State Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service announced Phase One of reopening Florida State Forest campgrounds, campsites, and recreation areas.
“The public health of Floridians and our Florida Forest Service personnel is of utmost importance during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Fried. “Our Florida State Forest recreation areas are some of Florida’s greatest natural treasures, but in an abundance of caution, we are taking a cautious, measured approach to re-opening these areas while continuing to follow CDC guidelines.”
Florida State Forests as a whole remain open, including roads that are accessible for the public to drive on.
Effective May 8, 2020:
- Most campgrounds, primitive campsites and trailheads located on state forests will reopen with limited capacity.
- Campsite reservations must be online at FloridaStateForests.
ReserveAmerica. com or by calling (877) 879-3859. - Day-use passes are not required at this time.
Areas that remain closed:
- Restrooms remain closed except at open campgrounds.
- Some recreation and day-use areas.
As Florida State Forest recreation areas re-open, officials urge the public to continue following CDC guidelines. This will allow our Florida Forest Service first responders to remain focused on protecting life, property and natural resources during the peak of Florida’s year-round wildfire season. For a complete list of open and closed areas, visit FDACS.gov/FLStateForests.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.
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