USDA Forest Service honors employees
Press Release November 10, 2021
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Regional Forester’s Honor Award Ceremony was held on November 3 to recognize groups and individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to excellence and teamwork for the greater good of U.S. forests. The theme for the Southern Region’s virtual awards ceremony was “Together We Rise.”
“I am proud that the outstanding work accomplished by employees on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests this year is being recognized,” said Forest Supervisor Edward Hunter. “Of course, we couldn’t do it without working side-by-side with partners, volunteers and others who support the work we do. I am heartened to see some of these important folks honored, as well.”
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests received four award(s) in the following categories:
- Excelling as a High Performing Agency, an award to recognize individuals or an organization who has demonstrated exemplary public service realizing customer-focused results. Southern Region Budget Community – Cindy Brady and Jennifer Hennigan;
-
Kurt Rardin
Applying Knowledge Globally, to recognize individuals, work units, partnerships, or groups who have demonstrated achievements in accomplishing work environment and safety improvements on our Nations forests and grasslands. Landscape Level Integration and Shared Stewardship (LLISS) team – Kurt Rardin;
Delivering Benefits to the Public, to recognize individuals, work units, partnerships, or groups who have demonstrated major achievements in supporting the goal outcome of “Social, economic, and environmental benefits flow from forest and grassland resources. Integrated Great American Outdoors Act Team – Hector Socias;- Regional Forester Special Awards, to recognize employees, partners, or volunteers who have demonstrated excellence in their unified commitment to public service, conservation or outreach while overcoming the special challenges that FY 2021 presented. Southern Region Law Enforcement & Investigations – All Units and staff, including: Jason Arrowood, Michael Tipton, Zachary Nichols, Kevin Hedden, Louis Jahrling, DeVonte Jones, Elisa Ratliff, Weldon Young and Jonathan S. Glenn.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests close some low-lying recreation sites
Press Release August 18, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
ALERT: The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is closing several low-lying recreation sites and areas in the predicted path of Tropical Storm Fred (https://www.weather.gov/ffc/) beginning Tuesday, August 17. The sites and roads will remain closed until the storm passes and sites are safe for visitors. A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for areas of the national forest.
Temporarily Closed Sites and Areas (subject to change):
Oconee Ranger District (Eatonton 706-485-7110):
Conasauga Ranger District (Chatsworth 706-695-6736):
Blue Ridge Ranger District (Blairsville 706-745-6928):
- Boggs Creek Recreation Area
- Frank Gross Recreation Area
- Cooper Creek Recreation AreaLower Loop Campground (sites 4 through 9)
Chattooga River District (Lakemont 706-754-6221):
- Oakey Mountainand Moates Knob OHV Trails
- Lake Russell WMA
- Upper Chattahoochee WMA
- Warwoman WMA
- White Oak Gap Road (FSR 244)
Please visit the Recreation Condition Report to learn the current status for developed recreation sites: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/conf/recreation.
Anna Ruby Falls closed for maintenance
Press Release August 8, 2021
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The U.S. Forest Service – Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests announced Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area will be closed to allow repairs and replacement of the split-rail fence along the extremely popular interpretive trail to the falls.
Because the .8-mile trail leading to the falls is so heavily-used on a daily basis, there is a critical need for structural repairs to the fence that borders the trail to enhance the safety of visitors and staff.
To ensure visitor and employee safety, Anna Ruby Falls will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the month, beginning August 10th, and will conclude repairs on August 31. Normal operations will resume on September 1, in which the site will be open daily from 9:00 – 6:00pm through the end of the year.
Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in north Georgia, and has become one of the state’s premier scenic destinations for tourists and locals alike for years. Curtis and York Creeks converge and form twin waterfalls at a height of 150 feet and 50 feet, respectively, creating an amazing natural phenomenon that is likely to impress anyone who appreciates the beauty of our public lands.
The Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area is managed and operated by FIND Outdoors, a 49-year old nonprofit based in Pisgah Forest, NC.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest open but services, facilities limited
News May 30, 2020
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
NEWS RELEASE
HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Although recreation opportunities are available 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 our 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/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
UPDATE: Additional recreation sites, including several campgrounds, have reopened. Please see a list of affected recreation locations and services by visiting:
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap
Please note that Anna Ruby Falls is now open, BUT with limited hours of operation, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site will be open from Thursday through Sunday. There is a set capacity for the parking lot of 40 vehicles. Once that amount has been reached, cars will be turned around at the gate until the number in the parking lot decreases.
