OCHLOCKONEE RIVER STATE PARK 

Management Plan 

APPROVED 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Division of Recreation and Parks 

December 12, 2008
i 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................1 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF PLAN ....................................................................................1 

MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW.....................................................................4 

 Management Authority and Responsibility .....................................................................4 

 Park Management Accomplishments................................................................................5 

 Park Goals and Objectives...................................................................................................7 

 Management Coordination .................................................................................................9 

 Public Participation ............................................................................................................10 

 Other Designations.............................................................................................................10 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT 

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................11 

RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT......................................................11 

 Natural Resources ..............................................................................................................11 

 Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................20 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ...................................................................20 

 Special Management Considerations ..............................................................................20 

 Management Needs and Problems ..................................................................................22 

 Management Objectives ....................................................................................................22 

 Management Measures For Natural Resources .............................................................23 

 Management Measures For Cultural Resources ............................................................25 

 Research Needs...................................................................................................................26 

 Resource Management Schedule......................................................................................27 

 Land Management Review ...............................................................................................27 
ii 

LAND USE COMPONENT 

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................29 

EXTERNAL CONDITIONS...............................................................................................29 

 Existing Use of Adjacent Lands........................................................................................29 

 Planned Use of Adjacent Lands........................................................................................30 

PROPERTY ANALYSIS......................................................................................................30 

 Recreation Resource Elements..........................................................................................30 

 Assessment of Use..............................................................................................................32 

 Existing Facilities ................................................................................................................34 

CONCEPTUAL LAND USE PLAN ..................................................................................34 

 Site Planning and Design Process ....................................................................................36 

 Potential Uses and Proposed Facilities............................................................................36 

 Facilities Development.......................................................................................................38 

 Existing Use and Optimum Carrying Capacity .............................................................39 

 Optimum Boundary...........................................................................................................39 

TABLE 

TABLE 1 - Existing Use and Optimum Carrying Capacity............................................39 

LIST OF ADDENDA 

ADDENDUM 1 

 Acquisition History and Advisory Group Staff Report..................................... A 1 - 1 

ADDENDUM 2 

 References Cited ..................................................................................................... A 2 - 1 

ADDENDUM 3 

 Soil Descriptions..................................................................................................... A 3 - 1 
iii 

ADDENDUM 4 

 Plant And Animal List ............................................................................................ A 4 - 1 

ADDENDUM 5 

 Designated Species List ........................................................................................ A 5 - 1 

ADDENDUM 6 

 Priority Schedule and Cost Estimates ................................................................ A 6 - 1 

MAPS 

Vicinity Map ............................................................................................................................2 

Reference Map.........................................................................................................................3 

Soils Map ................................................................................................................................13 

Natural Communities Map .................................................................................................15 

Base Map ................................................................................................................................33 

Conceptual Land Use Plan ..................................................................................................35 

Optimum Boundary Map ....................................................................................................41 
1

INTRODUCTION 

Ochlockonee River State Park is located in Wakulla County, approximately 3 miles 

south of the incorporated area of Sopchoppy (see Vicinity Map). The park is comprised 

of two disjunct parcels, one of which fronts on U.S. Highway 319 and the other situated 

at the confluence of the Ochlockonee and Dead Rivers. Access to the park is from U.S. 

Highway 319 (see Reference Map). 

At Ochlockonee River State Park, public outdoor recreation and conservation is the 

designated single use of the property. There are no legislative or executive directives 

that constrain the use of this property. The park was acquired on May 14, 1970 under a 

land exchange with the U.S. Department of the Interior (see Addendum 1). The park 

contains of 543.50 acres and jointly administered with Bald Point State Park. 

The park is comprised of a mosaic of upland and wetland communities, dominated by 

mesic flatwoods. The park has benefited from decades of ecological burning and 

provides an excellent example of longleaf pine flatwoods management within the 

Florida Park Service. Despite its small size, the park provides habitat for a surprising 

number of listed, threatened or endangered species, including black bears, gopher 

tortoises, flatwoods salamanders and red-cockaded woodpeckers. The park’s scenic 

location and water frontage serves as a major draw for recreational users. The park is 

also an important component of a regional network of conservation lands, sharing 

boundaries with the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and in close proximity to the 

Apalachicola National Forest. These federal and state lands combine to protect over 

632,000 acres in Liberty, Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson Counties. 

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE PLAN 

This plan serves as the basic statement of policy and direction for the management of 

Ochlockonee River State Park as a unit of Florida's state park system. It identifies the 

objectives, criteria and standards that guide each aspect of park administration, and sets 

forth the specific measures that will be implemented to meet management objectives. 

The plan is intended to meet the requirements of Sections 253.034 and 259.032, Florida 

Statutes, Chapter 18-2, Florida Administrative Code, and intended to be consistent with 

the State Lands Management Plan. With approval, this management plan will replace 

the July 2001 approved plan. All development and resource alteration encompassed in 

this plan is subject to the granting of appropriate permits; easements, licenses, and other 

required legal instruments. Approval of the management plan does not constitute an 

exemption from complying with the appropriate local, state or federal agencies. This 

plan is also intended to meet the requirements for beach and shore preservation, as 

defined in Chapter 161, Florida Statutes and Chapters 62B-33, 62B-36 and 62R-49, 

Florida Administrative Code. 

The plan consists of two interrelated components. Each component corresponds to a 
Mashes

Sands Park

Bald Point 

State Park

Ochlockonee River 

State Park

Carroll

Conservation

Easement

Tate's Hell State Forest

Apalachicola National Forest

St. Marks National

Wildlife Refuge

Panacea

Ochlockonee

Bay

Carpenter and

Westmark 

Conservation 

Easement

St James

Island

Sopchoppy

Franklin County

John S Phipps

Preserve

Carrabelle

Gulf of

Mexico

Alligator Harbor

Aquatic Preserve

Ochlockonee River

£¤319

£¤98

£¤98

£¤319

30

Liberty County

Wakulla County

372

Jeff Lewis

Wilderness Preserve

OCHLOCKONEE RIVER

STATE PARK

VICINITY

MAP Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Recreation and Parks

Office of Park Planning 

Sources: Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2004

 Florida Land Use, Cover and Forms

 Classification System, 2001

Private Lands

Legend

Public Lands

Interstates

FDOT US Routes

FDOT State Roads

FDOT Local Roads

Park Boundary

Federal Managed Areas

State Managed Areas

Local Managed Areas

Private Managed Areas

Aquatic Preserves

Developed

Undeveloped

^_

 ́

0 1.25 2.5 5

Miles

4

particular aspect of the administration of the park. The resource management 

component provides a detailed inventory and assessment of the natural and cultural 

resources of the park. Resource management problems and needs are identified, and 

specific management objectives are established for each resource type. This component 

provides guidance on the application of such measures as prescribed burning, exotic 

species removal, and restoration of natural conditions. 

The land use component is the recreational resource allocation plan for the unit. Based 

on considerations such as access, population, and adjacent land uses, an optimum 

allocation of the physical space of the park is made, locating use areas and proposing 

types of facilities and volume of use to be provided. 

In the development of this plan, the potential of the park to accommodate secondary 

management purposes (“multiple uses”) was analyzed. These secondary purposes 

were considered within the context of the Division’s statutory responsibilities and an 

analysis of the resource needs and values of the park. This analysis considered the park 

natural and cultural resources, management needs, aesthetic values, visitation and 

visitor experiences. For this park, it was determined that no secondary purposes could 

be accommodated in a manner that would not interfere with the primary purpose of 

resource-based outdoor recreation and conservation. Uses such as, water resource 

development projects, water supply projects, stormwater management projects, linear 

facilities and sustainable agriculture and forestry (other than those forest management 

activities specifically identified in this plan) are not consistent with this plan or the 

management purposes of the park. 

The potential for generating revenue to enhance management was also analyzed. 

Visitor fees and charges are the principal source of revenue generated by the park. It 

was determined that multiple-use management activities would not be appropriate as a 

means of generating revenues for land management. Instead, techniques such as 

entrance fees, concessions and similar measures will be employed on a case-by-case 

basis as a means of supplementing park management funding. 

MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

Management Authority and Responsibility 

In accordance with Chapter 258, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 62D-2, Florida 

Administrative Code, the Division of Recreation and Parks (Division) is charged with 

the responsibility of developing and operating Florida's recreation and parks system. 

These are administered in accordance with the following policy: 

It shall be the policy of the Division of Recreation and Parks to promote the state park 

system for the use, enjoyment, and benefit of the people of Florida and visitors; to 

acquire typical portions of the original domain of the state which will be accessible to 

all of the people, and of such character as to emblemize the state's natural values; 
5

conserve these natural values for all time; administer the development, use and 

maintenance of these lands and render such public service in so doing, in such a 

manner as to enable the people of Florida and visitors to enjoy these values without 

depleting them; to contribute materially to the development of a strong mental, moral, 

and physical fiber in the people; to provide for perpetual preservation of historic sites 

and memorials of statewide significance and interpretation of their history to the 

people; to contribute to the tourist appeal of Florida. 

The Trustees have also granted management authority of certain sovereign submerged 

lands to the Division under Management Agreement MA 68-086 (as amended January 

19, 1988). The management area includes a 400-foot zone from the edge of mean high 

water where a park boundary borders sovereign submerged lands fronting beaches, 

bays, estuarine areas, rivers or streams. Where emergent wetland vegetation exists, the 

zone extends waterward 400 feet beyond the vegetation. The agreement is intended to 

provide additional protection to resources of the park and nearshore areas and to 

provide authority to manage activities that could adversely impact public recreational 

uses. 

Many operating procedures are standard system wide and are set by policy. These 

procedures are outlined in the Division Operations Manual (OM) that covers such areas 

as personnel management, uniforms and personal appearance, training, signs, 

communications, fiscal procedures, interpretation, concessions, camping regulations, 

resource management, law enforcement, protection, safety and maintenance. 

In the management of Ochlockonee River State Park, a balance is sought between the 

goals of maintaining and enhancing natural conditions and providing various 

recreational opportunities. Natural resource management activities are aimed at 

management of natural systems. Emphasis of use is placed on recreational enjoyment 

through such activities as natural scenery appreciation, nature study and picnicking, 

and such fully compatible active pursuits as hiking, camping, swimming, boating and 

fishing. Development in the park is directed toward providing convenient public 

access to and within the park, but respecting the more sensitive or fragile natural areas, 

and to the provision of interpretive and related convenience and safety facilities. 

Program emphasis is on interpretation and appreciation of the park's natural attributes-

-aesthetic, educational and scientific. 

Park Management Accomplishments 

Since the 2001 approved plan, significant work has been accomplished and progress 

made towards meeting the Division’s management objectives for the park. The 

following is a summary of activity since the last plan update related to resource 

management, protection, maintenance and visitor services. 

Resource Management

3⁄4 Treated and improved 775 acres using prescribed fire. 
6

3⁄4 Collected wiregrass and native ground cover seed for uplands restoration at Bald 

Point State Park. 

3⁄4 Maintained coordination with the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge for 

management of the red-cockaded woodpecker. 

3⁄4 Regularly monitored rare orchid population and identified a new hybrid species: 

Cleistes xochlockoneensis. 

3⁄4 Regularly monitored gopher tortoise population. 

3⁄4 Treated and monitored populations of Japanese climbing fern and Chinese tallow. 

3⁄4 Pursued grant funding to stabilize bank erosion. 

Interpretation and Programs

3⁄4 Delivered two programs annually at the Wakulla Wildlife Festival. 

3⁄4 Hosted the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association Sportsability event. 

3⁄4 Delivered ranger guided walks and campfire programs during summer months. 

3⁄4 Provided K-4 teacher workshops on outdoor classroom techniques on Saturdays 

in November, January, February and March. 

3⁄4 Provided interpretive programs to school groups tied to statewide academic 

standards. 

3⁄4 Provided outdoor skills and leadership training to scout groups. 

3⁄4 Maintained undergraduate internship program with Florida State University in 

environmental protection and restoration. 

3⁄4 Constructed interpretive kiosk to display information about red-cockaded 

woodpeckers. 

Facility Improvements

3⁄4 Added benches and cook shelter to the primitive group camp. 

3⁄4 Coordinated trail linkages with adjacent St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. 

3⁄4 Improved visitor safety by establishing a helicopter landing pad, gated vehicular 

access points to the swim area for emergency vehicle access and slow speed zone 

on the Dead River. 

3⁄4 Added new playground equipment in picnic area. 

3⁄4 Split rail fencing added along River Nature Trail to address erosion of shoreline 

bank. 

3⁄4 Constructed pond overlook. 

3⁄4 Rerouted portion of nature trail to avoid area susceptible to flooding. 

3⁄4 Trailhead with informational signage established for Pine Flatwoods Nature Trail. 

3⁄4 Park was connected to the City of Sopchoppy water system. 

Training

3⁄4 Select staff attended a variety of training sessions including Engine Academy, 

Crew Boss Academy, S-131, District One Fire Academy and Archaeological 

Resource Management. 
7

Volunteers

3⁄4 Maintained strong volunteer support and currently developing a park Citizen 

Support Organization. 

Acquisition

3⁄4 Added 158 acres to the park. 

Park Goals and Objectives 

The following park goals and objectives express the Division’s long-term intent in 

managing the state park. At the beginning of the process to update this management 

plan, the Division reviewed the goals and objectives of the previous plan to determine if 

they remain meaningful and practical and should be included in the updated plan. This 

process ensures that the goals and objectives for the park remain relevant over time. 

Estimates are developed for the funding and staff resources needed to implement the 

management plan based on these goals, objectives and priority management activities. 

Funding priorities for all state park management and development activities are 

reviewed each year as part of the Division’s legislative budget process. The Division 

prepares an annual legislative budget request based on the priorities established for the 

entire state park system. The Division also aggressively pursues a wide range of other 

funds and staffing resources, such as grants, volunteers and partnerships with agencies, 

local governments and the private sector, for supplementing normal legislative 

appropriations to address unmet needs. The ability of the Division to implement the 

specific goals, objectives and priority actions identified in this plan will be determined 

by the availability of funding resources for these purposes. 

Natural and Cultural Resources

1. Continue to implement natural systems management, whereby primary resource 

management emphasis is placed on restoring and maintaining the natural 

processes that shape the structure, function, and species composition of the park’s 

natural communities. 

A. Continue an active prescribed burn program. Shift emphasis to growing 

season burns as appropriate 

B. Further coordination with St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with regard to 

management of Red Cockaded Woodpecker habitat and population 

C. Coordinate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 

(FFWCC) and US Fish and Wildlife Service to restock gopher tortoises in the 

park. 

D. Improve the monitoring of listed species within the park. Improve the 

database and record keeping of occurrences. Conduct a comprehensive 

herpetological survey, with emphasis on flatwoods salamanders and striped 

newts. 

E. Conduct a comprehensive plant survey for the park. Survey should include 
8

fieldwork in each season. Several rare plants with very narrow flowering 

times are known and suspected to occur in the park. Fieldwork will need to 

be scheduled to include these windows. 

F. Continue removal of exotic plants and animals. 

G. Evaluate the progress and continue the natural restoration of the borrow pit. 

2. Prevent and repair erosion within the park, particularly along the riverbank. 

A. Seek assistance from law enforcement to enforce speed zone restrictions when 

and where appropriate. 

B. Pursue installation of additional riprap or other measures to harden shoreline 

in areas experiencing significant erosion. 

C. Monitor patterns of visitor use along river shoreline and institute additional 

management measures, such as fencing, boardwalks or closing access points, 

where appropriate. 

D. Plant native vegetation in areas of the park to reduce the potential for erosion. 

3. Identify, preserve and manage cultural resources. 

A. Maintain, protect and interpret the existing archaeological site from 

vandalism, erosion, and other forms of encroachment. 

Recreation 

1. Continue to provide quality resource based outdoor recreational and interpretive 

programs and facilities at the state park. 

A. Provide a system of trails for hiking, biking and scenic driving. 

B. Provide water access for boating, and shoreline fishing. 

C. Provide opportunities for developed and primitive style camping. 

D. Provide facilities for picnicking and swimming. 

E. Maintain idle speed zone along the Dead River to ensure visitor safety. 

F. Interpret park resources and promote responsible use through informational 

materials, signage and personal interpretive programs. 

G. Provide outdoor classroom opportunities for local school groups. 

2. Seek funding to expand recreational and interpretive opportunities through the 

improvement of programs and the development of new use areas and facilities, as 

outlined in this management plan. 

