Ocala National Forest Distinctive as the oldest national forest
east of the Mississippi River, the Ocala National Forest is also
the southernmost forest in the nation. Covering 383,000 acres in
northeast Florida, the Ocala offers a wealth of water-oriented
recreation opportunities, and numerous forest lakes and grassy
ponds provide some of the state's best bass fishing. Hiking
trails, ranging from one to seven miles long, include a section
of the Florida National Scenic Trail. What We Are Doing After
becoming part of the Ocala National Forest, slash pine trees
were established on an area adjacent to the community of Astor,
Florida. Over time, fire and southern pine beetles eventually
killed off the pines over a 250-acre area. To help in the effort
to restore the area to its native Longleaf pine ecosystem, we
are planting 31,585 Longleaf pine trees in this area of the
Ocala. By planting this native species, we are helping lower the
risk of damaging wildfires and infestation by insects such as
the southern pine