Lake George Ranger District
Tweets by @NFinFlorida !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? Sign up for the email list and join an active community of monthly readers. Real estate:What sold, and for how much? Short afternoon thundershowers often raise the humidity to about 90% while the temperatures range from 80F (27C) to 95F (35C). Boating, whether its kayaking, canoeing, or motorized, is a terrific way to explore Ocala National Forest. It is part of the south trail system off FR 573.. A small trail 20 miles (32km) long called the Scrubjay and a longer trail 42 miles (68km) long called the Centennial may be accessed from trailheads off FR 573. Now that you've learned all about the Florida Trail, one of the most dangerous hikes in Florida, it's time to dive into some other remarkable hiking spots in the Sunshine State. Blackwater rivers support southern coastal plain blackwater river floodplain forests of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) along their banks. Reservations are not necessary for dispersed camping in the forest, although . This was just one step in a multi-step process, though. A major component of the areas appeal is its location within the Ocala-to-Osceola(O2O)Wildlife Corridor, a100-milechain of public and private lands connecting the two national forests and spanning 1.6 million acres. The National Forests in Florida manage three national forests: the Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala. The Ocala is a unique and fascinating forest that offers an accommodating climate for year round recreating. Pinecastle targets have also been certified for laser operations. We have hitchhiked into town many times and have yet to be disappointed or scared. Fore Lake- Government campsite located 6.5 miles north of Hwy 40 on CR 314. In their guidebook, authors Friend and Keatley claim it is impossible to hitch in Florida, and that drivers may assume you are homeless. P-3 Orion and P-8 Poseidon aircraft will also use an instrumented range in the southeast quadrant of Lake George to conduct aerial mining training utilizing inert 500lb mines. All visitors engaging in water sports should keep safety first and foremost. Many unpaved roads in the forest can get washed out and easily flooded during rains so be sure to drive with caution and always be prepared. That's why the Forest Service has begun cracking down, making more arrests, writing more tickets, stiffening the rules that say who can stay in the woods and reducing the time campers can stay to only two weeks before having to leave. Hopefully Ive given you enough of a nudge to check out this spectacular and underrated outdoor destination. This is a national forest. Entrance Fees: There are no entrance fees to get into Ocala National Forest. Napalm and High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) are prohibited. been an incident between an ex-con and a hiker, but nevertheless we recommend taking a few precautions so that you remain inconspicuous and safe: Every February Ocala National Forest experiences a huge influx of of neo-hippies who call themselves the Rainbow Family of Living light. Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews The WESH 2 I-Team went on night patrol with forest rangers in areas considered so dangerous, even adventurous campers stay away. Its nearly 400,000 acres are located in Lake, Marion, and Putnam counties, and contain several hundred lakes, as well as Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Springs, and Juniper Springs. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, except on Wednesday when closed until noon for maintenance. What are the top natural wonders in Florida? Ask to be dropped off in a safe place (gas station, convenient store) ASAP if you feel uncomfortable. History can be found all around us: Seminole and Timicuan relics, wartime remnants, pioneer settlements, a replica of a prehistoric beast found in the springs. This film was created by the team at More Than Just Parks in partnership with the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau in an attempt to capture the beauty of the Ocala National Forest in a short film. A few hundred feet from Silver Springs State Park, youll find Sun Plaza Motel a family-friendly, mid-century classic. Please remember to get a valid hunting license and follow all regulations outlined by the FWC. Many hiking trails run through the forest including the Florida Trail, Salt Springs Observation Trail, Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail, St. Francis Trail, and Yearling Trail. A travel destination in its own right, the Ocala features more than 600 lakes and rivers where visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, canoeing and boating. strange bunch, however. That 1.2 million acres includes about 500,000 acres of wetlands and more than 85,000 acres of designated federal wilderness. Deer line the highways at sunset. Live ordnance is restricted to the Live Ordnance Impact Area; inert ordnance is used on all other targets. The trust would also consider pursuing other areas that borderLake Kerr through purchase or donationbut are not currentlypart of theBig Pine PreserveorOcala National Forest. Regardless, here are the places you are most likely to meet a homeless person: North of Ocala the Florida Trail passes within a few miles of Starke and soon after the trail goes through the town of Lake Butler. Yes the Ocala National Forest is home to the gentle giants known as Manatees, but its also home to alligators, black bears, and countless rare and beautiful bird species. They are a The forests are teeming with birds and all manners of wildlife and ribbons and pools of water shape this unique and wonderful wild place. Osceola National Forest Hunting