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John M. Bethea State Forest
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Acreage: 37,736
Counties: Baker |
John M. Bethea State Forest is located approximately 12 miles north of Glen St. Mary in northern Baker County near the Florida/Georgia state boundaries. This 37,736 acre state forest establishes a continuous wildlife corridor between the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Osceola National Forest.
History
The Florida Division of Forestry acquired John M. Bethea State Forest in 2001. This state forest is named in honor of John M. Bethea, a former State Forester for over 17 years. Mr. Bethea attended the University of Florida, and in 1941 received a Bachelors of Science in Forestry from the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Additionally Mr. Bethea was involved in a number of organizations such as the National Association of State Foresters, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, the Florida Forestry Association, and was inducted in the Society of American Foresters Hall of Fame.
Since state acquisition, John M. Bethea State Forest has suffered catastrophic wildfires which have impacted over 80% of the state forest. In order to address the impacts to the state forest from recent wildfires, reforestation activities are being utilized at John M. Bethea State Forest to enable the forest to be more resilient to the effects of wildfire. Over time the state forest will recover and continue to fulfill resource, environmental, and recreational needs.
Natural Features
PHOTO: A fishing pond at John M. Bethea State Forest |
Based on available historical information and also the Florida Natural Area Inventory the primary natural forest community on the state forest is mesic flatwoods. Prior to state ownership the majority of this forestland was managed for timber production so some alteration of natural forest communities has occurred. However some of the historical natural forest communities such as basin swamp, dome swamp, wet flatwoods and bottomland forest remain intact. Forest management practices utilized by the Division of Forestry at the John M. Bethea State Forest will focus on restoring all altered sites back to known historical status and also managing the natural resources under a multiple use concept.
Located within the state forest are 3 miles of river frontage on the scenic St. Mary’s River which is ecologically important and provides river access for recreation activities. This part of the river was acquired under the Conservation and Recreation Lands program and the Save Our Rivers program to protect the river’s watershed.
Since John M. Bethea State Forest serves as a wildlife corridor it is home to Florida black bears, river otters, and bobcats. Bird species include hawks, wood storks, bald eagles, grasshopper sparrows and sandhill cranes. There are frequent sightings of alligators, turkeys, white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, and numerous species of other amphibians and reptiles.
Managing the Forest
Past historical usage of this forestland included timber production, naval stores, and cattle grazing operations. Timber management still remains an important component of the overall forest management of John M. Bethea State Forest. A continued sustained flow of forest products is an integral component of the restoration activities. Timber harvesting and other silvicultural activities follow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services guide to Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs). The socioeconomic benefits to the local economy are realized through the Baker County School Board by receiving fifteen percent of forest product revenue generated from John Bethea State Forest.
PHOTO: Prescribed burning. |
Prescribed burning is one of the most important and cost effective forest management tools used on John M. Bethea State Forest. It not only helps protect this forest from future devastating wildfires but also creates improved wildlife habitat and healthy ecosystems. Prescribed burning is extremely beneficial for bringing newly planted longleaf pines out of the “grass stage”, thus rendering them to grow faster and also to be more resistant to disease and insects.
Recreation
Several plans are being developed to increase the recreational opportunities on the forest. A canoe launch is underway that will include a picnic area for visitors to use and provide access to the headwaters of the St. Mary’s River. Also the development of a 13 mile horse riding trail is underway that will utilize primary forest roads and several permanently established fire lines. Proof of a current negative Coggins test is required for all horses. To support the horse riding trail a newly constructed horse trail parking lot has been installed at the trailhead on the south end of the forest. Overnight primitive camping areas are available year around by permit only from the forest office.
John M. Bethea State Forest is open to regulated hunting and fishing in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and is managed as a part of the Osceola Wildlife Management Area. Small ponds are scattered throughout John M. Bethea State Forest providing enjoyable fishing areas in addition to the St. Mary’s River. Non-hunting recreationists are encouraged to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting the forest. Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for information.
In keeping with its mission to protect and
manage Florida's forest resources, the Division of Forestry
has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Find about more about state forest fees and rules.
Contact Us
Division of Forestry
John M. Bethea State Forest
11656 SR 2
Sanderson FL 32087
Telephone: 904/ 259-2157 or
Email John M. Bethea State Forest
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