A. Upgrade and expand picnic area facilities. 

B. Replace swim area dock. 

C. Improve the boat ramp facilities, including bulkhead and convenience dock, 

canoe/kayak launch, restrooms and parking. 

D. Upgrade standard campground to improve electrical service, recreational 

vehicle access, universal accessibility and playground. 

E. Construct restroom and shelter at primitive group camp. 

F. Improve park’s interpretive program through new static displays, written 

materials and programming partnerships with adjacent land managers. 

G. Improve universal access to park programs and facilities in all public use 

areas. 
9

Park Administration/Operations

1. Pursue funding, education, training and partnership opportunities to support the 

management needs of the park. 

A. Provide staff and volunteers with ongoing training opportunities in visitor 

services, resource management, operations, general maintenance and 

interpretation. 

B. Recruit and maintain a cadre of volunteers to assist with management and 

interpretation of the park. 

C. Pursue funding alternatives to the legislative budget appropriation process. 

D. Actively educate the public and local governments about the natural 

resources, management activities, needs and problems and recreational 

opportunities of the park. 

2. Provide convenient, safe and well-maintained public facilities. 

A. Conduct regular inspections of use areas and facilities and correct deficiencies 

when necessary. 

B. Provide clear, consistent park informational signage at primary public access 

points. 

3. Pursue measures to protect park resources, control access and maintain public 

health and safety. 

A. Promote responsible use of adjacent waters through boater education and 

enforcement of boating regulations. 

B. Maintain boundary fencing where necessary and feasible to delineate park 

property. 

C. Coordinate with Florida Park Patrol, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission and local governments to meet the law enforcement needs of the 

park. 

 4. Support land use planning policies, regulations and acquisition initiatives that 

serve to enhance management and protection of park resources. 

A. Network with other land and water management and regulatory entities to 

coordinate and enhance regional resource management and protection efforts. 

B. Monitor proposed land use changes in the vicinity that may impact resource 

integrity, and engage in the land use planning process, when necessary, to 

advance the long-term interests of the park. 

C. Pursue acquisition of areas deemed important to be managed as part of the 

park, including submerged lands along the park shoreline. 

Management Coordination 

The park is managed in accordance with all applicable Florida Statutes and 

administrative rules. Agencies having a major or direct role in the management of the 

park are discussed in this plan. 

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry (DOF), 

assists Division staff in the development of wildfire emergency plans and provides the 
10

authorization required for prescribed burning. The Florida Fish and Wildlife 

Conservation Commission (FFWCC), assists staff in the enforcement of state laws 

pertaining to wildlife, freshwater fish and other aquatic life existing within park 

boundaries. In addition, the FFWCC aids the Division with wildlife management 

programs, including the development and management of Watchable Wildlife 

programs. The Department of State, Division of Historical Resources (DHR) assists staff 

to assure protection of archaeological and historical sites. The Department of 

Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas 

(CAMA) aids staff in aquatic preserves management programs. The DEP, Bureau of 

Beaches and Coastal Systems aids staff in planning and construction activities seaward 

of the Coastal Construction Line. In addition, the Bureau of Beaches and Coastal 

Systems aids the staff in the development of erosion control projects. Emphasis is 

placed on protection of existing resources as well as the promotion of compatible 

outdoor recreational uses. The park coordinates red-cockaded woodpecker 

management with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) St. Marks National 

Wildlife Refuge. 

Public Participation 

The Division provided an opportunity for public input by conducting a public meeting 

and an advisory group meeting to present the draft management plan to the public. A 

public meeting was held on June 12, 2008. An Advisory Group meeting was held June 

13, 2008. The purpose of this meeting was to provide the Advisory Group members an 

opportunity to discuss the draft management plan. 

Other Designations 

Ochlockonee River State Park is not within an Area of Critical State Concern as defined 

in section 380.05, Florida Statutes and is not under study for such designation. The park 

is a component of the Florida Greenways and Trails System and is the terminus of the 

Ochlockonee River State Canoe Trail. The park is also a designated stop on the 

Panhandle Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. 

As of 1994, all waters within the park have been designated as Outstanding Florida 

Waters (OFW), pursuant to Chapter 62-302 Florida Administrative Code. In addition, 

the adjacent Ochlockonee River is designated a Special Water OFW. “Special Waters” 

are waters of the state that have exceptional recreational or ecological significance. 

Surface waters in this park are also classified as Class III waters by the DEP. The park is 

not within or adjacent to an aquatic preserve as designated under the Florida Aquatic 

Preserve Act of 1975 (section 258.35, Florida Statutes). 
11 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT 

INTRODUCTION 

The Division of Recreation and Parks has implemented resource management programs 

for preserving for all time the representative examples of natural and cultural resources 

of statewide significance under its administration. This component of the unit plan 

describes the natural and cultural resources of the park and identifies the methods that 

will be used to manage them. The stated management measures in this plan are 

consistent with the Department’s overall mission in ecosystem management. Cited 

references are contained in Addendum 2. 

The Division’s philosophy of resource management is natural systems management. 

Primary emphasis is on restoring and maintaining, to the degree practicable, the natural 

processes that shape the structure, function and species composition of Florida’s diverse 

natural communities as they occurred in the original domain. Single species 

management may be implemented when the recovery or persistence of a species is 

problematic provided it is compatible with natural systems management. 

The management goal of cultural resources is to preserve sites and objects that 

represent all of Florida’s cultural periods as well as significant historic events or 

persons. This goal may entail active measures to stabilize, reconstruct or restore 

resources, or to rehabilitate them for appropriate public use. 

Because park units are often components of larger ecosystems, their proper 

management is often affected by conditions and occurrences beyond park boundaries. 

Ecosystem management is implemented through a resource management evaluation 

program (to assess resource conditions, evaluate management activities and refine 

management actions), review of local comprehensive plans and review of permit 

applications for park/ecosystem impacts. 

RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT 

Natural Resources 

Topography

Ochlockonee River State Park occurs in the physiographic province known as the 

Ochlockonee River Valley Lowlands, a sub province of the Apalachicola Coastal 

Lowlands. The area is generally flat with occasional depressions. A significant portion 

of the park is between five and ten feet above mean sea level. Generally, the higher 

elevations are along the bank of the Ochlockonee River, and the lower elevations are 

located in the north and west areas of the park. One of the only significant man made 

topographical feature was the creation of a borrow pit. The pit is now a small pond and 

is being allowed to fill in and re-vegetate naturally. The sand taken from the pit was 
12 

used in the construction of park service roads within the unit. The building of service 

roads in the park has caused at least some disruption of the natural hydrology. This is 

mainly seen in the slightly drier than normal natural communities. Overall, this 

disruption is deemed minimal, but care should be taken when any ground disturbance 

is undertaken. 

Geology

All of the Florida Panhandle is underlain by carbonate bedrock over which sands and 

other sediments have been deposited. Based on data from local wells, the underlying 

limestone found within the park is the fossil rich St. Marks formation occurring in the 

late Miocene. The St. Marks formation is the upper most unit of the Floridan Aquifer. 

The overlying undifferentiated Holocene and Pleistocene terrace sands and alluvium 

were deposited either as a part of the Silver Bluff Terrace, which represents a postglacial 

marine advance of four to five thousand years ago, or the older Pamlico Terrace, which 

represents the last interglacial periods eight to nine thousand years ago. The deposits 

are usually indistinguishable since the park is near the interface of the terraces. 

Soils

There are eight soil types occurring at the park (see Soils Map). Mainly quartz sand, they are 

relatively clay free, clean, unconsolidated and acidic. The soils are permeable but due to low 

elevation, are poorly drained. Management activities will follow generally accepted best 

management practices established in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer 

Services 1993 Silviculture Best Management Practices to prevent soil erosion and conserve soil and 

water resources on site. 

The riverbanks of the park are continuing to experience significant erosion, due in part to wave 

action of boats and personal watercraft and human activity on the riverbank. Some erosion is 

due to visitor foot traffic along the banks. Recent activity from several hurricanes has caused 

additional erosion on all sections of the riverbanks. 

Minerals

There are no known mineral deposits of commercial value at this park. 

Hydrology

The Ochlockonee River basin drains approximately 5900 square kilometers of 

southeastern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle east of the Apalachicola River. 48 

percent of the drainage basin is in Florida and 52 percent is in Georgia. In Florida, the 

Ochlockonee’s main tributaries are the Little River and Telogia Creek entering from the 

west, while the Sopchoppy River enters from the east. The Crooked River, which joins 

the Ochlockonee approximately 2.4 kilometers west of the U.S. Highway 319 bridge, is 

also an important tributary. 

The largest lake in the drainage is Lake Talquin. The lake was formed by the 

construction of the Jackson Bluff Hydro-electric dam causing inundation of the
25

38

25

39

38

14

32

52

38

17

35

3

23

35

35

38

54

54

17

17

LEGEND

3-Lutterloh sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes

14-Ridgewood fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes

17-Ortega sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes

23-Leon sand

25-Mandarin fine sand

32-Plummer fine sand

35-Rutlege sand

38-Scranton sand

39-Surrency mucky fine sand

52-Meggett and Croatan soils, frequently flooded

54-Maurepas muck, frequently flooded

 Water

OCHLOCKONEE RIVER

STATE PARK Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Recreation and Parks

Office of Park Planning

0 300 600 1,200

Feet

 ́

SOILS

MAP
14 

surrounding floodplain forest in 1927. 

The word “Ochlockonee” is reportedly a Native American term translated to mean 

“yellow water.” This is thought to be a reference to the yellow to brown color of the 

water caused by tannins in the water as well as suspended sediments. Sediment loads 

have been increasing in the river drainage steadily since the 1950’s as timberlands were 

converted to agricultural lands and mining operations. An estimated 1.5 million metric 

tons of soil is eroding into the Ochlockonee basin from croplands in Georgia and 160 

thousand metric tons is eroding from croplands in Florida. 

The entire length of the Ochlockonee River south of the Georgia/Florida line is 

classified as an Outstanding Florida Water. No discharge can degrade an OFW body 

below existing levels. 

Wetland areas occur within the park as well. Some of these wet areas are seasonal and 

some stay wet year round. The flatwood areas contain most of these ephemeral 

wetlands. 

Natural Communities

The system of classifying natural communities employed in this plan was developed by 

the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI). The premise of this system is that physical 

factors, such as climate, geology, soil, hydrology and fire frequency generally determine 

the species composition of an area, and that areas which are similar with respect to 

these factors will tend to have natural communities with similar species compositions. 

Obvious differences in species composition can occur, despite similar physical 

conditions. In other instances, physical factors are substantially different, yet the 

species compositions are quite similar. For example, coastal strand and scrub--two 

communities with similar species compositions--generally have quite different climatic 

environments, and these necessitate different management programs. 

The park contains nine distinct natural communities (see Natural Communities 

Map) in addition to ruderal (disturbed) and developed areas. The Natural 

Communities Map is a graphic representation of the existing vegetative conditions in 

the park at the time this management plan was developed. Park specific assessments of 

the existing natural communities are provided in the narrative below. A list of plants 

and animals occurring in the unit is contained in Addendum 4. 

Mesic flatwoods. The mesic flatwood community at the park is in excellent condition. 

Since 1998, a more intense and active prescribed burning program has been 

implemented which has resulted in a distinct improvement in the condition and species 

composition of this community. Subtle changes in elevation can demonstrate distinctly 

different vegetation types at this park. A recently described species of orchid, Eaton’s 

ladies tresses, Spiranthes eatonii, has been identified in the mesic flatwoods of this park. 
8

8

43

43

16

31

31

85

32

14

48

66

31

54

66

85

16

85

48

84

OCHLOCKONEE RIVER

STATE PARK

NATURAL COMMUNITIES

MAP Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Recreation and Parks

Office of Park Planning

LEGEND

8 - Mesic Flatwoods-338.74 ac.

14 - Sandhill-5.06 ac.

16 - Scrubby Flatwoods-45.82 ac.

31 - Depression Marsh-27.13 ac.

32 - Dome-4.28 ac.

43 - Wet Flatwoods-85.00 ac.

48 - Flatwood / Prairie Lake-3.03 ac.

54 - Alluvial Stream-3.56 ac.

66 - Estuarine Tidal Marsh-4.93 ac.

84 - Ruderal-1.68 ac.

85 - Developed-24.27 ac.

0 300 600 1,200

Feet

 ́
16 

The eastern section of the park, near the highway is also identified as mesic flatwoods, 

but is in much different condition than the examples on the older portion of the park. 

This area is not in as good condition as the mesic flatwoods on the older part of the park 

primarily due to a more frequent and consistent fire management program over a 

longer period of time in the older section. Prescribed fire will be used in the newer 

additions to ‘catch up’ to the better condition of the older sections of the park. The fire 

return interval will be relatively frequent. Details of the fire management program are 

included in the District’s Annual Burn Program, available at the District 1 office. The 

details of the fire program are subject to annual revision thereby making a separate 

burn plan more efficient and applicable than the ten-year span of an approved 

management plan. 

Throughout the park, small changes in elevation give the area a mosaic of mesic 

flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods (with some sandhill), and wet flatwoods. Generally, the 

presence of saw palmetto gives a good indication of the presence of the mesic 

flatwoods. 

 

Sandhill. The area of this community within the park is quite small. It is associated 

with the scrubby flatwoods and can be distinguished from it mainly by the presence of 

turkey oak. Many of the abandoned gopher tortoise burrows are in this community. 

Again, slight elevation increase above that of the scrubby flatwoods is enough to give a 

distinctly different vegetative component. Future potential gopher tortoise 

introductions will likely begin with this community. 

Scrubby flatwoods. Associated with both mesic flatwoods and sandhill, this 

community is found intermediately between these communities in the park. The 

presence of scrubby flatwoods can be correlated with the elevation differences in the 

park. Those areas slightly less elevated than the sandhill, yet slightly more elevated 

than the mesic flatwoods will very likely fall into the category of scrubby flatwoods. 

These flatwoods can closely resemble the sandhill areas with a few notable exceptions. 

Turkey oaks are usually not present in the scrubby flatwoods nearly as much as it is in 

the sandhill areas. This community is in excellent condition. 

Depression marsh. Dominated by sawgrass, the depression marshes in this park are 

somewhat isolated wetlands within the park. The hydrology of some of these areas has 

been altered in the past. Fill was used to raise a roadbed along the boundary that 

resulted in the placement of culverts. The depression marshes probably drain more 

quickly because of this action. Plans to use “low water” crossings to replace aging and 

collapsing culverts are currently being explored. It is expected that this will restore a 

more natural flow of surface water to the area. Even with the interrupted hydrology, 

the community seems to be in excellent condition. This community is extremely 

important as a foraging and breeding habitat for the flatwoods and tiger salamanders. 
17 

Dome swamp. The designation of this community within the park was arrived at 

through quite a bit of consultation with FNAI’s Natural Communities of Florida. 

Although no cypress is present, many other vegetative components of dome swamp 

are. In any case, this atypical community does not readily fit any of the FNAI 

community descriptions. Where the formal description mentions dahoon, this area has 

myrtle leafed holly instead. The hydrology has likely been altered as well. Although 

relatively dry at the time of this writing, buttressing of the old slash pine and myrtleleafed holly suggests a high water level in the past. The designation of this community 

type was chosen because it seems to fit the FNAI description better than any other does. 

Wet flatwoods. These areas closely resemble mesic flatwoods with the notable 

exception of the absence of saw palmetto. This community is interspersed throughout 

the park. Bog buttons, butterworts, bladderworts, sundews and orchids are found in 

this area along with yellow-eyed grass and toothache grass among others. Pitcher 

plants, S. flava and S. psitticina were expected, but not found. Several botanists have 

wondered as to the absence of pitcher plants within the park. Overall, this community 

is in fair to good condition. As fire is properly applied in this area, it is expected that 

the wet flatwoods will continue to improve. It is thought that the striped newt 

(Notopthalmus perstriatus) may occur in the park. It is likely that if this salamander is 

found it will be in this community. 

Flatwoods lake. Several isolated ponds occur within the park. Water generally 

remains in the lake throughout the year. There are fish in some of these small flatwoods 

lakes, which could have a negative impact on salamander larvae. The federally 

endangered flatwoods salamander is likely to breed in these ponds. Herpetological 

surveys will be conducted in the near future to ascertain the status of these rare 

salamanders within the park. It may be appropriate to remove fish within one of these 

ponds. “Pretty pond” was artificially stocked several years ago, and flood events may 

have added fish to the pond in recent times. These ponds often serve as reservoirs 

when drought conditions occur. The flatwoods lakes in this park are in excellent 

condition. 

