Apalachee Wildlife Management Area

Apalachee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of 7,952 acres of upland longleaf pine and wetland habitat three miles north of Sneads in Jackson County, Florida. The area is broken up into three management zones, all located along Lake Seminole and the Chattahoochee River.[1]

Flora and fauna

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High-quality longleaf pine forest here is preferred by species such as Bachman's sparrow, brown-headed nuthatch, gopher tortoise, and Florida pine snake. The upland habitat, interspersed with floodplain forests and marshes, offers prime habitat for both migratory and resident birds.[2] The federally-listed gentian pinkroot grows within Apalachee Wildlife Management Area.[3]

Apalachee Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
 
 
LocationJackson County, Florida
Nearest citySneads, Florida
Coordinates30°48′22″N 84°56′40″W / 30.80611°N 84.94444°W / 30.80611; -84.94444
Area7,952 Acres
Governing bodyFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Recreational Activities

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Hunting is extremely popular here, as some of the largest deer harvested in Florida have come out of this WMA.[4] Furthermore, the Northern bobwhite population is robust due to frequent prescribed burns and abundant cover. Fishing opportunities exist on the backwater sloughs of the Chattahoochee River, WMA ponds, and on Lake Seminole.[5] Bass fishermen recognize Lake Seminole as a largemouth bass and striped bass hotspot.

Apalachee Wildlife Management Area is a site on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and its strong wildlife populations attract wildlife viewers year-round.[6] Paddlers utilize four boat landings along River Road to access Lake Seminole and the Chattahoochee River. Hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding is permitted on all unpaved roads.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Apalachee Wildlife Management Area". myfwc.com. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
  2. ^ "Apalachee Wildlife Management Area". myfwc.com. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
  3. ^ "Management Plans Online". myfwc.com. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
  4. ^ "Hunters can find a whitetail gold mine in Florida's Panhandle". jacksonville.com. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
  5. ^ a b "Apalachee Wildlife Management Area". myfwc.com. Retrieved 2016-12-27.
  6. ^ "Apalachee WMA: Zone A | GFBWT". floridabirdingtrail.com. Retrieved 2016-12-27.