Let it be forest

We’ve got a few spots left for our upcoming trip to the wetlands restoration area at Deer Lake State Park in Walton County. Join us to learn about this critical ecological site and enjoy a diversity of pitcherplants and orchids!

Register here: https://www.flawildflowers.org/event/260430-field-trip-deer-lake/

Florida's Big Bend region, between the Apalachicola River and Tallahassee, boasts 138 tree species, making it one of the most botanically diverse areas in the US. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Biodiversitymapping.org

#2 Jeff Talbert photo he allowed Let it be forest to us on our page. Vote and donate today

Very sad news today

It’s with profound sadness that we share the passing of Mike Mathis, manager of the Florida Forest Service’s Chipola Forestry Center. Mike passed last week after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mike began his FFS career in 2007 as Holmes County Forester before working his way up to managing the Panama City area center, which oversees wildland fire operations and forestry across seven counties.

After Hurricane Michael devastated much of the area in 2018, Mathis was instrumental in leading response teams with chainsaws and heavy equipment. For years after the storm, he led recovery efforts, working with landowners to help restore the community, earning the prestigious National Wildfire Mitigation Award. His selfless service and leadership helped sustain the center during these trying times, and his commitment to the state was evident during many active wildfire seasons.

Mike also played a key role in the addition of the new Sandy Creek State Forest, more than 12,000 acres of public land near Panama City that will benefit Floridians for generations.

Mike’s impact on the Florida Forest Service and the state of Florida will continue to touch lives for years to come. His remarkable leadership, lighthearted spirit, and genuine kindness are lasting gifts to the state and to everyone fortunate enough to have worked alongside him.

Our deepest condolences go out to Mike’s family, friends, and the entire Florida Forest Service community.

Some photos from the restoration project at Deer Lake State Park

It has just come to my attention that the proposed Walton County 2026 budget includes $350,000 for another study for the Connector road between 98 and 30A through Point Washington State Forest and Deer Lake State Park.
The final budget hearing is Monday September 22 at 5:00 in Defuniak.
Attend and object to this waste of our tax payer money.
If you can not attend call or email the commissioners

walton.civicweb.net