Proposed National Forest Land Swap for Rec Park Draws Pushback from Wakulla Neighbors

Wakulla County is advancing a controversial plan to swap county land near Lawhon Mill Rd. (and possibly cash) in Sopchoppy for 150+ acres of Apalachicola National Forest east of Revadee Spears Rd. (Crawfordville) to build a new recreation complex. Neighbors, who have been largely kept in the dark about the details and scope of the plan, say the move would push heavy traffic through residential streets and clear forest in a sensitive springs/karst area—when non-Forest sites could be pursued.

County Administrator David Edwards confirmed the swap concept and noted the County has “been working this deal… probably back to 2013,” adding the Forest Service claims it wants the County’s tract to consolidate land for prescribed burning while the County seeks the Revadee Spears site for access and location. He wrote that once a potential deal is close, he will brief the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

Residents who’ve reviewed the plan argue the swap undercuts the County’s own goal to “preserve county character,” threatens habitat and groundwater, and funnels tournament/event traffic through neighborhood roads. Several are urging the BOCC to withdraw from the swap and study non-Forest alternatives—including sites discussed in public forums and the County’s Adopted Infrastructure Plan process, which is designed to guide funding and siting for parks and other facilities. The County has just recently posted its AIP page and presentation online for public input.

Why this matters: URGENT — COUNTY COMMENT WINDOW CLOSES TOMORROW (FRI, OCT 17, 2025)

Wakulla County’s Adopted Infrastructure Plan (AIP) public-comment period runs Sept 24–Oct 17, 2025. That means the County’s online portal closes tomorrow. This is the official place to tell the BOCC you want non-Forest park sites evaluated (and to say you oppose a swap).

• Neighborhood impacts: High-volume park traffic would likely rely on nearby neighborhood streets.

• Environment: Clearing Forest acreage near the Woodville Karst Plain/Wakulla Springs spring-shed raises groundwater and habitat concerns.

• Process: Residents say the swap has not been meaningfully vetted in open public workshops that either seek or compare non-Forest sites.

How to submit a public comment:

1) Wakulla County — Adopted Infrastructure Plan (AIP) public comment-Use the County’s AIP page to submit feedback asking the BOCC to pursue non-Forest sites and hold a public workshop comparing alternatives:
https://www.mywakulla.com/departments/county_administrator/adopted_infrastructure_plan.php

2) U.S. Forest Service — project page & comment portal:

When the federal comment window opens, submit a separate comment (this preserves your right to file a formal objection later).
USFS project page (Ivan Tract — Wakulla County Land Exchange 67584):https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/florida/projects/67584
USFS comment portal (CARA) for this project: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=67584

What to include federally:

• State you oppose the exchange; request No Action.

• Cite traffic, karst/groundwater, wildlife/habitat, and the availability of non-Forest alternatives.

• Ask the USFS to analyze reasonable alternatives and disclose appraisals/impacts before a decision.

Who to contact (optional):

• USFS District Ranger (National Forests in Florida): Ivan Green, 325 John Knox Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, (850) 523-8500.

• USFS Region 8 (Atlanta) & USFS Chief (DC)

Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Why show up on October 27th 4PM:

Wakulla’s leaders need to hear—directly from neighbors—that we want new parks without a National Forest land swap. Join this meeting to ask commissioners to withdraw the county’s request for the swap, schedule a public workshop on non-Forest sites, and require a full look at traffic, springs/karst, and habitat before any site decision. Your voice on the record matters: one calm, 2–3 minute comment can help keep our forest public and push the County toward smart, accessible recreation options.

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Editors Note: They told you only so much of Wakulla County's land was available for development and here we are with a land swamp for forest. What a coincidence.