Alluvial stream. The Ochlockonee and Dead Rivers form two of the boundaries of the 

park. These alluvial streams have high tannic acid content. Originally, the 

Ochlockonee River was categorized as a blackwater stream. The character of the stream 

was probably more characteristic of a true alluvial stream prior to the placement of the 

dam. While the river is tannic and brown, the amount of sedimentation often 

associated with alluvial streams has been restricted by the presence of the dam. The 

river seems to take on more classic blackwater stream characteristics in its southern 

portions. The rivers bordering the park provide the bulk of the recreation at this park. 

Swimming, fishing and boating are the main activities. Manatees are occasionally 

spotted in the river. Erosion along the riverbank continues to be a challenge at this 

park. Since the 2000 edition of this unit management plan, the areas around the 
18 

riverbanks of the park have been posted as slow (no wake) areas. This should 

significantly reduce erosion of the banks and provide a more safe area for water 

recreation. 

Estuarine tidal marsh. Extremely thin bands of needlerush along the banks of the 

blackwater streams form the bulk of this natural community in this park. The plants in 

this marshy band serve to protect the banks from erosion caused by boat wake and 

natural wave action. Occasional salt-water intrusion is one of the main constituents that 

maintain this community. The areas of vegetation are receding with increasing erosion 

along the riverbanks, but the community itself is in relatively good condition. 

Designated Species

Designated species are those that are listed by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory 

(FNAI), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission (FFWCC), and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer 

Services (FDA) as endangered, threatened or of special concern. Addendum 6 contains 

a list of the designated species and their designated status for this park. Management 

measures will be addressed later in this plan. 

Ochlockonee River State Park is home to a surprising number of listed, threatened or 

endangered species, both animal and plant. Florida black bears have been sighted with 

increasing frequency over the last several years. As the park’s natural system, 

restoration program continues we expect bear activity to increase. The bear is listed as 

threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission throughout the 

state with the exception of Baker and Columbia Counties and the Apalachicola National 

Forest. The park will employ measures to minimize and avoid any conflict with bears 

by taking measures to “bear proof” the park. Care will be taken to avoid human-bear 

conflicts. Manatees are sighted from time to time in the rivers that bound most of the 

park. This is not a common event, but occasionally happens. Sightings from within the 

park are mostly in the summer months. Extra care should be taken to monitor for the 

presence of manatee during these months as they also are the months when boating and 

fishing are at their peak. 

Listed reptiles and amphibians as occurring within the park include the gopher tortoise, 

alligator snapping turtle and Suwannee cooter. Flatwoods salamanders possibly occur 

in the park and are now federally listed. The status of the flatwoods salamander within 

the park is currently unknown and is being investigated. Indigo snakes are historically 

known to occur in the park but recent sightings have not been reported. Eastern 

diamondback rattlesnakes are present in the park, but little is known of their relative 

abundance. Habitat for all of the above reptiles and amphibians has improved 

significantly in recent years with the return of an active prescribed burn program. It is 

expected that the future will bring even better habitat conditions that should help 

conserve and protect these species. One species not known to inhabit the park, but is 
19 

likely to be present is the striped newt. This is a candidate species for listing by the 

USFWS. Its habitat needs are similar to that of the flatwoods and tiger salamanders. 

The gopher tortoise is listed as a species of special concern within the state, but its 

plight in Ochlockonee State Park is direr. A 2003 GPS survey of gopher tortoise 

burrows within the park has revealed 67 burrows, of which only one was known to be 

active. No proven cause for this reduction in active burrows is known, but it is highly 

probable that the tortoises were “pulled” and used for food. A follow up survey of 

burrows was conducted in the spring of 2006. Two active burrows were mapped and 

each burrow was scoped with a camera. One large tortoise was observed inside one of 

the active burrows. A plan to restock tortoises in the park is currently being explored in 

cooperation with the comprehensive plan for the management and relocation of gopher 

tortoises currently under development by the FWC. 

 

Red-cockaded woodpeckers (RCW) are one of the rarer and more significant species on 

the park. Listed as endangered by the USFWS, the RCWs on the park are part of a 

larger colony that overlaps the borders of the park and St. Marks National Wildlife 

Refuge. The habitat has improved significantly in recent years and it is thought that the 

population is only limited from expanding more quickly primarily by the lack of 

useable nest cavities within the park. Recent data from the USFWS shows that 

perimeter clusters of RCW’s are not as successful as clusters located more deeply within 

an established colony. Enhancement of nesting habitat (e.g. artificial inserts) is 

significantly improving the probability of continued nesting success and healthy RCW 

clusters within the park. Nest trees are marked and any prescribed burns in the area 

are performed with utmost care. 

Bald eagles are seen in and around the park, although no nests occur within park 

boundaries at this time. Bald eagles have recently been delisted listed from the ESA’s 

list of Threatened and Endangered Species. 

At least two listed fish species, Gulf sturgeon and Suwannee Bass occur in the 

Ochlockonee River. The status of the Sturgeon in the Ochlockonee River is largely 

unknown. 

There are listed plants that have been found that were previously unknown as 

occurring in the park. Wiregrass gentian, Scare-weed, Godfrey’s blazing star, Southern 

twayblade, Pale green orchid, little ladiestresses, and cranefly orchid. An upcoming 

plant survey should confirm the presence of Calopogon multiflorus, the many flowered 

grasspink. One listed fern, Royal fern has been found recently. Telephus spurge, pine 

lily and cardinal flower have all been noted in the park in recent years. The prescribed 

burn program at the park has accomplished much in the way of habitat restoration and 

quality. The recently described Eaton’s ladies tresses Spiranthes eatonii was found in the 

park in 1999. At the time of this writing, only two known populations are confirmed. 
20 

One of these is in Georgia, and the other is in Ochlockonee State Park. It is likely that 

more locations will be found in the future. 

Special Natural Features

There are no particular special natural features of this park except the park itself. The 

excellent quality habitats and high concentration of rare and listed species speak to the 

special nature of this area. 

Cultural Resources 

Evaluating the condition of cultural resources is accomplished using a three part 

evaluative scale, expressed as good, fair, and poor. These terms describe the present 

state of affairs, rather than comparing what exists against the ideal, a newly constructed 

component. Good describes a condition of structural stability and physical wholeness, 

where no obvious deterioration other than normal occurs. Fair describes a condition in 

which there is a discernible decline in condition between inspections, and the 

wholeness or physical integrity is and continues to be threatened by factors other than 

normal wear. A fair judgment is cause for concern. Poor describe an unstable condition 

where there is palpable, accelerating decline, and physical integrity is being 

compromised quickly. A resource in poor condition suffers obvious declines in 

physical integrity from year to year. A poor condition suggests immediate action to 

reestablish physical stability. 

The Florida Master Site File lists one known archaeological site in the park. However, 

the area contains evidence of pre-contact habitation, including a shell midden near the 

primitive group camp that was identified by park staff as site WA00663. 

The site is subject to erosive washing and weather, and visitors can access the midden 

easily. The site is assessed to be in poor condition. Because of its vulnerability to 

erosive washing, weather, and vandalism, efforts should be made to prevent site looting 

and to interpret the site, as well as to control erosion. 

Numerous pines used to obtain turpentine occur on the park and the cat-faced pines are 

being mapped using GPS. Turpentine pots, tools, etc. are occasionally found. 

Photopoints have been established to monitor the condition of the cultural resources of 

the park. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 

Special Management Considerations 

Timber Management Analysis

Chapters 253 and 259, Florida Statutes, require an assessment of the feasibility of 

managing timber in land management plans for parcels greater than 1,000 acres if the 

lead agency determines that timber management is not in conflict with the primary 
21 

management objectives of the land. The feasibility of harvesting timber at this park 

during the period covered by this plan was considered in context of the Division’s 

statutory responsibilities, and an analysis of the park’s resource needs and values. The 

long-term management goal for forest communities in the state park system is to 

maintain or re-establish old-growth characteristics to the degree practicable, with the 

exception of early successional communities such as sand pine scrub and coastal strand. 

A timber management analysis was not conducted for this park. The total acreage for 

the unit is below the 1,000-acre threshold established by Florida Statutes. Timber 

management will be reevaluated during the next revision of this management plan. 

Additional Considerations

As stated in other parts of this plan, erosion of the riverbank areas is of particular 

concern. Offering high quality water recreation facilities with control of erosion of the 

riverbank is particularly difficult to achieve at this park. Innovative measures to 

prevent erosion while still providing excellent and safe recreation opportunities will 

need to be explored and implemented immediately. Currently grant applications are in 

process that will help achieve the goal of reducing erosion along the riverbanks. 

Portions of the scenic drive are prone to flooding during significant storm events and 

can damage or render the roads temporarily impassable. Historically culverts have 

been used to allow water to flow through the system, but have proven to be inadequate. 

Low water crossings to allow normal hydrological flow and preserve good road 

conditions should be installed. 

The habitat available for red-cockaded woodpecker at this park is in good condition. In 

order to realize the full use of available habitat and provide optimum nesting potential, 

artificial nest cavities should be considered. Close coordination with St. Marks NWR, 

USFWS and FWC is recommended on any management actions concerning the 

woodpeckers. It is recommended that the area surrounding the core area of RCW 

nesting be considered for designation as a protected zone, particularly during nesting 

season. 

Pet related impacts should be closely monitored. It is currently unknown how 

detrimental pet impacts would be to nesting red-cockaded woodpeckers, but the park 

should err on the side of caution and monitor activity closely. 

In 1999, a recently described orchid species was found at the park. Spiranthes eatonii, or 

Eaton’s ladies tresses occurs in relatively good numbers at the park. Its status state or 

region wide is largely unknown. It is known to respond well to prescribed fire in the 

late winter and late spring. Careful planning of prescribed burns in areas where this 

small orchid grows will help this plant to flourish. Anecdotal information up to 2004 

indicates the population of this plant is increasing within the park, due largely to an 
22 

improved growing season prescribed burn program. 

There is a small, disjunct parcel of parkland near U.S. Highway 319 that is surrounded 

by federal property. This small parcel was originally planned as an entrance station 

area. The park works cooperatively with the USFWS when the Refuge is undertaking 

management on the federal property surrounding the disjunct parcel. 

Management Needs and Problems 

Restoration of natural hydrological flow from the wetland areas to the river areas 

should pose a challenge. Access into the area requires roads that historically have had 

culverts installed to restore flow. Low water crossings provide less maintenance and, 

and better performance than culvert crossings. This should be considered as road 

maintenance is implemented. 

Historically, poaching of deer, bear and gopher tortoise has occurred within the park. 

As restoration efforts continue, this may become an even greater problem. A higher 

presence of law enforcement should be sought to protect natural resources and promote 

safety of visitors. 

Pets are currently allowed in Ochlockonee River State Park campgrounds overnight. 

Due to the number of threatened and endangered species in the park, e.g. Red-cockaded 

woodpeckers and Florida black bears, close monitoring of pet related impacts is needed 

and if warranted, restrictive measures to curtail negative impacts must be implemented 

immediately. 

Management Objectives 

The resources administered by the Division are divided into two principal categories: 

natural resources and cultural resources. The Division primary objective in natural 

resource management is to maintain and restore, to the extent possible, to the 

conditions that existed before the ecological disruptions caused by man. The objective 

for managing cultural resources is to protect these resources from human-related and 

natural threats. This will arrest deterioration and help preserve the cultural resources 

for future generations to enjoy. 

1. Remove fish from “Pretty pond” in the NW section of the park. This is a 

potentially very important breeding area for salamanders including the federally 

listed Flatwoods salamander. 

2. Install low water crossings in appropriate areas to replace failing culverts, 

promoting natural hydrological flow. 

3. Work with the ST Marks NWR to maximize the available nesting opportunities for 

red-cockaded woodpeckers in and around the park. 

4. Aggressively pursue opportunities to restock gopher tortoises to the park. Work 

with FWC and private landowners to become a recipient site for tortoises that will 
23 

be impacted by development nearby. 

Management Measures for Natural Resources 

Hydrology

The hydrology of the park was disturbed somewhat during the original development of 

the park. This disturbance is mainly in the form of unpaved roads. The raised 

roadbeds served to block the natural flow of surface water. Culverts were placed to 

allow for surface water flow, but the culverts are now broken and not functioning 

properly. Options for the restoration of surface water flow have been discussed. Low 

water crossings have been effective on other properties in the area with similar soil and 

surface water characteristics. It is recommended that when culverts are to be replaced, 

low water crossings are permitted and installed. This will help restore the surface 

water flow to more natural conditions. 

Prescribed Burning

The objectives of prescribed burning are to create those conditions that are most natural 

for a particular community, and to maintain ecological diversity within the unit's 

natural communities. To meet these objectives, the park is partitioned into burn zones, 

and burn prescriptions are implemented for each zone. The park burn plan is updated 

annually to meet current conditions. All prescribed burns are conducted with 

authorization from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of 

Forestry (DOF). Wildfire suppression activities will be coordinated between the 

Division and the DOF. 

The park has a very detailed prescribed burn plan that is updated annually. This plan 

can be obtained from the park or District office. 

The prescribed burn program at Ochlockonee River State Park has significantly 

improved in recent years. Habitat restoration and improved quality is a result of the 

burn program. Gradually the program is going toward more growing season burns, 

with some early spring burns recommended as a management tool for rare plants when 

appropriate. Evaluation of the existing fire type communities is a continual process 

updated annually in the district burn plan. Specific burn zone information regarding 

species composition and management objectives can be referenced in the district plan. 

As prescribed burning continues at the park, community proportions may be adjusted. 

Special care should be taken when burning around RCW cavity trees. Prior to 

prescribed burns, all RCW cavity trees will have 4-foot areas raked around the base. 

Any ladder fuels or other threats to the survivability of the trees related to burns will be 

removed. All trees are marked by white paint rings and monitored for activity. 

Designated Species Protection

The welfare of designated species is an important concern of the Division. In many 

cases, these species will benefit most from proper management of their natural 
24 

communities. At times, however, additional management measures are needed because 

of the poor condition of some communities, or because of unusual circumstances that 

aggravate the particular problems of a species. 

Red-cockaded woodpecker. Protective measures for RCW range from maintenance 

and enhancement of habitat, and protection from harassment or disturbance from park 

visitors primarily during the nesting season should be accomplished. According to 

USFWS guidelines, there is adequate habitat to support an additional cluster. Artificial 

nest inserts or drilled cavities should be installed in order to give the existing cluster 

room to expand or allow the establishment of a new cluster. Monitoring of birds will 

continue as a tool to gauge the condition of the clan. Ongoing coordination with St. 

Marks National Wildlife Refuge is essential. 

Gopher tortoise. Restocking of gopher tortoises to repopulate the habitat should be 

considered as part of the overall natural systems management philosophy. Protection 

in the form of habitat restoration and enhancement should be adequate. 

Wiregrass gentian. Locations of individual plants, proper restoration techniques 

including prescribed fire, etc. will be implemented in order to protect and enhance 

habitat. Some individual plants in susceptible areas may need additional protection. 

Flatwoods salamander. As with other listed species, habitat protection, restoration and 

enhancement should be adequate to protect this designated species. Surveys to confirm 

the presence of this salamander are to be conducted soon. During the 2005 storm 

season, most of the park was flooded, including small ponds that may be important 

breeding habitat for this salamander. As the floodwaters receded, some fish were left 

behind in these ponds, and some of the ponds have had fish in them from FWC 

stocking decades ago. Fish in these ponds may represent a significant threat to the 

larvae of any salamanders in the park. As surveys are conducted, it may become 

necessary to remove fish from these ponds to improve the larvae’s chances of survival. 

Striped newt. This species has not yet been confirmed to be in the park but upcoming 

surveys will likely solve this mystery. Appropriate management of the newt’s habitat 

will likely benefit the newt itself. 

Gulf sturgeon. Continued monitoring and reports of sturgeon sightings should be 

immediately passed on to the district and USFWS. 

