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Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner - James R. Karels, Director |
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Point Washington State ForestPoint Washington State Forest was purchased under Florida's Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Program in 1992. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry was given lead management responsibility for the Point Washington State Forest. Using an ecosystem management approach the Division of Forestry provides for multiple uses of the forest resources which include timber management, wildlife management, outdoor recreation and ecological restoration. LocationPoint Washington State Forest is located in the southernmost portion of Walton County. The forest is approximately 9 miles south of the town of Freeport on U.S. Highway 98. Vehicular travel is allowed throughout the forest on open forest roads. Please refrain from blocking any closed roads or fire breaks.
Natural FeaturesPoint Washington State Forest has 10 natural communities that can be found throughout the forest. The majority of the area consists of sandhill, basin swamps/Titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. Although much of Point Washington State Forest has been cut over, there are some excellent examples of intact sandhill ecosystems.
Several plants and animals that are listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern exist on the Point Washington State Forest. Some of these rare species include: American kestrel (Falco sparverius), gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant (Sarracenia leucophylla) and the world's largest population of Curtiss sandgrass (Calamovilfa curtissii). An important management tool used on the Point Washington State Forest is the prescribed burning program. The use of controlled fire in managing timber, wildlife and ecological resources on Point Washington State Forest is necessary for the Division of Forestry to fulfill its goal of protecting and managing Florida's forest resources. Objectives of the prescribed burning program include reducing fuel loads (undergrowth), diminishing hazardous conditions, and maintaining biodiversity. RecreationPoint Washington State Forest is part of the Point Washington Wildlife Management Area. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the hunting seasons and game limits on the forest. Visit MyFWC.com/Recreation for information. The Eastern Lake Trail System was the first trail established on the forest. This trail system consists of 3 double track loop trails. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5, 5 or 10 mile loop. The Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail is included in the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Hiking Program. Access to the trail system is located at the parking lot and trail head on C.R. 395. In addition, a green way trail system that crosses the forest is being developed. This trail will provide connections to Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Topsail Hill State Preserve, Butler Elementary School and numerous residential developments. Upon completion, this trail system will provide over 27 miles of trails for recreational use. No overnight camping is currently permitted on the forest. There is camping available at both the Grayton Beach State Park and the Topsail Hill State Preserve RV Park. These areas are located adjacent to the forest. 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 out more about state forest fees and rules.
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