National Forests in Florida

The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual, or individuals, responsible for threats and vandalism to government property in the Ocala National Forest.

The public is requested to contact the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations Office at (850) 523-8588 or (850) 523-8535 if they have information about these incidents.

The U.S. Forest Service encourages the public to always be vigilant of their surroundings and report vandalism or anything suspicious to the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, U.S. Forest Service Ranger District Offices on the Apalachicola, Ocala or Osceola National Forests or local law enforcement authorities.

The Apalachicola National Forest is conducting a prescribed burn this morning on approximately 2,867 acres in Unit #60 and 3,361 acres in Unit #34.  For location information, log onto the Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Burn Map.

Due to the possibility of unexpected shifting winds that could increase the risk of smoke on the road during prescribed burns, always proceed with caution if visibility is affected by smokey conditions.

The Apalachicola National Forest is conducting a prescribed burn on approximately 2,620 acres in Unit #9 and approximately 1,078 acres in Unit #346 today.   Motorists are reminded to always proceed with caution, reduce speed and turn headlights on if visibility is affected by smokey conditions.  For location information, please log onto the Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Fire Map.

Prescribed fire is integral to preventing wildfires, improving wildlife habitat, controlling competing vegetation, controlling disease and improving wildlife forage.

Applicants interested in the Forestry Technician (engine operator) position in the Ocala National Forest may apply through March 14.

Looking to work for the great outdoors? 

The Ocala National Forest Lake George Ranger District in Silver Springs, Florida, is planning to fill a Forestry Technician (Engine Operator) position.  The position is for a GS-462-04/05.  Applicants may apply through March 14.  The Forestry Technician will work in all aspects of National forest work and primarily with fire and prescribed burning.  The position can be applied for at www.usajobs.opm.gov under the following position announcement: General Public Announcement OCRP-ENGSRFF-462-4/5DP.

The Apalachicola National Forest is conducting a prescribed burn on approximately 2,700 acres today in Area #310 off Highway 375.  To view the specific location, see the Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Burn Map.

Drivers and resident are reminded of the possibility of unexpected shifting winds that could increase the risk of smoke on the road during prescribed burns.  Always proceed with caution and please reduce speed and turn headlights on if visibility is affected by smokey conditions.

The Apalachicola National Forest is known for its prescribed fire program.  Prescribed fire is integral in preventing wildfires, improving wildlife habitat, controlling competing vegetation and improving wildlife forage.  Approximately 100,000 acres of national forest lands are burning annually in the Apalachicola National Forest with a goal of burning all areas of the forest every 3-5 years.  The Apalachicola National Forest is among those leading the nation in prescribed fire, which has shaped the long-leaf pine and wiregrass habitat that is prevalent in the forest today.