Manatee. Manatees are occasionally seen in the rivers adjacent to the park. Park staff 

should caution boaters to be aware of manatees in the river during those months when 

manatees are present. Observations of manatees in the river should be forwarded to 

district biological staff. Reduced watercraft speed limits and establishment of “idle 

speed” zones should be considered in certain areas such as Tide Creek. Manatee use 
25 

will be monitored and appropriate protection measures will be implemented in 

consultation with FWC. 

Round tailed muskrat. There have not been any sightings of the round tailed muskrat 

in several years now. Ongoing and improving monitoring methods will reconfirm the 

presence of the muskrat in the park. 

Exotic Species Control

Exotic species are those plants or animals that are not native to Florida, but were 

introduced because of human-related activities. Exotics have fewer natural enemies 

and may have a higher survival rate than do native species, as well. They may also 

harbor diseases or parasites that significantly affect non-resistant native species. 

Therefore, the policy of the Division is to remove exotic species from native natural 

communities. 

This park is one of the few in the state that is relatively free of exotic species. A very 

small area of Japanese climbing fern near the park entrance has been identified and is 

being eradicated. Fire ants, feral hogs, coyotes and the occasional feral cat are potential 

animal invaders. As these exotics become present, appropriate measures will be taken 

in accordance with Division policy. 

Problem Species

Problem species are defined as native species whose habits create specific management 

problems or concerns. Occasionally, problem species are also a designated species, such 

as alligators. The Division will consult and coordinate with appropriate federal, state 

and local agencies for management of designated species that are considered a threat or 

problem. 

Alligators are present and usually do not pose a threat to visitors. Venomous snakes 

are present in the natural areas but are not frequently seen. Visitors are advised of 

potential dangers through signage, brochures and personal contact with park staff. Fire 

ants, yellow flies, mosquitoes and dog flies are some of the more irritating species. In 

the event problem species are encountered, Division policy will be followed. 

Management Measures for Cultural Resources 

The management of cultural resources is often complicated because these resources are 

irreplaceable and extremely vulnerable to disturbances. The advice of historical and 

archaeological experts is required in this effort. Managers of state lands must 

coordinate any land clearing or ground disturbing activities with the Division to allow 

for review and comment on the proposed project. Recommendations may include, but 

are not limited to approval of the project as submitted, pre-testing of the project site by 

a certified archaeological monitor, cultural resource assessment survey by a qualified 

professional archaeologist, modifications to the proposed project to avoid or mitigate 

potential adverse effects. 
26 

Projects such as additions, exterior alteration or related new construction regarding 

historic structures must also be submitted to the Division of Historical Resources for 

review and comment by the Division’s architects. Projects involving structures fifty 

years of age or older, must be submitted to this agency for a significance determination. 

In rare cases, structures under fifty years of age may be deemed historically significant. 

These must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Adverse impacts to significant sites, either archaeological sites or historic buildings, 

must be avoided. Furthermore, managers of state property should prepare for locating 

and evaluating historic resources, both archaeological sites and historic structures. 

For the midden site, the main threats are looting and erosive washing. Sites that are 

subject to erosive washing should be visually inspected on a regular basis and 

monitored using photopoints. 

Because of the particular vulnerability of the shell midden site to erosive washing, 

weather, and vandalism, efforts should be made to prevent site looting and to interpret 

the site, as well as to control shoreline erosion. 

Because of the presence of midden material exposed by the river, the park is likely to 

accrue informational collections. Any such artifacts should be inventoried and 

catalogued, following division guidelines for collections management and be 

transferred to the DHR. 

Vandalism should be discouraged with interpretive signage that includes warnings 

against collecting artifacts in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. This signage 

should be placed at access points or areas of high visitor concentration rather than at the 

sites themselves. 

Research Needs 

Natural Resources

Any research or other activity that involves the collection of plant or animal species on 

park property requires a collecting permit from the Department of Environmental 

Protection. Additional permits from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or the U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service may also be required. 

1. A comprehensive plant survey conducted in all seasons, and during specific 

known flowering periods for rare plants, both listed and unlisted species, needs to 

be conducted by a biologist with strong botanical skills. Habitat requirements and 

management strategies should be implemented using information gleaned from 

this research. This may be an opportunity for outsourcing or OPS. 
27 

2. A full herpetological survey needs to be conducted. Federally listed species such 

as the flatwoods salamander and indigo snake are known to occur here, but 

abundance, health, habitat requirements, etc are not known. Again, outsourced or 

OPS biologists may be needed. Striped newts are not known to occur in the park, 

but the habitat is suitable and it is expected that they are present. This is a 

candidate for listing as an endangered species by the USFWS and its presence in 

the park needs to be ascertained. A comprehensive herpetological survey is 

greatly needed. 

3. As part of the proposed restocking of gopher tortoises in the park, research into 

the health of the restocked tortoises will be needed. Medical procedures for the 

testing of tortoises to determine presence of disease should be done before 

restocking is performed. Coordination with the FWC is essential. Park and 

district staff should coordinate with and assist researchers when feasible or 

needed.

Cultural Resources

1. It is recommended that staff pursue funding for a Phase I survey to identify 

prehistoric settlement patterns (i.e. residential complexes associated with 

middens). A Phase I survey focuses on evaluating known resources, locating new 

resources and making some general statements about significance and 

recommendations for management. 

2. Turpentining is known to have occurred in the area, as is evident by the presence 

of several cat-faced trees. Historical research is needed to document the area in 

the context of the turpentine industry in Florida. 

Resource Management Schedule 

A priority schedule for conducting all management activities that is based on the 

purposes for which these lands were acquired, and to enhance the resource values, is 

contained in Addendum 6. Cost estimates for conducting priority management 

activities are based on the most cost effective methods and recommendations currently 

available. 

Land Management Review 

Section 259.036, Florida Statutes, established land management review teams to 

determine whether conservation, preservation and recreation lands titled in the name of 

the Board of Trustees are being managed for the purposes for which they were acquired 

and in accordance with their approved land management plans. Ochlockonee River 

State Park was subject to a land management review on August 26, 1999. The review 

team made the following determinations: 

1. The land is being managed for the purpose for which it was acquired. 

2. The actual management practices, including public access, complied with the 

management plan for this site. 
28 
29

LAND USE COMPONENT 

INTRODUCTION 

Land use planning and park development decisions for the state park system are based 

on the dual responsibilities of the Division of Recreation and Parks. These 

responsibilities are to preserve representative examples of original natural Florida and 

its cultural resources, and to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for Florida's 

citizens and visitors. 

The general planning and design process begins with an analysis of the natural and 

cultural resources of the unit, and then proceeds through the creation of a conceptual 

land use plan that culminates in the actual design and construction of park facilities. 

Input to the plan is provided by experts in environmental sciences, cultural resources, 

park operation and management, through public workshops, and environmental 

groups. With this approach, the Division objective is to provide quality development 

for resource-based recreation throughout the state with a high level of sensitivity to the 

natural and cultural resources at each park. 

This component of the unit plan includes a brief inventory of the external conditions 

and the recreational potential of the unit. Existing uses, facilities, special conditions on 

use, and specific areas within the park that will be given special protection, are 

identified. The land use component then summarizes the current conceptual land use 

plan for the park, identifying the existing or proposed activities suited to the resource 

base of the park. Any new facilities needed to support the proposed activities are 

described and located in general terms. 

EXTERNAL CONDITIONS 

An assessment of the conditions that exist beyond the boundaries of the unit can 

identify any special development problems or opportunities that exist because of the 

unit's unique setting or environment. This also provides an opportunity to deal 

systematically with various planning issues such as location, regional demographics, 

adjacent land uses and park interaction with other facilities. 

Existing Use of Adjacent Lands 

Wakulla County maintains a high percentage of open space and conservation lands, 

with roughly sixty percent of the county in public ownership. The park is fortunate to 

be located in close proximity to other public lands that provide a buffer from potential 

incompatible uses, connectivity that benefits resource management and many 

opportunities for resource-based recreation (see Vicinity Map). Apalachicola National 

Forest lands are located a short distance across U.S. Highway 319 and protect over a 

half million acres north and west of the park. The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge 

surrounds much of the park and stretches for miles north and east along the coastline of 

Apalachee Bay. Tate’s Hell State Forest is located one mile due west and protects over 
30

200,000 acres in Franklin and Liberty Counties. 

U.S. Highway 319 is located along the western park boundary and provides access to 

the park entrance road. Private lands remain to the south, between the park and the 

Ochlockonee River and occupy frontage along U.S. Highway 319. Most of the adjacent 

private holdings are undeveloped. Limited residential development occurs along the 

U.S. Highway 319 corridor, with the nearest urban uses centered in Sopchoppy several 

miles to the north. The Dead River, an arm of the Sopchoppy River, and the 

Ochlockonee River form the east and south boundary of the original park property, 

respectively. Portions of the lower Ochlockonee River and Sopchoppy River are state 

designated canoe trails. The former ends at the park. 

Planned Use of Adjacent Lands 

Development adjacent to the park could exacerbate exotic species control, limit 

opportunities for using prescribed fire, increase habitat fragmentation and alter existing 

patterns of hydrology. 

In addition, as park boundaries become more populated incidents of unauthorized 

access, illegal uses and encroachments onto park lands may occur. Increased 

development adjacent to the park also has the potential to impact the visitor experience 

through increased noise, light pollution, traffic and a more visible built environment. 

Park staff will continue to monitor land use changes near the park and provide input, 

when necessary, on proposed development plans to local planning officials to ensure 

the protection of park resources. 

The Florida Department of Transportation is coordinating development of the Gopher, 

Frog and Alligator Trail, a proposed trail linking Tallahassee to Carrabelle that follows 

the old G, F & A railroad corridor. A section of the trail is proposed to link Sopchoppy 

and the state park via Curtis Mill Road and has recently completed a PD&E study. 

PROPERTY ANALYSIS 

Effective planning requires a thorough understanding of the unit's natural and cultural 

resources. This section describes the resource characteristics and existing uses of the 

property. The unit's recreation resource elements are examined to identify the 

opportunities and constraints they present for recreational development. Past and 

present uses are assessed for their effects on the property, compatibility with the site, 

and relation to the unit's classification. 

Recreation Resource Elements 

This section assesses the unit’s recreation resource elements; those physical qualities 

that, either singly or in certain combinations, supports the various resource-based 

recreation activities. Breaking down the property into such elements provides a means 

for measuring the property's capability to support individual recreation activities. This 

process also analyzes the existing spatial factors that either favor or limit the provision 
31

of each activity. 

Land Area

Despite a relatively small land base and extensive wetland and wet flatwoods 

communities, the park contains sufficient uplands adjacent to water to provide a highly 

favorable recreational setting. The park has benefited from years of ecological burning 

and contains a mosaic of high quality flatwoods dominated by park-like stands of long 

leaf pine. The well-spaced pine canopy and groundcover of grasses and flowers 

provides an attractive setting for hiking and nature observation. Twisted oaks and tall 

pines provide a pleasant shaded setting for existing use areas. Wetland communities, 

including several isolated ponds, add variety to the landscape and attract a diversity of 

wildlife. 

Water Area/Shoreline

The Dead and Ochlockonee Rivers are two of the most significant natural features of the 

park. These rivers provide over 1.5 miles of shoreline that supports the primary 

recreation uses at the park, namely boating, swimming and fishing. Shoreline bluffs at 

the confluence of these two rivers provide a pleasant vista from the picnic area of open 

water and adjacent lands free from evidence of human development. Adjacent waters 

are well suited for boating and fishing. The popularity of adjacent waters to motorized 

boat traffic makes the narrow, sheltered waters of Tide Creek and nearby Bear Creek 

more attractive for canoeing and kayaking. An idle speed zone is maintained along the 

section of Dead River that borders the park to maintain safe boat operation near the 

swim area. 

Significant Wildlife Habitat

The park’s water features attract a variety of wildlife, including the occasional manatee. 

Wading birds are readily seen feeding along the shoreline and ospreys are highly 

visible, with nests commonly located in old cypress trees that line banks of adjacent 

rivers and creeks. The presence of rare plant and animal species adds an element of 

interest to park visitors. Although a reclusive visitor, black bears have been reported at 

the park and visitors may catch a glimpse of a gopher tortoise on park trails. As 

previously described, the park has an active colony of red-cockaded woodpeckers 

residing in the pine flatwoods. A cooperative management effort with the St. Marks 

Wildlife Refuge to enhance the nesting success of the colony using artificial nest cavities 

presents a unique opportunity to educate visitors to the plight of this federally 

endangered species. The park is an excellent location for birding enthusiasts and is a 

designated stop on the Panhandle Section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. 

Archaeological and Historical Features

Cultural resources with interpretive potential include a shell mound and the scattered 

cat-faced pines remaining from past turpentine activity. The shell mound presents an 

opportunity to educate visitors about the native inhabitants of the area. The cat-faced 

pines serve as living exhibits, providing opportunities to inform about the historic role 
32

of this region with the naval stores industry. 

Assessment of Use 

All legal boundaries, significant natural features, structures, facilities, roads and trails 

existing in the unit are delineated on the base map (see Base Map). Specific uses made 

of the unit are briefly described in the following sections. 

Past Uses

Logging and turpentining occurred extensively in this area altering the pine flatwoods 

by removing the larger trees from the forest and disturbing the groundcover. 

Prehistoric occupation of the area is evidenced by a midden site within the park 

boundary. A borrow pit was created within the park to supply sand for road 

construction. 

Current Visitor Programs

The park offers a variety of ranger-guided walks and campfire programs in the 

summer, workshops on outdoor classroom techniques for K-4 teachers, interpretive 

programs for school groups and youth group leadership and outdoor skills training 

upon request. The park also participates in the annual Wakulla Wildlife Festival and 

the Department of Health’s Step Up, Florida! initiative. The latter event is part of the 

Florida Disabled Outdoors Association Sportsability event and highlights programs and 

services providing resource based recreational opportunities for persons with 

disabilities. The park collaborates with Florida State University to offer undergraduate 

semester internships in environmental protection and restoration. In February 2008, the 

park was the site of the Ochlockonee River Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival. It is 

recommended that existing levels of programming be maintained and that additional 

opportunities to collaborate with adjacent land managers be explored to expand park 

programming during the current planning cycle. 

Protected Zones

A protected zone is an area of high sensitivity or outstanding character from which 

most types of development are excluded as a protective measure. Generally, facilities 

requiring extensive land alteration or resulting in intensive resource use, such as 

parking lots, camping areas, shops or maintenance areas, are not permitted in protected 

zones. Facilities with minimal resource impacts, such as trails, interpretive signs and 

boardwalks are generally allowed. All decisions involving the use of protected zones 

are made on a case-by-case basis after careful site planning and analysis. 

At Ochlockonee River State Park the sandhill, wet flatwoods and all wetland 

communities (depression marsh, flatwood lakes, estuarine tidal marshes) have been 

designated as protected zones due to their environmental sensitivity and/or 

susceptibility to flooding (see the Natural Communities Map). In addition, appropriate 

buffers should be maintained around red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees and 
BATHHOUSE

US 319

RESTROOM

PAVILIONS

RESTROOMS

PIER &

BOAT

RAMP

FLORIDA CANOE TRAIL

CAMP

SITES

SHOP

AREA

VOLUNTEER

CAMP SITES

SCENIC DRIVE

STATE PARK RD

RESIDENCES

& SHEDS

ENTRANCE

STATION

OCHLOCKONEE RIVER

PIER

DOCKS

GROUP CAMP

FISH TABLES &

CANOE RENTALS

SWIMMING

AREA

VOLLEY 

BALL

AMPITHEATER &

CAMP FIRE CIRCLE

PLAYGROUND

PLAYGROUND

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Recreation and Parks

Office of Park Planning

BASE

MAP

 ́

0 300 600 1,200

Feet OCHLOCKONEE RIVER

STATE PARK

LEGEND

Park Boundary

US Highway

County Road

Park Road Paved

Park Road Unpaved

Hiking Trails

! ! Canoe\Kayak Trails

Structures

Marine Structures

Camping Sites

Parking Lots
34

recreation activity monitored so as not to disturb this protected species. 

