Alerts
Forest Alerts
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Springer Mountain Shelter Closure
Out of an abundance of caution, the USDA Forest Service has temporarily closed Springer Mountain Shelter for overnight camping on the Blue Ridge Ranger District due to aggressive bear behavior toward hikers and campers.
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Be Bear-Aware!
Camping season is bear-aware season. It's crucial to store food and scented items properly and know what to do if you encounter a bear.
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Oconee recreation areas closed for repairs; Redlands, Swords and Dyar Pasture
The Oconee Ranger District will be temporarily closing the Redlands Recreation Area (June 3-6), Swords Recreation Area (June 9-13), and Dyar Pasture Rec Area (June 16-20). The temporary closures will allow the installation of new courtesy docks and fishing piers.
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Narrows Road Maintenance
There is ongoing road maintenance being performed on Narrows Road in the area of Hammond Gap. Please be aware of possible rough road conditions.
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Lake Winfield Scott Kids Fishing Rodeo Cancelled
Due to ongoing construction of HWY180 in the immediate vicinity of the Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, the Lake Winfield Scott Kids Fishing Rodeo, scheduled for June 7, 2025, has been cancelled.
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Oconee Ranger District moves to "Scan to Pay" on Recreation Sites
As of today, May 1, 2025, the Oconee Ranger District is now offering forest visitors the option of paying for their day-use recreation site fees with the free, easy-to-use Recreation.gov mobile app and choosing the “scan and pay” option.
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ATV and OHV - Call Before You Haul
Motorized trails close when conditions are wet to prevent trail damage and erosion into streams. Check the status of your favorite trail or Call Before You Haul.
1. Keep It Safe
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No Visitor Access to Oconee Ranger District Office
Due to storm drain construction related to the HWY 441 expansion project, public access to the Oconee Ranger District office is currently suspended.
We recommend:-Purchasing passes online, including the Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Pass, at Recreation.gov
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CLOSED - Panther Creek Rec Area due to Storm Damage Alert
GAINESVILLE, GA — The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has issued an official closure order for the Panther Creek Recreation Area following significant damage sustained during Hurricane Helene.
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#BurnAlerts for Prescribed Fires
Subscribe to #BurnAlerts at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/CONFemails
Info: *updated link coming soonMap: Burn Tracker
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UTV Education for Forest Visitors
Contact(s): Chatsworth 706-695-6736 Blairsville 706-745-6928 Lakemont 706-754-6221 Eatonton 706-485-7110