is very popular in the Osceola National Forest. Because you will be isolated in remote and unfamiliar places, and be without a vehicle, your interactions with strangers have an unusually threatening edge to them. Marijuana is legal for recreational use in Washington & Oregon, and legal for medical use in California. But the quiet scrub brush and pine also hides an ugly secret. Ocala National Forest is located near Belleview, Lady Lake and Ocala. "They make up their own rules. The Florida Trail is not the PCT. leave it outside. One of those meth labs blew up at the campground at Lake Dorr.Forest rangers said the forest has become the Wild West of the new millennium.Even in broad daylight, the I-Team stumbled upon a naked man riding his bike out the woods. The Atlantic examined this unique and overlooked danger to women, The Trail crosses under these bridges and we've seen three different semi-permanent encampments there reminiscent of the Rainbow Tribe camps (see below). He said rangers have found people cooking methamphetamine in their campers or by the campfire. The best time to visit the Ocala National Forest is during the Winter when the temperatures are mild and pleasant (highs in the mid 70s), crowd sizes are down, and the year-round constant temperature of the natural springs can continue to be enjoyed. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its2022 Agency Regulatory Plan. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates water vessels and should be consulted for safety requirements, registration and other regulations. Interpretive signs explain the flora and fauna around you and boardwalks offer opportunities to walk amidst marshlands and old cypress trees. the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, OCALA National Forest 8K Florida (Visually Stunning 3min Tour) (https://youtu.be/PEJCGhlS1B0), Want to learn more? During one of our lawn-chair chats, Tom recommended visiting Lake Eaton our first of many forest jaunts located just up the road on winding roads, through mossy-oak tunnels, past a Dixie flag, blue crabs for sale and a few staunchly remaining Trump banners. A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. Current Rules and Regulations (Changes that take effect July 1 to be posted next week. With acres of dense, often unexplored forest, many fear what could be lurking inside. Our neighbors to the right, Terry and Lillian Gease, moved here from Holiday around four years ago and have accentuated their yard with a garden and patio. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as fourteen days in most campgrounds and even longer in other campgrounds, depending on the season. Wild turkeys and monkeys loiter in the parks. The most popular springs are Juniper, Alexander, Silver Glen and Salt Springs as well as the old Florida favorite closest to us, Silver Springs, famous for its glass-bottom boats. Its time to shine her up and restore her to her original glory to be enjoyed by nature-lovers of all ages and backgrounds. The Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail is a challenging 22-mile-long ride through live oak hammocks, grassy prairies, and pinelands. Some of the destinations along the way include Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, Florida Caverns State Park, Torreya State Park, Devil's Den, Ocala National Forest, Blowing Rocks Preserve, Everglades National Park, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The mild winters are fine for family camping while a summer canoe trip down a palm-lined stream is a cool way to spend an August day. "They make up their own rules. Have some lies prepped and ready if someone asks. 'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality. Two large state prisons are located in a rural area between A new trail system was added in 2008 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the forest. That is simply not true. There are visitor centers, nature trails, and a more than 50-mile section of theFlorida National Scenic Trail. If you will be hiking alone and are uncomfortable hitching, there is good news. dangerous. In addition to the Florida Forever goals, the land trust also pursues projects that furtheritsmission to protect natural resources, historic places and workinglands. The Ocala portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the forest north to south, winding through multiple ecosystems. This pristine, stunning journey is filled with lush, tropical forests, palms, cypress, and southern hardwoods at almost every turn. In short, it's a hiking enthusiast's dream come true. Alexander Beach entices with a beach-like shore, making it easy to inch into the water gradually, and Juniper Springs has remnants of an old pioneer village. Take your pack into the woods with you. This is a national forest.". Do you agree that its one of the most dangerous hikes in Florida? F/A-18 Hornet jet fighters and other aircraft take off from Naval Air Station Jacksonville or from aircraft carriers off the Florida coast, fly low over the forest, and drop their bombs in the middle 450 acres (1.8km2) of the range. Have you heard about this dangerous hike before? Regulations concerning hunting dogs can be found in FWC's. The results are pretty stunning if I do say so. In the past year, the US Forest Service has discovered 20 meth labs in the Ocala National Forest. "I came in here and said that's not acceptable. It was Floridas first major tourist attraction. McCarthynoted thatissues could arise if the landbecomessubjectto further development. There are also several wilderness areas for visitors seeking primitive conditions and solitude. The I-Team came across another man who said he's been living in the forest off and on for the past seven years. The Ocala National