Existing Facilities 

Recreational Facilities

Campground 

30 sites with full hookups 

Amphitheater 

Bathhouse 

Picnic and Swim Area 

Picnic shelters (3) 

Scattered tables and grills 

Interpretive kiosk 

Restrooms 

Designated swimming area 

Floating dock 

Outdoor shower 

Playground equipment 

Parking (52 paved + grass overflow lot) 

Primitive Group Camp 

Scattered tables and grills 

Cook shelter 

Outdoor shower 

Portable toilet 

Trails 

Flatwoods Nature Trail (6,200 LF) 

River Nature Trail (3,300 LF) 

Flatwoods Scenic Drive (6,300 LF) 

Boat Ramp 

Boat ramp 

Fish cleaning table 

Canoe rack (rentals) 

Scattered tables and grills 

Restrooms 

Unimproved parking (approx. 35 

vehicles with trailers) 

Support Facilities 

Small entrance station 

Shop building 

Equipment shelter 

Flammable storage building 

Park residences (1 standard + 1 mobile 

home) 

CONCEPTUAL LAND USE PLAN 

The following narrative represents the current conceptual land use proposal for this 

park. As new information is provided regarding the environment of the park, cultural 

resources, recreational use, and as new land is acquired, the conceptual land use plan 

may be amended to address the new conditions (see Conceptual Land Use Plan). A 

detailed development plan for the park and a site plan for specific facilities will be 

developed based on this conceptual land use plan, as funding becomes available. 

36

Site Planning and Design Process 

During the development of the unit management plan, the Division assesses potential 

impacts of proposed uses on the resources of the property. Uses that could result in 

unacceptable impacts are not included in the conceptual land use plan. Potential 

impacts are more thoroughly identified and assessed through the site planning process 

once funding is available for the development project. At that stage, design elements, 

such as sewage disposal and stormwater management, and design constraints, such as 

designated species or cultural site locations, are more thoroughly investigated. 

Advanced wastewater treatment or best available technology systems are applied for 

on-site sewage disposal. Stormwater management systems are designed to minimize 

impervious surfaces to the greatest extent feasible, and all facilities are designed and 

constructed using best management practices to avoid impacts and to mitigate those 

that cannot be avoided. Federal, state and local permit and regulatory requirements are 

met by the final design of the projects. This includes the design of all new park facilities 

consistent with the universal access requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA). After new facilities are constructed, the park staff monitors conditions to ensure 

that impacts remain within acceptable levels. Natural community impacts have been 

minimized at this park by locating proposed improvements within existing disturbed or 

developed areas. 

Potential Uses and Proposed Facilities 

Existing recreation uses are appropriate and should be maintained. While no new uses 

are proposed, improvements are recommended for the campground, primitive group 

camp, boat ramp area, picnic and swim area. Additional measures are proposed for 

upgrading existing support facilities. These recommendations are provided to improve 

the visitor recreational experience and park operations. 

Recreational Facilities

Picnicking and swimming. Additional shelters with electricity are recommended in 

the picnic area, one of which should be large enough for group rental. The existing 

restroom is quite old, needs to be renovated or replaced and should include a changing 

area for swimmers. The swim area dock is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. The 

new facility should be designed to maintain the existing swim area capacity. Parking 

stops are recommended in the overflow parking area to organize vehicles more 

efficiently. 

A multi-panel interpretive kiosk is also recommended in this area to educate visitors 

about the Ochlockonee River, associated wildlife and resource management activities. 

The river shoreline continues to experience erosion, particularly on the Ochlockonee 

River side of the picnic area. Wave action from boats, visitor use of the shoreline and 

natural processes all contribute to this problem. A portion of the shoreline has 

successfully been stabilized with limestone riprock. Additional stabilization measures 
37

are warranted yet require further study to determine the best approach. One 

suggestion is to use rip rap covered with soil and planted with native vegetation to stop 

the erosion from growing any larger. Whatever means of stabilization is pursued; 

public access of the river should be maintained from the picnic area and campground. 

Trails. The existing Flatwoods Scenic Drive is open to vehicle traffic and affords 

opportunities for visitors to view red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees. Traffic on this 

trail will continue to be monitored for impacts to RCWs and public access restricted, if 

necessary. It is recommended that a system of interpretive stops be established on the 

scenic drive and nature trails that could be interpreted using written materials, signage 

or other medium. 

The park recently established a trail linkage with the adjacent St. Marks National 

Wildlife Refuge. Additional linkages with regional public lands should be encouraged 

by coordinating with adjacent land managers to identify opportunities to establish and 

maintain trail connections between the park, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and the 

Apalachicola National Forest. 

Camping. It is recommended that at least three sites in the standard campground be 

reconfigured to accommodate larger recreational vehicles and that all sites be upgraded 

to current electrical service standards. To minimize road maintenance needs it is also 

recommended that the campground road be paved. The old playground equipment in 

the camping area has recently been removed and should be replaced with a new 

playground. 

A permanent, composting restroom with outside showers is proposed at the group 

camp. A medium picnic shelter is also recommended for the group camp area to 

provide a protected area to gather. 

Boating. Motorized boating is a popular and important recreational activity at the park. 

However, boating also contributes to shoreline erosion, presents a potential safety 

hazard and may detract from the experience of other visitors. The potential for 

accidents increases significantly during peak periods when the adjacent waters are 

crowded with water skiers, jet skis and other high-speed boat traffic. The park has 

worked with the FWC to establish an idle speed zone on the Dead River to improve 

safety around the swim area. In addition, Wakulla County Ordinance 95-27 mandates 

vessels travel in a counter-clockwise pattern in and around Chesley Island within the 

Ochlockonee River to promote safe boating operation adjacent to the park. The park 

will continue to maintain an idle speed zone on the Dead River, encourage boater safety 

through education and coordinate with state and local law enforcement personnel to 

enforce boater regulations in adjacent waters. 
38

Several improvements are needed at the boat ramp to upgrade facilities and improve 

access. The wooden bulkhead and convenience dock need to be replaced. It is 

recommended that the new facility be designed for universal accessibility and 

incorporate a canoe/kayak launch. A soft landing place, such as sand or grass, for 

launching canoes and kayaks is preferred. The existing restroom is also recommended 

to be replaced and the dirt parking area paved and organized to provide designated 

parking for up to 40 vehicles with trailers. Pervious materials will be considered in the 

design of this facility to minimize the need for stormwater facilities. 

Support Facilities

The park needs additional work and storage space for vehicles and equipment as well 

as additional office space. It is recommended that a new 3-bay shop building and 4-bay 

equipment shelter replace the old, existing shop facility in the same location. 

The park connected to the City of Sopchoppy water system during the previous 

planning cycle. It is recommended that park facilities connect to central sewer lines in 

the future, if they are extended to the park. It is also recommended that all existing and 

future powerlines be buried to enhance the aesthetics of the park as well as improve the 

safety of the burn program. 

Facilities Development 

Preliminary cost estimates for the following list of proposed facilities are provided in 

Addendum 6. These cost estimates are based on the most cost-effective construction 

standards available at this time. The preliminary estimates are provided to assist the 

Division in budgeting future park improvements, and may be revised as more 

information is collected through the planning and design processes. 

Picnicking and Swimming 

Picnic shelters (1 large, 2 medium) 

Replace swim area dock 

Replace/renovate restroom 

Universally accessible pathways 

Interpretive kiosk 

Parking stops & ADA parking 

Stabilize shoreline 

Trails 

Interpretive stops 

Camping 

Reconfigure sites (3) 

Upgrade electrical (28 sites) 

Playground equipment 

Group camp composting restroom 

Group camp shelter

Boating 

Replace bulkhead and convenience dock 

Upgrade restroom 

Pave and organized parking (40-vehicle 

capacity) 

Support Facilities 

3-bay shop building 4-bay equipment shelter 
39

Connect to central wastewater (when available) 

Existing Use and Recreational Carrying Capacity 

Carrying capacity is an estimate of the number of users a recreation resource or facility 

can accommodate and still provide a high quality recreational experience and preserve

the natural values of the site. Capacity of a unit is determined by identifying the land 

and water requirements for each recreation activity at the unit, and then applying these 

requirements to the unit's land and water base. Next, guidelines are applied which 

estimate the physical capacity of the unit's natural communities to withstand 

recreational uses without significant degradation. This analysis identifies a range 

within which the recreational carrying capacity most appropriate to the specific activity, 

the activity site and the unit's classification is selected (see Table 1). 

The recreational carrying capacity for this park is a preliminary estimate of the number 

of users the unit could accommodate after the current conceptual development program 

has been implemented. When developed, the proposed new facilities would 

approximately increase the unit's carrying capacity. 

Activity/Facility

One 

Time Daily

On e 

Time Daily

One 

Time Daily

Boating 160 160 160 160

Sw imm ing/pic nickin g 200 400 200 400

Trails 35 140 35 140

Sh oreline Fish ing 25 50 25 50

Camping 8 24

 Standard 180 180 180 180

 Primitive Group 60 60 60 60

TOTAL 660 990 668 1,014

Proposed 

Additio nal Capacity

Existing 

Capacity

Estimated 

Rec reational 

Capacity

T able 1--E xisting Use And Recreational Carrying Cap acity

Optimum Boundary 

The optimum boundary map reflects lands identified for direct management by the 

Division as part of the park. These parcels comprise approximately 350 acres and may 

include public as well as privately owned lands that improve the continuity of existing 

park lands, provide additional natural resource protection and/or allow for future 

expansion of recreational activities. At this time, no lands are considered surplus to the 

needs of the park. 
40

Identification of lands on the optimum boundary map is solely for planning purposes 

and not for regulatory purposes. A property’s identification on the optimum boundary 

map is not for use by any party or other government body to reduce or restrict the 

lawful right of private landowners. Identification on the map does not empower or 

require any government entity to impose additional or more restrictive environmental 

land use or zoning regulations. Identification is not to be used as the basis for permit 

denial or the imposition of permit conditions. 

The park’s optimum boundary (see Optimum Boundary Map) includes private parcels 

along the Ochlockonee River and the submerged lands of the Dead River adjacent to the 

park boundary. The private land is desirable as the only remaining area not in public 

ownership between existing conservation lands and the Ochlockonee River. The 

submerged lands of the Dead River would include the park swim area and assist with 

managing recreational use of this stretch of the river as well as provide protection for a 

known archaeological site. As additional needs are identified through park use, 

development, research, and as adjacent land uses change on private properties, 

modification of the unit's optimum boundary may occur for the enhancement of natural 

and cultural resources, recreational values and management efficiency. 
US 319

OCHLOCKONEE RIVER

OCHLOCKONEE RIVER

STATE PARK

OPTIMUM BOUNDARY

MAP Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Recreation and Parks

Office of Park Planning

 ́

0 350 700 1,400

Feet

LEGEND

Park Boundary 

Optimum Boundary 
42
Addendum 1—Acquisition History and Advisory Group Staff Report

Ochlockonee River State Park Acquisition History 

A 1 - 1 

Purpose of Acquisition 

The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida 

(Trustees) acquired Ochlockonee River State Park to use the property for public park 

and recreation purposes. 

Sequence of Acquisition 

On May 14, 1970, the Trustees obtained title to a 385.46-acre property located in 

Wakulla County, which later became Ochlockonee River State Park. The Trustees 

acquired this property as a part of a land exchange between the Trustees along with the 

State Board of Education of the State of Florida (BOE) and the United States of America, 

Department of the Interior (USA). Through this land exchange, the Trustees and the 

BOE gave 3,175-acre water bottoms located in Lee County to USA and acquired 602.35-

acre lands in Pasco, Pinellas, Lee and Wakulla counties from USA. On June 24, 2004, 

the Trustees purchased a 158.04-acre property, which was later added to Ochlockonee 

River State Park under Amendment Number One to the park’s lease. This purchase 

was funded under the Florida Forever land acquisition program. 

Lease Agreement 

On October 12, 1970, the Trustees leased Ochlockonee River State Park to the State of 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks 

(Division), under Lease No. 2469 that is for a period of ninety-nine (99) years. This lease 

will expire on October 11, 2069. 

According to the lease, the Division manages Ochlockonee River State Park to provide 

public outdoor recreation that is compatible with the conservation and protection of the 

property. 

Title Interest 

The Trustees hold fee simple title to Ochlockonee River State Park. 

Special Conditions on Use 

Ochlockonee River State Park is designated single-use to provide resource-based public 

outdoor recreation and other park related uses. Uses such as water resource 

development projects, water supply projects, stormwater management projects, linear 

facilities and sustainable agriculture and forestry (other than those forest management 

activities specifically identified in this plan) are not consistent with this plan or the 

management purposes of the park.
Ochlockonee River State Park Acquisition History 

A 1 - 2 

Outstanding Reservations 

There are no outstanding rights, reservations or encumbrances that apply to 

Ochlockonee River State Park. 
Ochlockonee River State Park Advisory Group Members 

A 1 - 3 

The Honorable Ed Brimner 

Chair 

Wakulla County Board of 

Commissioners 

P.O. Box 1263 

Crawfordville, Florida 32326 

The Honorable Robert Greener 

Mayor 

City of Sopchoppy 

P.O. Box 1219 

Sopchoppy, Florida 32358 

Kevin Patton, Park Manager 

Ochlockonee River State Park 

429 State Park Road 

Sopchoppy, Florida 32358 

Joseph Duggar Jr., Chair 

Wakulla Soil and Water 

Conservation District 

963 Crawfordville Highway 

Crawfordville, Florida 32327 

Paul Scharine, Conservation Biologist 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission 

5300 High Bridge Road 

Quincy, Florida 32351 

Ken Weber, District Manager 

Florida Division of Forestry 

865 Geddie Road 

Tallahassee, Florida 32304 

Joe Reinman, Refuge Biologist 

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge 

P.O. Box 68 

St. Marks, Florida 32355 

Pam Portwood, Director 

Wakulla County Tourist Development 

Council 

1184 Lower Bridge Road 

Crawfordville, Florida 32327 

Linda Jamison, Chair 

Sierra Club - Big Bend Group 

Department of Oceanography – 4320 

117 North Woodward Avenue 

Room 102-OSB 

Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4320 

Ben Fusaro, President 

Apalachee Audubon Society 

379 Rob Roy Trail 

Tallahassee, FL 32312-1467 

Richard Graham, Chapter Chair 

Florida Trail Association 

2228 Shirley Ann Court 

Tallahassee, Florida 32308 

Ms. Cathy Briggs 

Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club 

1233 Talbot Avenue 

Tallahassee, Florida 32308 

Mr. Justin Brooks 

Poor Guys Bass Club 

1502 Nugent Drive 

Tallahassee, Florida 32301 

Don and Pam Ashley 

P.O. Box 430 

Sopchoppy, Florida 32358
Ochlockonee River State Park Advisory Group Members 

A 1 - 4 
Ochlockonee River State Park Advisory Group Staff Report 

A 1 - 5 

The Advisory Group meeting to review the proposed land management plan for 

Ochlockonee River State Park was held at the Sopchoppy City Hall on June 13, 2008 at 

9am. Ken Weber (Florida Division of Forestry) was represented by Kawika Bailey. Joe 

Reinman (St. Mark National Wildlife Refuge) was represented by Michael Keys. Joseph 

Duggar (Wakulla Soil and Water Conservation District), Pam Portwood (Wakulla 

County Tourism Development Council), Cathy Briggs (Apalachee Canoe and Kayak 

Club), Justin Brooks (Poor Guys Bass Club) and Don and Pam Ashley (adjacent 

landowners) did not attend. All other appointed Advisory Group members were 

present. Attending staff from the Division of Recreation and Parks included Eric Kiefer, 

Harold Mitchell, Kevin Patton and Brian Burket. 

Mr. Burket began the meeting by explaining the purpose of the Advisory Group and 

reviewing the meeting agenda. He provided a brief overview of the Division's planning 

process and summarized public comments received during the previous evening’s 

public workshop. He then asked each member of the advisory group to express his or 

her comments on the plan. 

Summary of Advisory Group Comments

Kawika Bailey (Florida Division of Forestry) expressed support for the management 

plan and the park’s prescribed fire program. He offered the assistance of the Division 

of Forestry with burning as well as timber management, if needed. He also mentioned 

that prescribed fire training is available for park staff. 

Michael Keys (St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge) commented that St. Marks NWR has 

some of the most consistent populations of flatwoods salamanders; however, he is not 

aware of any within the boundary of the state park. He cautioned against using any 

radical management actions to benefit the salamander until they are known to be 

present within the park. He commented that the bald eagle has been federally delisted 

and should be removed from the Designated Species List in the plan. He recommended 

thinning the pines within the new addition along US 319 to help foraging red-cockaded 

woodpeckers. 

