Just FYI, here is some info posted on the forest service web page -
NOTICE FROM THE FOREST SERVICE:
Due to the ice storm that occurred in Arkansas during the week of January 26, 2009, all recreation areas within the Ozark National Forest are CLOSED until further notice! Please see the following news release for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Debbie Ugbade
January 30, 2009 (501) 321-5202
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Begin Storm Damage Assessment
HOT SPRINGS, AR-- More than half of the 1.2 million acre Ozark National Forest in Arkansas is closed due to widespread damage left in the wake of the severe ice storm that swept through the state earlier this week. Downed power and communication lines coupled with extensive damage to trees brought all activity in the forest north of I-40 to a near standstill.
According to Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Recreation Officer Gary Knudsen, available employees are currently focused on the safety of the public and employees. “We have assembled an incident management team to take the lead on clearing areas of the forest, focusing first on aspects of the damage that may have placed forest visitors and our own employees in danger,” he said. “This team and members of my staff are working closely with our partners in each of these areas to determine the remaining priorities in getting things back up and running.”
Forest officials say that it could be weeks before an accurate estimate of the damage to facilities and natural resources could be assessed. Until the extent of damage is known and all travel routes and recreation areas are cleared, the forest north of Interstate 40 will remain closed. “We know this an inconvenience, but our first concern is the safety of the public and our employees,” said Knudsen.
According to Incident Commander Mark Morales some of the areas mirror damage left in the wake of a tornado. “We’re looking at having to clear up to ¾ of the roads in some places. Right now our main concern is getting crews into all areas of the forest as quickly as possible to make sure that we don’t have people out there that need our help.”
Forest Service offices in Jasper and Mountain View, AR are without power, phones, radios or water and are closed for the remainder of the week. Employees on these districts have been unable to report to work due to downed power lines and trees.
“We’re working to get things back to normal as soon as we can,” said Morales. “But seeing what we have thus far, it’s clear that it will take us a while to recover.”
The Ouachita National Forest to the south experienced much less damage with no closures resulting from the ice storm. Assessments of damage to natural resources are ongoing.
For more information on ice storm damage, log on to HYPERLINK "http://www.aokforests.com" www.aokforests.com and navigate to the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest webpage or contact the Supervisors Office at 479-964-7200.
I guess I was "breaking the rules Saturday" I was at Haw creek campground and it didn't look any different than usual. I was wondering, does this mean we can't use the forest at all? If i drive down Hwy 123 and went to Pam's Grotto (which is completely clear) am I going to be in trouble?
I can't believe they will give tickets or anything like that - kind of tough to defend if there are not signs, but then they certainly won't sign everything - at least I hope not - that would be silly! Besides, someone might run around and tear them all down.......
I personally think its a bunch of crap. I trust us Arkansans to make the correct choice and use our own personal judgment to determine if something is unsafe or stupid to attempt. I wish the forest service would give everyone the same treatment.
Posted by Tom Kennon on February 2, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Here is an update from a few paddlers that have been working on the road to Richland Creek. It sounds bad in that area.
Re: Richland road blocked by trees
Feb 1, 2009. The last mile to the campground is still blocked. Almost a dozen of us made it 2 miles today. Horizontal trees the whole way. It is unbelievable, but I swear every tree on the hillsides is damaged to some degree.
Tim, I also called and talked to the Ozark office about what I saw yesterday.
Thanks for the info Tom. Turns out the only "recreation areas" that are closed are the campgrounds - the rest of the forest is OPEN to visitor use as normal, contrary to what their own new release says that is posted above. You got to love our government - they are really great at talking out of both sides of their mouths at the same time! I would simply ignore all of this...
Discussion
5 repliesNOTICE FROM THE FOREST SERVICE:
Due to the ice storm that occurred in Arkansas during the week of January 26, 2009, all recreation areas within the Ozark National Forest are CLOSED until further notice! Please see the following news release for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Debbie Ugbade
January 30, 2009 (501) 321-5202
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Begin Storm Damage Assessment
HOT SPRINGS, AR-- More than half of the 1.2 million acre Ozark National Forest in Arkansas is closed due to widespread damage left in the wake of the severe ice storm that swept through the state earlier this week. Downed power and communication lines coupled with extensive damage to trees brought all activity in the forest north of I-40 to a near standstill.
According to Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Recreation Officer Gary Knudsen, available employees are currently focused on the safety of the public and employees. “We have assembled an incident management team to take the lead on clearing areas of the forest, focusing first on aspects of the damage that may have placed forest visitors and our own employees in danger,” he said. “This team and members of my staff are working closely with our partners in each of these areas to determine the remaining priorities in getting things back up and running.”
Forest officials say that it could be weeks before an accurate estimate of the damage to facilities and natural resources could be assessed. Until the extent of damage is known and all travel routes and recreation areas are cleared, the forest north of Interstate 40 will remain closed. “We know this an inconvenience, but our first concern is the safety of the public and our employees,” said Knudsen.
According to Incident Commander Mark Morales some of the areas mirror damage left in the wake of a tornado. “We’re looking at having to clear up to ¾ of the roads in some places. Right now our main concern is getting crews into all areas of the forest as quickly as possible to make sure that we don’t have people out there that need our help.”
Forest Service offices in Jasper and Mountain View, AR are without power, phones, radios or water and are closed for the remainder of the week. Employees on these districts have been unable to report to work due to downed power lines and trees.
“We’re working to get things back to normal as soon as we can,” said Morales. “But seeing what we have thus far, it’s clear that it will take us a while to recover.”
The Ouachita National Forest to the south experienced much less damage with no closures resulting from the ice storm. Assessments of damage to natural resources are ongoing.
For more information on ice storm damage, log on to HYPERLINK "http://www.aokforests.com" www.aokforests.com and navigate to the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest webpage or contact the Supervisors Office at 479-964-7200.
###
Re: Richland road blocked by trees
Feb 1, 2009. The last mile to the campground is still blocked. Almost a dozen of us made it 2 miles today. Horizontal trees the whole way. It is unbelievable, but I swear every tree on the hillsides is damaged to some degree.
Tim, I also called and talked to the Ozark office about what I saw yesterday.