pitcher plant, Florida hasteola, and Florida
willow grow here.
Scrub-jays,
black bears,
white-tailed deer,
sandhill cranes,
wild
turkey,
alligators,
turtles,
eastern indigo snake, and
otters
are found on the area. Seminole State Forest is part of the
Great
Florida Birding Trail.
Swallow-tailed kites are abundant in the spring and summer.
Bear Pond, a 13-acre former borrow pit, has been stocked with
numerous game fish and is a good place to observe wading birds.
Fishing is permitted throughout the year. The use of boats
is prohibited on Bear and Oaks ponds. A quota hunt permit
is required to hunt on this area. Hikers can
choose from 21 miles of trails, including a 7.5-mile segment of
the
Florida National Scenic Trail. The Sulphur Island Loop Trail
is a good place to see indigo buntings, vireos, and warblers.
The forest may also be explored by bicycle, horseback, or canoe.
A picnic table is
located at the canoe launch. Camping is prohibited during
hunting seasons. At other times three primitive campsites are
available by reservation and five primitive campsites are
available along the hiking trails. Drive-in access during
non-hunting periods requires a State Forest Use Permit. For
permit and camping reservation information call the Division of
Forestry (352) 360-6675. |
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Managed in cooperation with
Florida Division of Forestry |
|
Jean Marie Conner |
The Lake Tracy Unit of Seminole Forest WMA
consists of more than 4,000 acres in northeastern Lake County
and is part of the Seminole State Forest. It is one of many
public properties in the scenic Wekiva River Basin. The Lake
Tracy Unit is a mixture of pastures, forested wetlands, and marsh. The
previous landowners converted scrub pine and flatwoods to pastures
that are being restored to native vegetation.
Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, hiking,
and biking but there are no developed trails. Camping is
prohibited. Wildlife on the area include
white-tailed
deer, wild turkey,
gray fox,
coyote,
sandhill cranes, and
gopher tortoise.
A quota hunt permit is required to hunt on the area. Access to
the area during non-hunting periods is regulated by the Division
of Forestry (352) 360-6675. |
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