Paul Scharine (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) said the plan looks 

great. He pointed out some inconsistencies between the Plant and Animal List and the 

Designated Species List found in Addendum 4 and 5, respectively. He commented that 

human/bear interaction could become a problem at the park in the future and 

suggested that steps be taken to minimize such conflicts. Kevin Patton replied that the 

park is being proactive and has plans to provide bear proof trashcans and educational 

signage. He also suggested that a hydrological assessment of the park might be 

beneficial. 

Richard Graham (Florida Trail Association) remarked that the plan looked good. He 
Ochlockonee River State Park Advisory Group Staff Report 

A 1 - 6 

commented that trail expansion to the Florida National Scenic Trail would be very 

difficult due to the river and wetlands. He expressed support for additional 

interpretive signage along the existing trail system. He offered to supply the park with 

handouts promoting the FNST. 

Ben Fusaro (Apalachee Audubon Society) complimented the policy language found in 

the Introduction as well as the discussion about “multiple uses.” He commented that 

human/bear conflicts are actually “human problems” and not “bear problems.” He 

asked for clarification regarding the Optimum Boundary Map. Brian Burket provided 

an explanation. Mr. Fusaro asked about the size of the cypress within the dome natural 

community. Kevin Patton replied that the cypress in this location is relatively small. 

Mr. Fusaro asked how gopher tortoises are sought for relocation to the park. Harold 

Mitchell explained that the staff follows FWC guidelines for tortoise restocking. At the 

conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Fusaro provided a demonstration of a pervious material 

that could be used for roads and parking areas within the park. 

Linda Jamison (Sierra Club - Big Bend Group) commented that she enjoyed the 

unpaved scenic drive during a recent visit. She expressed support for the annual 

special events held at the park and hope they will continue. She suggested that water 

pollution within the Ochlockonee River is probably coming from Georgia. She asked 

for clarification regarding a statement in the plan about the amount of soil eroding into 

the Ochlockonee basin from croplands in Georgia and Florida. She was excited to learn 

about the unique orchids that can be found in the park. She mentioned that she spoke 

with a RCW expert who agrees with the park’s plan to manage the habitat. She 

recommended growing season burns every other year. She commented that dogs in the 

park should be monitored closely to determine their potential impact on the RCWs. She 

voiced support for efforts to eradicate Japanese climbing fern within the park. She 

recommended that a birding checklist be made available for park visitors with duplicate 

copies being left at the park. She asked if equestrian use is allowed in the park. Kevin 

Patton responded that equestrian use is allowed but not popular due to the short length 

of available trail. She complimented the park staff and the condition of the park 

resources. 

Chairman Ed Brimner (Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners) remarked 

that recreation is equally as important as resource management at the park. He 

expressed appreciation for the family oriented outdoor recreation available at the park 

and congratulated the staff on their efforts to protect “Old Florida.” He asked for 

clarification regarding flatwoods salamander management. Harold Mitchell discussed 

the potential management options that might be taken in the future, if warranted. 

Mayor Robert Greener (City of Sopchoppy) stated that the park service does an 

outstanding job of balancing recreation and resource management at Ochlockonee River 
Ochlockonee River State Park Advisory Group Staff Report 

A 1 - 7 

State Park. He commented that the park is an asset to the City of Sopchoppy. 

Kevin Patton (Ochlockonee River State Park) stated that he is proud of the park and 

appreciates the hard work of his predecessors who got the park in such great condition. 

He provided an update on the number of acres burned since the previous management 

plan was approved; 775 acres since 2001. He then thanked the advisory group for their 

comments and support of the park. 

Written Comments 

Cathy Briggs (Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club) suggested that consideration be given 

to providing a soft landing place for canoes and kayaks to load and unload from the 

river. She commented that concrete boat ramps are very hard on plastic or composite 

boats and either sand or grass area would be preferred. She stated that it would also 

have the advantage of keeping canoes and kayaks out of the way of the larger boats 

loading and unloading. 

Staff Recommendations 

The staff recommends approval of the proposed management plan for Ochlockonee 

River State Park as presented with the following revisions. 

1. The list of designated species will be reviewed and updated. 

2. A brief discussion will be added to the plan to address the potential for 

human/bear interaction within the park and what steps will be taken to minimize 

them. 

3. Consideration will be given to providing a soft landing area for canoes and kayaks 

adjacent to the boat ramp during the redesign of the wooden bulkhead and 

convenience dock. 
Ochlockonee River State Park Advisory Group Staff Report 

A 1 - 8 
Addendum 2—References Cited

Ochlockonee River State Park References Cited 

A 2 - 1 

Florida Natural Areas Inventory, Florida Conservation Lands. Tallahassee, FL. 1998 

Florida Natural Areas Inventory and the Florida Department of Natural Resources, 1990. 

Guide to the natural communities of Florida. Tallahassee, FL. 111 pp. 

Petranka, James W, Salamanders of the United States and Canada. 1998. Smithsonian 

Institution Press. Washington and London. 

U.S.D.A, Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Wakulla County.1991. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998. Strategy and Guidelines for the Recovery and 

Management of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and its Habitats on National Wildlife 

Refuges. 

Younker, D. K. 1999. Draft Resource Management Evaluation, Ochlockonee River State 

Park. FDEP, Division of Recreation and Parks. 9 pp. + appendices.
Ochlockonee River State Park References Cited 

A 2 - 2 
Addendum 3--Soil Descriptions

Ochlockonee River State Park Soil Descriptions 

A 3 - 1 

(17) Ortega sand - This soil is moderately well drained, rapidly permeable, slope of 0 – 

5 percent on ridges of the uplands. It forms in thick sandy marine or wind deposits. 

The water table is generally from 60 – 72 inches below the surface, but is occasionally 

from 40 – 60 inches during heaving rainfall. Soil reaction is very strongly acid to 

slightly acid. Texture includes sand and fine sand. 

(23) Leon sand - This soil is excessively drained, very rapidly permeable, nearly level on 

broad flatwood areas and, in some places, along drainage ways. It forms in thick beds 

of sandy marine sediments. Slopes are less than 2 percent. The water table is at a depth 

of 10 – 40 inches for more than 9 months and at a depth of less than 10 inches for 1 – 4 

months during periods of high rainfall. Soil reaction ranges from extremely acid to 

strongly acid at all depths. Texture is sand or loamy sand. 

(25) Mandarin fine sand - This soil is somewhat poorly drained, moderately permeable 

with a slope of 0 – 2 percent. It forms in thick sandy deposits on marine terraces. The 

water table is at a depth of 20 – 40 inches for 4 – 6 months, greater than 40 inches for 6 – 

8 months and 10 – 20 inches for up to 2 weeks out of the year. Soil reaction ranges from 

extremely acid to mediumly acid. Texture is fine sand, loamy fine sand, to sand. 

(35) Rutledge sand - This soil is very poorly drained, rapidly permeable, nearly level in 

shallow depressional areas and narrow natural drainage ways. It forms in deposits of 

sandy marine sediments. Slopes range from 0 – 2 percent. The water table is at or near 

the surface most of the year. Many areas are flooded frequently for brief periods. Soil 

reaction ranges from extremely acid to medium acid. Textures include sand, fine sand, 

loamy sand and loamy fine sand. 

(38) Scranton sand - This soil is somewhat poorly drained, rapidly permeable, with 

slopes of less than 2 percent. It forms in deposits of sandy marine sediments. The 

water table is within 6 – 18 inches as much as 6 months most years. Soil reaction ranges 

form very strongly acid to slightly acid. Textures include loamy fine sand, loamy sand, 

fine sand or sand. 

(52) Megget and Croatan Soils - These soils consist of nearly level, poorly drained soils 

that formed in marly and clayey marine sediment. These soils are on flood plains on 

the lower Coastal Plain and are frequently flooded. This flooding usually occurs in 

winter. The high water table is at or near the surface in winter and early spring. These 

soils are fine, mixed, therimic Albaqualfs. 

(14) Ridgewood Fine Sand - This sand consists of nearly level to gently sloping, 

somewhat poorly drained soils that formed in thick deposits of sandy marine sediment. 

These soils are on low knolls, in the higher areas on flatwoods, and the uplands on the 

Coastal Plain. The seasonal high water table is at a depth of 24 to 42 inches for 2 to 4 

months of the year and at a depth of 30 to 72 inches for the remainder of the year
Ochlockonee River State Park Soil Descriptions 

A 3 - 2 

(54) Maurepas muck - This nearly level, very poorly drained, organic soil is in broad, 

mixed tidal and freshwater marsh areas on the gulf coast. Slopes are smooth or slightly 

convex. Surface layer is a dark grayish brown, decomposed muck about five inches 

thick. Underlying organic material to a depth of 72 inches. 

(52) Meggett & croatan soils, frequestnly flooded - These soils are very poorly to 

poorly drained, slowly permeable and found on slopes of 0 – 3 percent. The soils are 

formed in clayey marine sediment and alluvial materials or on highly decomposed 

organic matter underlain by loamy textures marine and fluvial sediment. The water 

table is at or near the surface. The soil is frequently flooded for 2 – 15 days and 

saturated for 8 – 10 months. Soil reaction ranges from very strongly acid to moderately 

alkaline. Textures include clay loam, loam, fine sandy loam, sandy loam and loamy 

sand. 

(54) Maurepas Muck, frequently flooded - This soil is poorly to very poorly drained, 

rapidly permeable and found on slopes of 0 – 2 percent. The soil is formed in woody 

plant remains and is usually found in depressed swamps. The water table is within 6 

inches of the surface. Soil reaction is medium acid to moderately alkaline. Texture is 

muck. 
Addendum 4—Plants and Animals List

Ochlockonee River State Park Plants 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 1

Algae

Musk grass .......................................Chara sp. 

Ferns and Fern Allies

Ebony spleenwort ...........................Asplenium platyneuron

Southern grape fern ........................Botrychium biternatum

Rattlesnake fern...............................Botrychium virginianum

Sensitive fern....................................Onoclea sensibilis

Royal fern .........................................Osmunda regalis

Resurrection fern.............................Polypodium polypoides

Bracken fern .....................................Pteridium aquilinum 

Wood fern.........................................Thelypteris kunthii

Virginia chain-fern..........................Woodwardia

Gymnosperms

Eastern red cedar.............................Juniperus virginiana

Shortleaf pine...................................Pinus echinata

Slash pine .........................................Pinus elliotii

Longleaf pine ...................................Pinus palustris

Loblolly pine....................................Pinus taeda 

Bald Cypress ....................................Taxodium distichum

Pond cypress....................................Taxodium ascendens 

Pond pine .........................................Pinus serotina 

Angiosperms - Monocots

Broomsedge .....................................Andropogon virginicus

Wiregrass..........................................Aristida stricta

Cane ..................................................Arundinaria gigantea

Sedge.................................................Carex albolutescens

Sedge.................................................Carex amphibola

Sedge.................................................Carex cherokeenis

Sedge.................................................Carex comosa

Sedge.................................................Carex floridana

Sedge.................................................Carex joori

Sedge.................................................Carex louisianica

Sedge.................................................Carex lupulina

Sedge.................................................Carex straitula

Sedge.................................................Carex texax

Sedge.................................................Carex tribuloides 

Sedge.................................................Carex willdenowii

Spikegrass.........................................Chasmanthium nitidum
Ochlockonee River State Park Plants 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 2

Spikegrass.........................................Chasmanthium sessiliflorum 

Dayflower.........................................Commelina erecta

Swamp lily .......................................Crinum americanum 

Swamp lily .......................................Dichanthelium commutatum

Swamp lily .......................................Dichanthelium dichotomum

Panic grass........................................Dichanthelium laxifolium

Yam ...................................................Dioscorea villosa

Greenfly orchid................................Epidendrum canopseum

Wiregrass gentian ...........................Gentiana pennelliana..................................................8,41

Spider lily .........................................Hymenocallis rotata

Swamp stargrass .............................Hypoxis leptocarpa

Rush ..................................................Juncus coriaceus

Shore rush ........................................Juncus marginatus

Rush ..................................................Juncus polycephalus

Duckweed ........................................Lemna sp. 

Twayblade........................................Listera australis ............................................................ 8 

Southern naiad ................................Najas guadalupensis

Wood grass ......................................Oplismenus setarius

Southern tuberclad orchid .............Platanthera flava........................................................... 8 

Annual bluegrass ............................Poa annua

Shadow witch ..................................Pontheiva racemosa

Pickerelweed....................................Pontederia cordata

Illinois pondweed ...........................Potamogeton illinoensis

Beakrush...........................................Rhynchospora microcarpa

Beakrush...........................................Rhynchospora mixta

Bluestem palmetto ..........................Sabal minor

Sabal palm........................................Sabal palmetto

Strap-leaf sag ...................................Sagittaria kurziana

Arrowhead.......................................Sagittaria lancifolia

Bullrush ............................................Scirpus lineatus

Nutrush ............................................Scleria triglomerata

Saw palmetto ...................................Serenoa repens

Foxtail ...............................................Setaria geniculata

Greenbriar ........................................Smilax auriculata

Catbrier.............................................Smilax bona-nox

Greenbriar ........................................Smilax ecirrhata

Wild sarsaparilla .............................Smilax glauca

Bamboo vine ....................................Smilax laurifolia 

Jackson briar ....................................Smilax smallii 

Greenbriar ........................................Smilax tamnoides

Coral greenbriar ..............................Smilax walteri
Ochlockonee River State Park Plants 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 3

Prairie wedgescal ............................Sphenopholis obtusata 

Eaton’s ladies tresses ......................Spiranthes eatonii 

Little ladies tresses ..........................Sprianthes tuberosa....................................................... 8 

Black cat grass..................................Stipa avenacea

Spanish moss ...................................Tillandsia usneoides

Crane-fly orchid ..............................Tipularia discolor......................................................... 15 

Tall redtop........................................Tridens flavus

Cattail................................................Typha sp. 

Eel-grass ...........................................Vallisneria americana

Weak leaf yucca...............................Yucca flaccida
Ochlockonee River State Park Plants 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for designated species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 4
Ochlockonee River State Park Animals 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for all species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 5

FISH

Sea catfish.........................................Arius felis..................................................................... 53 

Gulf sturgeon...................................Acipenser oxyrhynchus ............................................... 53 

Bowfin...............................................Amia calva ................................................................... 53 

Bay anchovy.....................................Anchoa mitchilli........................................................... 53 

American eel ....................................Anguilla rostrata .......................................................53,63 

Pirate perch ......................................Aphredoderus sayanus................................................. 53 

Sea catfish.........................................Arius felis...................................................................53,63 

Sheepshead.......................................Archosargus probatocephalus....................................53,63 

Largescale menhaden .....................Brevoortia patronus..................................................... 53 

Crevalle jack.....................................Caranx hippos............................................................53,63 

Spotted seatrout ..............................Cynoscion nebulosus .................................................53,63 

Carp...................................................Cyprinus carpio ........................................................... 53 

Atlantic stingray..............................Dasyatis sabina ............................................................ 53 

Threadfin shad.................................Dorosoma petenense..................................................... 53 

Bluespotted sunfish ........................Enneacanthus gloriosus............................................... 53 

Redfin pickerel.................................Esox americanus.......................................................... 53 

Chain pickerel..................................Esox niger.................................................................... 53 

Golden topminnow.........................Fundulus chrysotus..................................................... 53 

Gulf killifish .....................................Fundulus grandis ........................................................ 53 

Starhead topminnow ......................Fundulus notti............................................................. 53 

Mosquitofish ....................................Gambusia affinis..................................................... 29,53,63 

Least killifish....................................Heterandia formosa...................................................... 53 

Channel catfish ................................Ictalurus punctatus ...................................................53,63 

White catfish ....................................Ictalurus catus ...........................................................53,63 

Brook silverside...............................Labidesthes sicculus..................................................... 53 

Pinfish ...............................................Lagodon rhomboides .................................................... 53 

Spot....................................................Leiostomus xanthurus ...............................................53,63 

Longnose gar ...................................Lepisosteus osseus........................................................ 53 

Redbreast sunfish............................Lepomis auritus ........................................................... 53 

Warmouth ........................................Lepomis gulosus........................................................... 53 

Bluegill..............................................Lepomis macrochirus................................................... 53 

Dollar sunfish ..................................Lepomis marginatus .................................................... 53 

Redear sunfish .................................Lepomis microlophus................................................... 53 

Spotted sunfish................................Lepomis punctatus....................................................... 53 

Pygmy killifish.................................Leptolucania ommata................................................... 53 

