This Week’s Hot Topics
- New water conservation cost-share program information available.
- Watering restrictions changed Nov. 1 to one day per week.
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District lands
Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area Parking Area Closure
on 12/23/2009
Until further notice, the parking area at Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area is closed until driveway issues are resolved. Thank you for your understanding.
Thomas Creek Conservation Area — Pine Flatwoods Restoration Project
The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a timber harvest on approximately 200 acres of pine flatwoods at Thomas Creek Conservation Area as part of a restoration project (see map). This first phase began Dec. 7, 2009 and should last approximately two to three months. Logging trucks will be coming in and out of the east parking area on U.S. 1 and 23 during this time. Please park off to the side in the parking area to allow room for the logging trucks and be careful when using this area.
We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Division of Land Management at landmgmt@sjrwmd.com or (386) 329-4404.
Rice Creek Conservation Area Timber Reservation Harvest
Plum Creek Inc. is conducting a timber harvest on a 61-acre timber reservation at Rice Creek Conservation Area. When this portion of the conservation area was purchased in 2002, the cost of the acquisition was reduced by allowing Plum Creek to retain the rights to approximately 1,000 acres of timber. The timber reservation specifies where the 1,000 acres is located and when the reservation expires (2016).
There will be signs posted in the parking area as long as the harvest is ongoing. We strongly suggest that you take the white trail to avoid logging trucks on the main road.
We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Division of Land Management at landmgmt@sjrwmd.com or (386) 329-4404.
Newnans Lake Conservation Area 2009–2010 Timber Harvest
In December 2000, the District purchased more than 3,000 acres from a private timber company that was subsequently added to the Newnans Lake Conservation Area. Acquisition costs were lowered because the private company retained timber reservations (they own the trees) on more than 900 acres with the condition that the reservation period expires in 2012. The company has decided to remove the remaining 680 acres of timber in 2009–2010.
The areas will be clear-cut. During the logging operation, both the red and white hiking trails will be closed starting Nov. 7, 2009 until the logging is complete. We apologize for any inconvenience that this causes, but it is necessary for public safety.
Once the timber harvest is completed, the trails will be re-opened. Soon after, District staff will commence restoring the area into a longleaf pine-dominated natural community.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Division of Land Management at (386) 329-4404 or e-mail us at landmgmt@sjrwmd.com.
District begins timber-thinning projects
The District’s Division of Land Management is currently conducting timber thinning projects on Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area and Thomas Creek Conservation Area.
These thinning projects consist of thinning pine trees to promote forest health, improve species diversity and improve wildlife habitat. Harvesting activities are expected to continue through December 2009 at Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area and June 2010 at Thomas Creek Conservation Area.
This work may create a temporary inconvenience for some recreational users. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Hudson at (386) 329-4464.
Maps of timber thinning projects on District lands
Closures
Murphy Creek Conservation Area - Sandhill Restoration Project
Starting Nov. 17, 2009, the parking area, hiking trail and campsite at Murphy Creek Conservation Area on Buffalo Bluff Road will be closed for several weeks so that a sandhill restoration project can be started. The initial portion of the project will involve the removal of several species of oak trees that have overgrown the sandhill natural community. For public safety concerns, the parking area, trail and campsite need to be closed during the oak removal.
As soon as the oak removal is completed, the parking area, trail and campsite will be re-opened. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions, please contact the St. Johns River Water Management District at (386) 329–4404 or e-mail us at landmgmt@sjrwmd.com.
Lake Norris Conservation Area
Blackwater Creek Mitigation Bank restoration construction is underway at Lake Norris Conservation Area. This work may create a temporary inconvenience for some recreational users as portions of the red trail on the western side of the property will temporarily be closed. Trail closure will be posted on site as needed. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Land Management at (386) 329-4404. Click HERE to view a fact sheet about the project and a map of the affected area.
Flooding
- For flood protection information and assistance, contact your local government
. - For flood statements and warnings, visit http://weather.gov/rivers_tab.php.
- USGS interactive map of current conditions in Florida
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