Land Management

Overview

The District’s Land Management program is designed to protect natural systems, wetland and floodplain functions, groundwater recharge, surface and groundwater quality, and fish and wildlife habitat. Land managers work to protect and enhance District-owned natural areas through a variety of activities, including prescribed burning, pine timber management and harvest, groundcover restoration, reforestation, streambank restoration and protection, wetland mitigation restoration, and public access and recreation.

Many areas are being restored to their natural state and condition.  Various trees such as longleaf, slash, and loblolly pines and mixed upland/bottomland hardwoods are planted each year.

The District asks that visitors to our lands take care not to harm these fragile plants.

Land Management

East Region

Land Management Plan for East Region, September 2019

West Region

Land Management Plan for West Region, June 2020

Central Region

Land Management Plan for Central Region, December 2021

Prescribed Burns

Another important management activity is conducting prescribed burns. Prescribed or controlled burns reduce large quantities of plant fuel such as pine needles, leaves, dead grasses, and limbs. Prescribed burns help reduce the occurrence of wildfires by decreasing or eliminating these fuels. Prescribed burning may also be undertaken to prepare sites for restoration activities as well. This activity also promotes the flowering and regeneration of desirable plants such as wiregrass and wildflowers. Burned areas will begin to “green up” in just a few weeks.

Timber Thinning/Harvests

Timber thinning is another important tool to improve and protect habitat by removing diseased trees, opening stands to increase sunlight and promote plant diversity, and providing the remaining trees more room to grow.  Any revenue generated from timber harvests are given right back to the resource, and used to help fund District land management activities.

Signs

To ensure public safety and help protect water and natural resources, visitors should be aware of and adhere to signs posted on District lands.

BOUNDARY MARKER indicates the start of a land boundary or the change in a boundary, especially a change in direction of a boundary

Signs designating NO HUNTING areas restrict hunting and discharging of firearms. Signs may also be posted to clarify other restrictions related to hunting, camping, and other recreational activities.

One very important sign is CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. In these areas, only travel by foot is allowed to protect environmentally sensitive lands. Please do not block these gates because access for emergencies or land management activities may be needed at any time.

*The District’s land management activities may include prescribed burning and timber harvesting during most months of the year.  For personal safety reasons, users should be aware of activities in the area and contact the District’s Land Management office at (850) 539-5999 with any questions.  The District has no responsibility or obligation to identify or protect personal property while undertaking its land management activities.