Tidewater silverside .......................Menidia beryllina......................................................... 53 

Suwannee bass.................................Micropterus notius...................................................... 53 

Largemouth bass.............................Micropterus salmoides................................................. 53 

Striped mullet ..................................Mugil cephalus ..........................................................53,63 
Ochlockonee River State Park Animals 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for all species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 6

White mullet ....................................Mugil curema ............................................................53,63 

Ironcolor shiner ...............................Notropis chalybaeus..................................................... 53 

Dusky shiner....................................Notropis cummingsae.................................................. 53 

Taillight shiner.................................Notropis maculatus...................................................... 53 

Coastal shiner ..................................Notropis petersoni........................................................ 53 

Weed shiner .....................................Notropis texanus.......................................................... 53 

Golden shiner ..................................Notemigonus crysoleucas ............................................ 53 

Gulf flounder ...................................Paralichthys albitgutta ................................................ 53 

Southern flounder...........................Paralichthys lethostigma............................................53,63 

Sailfin molly .....................................Poecilia latipinna .......................................................53,63 

Red drum..........................................Sciaenops ocellatus.....................................................53,63 

Atlantic needlefish ..........................Strongylura marina ..................................................... 53

Gulf pipefish ....................................Syngnathus scovelli..................................................... 53 

AMPHIBIANS 

Southern cricket frog ......................Acris gryllus gryllus.................................................... 29 

Flatwoods salamander ...................Ambystoma cingulatum ............................................... 8 

Mole salamander ............................Ambystoma talpoideum ................................................ 8 

Eastern tiger salamander ...............Ambystoma tigrinum .................................................8,41 

Two-toed amphiuma ......................Amphiuma means ................................................... 29,63,46 

Oak toad ...........................................Bufo quercicus............................................................... 8 

Southern toad ..................................Bufo terrestris............................................................... 8 

Southern dusky salamander..........Desmognathus auriculatus........................................... 8 

Southern two lined salamander....Eurycea bislineata......................................................... 8 

Three lined salamander..................Eurycea longicauda....................................................... 8 

Dwarf salamander...........................Eurycea quadridigitata ................................................. 8 

Eastern narrowmouthed toad .......Gastrophryne carolinensis............................................ 8 

Green treefrog..................................Hyla cinerea .................................................................. 8 

Spring peeper...................................Hyla crucifer................................................................. 8 

Pinewoods treefrog.........................Hyla femoralis............................................................... 8 

Barking treefrog .............................Hyla gratiosa................................................................. 8 

Squirrel treefrog ..............................Hyla squirella................................................................ 8 

Gray treefrog....................................Hyla versicolor.............................................................. 8 

Little grass frog................................Limnaeodus ocularis..................................................... 8 

Central Newt ...................................Notopthalmus viridescens............................................ 46 

Southern chorus frog ......................Pseudacris nigrita......................................................... 8 

Ornate chorus frog..........................Psuedacris ornata.......................................................... 8 

Slender dwarf siren.........................Pseudobranchus striatur.............................................. 46 

Florida gopher frog.........................Rana capito aesopus...................................................15,29 

Bullfrog.............................................Rana catesbeiana.......................................................... 29 
Ochlockonee River State Park Animals 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for all species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 7

Bronze frog.......................................Rana clamitans ............................................................ 29 

Pig frog .............................................Rana grylio................................................................... 29 

River frog..........................................Rana hecksheri ...........................................................29,63 

Southern leopard frog ....................Rana utricularia........................................................... 29 

Eastern spadefoot toad...................Scaphiopus holbrooki...................................................29,8 

Lesser siren.......................................Siren intermedia .......................................................... 46 

Greater siren ....................................Siren lacertina......................................................... 29,63,46 

REPTILES 

American alligator..........................Alligator mississippiensis..........................................53,63 

Florida cottonmouth.......................Agkistrodon piscivorus..............................................29,46 

Green anole ......................................Anolis carolinensis........................................... Throughout 

Scarlet snake.....................................Cemophora coccinea...................................................... 8 

Snapping turtle................................Chelydra serpentina..................................................... 29 

Suwannee cooter .............................Chrysemys concinna.................................................... 53 

Florida cooter...................................Chrysemys floridana .................................................... 53 

Red bellied turtle.............................Chrysemys nelsoni....................................................... 53 

Yellow bellied turtle .......................Chrysemys scripta........................................................ 53 

Six-lined racerunner .......................Cnemidophorus sexlineatus......................................... 15 

Southern black racer .......................Coluber constrictor....................................................most 

E. diamondback rattlesnake ..........Crotalus adamanteus................................................. 8, 15 

Corn snake .......................................Elaphe guttata...........................................................varied 

Gray rat snake..................................Elaphe obsoleta.............................................................. 8 

Yellow rat snake ..............................Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata........................................ 8 

Southern coal skink.........................Eumeces anthracinus.................................................... 8 

Northern mole skink ......................Eumeces egregius.......................................................... 8 

Five lined skink ...............................Eumeces fasciatus ......................................................... 8 

S.E. five lined skink ........................Eumeces inexpectatus................................................... 8 

Broad headed skink ........................Eumeces laticeps ........................................................... 8 

Mud snake........................................Farancia abacura.......................................................... 29 

Rainbow snake ................................Farancia erythrogramma ............................................8,29 

Gopher tortoise................................Gopherus polyphemus.................................................8,15 

Eastern hognose snake ...................Heterodon platyrhinos.................................................. 8 

Southern hognose snake ................Heterodon simus........................................................... 8 

Eastern mud turtle ..........................Kinosternon subrubrum ............................................29,46 

Apalachicola king snake ................Lampropeltis getulus .................................................... 8 

Scarlet king snake............................Lampropeltis triangulum..........................................varied 

Alligator snapping turtle ...............Macroclemys temmincki............................................29,46 

Eastern coachwhip..........................Masticophis flagellum................................................... 8 

Eastern coral snake .........................Micrurus fulvius .......................................................... 8 
Ochlockonee River State Park Animals 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for all species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 8

Florida green water snake .............Nerodia cyclopion ........................................................ 46 

Banded water snake........................Nerodia fasciata............................................................ 46 

Florida water snake ........................Nerodia fasciata pictiventris.......................................8,29 

Brown water snake .........................Nerodia taxispilota....................................................... 46 

Slender glass lizard.........................Ophisaurus attenuatus................................................. 8 

Eastern glass lizard .........................Ophisaurus ventralis.................................................... 8 

Florida pine snake...........................Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus ................................ 15 

Pine woods snake............................Rhadinaea flavilata........................................................ 8 

Fence lizard......................................Sceloporus undulatus ................................................... 8 

Ground skink...................................Scincella laterale ........................................................... 8 

Black swamp snake.........................Seminatrix pypaea ....................................................... 46 

Dusky Pigmy Rattlesnake..............Sistrurus miliarius barbouri.......................................8,15 

Stinkpot ............................................Sternotherus odoratus................................................29,46 

Loggerhead musk turtle.................Sternotherus minor....................................................29,46 

Brown snake ....................................Storeria dekayi .............................................................. 8 

Red-bellied snake ............................Storeria occipitomaculata............................................. 46 

Florida box turtle.............................Terrapene carolina bauri............................................... 8 

Garter snake.....................................Thamnophis sirtalis ...................................................... 8 

Ribbon snake....................................Thamnophis sauritus.................................................... 8 

Florida softshell turtle ....................Trionyx ferox .............................................................46,63 

Gulf coast spiny softshell ...............Trionyx spiniferus .....................................................46,63 

Smooth earth snake.........................Virginia valeriae ............................................................ 8 

Rough earth snake ..........................Virginia straitula......................................................varied 

BIRDS 

Pied-billed Grebe............................. Podilymbus podiceps.................................................53,63 

American White Pelican................. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos.......................................53,63 

Brown Pelican.................................. Pelecanus occidentalis...............................................53,63 

Double-crested Cormorant............ Phalacrocorax auritus................................................. 63 

Anhinga ............................................ Anhinga anhinga ......................................................53,63 

Great Blue Heron ............................ Ardea herodias ....................................................... 29,53,63 

Great Egret....................................... Ardea alba .............................................................. 29,53,63 

Snowy Egret..................................... Egretta thula .......................................................... 29,53,63 

Little Blue Heron............................. Egretta caerulea ..................................................... 29,53,63 

Tricolored Heron............................. Egretta tricolor....................................................... 29,53,63 

Green Heron .................................... Butorides virescens...................................................29,63 

Black-crowned Night-Heron......... Nycticorax nycticorax...............................................29,63 

White Ibis ......................................... Eudocimus albus.......................................................29,63 

Black Vulture ................................... Coragyps atratus...................................................... 8,15,8 

Turkey Vulture................................ Cathartes aura.......................................................... 8,15,8 
Ochlockonee River State Park Animals 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for all species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 9

Wood Duck ...................................... Aix sponsa...................................................................29, 

Green-winged Teal ......................... Anas crecca ...............................................................53,63 

Ring-necked duck ........................... Aythya affinis.............................................................. 29 

Red-breasted Merganser................ Mergus serrator.......................................................... 53 

Osprey............................................... Pandion haliaetus.................................................... 8,53,63 

Swallow-tailed Kite......................... Elanoides forficatus...................................................... 8 

Bald Eagle......................................... Haliaeetus leucocephalus........................................... 853 

Northern Harrier............................. Circus cyaneus............................................................ 63 

Sharp-shinned Hawk...................... Accipiter striatus..................................................... 8,15,8 

Red-shouldered Hawk ................... Buteo lineatus.............................................................All 

Red-tailed Hawk ............................. Buteo jamaicensis..................................................... 8,15,8 

American Kestrel............................. Falco sparverius....................................................... 8,15,8 

Merlin................................................ Falco columbarius....................................................... 63 

Wild Turkey..................................... Meleagris gallopavo ...............................................8,15,8,23 

Northern Bobwhite ......................... Colinus virginianus...............................................8,15,8,23 

Clapper Rail ..................................... Rallus longirostris ...................................................... 63 

Sora.................................................... Porzana carolina ......................................................... 63 

American Coot................................. Fulica americana.......................................................53,63 

Ring-billed Gull............................... Larus delawarensis ...................................................53,63 

Caspian Tern.................................... Sterna caspia .............................................................53,63 

Royal Tern........................................ Sterna maxima..........................................................53,63 

Mourning Dove ............................... Zenaida macroura .................................................... 8,15,8 

Common Ground-Dove ................. Columbina passerina................................................ 8,15,8 

Barred Owl....................................... Strix varia .................................................................... 8 

Common Nighthawk...................... Chordeiles minor...................................................... 8,15,8 

Chimney Swift................................. Chaetura pelagica.................................................8,15,29,63 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird....... Archilochus colubris............................................... 8,15,26 

Belted Kingfisher............................. Ceryle alcyon.............................................................53,63 

Red-headed Woodpecker .............. Melanerpes erythrocephalus................................... 8,15,15 

Red-bellied Woodpecker................ Melanerpes carolinus............................................... 8,15,8 

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker............... Sphyrapicus varius.................................................. 8,15,8 

Red-cockaded woodpecker ........... Picoides borealis........................................................... 8 

Downy Woodpecker....................... Picoides pubescens................................................... 8,15,8 

Hairy Woodpecker.......................... Picoides villosus....................................................... 8,15,8 

Northern Flicker.............................. Colaptes auratus ...................................................... 8,15,8 

Pileated Woodpecker...................... Dryocopus pileatus.................................................. 8,15,8 

Eastern Wood-Pewee...................... Contopus virens....................................................... 8,15,8 

Eastern Phoebe ................................ Sayornis phoebe..........................................................15,8 

Great Crested Flycatcher................ Myiarchus crinitus.................................................. 8,15,8 

Purple Martin .................................. Progne subis..............................................................53,63 

Barn Swallow................................... Hirundo rustica ........................................................53,63 
Ochlockonee River State Park Animals 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for all species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 10

Blue Jay............................................. Cyanocitta cristata....................................................... 8 

American Crow ............................... Corvus brachyrhynchos..............................................All 

Fish Crow ......................................... Corvus ossifragus ................................................... 8,53,63 

Carolina Chickadee......................... Parus carolinensis......................................................15,8 

Tufted Titmouse .............................. Parus bicolor..............................................................15,8 

Brown-headed Nuthatch................ Sitta pusilla.................................................................. 8 

Carolina Wren ................................. Thryothorus ludovicianus....................................... 15,8,26 

House Wren ..................................... Troglodytes aedon ......................................................15,8 

Sedge Wren...................................... Cistothorus platensis .................................................. 63 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet................... Regulus calendula........................................................ 8 

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.................... Polioptila caerulea........................................................ 8 

Hermit Thrush................................. Catharus guttatus........................................................ 8 

American Robin............................... Turdus migratorius ..................................................... 8 

Gray Catbird.................................... Dumetella carolinensis ................................................ 8 

Northern Mockingbird................... Mimus polyglottos....................................................15,82 

Brown Thrasher............................... Toxostoma rufum......................................................... 8 

Cedar Waxwing............................... Bombycilla cedrorum .................................................15,8 

Loggerhead Shrike.......................... Lanius ludovicianus.................................................... 15 

White-eyed Vireo ............................ Vireo griseus................................................................ 8 

Solitary Vireo................................... Vireo solitarius...........................................................15,8 

Yellow-throated Vireo.................... Vireo flavifrons............................................................ 8 

Red-eyed Vireo................................ Vireo olivaceus............................................................. 8 

Northern Parula .............................. Parula americana ......................................................... 8 

Yellow Warbler................................ Dendroica petechia.....................................................8,26 

Black-throated Blue Warbler......... Dendroica caerulescens................................................ 8 

Yellow-rumped Warbler................ Dendroica coronata ...................................................... 8 

Black-throated Green Warbler...... Dendroica virens.......................................................... 8 

Yellow-throated Warbler............... Dendroica dominica ..................................................... 8 

Pine Warbler.................................... Dendroica pinus....................................................... 8,15,8 

Prairie Warbler................................ Dendroica discolor....................................................... 8 

Palm Warbler................................... Dendroica palmarum............................................... 8,15,8 

Blackpoll Warbler............................ Dendroica striata ......................................................... 8 

Black-and-white Warbler............... Mniotilta varia......................................................... 8,15,8 

American Redstart.......................... Setophaga ruticilla ................................................... 8,15,8 

Ovenbird .......................................... Seiurus aurocapillus.................................................... 8 

Common Yellowthroat................... Geothlypis trichas......................................................8,63 

Hooded Warbler.............................. Wilsonia citrina ........................................................... 8 

Summer Tanager............................. Piranga rubra............................................................... 8 

Northern Cardinal .......................... Cardinalis cardinalis................................................ 8,15,8 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak................. Pheucticus ludovicianus.............................................. 8 

Indigo Bunting................................. Passerina cyanea .......................................................... 8 
Ochlockonee River State Park Animals 

 Primary Habitat Codes 

Common Name Scientific Name (for all species) 

 * Non-native Species A 4 - 11

Painted Bunting............................... Passerina ciris.............................................................. 8 

Eastern Towhee ............................... Pipilo erythrophthalmus.......................................... 8,15,8 

Henslow’s sparrow......................... Ammodrammus henslowii........................................... 8 

Bachman’s sparrow......................... Aimophila aestivalis..................................................... 8 

Chipping Sparrow .......................... Spizella passerina......................................................... 8 

Field Sparrow .................................. Spizella pusilla............................................................. 8 

Savannah Sparrow.......................... Passerculus sandwichensis.......................................... 8 

Red-winged Blackbird.................... Agelaius phoeniceus.................................................... 63 

Common Grackle ............................ Quiscalus quiscula....................................................... 8 

Brown-headed Cowbird................. Molothrus ater......................................................... 8,15,8 

Baltimore Oriole.............................. Icterus galbula ............................................................. 8 

MAMMALS 

Oldfield mouse ................................ Peromyscus polionotus............................................... 81 

Florida mink .................................... Mustela vison............................................................... 8 

Red bat.............................................. Lasiurus borealis.......................................................... 8 

Eastern pipistrel .............................. Pipistrellus subflavus .............................................flyover 

Striped skunk................................... Mephitis mephitis........................................................ 8 

Beaver ............................................... Castor canadensis ....................................................... 46 

Possum.............................................. Didelphis virginiana .................................................most 

Least shrew ...................................... Cryptotis parva ............................................................ 8 

