U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida

10/16/2026

10/14/2026

The national preparedness level dropped to PL1 today at 7:30 a.m. MDT due to these factors:

🔥Geographic areas can accomplish incident management objectives utilizing local resources with little or no national support. There is little risk of drawing down capability in any geographic area to support incident operations.
🔥Conditions are not favorable to support significant wildland fire activity in most geographic areas.
🔥Resource capability is adequate with little or no mobilization of resources occurring through NICC.
🔥Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is expected to remain minimal.

10/14/2026

Our crews begin post-fire recovery as soon as it is safe. We assess burned areas, stabilize soil, and protect water sources to help the land heal.

(Forest Service photo)

10/09/2026

***UPDATE 10/13: SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE IS NOW OPEN***

⚠️ Temporary Closures: Apalachicola National Forest & Supervisor’s Office ⚠️

For the safety of our visitors and staff, all Apalachicola National Forest offices and recreation sites are currently closed until further notice.

This includes campgrounds, day-use areas, and other public facilities.

In addition, the National Forests in Florida Supervisor’s Office in Tallahassee is also closed at this time.

We will provide updates as conditions change. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Stay safe, everyone.

10/08/2026

🌪️ Apalachicola National Forest – Hurricane Isaias Advisory & Safety Update 🌪️
⚠️ Closures & Alerts
• While there are no official closures for Apalachicola National Forest yet, the National Forests in Florida are issuing caution advisories due to the approaching storm.
• Expect trail and recreation area closures depending on damage assessments and forecasted conditions—safety comes first.
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🛡 Safety Precautions
• Avoid all forest areas during the storm—strong winds, flooding, snapping tree limbs, and sudden surges pose severe risks.
• Stay out of flood-prone zones such as riverbanks, creeks, and low-lying trails.
• Check local updates before any planned outing; closures may be announced at short notice.
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✅ How to Prepare
• Monitor the forecast. Current warnings will guide safe timing.
• Ensure you're ready at home with essentials: non-perishable food, water, first-aid kit, and battery-powered alerts.
• Keep phones charged and stay alert to any emergency notices or evacuation orders.
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📣 Stay Updated & Stay Safe
• Follow National Forests in Florida for real-time updates on closures/openings.
• Share this post to help protect friends and family.
• Avoid returning to forest trails or campsites until official all-clear is issued post-storm.

10/02/2026

REC.GOV "SCAN & PAY" SITES ON APALACHICOLA NF

The Recreation.gov mobile App's "Scan & Pay" feature has arrived at the Apalachicola National Forest!

The following locations are now 'Scan & Pay' sites:
• Wright Lake – https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251908
• Camel Lake – https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251904
• Hickory Landing – https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10391783
• Wood Lake – https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10391855
• Mack Landing – https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10391795
• Whitehead Landing – https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10391812

** Download the Rec.gov App to your mobile device BEFORE visiting the Forest (cellular service may not be available in some remote areas). https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app

Use 'Scan & Pay' on your mobile device to pay directly for access to day-use recreation sites 🚣 🛶 🥾 and make reservations at campgrounds/RV sites ⛺ 🏕 🚙.. The step-by-step instructions and QR codes are posted on each rec site's information kiosk.

Got questions? Contact each Ranger District office for more info:
Apalachicola and Wakulla Ranger Districts - (850) 926-3561
Lake George Ranger District - (352) 625-2520
Seminole Ranger District - (352) 669-3153
Osceola Ranger District - (386) 752-2577

Visit https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/1039 to find other Scan & Pay recreation sites on National Forests in Florida!

Mobile App for Recreation.gov

10/01/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE -- NAVY TRAINING WITH INERT BOMBING AT PINECASTLE RANGE COMPLEX (OCALA NF) STARTING OCTOBER 5:
U.S. Navy training schedules indicate that bombing (with INERT ordnance) will take place at the Pinecastle Range Complex, located on the Ocala National Forest.
Please note the scheduled training (bombing) date/time and follow public safety guidance listed below:

Oct. 5, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
5-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 6, 9:15 – 11 a.m.
2-3:30 p.m.

Oct. 7, 9:15 – 11 a.m.
4:30 -6 p.m.

Oct. 8, 9:15 – 11 a.m.
2-3:30 p.m.

BE ADVISED:
* Do not enter the expanded safety perimeter around the Pinecastle Range Complex during announced training operations. This includes by foot, bike and any vehicle.
* Use extra caution when driving through the Ocala National Forest and surrounding areas. Be aware of startled wildlife, temporarily displaced by military training activities. Secure any items around your residence which may attract wildlife. Always be mindful of larger animals, including black bears, and practice "BearWise" measures. http://myfwc.com/wildlife.../managed/bear/wise/neighborhood/
* Submit Pinecastle-related "Noise Complaints" via email: [email protected].
For more about the Ocala National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/florida

09/30/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to our Florida Forest Service partners!
Thanks for your professionalism and teamwork in our shared mission -- Fire management, forest stewardship, wildlife education, outdoor recreation, disaster recovery and public safety. Together, we protect our many beautiful forests, trails and neighboring communities across the free state of Florida, and beyond! Its been a record wildfire year and we greatly appreciate your firefighters & fire prevention team support!!

U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife
Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida
Florida Division of Emergency Management

09/25/2026

TEMP EMPLOYMENT NEWS!!

Our Temporary Seasonal Hiring Event begins today (Sept 25) and runs through Oct 5, 2026. U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in Florida is hiring 15 seasonal positions. The areas of work include timber, recreation, wildlife and visitor services. Check out these links to learn more and apply today on USAjobs.gov!

GS-0462-04 Forestry Technician
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886147300

GS-0462-05 Forestry Technician
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886147500

This position is located within a National Forest.The primary purpose of the position is the dissemination of information and interpretative assistance to the public through various means.

09/24/2026