12 May Tread Lightly! Impact Report: Ocala National Forest Blue Sink Clean and Krawl
Project: Ocala National Forest Blue Sink Clean and Krawl
Location: Florida
Description: On April 27, the Florida Off-Road Foundation supported a cleanup project in an area of the Ocala National Forest referred to as Blue Sink. This recreation area, with its beautiful blue pond, is a perfect place for a picnic or to simply get out into the forest for a peaceful, quiet time of reflection.
The pond area is not open to OHV or full-size vehicles, although there is a parking area for vehicles allowing visitors to walk down to the recreation area. Unfortunately, the gates were torn down which prohibited vehicle access, the trails were abused, and significant trash was often left in this area.
As a result, this area has been temporarily closed until the gates are replaced, simultaneously encouraging visitors to keep the area clean. This location is still referenced on old versions of the forest paper map, so the only way to know the area is closed is to stay current with a mapping app such as Avenza. The cleanup removed all trash left behind by visitors with the hope that this area can be, once again, open for long-term enjoyment.
Following the cleanup activity, volunteers were able to have conversations with two different groups of OHV riders about how to be responsible by following the T.R.E.A..D. Principles and to help educate other OHV riders they might interact with. This cleanup was a great step in a long-term effort to Protect the Fun and Protect the Adventure for the Blue Sink recreation area.
Thank you to the partners who made this possible:
“Most often we work on trails or public land that is currently open for motorized recreation. Today, I had the privilege to work in an area of the forest that had been temporarily closed due to bad behavior by some forest users, preventing access by those that have been responsible. It is so unfortunate that a small few have such a negative impact on the majority who follow the rules and requirements on our public lands. Hopefully this day is the start of the repair and reopening of this beautiful recreation area. Thank you to Florida Off-Road Foundation for helping to fund today’s cleanup effort and for the work of the Ocala National Forest Alliance for your continued efforts to help Protect the Adventure and Protect the Fun for all forest users.” – Lowell Eckart, Southeast Program Manager
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