Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee River State Forest
Posted by: 
overrover
N 28° 47.962 W 082° 21.187
17R E 367946 N 3186508
The Citrus Tract of the Withlacooche River State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Waymark Code: WMFNF
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 06/25/2006
Views: 178
The Great Florida Birding Trailhead is located at Holder Mine Recreation Area of the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee River State Forest.
Withlacoochee State Forest is currently the third largest state forest in Florida and is divided into eight distinct tracts of land. Using sound ecosystem management, the Division of Forestry provides for multiple-use of the forest resources which includes timber management, wildlife management, ecological restoration, and outdoor recreation. The size and diversity of Withlacoochee State Forest provides visitors with a variety of natural communities, wildlife and recreation activities to enjoy.
Withlacoochee State Forest was acquired by the federal government from private landowners between 1936 and 1939 under the provisions of the U.S. Land Resettlement Administration. The U.S. Forest Service managed the property until a lease-purchase agreement transferred the property to the Florida Board of Forestry in 1958.
Location
Withlacoochee State Forest's location provides convenient access for many visitors since it is within two hours driving time from Cape Canaveral, Orlando, and several other points of interest. The State Forest is located in west central Florida with headquarters located on U.S. Highway 41 approximately seven miles north of the town of Brooksville and 50 miles north of the city of Tampa. Contact us at:
Withlacoochee State Forest
Recreation/Visitors Ctr.
15003 Broad Street
Brooksville, Fl 34601
Phone 352/754-6896
Email Us
Natural Features
Withlacoochee is an Indian word meaning "crooked river" which accurately describes the river as it makes its 70-mile journey from the Green Swamp in northern Polk County to the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown.
Withlacoochee State Forest has several waterways which flow through different portions of the property. The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River and Jumper Creek have all been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters. The most notable is the Withlacoochee River which meanders through 13 miles of the forest.
A variety of tree species create dense woodlands and canopy trails. Species found on the forest include: slash pine, longleaf pine, pond cypress, bald cypress and a mixture of oak, maple, southern magnolia, gum and hickory. Springtime forest visitors will be delighted with the colorful blossoms produced by the abundance of wildflowers. Flower varieties such as goldenrod, thistle and blazing star can be found along state forest roadways.
Recreation
Trailtrotter Program...
Explore the Forest on Horseback
Declared as one of the "10 Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America" by the World Wildlife Fund, Withlacoochee State Forest has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities available for everyone. Over 300,000 people visit the forest annually.
The majority of the land within Withlacoochee State Forest is included in Florida's Wildlife Management Area program and offers seasonal hunting opportunities. Fishing is a popular activity on the Withlacoochee's waterways where largemouth bass and panfish are frequently caught. Hunting and fishing on Withlacoochee State Forest are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Managing Agency:
Florida Department of Agriculture (Division of Forestry) along with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
Cluster Name: Not listed
County: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
To claim a log for this waymark, some proof of a visit is required. This proof can be a simple photo of a GPS, a photo of the person logging the waymark, or a photo of a signature item that a person uses for photographs, similar to using a gps.