FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 9, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Lake George State Forest Conservation Corridor Expanded

~Acquisition will help protect Florida's natural resources, provide wildlife habitat and increase public access~

Bluffton hiking trail
Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in a partnership with the Florida Forest Service, recently acquired an additional 287.19 acres to expand the Lake George State Forest in Volusia County.

Lake George State Forest’s 3.5 miles of St. Johns River frontage supports a large, ecologically valuable floodplain swamp community that provides environmental benefits and recreational opportunities.

“DEP is proud to partner with the Florida Forest Service on this important acquisition that will help protect Florida's natural resources, provide wildlife habitat and increase public access," said Callie DeHaven, director of DEP's Division of State Lands. "This parcel is a critical puzzle piece for the continued sustainable management of these lands in perpetuity."

Lake George State Forest is in northwestern Volusia County near the towns of Barberville and Astor. The forest is composed of more than 10 natural communities, including pine flatwoods, floodplain wetlands and basin swamps. This important forest land is part of an extensive wildlife corridor that provides habitat and roaming area crucial to the survival of the Florida black bear population in the area. Other wildlife that call the forest home includes bald eagles, sandhill cranes, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcat. There are many recreational opportunities on-site, including fishing, picnicking, and hiking on an interpretive nature trail.

“The acquisition of this parcel is a great opportunity to close an existing in-holding within the Lake George State Forest, protect a valuable aquifer recharge area, provide additional protections for wildlife, reduce threats of wildfire, and reduce overall management complexity on the forest," said Jim Karels, director of the Florida Forest Service. "Having this tract in state ownership ensures the sustainable management of the natural resources on the tract into the future and affords additional lands for the public’s enjoyment.”

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state's principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida's environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida's air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention, and acquires environmentally sensitive land for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves.

Visit the department's website at FloridaDEP.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/219a301