Forest lies between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers in North Florida. About the Ocala National Forest. To our left, ginger-and-white-mustached retiree Tom Seely tells captivating stories about his younger years on the road. If you want to observe them cut your motor and enjoy them from a distance (at least 50 ft away). She's witnessed beatings, rapes and stabbings by members of squatter gangs. Additional tips and options include: No. Note: Alligators are present throughout the forest and should never be approached. During that time all camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground. Tell them your lazy friends are dragging ass behind Commuting across SR 40 in Silver Springs, I see neglect, litter and unmet potential, not to diminish the efforts of a handful of intrepid entrepreneurs selling whoopie pies and providing unique and valuable goods and services. The Navy drops nearly 20,000 bombs a year at the site, a few hundred of which are live. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The best way to get to the Ocala National Forest is by flying into any one of the nearby major airports and then driving the short distance to the forest. Hunting is very popular in the Osceola National Forest. Recently, many people have taken to TikTok . Some areas are restricted to off-road vehicles; a detailed forest map can help provide information on areas open to off-road vehicles. Between the river boundaries of this Forest lie central highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps, springs, and hundreds of lakes and ponds. Dont let the high temps and potential crowds scare you off though. Our most exciting discovery has been, bar none, the Ocklawaha River its name a bastardization of ak-lowahe, Creek for muddy. When commuting via State Road 40, weve relished the bridge spanning the forest river populated by rows of bald cypresses, gum and bursts of red maple, an arboreal accent thats delightfully common in the forest. these two towns, Florida State Prison and Union Correctional Institution. They work as day laborers in Tavares, Eustis and Ocala earning between $50 and $150 a day. From beautiful ponds to cypress and gum swamps, this landmark does not lack variety. TheBig Pine Preserve, located adjacent to the Salt Springs Recreation Area,includes one of the states largest old-growth longleaf pine foreststhat have not yet been preserved. Official websites use .gov A .gov
Managed in cooperation with theU.S. Forest Service. Like something out of a fairytale, a long time ago someone put two steam passenger train cars from 1892 and created something magical, a house This magical home is one of a kind and an experience you dont want to miss. When prisoners are released, they often end up The 541 acres includes the Kerr City general store and stagecoach road dating back to the 1880s. While they use a lot of drugs, Rainbows are mostly harmless. Ranger Stations in Ocala National Forest As of March 2022, the ranger stations are still operating remotely. 850-523-8500, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/hunting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC WMA brochure for the Osceola National Forest, PINECASTLE RANGE COMPLEX NAVY TRAINING IMPACTS OCALA NF (FEB-MARCH 2023), Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting scheduled - JAN 17, 2023. Our job is to help people share and enjoy the forest, while conserving the environment for future generations. We recommend Sawyer Products Picardin Repellent on your skin and Sawyer Products Permethrin Repellent to treat your clothes, especially your pants and boots. soundbite, but no scientific study has ever demonstrated that the risk of becoming victim to a crime, any crime, is decreased by gun ownership. Some additional hiking destinations in Florida include Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Little Talbot Island, Big Shoals State Park, Bulow Creek State Park, Little Manatee River State Park, Torreya State Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Osceola National Forest, Collier-Seminole State Park, and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Your email address will not be published. Nearby Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area is even more lush and scenic. Both prisons house death row inmates and other violent criminals. In other words, you won't save any money at the campground versus a hotel in Palatka. The Ocala National Forest is in the southeastern conifer forests and the Florida sand pine scrub ecoregions. Mountain bikes are ideal and encouraged for this environment.[3]. At least two of those labs blew up into balls of flames. Category Filters. Listings Map. Water plays an important part in a variety of recreational opportunities in the forest. on the spot. They tied one guy to a tree using duct tape because he didn't live up to their code. Would they ask a woman to leave her large purse outside? It is located on County Road 316 just west of State Road 19. Rangers said one brazen squatter declared himself mayor of the wilderness area Buck Lake. Some areas are designated fee areas, such as the popular springs in the forest, but no fees are required in the rest of the forest. Enjoy the hike around the Juniper Springs, and Salt Springs . Copyright © 2023 More Than Just Parks | This post may contain affiliate links - read our Standards, Corrections, & Privacy Policy. Thats right, the oldest national forest in the eastern United States is found here in the untamed bottom lands of Florida and its a must-visit. Visit the U.S. Forest Service's information on. You can linger by a forest lake, fish, lounge, take a light hike, bird-watch, visit pioneer art exhibits and museums, go horseback riding, biking, rent a canoe, ride a tour boat on the St. Johns, kayak, paddleboard, drive an all-terrain vehicle and even a dirtbike there are designated spots for all of the above. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case. National Forests in Florida Supervisor's Office
