Bladen Lakes State Forest
BLSF is a working forest, which means it is actively managed and creates its own income. Yearly revenues are generated through timber sales, pine straw sales and cooking of charcoal. It is an active partner in the Forest Stewardship Program contributing significantly to the regions clean water and air, protection of the soil, wildlife habitat, recreational resources and timber supplies.
The general public is invited to visit the forest and enjoy the scenery and multitude of landscape features, like the Carolina bays, pocosins, sand ridges, river bottoms and swamps. Horseback riding and camping at designated places is welcomed. Street legal vehicles can be used on the 100+ miles of roads and trails as long as these are not behind closed gates. There is a long list of other activities people can do at BLSF. Some use the lack of lights in the forest for star gazing at night. Several universities, community colleges and other scientific organizations have study sites within the forest boundaries. Several agencies and the military use the forest as training ground. Many activities other than hunting require a Special Use Permit, which can be obtained from the office free of charge during regular office hours.
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Map of BLSF
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BLSF office
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Charcoal cooking
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Young Longleaf Straw Stand
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Old Cemetery near BLSF office
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Logging operation
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Prescribed burning
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Prescribed burning on BLSF
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Cypress swamp on Bladen Lakes State Forest
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Cypress swamp on BLSF in early summer
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Picture taken during Perseids meteor shower event August 14, 2015
References
- ^ "Bladen Lakes State Forest". www.ncforestservice.gov. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ Journal, Bladen (September 26, 2019). "Project in Bladen Lakes State Forest comes of age". Bladen Journal. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ ncforestservice (February 23, 2017). Making Charcoal at Bladen Lakes State Forest. Retrieved June 20, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Recreation and Education". www.ncforestservice.gov. Retrieved June 20, 2024.