National Forests in Florida

Press Release
Olustee, Fla. — A team of U.S. Forest Service firefighters immediately responded to and safely secured a wildfire in the southwest corner of Big Gum Swamp Wilderness that was discovered at approximately noon on May 9.
The fire was secured last night but the Forest Service will conduct a 3,000-acre burnout today on the western [...]

The Apalachicola National Forest is conducting a prescribed burn of approximately 1,400 acres in Unit #240 today.  See the Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Burning Map.  The location is off Smith Creek Highway (Hwy 375) and Forest Road 309.
Drivers and residents are reminded of the possibility of unexpected shifting winds that could increase the risk of smoke [...]

Due to massive rainfall in southern Georgia, the Suwannee and Econfina Rivers are flooding their banks in North Florida, swamping the Florida Trail under several feet of swift-moving water. Hikers are advised to avoid the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River between Deep Creek in Osceola National Forest and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in [...]

Tallahassee, FL – Residents and passersby may see some smoke in the air beginning Oct. 1 when the U.S. Forest Service starts its prescribed fire season of approximately 100,000 acres in the Apalachicola National Forest to prevent wildfires and promote a healthy forest for plants and animals.
Prescribed fire plays an integral part in reducing [...]

To prevent bears and other wildlife from becoming problems at popular recreation areas in the Ocala, Osceola and Apalachicola National Forests, the U.S. Forest Service recently implemented a forest-wide Food Storage policy requiring proper storage and disposal of food, garbage and other attractants.

(Video courtesy of mtozier)
“Public safety is a high priority for the U.S. Forest [...]