Shorttailed shrew ............................ Blarina brevicauda ....................................................... 8 

Eastern mole .................................... Scalopus aquaticus....................................................most 

Nine-banded armadillo* ................ Dasypus novemcinctus............................................... 82 

Gray squirrel.................................... Sciurus carolinensis..................................................... 8 

Fox squirrel ...................................... Sciurus niger ............................................................... 8 

Southern flying squirrel ................. Glaucomys pinetis........................................................ 8 

Cotton mouse................................... Peromyscus gossypinus gossypinus............................ 8 

Hispid cotton rat ............................. Sigmodon hispidus....................................................... 8 

Gray fox ............................................ Urocyon cinereoargenteus........................................... 8 

Florida black bear............................ Ursus americanus floridanus ...................................... 8 

Raccoon............................................. Procyon lotor............................................................... 63 

River otter......................................... Lutra canadensis......................................................... 53 

Bobcat................................................ Felis rufus.................................................................... 8 

West Indian manatee ...................... Trichechus manatus latirostris................................... 53 

Wild pig* .......................................... Sus scrofa ..................................................................... 8 

White-tailed deer............................. Odocoileus virginianus............................................ 8,15,8 
Habitat Codes 

12

Terrestrial

1. Beach Dune 

2. Bluff 

3. Coastal Berm 

4. Coastal Rock Barren 

5. Coastal Strand 

6. Dry Prairie 

7. Maritime Hammock 

8. Mesic Flatwoods 

9. Mesic Hammock 

10. Coastal Grasslands 

11. Pine Rockland 

12. Prairie Hammock 

13. Rockland Hammock 

14. Sandhill 

15. Scrub 

16. Scrubby Flatwoods 

17. Shell Mound 

18. Sinkhole 

19. Slope Forest 

20. Upland Glade 

21. Upland Hardwood Forest 

22. Upland Mixed Forest 

23. Upland Pine Forest 

24. Xeric Hammock 

Palustrine

25. Basin Marsh 

26. Basin Swamp 

27. Baygall 

28. Bog 

29. Bottomland Forest 

30. Coastal Interdunal Swale 

31. Depression Marsh 

32. Dome 

33. Floodplain Forest 

34. Floodplain Marsh 

35. Floodplain Swamp 

36. Freshwater Tidal Swamp 

37. Hydric Hammock 

38. Marl Prairie 

39. Seepage Slope 

40. Slough 

41. Strand Swamp 

42. Swale 

43. Wet Flatwoods 

44. Wet Prairie 

Lacustrine

45. Clastic Upland Lake 

46. Coastal Dune Lake 

47. Coastal Rockland Lake 

Lacustrine

48. Flatwood/Prairie Lake 

49. Marsh Lake 

50. River Floodplain Lake 

51. Sandhill Upland Lake 

52. Sinkhole Lake 

53. Swamp Lake 

Riverine

54. Alluvial Stream 

55. Blackwater Stream 

56. Seepage Stream 

57. Spring-Run Stream 

Estuarine

58. Estuarine Algal Bed 

59. Estuarine Composite Substrate 

60. Estuarine Consolidated Substrate 

61. Estuarine Coral Reef 

62. Estuarine Grass Bed 

63. Estuarine Mollusk Reef 

64. Estuarine Octocoral Bed 

65. Estuarine Sponge Bed 

66. Estuarine Tidal Marsh 

67. Estuarine Tidal Swamp 

68. Estuarine Unconsolidated Substrate 

69. Estuarine Worm Reef 

Marine

70. Marine Algal Bed 

71. Marine Composite Substrate 

72. Marine Consolidated Substrate 

73. Marine Coral Reef 

74. Marine Grass Bed 

75. Marine Mollusk Reef 

76. Marine Octocoral Bed 

77. Marine Sponge Bed 

78. Marine Tidal Marsh 

79. Marine Tidal Swamp 

80. Marine Unconsolidated Substrate 

81. Marine Worm Reef 

Subterranean

82. Aquatic Cave 

83. Terrestral Cave 

Miscellaneous

84. Ruderal 

85. Developed 

MTC Many Types of Communities 

OF Over Flying 
Addendum 5—Designated Species List

Rank Explanations For FNAI Global Rank, FNAI State Rank, Federal Status And State Status 

 A 5 - 1 

The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Heritage Program Network (of which FNAI is a part) define an 

element as any exemplary or rare component of the natural environment, such as a species, natural 

community, bird rookery, spring, sinkhole, cave, or other ecological feature. An element occurrence (EO) is a 

single extant habitat that sustains or otherwise contributes to the survival of a population or a distinct, selfsustaining example of a particular element. 

Using a ranking system developed by The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Heritage Program Network, the 

Florida Natural Areas Inventory assigns two ranks to each element. The global rank is based on an element's 

worldwide status; the state rank is based on the status of the element in Florida. Element ranks are based on 

many factors, the most important ones being estimated number of Element occurrences, estimated abundance 

(number of individuals for species; area for natural communities), range, estimated adequately protected EOs, 

relative threat of destruction, and ecological fragility. 

Federal and State status information is from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Florida Game and 

Freshwater Fish Commission (animals), and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 

(plants), respectively. 

FNAI GLOBAL RANK DEFINITIONS

G1 = Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences or less than 

1000 individuals) or because of extreme vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or 

man-made factor. 

G2 = Imperiled globally because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than 3000 individuals) or 

because of vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor. 

G3 = Either very rare and local throughout its range (21-100 occurrences or less than 10,000 

individuals) or found locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction of other factors. 

G4 = apparently secure globally (may be rare in parts of range) 

G5 = demonstrably secure globally 

GH = of historical occurrence throughout its range, may be rediscovered (e.g., ivory-billed 

woodpecker) 

GX = believed to be extinct throughout range 

GXC = extirpated from the wild but still known from captivity or cultivation 

G#? = tentative rank (e.g.,G2?) 

G#G# = range of rank; insufficient data to assign specific global rank (e.g., G2G3) 

G#T# = rank of a taxonomic subgroup such as a subspecies or variety; the G portion of the rank refers 

to the entire species and the T portion refers to the specific subgroup; numbers have same 

definition as above (e.g., G3T1) 

G#Q = rank of questionable species - ranked as species but questionable whether it is species or 

subspecies; numbers have same definition as above (e.g., G2Q) 

G#T#Q = same as above, but validity as subspecies or variety is questioned. 

GU = due to lack of information, no rank or range can be assigned (e.g., GUT2). 

G? = not yet ranked (temporary) 

S1 = Critically imperiled in Florida because of extreme rarity (5 or fewer occurrences or less than 

1000 individuals) or because of extreme vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or 

man-made factor. 

S2 = Imperiled in Florida because of rarity (6 to 20 occurrences or less than 3000 individuals) or 

because of vulnerability to extinction due to some natural or man-made factor. 

S3 = Either very rare and local throughout its range (21-100 occurrences or less than 10,000 

individuals) or found locally in a restricted range or vulnerable to extinction of other factors. 

S4 = apparently secure in Florida (may be rare in parts of range) 

S5 = demonstrably secure in Florida 

SH = of historical occurrence throughout its range, may be rediscovered (e.g., ivory-billed 

woodpecker) 
Rank Explanations For FNAI Global Rank, FNAI State Rank, Federal Status And State Status 

 A 5 - 2 

SX = believed to be extinct throughout range 

SA = accidental in Florida, i.e., not part of the established biota 

SE = an exotic species established in Florida may be native elsewhere in North America 

SN = regularly occurring, but widely and unreliably distributed; sites for conservation hard to 

determine 

SU = due to lack of information, no rank or range can be assigned (e.g., SUT2). 

S? = not yet ranked (temporary) 

LEGAL STATUS

N = Not currently listed, nor currently being considered for listing,by state or federal agencies. 

FEDERAL (Listed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - USFWS) 

LE = Listed as Endangered Species in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants 

under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Defined as any species that is in danger 

of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 

PE = Proposed for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants as 

Endangered Species. 

LT = Listed as Threatened Species. Defined as any species that is likely to become an endangered 

species within the near future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 

PT = Proposed for listing as Threatened Species. 

C = Candidate Species for addition to the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. 

Defined as those species for which the USFWS currently has on file sufficient information on 

biological vulnerability and threats to support proposing to list the species as endangered or 

threatened. 

E(S/A) = Endangered due to similarity of appearance. 

T(S/A) = Threatened due to similarity of appearance. 

STATE

Animals (Listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - FFWCC) 

LE = Listed as Endangered Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species, subspecies, or isolated 

population which is so rare or depleted in number or so restricted in range of habitat due to 

any man-made or natural factors that it is in immediate danger of extinction or extirpation 

from the state, or which may attain such a status within the immediate future. 

LT = Listed as Threatened Species by the FFWCC. Defined as a species, subspecies, or isolated 

population which is acutely vulnerable to environmental alteration, declining in number at a 

rapid rate, or whose range or habitat is decreasing in area at a rapid rate and as a 

consequence is destined or very likely to become an endangered species within the 

foreseeable future. 

LS = Listed as Species of Special Concern by the FFWCC. Defined as a population which warrants 

special protection, recognition, or consideration because it has an inherent significant 

vulnerability to habitat modification, environmental alteration, human disturbance, or 

substantial human exploitation which, in the foreseeable future, may result in its becoming a 

threatened species.
Rank Explanations For FNAI Global Rank, FNAI State Rank, Federal Status And State Status 

 A 5 - 3 

STATE

Plants (Listed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - FDACS)

LE = Listed as Endangered Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as 

species of plants native to the state that are in imminent danger of extinction within the state, 

the survival of which is unlikely if the causes of a decline in the number of plants continue, and 

includes all species determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the Federal 

Endangered Species Act of 1973,as amended. 

LT = Listed as Threatened Plants in the Preservation of Native Flora of Florida Act. Defined as 

species native to the state that are in rapid decline in the number of plants within the state, 

but which have not so decreased in such number as to cause them to be endangered. 
Rank Explanations For FNAI Global Rank, FNAI State Rank, Federal Status And State Status 

 A 5 - 4 
Ochlockonee River State Park Designated Species—Plants 

Common Name/ Designated Species Status 

 Scientific Name FDACS USFWS FNAI 

 A 5 - 5 

Wiregrass gentian 

Gentiana pennelliana................................LE ...............................................................G3/S2 

Yellow butterwort 

Pinguicula lutea .......................................LE ...............................................................G3/S2 

Godfrey’s blazing star 

Liatris provincialis ...................................LE ...............................................................G2/S2 

Scare weed 

Baptisia simplicifolia ................................ LT ...............................................................G3/S3 

Southern twayblade 

Listera australis 

Palegreen orchid 

Platanthera flava 

Silkgrass 

Pityopsis flexuosa

Little ladiestresses 

Spiranthes tuberosa 

Yellow meadow beauty 

Rhexia lutea 

Cranefly orchid 

Tipularia discolor

Yellow-eyed grass 

Xyris scabrifolia
Ochlockonee River State Park Designated Species—Plants 

Common Name/ Designated Species Status 

 Scientific Name FDACS USFWS FNAI 

 A 5 - 6 
Ochlockonee River State Park Designated Species—Animals 

Common Name/ Designated Species Status 

 Scientific Name FFWCC USFWS FNAI 

 A 5 - 7 

MOLLUSKS 

 

FISH 

Suwannee bass 

Micropterus notius................................... LS ...........................................................G2G3,S2S3 

Gulf sturgeon 

Acipenser oxyrichus desotoi .........................................................LT ........................ G3T2/S2 

AMPHIBIANS 

Flatwoods salamander 

Ambystoma cingulatum.............................................................. LT ...........................G2/S2 

Eastern tiger salamander 

Ambystoma tigrinum ....................................................................................................G5/S3 

REPTILES 

American alligator 

Alligator mississippiensis......................... LS .......................... T(S/A) ....................... G5,S4 

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake 

Crotalus adamanteus..................................................................................................... G5,S3 

Eastern indigo snake 

Drymarchon corais cooperi.......................LT .............................. LT ......................... G4T3,S3 

Gopher tortoise 

Gopherus polyphemus.............................. LS ............................................................... G3,S3 

Southern hognose snake 

Heterodon simus.............................................................................................................G2,S? 

Alligator snapping turtle 

Macroclemys temminckii.......................... LS .............................................................G3G4,S3 

Florida pine snake 

Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus ............. LS ............................................................ G5T3?,S3 

Suwannee cooter 

Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis ......... LS ............................................................. G5T3,S3 

BIRDS 

Bachman’s warbler 

Aimophila aestivalis ......................................................................................................G3/S3 
Ochlockonee River State Park Designated Species—Animals 

Common Name/ Designated Species Status 

 Scientific Name FFWCC USFWS FNAI 

 A 5 - 8 

Cooper’s hawk 

Accipiter cooperii...........................................................................................................G4,S3? 

Great egret 

Ardea alba...................................................................................................................... G5,S4 

Little blue heron 

Egretta caerulea........................................ LS ............................................................... G5,S4 

Snowy egret 

Egretta thula............................................. LS ............................................................... G5,S4 

Tricolored heron 

Egretta tricolor......................................... LS ............................................................... G5,S4 

Swallow-tailed kite 

Elanoides forficatus ..................................................................................................... G4,S2S3 

Merlin 

Falco columbarius..........................................................................................................G4,SU 

Southern bald eagle 

Haliaeetus leucocephalus.......................... LT .............................. LT ........................... G4,S3 

Osprey 

Pandion haliaetus........................................................................................................ G5,S3S4 

Red-cockaded woodpecker 

Picoides borealis........................................ LT .............................. LE ........................... G3,S2 

Southern hairy woodpecker 

Picoides villosus ............................................................................................................G5,S3? 

MAMMALS 

Round-tailed muskrat 

 Neofiber alleni........................................... LS ............................................................... G3,S3 

Sherman’s fox squirrel 

Sciurus niger shermani ............................ LS ............................................................. G5T2,S2 

Florida black bear 

Ursus americanus floridanus................... LT ............................................................. G5T2,S2 

Manatee 

Trichechus manatus ..................................................................... LE ........................... G2,S2 
Addendum 6—Priority Schedule and Cost Estimates

Ochlockonee River State Park Priority Schedule And Cost Estimates 

A 6 - 1 

Estimates are developed for the funding and staff resources needed to implement the 

management plan based on goals, objectives and priority management activities. Funding 

priorities for all state park management and development activities are reviewed each year 

as part of the Division’s legislative budget process. The Division prepares an annual 

legislative budget request based on the priorities established for the entire state park 

system. The Division also aggressively pursues a wide range of other funds and staffing 

resources, such as grants, volunteers and partnerships with agencies, local governments and 

the private sector for supplementing normal legislative appropriations to address unmet 

needs. The ability of the Division to implement the specific goals, objectives and priority 

actions identified in this plan will be determined by the availability of funding resources for 

these purposes. 

Resource Management

1. Seek adequate funding help address natural and cultural resource management at 

Ochlockonee and Bald Point. Estimated Cost: $30,000 recurring annually. 

2. Conduct detailed floral and faunal surveys to build a more complete inventory for 

the Ochlockonee. Estimated Cost: $25,000. 

3. Control exotic plant species occurring on the park, striving to achieve maintenance 

control levels. Estimated Cost: $1000, plus $1000 recurring annually.

4. Restore ditches, culverts and sinkhole run-off hydrological alterations on park. 

Estimated Cost: $20,000.

5. Conduct a Level I archaeological survey of the park. Estimated Cost: $25,000. 

6. Purchase prescribed fire equipment and conduct burn activities. Estimated Cost: 

$4,000. 

7. Repair or restore areas of erosion on riverbank. Estimated Cost: $300,000. 

8. Conduct repairs to staff residence buildings. Estimated Cost: $30,000. 

9. Purchase equipment such as digital cameras to carry out long term monitoring of 

resource management endeavors Estimated Cost: $1,500. 

Total Cost:...............................................................................................................$716,500.00 

Capital Improvements 

Development Area or Facilities Estimated Cost 

 

Picnicking and Swimming....................................................................................$415,000.00 

Camping ..................................................................................................................$282,600.00 

Trails ............................................................................................................................$1,500.00 

Boating.....................................................................................................................$362,000.00 

Support Facilities....................................................................................................$330,000.00 

Total Cost with Contingency:..........................................................................$1,648,320.00
Ochlockonee River State Park Priority Schedule And Cost Estimates 

A 6 - 2