We anticipate that Brasstown Bald may open soon once routine maintenance issues can be addressed. Trails and the observation deck is currently open.
Please contact the nearest District office for further details. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/about-forest/offices
USDA logo – color United States Department of Agriculture
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
News Release
Limited services, facilities at Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests recreation areas
Gainesville, Ga. (May 22, 2020) — 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 our 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/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
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/recmain/conf/recreation. The latest information about recreation sites is also available on Facebook and Twitter at @ChattOconeeNF.
About the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia. Featuring nearly 867,000 acres across 26 counties, thousands of miles of clear-running streams and rivers, approximately 850 miles of recreation trails, and dozens of campgrounds, picnic areas, and other recreation activity opportunities, these lands are rich in natural scenery, history and culture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
To receive instant alerts and updates on forest information, follow @ChattOconeeNF on Twitter and Facebook or visit us on the web at www.fs.usda.gov/conf.
White County orders out-of-town visitors to leave
News April 3, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – Out-of-town visitors staying at overnight accommodations in White County are ordered to leave by noon Saturday (Apr. 4).
In a called teleconference meeting Thursday, the White County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to its COVID-19 State of Emergency Resolution that closes all hotels/motels, inns, short-term vacation rental cabins, campgrounds, recreational vehicle parks and resorts at noon Saturday.
Those facilities will remain closed until April 13 but the amendment could automatically renew should Gov. Brian Kemp extend the state’s shelter in place order.
“We do this with a heavy heart,” Commission Chairman Travis Turner said. “Any other time, we welcome tourists. Unfortunately we have to take these measures to protect our citizens from visitors potentially spreading the Coronavirus in our county.”
Commissioner Terry Goodger said, people have not obeyed the emergency resolution so we have to enforce it the best way we can.”
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Free personal use firewood cutting through June 1
News March 27, 2020
HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Permits for personal firewood cutting will be free to the general public effective immediately through June 1, 2020, on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Please contact your nearest District Office at the number listed below to obtain a permit.
Woodcutters can take up to four cords of firewood for personal use. A cord is the amount of tightly piled wood in a stack four feet high by four feet wide by eight feet long.
Personal use firewood cutting allows you to remove downed timber or to cut standing dead trees under most conditions on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. The local ranger district will advise applicants if there are any specific local restrictions or requirements other than those listed below.
In addition, forest officials request that woodcutters also follow these requirements:
Do not fell green (live) trees for firewood.
Do not cut standing dead trees or down logs with signs, tags or paint marks on them.
Firewood gathering is prohibited in all developed recreation areas, campgrounds and wild and scenic river corridors.
Firewood gathering is prohibited within timber sale units or other areas signed or shown on the firewood gathering area map (if provided) as being closed to firewood gathering.
Trees or logs must NOT be felled or skidded across live streams, lakes, or reservoirs. If a tree is accidentally felled into a waterway, leave the entire tree. Firewood gathering is prohibited within 150 feet of any running stream, pond, lake, marshy, or wet area
The following activities are prohibited: using over-the-terrain vehicles for skidding, yarding or skidding systems in excess of 100 feet, log trucks for hauling, or vehicles driven off roadways to gather firewood.
Six feet is the maximum length piece that may be removed under the firewood program.
The following are fire regulations for vehicles and chainsaws (during proclaimed fire season):
Chainsaw operators must have a serviceable fire extinguisher (liquid chemical 8 oz. or dry chemical 1 lb.) and shovel available at all times.
Chainsaws must be equipped with an approved spark arrester screen.
All vehicles must be equipped with a baffled muffler and serviceable tailpipe.
Firewood obtained is intended for personal use only. Inquire by phone or email with your local District offices regarding commercial firewood permits.
Pile or lop and scatter slash away from roads, power lines, telephone lines, ditches and stream courses.
Woodcutters should also use caution while driving on Forest Service roads.
Many roads are wet and muddy and the soft roadbed can easily be damaged by vehicle traffic. Roads may be closed at any time.
For more information and guidelines about firewood cutting, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/passes-permits.
Please contact your local district office for more information:
CONF district mapChatsworth 706-695-6736
Blairsville 706-745-6928
Lakemont 706-754-6221
Eatonton 706-485-7110
Gainesville 770-297-3000