(Gainesville)- Although recreation opportunities are available this Memorial holiday weekend with the reopening of additional trails and recreation areas, some facilities and services remain limited on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
Visitors should know what to expect before leaving home: Restrooms and vault toilets are closed and there are no trash services available. While work continues opening trails and roads, staffing may remain limited to encourage safe distancing. This may also cause a delay in rescue operations. It is not recommended that visitors engage in risky recreation activities at this time.
Visitors to the National Forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests are coordinating with federal, state and county officials to reopen areas once it can be accomplished safely. Campgrounds, visitor centers, picnic pavilions, restrooms and other developed recreation sites remain closed due to continued limitations on gatherings and the limited availability of cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment.
Forest Service staff are examining each site to ensure operations comply with current public health guidance. Additional recreation sites including some campgrounds are expected to reopen in June.
For updated information on temporary closures on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/
