Rodman Dam/Ocala National Forest Trail Maintenance 2021_Nov 2nd Workday

Join the Black Bear Chapter of the FTA for a volunteer trail maintenance project on the Florida National Scenic Trail in the Ocala National Forest. Camping is provided at the OHV center on the National Forest and work will be done from Rodman Dam heading south.

We will do routine trail maintenance on the FNST starting at Rodman Dam and working south. The Florida Trail Association will provide tools, PPE, and food for the project and volunteers are responsible for bringing their own camping gear, day pack to carry lunch, water bottles, and other personal items. RVs are allowed here but there are no RV hookups at the OHV Center.

Please arrive after 4pm on the 28th. This is not a work day, but time to set up camp. Work begins the morning of the 29th and runs until the 2nd.

Camping is provided at the Fore Lake Campground in the Ocala National Forest and work will be done from Rodman Dam heading south on the FT. The Fore Lake Campground features a large group area with full restroom facilities. The campground also includes ample parking and a gated area with picnic benches and a covered pavilion. RVs are allowed here but there are no RV hookups at the Fore Lake Center.

The Florida Trail through this section is characterized by tall longleaf pine forests, palmetto undergrowth and sprawling sandhill communities. Florida black bear sightings are most common along this segment, as are Florida scrub jays which thrive in this type of environment.

Hiking boots and long pants are required. Long-sleeve t-shirts are recommended.

This event is a free volunteer opportunity. No previous trail maintenance experience is necessary. Join our crew and have fun!

Please note: In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the FTA team and our partners have dedicated extensive time and care into creating new and safe operating procedures for our FTA events and volunteer work parties. With these in place, our focus is to minimize all participants’ possible exposure to the virus as much as possible. The comfort and safety of our FTA community members is of utmost priority to us.

In order to participate in ANY FTA event, you must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 day prior to attending the event. You must provide this information by completing one of the official forms.

- use this form if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19

- use this form if you have NOT been vaccinated against COVID-19 OR choose to opt out of submitting your vaccine status. By choosing this option, you MUST provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before the event you plan to attend.

Per the FTA Covid-19 protocols we will break into crews of no more than 5 members each day, working on different sections of the trail. Camping will also be broken up into teams of no more than 5 members with one centralized kitchen cooking for the group. Meals will be served and taken back to each camp. Masks will be required when social distancing is not possible and sanitation guidelines will be strictly adhered to.

Host or Publisher Florida Trail Association