The majority of these tracts adjoin the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin, the body of water that gives the forest its name. Since 1977, Lake Talquin State Forest has been managed by the Division of Forestry using the multiple-use concept, which balances environmental, recreational and resource use needs.
Emphasis is given to reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor recreation.
Lake Talquin State Forest is located just west of Tallahassee in western Leon County and southern Gadsden County in the panhandle of Florida. The presence of Lake Talquin and the Ochlockonee River provide Lake Talquin State Forest with many varied forms of topography. Outstanding examples of the slope and ravine forest communities are located on the west side of the Talquin Tract and throughout the Fort Braden and Bear Creek Tracts. Other examples of the natural communities found on the forest include flatwoods, rolling uplands, swamps, sandhills and hardwood forest. Many coniferous and deciduous trees combine to create a unique forest cover.