Ocala National Forest Photos (200) Directions Print/PDF map Length 67.1 miElevation gain 1,807 ftRoute type Point to point Enjoy this 67.1-mile point-to-point trail near Fort Mc Coy, Florida. ). Share with us your thoughts in the comments section! The North Florida Land Trust recently received approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to add Big Pine Preserve to the Florida Forever program, whichprotectsconservation and recreation lands. Yes theres a quiet, intimate beauty to be found in the Ocala National Forest and its sure to amaze you if you let it. 4-wheeling, ATV riding, quad biking, or just plain wheeling is a popular past time in the Ocala National Forest. Hunt camps are available only during hunting season and require aspecial permit. It providescritical habitat to the regions animals. The Ocala National Forest offers many locations to ride Off-Road Vehicles. The dam, part of the misguided and incomplete Cross-Florida Barge Canal, was touted to bring more industry to the state. Meanwhile, the black bears in the Ocala National Forest are mostly harmless, but theyll let you know when they dont want to be bothered with whats called a bluff charge.. Closest Airport (Daytona Beach): DAB Daytona Beach International Airport (distance less than 50 miles from the forest or about an hour driving), 2nd Closest Airport (Orlando): MCO Orlando International Airport (distance about 70 miles from the forest or an hour and fifteen minutes driving), 3rd Closest Airport (Jacksonville): JAX Jacksonville International Airport (distance about 100 miles from the forest or 2 hours driving). The Rodman Reservoir system forms most of the northern and northwestern border as part of the Ocklawaha River Basin. COPYRIGHT REGISTRY TAMPA BAY 2023 | WEBSITE AND BRANDING BY THE MUG CREATIVE, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/ocala/recreation, https://castawaysontheriver.com/rentals/cottage-rentals/, https://www.facebook.com/kernsfamilykitchen/, https://www.marioncountyfl.org/departments-agencies/departments-o-z/parks-and-recreation/ma-barker-house, https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBlackBearScenicByway/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1124193221068730/permalink/1972066812948029. Fishing is another popular activity on the Ocala and renting a boat is a great way to enjoy a day of fishing. The Ocala National Forest is just north of Orlando and is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Sunscreen: For many of us visiting national forests in the summer means lots of sun. An eco-farm and retreat down the road from us, Ocalafornia, beckons with its blend of California lifestyle and Florida nature. Backpackers are not required to have a permit nor register with the ranger station prior to their outing, although filing a hiking plan with family and friends is highly recommended. With miles of OHV trails and muddy terrain, theres plenty of fun to be had behind the wheel of a ATV in Ocala. Southern coastal plain nonriverine basin swamps are large, seasonally flooded depressions of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora).[2]. Hikers can experience rolling hills in the open longleaf pine forest, vast prairies, wooden boardwalks through swamps, thick scrub oak ? At least two of those labs blew up into balls of flames. Heres an updated map of open and closed Ocala National Forest recreation and camping sites: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/ocala/recreation. lingering in one of these towns with little money and nowhere else to go. The Forest Service manages the national forests for multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish and wildlife. All air-to-ground exercises using conventional ordnance up to and including 500 pounds (230kg) MK 82 bombs and five-inch (127mm) Zuni rockets are authorized. Bicyclists can travel along a challenging 22-mile (35km) long ride on the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail. Most of the Apalachicola is a Florida wildlife management area (WMA). Don't do it. She fears for her own life, fled her campsite and asked us not to identify her. Here visitors can discover a primeval forest teeming with rare birds, alligators, manatees, and jaw-droppingly beautiful natural springs. The Ocala National Forest ls the second largest nationally protected forest in the U.S. State of Florida. In descending order of land area, it is located in parts of Marion, Lake, and Putnam counties. In the past year, the US Forest Service has discovered 20 meth labs in the Ocala National Forest. Because it was such great wood it was unfortunately overharvested, and were down to a small percentage of what it used to be years ago, so we really want to protect and continue to develop longleaf pine.. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Temperatures, while still very warm, are down from their scorching highs and most of the crowds have died down from the summer frenzy. NOTE: Manatees are present in some areas of the forest and can be injured or killed by motorized boats if drivers arent careful. The forests porous sands and largely undeveloped character provide an important recharge for the Floridan Aquifer. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Ocala National Forest Recreational Activities, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Inland scrub consists of sand pines (Pinus clausa) growing amid shrublands of evergreen oaks. Here visitors can discover a primeval forest teeming with rare birds, alligators, manatees, and jaw-droppingly beautiful natural springs. One of those meth labs blew up at the campground at Lake Dorr. Want to learn more? to become victims of gun violence. To be added to the program, areas must pass a vote by Florida Forevers Acquisition and Restoration Council. Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands. Rainbow Springs We found a remodeled 1965 block home on a .6-acre oak-shaded lot in the Forest Corners area, about halfway between Juniper and Silver Springs on the western edge of Big Scrub, aka the Ocala National Forest at 673 square miles the worlds largest sand pine scrub forest. Suite F-100
