Longleaf pine and wiregrass restoration projects are ongoing in Lake Talquin State Park. These native plants are valued for their economic, ecological, genetic and aesthetic benefits. The goal of the project is to restore the natural plant communities of this fire-dependent habitat in order to sustain the sandhill community in the park.
The Florida Power Corp. previously owned the property within the park and maintained the Jackson Bluff Hydro Project facility, producing electricity until other sources became more cost-effective. During their ownership, the land was leased to a development company, which harvested trees from the property. The presence of longleaf pine was probably much more extensive on the property before this logging activity began.
The meager population of longleaf pines and wiregrass left was eventually overtaken by hardwoods such as laurel oaks and sweetgums. This led to development of a restoration plan that with proper action and time is leading this area toward recovery of a natural longleaf pine sandhill community. It is also enhancing the park’s biodiversity and is returning it to its original domain as well as adding beauty to the landscape while preserving the park's natural heritage.
