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View Full Version : Cherokee National Forest Closures due to hurricane



TNhiker
09-13-2018, 17:19
This came down from the forest service this afternoon...



CLEVELAND, TENN, September 13, 2018 – The USDA Forest Service is closely tracking theforecast models of Hurricane Florence. It has been determined that it is necessary to close alldeveloped (improved facilities) campgrounds and certain other areas in the northernportion (Unaka and Watauga ranger districts) of Cherokee National Forest by FridaySeptember 14 at 12 noon. Sites will be evaluated for health and safety and reopened asconditions allow following the storm passage.The closures are being implement in the interest of public health and safety. Forest Serviceofficials at the Cherokee National Forest strongly recommend that, due to expected windand rainfall, the public not use trails or general forest areas. Emergency response times willbe multiplied if an incident or medical emergency were to occur.Excessive rain and high wind have the potential to create high water, flash floods, falling trees,mudslides, and severe damage to facilities and roads. Much of the Cherokee National Forest isheavily forested, remote and mountainous, making the potential for hazardous conditionssignificant.Anyone planning a visit anywhere in the Cherokee National Forest should seriously considerpostponing their visit until the threat of Florence diminishes.For outdoor safety information visit:https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r8/home/?cid=fsbdev3_066387-more-News ReleaseMedia Contact: Terry McDonald(423) 476-9729USDA Forest ServiceCherokee National Forest2800 Ocoee Street N.Cleveland, TN 37312Web: http://fs.usda.gov/cherokeeSome Areas of Cherokee National Forest ClosingHurricane Florence - Cherokee National ForestUSDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.United States Department of AgriculturePage 2 – Cherokee National ForestThe following areas in Cherokee National Forest will be closed at noon on Friday September14, 2018. This will include the temporary suspension of creating reservations onwww.recreation.gov. Cancelled reservations, for this timeframe, will be refunded by thereservation service.Watauga Ranger District (northeast Tennessee -Carter, Sullivan, and Johnson counties):Developed areas Backbone Rock Campground Backbone Rock Recreation Area Pavilions Little Oak Campground Jacob’s Creek Campground Jacob’s Creek Day Use Area Jacob’s Creek Shooting Range Dennis Cove Campground Shook Branch Day Use Area Rat Branch Boat Ramp Pond Mountain Shooting Range Watauga Point Recreation Area Little Milligan Boat Ramp The Laurels Picnic Area PavilionsDispersed areas Little Stoney Camping AreaUnaka Ranger District (northeast Tennessee – Cocke, Unicoi and Greene counties):Developed areas Round Mountain Houston Valley Bubbling Springs Shooting Range Paint Creek Horse Creek Rock Creek Chestoa Scioto Shooting Range Round Knob Old Forge Limestone CoveDispersed areas Weaver’s Bend Paint Creek Corridor Courtland Place-moreUSDAis an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.United States Department of AgriculturePage 3 – Cherokee National ForestCherokee National Forest Supervisor JaSal Morris said, “We are implementing this closure forpublic safety concerns. With the uncertainty of the extent of impacts from Hurricane Florencewe believe this closure is prudent and necessary. Depending on the path of Florence it may benecessary to close additional areas.I’d like to emphasize that if you are planning a visit to any portion of the Cherokee NationalForest in the next several days you should seriously consider postponing your visit until thethreat of Florence in this area diminishes.Our highest priority is employee and national forest visitor safety. The closure will be lifted assoon as the storm threat has passed and damage assessments are completed.”For information about conditions in Cherokee National Forest call any of the following ForestService offices:o Forest Supervisor’s Office – Cleveland, TN: 423-476-9700o Ocoee Ranger District – Benton, TN: 423-338-3300o Ocoee Whitewater Center – Copperhill, TN: 423-496-0100o Tellico Ranger District – Tellico Plains, TN: 423-253-8400o Unaka Ranger District – Greeneville, TN: 423-638-4109o Watauga Ranger District – Unicoi, TN: 423-735-1500Visit online at: http://fs.usda.gov/cherokee-USDAForestService

Slo-go'en
09-13-2018, 20:11
Short version : get out of the damn woods and stay out!