The admission to the Alexander Springs in Ocala is $6 per person on weekday and $10 on weekends. Hunters must following rules and regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC). 40 in the Ocala National Forest. So, to properly capture this other-worldly destination, we partnered with the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau to create a breathtaking film on the forest. Between the river boundaries of this Forest lie central highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps, springs, and hundreds of lakes and ponds. Forest recreation abounds. There are manyblack bearsin the area, as well aswild turkey,bald eagles,Florida scrub-jay,white-tailed deer,gopher tortoise,alligators andeastern indigo snake. Enjoy The Creekside Hiking Trails At The Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve In Florida, The One Loop Trail In Florida Thats Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year, If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Florida, Make Them These, 7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Florida To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead, The Tucked-Away Forest Setting For This Short Loop Hike In Florida Is Transcendent, The Landbridge Trailhead In Florida Is The Very First Wildlife Bridge In The State, The One-Of-A-Kind Trail In Florida With Black Bears And Boardwalks Is Quite The Hike, Come Hike Through The Florida Treasure Known As Hidden Waters Preserve, This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Florida Like Youve Never Seen It Before. Short afternoon thundershowers often raise the humidity to about 90% while the temperatures range from 80 F to 95 F. The average rainfall is approximately 55 inches per year. List of Criminal Activity in Ocala National Forest Since 2005 You can easily walk in without the need to hitch. The Ocala National Forest has four wilderness areas designated by Congress as places where habitats are untrammeled by man, protected and managed to preserve their natural state. You must be signed in to save park lists. Make a joke about it, seem annoyed at your friends, whatever, just don't sound nervous or like you're inventing the story A $26.50 Wildlife Management Area Permit is required for all hunters (except those indicated as exempt) to hunt in this area. Down-home mom-and-pop eateries keep it real. Salt Springs, so named because of its slightly higher-than-average sodium content, has the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with full hookups for RVs. Eating at a restaurant? There aren't many buses near the trail, but you can call a taxi. under the US90 bridge crossing the Suwannee River - festivals at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park seem to attract at least a few drifters who end up camped under the nearby bridges Ocala National Forest Camping: Campendium has 133 reviews of 22 Campgrounds in Ocala National Forest. Stay vigilant and avoid startling or provoking alligators in any way. 2. With only two forest rangers patrolling 400,000 acres, it's going to take a very long time to get this Wild West back under control. I traveled to Ocala in July of 2021 with my brother Will to make our film on the forest and we were blown away by the immense beauty of the place. Near the Juniper Prairie Wilderness and Juniper Springs is "The Yearling Trail", the location where The Yearling was filmed. The Navy has used the area for target practice for 50 years under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. They are Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, and Alexander Springs. Note: Biting insects including ticks are abundant in the spring and summer months so if you plan on hiking then be sure to use tick repellent and take precautions to protect yourself. United States. Tallahassee, FL 32303
Ranger said he's been a problem for years. But thanks to the efforts of activist Marjorie Carr and a partisan reversal by President Nixon, the canal project discontinued and the reservoir is now drawn every three years to replenish its resources. Silver Springs, FL 34488
Dogs are allowed on national forests including Ocala. Please leave me a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments. "I came in here and said that's not acceptable. An official website of the
The Lake Dorr cabin is nestled on the south end of Lake Dorr and can accommodate 10 persons. The FWC also manages theOcala WMA. Several boat ramps are available in the forest. He wrote that he has taken a vow of silence to God, and that he's been living in the forest for four years.Rangers believe at least 300 squatters like Jahlee live in the forest year-round.The I-Team came across another man who said he's been living in the forest off and on for the past seven years.Many people living in the forest live under a different set of laws -- laws enforced by gangs of squatters who have taken up residence in the woods.Rangers said one brazen squatter declared himself mayor of the wilderness area Buck Lake.When another squatter threatened a group of Boy Scouts with a knife, rangers said they had to shut the entire area down.