Thousands of cars (including our own) pass this spot on State Route 80 daily without ever glancing at the tower or wondering what it's doing there. Curiosity led to investigation which led to this placement of this our first geocache.
The Florida Forest Service has guided the operation of state forests for 75 years. The primary mission of the 1,250 employees, while managing these lands, is to protect and maintain the biological diversity of the many ecosystems found in and around the state forests while integrating public use of the resoures, ensuring that they will be available for future generations.
Wildfire prevention and suppression are key components in efforts to protect homeowners from the threat of damage in a natural, fire-dependent environment. Education and training of the public helps those goals be met.
In addition to managing over one million acres of state forests, the Florida Forest Service maintains a balance usage: Public use, timber interests, recreation and wildlife habitat. Landowners throughout the state are provided with technical information and grant programs.
At this location the tower can be accessed, just ask at the office during business hours. For those who complete the trek to the top, the staff will provide an official certificate of completion.
For more information http://www.freshfromflorida.com/#Forests-Wildfire
Florida Forest Service has a newly installed 150 foot mural just up the road a ways across the Peace River in Bradenton, FL check it out at:
http://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article59867246.html
Now for the puzzle. This is a substitution puzzle which when correctly solved will lead you to the cache..
N 2D 4C.ABC
W 08C 4D.DDB
A=C+D
B= How many trees on Forestry Shield
C=How many fire observation towers on this property
D=2xB
BYOP
CO has permission to place this cache on Florida Forestry Service property.