Messages

I think that you can go to e-mail
eshackleton@fs.fed.us

She is in charge of that program now as far as I know. If not she can get you in touch with who is.

Hey Grizzly. Can you find out when the FS is going to complete the trails in the area between Hwy 40 and SR316.
I was told when I purchased my annual permit to ride the trails last year that work was going to start and be completed in that area by this year. It is marked on my maps as part of the Access that was signed by the FS as phaseII alternate3 modified. So far all I have seen in the area is closures of existing roads and trails.
I don't think it is fair to us that an area this large has no designated ATV trails and is off limits to ride even though we pay the annual fee to ride there as part of the signed access agreement.
Any information you can provide will be passed on to the other riders in my area of the forest.
thanks.

I rode the entire 47 mile trail yesterday and must say I was impressed with the overall experience. There were a few places down in the Big Scrub area that needed to be better groomed and a few turns that needed better signage. It got a little confusing where the Srub Jay Loop Trail joins the Centenial trail. Don't worry Ranger Bob will be in there to help you out.
If you decide to ride this trail the whole length from Pipeline/40 trailhead to Big Scrub trailhead and on around back to Pipeline/40 bring plenty of extra gas, water, and bug spray. The deer flys were so bad they were bouncing off my glasses even at 10 and 15 mph.
About halfway to Big Scrub there is a huge cut on a hill east of the bombing range where you can stop and watch the Navy drop their live bombs and actually feel the ground shaking under your bike.
Have a safe holiday
Big John

Hey Griz. How you been?
I'm still available to help on the trails if you need help.

Please tell me about the area in Phase II North of 40 and South of 316
in the Pipeline unit. Also the area in Hopkins Prairie South of FR50 and West of FR65.to FR88. I have not seen any trail activity in these areas. Are they included in the July 1 changes or not.

Are the maps available showing the trails in the the Phase II areas??

Big John / Scrambletown

Don't do it. They will put you in jail and take your weapon. No guns are allowed in the forest except during the hunting seasons. No target practice is ever allowed anywhere other than the 88 gun range. If you have a concealed weapons permit you can carry a handgun concealed any time hunting is allowed on the Ocala. Some people think that they can carry a concealed handgun anytime because of the new WMA booklet rule but that is not what it says according to the forest service.
Just don't bring guns with you and you will have no trouble.

Has anyone heard how the trail system is coming along in the PhaseII area?
I recall reading that as of July 1 all roads and trails other than designated ones will be closed but I have seen no evidence of activity in that area such as signs, etc. There are a few other new rules coming into play on July1.

You don't need any flags on your machines but please wear a hunter orange vest on any trail in phase II. We are still in the general gun season here until January and the entire phase II is the dog hunting area. Just to be on the safe side I don't ride anywhere in the forest without hunter orange. It isn't required, but hunters, and I use the term loosely, on public land are trained NOT to shoot at anything orange that is moving. To some all other colors are fair game.
Just be careful please and have a great time.
Big John

No !! developed campsites only during general gun. Dispersed starts again in January.

The flag must be a minimum 10" wide and 12" long.
It must be hunter safety orange and be displayed a minimum of 6' from the top of your seat to the bottom of your flag.

Big John

Jayman. There is a no fire rule in effect until August 3 in all the Florida National  Forests. You are however allowed to have a propane grill or above ground pedistal grill. No ground fires at all.
Hope this helped you to make your plans for the weekend.