Florida State Forests . . . the Adventure Starts Here
Welcome to Friends of Florida State Forests
State Forests are Florida's Natural Treasures
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.
Resources Are Limited
The Division of Forestry (DoF), 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 DoF 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.
There are Many Needs
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 clean. Forests need friends, too!
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.
Investing in today's forests for tomorrow's enjoyment is easy.
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.
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.
