Welcome to Friends of Florida State Forests
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Florida State Forests . . . the Adventure Starts Here
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State Forests are Florida's Natural Treasures
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Nearly half of Florida is covered with trees. Forests provide tremendous value to the state's well being. They provide a wealth of recreational opportunities, supply wildlife with habitat, help clean the air and water, and serve as an outdoor classroom for people of all ages to explore and learn about
Florida has long been recognized as having one of the finest and most diversified state forest systems in the United States. Florida's state forests offer a wide variety of natural, recreational and cultural opportunities for our visitors.
Realizing that leveraging available resources through pubic/private partnerships can do more, concerned citizens founded Friends of Florida State Forests to solicit help. The not-for-profit corporation was approved by the Florida Legislature to help the Division of Forestry with its management needs.
It was created to enable citizens to contribute toward general forestry operations or specific forestry projects of their choice. A board of directors that oversees its operation and expenditures governs it.
Through the Friends of Florida State Forests, the general public can take a very personal and active role in protecting this precious natural resource for future generations. With your help, we can foster a long and healthy future for the forest.
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The Florida Forest Service (FFS), part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, has been the state’s lead agency for managing state forests for more than 70 years. While FFS works hard to protect Florida’s forests and make them available for public enjoyment, there is much more that could be done - - with additional resources - - to enhance their value to society.
Florida’s rash of severe wildfires and mammoth firefighting efforts needed to combat them has strained the division’s financial resources. Much more can be done to protect and enhance Florida’s forests, but more resources are needed to effectively do the job.
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The development and maintenance of recreational resources and facilities is a never-ending process. Building and maintaining kiosks, adding and improving signage, maintaining and developing trails, improving and creating maps and coordinating public events such as off-track bicycles rallies, horseback trail rides and cross-country running events, are just a few of the ongoing tasks that are necessary to keep the state forests accessible to the public and provide a deeper appreciation for the natural environment.
The need to augment government resources with private donations to adequately accomplish these goals is clear. Forests need friends, too!
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Public/Private Partnerships Yield Positive Results
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An association and an electric cooperative provided donated funds and underground electrical wire to improve the electrical system in the horse stable and camping areas at the Coldwater Recreation Area in the Blackwater River State Forests near Crestview.
A group of U.S. Forest Service fire managers contributed funds to help pay for a mounted fish display at the Welcome Center in the Little Big Econ State Forest east of Orlando.
Unspecified donations received from individuals and businesses have been used to develop and maintain facilities at state forests around the state - - such as a bicycle trail at the Lake Talquin State Forest near Tallahassee.
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Investing in today's forests for tomorrow's enjoyment is easy.
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The time to act is NOW! An individual, group, association, business, foundation, club or corporation can make a contribution or become a member of Friends of Florida State Forests. By becoming involved, you will be joining forces with other people just like you - - those who understand how forests enhance the quality of life and who want to expand programs and activities related to environmental education, fire prevention, recreation, and forest management.
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Don't want to become a member? You can still be involved in preserving Florida's state forests for the enjoyment of future generations. An investment of any amount is greatly appreciated. Simply go to the payment page by [clicking here], complete the contact information section, add your tax deductible investment in the "Contribution" field and pay with a credit card.
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