In 2008 9,034 acres of state-owned land in Seminole County, south of the Little Big Econ State Forest, was named the Charles H. Bronson State Forest. The land was significant as a representation of Central Florida's historical agriculture and lumber industry. Under the management of the Division of Forestry the state forest offers outdoor recreation opportunities while creating a natural habitat for wildlife. Cattle ranchers may lease the land, as well.
Charles H. Bronson was the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the State of Florida from 2001 to January 2011. The forest was named in his honor because his family had been active in agriculture land management in Central Florida for three generations.
The state forest land is surrounded by private farming lands. It's not unusual for cattle amble over to the parking area to greet people as they arrive. Curious horses occasionally wait at the fence by the road. Private property still remains within the state forest borders.
The Joshua Creek Tract is off of Phillips Road in Christmas. A one-lane dirt road leads visitors to the ample parking area. Picnic tables are available, but trash must be carried out. There are no restroom facilities.
According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal article, "Panther tracks found along St. John's River" by Dinah Voyles Pulver, Biologists Dave Turner and Bryan Ames, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discovered panther tracks in the forest one day while installing a fence. The sighting is most unusual for this area of Florida, but not unprecedented. In March 2008, a panther was sighted in Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach by park rangers.
Trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, accessed from the Joshua Creek Tract, wind through the property and the varied ecosystems. The equestrian trail is six-and-a-half miles long and crosses several creeks. The Florida National Scenic Trail intersects the forest and is reached from the parking area. A white blazed trail connects the Florida Trail to the Orlando Wetlands Park and through the use of a short connector trail blazed in blue, forms a loop trail with the Florida Trail within the forest.
For more information about the Charles H. Bronson State Forest visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Forestry website.
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