Ocala Forest is a Land of Contrasts

Ocala Forest is a Land of Contrasts

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By Susan Latham Carr

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST - You and your neighbors own 384,000 acres known as the Ocala National Forest. And this mighty land holding will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Nov. 24, 2008.
This forest, like some of its human neighbors, has survived fires, droughts, hurricanes, the Great Depression, the backlash of foreign wars and various federal administrations, not to mention expansions, Rainbow people and changes in lifestyles and technology.
For Marion County residents, "the Forest," as it is commonly called, is an accepted part of the landscape. But mention it in conversation, and one quickly fmds that it means different things to different people.
Some believe the Forest should be used and enjoyed by the citizens, who own it. Others feel it should be preserved as the natural wonder it is for future generations.
"We have always had that identity problem,"• said Rick lint, Ocala National Forest district ranger. "It's a forest of contrasts:'
For some, this 100-year-old national treasure is home. For many, it is a playground. For others, it represents a livelihood. Some find it is a relief from the pressures of daily life, a nature sanctuary. Some use it for target practice. For others, it is a graveyard. Some even use it as a hiding spot or a place to do their dirty deeds.
Lint is charged with trying to balance all the competing ideas for the public land that spreads across three Florida counties, most of it in Marion County.
"We want people to use the Forest, but how do we, at the same time, protect it so the uses can be sustained?" lint asked.